Guyana Times - Thursday, April 2, 2026

Guyana lauded by World Bank Director for investing in human capital

Another 23,000 citizens to receive $100,000 cash grant in 24 hours Region 2 gets “onestop” access to Govt services Man jumps through window as fire destroys family’s 21-year home Fire Service must be

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 2 –16:35h–18:05h and Friday, April 3 – 04:55h–06:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Early-morning sunshine will give way to thundery showers during the day, easing to light showers in the evening and cloudy skies overnight. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 16:56h reaching a maximum height of 2.71 metres.

Low Tide: 10:31h and 22:43h reaching minimum heights of 0.44 metre and 0.54 metre.

Guyana lauded by World Bank Director for investing in human capital

…eyes new World Bank financing tools as economy outgrows concessional aid

The

Guyanese

Government is expanding its collaboration with the World Bank, exploring new products and opportunities as the country’s economic transformation continues at an accelerated rate.

This is according to Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, during an appearance on the “Investing in the Future” podcast on Tuesday alongside outgoing World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc.

Citing the country’s

changing economic circumstances, Dr Singh noted that Guyana’s relations with the World Bank are evolving into different dimensions.

“We recognise that as our economy changes and goes through this rapid transformation, the engagement with the bank must necessarily change. So, we’re engaging with the World Bank now, exploring other products that the bank offers, including guarantee products [and] Private Sector products, using different parts of the World Bank Group –the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency [and] the International Finance Corporation, which are other subsidiaries within the World Bank Group which also have products better suited [for Guyana’s rapidly growing economy],” Dr Singh posited.

His remarks come as Guyana risks potentially losing its eligibility for access to concessional resources under the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) due to the country’s rising income per capita.

Access to IDA resources is tied to the per capita income of countries – something which the Finance Minister says Guyana has long been arguing against even before its oil boom and a challenge that the country is facing with many of its other development partners.

“Under IDA, Guyana has benefitted from successive rounds of highly-concessional resources over the years… [But] with the increases that we’ve seen in Guyana’s per capita income, there is a discussion going

on about possible loss of access to IDA resources, which is a challenge that we’re facing with other development partners… Our access to concessional windows has been contracting, and even with some institutions disappearing.”

“We will always fight for the largest possible access to concessional resources, but as we navigate this period of change in the Guyanese economy, other members of the World Bank Group have tools and instruments and products that will take on new relevance, including, in particular, the World Bank’s Private Sector operations… The Private Sector arm of the World Bank is now doing a lot more in Guyana, and we’re pushing them to do a lot more given the speed at which we’re seeing

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Fire service modernisation

The evolving demands of a rapidly transforming economy have placed Guyana’s emergency response systems under unprecedented scrutiny. As investment accelerates across sectors such as oil and gas, infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing, the expectation of a modern, agile, and highly capable national fire service is no longer aspirational; it is essential.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips underscores a critical truth: the future effectiveness of the Guyana Fire Service will depend on its ability to fundamentally redefine its role in national safety.

For decades, firefighting institutions across the region have operated within a relatively narrow mandate, focused primarily on fire suppression and prevention. That model is now obsolete. The modern emergency environment is complex and multifaceted, shaped by climate variability, urban expansion, and industrial risk. Flooding, wildfires, hazardous material incidents, and traffic collisions demand a level of versatility that traditional frameworks cannot accommodate. The expectation that a fire service should function as the first responder to a wide spectrum of emergencies is no longer theoretical; it is the lived reality of contemporary governance.

Seasonal flooding along the coastland, prolonged dry spells in the hinterland, and the increasing footprint of extractive industries create overlapping layers of risk. Each scenario requires specialised training, equipment, and coordinated response systems. A fire service that is unprepared for chemical spills or toxic exposures, for instance, represents not just a service gap but a national vulnerability. The integration of hazardous materials management into core operational capacity is therefore a prerequisite for safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.

While the injection of significant financial resources into the sector is commendable, the effectiveness of such investments must be measured against tangible outcomes. Improved equipment, expanded fleets, and upgraded facilities are necessary but insufficient in isolation. Institutional reform must accompany material acquisition. This includes the development of advanced training programmes, the establishment of clear operational protocols for diverse emergency scenarios, and the cultivation of leadership capable of navigating complex crisis environments.

One of the most persistent challenges confronting the fire service remains response time. Public perception, often shaped by high-profile incidents, continues to highlight delays that can prove catastrophic in emergency situations. Addressing this issue requires more than incremental improvement; it demands structural transformation. The proposed shift from a centralised model to a hybrid system incorporating community-based units represents a significant and potentially transformative policy direction.

Decentralisation offers clear advantages, particularly in a country where rural and hinterland communities often face geographic isolation. Equipping Neighbourhood Democratic Councils with fire tenders and basic firefighting capabilities has the potential to drastically reduce response times and mitigate damage in the critical early stages of an incident. However, this approach introduces its own set of complexities. The effectiveness of community-based units hinges on rigorous training, disciplined command structures, and seamless coordination with professional firefighters.

Without these safeguards, decentralisation risks creating fragmentation rather than efficiency. Volunteers operating without clear guidelines or adequate supervision may inadvertently place themselves and others in danger. The distinction between situations that require immediate intervention and those that demand withdrawal and professional escalation must be clearly understood. Establishing this balance is perhaps the most pressing challenge within the proposed model.

Moreover, the success of such an initiative depends on sustained oversight and accountability. Community units must not become symbolic additions but functional components of a cohesive national system. This necessitates continuous training, regular evaluation, and integration into a unified communication network that allows for real-time coordination during emergencies.

The broader implication of this transition is the redefinition of public safety as a shared responsibility. Empowering communities to participate in emergency response fosters resilience and collective ownership. However, empowerment without structure can be counterproductive. The state must therefore ensure that decentralisation enhances, rather than dilutes, the professionalism and reliability of the fire service.

In an era defined by rapid change and emerging risks, the measure of progress will not be the scale of investment but the effectiveness of response when it matters most.

This Artemis moon mission is a truly unifying international project, one of the few we have left

By Christopher riley

More than 50 years ago, the Apollo astronauts’ photographs of Earth seen from the moon had a jolting effect on a society distracted by division and conflict. Then, as now, they came “in an hour of change and challenge, in a decade of hope and fear, in an age of both knowledge and ignorance”, as President John F Kennedy had put it. But what he hadn’t predicted was that on the way to the moon, we would discover the Earth.

Here was our home planet, suddenly seen as a finite ball of rock, shrouded in an apple peel-thin layer of life-sustaining air. This view jarred with people’s everyday experience of living on the surface of an apparently infinite world of limitless resources. The creation of a special Earth Day soon followed, along with the founding of the campaigning environmental charity. Friends of the Earth and the passing of a slew of environmental protection laws.

And for a brief moment, as the first moonwalkers toured the world, everyone who greeted them referred to their accomplishment as something that “we” did – “we the human race” – instead of an American achievement.

In the decades since then, no human has travelled far enough away to see Earth from such a humbling perspective. Human spaceflight focused instead on observations of Earth from a series of space sta-

tions around 250 miles high; only a thousandth of the distance that Apollo’s astronauts had seen it from. This is not far enough away to see the whole Earth or to feel a sense of the finite precarious nature of our planet’s habitability.

The images that first united and inspired a generation in the 1960s and 70s raise little emotion in us these days. Instead of marvelling at the miracle of Google Earth, with its exquisitely indexed layers of global data and up-todate imagery, we have become complacent. At the recent sold-out Secret Maps exhibition at the British Library, one such globe, projected beside the exit, felt almost invisible to visitors. “Oh, that’s just Google Earth,” I overheard a man declare to his friend as he strolled dismissively past it.

The borderless, unifying sense of our world as a single global community that entranced us after Apollo and might have marshalled us all to act together for a greater environmental good could have been amplified by social media. Instead, these platforms’ profit-driven, algorithmically tuned echo chambers have driven many of us in the opposite direction. Instead of fighting for the habitability of our home, we are fighting each other, our minds occupied by divisive, polarising politics and broken international relations.

Now four of us have ventured far away from our divided planet again. This international crew of calm, curious, kind, thoughtful people represents the best

of us. They symbolise something important. They will ride a spaceship built by communities from 11 nations who have harnessed their inherent diversity of thought and their broader problem-solving abilities to accomplish a new moonshot. Instead of individual nations racing there, the Artemis missions represent a group of united nations going to the moon together, first to fly around the moon this week with Artemis II, then to land there in 2028. Sixty-one countries have signed the Artemis Accords, a set of global agreements committing to working peacefully together in space and on the moon.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch, set to be the first woman to fly around the moon, told us when we were shooting with the crew for our immersive film The Moonwalkers. “Any country that’s interested in exploring, come, come along, be a part of this.” The mission’s commander, Reid Wiseman, agreed. “We are going as humanity,” he says. Artemis II astronaut Victor Glover, set to be the first African American to fly to the moon, said that “one of the things going to space teaches you is that we’re all brothers and sisters, and when we work together to do really hard things, it just brings you together in a way nothing else will.”

The first Artemis astronauts will travel more than 4000 miles beyond the moon before its gravity tugs them back. As they pass the moon again, the Earth will emerge from behind it.

Unlike the first Apollo astronauts, who were not expecting this view, scrambling to suddenly document and marvel at it, the crew of Artemis II are planning to photograph it. They might even attempt to stream the sight back to us live. As the first humans for over half a century prepare to set eyes on the whole Earth in this way, they are about to experience something almost sacred. Sharing this experience will change them more than they can imagine. But perhaps the knowledge that there are other people up there again looking back from so far away will also change us. It will be a reminder to see ourselves as poet Archibald MacLeish did after seeing the first photos from Apollo 8, “as riders on the Earth together, on that bright loveliness in the eternal cold”. Lying on the lunar surface, a few thousand miles below them, as the Artemis astronauts pass over the moon, will be a tiny silicon disc of goodwill messages from world leaders, placed there by the crew of Apollo 11 in July 1969. One message is from a man called Eric Williams, then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. It reads: “It is our earnest hope of mankind that while we gain the moon, we shall not lose the world.” (The Guardian) (Dr Christopher Riley is the author of the book Where Once We Stood and co-writer of The Moonwalkers with Tom Hanks, featuring the crew of Artemis II, now playing at Lightroom London)

“Incompetent” – AG on City Hall’s managing of Georgetown

…says M&CC’s long-standing failures led to road management takeover

Accusing City Hall of “demonstrating incompetence” and abdicating their statutory responsibility and duties for decades, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall on Tuesday defended Central Government’s decision to assume control of several streets in Georgetown.

Nandlall made the remarks during his weekly programme “Issues in the News”, where he addressed pushback from City Mayor Alfred Mentore over the Administration’s move to reclassify a number of city streets as public roads to bring their management under Central Government control.

“City Council can’t even maintain City Hall,” Nandlall noted as he leaned into a scathing critique of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

According to the AG, the decision was execut-

General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

ed in accordance with the Roads Act and is not one the Government took lightly but was necessary given the municipality’s long-standing failures.

“It is not the desire of the Government to do that, but the buck stops with the Government. The truth of the matter is historically, and currently, the Georgetown City Council has abysmally

failed to discharge its statutory function in keeping the city clean, upgrading the roads, keeping them in proper conditions, and removing obstacles and encumbrances that are deposited in public places, including on these streets and on the sidewalks of these streets,” Nandlall said.

He argued that the situation in Georgetown has deteriorated over decades without meaningful intervention from City Hall.

“This state of affairs has continued for decades without an adequate response from the City Council of Georgetown. I am sure many of you have travelled the world, and Georgetown will rank as one of the nastiest cities that you have ever visited. We must accept and recognise a problem before we can solve it,” he stated.

Nandlall contended that the Central Government has been forced to repeatedly intervene to address de-

ficiencies traditionally under municipal jurisdiction, including financing garbage collection and road rehabilitation.

“The Government had to recently give $100 million, and ever so often the Government has to step in and pay bills for garbage collection totalling millions and millions of dollars,” he said.

He further emphasised that the Ministry of Public Works has already been expending substantial sums to repair and upgrade roads that legally fall under the City Council’s purview.

“There are a whole host of functions under the Municipal and District Councils Act that city council are required to discharge, and they don’t discharge. Over 90 per cent of those statutory duties,” Nandlall asserted.

In justifying the takeover, the AG maintained that the state is acting fully within its legal authority and in the in-

One Communications hosts drone training initiative for youth

ne Communications

Ohosted a drone training session in collaboration with GuyDrones for children from the Sophia Care Centre and Children and Family Centre orphanages as part of its ongoing efforts to support youth development and digital inclusion.

The activity was recently held at the National Park and involved twenty children between the ages of 13 and 17. The session introduced students to the basics of drone technology, including safety, operation, and practical applications.

Participants received an introduction to drone operation, including basic safety guidelines and demonstrations of how technology is used in areas such as agriculture, mapping, media, and security. The session also included supervised flight exercises in small groups, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of a certified instructor.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of One Communications, Abraham Smith, said the initiative forms part of the company’s approach to expanding digital inclusion beyond access to services. “We have made significant investments to expand access to connectivity across Guyana, but access is only one part of the equation. The real impact

comes when young people are given the opportunity to engage with technology in a meaningful way. Initiatives like this help to shift that mindset, from simply using technology to understanding how it can shape their future. That is what building a digital society looks like, and it starts with exposure, skills, and opportunity,” Smith said.

Public Relations Manager at One Communications, Jasmin Harris, said the session was designed to shift how participants view technology. “This initiative is about helping young people see technology beyond everyday use. It is important that they understand the potential to build skills and ex-

plore opportunities within the digital space,” Harris said.

Country Manager and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot at GuyDrones, Rowan Singh, stated that the initiative highlights the importance of early exposure to emerging technologies. “Introducing young people to drone technology at this stage helps to build interest and confidence in a growing field. These are skills that are becoming increasingly relevant, and it is important that the next generation understands both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with using this technology,” the representative said.

The programme was supported by the Child Care

and Protection Agency, which facilitated participation from the orphanages.

Meanwhile, Manager of Care Services at the agency, Orette Francois, said the initiative provided valuable exposure for the children. “Opportunities like this allow the children to engage with new skills and experiences that can support their development and confidence.”

One Communications noted that the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to supporting communities through both connectivity and digital engagement, as the company continues to invest in programmes that encourage participation in a growing digital economy.

terest of public welfare.

“Under the Roads Act, the state, through an order, can take control of any public road in this country through the Ministry of Public Works and the Chief Roads Officer. And in compliance with those statutory provisions, those roads have been taken control of and will now be repaired and upgraded and kept up and monitored by the Ministry of Public Works for the betterment of the citizens of Georgetown and the citizens of Guyana,” he explained.

Main architects of decline Nandlall also dismissed criticisms from former Mayor Hamilton Green, blaming his past leadership for contributing to the city’s decline.

“I see Hamilton Green writing long, long letters. He is one of the main architects of this decline and incompetence. He presided over the city for decades and presided over the dereliction of duty and presided over the destruction of Georgetown. Enough is enough,” Nandlall said.

The Government, he stressed, has no hidden agenda in assuming control of the roads and will continue the process in phases.

“The Government’s inten-

tion is simply to act in the public’s interest and address what is a national disaster… The Government has no ulterior motive. The Government is acting in the public interest, Guyana’s interest, and in the interest of the public health of Georgetown and Guyanese,” he said. He added that the Administration is considering expanding its intervention beyond roadways.

“We’re moving from the roads and we’re going to take over the empty spaces as well. The state has that power in law. We will ensure that no law is violated,” Nandlall stated.

00:00 Sign Off

06:00 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Movie - The Adventures of Huck Finn (1993) 10:00 Stop Suffering

TVG Music Break 12:00 News Break 12:05 Movie - Richard the Stork and the Mystery of the Great Jewel (2023)

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and the House of

Page Foundation

NGSA Questions

1. Two million, two hundred two, when written in figures, is

a. 2,000,002

b. 2,000,202

c. 2,002,202

d. 2,202,002

2. Seven times 12 can be written as

a. 7 + 12

b. 7 x 12 c.

3. What fraction in the diagram below is shaded?

a. 4/2

b. 3/2

c. 2/2

d. 1/2

4. Set A = {Months of the year beginning with J}

How many members are in the set?

a. 3

b. 6

c. 9

d. 12

P5. Fifteen PER CENT means fifteen out of every

a. cent

b. ten

c. hundred

d. thousand

6. Which answer below has the same meaning in time as this digital clock?

a. Thirty-five minutes past eleven

b. Thirty-five minutes to one

c. Twenty-five minutes to twelve

d. Twenty-five minutes to one

7. Angles are measured in

a. centimetres

b. degrees

c. litres

d. percentage

8. The Highest Common Factor of 9 and 24 is a. 3

b. 9

c. 15

d. 24

Cotton ball pollination

ollen is the yellow powdery stuff found in the centre of a flower. Flowers need to share their pollen with other flowers, but they cannot do it alone!

Pollinators are animals that help plants spread their pollen by carrying it from one flower to another. Bees, for example, are very important pollinators that spread pollen around just by landing on many flowers in a row.

Materials:

• Paper • Cotton ball

• Multiple colours of chalk

4. Notice how your cotton ball looked before, during, and after its pollination journey. What has changed? What’s happening? As the cotton ball moves from

to flower, it picks up some of the chalk dust, which then falls off as it visits another flower. The same thing happens as pollinators drink the sweet nectar in the centre of a flower. Pollen sticks to their fuzzy legs, and some of it falls off when travelling to another flower to find more food! (Adapted from childsci.org)

By WILLIAM BUTLER yEATS

CONTINUED

I have met them at close of day Coming with vivid faces From counter or desk among grey Eighteenth-century houses. I have passed with a nod of the head Or polite meaningless words, Or have lingered awhile and said Polite meaningless words, And thought before I had done Of a mocking tale or a gibe To please a companion Around the fire at the club, Being certain that they and I But lived where motley is worn: All changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born.

That woman’s days were spent In ignorant good-will, Her nights in argument Until her voice grew shrill. What voice more sweet than hers When, young and beautiful, She rode to harriers?

This man had kept a school And rode our wingèd horse; This other his helper and friend Was coming into his force; He might have won fame in the end, So sensitive his nature seemed,

Fire Service must be “first line of defence for all emergencies” – PM

…EMTs responded to over 7000 emergencies, delivered 12 babies in 2025

…as GFS records 34% reduction in fire calls

As the Guyana Government continues to inject billions of dollars into the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to strengthen its national emergency response, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips said that the agency must be equipped to handle any type of disaster that could arise in the country’s growing economy.

The PM made these remarks at the opening of the GFS Annual Officers’ Conference on Wednesday, where he highlighted the efforts being made to build out a modern fire service.

According to PM Phillips,

modern firefighting organisations are expected to be “the first line of defence for all emergencies” – including traffic accidents, floods, wildfires and hazardous material incidents.

“The core functions of the Guyana Fire Service remain fire prevention and fire suppression – that is in your DNA… But we’re no longer living in an era where we can afford to look at a fire on a house and ignore the car crash down the street. We’re no longer living in an area where we can specialise in one type of disaster while citizens suffer from another.

“In cases of floods and water disasters, which we know

all too well here in Guyana, the Fire Service must be a key arm of natural disaster management. Whether it is wildfires sweeping through our savannahs during the dry season or floods inundating our coastland during the rainy season, the public expects the Fire Service to be there. You’re no longer just firefighters; you’re lifesavers in every sense of the word,” Phillips emphasised.

Other types of disasters

Similarly, the PM noted that a modern fire service must also be equipped to handle other types of disasters that are likely to

Guyana lauded by World...

New idea or investment proposal

Meanwhile, the outgoing World Bank Country Director assured that the financial institution is committed to continuing to work with Guyana even as a high-income nation, expressing hope that this collaboration would expand into new areas.

According to Burunciuc, these include “…focusing on attracting private investments, making sure that high-quality jobs are created, making sure that not only the oil economy but also the non-oil economy is doing well, and for this, there is a need for investments… Going forward, it’s more investing in systems, investing in ‘know-how’ and investing in innovations to make sure that the economy continues to advance, and also trying to offer Guyana new innovative products like…various guarantees that will allow Guyana to access resources on the capital markets at lower cost.”

The World Bank representative further outlined that the institution has al-

ways worked with the demands of partner countries and is ready to engage Guyana with whatever new idea or investment proposal the country has.

These comments come days after Burunciuc had a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali at State House in Georgetown earlier this week during her final country visit in this portfolio.

During the engagement, discussions focused on advancing Guyana’s development priorities in education, climate resilience and drainage and irrigation, including the successful installation of the US$6 million “bullet” drainage pump at Liliendaal.

While underscoring the importance of investing in resiliency, especially in preserving all the assets and the gains that the country has made in recent years, the outgoing World Bank Country Director also emphasised the need for investments in human capital. In fact, she lauded the Guyana Government for channelling its revenues from the oil and gas sector into building local

capacity and skills development – something which the World Bank has been and will continue to support.

“We just had a meeting with President Ali [on Monday], where we reconfirmed that we will continue supporting building skills, building the human capital, and building the human capital for the future with a focus on digital skills and digital education,” she indicated during the podcast.

In fact, Minister Singh acknowledged the role that the World Bank has played in not just advancing Guyana’s human capital development but also education delivery – something which he says they will continue to build on.

“We have more jobs being created than at any other time in our history, but these are new types of jobs, requiring new types of skills… And so, we anticipate the World Bank continuing to work in this area and, in fact, continuing to be our lead development partner in human capital development,” the Finance Minister asserted.

happen in a country that is seeing massive expansion in economic sectors such as energy and industrial manufacturing.

“With this expansion comes potential threats like chemical leaks, toxic exposures, and hazardous materials. The Guyana Fire Service must upgrade its capabilities to ensure the proper storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials. We cannot call ourselves modern if we can put out a house fire but cannot contain a chemical spill… “We must build a future of safety, not just the capacity to respond,” he asserted.

Response time

But even as the GFS is modernising and building its capacity, PM Phillips pointed out that quick response continues to be a challenge for the agency. He noted that while response times have been improving due to the heavy invest-

this vision.

“I want you to know about the training, the protocols, and the command structure. How do we ensure that the community volunteer with a small tender knows when to fight and when to retreat?

How do we ensure that they coordinate with the professional officers of the fire service? This is your challenge, because if you can crack this code, [and] if you can put the power to fight fires into the hands of our communities, we would have done more

ing fire,” Wickham noted. In fact, he said in many cases, the fires are already extinguished by members of the public by the time firefighters arrive on scene.

EMTs

On the other hand, the GFS’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) unit responded to over 7000 emergencies, including delivering 12 babies by the end of 2025. But even with the Fire Service becoming more efficient, better equipped, and

ments in modern asset acquisitions, it is still a sore issue when it comes to public perception – something that the Government is looking to address by decentralising firefighting to better serve rural communities.

“The era of the centralised fire service is coming to an end,” the PM stated, adding that the Government is moving toward a hybrid model, combining the trained fire service with decentralised, community-based units to better serve both coastal and hinterland regions.

This model will see all the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country being outfitted with their own fire tender to ensure faster response to fires within communities and support the GFS efforts.

Against this backdrop, PM Phillips charged the GFS to examine, during the two-day conference, the best path forward on achieving

to save lives than any single piece of equipment ever could,” Phillips declared.

Over the last five years, the Guyana Government has invested more than $3.5 billion in the GFS, not only buying much-needed equipment but also improving capacity – all aimed at advancing firefighting.

The two-day GFS Annual Officers Conference is being held under the theme: “Fire Reduction through Technological Innovation and Enhanced Community Engagement”.

According to the chief fire officer of the GFS, Gregory Wickham, the agency’s work to raise awareness is bearing fruits with the public adopting greater fire safety precautions, resulting in a 34 per cent reduction in fire calls last year.

“The reduction is a direct indication that the fire service has been engaged with those persons who are us-

highly skilled with over 29 stations across the country, new modern fire tenders, advanced tools, and ongoing training, the Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond underscored the need for a greater shift towards prevention, especially in Guyana’s growing economy.

“For too long, the measure of the fire service was how fast it could respond after a fire started. Response time matters; it will always matter. But the most effective fire service is one that reduces how often that response is needed. Every fire that did not start is a life protected and a home preserved,” the Minister posited.

She went on to add, “The goal is not awareness only. The goal is a country where fewer calls come in because most people know better and do better.”

Comparing…

…Eric and Forbes

Your Eyewitness wasn’t really surprised when PNC leader Aubrey Norton took the opportunity at the party’s commemoration of their “Founder Leader” Forbes Burnham’s 103rd birth anniversary – February 22 – to announce they’d be launching a campaign to big-up the man known as “the Kabaka”!! After all, Norton’s PNC was knocked flat on its back at the last election by a threemonth-old party led by an indicted and sanctioned gold smuggler!! Clearly Norton decided to hang onto Burnham’s coattails for survival!!

What better place to start the gambit than Burnham’s resting place at Seven Ponds by invoking Brutus’ take on Julius Caesar’s death: “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” But Norton went even further in his self-interested rehabilitation project!! He insisted it was actually Burnham’s political enemies –read the PPP!! – who weren’t just making him “evil” but were denying him his massive accomplishments!!

“…The contributions of LFS Burnham to Guyana… cannot be erased, whether they like it or not. HE IS THE GREATEST LEADER WE PRODUCED!!!” Norton thundered to the (handful) of faithful – which included Burnham’s enforcer Hamilton Green!! Now the “contributions” might be arguable – but the greatest leader of all time?? Give your Eyewitness a break!! Norton’s clearly now barmy after his whupping by Sanction Man!!

This week, the PNC sent a message to T&T’s PNM to commemorate the 1981 passing of their founder leader Eric Williams. Now Williams was Burnham’s contemporary in so many regards – and maybe Norton and all those who’d canonise Burnham should do a “compare and contrast” exercise on Caribbean leadership!! Burnham fancied himself intellectually gifted – but he was more of an intellectual dilettante who never had the discipline to produce a sustained work on any of his eclectic interests!! Williams, on the other hand, produced a seminal work that changed the nature of the study of African slavery with his PhD thesis – published as “Capitalism and Slavery”!! It remains required reading for anyone studying slavery in the West Indies!! Returning to T&T not long before Burnham to British Guiana, he delivered a series of lectures at a park christened “University of Woolford Square” that catapulted him into office in 1956 as the leader of the PNM. Burnham, on the other hand, co-opted into the PPP, plotted to seize its leadership – which led to its split and his backing by the colonial power to rule on their behalf!!

T&T became independent in 1962 – as Guyana was supposed to do, but was denied by Burnham’s treachery! Williams pragmatically made T&T economically prosperous and never rigged elections or precipitated ethnic riots – all unlike Burnham!!

And the rest is history – which Norton would do well to study!

…defensive strategies

From goings-on in the Middle East, the strategy of “contracting out” security ain’t working!! The oil-rich Gulf States and Saudi Arabia played that hand for decades, but from what Iran – their defined “enemy” – is demonstrating, it hasn’t been sitting still but devising countermeasures that have now checkmated the protection umbrella they were assured!!

So here we are, clinging onto the top of South America with neighbours on the east and west both aggressively seeking to hive off massive chunks of our territory which they insist are theirs – and the issue is whether we’re listening!! Well, it seems that we are!! PM Phillips – who’s an ex-Brigadier! – just reiterated that our country’s building a smarter, future-ready security system!!

He was speaking at the launch of our National Defence Institute’s 16-week certificate programme – which he emphasised goes beyond traditional military training and is designed to equip participants with critical thinking skills, strategic insight, and leadership capacity.

With the Government purchasing weapons for all domains, your Eyewitness is looking for new deployment strategies!!

…human identification

The ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes used to wander the agora with a lit lantern in daylight, muttering, “I’m looking for an honest man.”

Nowadays, we’ve got internet non-human AI bots asking us to prove we’re human!!

Mahaicony fire Man jumps through window as fire destroys family’s 21-year home

Atwo-storey, three-bedroom house at Wash Clothes, Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), was reduced to ashes on Monday afternoon, leaving its owner, Kushpaul Sharma, and his family displaced.

Sharma, who lived at the property with two of his children and a grandchild, narrowly escaped the blaze after being forced to jump through a window when flames rapidly engulfed the building.

Recounting the terrifying ordeal, Sharma said he had been asleep when he first sensed something was wrong.

“I smell something, and when I feel the heat, I wake up… the fire start catching fast,” he explained.

According to him, attempts to exit the house were unsuccessful as access points were blocked, leaving him with no choice but to escape through a window.

“We had nowhere to go… I had to jump through the window. Five minutes more, and that would’a been it,” he said.

He landed outside the house, where residents in the area rushed to assist him as the fire continued to spread uncontrollably.

The blaze destroyed the entire structure along with all of Sharma’s belongings, including important documents such as his passport and identification.

“All my documents gone… everything gone,” he said.

The loss is particularly devastating for Sharma, who said the house is two decades of hard work and sacrifice. He explained that the home was built gradually over 21 years, starting as a single-room structure when he and his wife got married.

“I catch fish… I does work hard. We build this from one room and add on over the years,” he said.

However, Sharma noted that his household had been facing ongoing challenges, particularly involving his 16-year-old daughter. He said he had previously sought assistance from the Social Services Ministry but was unable to get the inter-

vention he needed.

“They never come… they tell me I had to go to the office in Fort Wellington,” he claimed.

The exact cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, and investigations are being carried out.

Sharma said he is uncertain about his next move as he comes to terms with the loss.

“I don’t know what to do now,” he said.

Region 2 gets “one-stop” access to Govt services

…facility a “game-changer” in service delivery – Public Service Minister

Residents of Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam) are set to benefit from improved access to Government services following the commissioning of a new Government of Guyana (GoG) Service Centre in Cotton Field.

The GoG service centre will offer a wide range of essential services, including digital identity card registration, the Guyana Register Office, the Small Business Bureau, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Central

Immigration and Passport Office, and the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Public Service and Government Efficiency and Implementation Minister, Zulfikar Ally, described the facility as a major step forward in bringing Government services closer to citizens. He explained that the centre eliminates the need for residents to travel long distances to Georgetown to conduct official business.

According to Minister Ally, the initiative forms

part of the Government’s broader push to improve efficiency and accessibility, ensuring citizens can access multiple services in a single location. This, he noted, will reduce both the time and cost associated with accessing essential services.

“This integrated service centre is about bringing Government services closer to the people of Region Two and reducing the burden of travelling to Georgetown,” he said.

Ally emphasised that the project reflects the Administration’s commit -

ment to decentralising Government operations and improving the quality of life for citizens across all regions.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise public services through digital transformation, including the rollout of the Electronic Identification (E-ID) system. He explained that the new facility will support E-ID registration, enabling residents to access a wide range of services electronically.

Two similar centres were

opened at Fort Wellington, Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice), and Leonora (West Central Mall), Region

Additionally, he pointed to the establishment of help desks within Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to assist residents, along with the promotion of digital tools such as the Citizen Connect application, which allows users to report issues and access services free of charge.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj, who also addressed the gathering, related that the Government continues to invest in infrastructure development across Region Two.

He highlighted ongoing improvements to roads,

Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara).

Educational opportunities

In encouraging personal and professional development, Ally urged residents to take advantage of educational opportunities, particularly through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme. He noted that thousands of Guyanese have already benefited from the initiative, signalling increased participation in skills training and higher education.

drainage systems, and other key areas, which he said complement the establishment of the new centre by improving accessibility.

Meanwhile, DirectorGeneral at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sonia Latchman, said the region is experiencing steady progress and that the new facility will further support its development.

She commended the Government’s efforts to decentralise services, noting that such initiatives are critical to national growth.

Another 23,000 citizens to receive $100,000 cash grant in 24 hours

…total beneficiaries to date rise to 85,842

The second batch of citizens, totalling 23,816, who successfully registered and were verified on the Government’s online portal, will have their $100,000 cash grants deposited directly into their bank accounts within 24 hours.

In an update on Wednesday, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said that Phase One of the programme saw 48,858 Central Government employees, including public servants, teachers, and members of the disciplined services, receive their grants on March 19, totalling $4.9 billion in direct support.

Following this, Phase Two opened an online portal on March 26 for citizens to self-register. The first batch of citizens, numbering 13,168, received their grants on March 30, bringing the total number of recipients to 62,026 and injecting $6.2 billion into the local economy. With the addition of the second batch on April 1, the total number of benefi-

ciaries, including Central Government employees, rises to 85,842, representing over $8.5 billion in funds disbursed nationwide.

As of today, 63,113 individuals have completed self-registration, while another 25,879 are at various stages of the process. The finance minister encourages all eligible citizens to continue registering through the portal at https://cashgrant.gov.gy to access their grants.

As part of the registration process, eligible Guyanese, that is, citizens aged 18 years and older as of February 28, 2026, will have to establish an account on the portal with their basic personal information (name, address, and telephone number) and provide a valid national identification (ID) card or Guyana passport.

Applicants will also have to undergo a facial recognition test or a liveness test, as well as provide their bank account information. While there has been some criticism about this meth-

od of distributing the cash grant, the finance minister said during a previous update that there has been a tremendous response, with numerous persons taking advantage of this self-registration tool.

No bank account?

However, the finance minister went on to state that while having a bank account would make the process easier, it is not a criterion to be eligible for the cash grant.

“Nobody will be denied their cash grant on account of the fact that they do not have a bank account. If you do not have a bank account…or for some other reason, you don’t want your cash grant paid into your bank account, [then] we will work out an arrangement and devise a mechanism for you to get your cash grant. So, you do not need to worry,” Dr Singh declared, dismissing online chatter that suggests otherwise.

But many have been complaining about not get-

ting onto the portal after completing the first step.

Addressing challenges faced by users, the minister acknowledged that heavy traffic on the platform has been an issue and encouraged persons to try accessing the system at different times.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of the rollout of this 2026 cash grant, the Ministry of Finance, together with the Central Bank, collaborated with financial institutions to simplify the process of opening bank accounts and facilitate the opening of these accounts online.

Among the commercial banks that have since been facilitating the online opening of bank accounts are Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI), Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, and Scotiabank Guyana Incorporated.

During the previous national cash grant initiative in late 2024 into 2025, more than $60 billion of dispos-

able income was transferred into the pockets of over 600,000 Guyanese. Another $60 billion is expected to be transferred in this second round of distribution.

These two cash distribu-

Magistrate throws out SOCU’s money laundering charges against Chinese national

AGeorgetown Magistrate has dismissed a series of money laundering charges against Chinese national Ying XingSu, ruling that there was no evidence to support the allegations brought by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Magistrate Annette Singh this week upheld nocase submissions made on behalf of XingSu and found that the prosecution had failed to establish any of the essential elements required to sustain the offences.

In delivering her ruling, Magistrate Singh concluded that XingSu had no case to answer and discharged her of the charges. The court further expressed concern

over the basis of the prosecution, with the Magistrate indicating that she did not understand why SOCU had instituted the charges in the first place.

The case stemmed from a probe by SOCU, which had earlier claimed that its case was built on an eightmonth investigation into alleged financial crimes involving vehicles, large cash transactions, and property acquisitions.

XingSu, a travel agent, had initially been taken before the court facing multiple counts of money laundering. The allegations included the acquisition and possession of several motor vehicles, among them a Land Rover Freelander, an Audi Q5, and a Hino Dutro truck, said to have been derived from proceeds of crime.

She was also accused of using substantial sums of money, including $8.25

million, $2.2 million, and $50 million, as partial payments toward properties located at Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara; the Young Professional Scheme at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara; and Plantation Grove, East Bank Demerara, all allegedly sourced from illicit proceeds.

At the time the charges were laid, XingSu had appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond/ Grove Magistrate’s Court. She had been granted bail totalling $1.7 million, with conditions including monthly reporting to SOCU. SOCU had also disclosed that XingSu had previously faced a separate charge relating to the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, following a July 2024 search of her room at the Ramada Princess International Hotel, Providence, where law enforcement officers reportedly discovered cash equivalent to $52 million along with the illegal items.

Trio gets $300,000 bail for robbing Rose Hall Town supermarket

Awoman and two men charged in connection with the armed robbery of a Rose Hall Town supermarket have each been granted $300,000 bail.

Steve Tsoi, also called “Timmy”, 21, of Alness Village; Sherlon McLean, 20, a construction worker of Nursery Village; and Samantha Thomas, 34, of Bangladesh, Port Mourant, appeared on Tuesday before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

The trio had previously been remanded to prison on March 9, 2026, after the prosecution objected to

bail when they were first charged.

However, when the matter was called on Tuesday, Magistrate Matthias granted each accused $300,000 bail. As a result, McLean and Thomas were released, while Tsoi remains in custody due to separate firearm-related charges. The matter has been adjourned to April 14, 2026.

The three are accused of carrying out an armed robbery on February 28 in Rose Hall Town, during which it is alleged they, along with accomplices, robbed businessman Gurudat Sudhai of approximately $1.5 million

in cash. All three pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following the robbery, a Police intelligence-led operation unearthed a quantity of high-powered weapons and ammunition at Ulverston Village.

Among the items recovered were an AK-47 rifle, a 9mm pistol, matching rounds of ammunition, and a pair of gloves. Tsoi was subsequently charged separately in connection with the illegal possession of those weapons and ammunition.

He pleaded not guilty to those offences and remains in custody as those matters proceed.

Man accused of raping Berbice pensioner charged, remanded

A28-year-old man accused of raping a 66-year-old woman during a home invasion was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court.

Rohan Muhammad appeared before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy and was not required to plead to the indictment, which alleges that between March 27 and 28, he engaged in sexual penetration with the wom-

an without her consent and without any reasonable belief that she consented.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards told the court that the incident occurred inside the victim’s home during a latenight invasion. According to the prosecutor, the accused was identified by the victim as a previous employee.

It was reported that the accused invaded the pensioner’s Blairmont

Settlement, West Bank Berbice, home while armed with a knife. Reports stated that the suspect was known to the woman, having previously worked for her as a labourer.

Edwards further described the attack, which occurred in the most gruesome manner. “He had a knife to her neck,” the prosecutor stated.

On these grounds, he strongly objected to bail, arguing that Muhammad

is a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses if released. “He is a repeat offender who would go to neighbouring Suriname.

The last time he was sentenced behind his back, he got nine months in August last year, and I was the arresting officer who went to

his home and found him hiding under his bed. I took him and handed him over to the prison in New Amsterdam,” Edwards told the court.

Muhammad, while not required to enter a plea, denied involvement and instead blamed a relative. The accused told the court that he and the relative resemble each other and that the Police mixed up their identities.

The prosecutor disputed this, stating that the two do not look alike, but Muhammad maintained his innocence.

In refusing bail, the Magistrate cited the seriousness of the allegation and the likelihood that the accused could interfere with witnesses if granted pre-trial liberty. The matter was adjourned to April 22.

Disregard, disrespect for Judiciary – AG on USindicted Mohameds’ failure to pay court costs

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, on Tuesday related that his office and the Home Affairs Minister are still owed court costs from the USindicted father-son duo Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed, who were required to pay the costs after they lost their Court of Appeal (CoA) case to halt their extradition to the US, where they are wanted on 11 criminal charges.

The AG also defended recent remarks by the US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, who recently reaffirmed the US’s firm stance in its pursuit of extradition of the Mohameds and emphasised that the US “firmly believes that they’re guilty of the crimes that they’re being indicted for.”

Speaking on his weekly programme “Issues in the News”, Nandlall noted that he wrote the Mohamed’s attorney, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, on March 23, enquiring about payment of the costs from their clients COA lost, but has not heard from the attorney or the Mohameds. Nandlall described the situation as a sign of irreverence to the court.

“This again constitutes another demonstration of disregard and disrespect for our judiciary, our judges, and our orders of court. Let me make it clear that lawyers request costs that are awarded to the clients or to them on a regular basis. I see persons pushing out rhetoric to say that somebody is going after these people. When court orders are made against you, you must obey them. That is how the system works. If not, enforcement proceedings will flow, and I said that in the letter,” Nandlall noted.

“I wrote Senior Counsel Mr Roysdale Forde by letter dated 23rd of March 2026 requesting costs. I am yet to receive a response.”

In their ruling on March 17, the COA awarded costs of $1.1 million each to the AG and the home affairs Minister after dismissing the case brought by the Mohameds as “wholly unfounded” and affirming the earlier decision of acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh, who had dismissed the High Court proceedings brought by the father and son.

The Mohamed’s had previously been ordered to pay $500,000 to each defendant when the case was dismissed in the high court. In a mockery of the court system earlier last month, the Mohamed’s attempted to pay that with two wheelbarrows of money of small denominations and coins.

Following their loss in the COA, the Mohamed’s have since appealed the case with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court. The CCJ has issued a stay on the substantive case before the Magistrate’s court pending their ruling on the challenge on April 21. Should they lose, the Mohamed’s could be

slapped with another set of court costs.

“Hard” unequivocal evidence

Meanwhile, even as the Mohamed’s continue to fight their extradition to the US to face the charges against them, the US ambassador is firm on the US stance that the Mohamed’s are guilty as charged and must face the music.

Speaking during an interview on the programme “Sources”, Theriot staunchly dismissed claims that the case is politically motivated, emphasising that the US has “hard”, “unequivocal” evidence against the Mohameds for the crimes they have been charged with.

“Why would we take on a case we do not think we’re going to win? That is just a waste of the US taxpayer’s money. It’s in the Guyanese judiciary hands at this point, and we are ready to move forward,” Theriot had said.

On Tuesday, Nandlall defended the ambassadors’ statements on Mohamed’s guilt.

“The statements of the ambassador have provided no new information. The ambassador has simply stated the facts, and a restatement of those facts has become necessary because of the overwhelming deluge of misinformation being peddled by Mohameds… they’re peddling the same level of misinformation in court documents before the courts of this country,” Nandlall noted.

“I see a lot of people commenting that the ambassador should not express her belief in expressing the guilt of the two Mohameds. But generally speaking, every prosecutorial agency believes that the person that they’re charging or indicting is guilty of the offence. A prosecutorial agency would be wrong, acting in bad faith, if they indict or charge someone who they believe is innocent. You only charge people who you believe are guilty. So the US ambassador did not say anything that is objectionable.”

Wheelbarrows

In March, US-indicted Azruddin Mohamed sparked outrage with a public display that Nandlall described as “utter disrespect, utter contempt, and utter disregard” for the orders of the courts of Guyana.

In an episode that Nandlall said mocked the legal system, Mohamed, his sister, Hana Mohamed, and his party’s General Secretary (GS), Odessa Primus, arrived at the AG’s Chambers with two wheelbarrows of money.

One contained bills in small denominations, while the other held a large volume of coins and what appeared to be small bricks. They claimed the items were intended to settle a $1 million court-ordered payment.

The payment related to a February ruling by Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh, who

Forging of Minister’s signature

awarded $500,000 in costs each to the AG, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, and Magistrate Judy Latchman. These sums were to be paid by February 27, 2026. The Mohameds, however, failed to meet this deadline.

Azruddin and his father, Nazar Mohamed, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. The charges are related to alleged irregularities in gold exports to the US through their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises.

The US has requested the extradition of the Mohameds to face the indictments.

In the indictments filed in October 2025 at a federal court in Florida against Nazar Mohamed, 72, and Azruddin Mohamed, 39, American prosecutors alleged that the two men were involved in a long-running operation involving the export of gold in a manner designed to avoid paying taxes and royalties owed to the Government of Guyana.

Prosecutors allege that from 2017 to 2024, official Government seals taken from a single legitimate gold shipment were reused to validate several additional shipments. United States authorities estimate that the alleged scheme resulted in approximately US$50 million in lost revenue for the Guyanese state.

Nazar Mohamed is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and mail fraud. Azruddin Mohamed faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud and is also accused of avoiding more than US$1 million in taxes linked to the importation of a Lamborghini from Miami to Guyana.

NDMA launches full systems review after tint waiver breach

The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Government digital systems following the dismissal of two employees linked to the misuse of the online tint waiver platform.

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said the workers were summarily dismissed on March 27 after an internal investigation confirmed their unauthorised access and manipulation of the Tint Waiver Application System. The breach was initially flagged through routine audit mechanisms within the Home Affairs Ministry, which detected irregular approvals that had not been authorised.

According to the NDMA, the matter was immediate-

ly escalated and subjected to a detailed review by an internal committee. The findings led to swift disciplinary action, in keeping with the agency’s strict zero-tolerance policy on breaches of cybersecurity and public trust.

The NDMA stressed that the actions of the dismissed employees represent a serious violation of established protocols, ethical standards, and system safeguards. It underscored that such conduct does not reflect the professionalism of its workforce or the broader standards upheld across the Government of Guyana’s digital infrastructure.

Further action is expected, as the matter is being referred to law enforcement authorities. The NDMA said it will continue to cooperate fully with the Home Affairs

Ministry and other investigative bodies.

Comprehensive review

In response to the incident, the agency has launched a comprehensive review of its internal systems, including access con-

trols, audit procedures, and governance protocols. Additional measures are also being implemented to strengthen monitoring and accountability, particularly among personnel with administrative or developmental access to critical plat-

forms.

The NDMA maintained that the breach is an isolated incident and assured the public that all actions are being handled in accordance with the laws of Guyana, with a focus on preserving confidence in digital Government services.

The developments come as the Government moves to overhaul the vehicle tint framework. The online tint waiver system, which previously facilitated exemptions, has been scrapped in favour of uniform regulations applicable to all motorists.

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond confirmed that criminal charges will be pursued in relation to the fraud. She described the breach as a serious threat to the integrity of the system but noted that its discov-

ery through routine audits demonstrated the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms.

Under the revised policy, all vehicles will be permitted to use tinted glass within defined limits, eliminating the need for individual waivers. Rear windscreens and door glass must not exceed 20 per cent Visible Light Transmission (VLT), while front windscreens and door glass must allow at least 25 per cent VLT, inclusive of a six-inch visor.

The Guyana Police Force has indicated that enforcement of the new regulations begins immediately, marking a transition to a more standardised and transparent system intended to address longstanding concerns over inconsistency in the previous waiver-based approach.

Comply with tint law or face heavy fines – Traffic Chief warns

As the enforcement of the country’s updated vehicle tint regulations took effect on Wednesday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) signalled strict implementation, with both motorists and tint vendors now under scrutiny.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Police programme “Traffic and You”, Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh made it clear that the time for adjustment has passed and compliance is now mandatory.

“The legislation gave forces time to adjust to what it spoke to… Over the past months, you would find the response from the member of the public may not be what you would have liked,” Singh said.

He stressed that enforcement will be firm and uncompromising, warning that any deviation from the law will result in penalties.

“We are as serious as we should be… no discretion would be exercised, as to do so would mean compromise,” Singh stated, underscoring that flexibility in enforcement could undermine the intent of the law.

Under the regulations, motorists are required to meet specific visible light transmission (VLT) limits, while those granted exemptions must produce the relevant certificate when requested by Police.

“Not producing the

same makes it an offence… you are liable to a fine of $30,000,” he warned.

Liability for owner & vendor

Importantly, Singh highlighted that enforcement is not limited to drivers, as tint vendors are also being targeted.

“Offences and penalties 7.2 cater to the liability of the owner or the vendor, so to speak… The vendor will be investigated. It wouldn’t just stop at where we establish new friends for a motorist and his motor vehicle,” he said.

He raised concerns about vendors pushing non-compliant tint products onto customers for profit.

“Here is a case where I’m thinking, and I’m hearing you say that that vendor is seeking to push out the tint which he has on his hand and not to keep it because that’s in compliance with 25 per cent or 20 per cent,” Singh noted.

According to the Traffic Chief, motorists must take responsibility for ensuring compliance, regardless of vendor recommendations.

“Yours is to be in compliance with what is established… There is a demand, there’s a supplier, and there is a choice if you’re going to be compliant or you’re going to be lawless,” he said.

Singh maintained that the measures are rooted in public safety and are not intended to target citizens

unfairly.

“What we are doing is intended to benefit you. The public interest is at the heart of each serving member of the traffic department,” he added.

With enforcement now in full effect, Police are urging both motorists and tint operators to adhere strictly to the law or face the consequences. The current strict enforcement of vehicle tint regulations comes after sweeping amendments to Guyana’s traffic laws, which authorities say were necessary to address widespread non-compliance and growing safety concerns.

The updated tint regulations are part of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Amendment Act. The changes introduced clear, measurable standards for tint on motor vehicles, something that had previously been inconsistently applied and poorly enforced.

Under the law, front side windows must allow at least 25 per cent visible light transmission (VLT), while rear windows and the rear windscreen must allow 20 per cent VLT. The front windscreen is restricted to a six-inch visor strip, with no full tint permitted. These standards are now enforced using calibrated tint meters issued to traffic ranks across the country.

Law enforcement officials had raised concerns that prior to the amend-

Firefighters under probe as laptop reported stolen from fire scene

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham

Two firefighters are currently under both criminal and departmental investigations following allegations that a laptop was stolen from a recent fire scene on Quamina Street, Georgetown.

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham confirmed the development on Wednesday during a side interview at the Guyana Fire Service (GFS)’s Annual Officers’ Conference 2026, noting that the matter was first reported to the authorities and is now being handled by the Police.

“We have had reports of

that, and so the Police are dealing with all of those issues,” the Fire Chief stated.

When questioned about the status of the ranks, the Fire Chief clarified that while the two firefighters were initially detained, they are no longer in custody but remain available to investigators.

“They’re not still detained, but they are here [at the fire service] so that the Police can access them at any time,” he said.

The Fire Chief also disclosed that the GFS has launched its own internal probe into the matter. As a result, the ranks have not been sent on administrative leave and are continuing to report for duty while the investigation is ongoing.

“We’re doing our internal investigation also… so that we can conclude our investigation,” he explained.

According to the Fire Chief, the missing electronic device has since been recovered and returned to its owner.

“Yes, the device has been located [and] returned,” he

ments, a significant number of vehicles were operating with heavily tinted windows, limiting visibility for drivers and posing challenges for law enforcement. Dark tint has been linked to reduced road safety, particularly at night or in poor weather conditions, and has also been cited as a factor that can hinder Police in identifying occupants of vehicles during routine checks or criminal investi-

gations.

To ease the transition, a grace period was granted from January to March 2026, during which motorists were encouraged to test their vehicles and make the necessary adjustments without facing penalties. During this period, the GPF conducted nationwide public awareness campaigns, offered voluntary tint testing, and engaged motorists and vendors on the new re-

quirements.

Compliance

However, traffic officials noted that compliance levels remained mixed, with many motorists failing to take advantage of the opportunity to regularise their vehicles. As a result, on Wednesday when the enforcement took effect, Police stopped a number of vehicles which were in breach of the regulation.

Households to get cash credit on GPL bill with grid-connected solar programme

Guyana is advancing efforts to modernise its electricity sector with the introduction of a new grid-connected solar initiative aimed at households. The programme, launched under the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA)’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), seeks to expand the use of renewable energy while improving reliability and reducing electricity costs.

The GEA in a statement said that the initiative enables households to install solar panels that are directly connected to the national grid managed by Guyana Power and Light (GPL). During daylight hours, the systems supply electricity to homes, reducing reliance on conventional power. When solar production falls short, electricity is drawn from the

grid, while surplus energy is exported back, allowing consumers to receive credits on their monthly bills.

According to GEA, the programme is designed to encourage wider adoption of rooftop solar systems, providing both financial and environmental benefits. A standard five kilowatt-peak system is estimated to cost about $1.2 million and can produce roughly 7884 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Based on current tariffs, this could translate to savings of more than $340,000 per year, with an expected payback period of approximately three and a half years. The system also contributes to reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 5.5 tonnes each year.

Support mechanisms are being put in place to facilitate participation, and the

energy agency is offering technical guidance, assisting households with sourcing equipment and installers, and reviewing system designs and specifications. Collaboration with the national utility is also being strengthened to streamline approvals under a dedicated processing channel, while coordination with regulatory bodies ensures installations meet national electrical standards.

The GEA has indicated that the programme is part of LCDS 2030, which outlines the country’s approach to sustainable growth. The strategy emphasises the use of renewable energy sources, including solar, hydropower and wind, while maintaining efforts to reduce emissions and manage natural resources responsibly.

New guide targets poultry disease risks in Caribbean

Tconfirmed.

While not going into specifics, the Fire Chief suggested that the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the laptop will form a key part of the ongoing investigations.

“Like I said, we are doing the investigation, and on the conclusion of that, the procedure will work to ensure that we rid ourselves of any such crimes,” he added.

At the time, the firefighters were responding to a fire that destroyed a guesthouse. The blaze, which occurred at approximately 02:21h last Wednesday, prompted a response from the Guyana Fire Service, which dispatched three fire tenders to the scene.

Despite efforts to contain the fire, the three-storey wooden and concrete structure was completely gutted. Several occupants were forced to evacuate as the fire spread rapidly through the building. One guest reportedly escaped by jumping from a window. Two persons sustained minor burns and were treated at the hospital.

he Caribbean Poultry Association has released a new publication aimed at improving poultry health and farm management across the region. The booklet, titled “Safe & Sound: A Biosecurity Guide for Small Poultry Flocks in the Caribbean”, was launched on March 25, 2026, during the 26th Meeting of the Caricom Committee of Chief Veterinary Officers.

The launch took place in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance in St Eustatius with virtual participation. The session drew more than 300 online participants and approximately 80 attendees on site. It was supported by the Caricom Secretariat and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency.

The new guide builds on an earlier publication released in July 2025, “Keeping Cool: A Practical Guide to Managing Stress in Small Poultry Flocks in the Caribbean”. Both resources focus on addressing challenges identified by farmers and technical experts that affect poultry productivity and profitability.

The booklet was devel-

oped through collaboration between the Caribbean Poultry Association and the University of the West Indies School of Veterinary Medicine. Contributions were made by regional veterinary professionals, including Victor Gongora, Nicholas Waldron, and Keith Amiel. During the seminar, several technical presentations were delivered on key issues affecting poultry health and production. Speakers included Hubert Trenchi, Shayne Ramsubeik, and Lisa Musai. Topics covered included practical biosecurity measures, the development of farm-specific biosecurity plans, responsible use of medications, antimicrobial resistance, and approaches to building resilience in poultry farming systems.

A panel discussion followed, featuring chief veterinary officers from Belize, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and St Kitts and Nevis, alongside a representative from the World Organisation for Animal Health. Panellists addressed questions related to disease prevention and regulatory measures aimed at reducing the risk of avian influenza and other poultry diseases in the Caribbean.

Executive Director of the Caribbean Poultry Association, Nisa Surujbally, highlighted the role of smallscale farmers in the regional poultry sector. She noted that these producers account for up to 40 per cent of the poultry meat supply and play a significant role in egg production.

Surujbally also pointed to growing demand for poultry as an affordable source of protein, with regional consumption exceeding 50 kilograms of broiler meat per capita annually. She said the industry is working to increase production while reducing reliance on imported inputs such as hatching eggs and feed.

Farmers were encouraged to adopt the guidance outlined in the publication. According to Surujbally, simple measures, including securing farm boundaries and maintaining hygiene practices before entering poultry areas, can help reduce the risk of disease transmission.

The new booklet, along with the previous guide and webinar materials, has been made available online through the Caribbean Poultry Association’s official platforms.

The Caddy Ole Punch

– A blast from the

past

The memories of me ripping the pages out of my old exercise books are so fresh that it feels as though it was just yesterday. Although it was over a decade ago, I still remember secretly stealing ‘pointers’ from my grandmother’s broom along with her spools of thread. And oh boy, do I remember the thrashing I received for shredding the bedsheet to make a tail for my kite.

You see, there was always this competition among us to prove who the ‘baddest’ kite maker was. I had a legacy left behind by my father that I needed to keep up despite no one expecting me to. My father was perhaps the best kite maker in our village since many of the residents would come to Uncle Michael’s house for him to frame a kite or help them uniquely paste it.

Every kite my father made would soar to unimaginable heights and re main there for most of the day and well into the night. There are even stories of the kites he made being airborne for days and many knew those stories.

The elaborate kites were never my thing as I am more on the simplistic side of things. It means that the intricate kites created by my father did not appeal to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed the days of my Easter vacation running in the sugarcane fields of my neighbour, getting covered in soot but having a ball of a time running behind our good old caddy. The caddy ole punch one of the kites that have sentimental value to a lot of Guyanese.

ton or polyester.

It was the first kite I learnt to make because it was the most simple and required the least effort. I would sneak into the house while mommy was away at work and rip a page or two from the old exercise books, then rush to my grandmother’s house and ‘borrow’ a spool of thread to fly this kite.

Armed with my pages, two pieces of ‘pointer’ and my tread, then the creation of a masterpiece begins. The process is quite simple since all it involves is the marking of an X to cover the paper and using the ‘pointer’ to thread along the line and voila you have a kite.

The trick, however, is not in how you make the kite rather it all rests in the loop. Any veteran kite maker would tell you that no matter how pretty your kite looks if the loop ain’t proper then you might as well just retire that thing as a showpiece.

Though the caddy ole punch is an iconic part of Easter celebrations, the tradition of making them is dying and rapidly so. The generation now, despite knowing of the famous kite, seems disinterested in part taking in its creation.

Overall, as time progresses the younger generation is moving away from the actual flying of the kite to the more ornamental aspects of Easter Monday celebrations and that is the decking out in extravagant clothing and hanging with friends taking unlimited selfies.

Although Easter is about the sacrifices of Jesus Christ, the kite flying is somewhat cultural since it has no significance to Christianity. Rather kite flying is an ancient past time of the Chinese people and is believed to be incorporated in the Caribbean culture because of their arrival to this part of the world.

The art of loop making is not something one can get in a jiffy rather it requires expert skills and patience. It takes many trials and errors before once can conquer the art and make a loop that would ensure your caddy soared to unprecedented heights and

The caddy ole punch is a symbolism of a time when simplicity mattered. The caddy came about, according to many, as a substitute to parents being unable to afford the more extravagant kites during a time when resources were scarce to come by. However, it has now become a part of the fabric of our society and those who grew up in that era reminisce on the fun they had running through the fields raising their kites.

US lifts sanctions on Venezuela’s acting President

The US on Wednesday removed sanctions against Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department website.

The Trump Administration has closely engaged with the interim Government led by former Vice President and Maduro ally Rodriguez, sending US energy and interior secretaries on visits to Caracas with potential investors, making an agreement for the US to sell Venezuelan oil, praising changes to the oil and mining sectors that

are meant to attract foreign capital, and issuing sanctions waivers.

Washington in March formally recognised Rodriguez as Venezuela’s leader, opening the door for her Government to reopen embassies and consulates in the US and regain control of Venezuela-owned companies abroad.

Rodriguez hailed the decision, saying in a post on X that it was “a step in the direction of normalising and strengthening relations between our countries”.

“We trust that this progress will allow for the

lifting of the sanctions currently in place on our country, enabling the building and guaranteeing of an effective bilateral cooperation agenda for the benefit of our peoples,” she said.

The announcement of the sanctions removal came after Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday that Rodriguez’s Administration is getting ready to take over the boards of state oil firm PDVSA’s US subsidiaries, including Citgo Petroleum, citing four sources close to the preparations. (Excerpt from Reuters)

J’ca: “Cocktail of inefficiency” at UHWI as hospital blames missing procurement files on flooding

Aclaim that flood water may have helped to wipe out key procurement files at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) triggered disbelief and sharp scrutiny during Tuesday’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting as Chairman Julian Robinson demanded answers over how documents linked to hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts could simply vanish.

In January, the PAC examined one of the auditor general’s performance audit of procurement at UHWI. That report found that the hospital failed to provide procurement documentation for 51 of 111 sampled contracts, with a total value of about $521 million.

When UWHI appeared before the committee this week, Robinson said 28 files valued at $269 million had since been located, but 22 files worth $246 million were still missing, and one more, linked to roughly $18 million, remained incom-

Eric Hosin (right), Acting Chief Executive Officer at UWHI, answering questions during Tuesday’s sitting

plete.

Asked to explain the storage procedure, senior director of public procurement at UHWI Ainsworth Buckeridge told lawmakers that the standard procedure for each procurement activity had not been properly followed when he was working in a different department.

Robinson also questioned why there appeared to be no clear dates, reports,

or official record of the alleged flooding.

Buckeridge could not provide those details. He said he only understood that flooding had happened but was unable to say exactly when or how often.

“A cocktail of inefficiency” was how committee member Kerensia Morrison described the revelations and admission from UHWI staff. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

B’dos: Farmers wary of Middle East war driving up food prices

The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) is keeping a close watch on rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, warning that any disruption to global supply chains could sharply increase the cost of feed, fertilisers and other essential agricultural inputs.

But the farmers’ body is holding out hope that Government intervention would cushion any sharp increases. Chief executive officer James Paul said on Tuesday that while agriculture remains stable for now, it is vulnerable to global disruptions, particularly given Barbados’ heavy reliance on imported inputs.

“We import a lot of the inputs for agricultural production, be it livestock or crop production,” Paul said, pointing to feed, fertilisers and pesticides as key areas of concern.

Roughly one third of the world’s seaborne fertiliser trade moves through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Iran has maintained a tight stranglehold on the channel, attacking tankers and freighters.

While acknowledging that the state’s ability to intervene may be limited, the BAS chief nonetheless expressed hope for Government action to drive down prices.

Paul pointed to previous global shocks that significantly affected the sector, noting that supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict drove up local feed prices and increased production costs for farmers.

In response, the Government intervened in 2021 with $4m in price support for poultry and livestock farmers after Pinnacle Feeds signalled price increases of up to 26 per cent.

As global uncertainty continues, Paul said the BAS would continue to monitor developments while preparing for potential impacts.

(Excerpt from Barbados Today)

Haiti raises fuel prices, but warns against scams to drive black-market sales

The Haitian Government sharply raised fuel prices by nearly 40 per cent on Tuesday, citing global oil market disruptions even as it warns against “artificial shortages”. That is, rumours and scams spreading to further drive up costs and sales on the black market.

The decision follows days of panic buying and long lines at gas stations across Port-au-Prince and certain provinces, fuelled by unproven rumours of shortages and anticipated price hikes.

Authorities say the price adjustments were reviewed by a newly established nine-member advisory council tasked with overseeing fuel pricing and improving transparency in the sector.

Under the new pricing structure for Haiti, gasoline now costs 725 gourdes (about US$5.58) per gallon, diesel 850 gourdes (US$6.54) and kerosene 845 gourdes (US$6.50). The in-

creases, which take effect April 2, represent hikes of roughly 30 per cent for gasoline and 38 per cent for diesel and kerosene.

Haiti’s move comes as global oil markets react to disruptions in the Middle East from the Israeli and US wars started with Iran.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that tensions affecting the

Strait of Hormuz – which handles about 20 per cent of global oil flows – have tightened supply and pushed crude prices above US$100 per barrel.

“The mission is to ensure transparency and stability in a volatile international market,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

St Lucia sea moss project expands opportunities for women, youth

The recently completed Empowering Youth and Women in the Seamoss Industry project was designed to help women and young people find new opportunities and become more involved in the sea moss sector.

Funded by the British High Commission and facilitated through the Eau Piquant Seamoss Farmers Association, a key component of the initiative enabled a group of women to develop skills in transforming sea moss into natural-based skincare products.

At a ceremony marking the project’s completion, Claudia Clovis-David, one

of the participants who learnt to make soap from sea moss and other natural ingredients, described the positive impact on her daily life.

Having previously been an active sea moss farmer until she suffered a haemorrhagic stroke, she said the project has provided her with an additional avenue to remain engaged in the industry.

The project also targeted secondary school students, introducing them to professional marketing techniques for sea moss products. Through a partnership with Beanfield Secondary School, Year Three students participat -

ed in a competition to design logos for potential sea moss products – an approach organisers say can plant early seeds of interest and serve as a gateway to future participation in the industry.

Efforts to improve accessibility within the sector were also undertaken. Resting stations were installed in the ocean near sea moss farming areas, allowing those unable to swim to farm more comfortably.

Workshop participants plan to pursue wider market opportunities as their businesses launch. (Excerpt from St Lucia Times)

Ecuador claims 28% drop in homicides amid concerns over anti-crime campaign

Ecuador has touted “concrete results” in its fight against organised crime, as the country joins forces with the United States to conduct an anti-cartel military offensive.

On Wednesday, the Government of President Daniel Noboa announced that intentional homicides in March had decreased by 28 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Interior Minister John Reimberg added that 4300 persons had been arrested nationwide as part of the recent crime crackdown, and

2200 search warrants had been executed.

In a social media post, Reimberg credited Noboa’s leadership and the work of the Security Bloc – a blended task force composed of national police and military members – for the arrests.

“President Daniel Noboa’s firm decisions to confront organised crime – combined with the sustained deployment of the Security Bloc, featuring effective territorial control and a genuine presence in the country’s most critical zones – are yielding clear and measurable re-

sults,” he wrote, pledging to continue the effort.

Defence Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo echoed Reimberg’s remarks, applauding the work so far.

“They are cornered – let that be clear – and this is just the beginning,” he wrote in his own post on Wednesday. But the crackdown has already spurred questions about potential human rights abuses, as Ecuador, the US and other countries embark on a more aggressive campaign against cartels throughout Latin America.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Around the World

Oil prices rise after Trump says US will strike Iran “extremely hard”

Stocks fell, the dollar firmed and oil prices rose after US President Donald told the nation in a televised speech on Wednesday night that the US military had nearly completed the goals it had set out to accomplish in its war with Iran and the conflict would soon be ending as the US would strike Iran “extremely hard”.

Trump, however, stopped short of providing a clear outline of when the conflict would end.

The prospect of the end to the month-long US-Israeli war with Iran has lifted global stocks and knocked the dollar off its recent highs in the past two sessions after a brutal March where soaring oil prices sent risk assets into a tailspin.

barrel by 0200 GMT. West Texas Intermediate(WTI) crude futures were up US$4.17, or 4.2 per cent, to US$104.29 per barrel.

Meanwhile, Trump did not directly discuss NATO, despite telling Reuters in an interview earlier in the day that he would also express his disgust with the alliance for what he considers its lack of support for US objectives in Iran.

A transatlantic rift in Trump’s second term deepened after European allies rebuffed his request to help maintain safe passage for oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

He said in the interview he was “absolutely” considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, a treaty organisation ratified by the US Senate in 1949.

Trump has flirted with a

withdrawal in the past and has successfully pressured NATO members to increase their defence spending.

Earlier, the front-month Brent contract for June fell US$2.81, or 2.7 per cent, to settle at US$101.16 per barrel, bouncing off a session low of US$98.35. WTI crude futures for May slipped US$1.26, or around 1.2 per cent, to US$100.12 per barrel, off a session low of

US$96.50.

Market participants are betting that Trump will not allow oil supply disruptions caused by the Middle East war to extend into mid-May, when US gasoline demand is typically at its strongest, SEB analysts said. On Monday, US gasoline prices rose above US$4 a gallon for the first time in more than three years. (Excerpts from Reuters)

SpaceX files to go public, paving way to make Elon Musk 1st trillionaire

But stocks retreated after Trump said the US will strike Iran “extremely hard” over the next two to three weeks and hit the country into the “Stone Ages”. US stock futures were down 0.67 per cent while European futures were 0.1 per cent lower. Brent crude futures rose US$4.88, or 4.8 per cent, to US$106.04 per

NASA’s Artemis II rocket lifts

off for historic moon mission

NASA’s moon rocket Artemis II launched on Wednesday evening, carrying astronauts to the moon for the first time in almost 54 years.

The launch marks the first time since the Apollo 17 mission of December 1972 that humans will have left lower Earth orbit.

“The nation, and the world, has been waiting a long time to do this again,” Reid Wiseman, a veteran NASA astronaut and the Artemis II commander, told reporters at the Kennedy Space Center on Sunday as the crew of three Americans and one Canadian arrived to enter quarantine ahead of launch.

Their 10-day test flight, which will not land on the moon, is a mission packed with milestones. Two of the crew, Nasa’s Christina Koch and Victor Glover, will become, respectively, the first woman and first person of colour to fly into cislunar space, the area between Earth’s orbit and the moon.

The fourth crew member, the Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen, will become the first non-American to do the same.

Artemis II’s Orion space capsule could fly them farther from Earth than any human being before them. The crew is expected to reach more than 7400 kilometres (km) beyond the far side of the moon on flight day six and just short of 407,164.03 km from home, breaking the April 1970 record of 400,171.43 km set by the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission.

The long journey also gives the astronauts time to test crucial hardware and life-support systems that will be needed for the programme’s future flights, including Artemis IV, the historic crewed mission scheduled for 2028 that will finally place human footprints back on the lunar surface. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

The space exploration company SpaceX has taken steps to sell its shares to the public for the first time, which could set the stage for one of the largest initial public offerings (IPOs) in modern history.

The news could also put founder Elon Musk on the path towards becoming the world’s first trillionaire.

News reports on

Wednesday stated that the company quietly filed for an IPO, which could take place as soon as June or July. The company’s stock market listing is expected to bring in as much as US$75bn.

“Investors could use a sum-of-the-parts analysis, but, like with Tesla, SpaceX’s valuation could very much fluctuate wildly based on how much the public belie-

ves in Musk’s vision,” Angelo Bochanis, a data and index associate at the company Renaissance Capital, told the news service Reuters.

“So far, investors seem to be clamouring for any sort of exposure to SpaceX.”

The company’s space and satellite business has attracted attention from investors for years.

Currently, SpaceX is con-

sidered the most valuable privately held company in the world, particularly after its February merger with another Musk venture, the artificial intelligence firm xAI. Musk has also made ambitious pronouncements about the company’s future, with goals of putting a base on the moon and even sending humans to Mars. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

King Charles III to address US Congress on April 28

Congressional leaders announced on Wednesday that Britain’s King Charles III will address a joint meeting of Congress as part of his visit to Washington later this month.

”We believe an address to Congress will provide a unique opportunity to share your vision for the future of our special relationship and reaffirm our alliance at this pivotal time in history,” the top four congressional leaders wrote in a letter inviting Charles to address Congress.

The address comes

as Washington marks the 250th anniversary of American independence. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote that the event will celebrate the ”shared heritage and enduring friendship” between the US and UK

”As we celebrate this historic milestone and recommit ourselves to the principles upon which our nation was founded, we

also recognise that the American experiment endures in no small part because of the British tradition from which it sprang,” the leaders wrote.

The address will come as part of a broader state visit to the US, which is set to take place from April 27–30. The trip will mark Charles’ first state visit to the US as King.

The last time a British royal addressed the US Congress was in 1991, when Queen Elizabeth II delivered an address to lawmakers. (CBS News)

“System malfunction” causes robo-taxis to stall in middle of road in China

A“system malfunction” has caused several self-driving robo-taxis to stall in the middle of the road in China, Police have confirmed, after distressed riders were stranded for hours.

Local authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan said they began receiving calls “one after another” on Tuesday night from riders reporting that autonomous vehicles operated by the Chinese internet company Baidu had frozen.

“Multiple Apollo Go cars stopped in the middle of the road, unable to move,” Police said in a statement on Wednesday, referring to

Baidu’s driverless taxi service. “After investigation, preliminary findings suggest the cause was system malfunction.”

Baidu has a fleet of more than 500 driverless cars in

Wuhan. The statement did not specify how many cars were involved in the system malfunction.

One rider, recounting their 90-minute ordeal on the Chinese social media

platform RedNote, said their vehicle broke down on an elevated highway in Wuhan at 21:00h local time.

“I called robo-taxi’s customer service but couldn’t get through at first. After calling repeatedly, everyone I called said they had dispatched a specialist,” the user said. “After 10.30pm, my order was cancelled, and I was stuck on the overpass with dump trucks all around me.”

The rider was eventually rescued but accused Apollo Go customer service agents of providing “useless platitudes” instead of “solutions for handling such an emergency”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Calm down, think matters through, and refuse to agree to something you know little about. Research is necessary before you trust someone to act or speak on your behalf. Personal improvements that help you maintain better health at a price you can afford are favored. Be wary of those making impossible promises regarding products, investments, and romance.

Only change what’s necessary, regardless of the offers, temptation, and weak moments that leave you vulnerable. Pay attention to the dialogue and use your tenacious intellect to weave your way to deciphering what’s real or fake. Stay out of harm’s way and do your part from a distance. Avoid taking on more than you can handle. Avoid indulgence.

It’s time to hit the reset button and get back on track. Whether you’ve neglected yourself or your responsibilities, you can turn things around with smart choices, getting rid of what you no longer need, and embracing what makes a difference to your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. A healthy routine will promote a positive attitude.

An open discussion will mend a misunderstanding or encourage you and those you talk with to have a concise view of what’s possible. Refuse to let negativity lead the way when what’s necessary is an attitude that touts “how hard can it be” as you embrace the demons that stand between you and your dreams, hopes, and wishes.

Consider changing direction. Discover what’s available and start the process, and reinvent or restructure your life to suit your needs. Stick to your budget, and you’ll find a path that eases stress and motivates you to follow your heart and embrace what life wholeheartedly. Don’t limit yourself when it’s up to you to march forward with enthusiasm.

There’s a learning curve happening that can change your life for the better. Check out courses, skills, and pastimes you may be able to turn into a profit. Partnerships will enhance your life and your ability to have a positive impact on a cause that concerns you. Love, romance, and expanding your interests and mind are favored.

Letting go is essential; wasting time on things you cannot change needs to be put to rest. Take a deep breath and speak from the heart. Make your initiative crystal clear and open doors that lead to a healthy, efficient lifestyle. A lesson in acceptance and moving forward will help you structure a safe and secure future.

Avoid using force when words of wisdom can change how others perceive you and give you a platform to promote your life choices. Stand up and be counted, and you’ll expand your interests, friendships, and your ability to make the right choices when it comes to excess or restraint. Refuse to adopt someone else’s dream over your own.

You can extend a helping hand, but be wary of those trying to take advantage of your generosity. Put your energy into home improvement, how you earn your living, and managing your finances. Choose to invest in your health and wellbeing before you invest in others. Clean house, lower overhead, and walk away from temptation.

Partnerships that keep you on track and accountable are the backbone to your survival and success. Refuse to let emotional situations lead to poor choices. If an offer doesn’t benefit you, know enough to walk away. Avoid destinations that may lead to restrictions, ill-health, or injury. Choose peace, love, and understanding over chaos and brute force.

It’s all about how you handle your responsibilities, money, and contracts. Make sure you have everything up to date and a solid plan to help you establish personal freedom and peace of mind. Refuse to be a follower. Show diversity, discipline, and deliver what you promise, and reward will follow. Distance yourself from risky situations.

Explore the possibilities. Stand up and be counted. Use the power of your voice to make a difference. Travel and socializing will lead to connections that can expand your interests, mindset, and how you move forward. Don’t sit alone when feedback is what you need to move forward. Avoid dealing with institutions and government agencies.

The Vurlon Mills Football Academy’s (VMFA) inaugural Exchange Cup 2026 has presented a golden opportunity to Guyana’s and the wider Caribbean’s youth footballers: a chance to compete against their international counterparts.

The exercise which began last Monday has seen riveting action thus far, with one of the standouts being the Point Fortuin Academy out of Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport, Coach Kester Richards expressed his and his players’ excitement at being able to compete in Guyana.

“Really, really excited to be here; this is a tournament we’ve been looking forward to for a while. We’ve been here in Guyana before, so we really jumped at the opportunity, and the players themselves were very excited to be part of it. Lovely tournament so far, good crowd support, good team environment, so really glad to be here,” Richards told this publication.

Highlighting that the youngsters from Trinidad were eager to travel to the Land of Many Waters, the coach also discussed what

he hoped his players would grasp from the competition.

The visiting coach revealed, “They were very eager for this opportunity. This group would not have travelled on the previous occasion, so they were looking forward a lot to coming here. So, I think it augurs well, and probably in the future we might be looking at

bringing a few more teams into the tournament.”

He went on to explain, “My hope really is just, as I mentioned before, to pick up on playing styles. In Trinidad, we’re used to playing against a certain style of opponents, and when you look at the opponents here, we see that they’re Caribbean guys; they’re big,

GFF launches eSports league as pathway to FIFAe World Cup 2026

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has officially launched its GFF eSports League 2026, marking a significant step in the country’s push to establish a presence in global football gaming.

The competition, which will be contested on eFootball by KONAMI in a 1v1 console format, is open for registration until Monday, April 6. Interested participants are required to sign up via the official registration link provided by the federation.

According to the GFF, the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to expand football development into the digital space while identifying talent capable of representing Guyana internationally. The league will serve as a selection platform for the country’s national eSports team.

Top performers from the competition will be shortlisted for national duties, with selected players earning the opportunity to represent Guyana in the FIFAe Nations League. Successful progression at

Persons can now register to compete in the GFF’s eSports League 2026

that level could see players advancing to the FIFAe World Cup 2026. The federation emphasised that each match within the league will play

a role in the national selection process, underscoring the competitive nature of the tournament and its importance within the emerging eSports landscape.

Visiting teams grateful for exposure at Exchange Cup 2026

physical, fast guys, and it’s really about giving them that exposure.”

“So, in the future, they could really diversify and get better in dealing with different types of opponents.”

Turning his attention to the concept of the Exchange Cup, Richards made a call for more similar exercises in future.

Richards noted, “I think that’s the special thing about this tournament in that, as opposed to just com-

peting within your nation, the tournament gives you the opportunity to get exposure to different playing styles across the islands. So, I think this augurs well, and this is something we should spread across the other Caribbean islands also and continue to invite other islands to be part of tournaments such as this.”

was

to conclude on

Captain Donnarumma vows to restore Italy after heartbreak

Gianluigi

Donnarumma says he “cried because of the enormous sadness” of not being able to lead Italy to the 2026 World Cup this summer, following their penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Italy have now failed to qualify for three successive World Cups, drawing 1–1 on Tuesday before losing their play-off final 4–1 on penalties, having lost Alessandro Bastoni to a first-half red card.

Goalkeeper Donnarumma, 27, made numerous saves in the second half but during the shootout appeared to get into an argument with Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, with reports claiming the Italian Captain damaged Vasilj’s

penalty-takers’ cheat sheet.

He also had to be held back by his teammates at full-time after trying to confront the celebrating Bosnia players.

“Last night, after the match, I cried. I cried because of the disappointment of not being able to lead Italy where it deserves to be,” Donnarumma wrote on Instagram.

He failed to save any of the penalties while Italy’s Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed theirs.

“I cried because of the enormous sadness I’m feeling, along with the entire Azzurri team, of which I’m proud to be Captain, and I know you, fans of our national team, are feeling it too,” Donnarumma added.

The Manchester City

keeper, who was handed his senior debut in 2016 aged 17, is yet to play at a World Cup and will have to wait until he is at least 31 for his next opportunity.

He was 15 when Italy lost against Uruguay and exited the 2014 World Cup in the group stage.

He wrote it would take “a lot of strength, passion, and conviction” to restore his country “back where it deserves to be”.

The former Paris SaintGermain and AC Milan keeper added: “Always believe; this is the driving force behind moving forward. Because life knows how to reward those who give their all, without holding back. And this is where we must start again. Together. Once again.” (BBC Sport)

Ming’s win reinstated after Kart Revival appeal

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has officially reinstated competitor #4, Calvin Ming, as the winner of the Briggs and Stratton Light class final of the MPS Kart Revival event.

The decision followed a successful appeal process by the competitor after the event on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the 555 Speedway, Thomaslands, Georgetown, facility.

According to a communication from the GMR&SC, Ming’s #4 Kart, which had initially won the class, was found in violation of a technical rule regarding clearance tolerances. That triggered the penalty.

Ming appealed, and after further investigations, it

was adjudged that the error stemmed from circumstances outside the competitor and the technical team.

As such, Ming is reinstated to the position, confirming the finishing order as the following:

First Place: #4 –Calvin Ming

Second Place: #221 - Steven Nobrega

Third Place: #346 – Jared Ramnarayan

The GMR&SC has re-

minded all competitors of their rights to appeal any decision, technical or otherwise.

“Integrity in sport, advancing sustainability” on front burner as Canada prepares to co-host WC 2026

As one of three cohosts of this year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup (WC), Canada is eager not just for the games but also to be a model host of the global showpiece.

These sentiments were reflected in a recent missive from the Canadian High Commission in Guyana.

The entity wrote, “In just a few weeks, Canada will join Mexico and the United States in hosting the largest single sporting event on the planet – the FIFA World Cup 26™. This is an exciting moment for North America and a historic one for Canada. For the first time, our country will host the men’s iteration of the tournament, welcoming the world to Toronto and Vancouver for an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture.”

“Canada is not new to hosting major sporting events. From the success of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to the

2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games in Toronto and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup played in six cities across Canada, Canada has consistently demonstrated its leadership on the global sports stage. These international events have left legacies rooted in inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability. The Vancouver Olympics, for instance, were recognised for their environmental stewardship, helping drive lasting improvements in transportation, infrastructure and housing in the city and beyond. That same spirit of ambition and excellence will guide us as we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 26™.”

“As only the fourth country to ever host both the Women’s and Men’s FIFA World Cup, Canada understands that this year’s celebration is more than a series of matches—it is a global gathering. It will bring together nations, cul-

tures, and communities in a way few events can. Fans will travel from every corner of the globe, creating opportunities for dialogue, friendship, and shared experiences that transcend borders. The World Cup reminds us that sport is not just about winning; it is about unity and the values we hold dear. For Canada, these include fairness, respect, and inclusion.”

“Canada’s vision for

this World Cup reflects those values. Together with Canadian partners, we are ensuring that human rights are at the centre of planning and delivery. Canadian governments and organising partners are working with Indigenous communities to foster meaningful engagement and uphold territorial protocols, in line with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

of Canada. We are also seizing this opportunity to champion integrity in sport and advance sustainability, ensuring a positive legacy that will endure long after the final whistle.”

“The idea that sport can be a catalyst for unity and development resonates deeply in Guyana, where football inspires communities and empowers youth. On April 6, the International Day of

GUMDAC Badminton Tournament set for May 14; new U-23 category to be included

The 2026 edition of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA)’s annual GUMDAC Badminton Tournament is set to serve off at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, from May 14 to 17, this time with a twist.

Emily Ramdhani, President of the GBA, told this publication that the tournament, usually held in the doubles format, will now include a U-23 category. This, she noted, is in an attempt to create an additional developmental pathway for emerging badminton players.

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Play will continue on May 15 from 17:00h to 20:00h, before shifting to afternoon sessions on May 16 and 17, with matches scheduled from 13:00h to 18:00h on both days.

The tournament carries an entry fee of $3000, with organisers confirming that the deadline for entries is Friday, May 1, 2026.

While last year’s competition attracted 47 players across all categories, the inclusion of the U-23 singles is expected to see an increase in participation.

The tournament will now feature men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and under-23 singles for both male and female participants. The event will see matches running from 17:00h to 22:00h on the opening day.

Flashback! Part of the doubles action during last year’s competition at the National Gymnasium

CWI Rising Stars U-15 50-Overs

After a week of persistent rainfall delayed the start of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-15 (U-15) 50over bilateral series, Guyana made an immediate impact with a 76-run victory over Barbados when play finally got underway on Thursday at the Police Sports Ground in Georgetown.

In a contest reduced to 31 overs per side, Guyana’s Captain Lomar Seecharran won the toss and opted to bat first. The hosts posted 137 for eight from their allotted overs, with wicketkeeper-batsman Nathan Bishop leading the effort with 37 from 46 balls, including three fours and a six. Makai Dowlin supported with 20 off 43 deliveries,

while Seecharran (11), Asgarally Nabbie (11) and Leon Reddy (13 not out) were the only other players to reach double figures.

Guyana’s total was aided significantly by extras, as Barbados conceded 36 runs, including 32 wides. Jalan McAllister was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors with three for 24 from five overs, while Liam Sealey claimed two for 34. Michael Bend and Shawnico Sargeant picked up one wicket each.

In reply, Barbados struggled against disciplined bowling and were dismissed for 61 in 20.1 overs. Oshea Francis offered the only significant resistance with 35 from 39 balls, striking one four and three

sixes. Opener Javion Batson was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 13.

Guyana’s bowlers controlled the match, led by Leon Reddy, who pro duced an outstanding spell of four for eight from six overs, including three maidens.

Brandon Grimmond sup ported with three for nine from 4.1 overs, while Akash Ramdewar fin ished with two for 13 from six overs to com plete the rout.

The two teams are scheduled to continue the series today at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

“Sports important to well-being of young people” – Jacobs

…as over 250 register for Albion “Learn to Swim” programme

More than 250 persons have already registered for the latest cycle of the Government’s “Teach Them Young: Learn to Swim” programme, which was officially launched on Tuesday at the Albion Estate Compound Pool, Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne).

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), was officially launched by the Minister within the Ministry, Steven Jacobs, who also delivered the feature address.

Jacobs, in his remarks, underscored the critical role of sport in shaping both individuals and the wider society.

“Sport is important to the well-being… not just for health and wellness, but to produce better persons for

your family and better citizens for the country,” he told parents and participants gathered at the launch.

He noted that the programme has seen significant growth since its introduction, with participation numbers steadily increasing.

“Now you have over 3000 individuals, young kids, male and female, participating in this programme, and it is entirely free,” Jacobs said, explaining that the Government has ensured that no child or parent is required to pay to be part of the initiative.

He stressed that swimming is not only a recreational activity but also a vital life skill, particularly in a country like Guyana.

Potaro Strikers edge River’s

Potaro Strikers Football Club (FC) edged Rivers View FC 2–1 in extra time to win the Bartica Easter Regatta Football Championship when the final was played on Tuesday night at the Bartica Centre Ground.

Played in front of a capacity crowd, the closely contested encounter required an additional period after both teams were locked at 1–1 at the end of regulation time. River’s View had taken the lead in the 20th minute through Andrew “Papa” Simmons, who gave his side an early advantage heading into the halftime interval. While they controlled most of the proceedings, River’s View were wasteful in front of the goal, and their profligacy would return to haunt them.

Potaro Strikers responded late in the second half, with Aeon Adams finding the equaliser from a corner in the 78th minute to force extra time. The decisive moment came just one minute into the additional period, as Daniel Gardener produced a breakaway finish in the 91st minute to hand Potaro Strikers the title.

Earlier in the evening,

Beacon FC secured third place in dominant fashion, dismantling Lazio FC 11–1 in a one-sided playoff fixture.

In the female segment, River’s View Women defeated Potaro Strikers Women 1–0 to take the top honours. For their victory in the men’s division, Potaro Strikers received the top prize of $510,000, while Rivers View collected $300,000 for their runner-up finish. Beacon FC and Lazio FC received $200,000 and $100,000, respectively. In the women’s category, the winners earned $100,000, with the second-place team receiving $30,000. On the individual side of things, Potaro Strikers’ custodian Joel Yhap Jr secured Best Goalkeeper, Cecil Jackman took home the MVP accolade and Daniel Gardener was awarded the Highest Goalscorer.

The tournament formed part of the annual Bartica Easter Regatta celebrations and was organised by the Bartica Football Association (BFA) in collaboration with the Bartica Regatta Committee, with sponsorship provided by the Small Miners Association Guyana

Inc. Coordination of the competition was overseen by BFA Vice President Sherwin DaSilva.

BFA President Alden Marslowe praised the continued growth and significance of the competition, noting that football has become a key feature of the Easter Regatta. “Football has become a major staple in the annual Bartica Easter Regatta. The community of Bartica and visitors alike look forward to the games,” Marslowe said.

He also commended the support of sponsors and organisers, adding, “This year, we had the partnership of the Small Miners Association, for which we are grateful. The competition was well organised by all involved and well received by the players and the general public. Once again, we have delivered!”

Both finalists had secured their places in the championship match following comfortable semi-final victories. Rivers View defeated Lazio FC 3–1, while Potaro Strikers advanced with a 2–0 win over Beacon FC, with Gardener scoring twice in that encounter to continue his strong run of form heading into the final.

“Swimming is an important skill and an asset to every single individual; you’ll have the confidence when you go around the water to know that you can survive and also the skill set to save a life,” he added.

The programme is currently being implemented across five regions, with Region Six and Region Five benefiting from sessions at the Albion facility. Jacobs also pointed out that the ini-

tiative has been expanded to include adults, recognising that many are still without basic swimming skills.

Beyond teaching participants how to swim, he said the programme is also designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the sport and open pathways to competitive opportunities.

“We want them to grow appreciation for swimming and to see an opportunity in swimming at a competitive level and representing Guyana,” the cricketer-turned-politician said.

He further highlighted ongoing and upcoming sports infrastructure projects in Region Six, including the construction of a synthetic track in New Amsterdam, the development of a cricket academy at Albion, and the anticipated opening of the Palmyra Stadium.

According to the Minister, these initiatives form part of a broader, integrated approach to national development through sport.

“What we are doing is putting together programmes for development and infrastructure for development… this is how we will propel Guyana,” he said.

He also urged parents to play an active role in encouraging their children to participate in sports and physical activities.

The opportunities that your children have now, you did not have… so it is important to encourage them and help them understand the value of sport,” Jacobs added.

The “Learn to Swim” programme continues this week with sessions scheduled at various times throughout the day at the Albion Estate Compound Pool. (G-4)

iBet gets in game with Goal Rush 2026

Goal Rush 2026, staged by iBet Supreme, is set to engage betting and football fans over the next 10 weeks, presenting the ultimate fan experience in the US this July.

According to the company, one lucky player will have the chance to win an all-expenses-paid VIP football experience for two in New York this summer, timed to the world’s biggest international football tournament.

During the promotion’s launch on Wednesday afternoon at the Upstairs Bar in Campbellville, Georgetown, iBet Assistant Manager for Customer Service and Operations, Dennis Scantlebury, divulged the company’s motivations for the promotion.

“A dynamic threemonth promotion designed to capture the energy and excitement of the world’s biggest football season. At

the heart of this campaign is an unforgettable opportunity,” Scantlebury described the promotion.

The iBet Manager went on to add, “This initiative was created not only to match the global excitement around football but also to reward the passion and the loyalty of our players who engage with the sport every single week. This promotion is built with our core audience in mind; sports fans across Guyana – particularly our active iBet Supreme players who consistently follow and bet on football. At the same time, Goal Rush 2026 is an open invitation to the wider football community to experience iBet Supreme in a more engaging and rewarding way.”

To participate, players can place a bet valued at GY$2000 or more online at ibetgamesgy.com to enter.

There is no limit to entries, meaning every qualifying

ticket is a chance to win.

While fans await the grand prize, however, there will still be chances to win big, as explained by Inception Inc’s Managing Director Sean Abel.

“We’ll have weekly drawings; every week will signify a drawing where, I think, two or three persons will win prizes. That’s, of course, going to be part of the grand prize, which is going to be drawn on June 8,” Abel informed.

With the promotion running from April 1 until the grand prize draw on June 8, weekly drawings will commence on April 17. Those prizes will include smartphones, electronics, sports gear, supermarket vouchers, and fast-food vouchers.

The promotion is open to persons 18 years and older. IBet Supreme has advised that the grand prize winners must hold a valid US visa at the time of travel.