Guyana Times - Thursday, March 19, 2026

Guyana foresees rising global demand for carbon credits in

“Chico” gets life sentence for murder of Berbice businessman during robbery

Essequibo labourer accused of rape gets $750K bail

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, March 19 –16:55h–18:25h and Friday, March 20 – 05:00h–06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny skies with occasional light showers are expected to give way to late-afternoon sunshine, followed by cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 17:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.86 metres.

Low Tide: 10:40h and 22:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.35 metre and 0.39 metre.

Guyana foresees rising global demand for carbon

credits in next 2 years … as “green economy” delivers billions to treasury

With Guyana having already sold its accredited forest carbon to nearly two dozen international airlines, the Government is anticipating this number to grow over the next 18 months as companies gear up to fulfil their commitments under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) mechanism.

Back in 2024, Guyana was issued 7.14 million carbon credits under Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), an international programme that incentivizes forest conservation to fight climate change. The credits were issued through the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), using the TREES (The REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard) framework – the only set of carbon credits certified to be used by airlines to meet their carbon emission targets for the 2024–2026 period under CORSIA, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) global emissions reduction programme.

Over the last 18 months, Guyana has sold these high-quality credits to at least 19 airlines through a partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

According to Senior Director for Climate at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Pradeepa Bholanath, this figure is expected to increase within the next two years, especially since Guyana received another tranche of over nine million CORSIA-eligible credits in February to put on the market.

“We have seen sales to over 19 airlines at prices that have gone beyond the levels that we have sold our carbon credits for under our existing agreements. So, [the credits are being sold] at higher prices and at an accelerated momentum”, Bholanath stated.

She made these remarks during an appearance on President Irfaan Ali’s “Tea on the Terrace” programme, during which she added that “...this kind of development I see just accelerating in the coming year and a half, as the airlines seek to meet their commitments over the next 18 months, as committed to under the UN umbrella, under which they have made their emissions reduction targets.”

According to Bholanath, who is also leading the implementation of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, Guyana has demonstrated its innovativeness and bold action by solidly cementing its place in the global Private Sector segment of the carbon credits market.

In fact, Guyana’s credits remain the only CORSIAeligible credits available on the market for airlines, which are currently under CORSIA.

Airlines must purchase Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) to offset any emissions exceeding 85 per cent of their 2019 baseline.

While from 2021 to 2026 this is a voluntary programme, it will become mandatory from 2027 onwards when all international flights will be subject to offsetting requirements, with the exception of small islands and least developed nations.

Climate revenues

In its 2024 IATA deal, Guyana sold its carbon credits for US$21.70/tonne. But according to international reports, recent market modelling projects that CORSIA carbon credit prices will likely reach US$25 to US$36 per EEU by 2027.

Meanwhile, in addition to the CORSIA-eligible credits, Guyana was also the first country in the world to be issued some 33.4 million tonnes of ART TREES-certified carbon credits in December 2022 – the first jurisdictional-scale programme in the world.

Days later, the country entered into a historic US$750 million multi-year deal with United States-based energy major Hess Corporation for the sale of over 30 million carbon credits until 2030. Guyana has also sold its high-quality carbon credits to US technology giant Apple Inc.

According to Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who was also on the President’s programme, these transactions significantly add to the national purse.

“The fact that we are mobilising revenue from climate services puts us in an almost unique position. And climate revenues are now a significant source of revenue to the Treasury. So, in addition to oil revenue, which we are obviously earning, [and] traditional tax revenue, which we’ve been earning, we now have a significant flow of climate revenue coming into the budget,” Dr Singh stated.

In fact, during his presentation of Budget 2026, the

Finance Minister had projected that the carbon credit inflows would amount to $49.7 billion for this year. These revenues go towards financing major climate resilience projects across Guyana, such as replicas of the Hope Canal Project in Regions Three, Five and Six, while a portion of the US$750 million Hess deal is being directly injected into Amerindian communities to drive economic development.

To date, more than $14.4 billion has been channelled into Amerindian villages since 2023, of which $4.8 billion was disbursed in 2025 to fund initiatives in the areas of tourism and agriculture, among others.

With a tropical forest that takes up 86 per cent of its landmass, Guyana has the second-highest percentage forest cover on earth and one of the lowest deforestation rates. The forest stores 19.5 gigatons of carbon and sequesters more than 153 million tonnes annually.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Digital training & Disciplined Services

Efforts to strengthen digital capacity among Disciplined Services ranks reflect a recognition that modern security institutions must evolve beyond traditional training models and embrace continuous learning as a cornerstone of professional development.

The introduction of structured digital training for information and communication technology support officers signals an important shift toward institutional readiness in a technologydriven era. Law enforcement, defence, and emergency response agencies increasingly operate in environments where digital literacy is not optional but essential. From intelligence gathering to administrative efficiency, the integration of technology has become inseparable from operational effectiveness. Building internal capacity to navigate digital platforms ensures that these institutions remain relevant and responsive to contemporary demands.

Significant also is the emphasis on decentralising access to education, as historically, opportunities for academic advancement within the Disciplined Services have often been constrained by geography, scheduling, and resource limitations. Ranks stationed in hinterland or remote regions have faced particular challenges in accessing structured learning programmes. A digital platform, supported by trained personnel, offers a practical solution to these longstanding barriers. It allows for greater inclusivity, ensuring that professional growth is not determined by location but by initiative and engagement.

The decision to train ICT support officers as facilitators of this transition is necessary. Technology adoption within large institutions frequently falters not because of a lack of resources but due to insufficient support systems. By equipping designated officers with the skills to guide their colleagues, troubleshoot challenges, and promote platform usage, the initiative addresses one of the most critical gaps in digital transformation: sustained, on-the-ground support. This approach enhances the likelihood of long-term success and institutional buy-in.

Moreover, the focus on education within the Disciplined Services brings into line an understanding of security that extends beyond physical enforcement. A well-educated workforce is better positioned to engage with complex social issues, exercise sound judgement, and adapt to evolving threats. Education nurtures critical thinking, ethical awareness, and improved communication qualities that are indispensable in maintaining public trust and delivering effective service.

As economies and societies become increasingly knowledgebased, the value of continuous learning cannot be overstated. Providing structured pathways for academic advancement within the Disciplined Services not only enhances individual career prospects but also contributes to institutional resilience. Personnel who are equipped with updated knowledge and skills are better prepared to navigate change, implement new policies, and contribute to innovation within their respective agencies.

Importantly, this effort underscores the role of digital education as a tool for national development. Investments in human capital yield dividends that extend far beyond individual institutions. A more skilled and educated workforce strengthens governance, improves service delivery, and supports economic growth. By integrating the Disciplined Services into this national framework, the initiative reinforces the principle that development must be inclusive and comprehensive.

Continuous monitoring, feedback mechanisms, and system upgrades will be necessary to ensure that the platform remains relevant and user-friendly. Additionally, fostering a culture that values education within the Disciplined Services will be critical. Encouraging participation, recognising achievement, and integrating learning into career progression structures can help to embed this initiative into the institutional fabric.

Consideration must also be given to infrastructure and connectivity challenges, particularly in remote areas. Reliable Internet access and adequate technological resources are prerequisites for the effective utilisation of digital platforms.

The integration of digital education into the Disciplined Services is an investment in the nation’s future. By bridging the gap between technology and learning, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more capable, adaptable, and professional workforce. It signals a commitment to modernisation that recognises education as a key driver of both institutional excellence and national progress.

to explore opportunities for collaboration and future

A troubling absence of leadership

Dear Editor,

The persistent reaction of the Opposition in Guyana whenever issues of squatting arise exposes a troubling absence of leadership and honesty.

Instead of providing guidance and education to their constituencies, Opposition figures are quick to assign blame to the Government for every displacement that occurs, even when those situations arise from individuals occupying privately owned lands illegally.

Squatting, by law, is illegal in Guyana. This is not a new or ambiguous principle; it is clearly established within the legal framework that protects property rights and orderly development in a civilised society.

At the same time, it must be acknowledged that the Government of Guyana has implemented one of the most aggressive and expansive housing programmes in the country’s history.

Thousands of house lots have been allocated, new housing schemes are being developed, and infrastructure – roads, electricity, and water – is being expanded continuously to accommodate growing demand. The programme is specifically designed to provide legal pathways for citizens to become landowners and homeowners, allowing families to build wealth, security, and stability through legitimate means.

Despite these efforts, there remains a tendency by some political actors to exploit humanitarian concerns surrounding squatting for cheap political mileage. When individuals are removed from lands that belong to private citizens, the narrative is immediately twisted to suggest Government neglect or hostility. This is misleading. The rule of law must apply equally, and the rights of lawful property owners must be respected.

A responsible Opposition

would help educate the public on these realities rather than encouraging the dangerous belief that occupying land illegally entitles someone to permanent ownership.

It is also important to confront a reality that is often ignored in these debates. Not every case of squatting involves persons in the most desperate circumstances. There are numerous instances where individuals have constructed substantial concrete or even double-storey homes on lands that they know do not belong to them.

Such actions are not merely acts of survival; they represent deliberate decisions that disregard the rights of others and the laws governing property ownership.

None of this means that compassion should be absent.

From a humanitarian perspective, Government intervention is often necessary to prevent families from falling into crisis when disputes over land arise. However, compas-

sion cannot be allowed to undermine the principles of responsibility, legality, and order that sustain a functioning society.

Citizens must recognise that development requires discipline, respect for the law, and responsible decision-making. Ultimately, leadership requires more than criticism. It requires educating people about their rights, their responsibilities, and the opportunities available to them.

Guyanese deserve political leaders who will encourage lawful pathways to homeownership and upward mobility, not those who exploit hardship and confusion for political gain. A mature society must balance compassion with accountability, ensuring that while the vulnerable are protected, the rule of law and respect for property rights remain firmly upheld.

Yours sincerely, Jennifer Westford

Filling the gaps in national development

Dear Editor,

There are several videos showing the good work that the Ministers are doing within the communities through community discussions. In some cases, there is a predetermined idea of which improvements are needed, and in others, it is an interaction that seeks input from the community prior to formulating a solution.

Both approaches can be helpful, but a hybrid approach is usually best, as planning should be a continual process.

The Government, through its planning teams

in the various ministries, should use an annual process that ensures an opportunity for local communities to provide input on their needs and priorities via the local Government structure. This should then roll up into the annual long-term planning process, with confirmation sought within the communities before finalisation.

This approach allows political manifestos to become living documents that can adjust for major changes in the critical needs of our citizens.

The process of cascading the overarching priorities

of the nation will also ensure that local priorities are aligned with national priorities while ensuring that national priorities do not neglect any important aspects of development that can negatively affect the general population.

Prior research on the preferred approach to problem resolution should be conducted and presented to the communities for final agreement and acceptance. This ensures that the community’s support for the solution being provided for their needs is embraced and fully supported, helping to

prevent the future destruction of these improvements. These are some of the fundamental best practices for developing and implementing key strategic initiatives at the local, regional, and national levels. CRG recommends that the current administration pursue such a structured approach to the country’s development, thus ensuring no community is left behind and their most important needs are met in a timely and effective manner.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Illness, holiday observances & overlapping court schedules further delay Mohameds’ extradition proceedings

– Prosecution accuses defence of employing tactics to further delay proceedings

Further delay stalled the extradition proceedings against businessmen the father-andson on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, with issues ranging from illness, Muslim holidays, and conflicting court commitments.

Despite the setbacks, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman allowed the case to proceed in part with the cross-examination of the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, who has been on the stand for more than two months.

The Mohameds’ attorneys, Siand Dhurjon and Damien DaSilva, were absent from the proceedings. Dhurjon reported sick while DaSilva was dealing with family matters which may see him off the defence team.

Nazar Mohamed, who will more than likely be left without one of his attorneys, told the court he was uncertain how to proceed. However, Magistrate Latchman noted that his direct participation at this stage was minimal, as another attorney, Roysdale Forde, continued to lead the cross-examination.

Latchman, however, added that Dhurjon’s presence would be necessary when rulings are to be delivered.

The proceedings were further complicated by a mix-up over scheduling. The court had previously agreed not to sit on Friday due to Forde’s prior engagements at the Court of Appeal.

However, it later emerged that those commitments were actually for Thursday. At the same time, the defence had indicated that Thursday would be observed as a Muslim holiday, a position disputed in court before it was clarified that the observance would instead fall on Friday.

Amid these disruptions, cross-examination of Roopchand-Edwards continued, focusing heavily on diplomatic correspondence between Guyana and the United States following the October 2025 extradition request.

During the afternoon session, the court was presented with a key diplomatic response, Note 458, from the United States, which was tendered into evidence.

Under questioning by Forde, Roopchand-Edwards confirmed that the US had provided assurances that the Mohameds would not be extradited to any third country without the consent of the Government of Guyana.

“Yes,” she told the court when asked to verify the contents of the document.

The exchange formed part of a broader examination into Note Verbale 1680 of 2025, through which Guyana had formally requested assurances under Article Seven of the extradition treaty, invoking the principle of speciality.

Roopchand-Edwards maintained that the US response directly addressed Guyana’s concerns. “458 is the assurance for 1680 of 2025”, she stated. However, the defence pressed the issue further, arguing that there is a distinction between “assurances” and “undertakings”. The PS disagreed, stating, “In my mind, undertakings and assurances are the same.”

The court also heard that Roopchand-Edwards did not conduct any independent assessment of how the treaty provisions are applied by the United States, nor was she aware of any such evaluation within the Ministry. “I didn’t do any assessments,” she admitted.

She further confirmed that upon receiving the extradition documents in October 2025, she did not refer them to a legal officer for review but instead forwarded them to the Minister of Home Affairs. The request for assurances, she explained, was sent to the US Embassy both electronically and by hand, based on advice from the Ministry’s legal department.

Earlier in the day, outside the courtroom, prosecutor Glen Hanoman sharply criticised the repeated disruptions and accused the defence of employing tactics designed to delay the proceedings.

“The content of two diplomatic notes. One of the diplomatic notes was a request from the Government of Guyana to the United States Government for as-

surances as a precaution against re-extradition… and of course there was a diplomatic note from the United States embassy… they were given an assurance for the Mohameds that they were not going to be extradited to a third country or for any other offence,” Hanoman told reporters.

He added that the diplomatic exchange was intended to benefit the accused.

“These diplomatic notes were clearly an attempt by the Government of Guyana to protect the Mohameds

from re-extradition.”

Hanoman argued that it was therefore difficult to understand any objection to the documents. “So, it’s hard to imagine that this is a document that the defence can have any complaints about, or the Mohameds.”

Turning to the pace of the proceedings, the prosecutor accused the defence of deliberately stalling the matter.

“I think it’s clear for everyone to see that this is their strategy. Every single manoeuvre that they make

is to affect this purpose,” he said.

He pointed out that multiple applications to stay the proceedings had already been dismissed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as by the Magistrate.

“They continue to try to obtain delays in this case,” Hanoman asserted.

Addressing the day’s developments, he described the sequence of events as unusual, particularly the absence of attorneys and the inability of Senior Counsel Forde to hold the matter on behalf of his colleagues.

“So, it’s highly unusual for a senior counsel… to now say that he’s not in a position to hold the matter,” he said.

Hanoman went further, suggesting that additional delays may occur. “All sorts of shenanigans are going to go on to try to achieve delays, and I expect that various persons will fall ill on the defence side, whether lawyer or fugitive offender.”

He also criticised the nature of the cross-examination, describing many of the questions as irrelevant to the limited scope of the Magistrates’ court under the Fugitive Offenders Act.

“He continues to ask what in our view are a series of irrelevant questions that have no bearing on

any issue before the court,” Hanoman said, warning that the proceedings were at risk of losing focus.

“At some point… we’re now bartering on the verge of this thing becoming a circus.”

Hanoman has since called for a “reset” of the case, stressing that the court’s role is confined to determining whether the offences are extraditable, whether sufficient evidence exists, and whether the request is politically motivated.

Further cross-examination of Roopchand-Edwards was adjourned and is expected to resume on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026

Page Foundation

Fractions Cont’d

1. Which statement best describes a mixed number?

A) A mixed number is a fraction with the same numerator and denominator.

B) A mixed number is a fraction with a numerator larger than the denominator.

C) A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined, like 2 .

D) A mixed number is a decimal number.

2. What is the product of and ?

A) × =

× =

× =

3. What is the reciprocal of ?

A) The reciprocal of is .

B) The reciprocal of is .

C) The reciprocal of is .

D) The reciprocal of is .

8.

9.

By Mary Barnard

The first of countless printed rejections from Poetry came sixty-one years ago. (I was sixteen. You were fourteen.) The scribbled “promising” on the margin anaesthetized the pain somewhat. Eight years and God only knows how many rejections later, Morton Zabel (Harriet being then in China) accepted “Shoreline” and at last I thought I had arrived. And when the next year I was awarded the Levinson I thought surely I had arrived, being much too young to understand how a poet can travel for sixty years and still be always almost arriving. Arrival implies a journey completed, and that never happens. Not on this road.

(Source: Poetry [October/ November 1987])

Set your story over the course of just a few seconds or minutes.

Extradition challenge case

Govt moves to recover $4M as Mohameds ignore court-ordered payments

The Guyanese Government is looking to recover approximately $4 million in costs awarded by the local courts, including a sum that US-indicted businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed failed to pay by the February deadline set by the High Court.

On February 4, acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh dismissed a case filed by the father-and-son duo, who are challenging their extradition to the US to face charges relating to gold smuggling and money laundering allegations.

The High Court judge ordered the Mohameds to pay $500,000 in costs to each of the respondents: the

Attorney-General (AG), the Minister of Home Affairs, and Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, who is presiding over the extradition proceedings in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

However, the Mohameds are yet to make these payments, even though the February 27 deadline stipulated by the court has passed.

“The cost order made by the learned Chief Justice states that the costs should be paid by the 27th of February, 2026...[but] as of the 11th of March, we did not receive any payment,” Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, revealed during his weekly programme – Issues in the

News.

The father-and-son duo approached the High Court, challenging the legality of the Authority to Proceed (ATP) issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, to activate the extradition request made by the US authorities.

Through their attorneys, Azruddin Mohamed, who currently serves as the Opposition Leader, and his father argued in the High Court that the Minister’s decision to authorise the extradition process was influenced by political considerations. They maintained that Azruddin Mohamed’s involvement in politics and his participation in the September 2025 General and Regional Elections created a situation where bias could be inferred.

As such, their lawyers asked the court to invalidate the Authority to Proceed issued under the Fugitive Offenders Act and to bring an end to the arrest warrant and the extradition case being heard by Principal Magistrate Latchman.

However, the acting Chief Justice found no merit in those arguments. In his February 4 ruling, Justice Singh determined that the Minister was exercising an executive responsibility set out in law and was not acting in a judicial or quasi-judicial capacity.

The High Court ultimately dismissed the application and ordered the Mohameds to pay $500,000 in costs to the three respondents by February 27. Over a week after that deadline had passed, AG Nandlall wrote to one of the lawyers representing the Mohameds, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, on March 11 about the non-payment.

“As per the order of the court, I requested payment to be made forthwith. We have not received a response... I stated in the letter that if payment is not received, the necessary steps will be taken to enforce the order. So, steps will soon be taken to enforce the order of Chief Justice Singh in the sum of at least $1 million for the AG and Minister of Home Affairs. The Magistrate has her own lawyer, and that’s another $500,000,” Nandlall posited.

The AG made these revelations as yet another court –the Appeal Court of Guyana – has awarded costs to be paid after the Mohameds lost another legal battle in their efforts to fight off the extradition.

The father-and-son duo approached the Court of Appeal to overturn the February 4 High Court ruling. But the Appeal Court on Tuesday unanimously dismissed the application by the Mohameds.

In its ruling, the court found that the appeal lacked merit, holding that the Mohameds failed to prove any bias on the part of the Minister of Home Affairs in issuing the Authority to Proceed. The Appeal Court further ordered the Mohameds to pay a total of $3 million in costs, with $1.5 million awarded to Minister Walrond and $1.5 million to the AG.

According to AG Nandlall, he will also be writing to the Mohameds’ lawyers to get this second set of court costs. “That’s $3 million in costs, which, of course, we intend to pursue and receive payment of... A letter will be dispatched [today] for the payment of $3 million in costs awarded by the Court of Appeal,” the Attorney General stated during his programme on Tuesday evening.

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

Prosecutors allege that from 2017 to 2024, official Government seals taken from a single legitimate

gold shipment were reused to validate several additional shipments. United States authorities estimate that the alleged scheme resulted in approximately US$50 million in lost revenue for the Guyanese state. Nazar Mohamed is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and mail fraud. Azruddin Mohamed faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud and is also accused of avoiding more than US$1 million in taxes linked to the importation of a Lamborghini from Miami to Guyana. The extradition proceedings against the father-and-son duo, who were also sanctioned by the US Government in June 2024, are ongoing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, with the next hearing set for March 24.

Clearing…

…(Norton’s) name

Your Eyewitness was reminded of this good book’s saying, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold,” when he read about the leader of the PNC, Norton’s, claim that he was “slandered” by the General Secretary of WIN, Odessa Primus!! With such a high value placed on a “good name”, it’s not surprising that in all the countries influenced by the said teachings, there are enforceable penalties for those who “sully” the names of others!! In the British mores under which we were governed for the longest while, it used to be that if your name was sullied, you’d take out your glove and slap the transgressor with it!! This was tantamount to the older custom of “throwing down the gauntlet” – a long glove!! If picked up, this signalled they were to meet outside and shoot each other with their pistols from twenty paces apart!!

Each combatant would fire one shot, and if neither was hit but the challenger was satisfied, the duel was declared over. However, if the challenger was unsatisfied, the duel continued. But no more than three exchanges of fire were allowed, as to exchange more shots was considered barbaric!! Well, as time went on, the very act of shooting each other to get “satisfaction” about one’s honour became considered “barbaric”! The claim became a matter for the courts to decide under the laws of “defamation”. If the “fighting words” were uttered verbally, then the law covering it is called “slander”, and if published in writing, it’s called “libel”!!

Well, in the matter at hand, Norton claimed in a letter issued through his lawyers, Dexter Smart, that WIN’s General Secretary – the comedian Odessa Primus – “falsely and maliciously” slandered him!! She made statements that “caused serious harm to his reputation locally, regionally and internationally”. Evidently, she’d posted a statement on Facebook on January 30, which read: “Tell your people who are collecting Bharrat money.” Norton claimed the allegation not only tarnished his public standing but could also negatively impact his future professional prospects, particularly in academia!! He demanded publication of an apology and $500,000. Now to accuse the opposition PNC leader of accepting money from the PPP’s VP is serious stuff!! This would mean he was “bought out”!! Oooooh!! Odessa responded through her lawyer Eusi Anderson, who said he was going to “embark on a linguistic postmortem”!! He claimed the question mark “bears significance beyond measure”!! and made the statement “rhetorical” – not an accusation!! He further claimed Odessa was referring to India since “Bharat” was also its name!! And queried whether Ms Primus should expect to be sued by India’s 1.4 billion people or Modi!!

Surely Mr Anderson and his client jest!!

…the (extradition) path

And yesterday that other matter, the WIN matter in the courts, continued – this one about the desperate efforts of its desperado leader, Sanction Man, to avoid facing the music in Miami!! But here in old Mudland, that decadeslong musical piece by Queen continued to play: “Are you ready? / Hey, are you ready for this? / Are you hanging on the edge of your seat? / Out of the doorway, the bullets rip. To the sound of the beat, yeah/ Another one bites the dust!!”

Another frivolous objection by Sanction Man – this time to the Court of Appeal – bit the dust when they unanimously threw out his appeal from the High Court decision!! Sanction Man and his Daady had claimed that since he was the Opposition leader (LOO), the handling of the extradition order by the Minister of home affairs was made by a POLITICAL opponent!!

But as Justice George pointed out, by that logic, ANY Minister handling extraditions would also make it political!! No extraditions of politicians??

The law is not an ass!!!

…Big Hospital vendors

Your Eyewitness’s been hearing of vendors being cleared from in front of several GT properties. He credited the M&CC for finally “growing a pair”. But the Big Hospital just had to complain – again!!

Lost the pair??

Halliburton, Exxon push towards fullyautomated drilling offshore Guyana

Halliburton, in collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), has completed the oil and gas industry’s first fully-automated geological well placement with complete rig automation offshore Guyana, according to a recent press statement.

In addition to ExxonMobil, the US-based oilfield services company said it also worked with Sekal, Noble, and the Wells Alliance Guyana team for this project, which delivered a ground-breaking step forward in digital well construction.

The project combined rig automation, automated subsurface interpretation and well placement, and real-time hydraulics to establish a new benchmark for well construction performance, reservoir contact, and execution efficiency, the March 16 release from Halliburton stated.

It noted that this achievement advances the FutureWell initiative in the Wells Alliance Guyana effort by unifying subsurface insight, automation, and rig systems to improve execution.

Halliburton said it used

LOGIX™ orchestration and automated geosteering with the EarthStar® ultra-deep resistivity service and Sekal’s DrillTronics® to create an integrated closed-loop system. The system steers the well within reservoir boundaries and autonomously optimises drilling and tripping operations.

Real-time optimisation algorithms and geological inversion data inform automated rig control, hydraulics, and well placement within a single workflow to eliminate the traditional separation between subsurface interpretation and drilling execution.

“Our teams create new performance levels when subsurface insight, automation, and drilling systems operate through one closed-loop automation system. This breakthrough digital orchestration transforms execution efficiency and advances automated well construction from concept to field-proven results and sets the foundation for consistent well placement in the best rock every time,”

Vice President of Halliburton Sperry Drilling Jim Collins said.

According to the missive,

Halliburton product service lines and the Wells Alliance Guyana team executed the project through highly integrated collaboration. Ongoing feedback loops between drilling, geology, and automation teams ensured reliable closed-loop performance throughout the effort.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Wells at ExxonMobil, Rod Henson, stated that “this achievement demonstrates how collaboration and advanced automation can transform well construction efficiency and reliability... It represents a significant step forward for Guyana’s energy development and the industry’s digital future.”

According to Halliburton, its LOGIX™ orchestration and Sekal’s DrillTronics solutions exceeded performance targets. The reservoir section finished about 15 per cent ahead of plan, and tripping operations reduced time by about 33 per cent.

The system demonstrated measurable efficiency gains of closed-loop automation beyond drilling. It also maintained precise well placement in challenging conditions and placed about 470 metres of the lateral section in the reservoir with active automated geo-steering and inclination corrections during the run.

With this achievement, Halliburton has expanded its

closed-loop automation capabilities in multiple geographies and leads the industry’s shift from automation-assisted drilling to repeatable, scalable well construction automation.

The Houston and Dubaiheadquartered company, which was founded in 1919, provides products and services to the energy industry. It has been providing services to the local energy sector since 2015 through Halliburton Guyana Inc.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, along with its co-venturers, has been operating in the oil-rich Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where they are now producing approximately 900,000 barrels of oil daily (bopd).

Currently, they have four offshore projects – Liza Phase 1 using the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel; Liza Phase 2 using the Liza Destiny FPSO; Payara using the Prosperity FPSO; and Yellowtail using the One Guyana FPSO, which started up last year.

The Stabroek Block co-venturers have committed more than US$60 billion to

develop seven Governmentsanctioned projects on Guyana’s offshore Stabroek Block, including Uaru, Whiptail, and Hammerhead. The Uaru and Whiptail projects, Guyana’s fifth and sixth projects, are each expected to produce approximately 250,000 bopd. The projects are expected to begin operations in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Hammerhead, the seventh project, is expected to add approximately 150,000 bopd when production begins in 2029. An eighth project, Longtail, is currently undergoing regulatory reviews. Once approved, ExxonMobil Guyana expects to have a total production capacity of 1.7 million bopd from eight developments.

The US oil giant ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, is the operator and held a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd, which has sold its shares to Chevron, holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Essequibo man remanded for firearm possession

– another gets 36-month sentence on damage to property charge

Mc Cortney Williams, 39, a farmer of Woodland Wakapau, Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam), was remanded to prison on an illegal possession of a firearm charge.

He appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty but was remanded to prison until March 30, 2026.

Meanwhile, Joshua Holder, 21, a labourer of Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast, who was charged with malicious damage to property, was on Tuesday sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment.

He was accused of committing the act against

Cleveland Stephen, a butcher of Dartmouth Village, on March 14, 2026. He appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s

Court and pleaded guilty to the charge after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied. As such, the 36-month jail sentence was imposed.

2 fined $90,000 for traffic offences, refusing breathalyser tests on Essequibo Coast

Two men appeared before the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where they were fined after pleading guilty to refusing breathalyser tests on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam).

Emmanuel Richardson, a 38-year-old technician of Garden Holiday Park, Trinidad, was charged with refusing to provide a breath specimen for a breath alcohol test and dangerous driving. The offences occurred on March 12 at Charity Public Road.

The charges were instituted under Section 39B(5) and Section 36(1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.

Richardson appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir, where the charges were read to him. He pleaded guilty to both offences. For refusing to provide a breath specimen, he was fined $20,000, with a default sentence of two weeks’ im-

prisonment. For the dangerous driving charge, he was fined $50,000, with a default sentence of six months’ imprisonment.

In a separate matter, Kamraj Gildharie, a 44-year-old security guard of Richmond Coconut Dam, Essequibo Coast, was also taken before the court on a charge of refusing to provide a breath specimen for a breath alcohol test.

The offence occurred on

November 15, 2025, along the Reliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast. The charge was also laid under Section 39B (5) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act. Gildharie initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea to guilty during Tuesday’s hearing before Magistrate Mohabir. He was fined $20,000, with a default sentence of two months’ imprisonment.

Essequibo labourer accused of rape gets $750K bail

Troy Henry, 23, a labourer of Pomona Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam), was granted $750,000 bail on a rape charge on Tuesday.

Henry was accused of sexually assaulting a female juvenile on Friday, March 12, 2026, at his residence.

He appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

As such, bail was granted in the sum of $750,000, with conditions that he report to the Aurora Police Station every Friday, along with staying 30 feet away from the victim.

He was also warned against making any contact with the victim until the determination of the matter. The case was adjourned to April 30, 2026.

Man gets 2-year jail sentence for escaping from Police custody

Thirty-year-old

Heamwant Charrittar of Affiance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam) was on Tuesday slapped with a two-year jail sentence for escaping from lawful custody.

Based on reports, the accused was arrested on a charge of stealing a goat and was taken into custody on Thursday, March 12, 2026. However, he managed to escape while in custody but was subsequently arrested and charged.

He appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied. Following his plea, he was sentenced to two years of imprisonment.

London-based MV Hebridean Sky docks in Guyana for 3-day visit

– signals growth in Guyana’s cruise tourism sector

The London-based cruise ship, MV Hebridean Sky, carrying 89 passengers and 79 crew members, has docked in Port Georgetown for a three-day visit, marking another important milestone in the country’s growing cruise tourism sector.

The vessel was welcomed by Tourism. Industry, and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues, who encouraged the visitors to use the opportunity to experience Guyana’s rich and diverse tourism offerings through a specially curated itinerary, including guided tours of the city, a visit to the iconic Kaieteur Falls, and an im-

mersive excursion along the Mahaica River for the many bird lovers on board.

Rodrigues also highlighted the significance of the visit during the month of March, recognised as International Women’s Month. She commended the leadership of Philippa Bowden, noting that the vessel is captained by a woman and supported by a predominantly female crew, an inspiring reflection of women’s growing presence in leadership roles across the maritime industry.

She reaffirmed the Government's commitment to advancing cruise tourism in Guyana through con-

tinued investment in infrastructure, improved port facilities, and strengthened partnerships aimed at attracting more vessels to the destination.

The Minister further announced that she is expected to attend the upcoming Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, where efforts will be made to promote Guyana’s unique tourism product and forge new relationships within the global cruise industry.

During the ceremony, Captain Bowden noted that “Guyana’s beauty, heritage, wildlife and nature – everything to experience – is why we chose to come.”

She also presented Minister Rodrigues with a token on behalf of the crew – a dalahäst, a traditional carved, painted wooden statuette of a horse symbolising goodwill and appreciation for the warm reception.

The arrival of the MV Hebridean Sky follows the successful visit of the SH Vega just a few months ago, signalling growing interest in Guyana as a destination for boutique and expedition cruise experiences.

These visits underscore our country’s increasing appeal as a gateway to authentic, nature-based and culturally rich tourism.

Vagrant stabbed to death after allegedly calling suspect “jackass”

Avagrant was stabbed to death on Tuesday evening in the vicinity of Leopold and Cross Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, after he reportedly referred to the suspect as a "jackass".

The dead man has been identified as 56-year-old Michael Dazzell, while the suspect, who is still on the run, goes by the alias "Devon” or “Six".

Police stated that on the day in question, at about 19:00h, the deceased was standing in the alleyway on the eastern side of Cross Street when he was heard calling the suspect, who was passing on a black pedal cycle, a “jackass”.

In retaliation, the suspect reportedly turned around, and an altercation ensued between them. In the midst of the brawl, the suspect reportedly whipped out a pair of scissors from his waistband and stabbed the victim several times about his body.

In an attempt to escape, the injured man reportedly ran a short distance but collapsed while the suspect mounted his pedal cycle and fled the scene. Dazzell, nevertheless was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical technicians.

Upon examination, stab wounds were found on the deceased's left upper chest, right lower abdomen, and left armpit. An abrasion was observed on the palm of his right hand.

Durban and Cross Streets, Georgetown, where contact was made with a 29-yearold female believed to be the girlfriend of the suspect.

She was subsequently questioned and denied having knowledge of his whereabouts. During a search of the apartment, blue three-quarter pants with what appeared to be bloodstains were found on the bed.

Further, one black-han-

dled pair of scissors with bloodstains on the blades was found in one of the pants' pockets. In addition, a black pedal cycle, suspected to be the one used by the suspect, was also found in the apartment.

Meanwhile, as the investigation continues, the Police are reviewing footage collected from CCTV cameras around the scene, and checks are currently underway for the suspect.

Govt pushes workforce development for women through new partnerships

As part of ongoing steps to empower and uplift women across the country, Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith met with representatives of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) on Wednesday.

The engagement focused on raising awareness of the Ministry's mandates and the wide range of services offered through its various departments, particularly those aimed at supporting

and non-traditional sectors through potential collaborations between the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and WCCIG with a shared commitment to increased female enrolment in skills training programmes, including Heavy Duty Machine Operations, Cosmetology, and Commercial Food Preparation, as well as other technical and vocational disciplines aligned with current labour market demands.

workforce development and expanding economic opportunities for women.

During the meeting, Griffith stressed the importance of qualifying women with practical skills to enable greater participation in both traditional

The initiative forms part of the Government's broader agenda to promote inclusive growth by ensuring women are provided with the tools, training, and opportunities needed to thrive in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to national development.

MoE launches investigation into sexual assault of female students at city school

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations made against a teacher by a student at a Georgetown school.

According to a release issued by the Ministry on Wednesday, it became aware of the allegations against the teacher on Friday, March 13, 2026. Reports stated that at least nine female students have made the damning allegations against the male teacher.

As such, the Ministry stated that in accordance with established standard operating procedures, the accused teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave on the same date.

The statement further added that the Welfare Department of the Department of Education met with one of the parents on Friday last and another on Monday, March 16, 2026. A third parent met with the officials on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Ministry added.

During these closed-door meetings, each parent was issued a referral letter to the Child Protection Agency, consistent with standard operating procedures.

However, each affected student is to undergo a forensic interview to be conducted by Blossom Inc. To date, one such interview has been completed.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry refuted claims that there has been a delay in the ongoing investigation.

Jamaica looks to Guyana for correctional system models during Lusignan Prison visit

Ahigh-level delegation from Jamaica visited the Lusignan Prison on Tuesday to garner firsthand insight into the facility's physical infrastructure, particularly the design and construction of buildings they are considering adapting to suit their own national policies.

The delegation was led by Jamaica's Minister of National Security and Peace, Juliet CuthbertFlynn, and included Corrections Commissioner, Brigadier (Retired) Radgh Mason and Superintendent of Prisons, Ivan Ramdall.

According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the visit reflects a growing regional focus on modernising correctional systems across the Caribbean. During the tour, the Jamaican officials received a detailed briefing on the Prison Service's ongoing efforts to expand and upgrade its facilities.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot highlighted the Government's continued investment in Lusignan Prison, noting that the new infrastructure projects are designed to enhance both security and rehabilitation.

Further, he underscored that these upgrades signal a strong commitment to providing a safe, secure, and modern environment for both inmates and staff.

The visit offered the Jamaican delegation valuable insight into Guyana's approach to managing its prison population, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation – an important theme also being explored at the ongoing Guyana Prison Service Annual Senior Correctional Officers' Conference.

Both countries continue to pursue improvements in their correctional systems, sharing a common objective

the visit

of fostering environments that support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

The GPS has received an investment of $28 billion since 2021 to enhance professional standards, update prisons and detention centres, and shift the culture of incarceration from punishment to purpose.

Director Elliot highlighted the impact of the Government's support in helping to address longstanding challenges such as overcrowding and contraband.

"Since 2021, the GPS has received the largest investment ever. 28 billion dollars has been invested into the prison service, focusing on prisoners' rehabilitation, training of officers, and rebuilding key infrastructures," the director stated.

These infrastructural upgrades were executed at the Lusignan, Mazaruni, and New Amsterdam Prisons. As a result, the issue of overcrowding within the prisons is now non-existent.

Prisoners are now enrolled in accredited training programmes in areas such as carpentry, joinery, and masonry, among others. These programmes are delivered by qualified facilitators, equipping inmates with practical skills for reintegration into society.

The investment also targets the professional development and mental well-being of prison officers.

Elliot noted that officers have seen improvements in their salaries and working conditions, which have helped raise their standard of living.

In addition, training programmes for officers are now accredited by the University of Guyana, enhancing the academic quality and delivery of these programmes.

Importantly, the GPS has also implemented measures to ensure swift and independent responses to misconduct, thereby reinforcing public trust and accountability.

LBI new housing scheme set for major road upgrades, security boost

Aseries of measures aimed at enhancing infrastructure, security, and overall community development within the new housing development at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD), were the focal point of discussion during an outreach on Monday.

The engagement, led by Housing Minister Collin Croal, was held at the invitation of residents and follows a similar meeting conducted last year to address issues affecting the community.

During the meeting, Croal announced that the eastern and western main access roads within the scheme, totalling approximately 5.56 kilometres (km), will be upgraded to asphalt,

and the project has already been tendered.

In addition, approximately 3.5km of cross streets connecting to the main access roads will be constructed as concrete roads to further improve internal connectivity.

Addressing residents' concerns regarding security, the Minister said that a site has already been identified for the construction of a Police outpost within the community.

This facility will enhance law enforcement presence and contribute to improved safety for residents. He also indicated that the Central Housing & Planning Authority will work to replace streetlights within the scheme that are currently not functioning.

A commitment was also made regarding the clearing and de-bushing of sections of the scheme where vegetation has become overgrown.

In relation to water supply, households are currently connected to the existing LBI well system. However, as part of Guyana Water Incorporated's long-term plan to support the expansion of housing developments along the East Coast Demerara corridor, the area is expected to benefit from the construction of a water treatment facility, which will allow for the provision of better-quality water to households.

In keeping with the Government's focus on building sustainable communities, a site has also been identi-

Regional Agricultural Insurance Programme

Agriculture must be on frontline – Caricom Chair

Chair of Caricom and Prime Minister (PM) of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, positioned agriculture at the “front of the line” of delivering food security and developing a sustainable nation on Tuesday. He was, at the time, delivering the feature address at the launch of the Regional Economical Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP) in St Kitts and Nevis. There, he emphasised that agriculture should not be seen as a “by-the-way activity but should be brought into the mainstream” as it is critical to the achievement of food

security that is a pillar of building a “sustainable island state".

Placing the launch in the context of regional cooperation, Dr Drew said, "Caricom has come through. We just had the 50th Regular Meeting here in St Kitts and Nevis. And for those who doubt whether Caricom is valuable or not, of course you recognise that this is an initiative that has been led by Caricom. St Kitts and Nevis alone could not have done this. This is the value of Caricom.”

The PM placed heavy emphasis on the importance of the farming com-

munity and pointed out the risks farmers and fishers face from natural disasters, which can cause widespread devastation.

“Imagine one event can wipe out millions of dollars in investment with no guarantee that you will receive some form of compensation,” he said.

He pointed out that REAP provides a guarantee of derisking to registered farmers and fisherfolk “so that you can have some ease of mind that you can continue to practise your craft and, in the event that a phenomenon were to happen, that you would be protected and get back to activities as quickly as possible.”

The Caricom Chair also related that the investment in the insurance product, which will be beneficial primarily to crop and livestock farmers and fishers, is fundamental.

The St Kitts and Nevis launch – the third following launches in Guyana and Saint Lucia – was held as the region advances its 25x25+5 food security initiative, which aims to reduce its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030.

fied for the establishment of a playfield. Works will be un-

SRCS wins prestigious St Andrews Environment Prize

The South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) has won the prestigious St Andrews Prize for the Environment for its “Transforming Environmental Education in Guyana” project.

This global award, presented annually by the University of St Andrews, recognises innovative solu-

Guyana Digital School begins training Disciplined Services

The Guyana Digital School (GDS) has commenced a multiday training programme aimed at strengthening educational access and digital capacity within Guyana’s Disciplined Services.

The training, which is being held at the GDS’ office in Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), brings together designated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) support officers from across the country.

These officers are being equipped with the skills and knowledge required to support ranks within their respective regions in effectively navigating the GDS platform.

The first session engaged officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), with subsequent sessions scheduled to include participants from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Prison Service (GPS), and Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

This initiative forms part of a broader national effort to enhance human capital

development and expand access to education through digital means. It also supports a directive issued by President Dr Irfaan Ali,

al resources, enrol in courses, and track their academic progress on the platform.

The GDS remains committed to supporting na-

which calls for a force-wide educational uplift within the discipline services.

Through this training, the officers will play a critical role in bridging the gap between technology and learning, ensuring that officers across all regions are able to access education-

tions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

SRCS’ environmental education coordinator, Alyssa Melville, received the award on behalf of the organisation. Each year, only one winner is selected, with the winner receiving US$95,000.

“To be awarded this global prize is not just an achievement but a powerful affirmation of the work being done right here in Guyana,” the organisation has said.

“Since 2018, what began as a vision has grown into something truly transformative. Our environmental education model, developed for children aged eight to 18, blends scientific learning with Indigenous knowledge and connects education to culture, community, and the natural world,” it added.

Over the years, students learn about their environment and are then empowered to design and lead their own citizen science projects. Today, this initiative has reached more than 2000 students across over 20 communities in Region Nine.

tional development through education, innovation, and capacity building.

By empowering members of the Disciplined Services with the tools for academic advancement, the initiative contributes to a stronger, more skilled, and more resilient workforce.

Because of this collective effort, the model is already expanding beyond the South Rupununi into Regions One, Four, and Six, with the aim of developing a national environmental education curriculum for Guyana and a guide that can support communities around the world.

Meanwhile, the organisation noted that this award is not the end of the journey.

“It strengthens our commitment to continue the work and expand its reach. It shows that community-led approaches are effective, that Indigenous knowledge has real value, and that when young people are given the opportunity, they are capable of leading meaningful change,” the organisation noted.

“This moment belongs to many. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Alyssa Melville, whose passion, dedication, and leadership have guided this project from the very beginning. Seeing her work recognised on a global stage is something we are all incredibly proud of. We also thank the facilitators, teachers, schools, parents, toshaos, village councils, and especially the young people who have been part of this journey. This achievement is yours. You are the reason this work matters and continues to grow,” the SRCS further expressed.

T&T influencer expands ice cream brand “Certified Scoop” to Guyana

Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) social media personality and social media influencer Jamel Sampson, widely known as “Certified Sampson”, has expanded his ice cream brand “Certified Scoop” into Guyana.

Sampson has signed a lease to open a new location of Certified Scoop at TAJ Dream Ogle, a major mixeduse development currently under construction near the Ogle International Airport in Georgetown.

The store is expected to open in mid-2027 and will mark the brand’s third location overall and its first outside of T&T.

“Guyana is one of the most exciting markets in the Caribbean right now,” Sampson stated, while adding that “Opening Certified Scoop at TAJ Dream Ogle and purchasing my first condo in the development was an easy decision. I believe strongly in the future of Guyana, both for business and for real estate.”

The influencer has built a significant regional following through his digital con-

tent, with a combined audience of over four million followers across social media platforms. The Certified Sampson brand has become a recognisable name across the Caribbean, and his existing Certified Scoop locations in Trinidad have consistently attracted strong customer turnout, driven by both product quality and the brand’s entertainment-driven experience.

The Guyana location is expected to carry that same energy, blending premium ice cream with the personality of the brand. Beyond retail, the expansion also reflects a broader vision for the brand. The Certified Sampson team aims to bring its full roster of characters into the in-store identity, creating a dynamic and engaging environment while generating new employment opportunities within the local market.

“Certified Sampson is one of the most influential social media personalities in the Caribbean, and we are thrilled to welcome him to TAJ Dream Ogle,” one of the head developers for Coastal

Rim Properties, Giovanni Mola, outlined.

He further added, “The fact that he is not only opening a business here but also purchasing a condo speaks volumes about the confidence regional entrepreneurs have in Guyana’s future.”

TAJ Dream Ogle is being developed by Coastal Rim Properties, a US-based firm that has completed over 6000 homes and millions of square feet of commercial space since its founding in 1974. The project is being undertaken in partnership with former NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

The development is part of a wider surge in commercial and residential investment across Guyana, fuelled by rapid economic growth following major offshore oil discoveries.

Increasingly, regional entrepreneurs are turning to the country as a key destination for expansion in both retail and real estate. TAJ Dream Ogle is scheduled to open in mid-2027.

Guyana to boost regional collaboration with visits from Barbados, Suriname Agriculture Ministers

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday announced that the Agriculture Ministers of Barbados and Suriname are expected to visit Guyana in the upcoming week with the aim of strengthening collaborations among the nations.

According to Mustapha, Barbados's Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Security, Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, will visit from March 23 to 26, while Suriname's Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries, Mike Noersalim, will arrive soon after.

The main objective of the visit is for the regional officials to experience Guyana's agricultural advancements and to explore various agricultural projects.

"These two Ministers will be here next week to see what we are doing and, at the same time, have also requested that we visit some other countries, like Grenada and so on. They want us to help them to talk to some people there to whip up the interest we have here in Guyana," Mustapha stated at the launch of the IDB-funded Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme (SADP) Project Completion Exit Workshop at the World Trade Centre in Georgetown on Wednesday.

Over the years, Guyana has established strong working relationships with both countries, which has seen good results in the areas of shade houses, brackish water shrimp production, and coconut cultivation.

Meanwhile, the work-

shop was planned to assess the Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme (SADP) project results in alignment with its development objectives, identify key successes, innovations, challenges, and sustainability considerations that emerged during implementation, and distil lessons learned to inform the design and execution of future projects.

While addressing participants, Minister Mustapha said that the programme represents a key partnership between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), working together for the benefit of the people.

He also noted that the SADP clearly achieved its objectives of assisting farmers in enhancing productivity and improving their livelihoods while also strengthening Guyana's agricultural institutions and modernising the systems that guide the sector.

IDB Country Representative Lorena Solórzano-Salazar said the project was fully aligned with the government's vision for the agriculture sector and was one of the most successful the Bank has funded in the country.

Several technical officers from agencies such as the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Hope Estate, the Fisheries Department, the Guyana Food Safety Authority, and other agencies under the Ministry's umbrella participated in the workshop.

In March 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture received equipment valued at $150 million through the SADP to strengthen the Ministry's extension services to small- and medi-

um-scale farmers in Regions Two to Six and Ten.

Similarly, in August of that year, thirty small- and medium-scale farmers from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) received inputs

worth $3.3 million through the project.

Under Component Two of the project's funding were also allocated to strength-

en the Ministry's extension system, including the training of both staff and farmers, as well as the establishment of research and demonstration plots.

“Chico” gets life sentence for murder of Berbice businessman during robbery

A39-year-old Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice man was on Wednesday sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years before becoming eligible for parole, for the robbery-murder of Williamsburg businessman Akbhar Sain.

Satish Ramnaraise, also called “Chico”, had earlier pleaded guilty to the offence, admitting that he killed Sain during the course of a robbery committed on October 18, 2023. The matter was heard in the Berbice High Court before Justice Deborah KumarChetty, thereby eliminating the need for a full trial.

In delivering the sentence, Justice KumarChetty underscored the grave and violent nature of the crime, noting that the 69-year-old businessman was particularly vulnerable and was subjected to severe blows to the head, which resulted in his death.

The Judge observed that the accused continued the robbery after leaving the victim bleeding, describing his actions as callous

and brutal. She added that such offences pose a serious threat to public safety, particularly among small business owners.

The court, however, also weighed several mitigating factors. A probation report indicated that Ramnaraise was generally regarded as a helpful individual within his community. Checks conducted at the Rose Hall Town Police Station and the New Amsterdam Prison revealed no prior criminal record. It was further disclosed that he had been experiencing financial difficulties, which he claimed led to the commission of the offence.

Forensic psychiatrist Dr Meenawattie Rajkumar told the court that Ramnaraise was evaluated in February and found to be mentally stable, cooperative, and fully aware of the proceedings. While noting that he had been treated for a depressive disorder, she recommended continued psychiatric care.

When allowed to address the court, Ramnaraise expressed remorse and

pleaded for mercy. Justice Kumar-Chetty acknowledged his early guilty plea, which spared the victim’s family the ordeal of a trial, as well as his apparent remorse.

However, she maintained that robbery accompanied by fatal violence remains among the most serious offences under the law.

Having weighed both aggravating and mitigating factors, the Judge ruled that the minimum sentence permitted by law was appropriate. She accordingly imposed a life sentence, ordering that Ramnaraise serve no less than 20 years before being considered for parole.

The charge stemmed from the fatal attack on Sain at his supermarket at Lot 11 C Williamsburg, Corentyne. Evidence presented to the court revealed that Ramnaraise forced his way into the building before confronting the businessman.

During the altercation, Sain struck him with a piece of wood, after which Ramnaraise retaliated, delivering blows that caused the elderly man to collapse with fatal injuries. Despite the victim’s condition, the accused proceeded to ransack the premises and later entered the upper flat, from where cash was taken.

Residents, alerted by the disturbance, contacted the Police, who responded and found Sain lying in a pool of blood. Ramnaraise was apprehended at the scene after being shot once by Police.

Manager of mining company found dead in G/town hotel room

The lifeless body of a 64-year-old manager of a mining company was discovered inside the room of a city hotel on Wednesday, prompting a Police investigation.

The dead man has been identified as Desai Pankai Roy Dasrath, an employee of S Two Mining based in Anna Regina (Pomeroon–Supenaam).

Initial enquiries revealed that Dasrath had travelled from the interior and arrived in Guyana on March 14 via the Eugene F Correia International Airport. He was subsequently transported by a driver to a city hotel before relocating two days later to the Church Street establishment, where accommodation had been secured for a brief stay.

According to investigators, the driver last communicated with Dasrath on Tuesday morning when

the now-deceased reportedly requested directions to the outpatient department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. However, the discovery was made on Wednesday when the same driver returned to the hotel to deliver a sum of cash on behalf of the company. After repeated attempts to contact Dasrath by phone proved futile, hotel

staff were alerted.

A bellboy accompanied the driver to the room, where they found him lying motionless on a bed.

Emergency medical personnel were summoned, and a doctor later pronounced him dead at the scene.

Reports are that the body bore no visible signs of violence. Personal belongings recovered from the room included cash in Guyana and United States currencies, along with medication.

Crime scene investigators processed the room, and CCTV footage from the hotel is currently being reviewed as part of the probe.

The body was later transported to a funeral home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have taken statements from relevant individuals as investigations continue.

12 abandoned buildings torched as GFS raises alarm in Berbice

An increase in fires involving abandoned and unoccupied buildings across New Amsterdam and its environs has prompted a warning from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), with investigators linking the majority of the incidents to deliberate acts.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald said the situation has become a growing concern, particularly in New Amsterdam, Canje, and Palmyra, where multiple unused structures have been destroyed since the start of the year.

“Thus far this year, within the New Amsterdam area, we’ve responded to 12 unoccupied buildings or structures on fire... 11 of those are private and one... a former Ministry of Labour building,” McDonald revealed.

The most recent incident occurred earlier on Wednesday at Winkle Road in New Amsterdam, where another abandoned structure went up in flames. Just days earlier, on Saturday, an unoccupied building at Palmyra, East Canje, was

destroyed – the third such fire recorded in that community for the year.

According to McDonald, investigations have found that most of the fires were not accidental.

“The others that I mentioned... 11 unoccupied buildings... a person or persons maliciously set fire to those structures,” he said.

The affected properties include several abandoned and recently vacated buildings across the township, among them the former Ministry of Labour building on Princess Elizabeth Road and an unused ward at the National Psychiatric Hospital.

In at least one case, fire officials say the motive behind the blaze was to avoid demolition costs. Referring to a fire at a building on Penitentiary Walk in New Amsterdam, McDonald explained that investigations uncovered deliberate actions by those responsible.

Because they don’t want to pay a contractor... or some specialist person to demolish those buildings... so they decided to burn it down,” he

said.

The Fire Service is now urging residents, especially those living near abandoned or dilapidated structures, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

“I want to make a call to residents... to be on the lookout... If you see anything suspicious, contact the Fire Service or the Guyana Police Force,” McDonald urged.

Meanwhile, the division has responded to more than 160 fires so far this year across Regions Five and Six, including grass, rubbish, and structural fires.

“We noticed there’s an increase in grass fires within the division... so again we want to say to persons... when you are burning dry grass and vegetation... do so in small quantities, supervise it, and ensure it is properly extinguished before you leave,” he added.

McDonald noted that the Fire Service is working closely with the Guyana Police Force as investigations continue into the spate of fires, with ongoing efforts to identify and bring those responsible to justice.

OIL NEWS

Oil extends gains to rise 5.6% after Iran attacks Gulf energy facilities

Oil prices settled higher on Wednesday and climbed further in extended trade after Iran attacked several energy facilities across the Middle East following a strike on its South Pars gas field, a major escalation in its war with the US and Israel.

Brent futures were up 5.6 per cent in post-settlement trading, extending gains after settling up 3.8 per cent at US$107.38. US West Texas Intermediate crude extended gains to four per cent after closing up 11 cents, or 0.1 per cent, at US$96.32.

WTI futures had settled at their widest discount to Brent in 11 years, as the US benchmark was pressured by higher supply through a release from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve and rising freight costs. Brent futures, meanwhile, were buoyed by fresh attacks on Middle Eastern energy facilities.

Qatar’s state oil and gas company said the Ras Laffan Industrial City, an energy-industry hub, had suffered ”extensive damage” after it was hit by Iranian missiles. Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted and destroyed multiple ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh and an attempted drone attack on a gas facility in the east of the country. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Delcy Rodríguez replaces Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has announced that she is replacing the country’s long-time Defence Minister, General Vladimir Padrino, a central figure from the administration of former President Nicolas Maduro.

Rodríguez announced the high-level departure in a post on Wednesday on the social media platform Telegram.

“We thank Vladimir Padrino Lopez for his loyalty to the homeland and for having been, for all of these years, the first soldier in the defence of our country,” Rodríguez said.

She added that Padrino would be given unspecified “new responsibilities”. No explanation was given for the change.

Padrino’s departure is the latest cabinet-level shake-up in the Venezuelan Government since January 3, when the United States launched a military operati-

on to abduct Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

February, for instance, saw the departure of Government ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz, followed by the resignation of Tarek William Saab as Attorney General. Saab has since taken up Ruiz’s post on an interim basis.

All three officials were closely associated with Maduro and have been accused by human rights groups of contributing to Government repression in Venezuela.

The 62-year-old Padrino has led the country’s military since 2014. Under his leadership, the military has faced accusations of corruption and abuses, including carrying out violent crackdowns on protesters.

Critics have also noted that the military’s influence extends into important sectors of the economy, such as mining, oil and food distribution. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Around the World

US Intelligence Chief says Iran’s regime “intact” but “degraded”

The top intelligence official in the US said on Wednesday that the Iranian regime was ”intact” but ”largely degraded”.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other top Trump Administration officials testified at a congressional hearing for more than two hours about worldwide threats to the US.

It was the first public briefing on intelligence since the war began in late February and came one day after a top counterterrorism leader resigned saying Iran had not posed an imminent threat to the US.

Gabbard, who coordinates the country’s intelligence operations, also said that the US had anticipated trouble in the

Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel.

”The IC [intelligence community] assesses the regime in Iran appears to be intact, but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities,” she said.

Appearing alongside the heads of the CIA, FBI, National Security Agency and Defence Intelligence Agency, Gabbard declined to answer when asked repeatedly by Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, about whether she viewed Iran as an imminent threat.

”The only person who can determine what is and is not an imminent threat is the President,” she said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Damaged Russian tanker carrying natural gas floats into Libyan waters

Aseverely damaged Russian tanker carrying liquified natural gas that has been adrift in the Mediterranean for two weeks, raising concerns of an ecological disaster, has floated into Libyan waters, Italy’s civil protection agency said on Wednesday.

The Arctic Metagaz was part of a Russian “shadow fleet” used to circumvent sanctions imposed on the country’s oil and gas after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It was struck in a suspected drone attack close to Maltese waters earlier this month, causing a huge hole. The crew is believed to have been rescued between Malta and Libya.

Earlier this week the tanker was adrift between Malta and the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, prompting the

Governments of Italy, France, Malta, Spain, Greece and Cyprus to write a joint letter to the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, warning that the ves-

sel posed an “imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster”.

A spokesperson for Italy’s civil protection agency, which has been monitoring the situa-

tion, told the Guardian that the vessel was now in Libya’s territorial waters and therefore the responsibility of the north African country’s authorities.

Libya, on Wednesday, issued a navigation advisory to all vessels operating in the area – where sea conditions were currently rough – urging them to exercise maximum caution, according to reports in the Italian press. The spokesperson for Italy’s civil protection said that while no leaks had been detected, the fundamental risk was the “dispersion into the sea of the hydrocarbons onboard”.

Russia’s transport Ministry claimed the vessel was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

B’dos: Japan-backed project focuses on building disaster-resilient fishing fleet

A$6 million recovery and resilience initiative supported by Japan has brought boatbuilders, fisherfolk and development partners together to examine how the island of Barbados can rebuild a stronger, more disaster-resilient fishing fleet after the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

The two-day Disaster Resilient Boatbuilding Symposium opened on Tuesday at the Hilton Barbados Resort to exchange knowledge and explore new approaches to strengthening the industry.

The event was organised by the Fisheries Division in collaboration with the United Nations Development

US

FProgramme (UNDP), the Government of Japan and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology.

UNDP Deputy Resident

Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Stephanie Zibell, said the initiative forms part of the Barbados Coastal Fisheries

Resilience Project, which seeks to restore key infrastructure and improve disaster preparedness across the industry.

The project responds directly to the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, which left significant losses within the fishing industry, Zibell said.

The programme also places strong emphasis on building the skills and capacity of fisherfolk through targeted training, she added.

Training delivered last year also covered areas such as navigation, vessel maintenance, safety at sea, and national insurance and social security benefits. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)

military radar dismantled, flown out of Tobago

our months after its arrival, the US-supplied military-grade radar system has left Tobago.

At 11:56h yesterday, a US military aircraft touched down at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point.

It stayed approximately two hours at the airport and never switched off its engine. Around two hours later, the aircraft departed the island with the radar, head-

ed for Puerto Rico.

The radar had arrived in Tobago in November amid a shroud of secrecy as Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar initially declined to reveal its presence and that of US troops. She said she was hesitant to inform the public, as it was a matter of national security.

US military personnel have been on the island since November, managing the radar, which reportedly cost US$3 million per day to

operate.

They have maintained a consistent presence at Grafton Beach Resort in Black Rock but are expected to depart the island soon.

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine last week said the US troops will be leaving “in a couple of days”.

However, their exact departure date remains unknown owing to “national security reasons”.

In explaining the presence of the radar, PM

Persad-Bissessar previously said it would aid in drug interdiction, particularly out of South America. The Opposition has insisted the radar was used as a tool to force regime change in Venezuela. On January 3, the US forcibly removed then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation in Caracas. He is currently in the US facing drug trafficking charges. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Choose health, fitness, exercise and proper diet over inactivity and overindulgence. Change is in your hands; it’s up to you to pick a path and reach your goal.

Invest in what makes you happy and explore how to use your skills to advance while doing something you enjoy. Balance helps you blend what’s essential with what’s rewarding.

Spontaneity will undermine you. Let things unfold naturally and adapt to each scenario as it presents itself. An honest assessment of a problem will help you dodge discord.

Refuse to let others test your patience. Stop worrying about things you have no control over and start living for what brings you joy. A simple rule: Be honest, good and kind.

Reach out with a smile and a helping hand, but don’t let anyone take advantage of your generosity. Someone you least expect will have hidden feelings for you. Handle with care.

Volunteer, participate in meaningful events and do your best to make a positive impact. A change in how you use your skills will open doors to things that interest you.

Pay attention to home, family and meaningful relationships. Maintain balance and integrity to avoid criticism and setbacks. An opportunity that comes your way will have a downside attached.

Put your energy into dismantling negativity and forming a team that shares your vision and has the skills to implement your plans. Don’t be generous to a fault.

Keep your money and possessions in a safe place, and don’t share personal information readily. Keeping up with technology will help you advance.

Problems with communication are apparent. No matter how you proceed, your words and responses will determine how situations unfold and what others expect of you.

You’ll have to maintain a balance between budget and quality. Go back to the drawing board and adjust your projects to fit your schedule and financial plan.

Imagination, desire and discipline will carry you forward. Say no to excessive behavior and overspending. Trust your instincts and choose your associates wisely.

Roger Callender, the President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), recently announced the formation of a disciplinary committee, emphasising its importance to Guyana Times Sport

The Senegalese Government has called for an “independent international investigation” into “suspected corruption” at African football’s governing body after it stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and awarded it to Morocco.

Senegal beat Morocco 1–0 in January’s final, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result on Tuesday because Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest when hosts Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

The players returned after a 17-minute delay, and Brahim Diaz’s “Panenka” penalty for Morocco was saved before Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored an extra-time winner.

Following an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF), CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match, with the “result being recorded as 3–0 in favour” of Morocco.

In a statement the Senegalese Government said the “unprecedented and exceptionally serious decision” was based on “a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision”.

It said: “Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the FRMF said it “welcomes” the ruling by CAF, which “upholds respect for rules that are necessary for the proper functioning of international competition.”

It added: “This decision helps to clarify the framework applicable to similar situations in the future and contributes to the consistency and credibility of international competitions, particularly African football.”

The fight is far from over – Senegal Football Association chief

“The naming of the disciplinary committee was by constitution. Within our constitution, it states that

Callender stresses importance of disciplinary committee after its recent unveiling

the President shall appoint a disciplinary committee.”

Callender elaborated on the committee’s role, stating, “That committee will serve as an essential regulatory body designed to uphold the integrity, professionalism, and sportsmanship of the sport in Guyana, which includes a variety of things: athletes’ code of conduct, WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] anti-doping rules, and IFBB [International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation] standards.”

Looking ahead, Callender discussed the implications of this committee’s establishment for the federation’s future.

“Governed by a five-member panel, this ensures that no single individual holds absolute decision-making powers, ensuring the highest standard of integrity and upholding the laws and mandates of the constitution,” he explained. He also reassured that the committee will function in a fair and impartial manner for all athletes involved in bodybuild

ing.

Senegal’s Government alleges corruption over AFCON

Earlier on Wednesday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it would appeal against CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), calling it “an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football”.

“This decision is a breach of trust that is not based on any rule of law,” FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow told Senegalese TV channel RTS 1.

“We felt that the jury wasn’t there to uphold the law but to carry out an order.

“We will stop at nothing. The law is on our side. The fight is far from over. Senegal will defend its rights to the very end.”

Some Senegal players have suggested they will not relinquish their winners’ medals.

“We know what we experienced that evening in Rabat. And no one can take that away from us,” Senegal and Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye said on social media.

The walk-off by Senegal prompted the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s law-making body, to open a consultation on how to deal with situations when “players unilaterally decide to leave the field of play, or team officials instigate such action, as a means of protest against a referee’s decision”.

Senegal’s players, apart from Sadio Mane, left the pitch after the award of a penalty for Morocco by referee Jean Jacques Ndala shortly after he had disallowed a goal by Ismaila Sarr at the other end.

Ndala gave the penalty in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitch-side monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Diaz.

FIFA president Gianni

Infantino said it was “unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner” and that the scenes “must be condemned and never repeated”.

During the tournament there was much debate about refereeing decisions and VAR, with accusations from some journalists that Morocco were treated favourably by some officials.

Senegal complained before the final about how they had been treated and expressed “serious concerns” over security when they arrived in Rabat for the game.

“A game should not be won in the boardroom”

In its ruling to award Morocco the title, CAF also “partially upheld” an appeal against an incident involving ball boys in the final and reduced the Moroccan FA’s fine for the incident.

In torrential rain, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy regularly dried his gloves, but the ball boys repeatedly tried to discard his towel.

At one point Senegal reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was tackled to the

ground by three ball boys and dragged around on the floor when he tried to intervene.

A fine for fans shining lasers at players on the pitch was also reduced by CAF.

CAF’s former head of discipline, Raymond Hack, questioned the decisions made by African football’s governing body and suggested there is a perception of “political interference” as “the president of the Moroccan Football Association [Fouzi Lekjaa] is the first vice-president of CAF”.

“The circus continues,” Hack told BBC World Service.

“A lot will depend on the referee’s written report, but the fact that the referee allowed the game to continue and they went into extra time gives the impression that he was satisfied that the game would continue.

“He is the only person who can call an end to the game. Not the authorities, not the governing bodies, only the referee.

“Otherwise you’re going to have a situation world-

wide where every time someone disagrees with a decision, they’re going to go on appeal or take it to court or something ridiculous like that.

“The game should be won on the field of play, not in a boardroom.”

Hack, a lawyer and a member of FIFA’s disciplinary committee, said the Morocco players should have informed the referee they were playing under protest if they intended to challenge the result.

He also said it could take six months for Cas to rule on Senegal’s appeal.

Moroccan journalist Jalal Bounar told Newsday that CAF’s decision had been welcomed “with great excitement and joy across the country”.

“Morocco appealed the decision to the Confederation of African Football because they believed that Senegal had broken the rules during the match, and that’s why Moroccans went out to celebrate,” he said.

“If they give it to Senegal, it won’t be the end of the

world. We will accept because we are satisfied that we reached the final.”

However, North African journalist Maher Mezahi said such a sentiment is not matched across the continent.

“It does seem like the rest of Africa feels outraged by this because it seems like, once again, the Confederation of African Football has almost disgraced the sport,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Mezahi cited CAF’s decision to ban Togo from two Africa Cup of Nations for quitting the 2010 competition following a gun attack on their team bus in Angola two days before the tournament.

Referring back to CAF’s decision on the 2025 final, he said, “They have, unfortunately, come up with a habit of releasing decisions like this – whether it’s the disciplinary committee or the appeals board – that eventually do get shot down at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but it makes the entire thing look very amateurish.” (BBC Sport)

Kishan to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in Cummins’ absence

Ishan Kishan will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the early part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. ESPNcricinfo has learned that the franchise has decided to appoint Kishan as interim captain with Pat Cummins recuperating from the lumbar stress issue that ruled him out of Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Abhishek Sharma will serve as Kishan’s deputy.

It is understood that Cummins will join SRH in Hyderabad on March 23 after getting the clearance from Cricket Australia (CA) to travel to the IPL. The development comes ten days before the IPL starts, with defending champions Royal

Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing SRH at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28. This will only be the second season when all ten teams start with Indian captains – until Cummins returns to take charge at SRH. In 2019, SRH was the only side with an overseas captain, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar stood in for Kane Williamson in their first match of the season. As of now, there is no clear date marked for when Cummins will start playing in the IPL, but the assumption within the franchise is that he is likely to miss at least the first few matches.

Cummins has been battling a lumbar stress issue

in his back for some time now, and the injury restricted him to just one match in Australia’s home season: the third Test against England in mid-December in Adelaide, where he took six wickets in 34 overs across two innings to help Australia go 3–0 up and retain the Ashes. Both Kishan and Abhishek played key roles in India’s victory at the 2026 T20 World Cup. Neither has led an IPL team before.

SRH signed Kishan for INR 11.25 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 354 runs at a strike rate of 152.58 in his first season at the franchise, including an unbeaten century on his de-

but for the team and a 94* towards the end of the season. He comes into IPL 2026 on the back of a sensational comeback into India’s T20I setup after he led Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by topping the tournament run charts.

Since his international return at the start of the year, Kishan has scored 532 runs in 13 T20Is at an average of 40.92 and a strike rate of 207.00, including three half-centuries at the World Cup. Both Kishan and Abhishek, who had a quieter tournament overall, scored fifties in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Steadily-improving West Ruimveldt gunning for Massy U18 title

As the Massy Under-18 Secondary Schools’ football tournament kicks off this Saturday, a few tournament favourites have already positioned themselves.

Amongst the likes of regional champions Chase’s Academic Foundation and the tournament’s defending champions Dolphin Secondary sit the steadily improving West Ruimveldt Secondary.

working their way up the ranks, and Teacher Leon Bishop believes they can win it all this time around.

From a third-place finish in the same competition last year to a second-place spot in the Republic Bank League later that year, West Ruimveldt has been

Bishop told this publication exclusively, “We’ve been working over the last two to three weeks because most of the guys had schools’ national championships, so we had to bal-

GFF appoints Hoang Nguyen as Golden Jaguars’ Assistant Coach

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) announced the appointment of Hoang Lan Nguyen as assistant coach of the Golden Jaguars on Tuesday, aimed at strengthening the national team’s technical setup ahead of upcoming international competitions.

According to a statement from the GFF, Nguyen arrives with a wealth of experience from Vietnam’s professional football circuit, having worked with The Cong Viettel FC at both senior and youth levels. During his tenure, he played a role in several successful campaigns, including the club’s V League One title triumph in 2020, along with youth championships at the U-21 and U-17 levels.

ance the football and the track and field, but we’re putting it in place, and we’re hoping this year we get another good year. One of the years that we think we should be able to win this time around after placing third last year. So, we’re working hard to get there.”

Responding to enquiries about his team’s preparation, Bishop divulged one area that they will be looking to improve.

At the continental level, Nguyen has also been involved in elite competitions such as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League in 2021 and the AFC Cup in 2022, gaining exposure to high-performance environments and varied tactical systems.

The GFF revealed that Nguyen is known for his tactical approach and specialises in match analysis, de-

fensive organisation, and transition play. His experience in nurturing young talent while maintaining competitiveness at the senior level aligns with the GFF’s strategic focus on strengthening development pathways and improving national team performance.

Fluent in English and accustomed to working in multicultural football environments, Nguyen is expected to transition smoothly

into the Golden Jaguars’ programme. The federation expressed confidence that his addition will help elevate technical standards and support the team’s ambitions on the regional and international stage.

The GFF welcomed Nguyen to the national setup and indicated that his expertise will play an important role in the continued growth and success of the Golden Jaguars.

“I think we need to focus for the entire duration of the match because, I mean, the last time we lost the semi-finals to Dolphin, it would’ve been a late goal that cost us, and we don’t expect to have those issues again this time around because we’re going to work from the first whistle to the end,” he explained.

The teacher added, “And once we stay fo-

cused for the duration of the match, we should do better this time around.”

The teacher and coach went on to praise the school’s administration for their support, citing it as a reason for their recent success.

“A lot of work”, Bishop said about what has gone into his school’s success on the football pitch. “Myself, the staff and the school because our team is not just me and Mr Holder; it’s from the head teacher right down. It’s a collaborative effort between us and the admin of the school be-

cause without the support of the admin, we can’t do well.”

“We’ve been doing our best; they’ve been giving us their best, so basically that has been our success so far,” Bishop further noted.

The Massy U18 tournament gets underway at the Queen’s College Ground on Saturday. There, 32 secondary school teams will be vying for a $300,000 grand prize. The second-place finisher will receive $200,000 and the third-place $100,000, all of which will be allocated to school projects of their choice.

InSync Therapeutics hails successful inaugural Speed Camp for Footballers

InSync Therapeutics, in association with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), has celebrated a successful conclusion of its first SpeedCamp tailored for football players. Hailed as a resounding success, players were challenged to deliver their best performances across speed, jumping and change of direction drills.

According to the entity, with near-excellent conditions at the National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the players delivered a number of outstanding performances, showing peak sprint speeds at times comparable to numbers produced regularly in the English Premier League, based on data available publicly. The athletes were exposed to training methods which would help them replicate such performances as regularly as the most elite players in the

world.

The camp also featured exposure to nutrition, recovery and hydration stations powered by Deja Brew Cafe, Gateau Catering

and Rainforest Water that brought world-class nutritional support in carbohydrate fuelling, high-protein muscle repair and pneumatic compression recovery.

Through initiatives such as the Speed Camp, InSync Therapeutics continues to promote the integration of sports medicine, strength and condition-

ing, and applied sports science to support the development of competitive sport in Guyana.

The camp was eagerly supported by corpo-

“Good test ahead of World Cup” as Windies Women battle Australia

The West Indies women will be hoping for a shift in fortunes as they head into their second T20I series this month, taking on the ominous Australia. With the Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, Captain Hayley Matthews is hoping her team can “put it together” in this series.

On the heels of a 2–0 series loss to Sri Lanka earlier this month, West Indies’ Women will face another uphill task, beginning tomorrow, as they come up against the number one ranked Women’s team Australia in a three-match T20I series.

The series bowls off today, Thursday, March 19, at the Arnos Vale Stadium, St Vincent and the Grenadines, where the team has been fine-tuning their skills.

Ahead of the series, Windies Women captain Hayley Matthews discussed the conditions in St Vincent, expressing a hope to give fans something to cheer about.

The Windies Women captain shared about the conditions, “Like I said, it’s been a long time, but the training sessions so far have been pretty fun and pretty good. The conditions seem really nice. I know a lot of the girls played the regional tournament just a few months ago as well, so they would have had a lot more game time at

this ground to get acclimatised and accustomed to the conditions around here.”

“Pretty happy to be here in the islands and here in St Vincent, somewhere we probably haven’t been for quite a while, so it’s going to be pretty fun to be back out here. I guess it’s such an iconic stadium; hopefully we get to see a lot of people come out. We know the Vincy fans are always very passionate about their game and the West Indies team performing well. So, it would be really good if we could get out there and give them some good performances and a lot to cheer for,” she added.

Acknowledging their recent loss to Sri Lanka, the Windies captain divulged some adjustments her team can make in the upcoming series.

“I guess it’s just putting our batting innings together properly. I think the conditions in St Vincent are certainly going to suit us a lot better, but yeah, as a team we probably weren’t at our best in the batting department when we look at our top 5/6 batters, but we do know the skill and the talent that we have in that top 5/6,” the captain reasoned. She continued, “So, I think the fact that we were able to perform at the level that we did against Sri Lanka without a lot of our big contributors contribut-

ing to the game certainly shows we have young players who are starting to step up. It’s kind of just putting it all together at the right time now.”

Quizzed about the West Indies’ plans for their opponents, Matthew opined that the Caribbean team has the talent to overcome their visitors.

“I think we got to focus on our skills and what we could do really well. Obviously, quite a challenging team, like you said, the highest ranked in the world, but yeah, teams have had success against them,” Matthews opined.

The Windies Women’s captain further expressed, “I think the good thing about T20 cricket is that it only takes one and two match winners to go out there and change a game, so it’s going to be really important for us that our big players do step up. I think that’s going to be key to us having a successful campaign, but we certainly have the players in the group to do so.”

As the T20 World Cup fast approaches, Matthews agreed that taking on the number one-ranked team in the format will be a good test.

“Very important,” Matthews said about the upcoming series. “I think it’s going to be a good test of where we are as a team

Nitro Kart Clash shifted to April 19

…over $10M in prizes still on offer

The highly anticipat-

ed Nitro Kart Clash has been postponed to April 19, 2026, but excitement continues to build as more than $5 million in cash and prizes remain up for grabs across a range of racing categories.

The event, launched by Jumbo Jet Events in partnership with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) and 555 Speedway, was initially scheduled for March 28 and 29 at the Thomas Lands karting facility.

Organiser Andre Rochford explained that the event had to be postponed to allow for the late arrival of several new karts.

“We had a shipping delay with a lot of new karts that are coming for the event, and some competitors reached out to us to plot a way forward. Giving all that’s been going on with the global landscape and shipping and the fact that we want to have a huge event where everyone can get to participate, we opted to shift the date.”

“The idea is to have a large field so that we can reach as many of the grassroots persons as possible, and that includes second, third, and fourth generation racers as well as those making their debuts on the

track. We want everyone to have a chance at this event,” Rochford added.

Originally structured as a two-day meet with scrutineering and qualifying followed by race day action, the rescheduled event is expected to maintain its competitive edge and high-energy atmosphere when it takes to the track in April.

Corporate Guyana has also strongly supported the initiative. Sponsors include Banks DIH, AJM Enterprise, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, J’s Supermarket, 555 Speedway, SCI (Sawh’s Construction Inc), Precision Service Centre, and Ramchands Autobody.

right now, just a couple months before the World Cup does start. So, yeah, hope we can see a lot of bright sparks and be able to take a lot of positives out of this series for sure.”

The first match of the series between the West Indies and Australia’s women will bowl off at 18:30h tomorrow.

Competitors will still battle across a diverse lineup of classes, including the Briggs & Stratton sealed-engine category for seniors, juniors (13–15 years), and cadets (6–12), along with the 200cc Honda 4-stroke Promoters Class and the Light Class. Additional events will feature 125cc IAME two-stroke (heavy and light), Under-12 60cc IAME, a five-lap time attack open category, 555 Speedway rental kart races, and supermoto 250cc bikes. With its revised date now set, the Nitro Kart Clash remains poised to deliver a major boost to the local motorsport scene while offering substantial rewards for competitors across all levels.

The Windies Women’s squad reads: Captain Hayley Matthews, Vice-

Captain Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow,

Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack and Stafanie Taylor.

CARIFTA contingent enters encampment this weekend

Guyana’s youth track and field prospects will intensify preparations for the upcoming CARIFTA Games when the national contingent enters encampment tomorrow at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The athletes are scheduled to report at 15:00h before beginning structured training sessions on Saturday, in their build-up to the regional championships set for April 4–6 in Grenada.

Following the initial camp, the squad will gain valuable competitive exposure at a two-day “CARIFTA vs the Rest” meet, slated for March 28 and 29 at the NTFC. According to AAG official Niall Stanton, the event will see the CARIFTAbound athletes competing against both age-group and senior competitors, providing an important opportunity to assess readiness and fine-tune performances ahead of the Games.

Stanton told this publication that the contingent features “a blend of emerging talent and experienced junior athletes across sprint, middle-distance, jumps, throws, and relay events”.

In the Under-17 category, Guyana will rely heavily on sprinters such as Omari Welch, Malique Kendall, and Jumeel Cornette, while middle-distance runner Jermaine Shepherd and multi-event jumper Keimal

Gishard are also expected to play key roles. On the girls’ side, Tesihanna Harris, Angel Jeffery, and Olivia Solomon headline the sprint and middle-distance events.

The Under-20 division boasts a strong lineup, including Onesi Dunn, Gordon Thompson, and Tishawn Easton in the sprints, while athletes like Javon Roberts and Ebo McNeil will spearhead the distance events.

Proven winners Tianna Springer and Athaleyha Hinckson are among the standout female competitors, with participation also extending to field events such as javelin and long jump.

Relay teams across both age groups are also assembled, with Guyana expected to challenge strongly in the 4x100m and 4x400m events, including a mixed relay team that blends both male and female athletes.

Guyana’s CARIFTA team comprises the following:

Under-17 Boys

Omari Welch – 100m, 200m, long jump, 4x100 relay

Malique Kendall – 100m, 4x100m Relay

Jumeel Cornette – 200m, 4x100m relay

Jarel Campbell – 400m, Long Jump, 4x100 Relay

Jermaine Shepherd –800m, 1500m

Bryson Anderson – 800m

Keimal Gishard – Triple Jump, High Jump, 4x100m Relay

Under-17 Girls

Tesihanna Harris –

100m, 200m

Angel Jeffery – 100m, 200m

Olivia Solomon – 400m

Oliver Solomon – 800m

Field Events (U17)

Nathaniel Samaroo –Discus, Shot Put

Under-20 Boys

Onesi Dunn – 100m, 4x100m relay

Gordon Thompson –100m, 4x100 Relay

Tishawn Easton – 200m, 400m, mixed relay, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay

Daquan Farrell – 200m, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay

Malachi Austin – 400m, Mixed Relay, 4x400m Relay

Javon Roberts – 800m, 1500m, 4x400 Relay

Kaidon Persaud – 800m, Javelin, Mixed Relay, 4x400m Relay

Ebo McNeil – 1500m, 5000m

Skylar Charles – 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay

Walton Alleyne – Long Jump, 4x100 Relay

Under-20 Girls

Athaleyha Hinckson –100m, 200m

Akeela Dover – 100m, 200m, Mixed Relay

Tianna Springer – 400m, Mixed Relay

Relays

U17 Boys 4x100 Relay: Welch, Cornette, Kendall, Campbell, Gishard

U20 Boys 4x100 Relay: Dunn, Thompson, Charles, Farrell, Alleyne, Easton

U20 Mixed 4x400 Relay: Easton, Austin, Persaud, Springer, Dover

U20 Boys 4x400 Relay: Austin, Easton, Charles, Farrell, Persaud, Roberts