1 shot as masked gunmen raid Region 7 mining camp, ATV stolen Italy dropped extradition bid after striking deal with Vitesh Guptar – AG …slams assertions of
Illegal Essequibo River mining operation shut down
station bombing
Taxi driver to challenge confession; mastermind wants lawyer
EBE man jailed for 18 years for attempted rape of 4-year-old
Guyanese David Fernandes elected President of Caribbean Poultry Association
“It will be hypocritical” to
as Opposition Leader – former PNCR Chairman warns
Former Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the largest party in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Coalition, Sherwayne Holder, has called on Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) not to appoint United States-indicated businessman Azruddin Mohamed as the new Leader of the Opposition.
This was shortly after Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir announced via a video statement on Tuesday evening that a meeting will be held at 10:00h on Monday, January 26, to elect an Opposition Leader.
At that meeting, the opposition Parliamentarians –including 16 from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), 12 from APNU, and one from Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) – will nominate and vote for a candidate to be elected to the post.
It has been presumed that Mohamed, the Leader of WIN, will be elected to as Opposition Leader since his party occupies the most seats among the opposition par-
ties. However, Mohamed and his father, Nazar, have been indicted by a grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges ranging from wire fraud and mail fraud to money laundering, primarily connected to the export of gold to the US by their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises.
Against this background, Holder, a former Opposition MP for APNU in the previous Parliament, cautioned the Opposition parliamentarians against electing such an individual to the position.
“My humble advice to the sitting MPs on the Opposition benches, it will be hypocritical of you to complain about corruption, drugs or money-laundering if you choose to elect someone to lead you, who has not successfully cleared their name of those very charges. Your credibility is now on the line,” he declared in a Facebook post on Tuesday evening.
Consequences to Guyana’s parliamentary system
At the time, Holder was mirroring concerns raised by Speaker Nadir about
“I have found myself in this difficult position to hold the election of the Leader of the Opposition when I know that the presumptive Leader of the Opposition to be elected, Azruddin Mohamed, is an international fugitive,” Nadir posited.
He went onto to caution the Opposition MPs about the consequences to Guyana’s Parliamentary system should they go ahead and elect an international fugitive as Opposition Leader.
“If Opposition Members
“I trust that those involved in this process of electing the Leader of the Opposition would be guided by the dignity of the House, the reputation of our country, and the sanctity of the responsibility that has been entrusted upon them by the electorate,” Nadir had noted.
Indictment on Guyana
Meanwhile, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, echoed similar sentiments, arguing
“…it will be hypocritical of you to complain about corruption, drugs or money-laundering if you choose to elect someone to lead you, who has not successfully cleared their name of those very charges. Your credibility is now on the line” – Sherwayne Holder
Mohamed being elected to the position.
During his live broadcast, the House Speaker explained that while he has a responsibility to preserve the dignity of the National Assembly, it is not a simple decision given the circumstances.
of Parliament feel it morally right to elect an international fugitive, then the stain on our Parliament and our country rests solely with them. This likelihood is unprecedented in our Westminster Parliamentary system…”
that if Mohamed becomes the Opposition Leader, then it would be an indictment on not just Guyana and its Parliament.
“It’s an indictment on the English-speaking Caribbean for an OFAC [Office of
Foreign Assets Control]sanctioned person and a fugitive offender, a person who is indicted by a jury in the United States of America on a number of international financial crimes and whose extradition is being sought by the Government of the United States of America, may be the Leader of Opposition of our country.”
“That is an indictment on Guyana. It’s an indictment on our Parliamentary system. It’s an indictment on the constitution of our country. And it’s an indictment on the English-speaking, on governance in the Englishspeaking Caribbean, if not the entire Commonwealth.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, January 22 –06:20h–07:50h and Friday, January 23 – 06:55h–08:25h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Thundery showers are expected during the day, with partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 06:47h and 19:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.68 metres.
Low Tide: 12:38h reaching a minimum height of 0.59 metre.
The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has rebranded its debit card and Gold Credit Card with the new designs featuring prominent heritage sites across Guyana – something which President Dr Irfaan Ali had high praise for.
On Wednesday, a team from GBTI, led by Chief Executive Officer Shawn Gurcharran, visited State House to brief the Head of State on the redesigned cards, which proudly celebrate Guyanese heritage, featuring striking imagery that highlights Guyana’s natural beauty, wildlife and architecture.
The newly-designed GBTI Debit Card prominently features the Kaieteur, the Umana Yana and St George’s Cathedral. The MasterCard Gold Card has the giant anteater, the leatherback turtle and the harpy eagle showcased.
For the Visa cards, the
Gold Visa Card highlights the City Hall, while the Classic Prepaid Card features the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, and the Travel Classic Card sports an aerial view of the Kingston Seawall.
“I am pleased to see Brand Guyana being integrated into our financial system. This is the kind of all-in approach we need as we strengthen tourism, deepen national pride and present a confident Guyanese identity at every level,” President Ali said in a Facebook post following the engagement.
The Head of State also posted a video of the briefing during which he was informed that a piece of Guyana is included in each newly redesigned card.
Expressing his approval and satisfaction with the incorporation of local heritage sites on the cards, the President underscored the importance of promoting “Brand Guyana”.
“This is exactly what is needed when we take an allin approach in tourism, in promoting our natural beauty, our heritage, our culture, and who we are as Guyanese, and what Guyana represents. So, I want to take this opportunity to thank GBTI for incorporating in the design of the various cards Brand Guyana, and this
is what we want all of Guyana to embrace…to promote Brand Guyana and to position Brand Guyana in every aspect of the market,” Dr Ali asserted.
Meanwhile, a GBTI representative who unveiled the new card designs to the Head of State noted that, “As a 100 per cent Guyanese bank, we wanted to really zoom in on showcasing Guyana. So, wherever you go, you can take a piece of Guyana with you, start a conversation about what our country has to offer, promote tourism, and of course, share our culture.”
Only last week, President Ali lauded GBTI for expanding its services to meet the new and growing demands of the Guyanese economy as it launched its private banking service.
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud’s outreach across Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Wednesday continues the tone and pace set by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo of how targeted, community-focused initiatives can advance national development. By taking Government services directly into Corriverton, Albion, and New Amsterdam, the Ministry showed that women’s empowerment is a tangible, actionable component of economic progress. The engagement highlights the crucial intersection between skills development, employment access, and inclusive growth, positioning women as central actors in shaping Guyana’s future.
The outreach was structured around three complementary objectives: enhancing access to training, facilitating immediate employment opportunities, and fostering long-term economic participation. This approach reflects an understanding that effective policy must extend beyond administrative measures and reach the communities it intends to serve. By meeting directly with women, jobseekers, educators, and community leaders, the outreach ensured that initiatives respond to the specific needs of local populations while encouraging active participation in Guyana’s evolving economy.
A cornerstone of the initiative was the promotion of skills development through the Women’s Innovation Investment Network. The programme offers free, hybrid training combined with internationally recognised City and Guilds certifications in areas such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, welding, and electrical installation. This training equips women not only with technical expertise but also with the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship and community-based economic activities. By presenting skills acquisition as a necessary step toward financial independence, the initiative reinforces the principle that economic empowerment is both a personal and a national imperative.
Crucially, these training opportunities are aligned with emerging sectors that hold significant potential for economic growth. The outreach emphasised the care economy, skilled trades, and community-based enterprises, as well as the opportunities inherent in the orange economy. These sectors provide viable pathways for women to engage in productive, innovative, and sustainable economic activity. By equipping women with skills relevant to these areas, the initiative strengthens the workforce while fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that benefits both communities and the national economy.
The Region Six engagement also delivered immediate, measurable outcomes through on-site recruitment drives. Job fairs conducted in Corriverton, Albion, and New Amsterdam allowed jobseekers to submit résumés, undergo interviews, and be considered for positions such as probation and social service officers, data entry clerks, and cleaners. The direct connection between skills training and employment demonstrates a practical, resultsorientated approach that enhances the relevance of Government programmes. It ensures that women can transition from training to meaningful employment without unnecessary delays, thereby reinforcing the cycle of empowerment and opportunity.
This initiative underscored that governance is characterised by policy formulation as well as by effective implementation.
When women are empowered through training, employment, and entrepreneurship, the benefits extend to families, communities, and the national economy. Increased female participation in the workforce contributes to poverty reduction, stimulates local business development, and strengthens cohesion. Moreover, fostering skills in both traditional trades and emerging sectors ensures that the workforce remains adaptive and capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic and diversified economy.
By combining skills development with job readiness and access to Government services, the initiative bridges the gap between policy and practical impact.
Ultimately, such initiatives, which have been the model of the current Administration, offer an example for inclusive development, positioning women as central contributors to Guyana’s economic transformation. By linking training, employment, and entrepreneurship with strategic economic sectors, the Government ensures that growth is equitable and sustainable. The engagement is a clear signal that women’s empowerment is integral to national development, reinforcing the principle that a society thrives when its women are fully equipped and actively participating in the economy.
The outreach serves as a timely reminder that communityorientated interventions can drive significant socio-economic progress.
How AI-generated sexual images cause real harm, even though we know they are “fake”
Many women have experienced severe distress as Grok, the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot on social media site X, removed clothing from their images to show them in bikinis, in sexual positions, or covered in blood and bruises. Grok, like other AI tools, has also reportedly been used to generate child sexual abuse material.
In response, the UK Government has announced it will bring forward the implementation of a law, passed in June 2025, banning the creation of non-consensual, AI-generated, intimate images. Following bans in Malaysia and Indonesia, Grok has now been updated to no longer create sexualised images of real people in places where it is illegal, which will include the UK.
X’s owner, Elon Musk, has claimed the UK Government wants “any excuse for censorship”. The media regulator, Ofcom, is also conducting an investigation into whether X’s activities broke UK law.
Some X users have minimised the harm these “undressed” and “nudified” images cause, describing them as “fake”, “fictional”, “very realistic art at most” and “no more real than a Tom & Jerry cartoon”. You might think that AI-generated and edited images only cause harm through deception – fake images mislead us about real events. But how can images that everyone knows aren’t real cause harm?
The sexualised content of undressed images is not
real, even if they are based on genuine photos. But these images are highly realistic. This, along with the misogyny motivating their creation, is sufficient to cause significant psychological distress to victims.
British Member of Parliament Jess Asato and other victims report an uncanny feeling at seeing undressed images of themselves: “While, of course, I know it’s AI, viscerally inside it’s very, very realistic, and so it’s really difficult to see pictures of me like that,” Asato told the BBC.
Research in philosophy and psychology can help explain this experience. Think about looking down from a tall building. You know you are completely safe but might still feel terrified of the drop. Or you watch a horror film, then feel on edge all night. Here, your emotions are “recalcitrant”: You feel strong emotions that clash with what you believe to be true.
Seeing oneself digitally undressed generates powerful recalcitrant emotions. People strongly identify with their digital appearance. And a “nudified” image really looks like the subject’s body, given it is based on a real picture of them.
So while knowing these images are fake, their realism manipulates the victim’s emotions. They can feel alienated, dehumanised, humiliated, and violated – as if they were real intimate images shared. This effect may worsen as AI-generated videos provide even more realistic sexual content of us-
ers. Research shows that the non-consensual sharing of nude or sexual images is “associated with significant psychological consequences, often comparable to those experienced by victims of sexual violence”.
Besides the psychological impact of undressed images, users also feel horrified at the very real motivations behind them. Someone felt entitled to sexualise your photo, directing
Grok to strip away clothing and reduce you to a body without consent. Publicly bombarding women with these images exerts control over how they present themselves online.
Sexual deepfake videos and undressed images – whether of celebrities, politicians or members of the public – target women for humiliation. The misogynistic mindset behind these images is real and familiar, even if their content is not.
The distress caused by “undressed” images resembles another prevalent form of digital misogyny: the assault and harassment of women in virtual worlds. Many women in online virtual reality environments report their avatars being assaulted by other users – a common issue in video games that is worsened as virtual reality (VR) headsets present an immersive experience of being assaulted.
Whistle-blowers have claimed Meta has suppressed the lack of child safety on its VR platform, with girls as young as nine frequently harassed and propositioned by adult men. Meta
denies these allegations. A company spokesperson told the Washington Post that Meta’s VR platform has safety features to protect young people, including default settings that allow teen users to communicate only with people they know.
Virtual assault is also often dismissed as “not real”, even though it can cause similar trauma to physical assault. The realistic appearance of virtual reality, strong identification with one’s avatar, and the misogynistic motivations behind virtual assault enable it to cause serious psychological harm, even though there is no physical contact.
These cases show how misogyny has evolved with technology. Users can now create and participate in realistic representations of harm: undressed images, deepfake videos, virtual assault, and the abuse of chatbots and sex dolls based on real people. These forms of media cause significant distress but are slow to be regulated, as they don’t physically harm victims. Banning social media like X isn’t the solution. We need proactive regulation that anticipates and prohibits these digital harms rather than enacting laws only once the damage is done.
Victims undressed by Grok or assaulted in virtual worlds are not being “too sensitive”. It is a mistake to dismiss the real psychological impact of this media just because the images themselves are fake. (Reprinted from The Conversation)
Dear Editor,
A week before the General and Regional Elections, which took place, as we know, on September 1, 2025, I wrote a letter published in the media on August 26, 2025, in which I said that “the opportunities for our next Government to take our country to a level of prosperity equal to or beyond any other country of its size are immense, and yet, the threat to this realisation is stark and dangerous if, in this election, we make the wrong choice.”
I was, of course, referring to the choices between the PPP/C, APNU (PNC), WIN, AFC, ALP and FGM.
Fortunately, we made the right choice. The results gave the PPP/C a handsome majority but also delivered WIN, the party led by Azruddin Mohamed, just under one quarter of the popular vote, qualifying Mr Mohamed to be chosen by due Parliamentary process to be the Leader of the Opposition, and I had warned about this very danger, not from outside but from within our country.
I had pointed out then that “WIN, led by Azruddin Mohamed, offers the choice of a party led by a person sanctioned by the US Government, accused of gross criminal activity and who is before our own courts charged for further criminal activity. The con-
sequences of electing such a party to govern our country should be plain to see and really need no elaboration.”
On September 12, 2025, 11 days after the elections, I wrote again, pointing out that “therein (the election of Mohamed) lies a potential threat to the future stability of our country”, drawing attention to the US Embassy’s response to a Stabroek News list of questions regarding the sanctioning of Mr Mohamed, asking, “What are the implications for a country’s investment from the United States if an OFAC-sanctioned individual (GLOMAG Program) is elected to Government or wins seats in Parliament?”
The US Embassy responded, “Guyana is not subject to OFAC’s broad jurisdiction-based sanctions. As a result, US persons are not generally prohibited from investing in Guyana, provided no sanctioned persons are involved in such transactions.” The emphasis is mine. The Embassy went on to say that “we cannot comment on the possibility of broader impact to US investment in a country as a result of the election of a sanctioned individual to that country’s Government or Parliament.”
I went on to point out in that letter that we can draw two conclusions from that exchange with the US Embassy. The first conclu -
sion we could draw is that “if Mr Mohamed becomes directly involved in any investment or transaction in Guyana from the US, we have a problem”, and, secondly, “the US Embassy left the broader question of US investment in our country having a sanctioned individual (Mohamed) elected to our Parliament wide open”.
I then went on to point out that the US Ambassador, Ms Nicole Theriot, when questioned at an event by a Journalist about Azruddin Mohamed’s participation in Parliament in an official capacity, responded by clearly stating that that would be “concerning” and “problematic” for her Government.
As I write today, it is a fact that Azruddin Mohamed has, indeed, been elected by just under a quarter of our population as the leader of WIN, the majority opposition party in Parliament, and potentially as the Leader of the Opposition. As a result, there is an ongoing uproar by some, including an editorial in the Stabroek News (19/01/26) on the subject of Parliamentary respect, calling it “shameful” that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Manzoor Nadir, has not as yet called a meeting of the Assembly to afford the possibility of Mohamed being chosen as Leader of the Opposition,
the very possibility that I had gone to some lengths to point out in my earlier letters could have very serious destabilising consequences for Guyana and, in the words of the US Ambassador, could be of concern and be problematic to our country’s relations with the United States of America. The Speaker has since acted appropriately on this matter.
So, to all those loud voices and writers of letters and editorials on this subject crying “shameful”, I ask this simple question. Is it not the first and absolute priority of any Government and the president who leads it to do all in their power to protect their country from the very consequences posed by electing Azruddin Mohamed as Leader of the Opposition? Are those consequences not clear enough? The threat to our economic stability, the threat to our country’s security and defence against the external threats to some two-thirds (2/3) of our territory by Venezuela, and the threat to Guyana being deemed a country of high risk to any and all potential investors.
I also ask this simple question of Mr Azruddin Mohamed. Surely, he too is well aware of the consequences of his becoming the Leader of the Opposition while he remains sanctioned by the US Government and accused of
gross criminal activity in that country. And why is he determined to fight extradition rather than stand trial to prove his innocence in a US court?
If, indeed, Mr Azruddin Mohamed is truly and genuinely a political leader concerned for the future and well-being of those who voted for him and all of Guyana and its people, why not simply anoint his dep-
uty in his party to stand in his stead as Leader of the Opposition and volunteer himself to stand trial in the US and prove his innocence for the crimes he claims he has been unjustly accused of? He could then return to Guyana as the conquering hero and assume the leadership of the Opposition.
Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
This is not about fear – it’s about shame
Dear Editor, Let us stop the nonsense and call this thing for what it is. The PPP/C is not afraid of Azruddin Mohamed. If he was such a big force, he would not have been beaten so badly at the polls. So that argument does not hold water. What this is really about is shame and embarrassment for Guyana. How can we seriously expect the country to move forward when the Opposition is prepared to choose a US-indicted and OFAC-sanctioned person as Leader of the Opposition? That kind of decision will hurt our image and make it harder for Guyana to deal properly with our international partners.
The same Opposition MPs who shout corruption
every day now want to turn a blind eye when it suits them. That is pure hypocrisy. You cannot demand accountability from Government while lowering the bar for your own leadership. We also must not forget the Opposition’s own history. These are the same people who ignored the Constitution, appointed a GECOM Chair illegally, and tried to avoid elections after losing a no-confidence vote. If they go ahead with this, the blame must sit squarely on their shoulders. The Speaker should name those MPs in Parliament so the Hansard can show exactly who chose politics over country.
Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton
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The Young & The Restless
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026
To determine the graph of a directly proportional relationship or an inversely proportional relationship, we need to understand how the two variables are linked and be able to sketch this on a set of axes.
Directly proportional graphs can be straight line graphs.
As the variable x increases, the y variable increases and so the straight line continues on the same gradient as x gets larger; conversely, the straight line tends to 0 as x and y get smaller.
The straight line has a positive gradient, k, and the line intersects the origin (0,0).
A direct proportion graph could also be a quadratic, cubic or involve a root.
The area of a circle is proportional to its radius. A = kr2. We know that here k = π.
The graph would be a quadratic.
Inversely proportional graphs are reciprocal graphs consisting of one smooth curve in the first quadrant only.
As the variable x increases, the y variable decreases and so the curve tends towards the x-axis as x gets larger; conversely, the curve tends towards the y-axis as x gets smaller. The curve does not touch or intersect either axis at any point.
The graphs for y = k/x2 , y = k/x3 , y = k/√x, are all a similar shape to y = k/x
Include an unexpected meeting or invitation to a secret group or society in your story.
BY GeorGe SterlinG
Thou settest splendors in my sight, O Lord! It seems as tho’ a deep-hued sunset falls Forever on these Cyclopean walls–These battlements where Titan hosts have warred, And hewn the world with devastating sword, And shook with trumpets the eternal halls Where seraphim lay hid by bloody palls And only Hell and Silence were adored. Lo! the abyss wherein great Satan’s wings Might gender tempests, and his dragons’ breath Fume up in pestilence. Beneath the sun Or starry outposts on terrestrial things, Is no such testimony unto Death Nor altars builded to Oblivion.
[Source: Poetry (December 1912)]
Assistant US Attorney Joshua Paster, an asset forfeiture specialist, has been assigned to join the case involving Guyanese businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed at a Florida court.
The father-and-son duo have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court of the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion and money laundering. The charges are linked primarily to alleged irregularities in gold exports to the US through their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises.
The US had made a request for the Mohameds to be extradited to face the indictments. Those extradition proceedings are currently pending in the local courts.
Nonetheless, in a court document filed in Florida and seen by Guyana Times, it states that Attorney Paster would be appearing as a counsel for the United States “regarding any forfeiture issues” in the case styled United States of America vs Nazar Mohamed et al.
The Mohameds are accused of conspiring to defraud the US and Guyanese Governments between 2017 and June 11, 2024. The father-son duo is accused of using a scheme to unlawfully obtain property by transmitting communications via interstate and foreign commerce in violation of US laws.
According to the US prosecutors, the goal was to enrich themselves and defraud the Government of Guyana by evading taxes and royalties on gold exports. They allegedly reused Guyana customs
declarations and official seals on multiple shipments to make it appear that taxes and royalties had been paid when they had not.
The indictment stated that Mohamed’s Enterprise would pay taxes and receive official Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) seals for one shipment, then reuse those same seals and documents on subsequent, untaxed shipments.
The indictment further alleges that the Mohameds arranged for empty wooden boxes bearing intact GRA and GGB seals to be shipped from gold buyers in Dubai to Miami and then sent to Guyana. These boxes were then used to export gold while falsely appearing to have cleared customs and tax obligations.
US authorities allege the scheme resulted in more than US$50 million in lost taxes and royalties to the Government of Guyana. Additional indictments detail similar conduct involving shipments of gold, emails allegedly from Nazar Mohamed request-
ing the sealed boxes from Miami, and exports of over 165 kilograms (kg) of gold per shipment destined for Dubai.
Charges six to nine focus on mail fraud, referencing the shipment of sealed empty boxes from Dubai to Miami, while charge 10 addresses money laundering, which alleges that the Mohameds knowingly transferred funds within the US with the intent to promote unlawful activity.
The other charge has to do with Azruddin Mohamed purchasing and importing a Lamborghini sports car to Guyana in 2020. The indictment alleges he directed someone to purchase the car for US$680,000, then falsify the invoice to state a value of US$75,300 to understate import taxes.
If convicted, most charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines of up to US$250,000, while the money laundering charge carries a fine of US$500,000 or the value of the laundered property.
The US Government is
“It will be hypocritical”...
We are making history for the wrong reason,” Nandlall posited.
He went onto say that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – the party founded by Cheddi Jagan, is proudly opposing such actions. The ruling PPP/C currently holds the majority of 36 seats in the 65-member National Assembly after its landslide victory in the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections.
“It stands in opposition to such a person being elevated to that high post. The People’s Progressive Party/
Civic, will be vindicated and will be absolved by history for the position that we have taken on this matter… Those who will vote to support him, they will be judged for their position. History will record whom they supported and the role they played in placing such a person in that high constitutional office,” AG Nandlall contended.
Back in June 2024, the OFAC of the US Department of Treasury sanctioned Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed along with their businesses for involvement in tax evasion and signifi-
cant public corruption between 2019 and 2023, where Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kg of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
One year later, Azruddin launched his bid as a Presidential candidate for the September 2025 elections and his party, WIN, went on to secure the spot as the main Parliamentary opposition, demoting the PNCled APNU to a minority opposition party.
seeking forfeiture of certain assets connected to the accused. Hence, the assignment of Paster to the case, pending the extradition of the Mohameds, is being seen as significant.
The Assistant US Attorney is an experienced prosecutor in high-value forfeiture and transnational corruption cases. Just last year, he was part of a prosecutorial team that secured over US$20 million in a civil forfeiture case linked to a Venezuelan bribery and money-laundering scheme.
The indictment follows sanctions imposed over a year ago by the US
Department of Justice’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on the Mohameds, their businesses and Guyanese Government Permanent Secretary (PS) Mae Thomas in relation to the same allegations.
The sanctions are related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, with OFAC noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kg of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
Since the imposition of
the sanctions, the Guyana Government has suspended the licences of the Mohameds’ various businesses, highlighting that the US-sanctioned businessman is a risk and a threat to Guyana’s financial stability, sovereignty and diplomacy. Subsequently, several Government entities and local businesses, including commercial banks, have cut ties with the Mohameds.
The Mohameds are currently out on $150,000 bail each, as they continue to fight their extradition. The case had been adjourned to February 5.
Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister
Anil Nandlall has set the record straight on what he described as misinformation surrounding the 2024 extradition proceedings involving businessman Vitesh Guptar, who was wanted by authorities in Italy in connection with a drug trafficking investigation.
The issue was raised by US-indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed, who, along with his father Nazar Mohamed, is currently contesting an extradition request from the United States to face charges including wire fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. Mohamed referenced the Guptar matter in an apparent attempt to cast doubt on the handling of his own case before the local courts.
Mohamed claimed that Guptar, who had been list-
Tuesday evening, Nandlall made it clear that Guptar is not connected to the Guyana Government, as he detailed how the case was handled by local authorities.
“The Red Notice came to the Commissioner of Police of Guyana on the 6th of February, 2024, to locate and arrest Guptar, as he was in Guyana pending an extradition request from the Government of Italy. The Red Notice came; Guptar was arrested by the police and taken before a Magistrate. On the 19th of March, 2024, Guptar appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty in Court Five of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was remanded to prison until the 28th of March pending the receipt of the extradition request from Italy. He was remanded, they didn’t get the extradition request yet, but
contended.
The AG further highlighted that Guptar remained on remand for several months until the matter was called up again
“The Red Notice came to the Commissioner of Police of Guyana on the 6th of February 2024 to locate and arrest Guptar as he was in Guyana pending an extradition request from the Government of Italy. The Red Notice came, Guptar was arrested by the Police and taken before a Magistrate. On the 19th of March, 2024, Guptar appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty in Court Five of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was remanded to prison until the 28th of March pending the receipt of the extradition request from Italy. He was remanded, they didn’t get the extradition request yet, but the Magistrate remanded him on a Red Notice arrest only. Compare that to the Mohameds” – AG Anil Nandlall
ed on Interpol’s Red Notice since 2019, successfully resisted an extradition request sent to Guyana in 2024. Mohamed has alleged that Guptar’s release was due to political alignment with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, an assertion Nandlall has dismissed as “wild, reckless, unsubstantiated and dangerous”.
During his programme “Issues in the News” on
the Magistrate remanded him on a Red Notice arrest only. Compare that to the Mohameds,” Nandlall outlined.
In the Mohameds case, when they were brought before the court on the US extradition request, they were each granted bail in the sum of $150,000.
“Serious international financial crimes yet they were granted bail and Guptar was remanded by the Magistrate,” Nandlall
on April 26, 2024.
“So, the Government of Guyana received the Authority to Proceed, they received the extradition bundle and in compliance with the law, with our treaty obligations, they took it to the Magistrate’s court. On the 2nd of May, 2024, the matter was called again before McGusty, and the documents were tendered into evidence. There was an application for bail, and bail was eventually granted
in the sum of $2 million. So, this man spent from March to May on remand and he was eventually granted $2 million bail. The Mohameds were not even remanded, period, and they were granted $150,000 bail on the very day that they were brought before the Magistrate.”
No longer pursuing In Guptar’s case, Nandlall said the extradition hearing begun on May 23, 2024 and last until October 28, 2024. “On the 28th of October, 2024, the Magistrate heard arguments from all sides and made a finding that there was not enough evidence to extradite Guptar. The Magistrate made that finding… and discharged Guptar,” he noted.
He further explained that the police legal advisor, who was appearing for the requesting State, subsequently got information from the Italian authorities that they were no longer pursuing the extradition request because Guptar was cooperating with the law enforcement agencies.
“In other words, he struck some type of deal with the law enforcement people in Italy. Those are the facts as they are documented in the public record of the Guyana Police Force. This has nothing to do with Government of Guyana… How is it that this implicates the Government in some conspiratorial enterprise with this man, Guptar?” Nandlall contended.
So, there you have it… After all the sturm and drang, Speaker Manzoor Nadir finished with his international commitments and scheduled the opening of Parliament!! Inter alia, he also scheduled a caucus of the Opposition MPs for the election of the LOO! He emphasised the convening of Parliament was for the presentation of the 2026 Budget. But in making his announcement, he gave a glimpse of why he may have decided not to break his travelling commitments just to have the opposition leader elected!
He clearly resented being put in a “difficult constitutional position” to preside over the election of Sanction Man as the LOO – who he described as an “international fugitive”. Now one may say that Speaker Nadir should observe the convention that no one should be pronounced guilty until it’s been proven in a court of law! But in describing Sanction Man as an “international fugitive”, he’s not making any judgements – just stating the fact!! And why this troubled him was also explained: “If opposition members of Parliament feel it morally right to elect an international fugitive, then the stain on our Parliament and our country rests solely with them,” he declared.
In other words, he seems to agree with your Eyewitness that if Sanction Man and his daady believe they’re innocent, then they should do the honourable thing for the country by booking tickets to Miami to face the 11 criminal indictments!! They should have nothing to fear since – if they are to be believed – there can be no proof that they did the dirty!! Why are they spending so much money and time to deny Guyana fulfilling its obligation to honour their extradition treaty with the US?
Do they not realise how we’d fit into the stereotype of the “shithole banana republic” when at every sitting of the National Assembly the Parliamentary Committees’ reports would be carried across the globe about the “US-sanctioned fugitive” who is the LOO!! But your Eyewitness hopes that now that Speaker Nadir has explained that it was his decision to take the full allowed four months to convene Parliament, Sanction Man and others who blamed the PPP Government for the hiatus will now do the right thing and offer an apology!!
Your Eyewitness looks forward to the then LOO speaking without a script from his sister!!
…(opposition) Scores
So just when you thought it might be safe to enter the political waters with Speaker Nadir severing the Gordian Knot over the LOO, up erupted a rather nasty catfight between the “LOO in waiting” and PNC/APNU executive Mahipaul!!
The latter revealed that Sanction Man weaselled out of meeting the APNU reps to sort out how the Opposition spoils – heads of committees, etc – “would be divvied up”!! Not surprisingly, Sanction Man wanted to hog the entire hog!! It should be an interesting 13th Parliament when the opposition will be castigating the PPP Govt for not sharing governance – when they can’t share opposition!!
Cat calling kettle black??
…the new order
It was pathetic to see France’s Macron pleading with Trump to spare Greenland – since they’d backed the US in Syria and Iran!! So, it’s ok to obliterate “brown” countries?
Citing the registration of over 36,000 new businesses and the incorporation of more than 1500 companies last year, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall emphasised the need to modernise the country’s corporate environment, inclusive of legislative changes.
During his programme “Issues in the News” on Tuesday, Nandlall disclosed that statistics from the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority show that 36,251 new businesses were registered last year.
Regarding limited liability companies, he said 1516 were incorporated.
“These statistics demonstrate the confidence that people have in the economy of our country,” Nandlall remarked. Against this backdrop, he said the Government has to bring changes to the corporate environment in the country.
For instance, he said the Companies Act, which was
enacted in 1991, is currently being reviewed.
“35 years ago, the Guyana corporate sector was radically different than it is now; the regulatory framework that governed a 1991 commercial economy in Guyana can’t be the same framework to govern corporate Guyana in 2025,” the AG asserted.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had previously noted that the updated legislation will follow the CARICOM model very closely to produce a more modern legal framework to govern the corporate sector.
Meanwhile, Nandlall also spoke about the need to introduce measures to better protect minority shareholders.
“We are going to have minority shareholders’ rights being protected properly; we’re going to have the corporate veil being able to penetrate if there is fraudulent conduct; we have to create robust beneficial ownership-type provisions; we have to make the commercial
environment more sophisticated,” he added.
In 2024, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had spoken about the need for stronger legislation that will better protect shareholders in
public companies. During his press conference, Jagdeo had spoken about cases where small shareholders end up receiving the short end of the stick under certain circumstances. “We have to
start looking at public companies and how we protect small shareholders’ rights. Either through tougher provisions in the Companies Act or through the Securities Council. And I’m just throwing that out there today…
Sometimes small shareholders in public companies are being ripped off by unscrupulous management,” Jagdeo had expressed.
Meanwhile, during his programme on Tuesday, Nandlall also revealed that the stock exchange apparatus and framework will undergo review this term.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has already committed his Government to working with the private sector to modernise the stock exchange as part of broader efforts to reform Guyana’s financial sector. Part of this plan is also the creation of a junior stock exchange, which is specifically designed for smaller or emerging companies to raise capital, often under less stringent regulatory requirements than those of a main
or senior stock exchange.
There are only about 15 local companies with publicly listed shares. Some public companies with the stock exchange market are Banks DIH, Caribbean Containers, Citizen’s Bank, Demerara Bank, Demerara Distillers Ltd, Demerara Tobacco Company, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Guyana Stockfeeds In, JP Santos and Sons, Property Holdings Inc, Republic Bank Ltd, Rupununi Development Company Ltd and Sterling Products Limited.
Guyana has already made considerable progress in modernising the banking sector, with persons now able to open accounts online at four major commercial banks.
President Ali has committed that the Government will implement measures to encourage more citizens to open bank accounts, noting that “we have to be able in the shortest time frame to ensure every Guyanese have a bank account.”
Following the discovery of burnt materials in Wisroc, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) believed to belong to wanted man Jamal Bourne, who died after shooting himself during a live video on Sunday, one of six suspects taken into custody told detectives that Bourne's body was removed to nearby bushes and set on fire. This was confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Wednesday, while adding that the sus-
pect claimed Bourne had expressed fear for his life days before the incident and had instructed him to record a Tiktok Live video.
According to the suspect, Bourne shot himself shortly after the video was recorded. In a state of panic, the suspects reportedly transported Bourne's body to an isolated location, where they set it and other personal belongings on fire. The following day, they returned to the area and observed that the body had not been completely burned.
As a result, they disposed of the remaining body parts in a nearby creek. He added that during interrogation, the suspects gave a detailed account of the shooting incident and their involvement in attempting to get rid of the body.
Police, in a statement, related that ranks conducted an operation on Tuesday evening at Three Miles, Wisroc, Linden, as the probe in relation to a video circu-
During the exercise, a heap of burnt material was observed in close proximity to the wooden structure, thus prompting forensic experts to be deployed to the area to conduct further examinations. Police stated that six persons who were at the location at the time were arrested and taken to the McKenzie Police Station.
lating on social media involving wanted man Jamal Bourne, also called "Skinny."
However, acting on information received, ranks searched a wooden structure situated in dense vegetation, during which a black and silver Taurus pistol with its serial number filed off was found concealed under a mattress, along with six live rounds of .32 ammunition.
The persons in custody are two teenagers from Yarrowkabra, SoesdykeLinden Highway, and Bell West Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, respectively; a 20-year-old from Beaver Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown; a 20-year-old from Kaneville, East Bank Demerara; a 21-year-old female from Samatta Point, Grove, EBD; and a 26-yearold from Church Street, Georgetown.
Meanwhile, following the revelation, they were reportedly taken back to the scene on Wednesday as attempts to locate the body were underway.
The court was informed on Wednesday that Defence Attorneys intend to challenge the admissibility of alleged confession statements in the high-profile gas station bombing case, as concerns were also raised over several accused being unable to secure legal representation due to limited contact with their families.
The matter was called before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where disclosure issues and representation concerns dominated proceedings.
During the hearing, Magistrate McGusty disclosed that Attorney Mikel Puran of Ramsay Law, who represents 27-yearold Guyanese taxi driver Johnny Boodram, has formally indicated his intention to contest any confession statements the
prosecution intends to rely on.
The court granted the defence until January 28 to submit written legal arguments outlining the basis of the challenge. Once those submissions are filed, the court will determine whether the statements can be admitted into evidence.
Attention later shifted to the issue of legal representation for Venezuelan nationals, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, 33, identified by investigators as the principal suspect, and Alexander Bettancourt, 44.
Speaking through an interpreter, Bettancourt told the court that since being remanded to custody, he has had limited contact with his family, making it difficult for him to retain an attorney.
Poedemo echoed the concern, responding sim-
ply, “Yo también” (“Me too”), indicating that he too wishes to secure legal representation but has been unable to contact relatives who could assist in doing so.
The Magistrate acknowledged the issue and directed that arrangements be made to facilitate communication between the accused and their families.
A prison officer present in court informed Magistrate McGusty that welfare officers have been attempting to contact Bettancourt’s wife, though communication has been inconsistent. He assured the court that efforts would continue, with contact attempts being made at least twice weekly. In Poedemo’s case, the officer said attempts are ongoing to reach his mother.
More than three years after the fatal stabbing of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) enforcement officer
Dwayne Daniel Taitt, accused Rawle Lamaison appeared in the High Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.
Lamaison made the plea before Justice Gino Persaud at the Demerara High Court, having previously denied a charge of murder. With the guilty plea now entered and accepted, the court indicated that a full trial will no longer be required, as sentencing can proceed once an accused admits guilt to a charge recognised by law.
Justice Persaud set March 12, 2026, at 14:30h for sentencing. Ahead of that hearing, the court will receive a victim impact statement as well as a probation report detailing Lamaison’s background and circumstances, which will assist the Judge in determining an appropriate sentence.
The prosecution is being conducted by State Attorney M Tomika Lumumba, while Lamaison is represented by Attorney Dexter Smartt.
The charge arises from an incident that occurred in July 2021 at Lot 2 Middleton
Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, where Taitt lived with his reputed wife and their two-year-old daughter. At the time, Taitt was renting an apartment at the home of Lamaison’s mother, Jacklyn Lamaison.
Investigators have said the fatal confrontation followed a dispute over a notice to vacate the premises.
On the evening prior to the stabbing, at about 17:30h, the landlady reportedly informed Taitt and his family, in the presence of her
son, that they had until Wednesday, July 14, 2021, to leave the property.
Several hours later, shortly after 12:30h, Lamaison returned to the apartment and began banging on the door with a piece of wood, shouting demands for the family to move out immediately.
Police reports state that Taitt opened the door and saw Lamaison armed with a knife. Taitt ran out into the street opposite the apartment in an attempt to es-
The Ministry of Natural Resources has reported that one mining operation along the Essequibo River was found in breach of regulations following recent inspections aimed at enforcing the Guyana Mining Act and its accompanying regulations.
According to a statement from the Ministry, inspections were carried out by the Corps of Wardens on nine mining operations operating in the area. Of those inspected, one operation was cited for non-compliance.
The operation, located at J-199/000/10 and overseen by Jonathan Rodrigues, was found to be mining without
the required permission and within a designated buffer zone.
The Ministry said the General Manager of the operation was found in possession of one ounce and 13 pennyweights of gold. He was arrested and later appeared before the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty and was fined. The seized gold was lodged at the headquarters of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said the Government remains committed to enforcing the law within the mining sector. He noted that
illegal activities would not be tolerated, as they undermine national laws and threaten the country’s natural resources. The minister added that enforcement efforts will continue in keeping with the directive from President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to address non-compliant mining operations.
The Ministry stated that inspections will be intensified and that information on breaches will be made public. Mining operators were also reminded to conduct their activities within the confines of the law, as all offenders will be dealt with without fear or favour.
cape, but Lamaison pursued him and stabbed him in the chest before fleeing the scene with the weapon.
Taitt collapsed following the attack and was assisted by his reputed wife and a nearby security guard. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
A post-mortem examination later revealed a stab wound to the left upper chest, which proved fatal.
Police subsequently arrested Lamaison and recovered the knife believed to have been used in the attack. Statements were taken from witnesses, and Lamaison was later slapped with a murder charge.
Ganesh Lewis of St Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was on Wednesday sentenced to 18 years in prison for the attempted rape of a four-year-old child, following a High Court trial before Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court.
Lewis had faced two charges under the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03: rape of a child under 16 and attempted rape of a child under 16, contrary to Section 36(a) of the Act. The incident occurred in August 2022 in a shed annexed to his brother’s barbershop.
During the trial, the 44-year-old pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The jury later returned a not-guilty verdict on the rape charge but found him guilty on the alternative charge of attempted rape of a child under 16.
During sentencing, the prosecution, led by Christopher Belfield with assistance from Simran Gajraj and Geneva Wills, outlined several aggravating factors. These included the child’s vulnerability, the calculated nature of the offence, the prevalence of sexual offences against children in Guyana and the Caribbean, victim-blaming, Lewis’s lack of remorse, and the profound psychological impact on victims.
Belfield noted that Lewis was 43 at the time of the offence, while the victim was just four years old.
“He deliberately exploited the child’s tender age and extreme vulnerability,” Belfield told the court.
The prosecutor emphasised that Lewis had a close relationship with the victim’s family and was considered a trusted family friend.
“To the child, he was known as ‘Uncle Ganesh’, a position of trust that Lewis ultimately betrayed in the most vile and disrespectful manner. He violated not only the sanctity of the victim’s body but also the child’s psychological self and future,” Belfield said.
He further described Lewis’s conduct as “cold, deliberate predation” and stressed that the offence only remained incomplete
because Lewis was interrupted mid-act.
“The conduct was a settled sexual intention,” Belfield said, adding that Lewis’s defence, which attempted to shift blame onto the victim and the family, was consistent with behaviour often displayed by perpetrators of sexual offences.
“The impact of sexual offences on children is severe and long-lasting. This is an experience that will be etched in the victim’s mind forever, and all of these consequences flow from the actions of this convicted person, not from any exercise of free will by the victim,” Belfield told the court.
A statement from the now six-year-old victim was read aloud in court. The child recalled the close relationship once shared
with Lewis and expressed relief at the sentence.
“Ganesh was like a family to me. He used to come by us and hang out. I feel bad about what happened. I am happy that he has to go to jail because he did something bad to me,” the child said.
Mitigation
In plea of mitigation, attorney Ronald Bostwick outlined Lewis’s personal background, describing him as a quiet community member, a regular churchgoer, single, and without children. Bostwick noted that Lewis had dropped out of primary school due to economic hardship but had supported himself through work as a security guard and electrical repairer.
Addressing the offence, Bostwick said Lewis maintained that the witness’s statement to the police was mistaken and that he had no expression of remorse. He urged the court to consider a sentence that would allow for rehabilitation.
“I hope, Your Honour, you
can give this man a sentence that would allow him to receive rehabilitation in prison. He is not an old man; he can be rehabilitated,” Bostwick said.
A strong message must be sent
Acting Chief Justice Singh handed down a starting sentence of 20 years but adjusted it, deducting five years for a favourable probation report and adding three years due to the victim’s youth and Lewis’s lack of remorse. Lewis was ultimately sentenced to 18 years in prison, having never been on remand.
“A strong message must be sent, especially in Guyana, where sexual offences against children appear to be extraordinarily high. Paedophiles and child molesters will be dealt with severely by the courts,” Singh stated.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered that the Department of Social Services, or any suitable agency providing counselling, continue inter-
vention for the child until such support is deemed no longer necessary.
According to court records, a resident visiting the barbershop, which was closed at the time, observed Lewis in a shed with the child in a compromising position, with both their pants down. When confronted, Lewis left with the child. The child’s family immediately reported the incident, and Lewis was arrested on August 4, 2022.
Lewis claimed in his defence that he had been asleep at home and only approached the barbershop to lift the child off a stool after hearing noises. The prosecution rejected this account, arguing that the barbershop was not within earshot of his home.
Lewis was first charged on January 27, 2023, and following a preliminary inquiry, was committed to stand trial on September 21, 2024. He was represented by Bostwick, while the prosecution team was led by Gajraj, Belfield, and Wills.
Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place on Tuesday afternoon at Mara Mara Backdam, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) targeting a 32-year-old gold miner from Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara.
According to preliminary reports from Regional
Division Seven the victim was travelling from a mining pit to his camp with two colleagues on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when a lone, armed man emerged from nearby bushes and ordered them to dismount.
During the confrontation, the suspect fired a shot that struck one of the miner’s companions, a 62-year-
old Brazilian worker, on the left foot above the ankle. Two additional masked men, also armed with what appeared to be firearms, then joined the first suspect. The trio forced the miners to their camp, which was subsequently ransacked. Reports indicate that no valuables were taken during the raid.
The suspects fled the scene, taking the ATV with them, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
The injured Brazilian worker was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident or the stolen ATV to come forward.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is urging the public to assist in locating Jamal Park, also known as “Chucko”, who is wanted in connection with a rape offence. Park, born on October 7, 1998, was last known to reside at Lot 125 AA, Kingston, Corriverton, Berbice. Authorities have released his photograph and details in an effort to identify and apprehend him.
The police have asked anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact them immediately. Persons can call 225-6940, 225-8196, 2267476, 225-2317, 225-8196, 227-1149, 674-7167, or visit the nearest police station.
The GPF emphasised the seriousness of the matter and assured the public that all information provided would be treated confidentially.
The National Ramadan Village will be officially launched on Sunday, February 15, at the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) ground on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, where an expanded experience that includes more vendors, a children’s play park and enhanced tourism offerings aimed at attracting visitors locally, internationally and members of the Guyanese Diaspora will be available.
This village is being organised by the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), and the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) in collaboration with the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Tourism
Authority (GTA).
Following the immense success of the previous two years, organisers on Wednesday said that the 2026 edition has been significantly expanded, having more than 80 vendors occupying booths expected to participate. These booths will feature a wide range of halal cuisine, both local and international, clothing, Islamic literature, accessories, gift items and educational exhibits on Islam.
Head of Dawah and Education at CIOG, Shaikh Moeen ul-Hack, said the village continues to serve as a place of unity, learning and cultural exchange during the holy month of Ramadan.
“It is a space for unity
and reflection. In keeping with Guyana’s rich tradition of multi-faith participation, the National Ramadan Village, like the Christmas Village and the Diwali Mela, remains a space for both Muslims and non-Muslims. It offers a unique spiritual ambiance for families to gather, break [their] fast, pray and learn about the Islamic faith in a welcoming environment,” he said.
He noted that the event provides a unique opportunity for both Muslims and non-Muslims to experience the spirit of Ramadan, learn about fasting and Islamic values, and engage in a welcoming environment centred on empathy, self-development, and community.
It was announced by the organisers that several new attractions will be added to the village this year, including a large children’s park and the returning farmers’ market, where patrons can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers. Fresh cow’s milk will also be available.
The National Ramadan Village will be opened every Friday through Sunday from 16:00h to 22:00h and is expected to attract 30,000 visitors during the entire month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on February 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The official launch on February 15 will begin at 16:00h, with entrances available via Albert Street and Woolford
said the agency is working with tour operators to develop and promote Ramadanthemed tour packages locally and internationally, particularly targeting the
meats, and interactive experiences at the GTA booth throughout the village’s operation.
The director stated, “We have started to engage the tour operators who have started to create these packages and market them internationally in the diaspora and also here locally. So, we expect a lot of people to visit the Ramadan Village and also to visit masjids and to be part of the entire month of celebration for Ramadan.
The Guyana Tourism Authority will also have its own booth here. And as Niaz said, we will have some of the most accomplished chefs be a part of this programme, doing live cooking.”
Organisers have extended an open invitation to the
Avenue, Georgetown.
The Guyana Tourism Authority is once again partnering with the organisers, with a renewed focus on cultural tourism and international marketing. Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh,
Guyanese diaspora.
He explained that the tourism component will include an Islamic Heritage Tour, visits to masjids, live cooking demonstrations by accomplished chefs, master classes on traditional sweet-
entire public, emphasising that the National Ramadan Village remains a family-friendly, inclusive space welcoming Muslims and non-Muslims alike to experience faith, culture, and community during Ramadan.
Atechnical team from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Wednesday met with the Public Utilities and Aviation Minister, Deodat Indar, and senior management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to explore strategic areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening airport operations and enhancing service delivery. During the engagement, Indar emphasised that the modernisation of CJIA is a critical pillar of President
Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision for a “One Guyana” anchored in an efficient, result-driven Government.
“The President has been very clear: service must be our top priority,” Minister Indar said. “We are building an aviation hub that reflects a modern Guyana, and that requires a culture of excellence where every second counts for the travelling public. I am pleased to welcome IATA to Guyana and look forward to closer collaboration between the airlines and the airport to ensure our pas-
sengers receive world-class service.”
As part of the visit, IATA facilitated a specialised workshop for key airport personnel focused on service-level standards. The session highlighted international best practices and innovative approaches designed to place the passenger at the centre of airport operations.
Discussions also identified several areas for technical collaboration, including the deployment of digital solutions to streamline operational workflows.
These initiatives directly support the Government’s mandate to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce wait times, ensuring that CJIA’s infrastructure keeps pace with Guyana’s rapid economic expansion.
Following the Ministerial engagement and a guided tour of the airport’s facilities, Chief Executive Officer of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, underscored the airport’s strategic focus on transforming the passenger journey.
“I am pleased to collaborate with our airline
partners and IATA to ensure the passenger experience remains our absolute priority,” Ghir stated. “In keeping with the Government’s mandate for efficiency, we welcome IATA’s commitment to engaging its airline shareholders. Together, we are focused on a singular goal: reducing processing times and delivering a seamless and pleasant travel experience at CJIA.”
IATA’s Area Manager for the Caribbean, Annaleen Lord, described the engagement as time-
ly, noting that IATA is strategically expanding its technical support to assist Caribbean partners in meeting the evolving expectations of global travellers.
The visiting delegation also included Alejandro Pineda, Senior Manager of Consulting, and Jürgen Renner, Principal of Airport Consulting. Senior Advisor on Aviation attached to the Aviation and Public Utilities Ministry, Lenox Shuman, also participated in the discussions.
The Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) has confirmed a change in its leadership following its 27th Annual General Meeting held on January 20, 2026, with the presidency and chairmanship shifting from Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana.
Managing Director of Bounty Farms Ltd, David Fernandes, was appointed President and Chairman of the CPA’s Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term. He succeeds Hamant Mahabir of Master Mix Feeds, who completed his tenure as President.
The meeting also confirmed the slate of directors for 2026, selected under the CPA’s country allocation formula. The elected members are Peter De Freitas of Chickmont Foods (Barbados), Johnathon Hart of Pinnacle Feeds (Barbados), George Kornelsen of the Belize Poultry Association, who
will serve as Honorary Secretary, Christopher Levy of Jamaica Broilers Group, Matthew Lyn of CB Group (Jamaica), Julio Bhikarie of N V Veevoerfabriek (Suriname), Hamant Mahabir of Master Mix Feeds (Trinidad and Tobago), and Ronnie Mohammed of Nutrimix (Trinidad and Tobago). Dr Kieth Amiel of CB Group was appointed Honorary Treasurer.
The AGM opened with a tribute to Robin Phillips, a founding board member of the CPA from Arawak and Company Ltd in Trinidad and Tobago, who passed away in September 2025.
Members acknowledged his longstanding contribution to the development of the regional poultry industry and the association.
Uncertainty and disruptions
In his final address as President, Mahabir outlined several developments
that have affected the poultry sector across the Caribbean. He pointed to global and regional geopolitical tensions, which have contributed to uncertainty and disruptions within supply chains. He also highlighted the ongoing threat posed by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, noting the risks to poultry health, industry stability, and food security.
Mahabir further addressed the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive damage in western Jamaica, where the majority of layer farms are located. He said the event underscored the sector’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the need for improved resilience and coordination to manage both immediate recovery and longer-term climate risks.
Despite these challenges and continued competition from poultry imports from the United States
and Brazil, preliminary figures indicate that regional broiler meat production increased by four per cent. This follows growth of three per cent in 2024 and reflects ongoing investments by producers to expand capacity, adopt new technologies, and meet consumer demand for fresh poultry products. The performance over the past two years aligns with the CPA’s 2023 Strategic Plan, which targets an increase in regional production of 200,000 tonnes by 2045.
In his remarks, Fernandes thanked the outgoing President for his leadership and said he would focus on strengthening the CPA’s engagement with regional policymakers and other stakeholders. He noted that particular attention would be given to advancing industry standards, including standards governing poultry meat imports.
He also highlighted the outcomes of the CPA’s
technical events held in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica in 2024 and 2025, which improved collaboration among members, increased interaction with international poultry specialists, and drew attention to the role of small-scale producers. Upcoming initiatives will include targeted training programmes aimed at addressing production challenges and improving profitability for small farmers.
Development partners
The CPA is also preparing to launch a biosecurity guide for small-scale poultry producers during a webinar scheduled for March 2026, following the release of its heat stress management booklet. The association said it remains committed to addressing antimicrobial resistance within the industry.
Fernandes further announced plans for the CPA
to engage development partners to initiate a regional study on the socio-economic impact of the poultry industry, following encouragement from CARICOM Ministers of Agriculture. He said the research would support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen advocacy efforts as the association works to deliver its strategic plan.
Three men charged in connection with the seizure of more than 70 kilograms (kg) of cocaine appeared before the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where two were remanded to prison and one was granted bail. Devon Haynes and Narindra Singh were taken before Magistrate Alisha George and charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, namely 70.008 kg of cocaine. Both men pleaded not guilty to the charge. Bail was refused, and they were remanded to prison until February 20. In the same court, Mark Jainarine appeared to answer a charge of aiding in
the commission of trafficking the said 70.008 kg of cocaine. He also pleaded not guilty and was granted bail
in the sum of $600,000. His matter was likewise adjourned to February 20. The charges stem from
an operation conducted by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). According to CANU, several men were arrested on Sunday after its officers seized a large quantity of cocaine during an operation near Parika, East Bank Essequibo. CANU said the operation was carried out based on information received. Several parcels of cocaine were unearthed and seized, and the suspects, including one of Hispanic origin, were escorted to CANU Headquarters. The narcotics were later weighed and amounted to approximately 154 pounds.
Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud has moved to clarify widespread public confusion surrounding eligibility for public assistance, permanent disability support, and pension benefits, saying many Guyanese continue to misunderstand how the system is designed to operate.
Speaking with Guyana Times during an engagement on Wednesday, the Minister said public assistance is intended as temporary support, not a permanent income source.
She explained that two main categories exist under public assistance, economic and medical, and eligibility depends on an applicant’s specific circumstances.
Using medical cases as
an example, Persaud noted that persons receiving assistance for temporary conditions, such as injuries, are expected to transition off the programme once their health improves.
In contrast, she explained that individuals approved for permanent disability support remain on that register until they qualify for an old-age pension, at which point they transition directly into the pension system without submitting a new application.
She emphasised that permanent disability support is continuous, subject only to the annual renewal of documentation.
The Minister also addressed pension eligibility, stressing that residency remains a key requirement.
Applicants must be living in Guyana to qualify for state pension benefits, she said, noting that the rule is intended to ensure fairness and accountability in the system.
Persaud told Guyana Times that much of the confusion surrounding social assistance arises from misinformation circulating within communities, which often discourages eligible persons from applying or leads others to assume benefits are automatic.
She said improving public understanding of how the system works is a priority for the Ministry.
The Minister also encouraged persons receiving public assistance to view the programme as a bridge, not a destination.
She urged beneficiaries,
A25-year-old miner from the North Pakaraimas, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), appeared in court on Wednesday facing charges of raping a child under the age of 16.
The charge, laid under Section 10(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03, was read to the man during a virtual hearing before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court via Zoom. The accused was not required to enter a plea at this stage.
He was granted bail in the sum of $200,000, with strict conditions that he not interact or communicate
with the victim and that he report to the Mahdia Police Station on the last Friday of every month. The matter has been adjourned to January 29.
Just two weeks ago, a 29-year-old man from Corentyne, Region Six, was sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually assaulting a five-year-old boy.
Sanjay Peters, of Williamsburg, Corentyne, was found guilty of assaulting the child on two separate occasions in 2018. His conviction, delivered by a jury at the Berbice High Court in December 2025, came after a trial presided over by Justice Sandil Kissoon.
During sentencing, Senior Social Services Officer Judith Fulton highlighted a lack of community trust in Peters, particularly regarding the safety of children.
Justice Kissoon emphasised the seriousness of the offences, noting that abuse of trust and violence against minors would not be tolerated. He further stated that there were no mitigating factors and that Peters, who continues to deny the charges, is not fit to be part of society. The court also ordered that Peters participate in rehabilitation programmes while incarcerated.
Also appearing before the court on Wednesday were Venezuelan national Krystal LaCruz and Boodram. Attorney-atlaw Tifaine Rutherford, appearing on behalf of LaCruz, informed the court that the defence intends to submit statements on her behalf as part of the disclosure process.
With several matters still outstanding, including the filing of defence statements and the issue of legal representation, Magistrate McGusty adjourned the case to February 4.
The accused are among seven persons charged in connection with the October 26, 2025, bombing at the Mobil Service Station at the corner of Regent and King Streets, Georgetown. The explosion
claimed the life of six-yearold Soraya Bourne and left several other persons injured.
Poedemo faces a separate indictable charge of committing an act of terrorism, alleging that he used an explosive device at the fuel station with the intent to threaten Guyana’s sovereignty and security or to instil fear among the population. He was not required to plead to the charge.
Bettancourt, LaCruz, and Boodram are jointly charged with aiding and abetting Poedemo in carrying out the attack. The remaining accused, Jennifer Rodriguez, Wayne Correia, 44, and Ramesh Pramdeo, 51, are appearing in relation to the matter at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate
Alisha George.
Investigators have alleged that images of the explosive device were recovered from Poedemo’s mobile phone and later examined by specialists. Police have also relied on surveillance footage, which reportedly shows Poedemo and an accomplice arriving at the service station shortly before the blast, near an area where cooking gas cylinders were stored.
Following a nationwide manhunt, Poedemo was arrested at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo. Authorities have since linked him to a Venezuelan criminal gang and have indicated that the State intends to pursue the matter under Guyana’s anti-terrorism laws.
particularly women, to use the support period to access training and employment opportunities offered through Government programmes.
According to Persaud, economic independence remains the long-term goal of social support policies, and citizens must be empowered to move beyond dependence on state assistance.
“Public assistance is there to help persons when they are vulnerable, but it should also motivate them to prepare for a better future,” she told this publication.
The Minister said training and upskilling opportunities are available to all, regardless of whether a person is currently receiving assistance, and she encouraged beneficiaries to actively pursue those options.
Persaud also outlined the support available under the permanent disability programme, including access to mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers and other forms of assis-
tance tailored to individual needs.
She said the Ministry continues to work to expand access to these resources nationwide, particularly in rural and hinterland communities.
Residents, she noted, often raise questions about application procedures, documentation requirements, and processing times, and the Ministry remains committed to improving transparency and efficiency in
those areas.
Persaud said social support systems must balance compassion with accountability, ensuring that assistance reaches those who truly need it while encouraging long-term self-reliance. She reaffirmed that while Government remains committed to protecting the vulnerable, social assistance must also promote empowerment, independence, and dignity.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand met with the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) on Wednesday as part of ongoing engagements aiming to provide better service delivery and strengthen governance at a regional level.
The meeting brought together Regional Development Council (RDC) leadership and senior regional officers, including the Regional Health Officer (RHO) and the Regional Education Officer (REO), to discuss key developmental priorities, chal-
lenges being faced and expectations to improve the coordination between the central and regional authorities. Manickchand used this forum to listen to the concerns
of the residents, outline performance expectations and emphasise accountability in the delivery of services to residents of the region.
Human Services and Social Security
Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud on Wednesday led a wide-ranging outreach across Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) aimed at positioning women at the centre of the Government’s economic empowerment and skills-development agenda.
The Minister’s engagements took her to Corriverton, Albion, and New Amsterdam, where she met directly with women, jobseekers, educators, and community members as part of a coordinated Government service and employment outreach.
The visit focused on expanding women’s access to free training, job opportunities, and new income pathways, while bringing Ministry services directly into communities through on-site engagement and recruitment.
Central to the out-
reach was the promotion of Government-supported training and upskilling programmes designed to prepare women for partic-
ipation in emerging sectors of the economy, including the care economy, skilled trades, and community-based enterprises. The
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Earlier in the day, Manickchand also met with the members of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) from across the region, where she engaged with local Government representatives about the issues affecting their communities. That meeting focused on hearing the concerns of the NDC officials, gathering feedback and reinforcing the expectations of the central Government in the management and administration of the region. She was joined by the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr
Josh Kandai, and Principal Regional Development Officer Surendra Khayyam. Also in attendance were Regional Executive Officer Sadiek Ishmael, Regional Chairman Recardo Phillips, Vice Chairman Kleon Lindey, and other members of the RDC.
Minister encouraged women to view training not as an option, but as a necessary step toward long-term financial independence.
Women were urged to take advantage of programmes offered through the Women’s Innovation Investment Network, which provides free, hybrid training opportunities, as well as internationally recognised City and Guilds certification in areas such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, welding, and electrical installation. The training, she noted, opens doors not only to employment but also to entrepreneurship and community-based service delivery.
The outreach also highlighted the Government’s
economic strategy, including the development of the care economy and the orange economy, and the role women can play in those sectors through preparation, skills acquisition, and innovation.
As part of the Region Six tour, the Ministry hosted job fairs at multiple locations, including the Town Council Boardroom in Corriverton, the Albion Community Centre and the Ministry’s New Amsterdam office at Strand and Matthew Allen Road. Jobseekers were interviewed on the spot and encouraged to submit résumés and CVs for available positions.
Vacancies included probation and social service officers, data entry clerks,
and cleaners, with several applicants shortlisted to fill posts within the Region Six offices.
The Minister also had an engagement at the Ministry’s New Amsterdam office, where further discussions with women centred on training, employment readiness, and economic participation.
Speaking with this publication, Minister Persaud described the visit as productive and necessary, noting that meaningful policy must be matched by on-the-ground engagement. According to the Minister, empowering women through skills, employment, and access to opportunity remains a critical pillar of national development.
Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, has agreed to plead guilty to two federal charges, according to a plea agreement filed Wednesday in federal court, weeks before his trial was set to begin.
Roberts had served as the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools for over two years until his arrest by ICE agents during an immigration operation in September 2025. A loaded handgun was found in his vehicle during his detainment, and three other firearms were subsequently located in his residence, according to prosecutors.
Federal authorities said Roberts has not been authorized to work in the US since December 2020.
Following his arrest, a federal grand jury indicted Roberts on the charge of illegal alien in possession of a firearm. He was also charged with false statement for employment after claiming he was a US citizen on a US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Verification Form I-9 as part of his employment with the Des Moines Public Schools.
Roberts has agreed to plead guilty to both charges, according to the plea agreement. He faces a maximum potential sentence of 15 years on the weapons charge and five years on the false statements charge, according to the plea agreement.
The government notes in the plea agreement that it has agreed to make a recommendation to the sentencing judge that Roberts receive credit for acceptance of responsibility, but that the government has not made any promises to Roberts
about how the court will sentence him.
The government is not dropping any charges as part of the agreement, but has agreed not to pursue any additional federal charges against Roberts in the Southern District of Iowa related to the unlawful possession of firearms and false statements concerning his citizenship to Des Moines Public Schools, according to the filing.
The plea agreement noted that Roberts’ guilty plea may result in his removal from the US after serving his sentence and “may restrict” his ability to challenge removal from the US, since Roberts is not a US citizen.
A change of plea hearing for Roberts is set for Thursday afternoon in Des Moines. He will remain in custody to await the imposition of a sentence.
Roberts had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges following his indictment in October and a jury trial had been scheduled to begin in the case in March.
Last month, attorneys for Roberts noted in a court filing that the parties were continuing to work “in good faith
for a resolution.”
Roberts had held leadership positions in school districts across the US for some two decades before he started serving as the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools in July 2023. He resigned days following his arrest by ICE agents, after the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners said it revoked his administrator license and the Des Moines School Board voted unanimously to put him on unpaid administrative leave and provide proof that he is authorized to work in the US or face termination. He did not provide the board with that information, according to the board. The Des Moines School Board said it was not aware of Roberts’ immigration issues at the time of his hiring.
Roberts, a native of Guyana and former Olympian who competed in the 2000 Sydney Games, entered the US in 1999 on a student visa that expired in 2004, according to ICE. He has no work authorization in the US, and a judge issued a final order of removal in 2024, according to ICE. (ABC News)
The riverine community of Karrau in Lower Mazaruni Region Seven has embarked on a smart agriculture project that will diversify the village’s economy through the cultivation of high-value crops. With a $5 million investment from the Government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Karrau will soon have a shade house which will be used to cultivate peppers, celery, shallots and pak choi. It is part of the Village Council’s vision to promote smart agriculture in line with the Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
At present, work is progressing steadily, as planting boxes are being filled with soil and the water system is being installed. Plans are also in place to implement an automatic irrigation system, which will further enhance efficiency and water management.
In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday, Toshao Shane Cornelius explained that the project aims to diversify residents’ livelihoods, which are traditionally
dominated by mining and logging activities.
The Amerindian leader believes that with the shade house, farmers and youth can learn modern farming techniques, unlike the old methods that expose farmers to harsh sun and rain.
“This is a controlled way of farming,” he noted, stating that it should inspire more residents to venture into sustainable farming.
According to Toshao Cornelius, the Village Council is working closely with the National Agricultural Research
and Extension Institute (NAREI) to ensure the project meets technical and operational standards.
“We want it to be a model that even schools and different stakeholders in and around Karrau can come and witness. We are really excited about this project,” he told DPI.
Beyond food production, the agricultural undertaking will provide employment opportunities. When fully operational, two persons will be directly responsible for managing the shade house, and they will be support-
ed by Community Service Officers (CSOs) and pathway workers with ongoing operations and maintenance. During the early construction phases, about six residents had jobs. Karrau, like the more than 200 Amerindian communities, has benefitted from significant Government investments over the last five years. From the LCDS funds to capital projects under the various ministries, the Government has supported their development and will continue to do so in the next five years.
The University of the West Indies (UWI) has moved to position itself at the forefront of a global shift towards electric mobility (e-mobility), with the official opening Tuesday of an e-mobility laboratory at its Mona campus in Jamaica.
Aimed at advancing sustainable transportation across the Caribbean, the lab is designed to develop solutions that encourage the electrification of various modes of transportation in the region while supporting training, research and innovation.
“This lab will help us, in addition to other partnerships that we have with other entities, it will help us to have that additional handson experience here within our departments, but not just for students in our departments, but those from our faculty and the wider campus,” said Dr Louis Harris, senior lecturer in the Department of Physics at UWI, Mona, as he provided an overview of the facility.
Harris explained that the initiative extends beyond undergraduate training, with the university seeking partnerships outside its faculty and institution, noting that opportunities offered by the lab are expected to have far-reaching benefits for so-
ciety and advance Jamaica’s push towards carbon-free transportation.
The e-mobility lab was established through collaboration among the Department of Physics, the JPS Foundation and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUKN) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
The JPS Foundation, through its partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Lab under the eDrive programme, provided funding of US$75,000.
“With the UWI e-mobility lab, it is a natural extension of the vision behind project e-Drive, as it provides a dedicated space for experimentation, skill-building and collaboration, creating a home for the next generation of engineers, innovators and researchers who will shape Jamaica’s e-mobility transformation and beyond,” said Lisandra Rickards, senior private sector development consultant at IDB Lab.
Meanwhile, Professor Michael Taylor, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UWI, Mona, said the lab represents a significant step towards low-carbon and climate-resilient transportation in the Caribbean.
“Though we’re opening a lab, it’s not an isolated
From right: Damian Obiglio, chairman of JPS Foundation; Ambassador Professor Dale Webber, Special Envoy for Climate Change; Professor Densil Williams, Principal and ProVice Chancellor, The UWI, Mona and Dr Louis-Ray Harris, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI, Mona and co-lead on the implementation of NDCs capacity building initiatives in the Caribbean – transforming the transport and energy sectors towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future (NDC-TEC), GIZ observe an electric vehicle at the opening of the e-mobility lab at the university on Tuesday
event. It actually represents structured capacity-building across the entire regional science ecosystem, and that is what we need to support the transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient transport and energy systems in the Caribbean,” he said.
Professor Denzil Williams, principal and pro-vice-chancellor of UWI, Mona, said sustainable transportation remains one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, one that universities must help to address.
“One of the big challenges that we have in this very long 21st century is sustain-
able transportation and we think that, as a university, we must have answers to that part of the challenge as well,” Williams said.
“We are really grateful that, through the leadership of the Faculty of Science and Technology, one of the leading areas of science advocacy within the Caribbean region, we have partnered with GIZ (the German Agency for International Cooperation), JPS [Jamaica Public Service], and others to not only think through, but implement solutions that can help drive sustainable transportation,” he added.
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Jan Hendrik van Thiel, said the project reflects the strong partnership between Germany and UWI.
“This project is very close to our hearts, not only because of the politics, but also because of one of the partners I want to mention, UWI. For us, it is very important to have cooperation in academia and professional training. UWI has become an important partner, which is a fantastic example of the e-mobility lab,” he said.
He placed strong emphasis on the need for practical application alongside the-
ory, noting that while theoretical knowledge is important, combining it with hands-on experience deepens learning and strengthens understanding.
The UWI signed a grant agreement with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on July 15, 2023, enabling the university to implement activities under the programme – supporting the implementation of NDCs in the Caribbean, transforming the transport and energy sectors towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future (NDC-TEC).
Funding support of more than €1 million has been provided through the International Climate Initiative, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), now the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety in cooperation with GIZ. Since 2023, the university has executed several initiatives such as developing two university courses, delivering an e-mobility curriculum for teacher training and conducting introduction to electric vehicle (EV) technologies training in St Lucia, Belize, Jamaica and Suriname.
(Jamaica Observer)
Aman who was out on bail after being charged with four cases of rape, committed between 2023 and 2024, is now back in custody on another rape charge.
The Police on Wednesday reported that 25-year-old Ackiel Davis of Cornwall Barracks, Moore Town, Portland, was arrested on January 15 and charged on January 20 after he was pointed out in another rape case.
According to the Police, detectives assigned to the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch
(C-TOC) arrested Davis, who is believed to be a serial rapist involved in a string of sexual offences committed across multiple parishes between 2023 and 2026.
The most recent charges stem from an incident involving a 16-year-old girl.
It is alleged that the teenager submitted out of fear, during which time the suspect recorded sexual acts.
Investigations revealed that over the years Davis obtained explicit images and videos of females, including minors, and used these materials to blackmail them.
He reportedly threatened to leak the content on social media unless the victims complied with his sexual demands.
Davis is scheduled to appear in court on February 10 to answer to the previous matters, while a date is being finalised for the new charges.
Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor children’s digital footprints and educate them on the permanent risks of sharing sensitive content. Early reporting is critical to stopping serial predators. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Three weeks after being appointed a Magistrate, former prosecutor Oliver Thomas has died.
The 39-year-old died suddenly yesterday, a day after he dealt with a number of matters in the Criminal Court No. One of the District A Magistrates’ Court.
Thomas, who was admitted to the Bar in 2014 and joined the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions a year later, was a Principal State Counsel prior to his swearing in as a Magistrate on January 2.
Thomas, a Barbadian, was the grandson of the late Marcus Thomas, the first Police Commissioner of in-
dependent St Vincent and the Grenadines, while his father, the late Justice Errol Thomas, served as a High Court judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
Thomas also tutored in the Regional
Prime Minister (PM)
Kamla PersadBissessar says her Government is prepared to consider legislation to regulate social media use for children under the age of 12 years, as concerns grow about the risks young users face online.
However, any blanket ban on adults would amount to an unacceptable encroachment on freedom of speech and expression,” she wrote.
Security Systems Fisheries Prosecution and Interdiction Course and serves as a member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Barbados Boxing Association.
Thomas was married in June last year.
Citing ongoing security concerns, Royal Caribbean Group recently announced it will not make cruise stops at Labadee, its private beach resort destination, through the end of 2026. The decision further cuts off a major source of income for hundreds of residents in the northern coastal community near Cap-Haïtien, despite the region remaining largely untouched by gang violence common in other parts of the country.
According to the Board of Directors of the Communal Section (CASEC), roughly 1000 Labadie residents remain cut off from cruise-related jobs. Residents say the prolonged shutdown, which began in 2025, has deepened economic hardship in a community that depended heavily on cruise tourism.
The company had suspended visits in 2024, briefly resumed them early in April 2025, then paused again as violence intensified in Portau-Prince.
“After losing your job, if you don’t find another job, you suffer,” said Ulrique
Vérius, who once worked at Labadee Beach. The island of Labadie houses Labadee, the resort.
The coastal town’s economy revolves around the private cruise destination, which for years has provided steady income to hundreds of families. About 800 residents were employed directly by the cruise operation, while hundreds more earned income selling crafts, food and artwork to visitors, according to the CASEC. Others worked as servers, security guards and support staff.
Some residents are still
hoping Royal Caribbean will return sooner than expected. Others say the crisis shows the need for broader investment and local economic development so the community’s future is not tied to one company’s decision.
“I don’t like how they manage the area,” said Berly Santel, a Committee of Coordination of Labadie (CCL) presidential candidate for La Merenn. “They focus only on the cruises. When the cruises stop, the whole community suffers.” (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
Antigua and Barbuda health officials say the Ministry of Health issued a public statement on dengue fever to prevent misinformation from spreading, even though there has been no significant increase in cases.
speculation.”
Joseph said the Ministry did not want the public to assume information was being withheld.
Ministry of Health is from the management of infodemics,” Sealy said.
She said Antigua and Barbuda continues to monitor not only dengue fever but also other communicable diseases circulating in the region.
In a post on X on Tuesday night, responding to comments by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, Persad-Bissessar said concerns about protecting children online were “valid” but warned against measures which infringe on constitutional freedoms.
“Our children must be safeguarded from harm.
Persad-Bissessar said regulation of children’s access to social media would not be unprecedented, pointing to international efforts aimed at protecting minors in digital spaces. She warned social media exposes children to “harmful content, exploitation, bullying, harassment, pornography, paedophiles and manipulation”.
abuse and harassment, arguing, “Too many decent, private, law-abiding citizens lack the means to defend themselves against anonymous and faceless attackers.”
The PM stressed legislation cannot substitute for parental responsibility.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph said the Government felt it was necessary to respond after questions and speculation began circulating publicly, warning that silence could create unnecessary alarm.
“It’s a danger leaving a vacuum in the society when a question is raised,” Joseph said. “If it wasn’t answered, it would open the door for
“They would say, ‘Oh, the Government is not being transparent because there’s dengue out there and it doesn’t say anything,’” he said.
Chief Medical Officer
Dr Rhonda Sealy said the Ministry’s response was part of a broader effort to manage misinformation, particularly on social media, where unverified claims can spread quickly.
“One of the main reasons why information has to be disseminated from the
Joseph said the Ministry’s approach is to provide information early, even when case numbers remain low, to maintain public confidence and avoid unnecessary panic.
“There was no dengue,” he said. “But my fear was that if it wasn’t answered, it would open for speculation.” (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
T&T PM mulls regulating social media use for children under 12 Saint Lucia enters historic peak week with 47,000+ cruise visitors expected
She also raised the prospect of strengthening legal protections for private citizens subjected to online
“Technology cannot replace a parent’s guidance, values, and care,” she said, urging parents and guardians to closely monitor children’s online activity. “The strongest and most effective social media regulation begins at home, with responsible parenting and active engagement in your children’s lives.” (Trinidad Guardian)
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has confirmed that the island is currently experiencing one of its most significant cruise surges to date. Between January 18 and 25, 2026, a total of 23 cruise ships are scheduled to dock, bringing a wave of global travellers and a substantial economic boost to local communities.
Yesterday, January 21, marked a pivotal point in
the schedule. The island is hosting a massive fleet, headlined by the Iona, which alone carries over 6500 passengers; Enchanted Princess ( 660 capacity); Costa Fascinosa (3780 capacity); Norwegian Sky (2004 capacity); and the Wind Surf (310 capacity).
With over 16,000 potential visitors on the island today alone, local vendors, tour operators, and hospitality workers are seeing peak
demand for distinctive local experiences.
As per the released schedule, Saint Lucia will receive 23 ships during this week of the ongoing cruise season. The SLTA emphasised that this week is about more than just numbers. The goal is to encourage passengers to “venture into the communities”, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism reach beyond the pier. (St Lucia Times)
Oil prices closed 0.5 per cent higher on Wednesday on optimism around tighter supply after a temporary shutdown at two large fields in Kazakhstan, and a low volume of Venezuelan oil exports highlighted slow progress in reversing output cuts in the South American country.
Brent futures settled up 32 cents, or 0.5 per cent, to US$65.24 a barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate crude contract rose 26 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to US$60.62 a barrel.
Both contracts closed about 1.5 per cent higher in the previous session after Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Allies (OPEC+) producer Kazakhstan halted output at its Tengiz and Korolev oilfields on Sunday due to power distribution issues.
Elsewhere in the country, oil from the vast Kashagan field has been diverted to the domestic market for the first time due to bottlenecks at the Black Sea Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal, four industry sources told Reuters on Wednesday after equipment at the terminal was seriously damaged in drone attacks.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that the operator of the Tengiz oilfield (TCO) has declared force majeure on crude oil deliveries into the CPC pipeline system, citing a TCO letter. Oil production at the two Kazakh fields could be halted for another seven to 10 days, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing three industry sources. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Atrain driver has been killed and at least 37 persons injured, five seriously, after a commuter train derailed and crashed near Barcelona two days after a deadly two-train collision in southern Spain.
According to local officials, the Rodalies train collided with a retaining wall which fell onto the track between Gelida and Sant Sadurní.
Catalonia regional fire Inspector Claudi Gallardo said all the passengers had been removed from the train.
The incident occurred as heavy storms battered northeastern Spain, with coastal areas in the east and northwest of Spain on high
alert because of the weather.
Rail officials believe the wall collapsed as the train was passing shortly after 21:00h on Tuesday evening, striking the driver’s cab first and then causing considerable damage to the first carriage of the train, in which most of the injured passengers were travelling. The identity of the driver was not immediately clear, as three trainees had been with the driver when the accident happened. Firefighters said two of them were among those seriously injured.
Emergency services said they had evacuated some of the injured to nearby hospitals. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US President Donald Trump abruptly stepped back on Wednesday from threats to impose tariffs as leverage to seize Greenland, ruled out the use of force, and said a deal was in sight to end a dispute over the Danish territory that risked the deepest rupture in transatlantic relations in decades.
On a whirlwind trip to the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos,
Switzerland, Trump backed down from weeks of rhetoric that shook the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance and risked a new global trade war.
In its place, Trump said, would be a new deal that could satisfy his desire for a ”Golden Dome” missile defence system and access to critical minerals while blocking Russia and China’s ambitions in the Arctic.
“It’s a deal that every-
body’s very happy with,” Trump told reporters after emerging from a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. “It’s a long-term deal. It’s the ultimate long-term deal. It puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and to minerals.”
He added, ”It’s a deal that’s forever.”
Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the US
and NATO had ”formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” and that ”based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”
Denmark said the issue should be handled through private diplomacy rather than on social media.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
At least 11 Palestinians, including two children and three Journalists, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since dawn, with six others injured, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
Munir al-Bursh, DirectorGeneral of the Ministry, told Al Jazeera that the photoJournalists killed when their vehicle was struck on Wednesday worked for the Egyptian Committee for Gaza Relief, which supervises Egypt’s relief work in Gaza.
Anas Ghunaim, Abdul Ra’ouf Shaath and Mohammad Qeshta were documenting developments on the ground in central Gaza near the so-called Netzarim
roadside, smoke still rising from the wreckage.
Corridor when they were hit in an Israeli strike, colleagues and medical officials told Al Jazeera. A fourth person was also killed in the attack, an Al Jazeera team on the ground reported.
Video footage circulating online showed their charred, bombed-out vehicle by the
Mohammed Mansour, the committee’s spokesman, told The Associated Press news agency that the Journalists were filming a newly established displacement camp. He said the strike occurred about five kilometres from Israelicontrolled territory and that the vehicle was known to the Israeli military as belonging to the Egyptian committee. Israeli Army Radio, citing an Israeli security source, said that the Israeli Air Force had targeted a vehicle in central Gaza, claiming that its occupants were using a drone to collect intelligence on army forces. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
The faded outline of a hand on a cave wall in Indonesia may be the world’s oldest known rock art, according to archaeologists who say it was created at least 67,800 years ago.
The ancient hand stencil was discovered in a limestone cave popular with tourists on Muna Island, part of south eastern Sulawesi, where it had gone unnoticed between more recent paintings of animals and ot-
her figures.
Beyond providing a minimum age for the cave art, the work furthers thinking on how and when Australia first became settled, with the stencil most likely created by the ancestors of Indigenous Australians.
“There’s a lot of rock art out there, but it’s really difficult to date,” said Prof. Maxime Aubert, an archaeologist at Griffith University in Queensland.
“When you can date it, it opens up a completely different world. It’s an intimate window into the past and an intimate window into these people’s minds.”
The latest hand stencil was spotted at Liang Metanduno, a cave on Sulawesi’s south-eastern peninsula. Though faded and partially obscured by a more recent motif on the wall, it was ascribed a minimum age after the team
dated tiny calcite deposits that had formed over the top. The hand stencils were made by spraying mouthfuls of ochre mixed with water over a hand pressed to the cave wall. Like some others on Sulawesi, the Liang Metanduno stencil has narrow, pointy fingers, which the researchers believe was an intentional modification. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
The planet is entering an era of global ”water bankruptcy”, a United Nations research agency said in a new report, which warns that humans’ water use over the long term has exceeded the renewable water sources worldwide and, potentially, passed a point of no return.
”Bankruptcy” means the Earth’s water repositories, such as rivers, lakes and aquifers, are being depleted at faster rates than they can be restored, according to the report from researchers at the United Nations University’s Institute for
Water, Environment and Health.
”In many regions, human-water systems are already in a post-crisis state of failure,” the report’s authors wrote.
That failure, they say, is a result of decades of overstretching, in which ”societies have withdrawn more water than climate and hydrology can reliably provide” while environmental factors like pollution shrunk the amount of water that can be safely used by degrading its quality. The consequences are measurable, especially in deeply affected regions in
the Middle East and North Africa, parts of South Asia and the American Southwest.
There are dozens of major rivers that fail to reach the sea for parts of the year, and many river basins and aquifers have been ”overdrawing” their shares of water for at least the last five decades, according to the report. Half of the world’s large lakes have lost water since the early 1990s, a pattern of decline that impacts roughly 25 per cent of the global population. Researchers say increased demand for that water, as well as changing
inflows and rising temperatures, are largely to blame. While river basins also experience alterations in their typical flow, the wetland environments that scientists describe as traditional ”shock absorbers” for the water cycle are disappearing, too. More than 1 billion acres of natural wetlands have been erased over the last 50 years – an area that is roughly equal to the size of continental Europe – threatening the communities they normally help to protect from floods and drought. (Excerpt from CBS News)
Place more onus on how you handle domestic issues, personal documents, and late fees. Running an efficient household will help you achieve peace of mind and allow you to spend more time on your pastimes and with the people who bring you joy. Opportunity is within reach if you want to buy, sell, or initiate home improvements.
Leave nothing to chance. Catch up, finish what you start, and clear the way to greater freedom. It’s difficult to chase your dreams when unfinished business strangles your liberty to do so. Reach out for help, follow instructions, and put negativity behind you. Your expectations require time, effort, and discipline if you plan to move forward.
Overthinking and considering too many choices will cause confusion. One that requires helping others, or your desire to learn something that will help you fulfill your wishes. Refuse to let anyone use emotional blackmail to oust your dreams and replace them with their needs. Your best return will come from what you learn and how you use the information.
Make changes when no one’s looking. The less attention you draw, the easier it becomes to achieve your objective. Investments look promising, along with health, diet, and exercise programs. Sign contracts and make commitments that put your mind at ease and secure your future. Do what motivates you to look and feel your best.
Hold your ground, negotiate on your own behalf, and charm your way into situations and opportunities that allow you to use your skills, experience, and knowledge to push your way forward. Keep your resources guarded and your connections guessing. Positive change requires micromanaging your time, efficiency, and budget. Step up and lead the way.
A serious attitude, honesty, and a workable solution can help turn a negative in your life into a positive. Whether you’re having second thoughts about your future or your relationship with someone who doesn’t share your opinion, it’s best to take your time, consider all possibilities, and choose whatever supports your best interests.
Progress is attainable by taking moderate measures and simplifying your plans. You’ll capture more attention if you suggest how others can participate in your plans. Consider home improvements that help reduce your overhead or contribute to your income. Implement a lifestyle change that encourages better health, less worry, and struggle. Sharing expenses with someone special is favored.
Go over details, look for mistakes, and costs you can avoid. Be open to suggestions, investigate possibilities, and trust your instincts and ability to deliver what you promise. Social or work events are favored and will help you recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of others. Know your limits and stick to facts.
Take care of finances, deal with debt headon, and look for investments that help manage your financial life more efficiently. Refuse to let anyone take advantage of your kindness or desire to please. Someone will exaggerate or mislead you regarding the cost or what you can earn if you participate in something they are promoting. Proceed with caution.
Chase what makes you feel alive. Set a budget and live within your means. Speak on your behalf, and you’ll have a more substantial impact on how things turn out. If you do the work yourself, you’ll make a good impression that will impact who stands by your side. Pay attention to detail and budget.
Keep the momentum flowing if you want things to go your way. Turn your attention to how you handle your money and invest your time and skills. Don’t be reluctant to apply positive pressure on someone if it will help you get where you want to go. Incentives are a great way to grab attention.
Keep your intentions and motivations to yourself. Go out, socialize, and gather information that can help you put your plans in motion. A kind and generous attitude will make others feel comfortable sharing information. Travel, tradeshows, and educational pursuits will help you further your agenda. Someone you meet will help you make a positive lifestyle change.
Abhishek Sharma’s power-packed 84 off 35 balls at the top and Rinku Singh’s 44 not out off 20 towards the end set up India’s comprehensive 48run win over New Zealand in the first of the five-match T20 International (T20I) series. The victory margin would have been even bigger had India not dropped two straightforward catches and fluffed a run-out chance.
After New Zealand opted to bowl, India came out with an ultra-aggressive approach. Each of India’s top five batters opened their accounts with a boundary. But it was Abhishek who carried on for the longest and hurt New Zealand the most, hitting five fours and eight sixes during his stay. Rinku’s innings ensured India finished with a dew-proof total. In response, New Zealand lost their first two wickets with a solitary run on the board. Glenn Phillips kept their hopes alive with
his 78 off 40 balls, which included four fours and six sixes. But once he was dismissed, an India win was hardly in doubt.
The only worry for them would be Axar Patel’s injury. He walked off the field after hurting his index finger on his bowling hand while attempting to stop a shot from Phillips off his own bowling and didn’t return.
An action-packed power play
There was no shortage of action in the first six overs, with each side landing regular punches. Abhishek opened his account with a straight six off Jacob Duffy in the first over. Sanju Samson did so with a pulled four off Kyle Jamieson in the next. Three balls later, he pulled Jamieson for another four, but the bowler had his revenge on the next delivery when Samson flicked one tamely to short midwicket.
Ishan Kishan, playing his first T20I in over two years, marked his return with a first-ball four over the bowler’s head. But he lasted just five deliveries;
Duffy had him caught at extra cover with a slower ball. That reduced India to 27 for 2 in the third over. But Abhishek and Suryakumar Yadav kept attacking. Abhishek dealt in sixes, hitting four of those in the power play, while Suryakumar collected two overs and a six
a short ball. But just as it was looking like he was getting back to his best, Santner had him caught at long-on for 32 off 22.
Abhishek, though, showed no mercy. He launched Santner over deep square leg for his sixth six before hitting two more
to take India to 68 for 2 after six overs.
Abhishek’s carnage New Zealand introduced spin after the power play, which further played into Abhishek’s hands. After cutting Ish Sodhi for a four, he collected three more off Phillips’ successive balls. He reached his half-century off just 22 balls, the fastest for an India batter against New Zealand in T20Is, bettering KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma’s record by one ball.
Suryakumar too contributed with back-to-back fours off Sodhi, the first his trademark “Supla” shot over short fine leg and the second, and perhaps even better, a straight-bat drive through midwicket against
against Sodhi. He was looking for a third six of the over when he holed out to wide long-on.
New Zealand go slow; India don’t Hardik Pandya hung around for a bit, scoring 25 off 16 to take India into the death overs. But the New Zealand seamers used the slower ball to get rid of him and Shivam Dube and Axar on either side of him. With 13 balls left, Rinku had Arshdeep Singh for company, but he did not let India slow down. He got to face only one ball in the 19th over, but kept the strike in the 20th, hitting Daryl Mitchell for two fours and two sixes in a 21-run over.
New Zealand struggle to get going New Zealand did not have a great start, something you do not want when chasing 239. Arshdeep removed Devon Conway in the first over, with Samson taking a one-handed stunner to his left. Arshdeep has now dismissed Conway in all four T20Is they have been face-to-face.
From the other end, Pandya had Rachin Ravindra caught at first slip for one. Tim Robinson and Phillips took the side to 50 at the end of the power play, but Varun Chakravarthy pegged them back with Robinson’s wicket in the seventh.
India (20 ovs maximum)
Sanju Samson † c Ravindra
b Jamieson 10
Abhishek Sharma c Jamieson
b Sodhi 84
Ishan Kishan c Chapman
b Duffy 8
Suryakumar Yadav (c) c Robinson
b Santner 32
Hardik Pandya c Chapman
b Duffy 25
Shivam Dube c & b Jamieson 9
Rinku Singh not out 44
Axar Patel c Mitchell
b Clarke 5
Arshdeep Singh not out 6
Extras (lb 1, w 14) 15
Total 20 Ov (RR: 11.90) 238/7
Did not bat: Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Sanju Samson, 1.5 ov), 2-27 (Ishan Kishan, 2.5 ov), 3-126 (Suryakumar Yadav, 10.4 ov), 4-149 (Abhishek Sharma, 11.6 ov), 5-166 (Shivam Dube, 13.4 ov), 6-185 (Hardik Pandya, 15.4 ov), 7-209 (Axar Patel, 17.5 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Jacob Duffy 4-0-27-2
Kyle Jamieson 4-0-54-2
Kristian Clarke 4-0-40-1
Ish Sodhi 3-0-38-1
Glenn Phillips 1-0-20-0
Mitchell Santner 3-0-37-1
Daryl Mitchell 1-0-21-0
Phillips plays a lone hand By the end of the seventh over, the required rate had crossed 14. But Phillips did not give up. He hit two sixes each off Varun and Axar and brought up his fifty in 29 balls. He was equally severe on Dube, launching him over deep midwicket into the manual scoreboard for a 105-metre six. But when he attempted another big hit against Axar, he miscued and found long-on. New Zealand needed 108 from 6.3 overs at that time. Mark Chapman’s 39 off 24 and Mitchell’s 28 from 18 only reduced the margin of the defeat, which was still pretty heavy. (ESPNcricinfo)
New Zealand (T: 239 runs
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) one more day to confer with the Bangladesh Government and decide whether their team will travel to India to play the 2026 T20 World Cup. If Bangladesh stick to their refusal to play in India out of security concerns, the ICC Board has decided to replace them with Scotland – based on team rankings – in the tournament.
The decision was taken at an ICC Board meeting on Wednesday, where the majority of directors voted in favour of a replacement if Bangladesh did not budge. Of the 15 directors present, it is understood only Pakistan backed the BCB. The meeting was called after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wrote to the ICC and other boards on Tuesday, stating it supported the BCB’s position.
The board meeting was attended by the directors of all Full Members. Apart from the ICC Chair Jay Shah, the participants included BCB President Aminul Islam; Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia; Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva; PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi; Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman Mike Baird; Zimbabwe Cricket President Tavenga Mukuhlani; Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr Kishore Shallow; Cricket Ireland Chair Brian MacNeice; Cricket New Zealand representative Roger Twose; England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chair Richard Thompson; Cricket South Africa (CSA) representative Mohammed Moosajee
and Cricket Afghanistan Chairman Mirwais Ashraf.
Two Associate Member directors, Mubashshir Usmani and Mahinda Vallipuram, ICC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjog Gupta, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and ICC General Manager Gaurav Saxena were also in attendance. ICC AntiCorruption Unit (ACU) Head Andrew Ephgrave, who was in Dhaka last week to have in-person meetings with BCB to assuage the security concerns, was part of the meeting too.
“The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials and fans at any of the tournament venues in India,” the ICC said in a statement following the board meeting.
“The ICC Board noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC
events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body.
“The ICC management also engaged in a series of correspondences and meetings with the BCB in a bid to resolve the impasse, sharing detailed information on the event security plan, including layered federal and state law-enforcement support.”
The ICC’s decision follows weeks of uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup after the BCB, in coordination with the Bangladesh Government, wrote to the ICC on January 4 to state they would not be sending their team to India due to security concerns. They asked instead to play their games in Sri Lanka, the event cohosts. That move was in response to the BCCI instructing Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, though no specific reason was given for that directive.
Since then, the BCB and the Bangladesh Government have maintained that Bangladesh will not travel to India and want to play in Sri Lanka instead. During interactions with the ICC
last week, BCB had also requested if Bangladesh’s group could be swapped with a team like Ireland, which are playing all their group matches in Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected that request.
“Over the past several weeks, the ICC has engaged with the BCB in sustained and constructive dialogue, with the clear objective of enabling Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament,” the ICC said.
“During this period, the ICC has shared detailed inputs, including independent security assessments, comprehensive venue-level security
plans and formal assurances from the host authorities, all of which consistently concluded that there is no credible or verifiable threat to the safety or security of the Bangladesh team in India.
“Despite these efforts, the BCB maintained its position, repeatedly linking its participation in the tournament to a single, isolated and unrelated development concerning one of its players’ involvement in a domestic league. This linkage has no bearing on the tournament’s security framework or the conditions governing participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“The ICC’s venue and scheduling decisions are guided by objective threat assessments, host guarantees, and the tournament’s agreed terms of participation, which apply uniformly to all 20 competing nations. In the absence of any independent security findings that materially compromise the safety of the Bangladesh team, the ICC is unable to relocate fixtures. Doing so would carry significant logistical and scheduling consequences for other teams and fans worldwide and
Promising first appearance for Antigua Antigua participated in the NextGen course for the first time, arriving on the back of an impressive 2025 domestic season. Her rapid rise in officiating has earned her appointments in major national competitions such as the Super 16 Cup and the Women’s Development League, highlighting her growing influence within Guyanese football and the expanding role of women in officiating.
“Always wanted to give back” – CB1
would also create far-reaching precedent-related challenges that risk undermining the neutrality, fairness, and integrity of ICC governance.”
Bangladesh are in Group C at the T20 World Cup and are scheduled to play their first three games in Kolkata on February 7, 9 and 14 and the final one in Mumbai on February 17. (ESPNcricinfo)
FROM PAGE 23
Advancing Guyana’s refereeing standards
The successful completion of the course by both officials represents another positive milestone for Guyana’s refereeing programme and reinforces the country’s growing presence within regional officiating structures.
The GFF remains committed to investing in the development of referees at all levels through sustained training, education, and international exposure.
Thirteen bouts will electrify the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) this Saturday when the Caribbean Boxing Showdown, organised by the Caribbean Boxing Organisation (CBO) and Bris-O Promotions, takes centre stage.
As it leads up to D-day, several sponsors have thrown their support behind Saturday’s event, which will see a clash between Berbice’s Desmond Amsterdam and Linden’s Edmond DeClou being the headline bout.
One such supporter is Colin Benn’s CB1 Construction, and shared why he is in support of Saturday’s Pro/Am card.
“I was watching Bristol Promotions for quite a while, and I always want to give back, and I and Mr Bristol come from boyhood days. So, I see what he’s
doing, and I think Guyana, as a whole, needs to hon our our sons of the soil who are taking time to come back home and invest, and in order to encourage, I de cide that this is my role that I’m going to play, in terms of encouraging him and encouraging Guyana to support local promotion, whether it’s boxing, ath letics, football or cricket,” Benn told Guyana Times Sport
On the receiving end, CBO President Seon Bristol expressed his grati tude to sponsors, promising Caribbean-wide coverage.
Bristol expressed, “I want to give a lot of em Angel George.
Desmond Amsterdam (Guyana) v Edmond DeClou (Guyana) – six rounds
Quincy Gomes (Guyana) v Charles Cox (Barbados) – six rounds
Mitchell
v
(Suriname) v Tyreece Taitt (Barbados) – four rounds
Athird successive T20I half-century from Darwish Rasooli, an anchoring fifty from Sediqullah Atal and a maiden T20 International (T20I) hat-trick from Mujeeb Ur Rahman helped Afghanistan take an unassailable 2–0 lead over the West Indies in the threematch series.
Mujeeb grabbed four wickets in five deliveries spread across two different overs – and spells – to wreck West Indies’ pursuit of 190, and their downfall was swift
thereafter. They were eventually bowled out for 150.
Before Mujeeb’s 4 for 21, Rasooli and Atal enjoyed a 115-run third-wicket stand to hold Afghanistan’s batting innings together. A late cameo from Azmatullah Omarzai on a turning surface made the total even more daunting.
The win made it a hattrick of T20I series wins for Afghanistan. The two teams meet again today, Thursday for what will be Afghanistan’s final T20I before the T20 World Cup.
West Indies will seek a consolation win before their tour of South Africa.
Mujeeb runs through the West Indies
The West Indies’ chase started poorly. They lost newly-promoted opener Alick Athanaze to a direct hit in the third over, and they could score only 29 in the power play, squeezed by Fazalhaq Farooqi’s opening spell.
Mujeeb, who bowled two overs in the powerplay, then returned in the eighth and
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce that Guyanese match officials Sherwin Alli and Alliyah Antigua have successfully completed the fifth edition of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Next Generation Referee Course, hosted in St Kitts and Nevis from January 16 to January 18, 2026.
The three-day developmental programme brought together 24 match officials from 15 Member Associations and featured technical instruction, fitness assessments, and sessions on personal and professional development. The initiative forms part of the CFU’s ongoing commitment to raising the standard of refereeing across the Caribbean.
Continued growth for Alli
For Alli, 2026 marked his second appearance in the prestigious NextGen programme, further evidence of his steady progression as an emerging elite match official. His development has been reflected in high-level domestic appointments,
including matches in the Super 16 Cup and Elite League Season 7.
During the course, Alli received both the Peer Award and the Leadership Award, recognising his consistency, professionalism, and positive influence among fellow referees. Speaking on the experience, he noted the course’s strong technical components, including sessions on handball interpretations, penalty area incidents, challenges and tactical fouls, game management and fitness and professionalism.
Alli also highlighted the
importance of maintaining professionalism on and off the field, adding that participation allowed him to expand his international network in refereeing circles. Originating from Kamarang, Region Seven, he expressed pride and motivation in pursuing higher levels within the officiating pathway, including a future FIFA appointment.
The 2026 programme also honoured the late Guyanese referee Maurees Skeete, with a one-minute moment of silence observed during the course.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
went around the wicket to skid one straight through and hit Number
Three Evin Lewis’ pad before he could bring out a shot.
When righthander Johnson Charles walked in next, Mujeeb came over the stumps and got a delivery to drift in beautifully from outside off and through the gate to peg back off stump as the batter drove away from his body. The West Indies were 38 for 3.
But they were not going down without a fight, and Shimron Hetmyer’s assault on Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad kept West Indies in the game. Hetmyer
play, and Rasooli ensured there were no stutters by taking the aggressive route with his square cuts, drives through the off side and flat-batted shots down the ground.
Helped by let-offs from the West Indies fielders, Rasooli reached his fifty in 22 balls – his third in a row for Afghanistan – while
pumped six sixes in a 17ball 46. Farooqi, however, dismissed him in the 14th over, and Rashid brought Mujeeb back for his third, with West Indies needing 68 runs in five overs.
Mujeeb kept his length back, and with the West Indies desperate for big shots, Brandon King (50) came down the track and miscued the hat-trick ball down to long on. Mujeeb wheeled away in celebration, having become the third Afghanistan bowler to achieve the feat after Rashid and Karim Janat. Two balls later, T20I newbie Quentin Sampson failed to put bat on a googly, and Mujeeb had his fourth.
The lower order offered little resistance, as West Indies lost their last five wickets for 27 runs.
Rasooli doubles down in Atal’s company
On Monday, Rasooli had smashed 84 in a 162-run stand with Ibrahim Zadran to set up Afghanistan’s series-opening win, and on Wednesday he combined just as effectively with Atal.
As in the first game, Afghanistan lost both openers inside the power -
Afghanistan (20 ovs maximum)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz † c Pierre
b Joseph 1
Ibrahim Zadran b Forde 22
Sediqullah Atal c Sampson
b Forde 53
Darwish Rasooli c Athanaze
b Simmonds 68
Azmatullah Omarzai not out 26
Mohammad Nabi not out 7
Extras (b 1, lb 6, w 5) 12
Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.45) 189/4
Did not bat: Gulbadin
Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fall of wickets: 1-9
(Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1.2 ov), 2-37 (Ibrahim Zadran, 4.5 ov), 3-152 (Sediqullah Atal, 16.4 ov), 4-155 (Darwish Rasooli, 17.2 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Matthew Forde 4-0-25-2
Shamar Joseph 4-0-35-1
Ramon Simmonds 4-0-39-1
Khary Pierre 4-0-29-0
Gudakesh Motie 4-0-54-0
West Indies (T: 190 runs from 20 ovs)
Brandon King (c) c Darwish Rasooli b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 50 Alick Athanaze run out (Ibrahim Zadran) 8
Evin Lewis lbw b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 13
Johnson Charles †
b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 0 Shimron Hetmyer c Ibrahim Zadran b Fazalhaq Farooqi 46 Quentin Sampson b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2
Matthew Forde c Mohammad Nabi b Rashid Khan 6 Gudakesh Motie not out 9
Khary Pierre c Darwish Rasooli b Azmatullah Omarzai 11
Shamar Joseph c Rashid Khan b Azmatullah Omarzai 0 Ramon Simmonds c Ibrahim Zadran b Fazalhaq Farooqi 1
Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4
Total 18.5 Ov (RR: 7.96) 150
Fall of wickets:
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), on Wednesday morning, revealed a 21-member National Under-17 Girls squad that will represent Guyana at the upcoming CONCACAF Under-17 Qualifiers. The qualifiers are scheduled for January 24 to February 2, 2026, spread across four host countries.
Guyana have been drawn in Group D for Round One of the qualifiers alongside Honduras, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and group hosts Aruba.
As the team polish off their preparations at home, ahead of their first match this weekend, the GFF took the
opportunity to disclose the team that include: Goalkeepers: Jasmine Solomon-Ross, Alexis Mars, and Sara Ernest; Defenders: Aliyah John, Ella Yhip, Kuleni Springer, Lily Biffin, Avril Pasvolsky, Laila Ross, Laila So, and Caraleena Elliston; Midfielders: Kimora Edwards, Sydney Glean, Arianna Chin, Carissa Lombardi, Ellie Biffin, and Ayah Stewart; and Forwards: Alexaudria Chasles, Tanya De Vair, Anaya Joseph, and Eleanna Isaacs.
The format of this year’s U17 Girls’ Qualifiers will see 29 teams competing in six groups for a chance to move on
to Round Two. After round-robin play, the six group winners, in addition to the two best second-placed teams, will advance to the final round.
There, they will meet CONCACAF’s top-ranked teams, namely, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States (who received byes to this round) for another bout of group play.
The Junior Lady Jags’ first outing will come against Jamaica on Sunday, January 25, followed by a clash against Aruba on Thursday, January 29, both at the Stadion Guillermo Prospero Trinidad in Oranjestad, Aruba.
Guyana was slated to be among the competing nations when the eFIBA Season Four South American qualifiers tipped off on January 21, marking another significant step in the country’s growing footprint in international e-sports basketball.
The tournament, which is being contested on NBA 2K26, brings together national teams from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana and Venezuela, placing Guyana on a competitive regional digital stage sanctioned by FIBA.
According to FIBA, eFIBA Season Four continues to expand the global reach of virtual basketball, blending national team pride with elite-level gaming as countries vie for advancement from regional qualifiers to the world stage.
The winning team from the South American regional competition will earn the right to advance to Qatar, where global supremacy will be on the line.
Guyana’s challenge will be led by a seven-member roster of local e-sports athletes, with Captain Jether Harris being joined by Craig Harlequin, Roshan Washington, Treston Burnett, Akeem Morrison, Tyrees Arthur and Hurton Rodney.
The team will compete under the banner of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), with preparations focused on both technical gameplay and the stability required for high-level online competition.
A key boost to Guyana’s participation comes through support from the country’s leading Internet and communications provider, One Communications, which has provided high-speed fibre connectivity to support seamless training and competition.
The initiative is powered by One Fibre, ensuring low latency, stability and uninter-
rupted online play, critical elements in modern e-sports where performance depends as much on connectivity as it does on skill.
One Communications’ Chief Executive Officer Abraham Smith underscored the wider national relevance of the initiative, stating, “President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has consistently highlighted the importance of the Orange Economy as a driver of diversification, innovation and youth empowerment in Guyana. E-sports is a powerful example of that vision in action, where creativity, technology and talent come together to create real opportunities for young people.”
“These athletes are not just playing a game; they are building digital skills, careers and global exposure through online platforms. At One Communications, we are proud to support this movement by providing the reliable connectivity that allows Guyana’s talent to compete regionally and
internationally, including on the road to Qatar,” Smith said.
He further emphasised the broader reach of the company’s investment, noting, “At One Communications, we don’t just connect devices; we connect lifestyles. Whether you’re a gamer, student, entrepreneur or family at home, our network is built to support how people live, work and play every day. Supporting e-sports is a natural extension of our mission to empower modern digital lifestyles across Guyana.”
Smith met with the team at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, where they presented the One Communications CEO with a team jersey, just before their practice run, thanks to the company’s One Fibre.
Meanwhile, Jasmin Harris, Public Relations Manager at One Communications, described the partnership as an investment in the future of sport and youth development.
Harris highlighted, “Connectivity today shapes how people learn, compete, create and entertain. By supporting the Guyana Basketball Association’s e-sports team, we are investing in youth development, digital inclusion and the future of sport. This partnership demonstrates how One Communications supports the evolving lifestyles of Guyanese, where technology and talent intersect on both local and global stages.”
Jether Harris, the team’s Captain, who would’ve also represented Guyana at youth regional basketball tournaments, highlighted the everyday importance of reliable connectivity.
According to the local e-basketball team Captain, “E-sports is not just a game for us; it’s part of how we live, train and compete. Having reliable fibre connectivity from One Communications means we can play without lag, stay connected with international competitors and push ourselves to perform our best. This support fits perfectly into our lifestyle, where gaming, technology and ambition come together.”
As eFIBA Season Four gets underway, Guyana’s participation signals a convergence of sport, technology and national development, with local talent now poised to test itself against the region’s best on the virtual hardwood.