Guyana Times - Thursday, March 26, 2026

“He told me he would call back” – widow of dead Corentyne fisherman

Joseph Fisher appointed new British High Commissioner to Guyana

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has announced the appointment of Joseph Fisher, MBE, as the new British High Commissioner to Guyana.

Fisher will assume the role in April 2026, succeeding Jane Miller, who is set to retire from the Diplomatic Service. Miller concluded her tenure in January after serving in the role since July 2021.

In addition to his duties in Guyana, Fisher will serve as Non-Resident Ambassador to Suriname and as the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

The FCDO in a release on Wednesday said that Fisher brings extensive diplomatic and national security experience to the post. He most recently served as Private Secretary to the National Security Adviser at Number 10 from 2024 to 2025. Prior to that, he completed the Higher Command and Staff Course at the Defence Academy in 2024.

Between 2022 and 2024, Fisher held the po-

sition of Deputy Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary within the FCDO. His earlier roles include serving in the Cabinet Office’s National Security Secretariat, where he progressed from Team Leader to Deputy Head of Department between 2020 and 2022.

His overseas experience includes a posting in Yangon, where he served as Acting Deputy Head of Mission in 2020 and earlier as Second Secretary (Political/Press) from 2011 to 2014. Fisher also

worked as an International Development Liaison Officer in the Office of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from 2014 to 2017.

Earlier in his career, he served in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province as a Second Secretary (Political) with a Provincial Reconstruction Team, and held roles within the FCO’s EU Directorate, Information Technology Department, and the joint FCO-DFID Sudan Unit. Fisher joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2007.

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, March 26 –09:45h-11:15h and Friday, March 27 – 11:25h-12:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected throughout the day and into the night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.58 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 10:13h and 23:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.17 and 2.02 metres.

Low Tide: 16:40h reaching a minimum height of 1.04 metres.

Guyana, US strengthen security ties in regional security, fight against cartels

…as Pres Ali meets US Special Envoy Kristi Noem at State House

As part of efforts to further strengthen security cooperation between Guyana and the United States, President Dr Irfaan Ali recently met with US Special Envoy and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The meeting was held on Tuesday at the State House in Georgetown, where the Guyanese Leader welcomed the US Special Envoy and her delegation to advance the Shield of Americas agenda.

Guyana is among 12 Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) countries that agreed to work with the US Government to address narco trafficking and other illicit activities in the region.

In a Facebook post following the high-level discussions on Tuesday, the

held earlier this month in Doral, MiamiDade, Florida. Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago were the only two

Caribbean nations invited to the March 7 summit.

US Embassy in Georgetown said the officials reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the two countries.

“Their discussions focused on joint efforts to disrupt cartel and transnational criminal activity, strengthen border security, discourage illegal immigration, and promote economic opportunity,” the US Embassy said in the social media post. “Thanks to the Trump Administration’s leadership, we are building a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future in our region.”

Meanwhile, during the meeting, President Ali presented Special Envoy Noem with a Dillon Craig painting depicting Guyana’s national bird, the Canje Pheasant, alongside the iconic Harpy Eagle.

Members of the Cabinet and senior members of the Joint Services also attended the high-level engagement, the Office of the President said in a separate Facebook post.

Tuesday’s meeting comes on the heels of President Ali attending the inaugural Shield of Americas Summit

President Ali along with leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago joined President Donald Trump to sign a proclamation, committing to the dismantling of cartels and foreign terrorist organisations operating in the Western Hemisphere.

During an interview on the sidelines of the summit, the Guyanese Leader declared Guyana’s unequivocal support for the strong actions and direct approach being taken by the US to crack down on drug cartels and transnational crimes that have plagued the Western Hemisphere for decades.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Disregard for wildlife & lack of empathy

The recent circulation of social media footage showing the abuse of manatees in the National Park is a chilling indictment of the disregard for wildlife and ethical responsibility in society. These incidents, showing physical harassment and feeding of inappropriate substances, demonstrate an alarming lack of empathy, a complete absence of ethical values, and a callous disregard for life itself. Such actions are intolerable and demand immediate prosecution of the individuals involved.

Manatees are delicate aquatic mammals that require careful and respectful interaction, and improper handling, feeding of unsuitable items, or physical contact can inflict severe physiological harm. Plastics and human food can lead to deadly indigestion, while direct contact causes unnecessary stress and physical injury. The abuse captured on camera is not only ethically reprehensible; it directly threatens the survival of these protected animals.

The behaviour witnessed reflects a profound societal failure and there is no justification for cruelty towards beings incapable of defending themselves. Ethical standards, decency, and respect for life have been disregarded in these incidents. Individuals who exhibit such conduct show not only moral indifference but also a willingness to undermine Guyana’s efforts in preserving its unique biodiversity. Tolerance for such acts signals a dangerous precedent, suggesting that cruelty can occur without consequence.

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) has appropriately condemned these acts and reaffirmed the regulations designed to protect wildlife in the National Park. These include strict bans on littering, harassment, and feeding of animals with anything other than approved vegetation such as fresh grass. Human food, sweet drinks, and ice are toxic to manatees and pose an immediate threat to their health. Despite these guidelines, the footage clearly shows a deliberate violation of the rules, highlighting the need for more than warnings; legal action must follow.

The PAC has pledged collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant bodies to ensure accountability. Identification of the culprits is critical, and the National Park’s CCTV system should be fully leveraged to pinpoint those responsible. Legal prosecution is the only effective deterrent of future incidents. Society cannot condone cruelty that endangers wildlife; failure to act would amount to complicity.

These incidents also underscore the necessity of public education on ethical wildlife interaction.

Immediate prosecution is essential not only for justice but also for the protection of the National Park’s reputation. Images of abused manatees circulating online reflect poorly on Guyana’s commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. Holding the perpetrators accountable will reaffirm the dedication to wildlife protection and demonstrate that cruelty has consequences.

Manatees and other wildlife depend on the vigilance and responsibility of society, and, as such, abuse, harassment, and negligence cannot be treated as mere lapses in judgment. They are serious offences, and enforcement of existing laws, coupled with decisive prosecution, sends a clear message that Guyana will not tolerate cruelty, and all individuals – citizens or visitors – must respect the wildlife.

The footage of abused manatees is a stark call for justice to be pursued, and those responsible must face the full weight of the law. Apart from punishment, society must recommit to a culture of empathy, ethical responsibility, and protection for all living creatures. The National Park exists to provide a safe haven, a space where wildlife can thrive without interference, and it is the duty of all to uphold this principle.

The CCTV cameras installed throughout the park must be used to identify the perpetrators, legal channels must be pursued to prosecute them, and public education efforts must be strengthened to prevent recurrence. Protecting manatees is a test of societal values and moral integrity. Guyana’s wildlife deserves vigilance and respect, and anything less is unacceptable.

Guyana’s refinery as the anchor of a continental partnership

Dear Editor,

The discussion now underway in Guyana’s public space about the possibility of a national refinery deserves a more structured analytical frame than it has yet received. The question being debated is not simply whether Guyana should refine its own crude; it is whether Guyana can position itself as the industrial anchor of a genuinely continental energy partnership-one that turns the country’s geography, its resources, and its relationships into a lasting structural advantage.

I want to propose a framework built around three partners and three distinct contributions.

Together they resolve what has historically been the central obstacle: scale. Every previous refinery proposal has failed at the bankability threshold because it was framed for domestic or Caribbean consumption, markets too small to attract the capital a facility of this kind requires. The framework I am proposing solves that problem by reorienting the market southward and westward rather than northward.

The first partner is Canada. Canada’s contribution to this partnership is not sentimental; it is technical and financial in the most concrete sense. Canada possesses world-class engineering expertise in refining light sweet crude, precisely the crude profile of Guyana’s Stabroek production. Canadian engineering and construction firms can design and build a facility optimised for this feedstock at standards that satisfy international lenders and institutional investors.

On the financing side, Export Development Canada provides credit instruments-direct lending, loan guarantees, and political risk cover - that carry no adverse geopolitical conditionality. At a moment when

Guyana must navigate carefully between competing great-power interests, Canadian capital is uniquely clean: technically excellent, financially credible, and politically neutral. Canada is also actively expanding its hemispheric presence as a middle power. Its interests and Guyana’s interests in this partnership are genuinely aligned, not merely convenient.

The second partner is Brazil. Brazil’s contribution is absorption and skills. The northern Brazilian states of Roraima and Amazonas currently import refined products at significant logistical costs from distant facilities that were never designed to serve this corridor efficiently. Guyana’s geography, its river systems, its overland connections, and its position at the northern edge of the South American landmass give it exclusive natural access to these markets that no Caribbean competitor can replicate.

When a Guyana refinery is scaled to serve Northern Brazil’s refined product demand rather than only domestic or Caribbean consumption, the bankability calculation changes entirely. A facility that cannot be funded for a market of two million people becomes fundable for a market of tens of millions. Brazil also brings technical labour, engineers, process specialists, and operational expertise from one of the world’s most experienced petroleum economies, which complements what Guyana’s own developing technical workforce can provide.

The third partner is Guyana itself. Guyana’s contribution is foundational in every sense. It provides the land, the feedstock, and the governance framework within which this partnership operates. Guyana’s light sweet crude is among the most refinery-friendly crude slates in the

Western Hemisphere; it requires simpler, lower-cost processing configurations than the heavy crude that dominates regional competitors.

More fundamentally, Guyana provides the convening power, the ability to bring Canada’s technical capital and Brazil’s market demand into a single productive arrangement that neither could organise without Guyana at the centre. That convening role is not passive. It requires active diplomatic capacity, a mature regulatory environment, and a governance framework that gives all parties the certainty they need to commit long-term capital.

This is the dimension of the refinery discussion that has received the least attention and deserves the most. A refinery built on commercially sound terms but governed poorly will not survive its first decade. A refinery built with proper governance architecture, transparent procurement, equitable benefit-sharing, robust environmental standards, and respect for the rights of communities in its vicinity becomes a generational asset.

This is what I mean when I argue that Guyana must turn South. The Turning South thesis I have advanced in these pages is not a rejection of any existing relationship; it is a recognition that Guyana’s geography is its most underutilised strategic asset. A continental refinery partnership anchoring Canadian capital, Brazilian market depth, and Guyanese resources and governance is the most powerful expression of what turning South actually means in practical terms.

It is not a theory; it is a project. And it is a project whose time has come.

Respectfully, Dr Walter H Persaud, PhD

THURSDAY,

Guyanese help to deliver steel components for Hammerhead FPSO

The foundation for building local capacity is being laid as Guyanese participate in the manufacturing of critical steel components for the Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel that is currently under construction for the Hammerhead Project offshore Guyana.

Japanese player MODEC is currently building the FPSO vessel to be used for the Hammerhead project – ExxonMobil’s seventh offshore development in Guyana.

The Hammerhead FPSO is currently being built in Asia, but two Guyanaregistered companies, Asequith Guyana Inc and Asian Sealand Offshore and Marine Inc (ASOM), were contracted to fabricate structural safety handrails for integration into the offshore platform during construction.

Speaking at a symbolic steel-cutting ceremony on

ponents stand as a powerful symbol of our growing industrial capacity and capability. They demonstrate that Guyanese talent and enterprise are not only meeting international standards, but contributing meaningfully to global projects,” Griffith emphasised.

According to the Labour Minister, this achievement is part of a much larger and evolving story that reflects both global expertise and Guyana’s expanding capacity in the energy sector.

“It is building a workforce that is capable, competitive, and prepared for the demands of a rapidly-transforming economy. Through initiatives like this, we are strengthening local capacity, expanding industrial capability, and ensuring that Guyanese businesses and workers are positioned to benefit. This is how we build resilience, reduce dependency, and ensure that the Made in Guyana, or made in Guyana, becomes a stan-

today is all about, it’s to celebrate that continued progress in ensuring that local companies and local people are benefiting from these huge investments that are being made in Guyana,” Routledge indicated.

He went on to underscore the importance of not just ensuring the sustainable development of the country,

Wednesday at the ASOM workshop along the Heroes Highway, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, underscored the importance of opportunities such as these in empowering Guyanese businesses and building local technical expertise.

“We are laying the foundation for the future. Today’s steel-cutting ceremony is more than symbolic,” he stated, adding that it highlights four critical pillars of national development in Guyana: job creation and workforce development, local content and economic impact, strengthening industrial capability, and partnership and collaboration.

“These are not abstract ideals. They are tangible outcomes. They mean more jobs, stronger businesses, enhanced skills, and a future where Guyanese talent drives Guyanese progress… These [fabricated steel] com-

dard of quality and pride,” the Minister posited.

Delivering opportunities today

Similar sentiments were expressed by Head of the Local Content Secretariat in Guyana, Michael Munroe as well as President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge – both of whom emphasised how strategic partnerships like these can bolster local capacity development.

“Local companies are critical to building out a sustainable supply chain here, and ensuring that as we develop the resource, we do so in a way where we’re not just waiting for the resource to generate revenues to the Government to pay for the schools and the infrastructure and things like that. That takes time. We need these projects to deliver value to people in the form of jobs and business opportunities today. And that’s what

but also building out a dependable local supply chain, which is critical given the global disruptions.

“It would be unrealistic to believe that Guyana could do everything… [But] for the country to prosper, it needs to be part of the international system. But to be part of that system, it still needs to have a competitive local economy. So, using these opportunities to build resilience, internationally-competitive organisations like Asequith [and] ASOM are critical to the long-term future and the sustainability of the country. So, we celebrate not only the achievements we’re making today, but the foundations that we’re laying down for the future of the country,” the ExxonMobil Guyana boss stated.

Approximately 100 metric tonnes of handrails were manufactured to be shipped to Asia for installation on the topside modules of the Hammerhead FPSO, which

will have the capacity to produce 150,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) along with associated gas and water handling. This is the second steel fabrication project that locals have been involved in. MODEC had previously collaborated with Guyanese partners for similar critical steel components for the Errea Wittu FPSO, which the Japanese player is currently constructing for Exxon’s fifth offshore development in Guyana – the Uaru Project, that is scheduled for start-up later this year.

According to the Country Manager for MODEC Guyana, Rafaek Fumis, these milestones are especially meaningful given the impact beyond the fabrication yard.

Local fabricators

“The involvement of the local fabricators has translated into real opportunities: jobs created, skills strengthened and increased earning powers for Guyanese workers… At MODEC, our commitment goes beyond delivering offshore infrastructure. We are equally focused on creating sustainable value through local content, ensuring Guyanese businesses and talent are not just participants but key contributors to the country’s energy success story,” the company’s country representative noted.

In addition to the fabrication works, Asequith also supplied all the raw materials used for this project.

Asequith’s Country Manager, Farzan Hosein, stated that not only did the company deliver and execute its tasks within the allocated timeframe, but did so building on previous collaboration on the Uaru Project.

Hosein noted that a feature of the company’s work was its commitment to fostering employment opportunities, skills transfer and long-term professional growth within the Guyanese workforce. This, he said, will ensure the impact of this

project extends beyond its physical footprint.

“During this project, Asequith maintained 65 per cent local workforce in-country from the start to the very ending of the project, with zero accidents, zero incidents and zero downtime. So, this alone says how much we are producing with the local capacity in the country… We are intentional about creating pathways for the Guyanese workforce to actively participate and benefit from projects of this scale… Our commitment is not to only deliver excellence but to empower Guyanese talent so that as this industry grows, so will the Guyanese people,” Hosein stressed.

On the other hand, ASOM has been investing in training and upskill-

ing Guyanese technicians, transferring its decades of proven capability in offshore maintenance, fabrication and complex offshore project execution.

“ASOM brings a depth of technical expertise that is now being transferred into Guyana. This is how we add value, by combining global standards with local talent, ensuring that Guyana’s talents become not just participants but leaders in the offshore and marine sector… We are committed to developing welders [and] fabricators – personnel who can compete on any global stage. Every Guyanese trained, every skill transferred and every job created strengthen the foundation of Guyana’s local content ecosystem,” ASOM’s Administration Manager, Celeste De Santos, stated.

Only last week, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the FPSO for the Hammerhead project, which is slated to come stream in 2029, will be named “Essequibo 1899”. This name references the year of the signing of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which demarcates the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

According to the Head of State, the name was deliberately chosen to honour Guyana’s historical legacy while recognising the country’s rapid economic transformation.

00:00 Sign Off

Navratri Devotional Hour

Anthony’s Navratri Special

Evening News (RB) 08:00 Movie - The Horse Dancer (2017) 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 TVG Music Break 12:00 News Break

12:05 Movie - Alice In Wonderland (2010) 14:00 Movie - Cheaper by the Dozen (2022)

16:00 Indian Soaps

17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 TVG Music Break

21:00 Grey’s Anatomy S9 E2 22:00 The Rookie S2 E12

23:00 Modern Family S2 E16

23:30 Arrested Development S4 E29

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026

Page Foundation

NGSA Questions

1) What is the difference between the prices of two hats when one is sold for $480 and the other two times the price?

(A) $200

(B)$480

(C)$960

(D)$240

2) If the length of a rectangle = 12cm three times its width, what is its area?

(A) 18cm

(B) 24cm

(C) 48cm

(D) 56cm

3) What is the expanded notation for the number 8967?

(A) 8000 + 967

(B) 8800 + 90 + 6

(C)

5)

6) If 600

would each girl receive?

Supplies/tools

Crayons

Glue

Scissors

Markers

Bowl

Cardboard

Hair dryer

Shadow box

Silicone letter mould

Water

NB: Adult supervision required

Directions

Step 1: In a bowl of warm water, place a variety of crayons and let them soak.

Step 2: Remove the wrappers from the crayons, in one piece, set aside, and let dry.

Step 3: Take crayons and break them into the letter mould, then melt them with a hairdryer or in the oven.

Step 4: When crayons are done melting, let it harden in the mould, then remove.

Step 5: Cut dry crayon wrappers into cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and candies shapes. Then, decorate with markers.

Step 6: Cut cardboard pieces and glue behind each crayon wrapper candy shapes to lift it up higher.

Step 7: Glue background shapes to the back of the shadow box, add in the melted crayon letter, and then add crayon wrapper shapes to the foreground. Secure the frame and hang it wherever you like! (Adapted from crayola.com)

BY COREY VAN LANDINGHAM

Caravaggio’s face in the sunken pumpkin.

Bulbs rotting in the damp garage—still no hard frost. Lamplight, low moon. It’s that time when corners deepen and the frame won’t stay untilted. A tendency toward extremes, one doctor diagnosed. It’s just that out the window stands a row of white globes too long now. Too long. Why do you keep looking? When the child asks, of the man in the moon, who cut off his head, who says turn away, turn away from that.

A mystery of faith, as it were, that the light indeed returns.

(Source: Poetry [April 2024])

Art imitates life and life, art is the theme of your new short story.

WORD SEARCH

US extradition request CCJ to hear US-sanctioned father-

son duo’s appeal on April 21

…grants temporary stay of extradition case

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Wednesday temporarily paused the extradition committal proceedings involving United Statessanctioned and indicted Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, as it ordered that the matter be put on hold until it hears and determines their appeal.

The regional court, which serves as Guyana’s final appellate court, granted an interim stay of the proceedings now before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, while it considers whether the Mohameds should be allowed to challenge a recent ruling of the Guyana Court of Appeal.

In delivering the order, CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson said the stay was being granted “in the interest of justice,” while at the same time underscoring

that extradition matters must be dealt with urgently and without unnecessary delay.

The CCJ has fixed April 21 to hear the Mohameds’ application, which centres on whether the extradition process initiated against them was tainted by actual, perceived, or presumed political bias.

The ruling means that although the extradition committal proceedings had been expected to continue in April, they cannot move forward unless and until the CCJ gives further directions.

At the heart of the legal challenge is the Mohameds’ contention that Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond acted in a manner that was legally compromised when she issued the Authority To Proceed (ATP), the document that triggered the local extradition process.

That ATP paved the way

“To preserve the status quo, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings that are pending before the court, a final court would normally preserve the status quo while the appeal is being heard, and that is precisely what the CCJ did…this is a normal position that final courts take across the globe…We are of the firm view that the appeal will not succeed, that the appeal has no likelihood of success, and we respectfully maintain that position” – AG

for the magistrate’s court to issue warrants for the arrest of the two men and begin committal proceedings tied to requests from the United States for their extradition to answer allegations of financial crimes.

The Mohameds are arguing that the Minister’s decision was not a simple administrative formality, but one allegedly “infected” by political bias, owing to repeated public statements made by senior government officials against Azruddin Mohamed in particular.

Their case, now before the CCJ, challenges the Guyana Court of Appeal’s finding that Walrond’s issuance of the ATP was essentially an administrative act and, therefore, not one that could be invalidated on the basis of bias in the way the applicants contend.

The father and son are asking the CCJ to overturn

that finding and to determine whether the initiation of extradition proceedings, especially in circumstances where a person’s liberty and fundamental rights are at stake, must be insulated from any suggestion of political prejudice.

In the grounds advanced before the CCJ, the Mohameds maintain that the Court of Appeal failed to properly account for what they described as a stream of prejudicial public utterances made over several months by top State officials, including President Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

According to the appeal documents, those state-

US-sanctioned

ments allegedly branded them in advance as criminals, tax cheats, dishonest operators, and guilty parties before the extradition process had run its course.

The applicants argue that because the Minister was politically aligned with those officials and answerable within the same administration, the issuance of the ATP could not be divorced from the political atmosphere in which it was made. They are also contending that the Court of Appeal erred in concluding that any involvement by the Attorney General in facilitating or advising on the

ATP could not amount to disqualifying bias.

The court directed that the respondents file affidavits in opposition on or before April 2, 2026. Written submissions on the application for special leave are to be filed on or before April 10, 2026, with any replies due by April 15, 2026.

The hearing is scheduled to take place by video conference at 09:00h AST. The panel that dealt with the matter comprised CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson, Justice RajnauthLee, and Justice Chantal Ononaiwu.

Big fish…

…in Mudland

Well, well…well!! The fastest growing economy in the world keeps drawing in some Big Fishes!! Even though – truth be told – this particular Big Fish jetted in because of our other attraction-of-themoment: our strategic location smack next to Venezuela with its 300 million barrels of crude oil sloshing around!! That – as the Yanks finally admitted – is the reason they’ve taken such an avid interest in our western neighbour. And which brought Kristi Noem – now serving as Trump’s newly appointed “Special Envoy to his “Shield of the Americas” (SOTA) initiative!!

On her Facebook page, she describes herself as a “wife, mother, grandma, farmer, rancher, and small business owner and politician”. A dyed-in-the-wool conservative Republican, she’d also been Governor of her home state of South Dakota and Member of Congress from one of its Districts. But it was as Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security – in control of ICE that’s the sword-arm of Trump’s illegal immigrants’ deportation war since 2025 – that she became not only famous – but in the end, infamous!!

In her own words, she summed up her record – “We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again: we delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the US, we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the US Coast Guard.” Wow!!

But ironically it was exactly her fervour for her job that she was removed when she defended ICE’s fatal shooting on two individuals arbitrarily apprehended in Minneapolis. Allegedly indulging in the perks of her job also helped bring her down when she faced a Congressional hearing. But her boss Trump immediately appointed her to her new role when he had her attend the SOTA Summit in Florida on March 7, which Pres Ali attended along with 16 other hemispheric leaders!!

As US special envoy, she serves on behalf of the President, she can operate outside of the typical reach of an ambassador to address a complex, multilateral issue. Here – working “closely” with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth – it’s basically to coordinate the new US National Security Strategy that prioritises the Western Hemisphere in the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine!! In Guyana, the US Embassy announced that Noem met with President Irfaan Ali, senior Government and defence officials, and representatives of US energy companies operating in the country. The discussions “centred on dismantling drug cartels, disrupting firearms trafficking, discouraging illegal immigration, and strengthening regional security”.

Expect Noem to aggressively hit the ground at full speed!!

…in Christendom

If Kristi Noem has broken the barrier for women in destroying the stereotype that beautiful women are basically “dumb”, over the pond in Old Blighty, another stereotype was blown to smithereens yesterday when Dame Sarah Mullally, 63, was ceremoniously installed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury!! Imagine that!! She’d been legally appointed in January – but she was now enthroned on St Augustine’s Chair, a marble seat from the early 13th century named after the first Archbishop who was appointed in 597 – at Canterbury Cathedral. This was the formal, symbolic start of her public ministry

Breaking new ground for the Anglican Church, she follows in the footsteps of one of her predecessors Thomas Becket, who famously fought King Henry II over the rights and privileges of the Church. And was martyred in 1170 following the King’s outburst, “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?”

The ceremony was attended by Prince William, Princess Catherine, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Dare we expect ecclesiastical changes in Mudland??

…brought low

Your Eyewitness isn’t gonna make no snarky remarks about Sanction Man getting infected with dengue. Just to note that being infected isn’t the whole story. While sometimes the symptoms can be almost unnoticeable –they can also be serious.

Ex-cop freed of Kitty bar killing due to insufficient evidence

ormer Policeman

FKeenon David has been acquitted of the murder of Kurt Anthony Duncan, who was fatally shot at Seeta’s Bar, Kitty, in July 2019, after the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts ruled there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Magistrate Annette Singh at the close of the prosecution’s case, following a no-case submission filed by Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon. The decision brings to an end proceedings that began over four years ago.

David, who had been at large for nearly four years, was arrested in January 2024 at Soesdyke Back Road, Timehri, reported-

ly while playing cards, and subsequently remanded to prison pending the preliminary inquiry.

The prosecution’s case relied primarily on a single eyewitness who had been with Duncan on the night of the incident, along with CCTV footage from five cameras at the bar. During cross-examination, the witness’s account was challenged on multiple fronts, with Dhurjon highlighting inconsistencies, contradictions, and credibility issues.

The Attorney further argued that the CCTV footage was inconclusive, failing to definitively identify David as the shooter.

In ruling on the matter, Magistrate Singh agreed that the prosecution had not established a prima facie case, noting that the question of identification “loomed large” and that the avail-

able evidence was insufficient to require David to enter a defence. She dismissed the murder charge and discharged the former officer.

“I thank the court for its patience and commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law,” David expressed after the ruling.

Police had reported that on the day in question, the bar was in the process of closing when a scuffle ensued between a woman and the man who was cleaning the floor. Duncan reportedly tried to intervene in the scuffle when he was shot by the suspect who was seated nearby.

Police said the suspect “allegedly whipped out a firearm and shot (Duncan) in the region of his chest”.

Duncan was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Neighbour fatal stabbing ends in 5-year jail sentence

Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh on Monday sentenced Brian Mathieson to five years in prison for the manslaughter of his neighbour, Ronald Betancourt, following a violent altercation in 2019. The time Mathieson spent in remand custody was ordered to be deducted from the sentence.

In delivering the sentence, acting Chief Justice Singh explained how the five-year term was calculated. The Judge began with a standard starting point of 18 years’ imprisonment for a manslaughter conviction of this nature. From that, one-third (six years) was deducted to reflect Mathieson’s guilty plea, a further three years was subtracted for his expressions of remorse, and an additional four years owing to factors relating to the conduct of the deceased during the incident.

After accounting for time already served on remand, the court arrived at the final custodial term of five years.

The sentence was delivered at the Demerara High Court, concluding a case that has stretched over several years since the incident on September 27, 2019, at Princes Street, Wortmanville. On that day, Mathieson reportedly en-

Jailed: Brian Mathieson

tered Betancourt’s yard armed with a knife and stabbed him multiple times. Betancourt was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

In determining the final sentence, acting Chief Justice Singh considered both the severity of the offence and several mitigating factors presented by the defence. During sentencing, the court also noted Mathieson’s willingness to accept responsibility and the potential for rehabilitation. The Judge balanced these considerations against the seriousness of the act, the use of a deadly weapon, and the impact on the victim’s family.

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Money laundering probe

High Court grants SOCU order to hold $160M in gold, cash

The High Court has granted a detention order allowing the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to hold gold and cash valued at more than $160 million as part of ongoing money laundering proceedings.

On Monday, upon application by SOCU, acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh granted a Detention Order pursuant to section 37A of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, Cap. 10:11 (AML/CFT Act).

The Order permits SOCU to detain 4018.15 pennyweights of gold valued at $80,911,765 along with currency amounting to $81,101,200.00. The assets are identified as properties belonging to Sebastiao De Oliveira Moura and Gago Gold Inc.

against Moura under section 3(1)(c) of the AML/CFT Act.

Subsequently, on November 26, 2025, acting on an order dated November 25, 2025, SOCU returned the assets to the respondents, but later re-seized them on the same day.

Justice (ag) Singh stated that the property had been physically returned in compliance with a prior court order, and that the earlier decision by former acting Chief Justice George did not determine whether the assets were tainted.

same,” the ruling stated. The Court also awarded costs to SOCU in the sum of $500,000.00, to be paid on or before April 23. SOCU was represented by Attorney-atLaw David Brathwaite in the proceedings.

“There being no such adjudication with respect to the property, the applicant is entitled to seize the property under section 37A of the AML/CFT Act,” the Chief Justice ruled.

However, before those orders expired, then Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George ordered the release of the properties on April 3, 2025.

On April 4, 2025, SOCU instituted five counts of money laundering charges

The matter stems from a joint operation conducted on February 7, 2024, involving SOCU, the Natural Resources Ministry, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Following that operation, SOCU obtained several detention orders from the High Court to hold the assets until May 6, 2025.

Following the re-seizure, SOCU applied to the court for a new detention order, arguing that the assets are tainted property and proceeds of crime, derived from money laundering, and at risk of dissipation if not preserved. The agency also maintained that the assets are linked to ongoing criminal proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court and are required as evidence.

Despite objections from Defence Attorneys Latchmie Rahamat and Naresh Poonai, the court granted the application.

In his ruling, Chief

He further found that the respondents failed to present a viable defence against SOCU’s application and noted that the agency had provided sufficient evidence to justify the detention.

“The applicant has set out cogent evidence demonstrating that it has reasonable grounds to seize the property and is justified in seeking detention orders for

Only on Tuesday evening, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had indicated that more high-profile asset seizures are expected in the near future, as authorities are working on forfeiture proceedings for hundreds of millions of dollars in suspected proceeds of crime.

Nandlall argued that asset recovery was an essential component of modern law enforcement, noting that once it is established in a court of law that such monies are illicit, it is channelled into the Consolidated Fund, as provided for under the law.

More multimillion-dollar asset seizures coming in major crackdown – AG warns

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister

Anil Nandlall has signalled an aggressive expansion of Guyana’s asset recovery drive, waring that more high-profile seizures of wealth linked to criminal activity are on the horizon as the State intensifies its crackdown on illicit finances.

Speaking on his weekly programme, Issues in the News, Nandlall made it clear that the Government was moving decisively toward a modern crime-fighting strategy that targeted not just offenders but their assets.

He disclosed that authorities were already pursuing multiple major forfeiture

cases involving hundreds of millions of dollars, stressing that the State would continue to detain, seize, and ultimately forfeit assets believed to be proceeds of crime.

“We are working on a number of high-profile forfeiture proceedings in which hundreds of millions of dollars of assets will be forfeit-

ed, detained, seized, and/or forfeited. And you will note that all these monies are tainted monies.” Nandlall said, underscoring that this forms part of the shift of policy towards dismantling criminal enterprises, financially.

The AG pointed to the recent court victories as evidence that the legal framework, particularly the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, is being effectively deployed.

He highlighted that a ruling by the Full Court of the Hight Court, which upheld earlier orders allowing the State to seize over $14.6 million and US$7844 from convicted drug trafficker Jacqueline Caines. The court affirmed that the funds were proceeds of crime and should be forfeited.

In another significant development, Chief Justice Navindra Singh recently granted detention orders to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), allowing the authorities to hold over $80.9 million worth of gold and more than $81 million in cash. These assets are linked to businessman Sebastiao De Oliveira Moura and his company, Gago Gold Inc, as part of ongoing criminal proceedings.

Nandlall dismissed arguments circulating in some quarters that the State cannot seize certain categories of funds, including those tied to sanctions, describing such claims as legally unfounded.

“The State will take every single sanction cent when the occasion arises. Don’t

worry. Every single sanction cent, everything will happen in its time. We are dealing with one aspect of the legal proceedings. I have said that the arms of the law are long. The processes may be slow, but they are very, very sure. I want to assure you of that,” he asserted, reinforcing that asset forfeiture is a lawful and essential tool in combating organised crime.

He explained that Guyana was working closely with regional and international partners, including law enforcement networks and financial intelligence bodies, to track and recover illicit wealth across borders.

According to Nandall, the focus on asset recovery reflects a global trend where law enforcement agencies aim to cripple criminal operations by removing their financial bases, rather than relying solely on prosecutions.

He noted that legislation such as the AML/CFT Act, alongside provisions in the Narcotics and Custom Laws, provides the State with mul-

tiple avenues to pursue confiscation of assets tied to illegal activities.

“These are the proceeds of crime. And courts have found that they are the co-proceeds of crime. And the State is taking it pursuant to the various provisions of our law and depositing it in the Consolidated Fund. That’s what the orders of the court say, deposit it in the Consolidated Fund,” he said, explaining that once forfeited, the funds are deposited into the Consolidated Fund in accordance with court orders.

With several cases already before the courts and others in preparation, Nandlall indicated that the public should expect a steady stream of high-profile seizures in the coming months, as authorities ramp up enforcement.

The Attorney General maintained that while legal processes may take time, they are “sure”, and the State remains committed to ensuring that crime does not pay in Guyana.

NGSA, CSEC 2026 preparation

“Practice, practice, practice” –Chief Planning Officer to students

…as Maths Tents launched nationwide

As preparations for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations intensify, education officials are urging students to focus on consistent practice, particularly in Mathematics.

Chief Planning Officer at the Education Ministry, Misckha White-Griffith, has said that the most important factor in mastering Mathematics is simple but powerful – practice.

“Practice, practice, practice. You do that repeatedly with your concepts. Do it with a friend. The more you teach your friend, you strengthen your skill. And not only will you pass, but you will tag along your friends with you. So, the en-

tire group will celebrate,” she emphasised.

She also pointed out that repetition and constant engagement with concepts are still very important for building up confidence and preparing for success before the exams. She said that another important aspect is collaborative learning, where students learn with their peers and teach one another to reinforce their understanding and mastery of the subject.

The Education Ministry has launched a new initiative called “Maths Tents” to help students across the nation. The objective is to provide students with additional learning support outside the classroom, especially for students preparing for the CSEC exams, while also reviewing the basics for prima-

ry students.

According to WhiteGriffith, the Maths Tents initiative will take place in different areas starting this Saturday, where students from any school are free to attend the sessions at a particular location within their area. Every week, students can expect to learn a particu-

lar area of mathematics that will be announced through the official platforms.

The initiative will be an additional activity to supplement the current learning activities taking place in class and students’ current use of the Ministry’s digital learning platform.

The teacher will still be

with the students in school, and students will also be putting in their own effort outside of school using their textbooks and online resources. However, with the Math Tents, students will be able to get an additional push to improve their understanding and exam performance.

White-Griffith was very optimistic about students’ participation. She stated that she would be visiting various tents and interacting with students during their activities. She promised to have some surprises for students who would be actively engaged during their practice.

Region 2 driver fined $115,000; carpenter on $200,000 bail for traffic cases

Two men appeared before the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, in separate matters related to alleged breaches of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act.

Vimall Dhanraj, a 32-year-old driver of Adventure, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was charged with multiple offences, including failing to display an identification mark at the front of his vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle. The offences were committed on Monday, January 26, 2026, along the Taymouth Manor Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

The charges were insti-

Stop mistreating manatees in National Park – PAC warns public

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) is advising the general public to stop any form of harmful interaction with the manatees in the National Park, particularly after the emergence of disturbing social media footage of the abuse of these marine animals.

In its advisory to the general public on Wednesday, March 25, the Commission strongly condemned the actions of the individuals involved in the abuse of the manatees, noting that these animals are sensitive aquatic animals that deserve to be handled with care and respect.

According to the Commission, any form of interaction with these animals, including touching, congesting, and feeding the animals with unsuitable materials, not only goes against ethical standards but also puts the survival of the animals at great risk, as the animals may suffer indigestion if they are given plastics, which may cause death, and may also suffer greatly if they are physically touched, as this may

cause significant harm to the physiology of the animals.

The PAC has reinforced a number of mandatory regulations for the visitors of the National Park, which include a zero-tolerance policy for littering, a strict ban on physical harassment of wildlife, and a set of guidelines for controlled feeding of the wildlife.

It also stressed that visitors should only provide fresh grass or any approved vegetation for consumption by the manatees, as human food, sweet drinks, and ice are very toxic for the wildlife.

In relation to the series

of incidents that happened, the PAC stressed that it was working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and all the proper authorities regarding this matter and that they will take all necessary actions against the culprits.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to this noble cause of wildlife conservation, the PAC stressed that the National Park is a sanctuary for the protection of Guyana’s natural heritage, and it was appealing to all visitors and citizens at large to ensure that the park remains a peaceful environment for all.

tuted under Sections 13(1), 22(1), and 15 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.

Dhanraj appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir, and he pleaded guilty to all charges. He was

fined a total of $115,000. In default of payment, he faces three months’ imprisonment.

In a separate matter, Milton Granville, a 37-yearold carpenter of Richmond, Essequibo Coast, was charged with refusing to provide a breath specimen for a breath alcohol test. The offence allegedly occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026, along the La Belle Alliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast. The charge was laid under Section 39B (5) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02. Granville also appeared before Magistrate Mohabir, and he pleaded not guilty. Bail was granted in the sum of $200,000. The matter was adjourned to August 5.

“He told me he would call back” – widow of dead Corentyne fisherman

…

pleads for help to care for 4 children

The last time Amrita Singh spoke with her husband, Aladdin Dookie, he told her he was busy and would call her back, a call that never came.

Days after his body was pulled from the Corentyne River, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) following a fishing trip gone tragically wrong, the 25-year-old mother is now left not only mourning his loss, but facing the reality of caring for their four young children without a home and steady income.

“My husband tell me he busy and he would call me

back… but I never get that call.”

She recalled trying repeatedly to reach him later that day, growing increasingly worried as hours passed without any response – a silence that would soon be broken by devastating news.

“I try call him phone, and when I finally get the news… that is how I hear what happen… We spend time together before he left… we laugh and talk, everything was nice,” she said as she sobbed.

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Guyana, US strengthen...

“We support the strong action on drug cartels. We’ve supported the Charter to deal with transnational crime, especially the narco-terrorism and these cartels. We have to agree first that this is a challenge to the region, and we have an approach now that is direct, and one that seeks to take the region out of the stain of criminality, cartels, and drugs,” President Ali said in an interview with Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie.

Late last year, Washington had deployed about 10,000 troops in the Caribbean as part of efforts to combat transnational crime and the illicit drug trade in the region, especially coming out of Caracas.

The Trump Administration has stated that designated narco-terrorist organisations like Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles are using the region’s air and sea corridors to funnel drugs into the US, thus posing a direct threat to American lives and security.

On January 3, US troops captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas, taking them to New York to face several indictments on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has since been sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president after Maduro’s ouster.

President Ali had reminded of the threats and aggression Guyana faces from Caracas, especially under Maduro’s rule.

“Guyana came under threat from Venezuela under the Maduro regime, and what we have seen since the capture of Maduro is, you know, an attempt by the Government, of course in keeping with the agreement of the US, to move towards a

safer environment in which the Venezuelan people would enjoy greater prosperity, greater development prospects, and move towards a more democratic society – values that we share, values that we uphold.

“And that by itself has brought a change in the mindset, a change in the condition, and we have seen greater stability, less rhetoric, and wherever there is less rhetoric about conflict, there’s greater confidence in the system. And wherever there is momentum towards democracy, there is greater prospects for the region. So yes, that would have brought improvement,” the Guyanese Leader posited.

Over the years, Venezuela has been increasing its aggression towards Guyana in furtherance of its spurious claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region, and a portion of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where over 11 bil-

lion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) have been found and oil operations are currently ongoing offshore by US oil major ExxonMobil and its partners.

In fact, only two weeks ago, the Venezuelan regime objected to efforts by the Guyana Government to conduct three-dimensional (3D) multi-client seismic exploration offshore within Guyana’s EEZ.

Back in 2018, Guyana had approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking affirmation of the final and binding nature of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary with neighbouring Venezuela.

After receiving written pleadings on the merits of the case from both countries, the World Court will hear oral arguments in May from the two sides after which it will deliberate and issue a judgement.

The Guyana Government has already indicated its confidence in a favourable ruling.

Parents urged to complete nursery school registration before March 31 deadline

With the March 31 deadline quickly approaching, the Education Ministry is reminding and encouraging parents and guardians to complete registration for

nursery school admission for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Registration, which began on January 12, will officially close on March 31 and education officials are urging

parents and guardians to act promptly, warning that failure to register children by the given deadline can affect the receipt of the “Because We Care Cash Grant”.

To complete the process,

parents are required to present documents to the head teacher of their chosen school for verification. These include a birth certificate, immunisation card, and proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or TIN certificate.

availability of space.

In terms of eligibility, children born on or before June 30, 2023 will qualify for nursery school entry in September. Each child must turn three years old on or before June 30, 2026 to be considered eligible.

tive regions for assistance.

The Ministry further noted that placement would be guided by its official policy, and the Department of Education reserves the right to refuse placement where inaccurate information is provided.

However, officials emphasised that no child will be denied entry into nursery school due to missing documents. THURSDAY,

The Ministry stated that the children will be placed in the school closet to their homes or their parent’s place of work depending on the

The Ministry said that parents who do not currently possess documents are advised to visit the Department of Education in their respec-

CCJ to hear US-sanctioned...

Temporary measure

Speaking hours after the CCJ ruling during an interview posted to his social media page, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said the order made by the CCJ should not be interpreted as a victory on the merits for the Mohameds, but rather as a temporary measure to maintain the legal position until the substantive issues are heard.

Nandlall said the hearing before the CCJ on Wednesday was essentially a case management conference, during which the court canvassed the positions of both sides before setting timelines and hearing dates.

“To preserve the status quo, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings that are pending before the court, a final court would normally preserve the status quo while the appeal is being heard, and that is precisely what the CCJ did,” Nandlall said.

He added that this, in his view, was the “normal position that final courts take across the globe” when matters are pending before them.

Nandlall said the State remained firmly opposed to the challenge being brought by the Mohameds and intends to resist both the application for special leave and the substantive appeal.

“We are of the firm view that the appeal will not succeed, that the appeal has no likelihood of success, and we respectfully maintain that

position,” he said.

The Attorney General said the Government’s legal team believes the issues being raised are not of such complexity as to justify prolonged litigation, and he suggested that the CCJ itself signalled the need for swift disposal of the matter.

According to him, the court repeatedly stressed the public interest involved in extradition matters and the need for them to be treated “with dispatch”.

“The important thing that I want to emphasise is that the court repeatedly stressed the urgency of this matter and the need for it to be concluded with dispatch,” Nandlall said.

He further expressed hope that the emphasis placed by the CCJ on urgency would be reflected throughout the wider judicial process.

“I am hoping that those sentiments coming from the highest court will transmit lower down the judicial rung of the ladder so that courts who are dealing with the matter can get a clear signal that the highest court is saying that the matter must be dealt with in dispatch and speed,” he said.

The Attorney General also took aim at social media reactions that appeared to cast the interim stay as a final legal triumph for the Mohameds. He said the order granted by the CCJ was not a final determination, but merely a temporary conservatory order while the legal arguments are heard.

He noted that the April 21 hearing date is not far away and said the matter should soon move to a decisive stage.

Controversial diagnosis, delay Before the CCJ’s intervention on Wednesday, the extradition committal proceedings had already been expected to resume April 7 to April 10. However, that timetable had itself followed an adjournment after the magistrate’s court was told that Azruddin Mohamed was suffering from dengue, with a controversial diagnosis and laboratory results submitted to the court on Tuesday.

The matter had, therefore, already been delayed at the lower court level even before the CCJ’s stay took effect. Neither the High Court nor the Guyana Court of Appeal had previously granted a stay of the committal proceedings while the related legal challenges were pending.

The Mohameds were represented by Fyard Hosein, SC; Roysdale Forde, SC; Siand Dhurjon; Damien Da Silva and Aadam Hosein.

The first respondent was represented by Douglas Mendes, SC, and Clay Hackett, while the second respondent was represented by Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC; Solicitor General Nigel Hawke; Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna Lall and Dishon Persaud. Arudranauth Gossai appeared for the third respondent.

Man jailed for 32 years for murder of ECD man

Thirty-six-year-old

Osafi Johnson was sentenced to 32 years’ imprisonment on Monday for the brutal 2021 murder of Nico Layne, called “Daddy,” of Victoria, East Coast Demerara (ECD), after the High Court found that the killing was marked by extreme violence, cruelty and a devastating impact on the victim’s family. The sentence was handed down on Monday by acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court, one month after Johnson admitted to the fatal knife attack. Time spent on remand will be deducted from the custodial term.

In outlining how the sentence was calculated, the court explained that it began with a starting point of 36 years. A onethird deduction, amounting to 12 years, was applied for Johnson’s early guilty plea. A further two years were deducted after the court reviewed mildly favourable probation reports. However, four years were added due to the severe emotional and psychological impact on the victim’s family, while six years were added to reflect the cruelty and brutality of the attack. This resulted in a final sentence of 32 years. Johnson was represented by Attorney Dexter Smart, who told the court that his client had shown remorse and possessed the potential to be rehabilitated and eventually reintegrated into society. The defence

urged the court to consider Johnson’s background and the contents of the probation report, which indicated that he could be responsive to structured rehabilitation. When invited to speak before sentencing, Johnson addressed the court directly, apologising to the victim’s relatives.

“I am very, very, very sorry,” he said. “If I had the power to go back and bring it back, I would. Forgive me, please. I beg you, please forgive me. If I get my freedom and I can help the family in any way, I will.” Despite the apology, the Judge emphasised that the court was guided by the chilling details captured on surveillance footage, which showed the victim being relentlessly chased and attacked. “When the court watched the video, it showed that this man was running away, trying to escape…,” Justice Singh said from the bench. The Judge added that the violence inflicted on Layne went far beyond what was necessary to cause death.

According to the facts presented to the court, Layne was liming with friends in the early morning hours of March 28, 2021, at the junction of High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, near Silvie’s General Store. Around 01:15h, he had parked his bicycle near a nearby snackette before joining a group playing cards. About half an hour later, Layne discovered his bicycle was

Jailed: Osafi Johnson

missing and began making inquiries. He eventually walked north along High Street towards Brickdam. Between 03:10h and 04:05h, he was seen running back toward the area from Hadfield Street, being chased by Johnson and co-accused Randy Tafari. Johnson was armed with a long knife, while Tafari carried a cutlass. A woman, also armed with a cutlass, was reportedly accompanying them. At the time he was fleeing, Layne was already injured. Witnesses observed blood on his jersey and a wound beneath his armpit. In a desperate at -

Neighbour fatal stabbing...

Christopher Belfield, prosecuting for the State, provided a detailed account of the incident, emphasizing the premeditated nature of Mathieson’s actions and the violent outcome. He told the court that Mathieson and Betancourt were neighbours, and that the confrontation escalated when Mathieson entered Betancourt’s yard carrying a knife.

“The accused inflicted multiple stab wounds upon the deceased, who was hospitalised and ultimately died as a result of his injuries,” Belfield stated.

The prosecution further highlighted aggravating factors, including the ferocity of the attack and reports suggesting that Mathieson had a history of aggressive behaviour. Belfield urged the court to impose a sentence reflecting the severity of the offence and its consequences for the community.

Mathieson’s defence

counsel argued that the incident stemmed from a personal confrontation, rather than an intent to kill.

The defence highlighted Mathieson’s troubled background, mental health challenges, and ongoing efforts at rehabilitation since his arrest. Counsel urged the court to consider these factors in mitigation, stressing that Mathieson had accepted responsibility for his actions.

During sentencing, Mathieson personally addressed the court and the victim’s family, expressing sincere remorse.

“If this were to happen again, I would walk away and not try to defend myself. I didn’t mean to kill him,” Mathieson said.

His apology was acknowledged by the court, which considered it a factor in reducing the sentence. Earlier in the proceedings, the court had ordered a psychiatric evaluation af-

ter concerns were raised regarding Mathieson’s mental health and behavioural tendencies. The evaluation informed the sentencing process, ensuring that his mental health and rehabilitation potential were considered alongside the seriousness of the offence.

Justice Singh concluded that while Mathieson’s actions were serious and warranted punishment, the combination of his guilty plea, remorse, and mitigating circumstances justified a reduced sentence.

The court emphasised that the decision sought to balance accountability, public interest, and potential rehabilitation, sending a message that the justice system considers both the severity of crime and the prospects for offender reform.

Mathieson will have to serve the remainder of his sentence.

tempt to defend himself, he reportedly asked bystanders for a knife before continuing to run south along High Street and turning east onto Leopold Street, where he eventually collapsed. Johnson and his accomplice caught up with him and inflicted multiple stab and chop wounds while he lay on the ground. Surveillance footage later showed the attackers standing over Layne’s

body before calmly walking away and attempting to flag down a passing vehicle. The injured man was subsequently transported in a Sheriff Security vehicle to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination (PME) conducted by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh revealed that Layne sustained 17 incised wounds, some consistent with stabbing and others with slashing. The official cause of death was haemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised wounds.

Lasting trauma

In a victim impact statement read in court, Layne’s relatives described the lasting trauma caused by his violent death, explaining that the family continues to struggle emotionally and financially in the years since his killing. The court accepted that the loss of a young man in such a public and brutal manner had caused profound and enduring suffering, which justified an increase in the custodial term. The probation report presented to the court noted that Johnson had expressed regret for his actions and maintained that he had not intended for the situation to escalate

to such a fatal conclusion. The report also referenced his upbringing and social circumstances, suggesting that while he had shown some behavioural issues in the past, structured guidance and correctional programmes could potentially assist in his rehabilitation. However, the prosecution, led by Christopher Belfield and assisted by Geneva Wills, highlighted several aggravating factors. These included the use of deadly weapons, the fact that the victim was chased while attempting to flee, and the continued stabbing even after Layne had become defenceless. The State argued that the attack demonstrated a high level of violence and disregard for human life.

Justice Singh agreed, stating that the manner in which the attack was carried out reflected a clear intention to cause serious harm and displayed a shocking level of brutality.

“This was not a single blow in the heat of the moment. This was a sustained attack on a man who was trying to escape and who eventually lay helpless on the ground,” the Judge said. Johnson’s co-accused, Tafari, who also pleaded guilty, is expected to be sentenced at a later date.

Ignore rumours – Finance Minister says portal not finalised Cash grant registration

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh says that the online registration portal for the $100,000 per adult cash grant initiative is still being finalised and that the official launch of the platform will be announced soon.

He made this clarification on Wednesday after information about the portal was shared online and resulted in scores of persons flocking to the website to get registered. In fact, some persons were even complaining that the portal was either not working well or was down.

This promoted Minister Singh to issue a public notice, stating that “Please be advised that the official online portal for the Government’s $100,000 Cash Grant is currently in the final stages of development and testing.”

According to the Finance Minister, the formal launch of the portal will be “an-

nounced officially in due course”.

To this end, Dr Singh implored persons to disregard any other information being circulated on this matter until the official announcement is made.

“Thank you very much for your patience as we ensure a simple and seamless process for all Guyanese,” he posited in the notice posted to his Facebook page.

This comes after the Finance Minister had indicated last week that the digital online platform to register for the cash grant would be launched sometime this week, allowing all eligible Guyanese citizens in the country to sign up to receive their grant.

After the registration, a verification process will be conducted and once the information submitted is confirmed, then the money would be deposited into their bank accounts.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

“He told me he would call...

Describing her husband, Singh said the 28-year-old was devoted to his family and always placed their needs above his own.

“My husband never a bad person, he always there for me,” she said, adding, “if the last food he get, he would make sure the children eat first and he would stay without.”

In coming to terms with his death, Singh said that she still struggles to fully understand how the incident occurred, noting that her husband had years of experi-

ence at sea.

“Seven years he been doing fishing, and nothing like this ever happen before. I don’t know what to say or what to believe.”

Now left to care for four young children on her own, Singh said her immediate concern is securing a stable place to live, as she currently has no home of her own and limited means of support. She and her husband were living in a house owned by the fishing boat owner whom her husband worked with.

“Number one, I have to get

FROM PAGE 12

my own place… I have to get a house and land… My baby don’t stay with somebody… I need help to take care of my children,” the now widowed woman lamented.

She said that even if she is able to secure housing, providing for her children on a daily basis remains a major concern, as she currently has no steady income. She currently works one day a week as a domestic help.

Persons who may wish to offer assistance can contact Singh on 759-7929.

The eligibility requirements to receive the $100,000 cash grant into your bank account include: must be a Guyanese citizen aged 18 years and older as at February 28, 2026; must have a valid National Identification Card or Guyana Passport; registrant

must have a bank account in their name at any local commercial bank, and must be physically present in Guyana to register.

Last week, almost 50,000 Central Government employees were the first category of Guyanese to receive their $100,000 cash grant.

This first cohort of 48,858 employees comprising public servants, teachers and members of the Disciplined Services received their cash grants via their bank accounts, amounting to some $5 billion.

In a March 19 statement, Minister Singh indicated that subsequent groups of eligible beneficiaries will follow. In fact, he reiterated calls for citizens to open bank accounts, explaining that this is the easiest and fastest way they can receive the cash grant without leaving their homes.

The Finance Minister noted that with active bank accounts, Government would be able to transfer cash grants swiftly, securely, and efficiently as is currently being done with the disbursements to Central Government employees.

“A central pillar of this initiative is to promote financial inclusion. This is why

we are urging all Guyanese to utilise the formal banking system,” Minister Singh reiterated.

He further pointed out that in anticipation of the roll-out of this cash grant, the Ministry of Finance together with the Central Bank collaborated with financial institutions to simplify the process of opening bank accounts as well as to facilitate the opening of these accounts online.

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

This is the second tranche of the national $100,000 cash grant for Guyanese citizens aged 18 and older that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has undertaken. During the first round in late 2024 into 2025, more than $60 billion of disposable income was transferred into the pockets of over 600,000 Guyanese. Another $60 billion is expected to be transferred in this second round of distribution.

15 years’ jail for man who wounded uncle …attack stemmed from dispute over relationship involving accused’s mother

Aman who wounded his uncle during a confrontation stemming from a dispute over a relationship involving his mother was on Wednesday sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment at the Berbice High Court.

Shankar Sookhram was found guilty of the offence of wounding following a trial before Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty at the Berbice High Court. The prosecution was led by Marisa Edwards, while the accused was represented by Attorney-at-Law Sasha Roberts.

The court heard that the attack was carried out against his uncle in the Black Bush Polder, with the Prosecution outlining that tensions had developed after the accused objected to a relationship between the older man and his mother which ultimately led to the violent confrontation.

In determining the sentence, Justice Kumar-Chetty outlined the established principles of sentencing, including retribution, deterrence, prevention, and rehabilitation, noting that the court must impose a penal-

ty that reflected the seriousness of the offence while also considering the circumstances of the offender.

The court also took into account the injuries sustained by the victim, noting that he continued to experience pain and has been affected psychologically as a result of the attack.

The court further heard that threats were made against the victim, a factor which was treated as aggra-

vating, as the Judge emphasised the need for the sentence to serve as a deterrent to both the offender and others. The matter proceeded to trial before the High Court, during which five witnesses were called and evidence presented, with the Judge ultimately finding the case to be a serious and complex one before imposing the 15year sentence.

After 1400 years Church of England officially has 1st female Archbishop of Canterbury

The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has said that she still sees herself as “just Sarah”.

Dame Sarah was enthroned on Wednesday as the 106th – and first female – Archbishop of Canterbury in a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral. She is the first woman to hold the role in its 1400-year history.

Speaking before her historic installation ceremony, she said: “The thing for me, it’s always been important to be able to communicate with people and to listen to people, and that’s partly my nursing background as well as it is, you know, how I grew up.

“But I do find that being accessible to people is really important. And whilst I think I’m just Sarah, people see the Archbishop, so trying to use simple language, you know, listening to them, meeting people where they are is really important.”

The installation ceremony marks the symbolic start of Dame Sarah’s ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury. She was first named in the role in October, and had her confirmation of election ceremony in January at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Canterbury Cathedral hosted 2000 official guests, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, representing the King as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

The Princess, in a long grey fitted Suzannah coat, held onto her wide-brimmed Juliette Botterill hat amid windy weather as she and the Prince were greeted outside the West Door by Lady Colgrain, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent.

After the ceremony, the

Archbishop greeted the Prince and Princess at the West Door of the cathedral, where the trio chatted animatedly.

Dame Sarah gave a small curtsey to the Princess and laughed as she responded to remarks made by the Prince. At one point, the Archbishop placed her hand on her heart as she talked to the couple. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister; Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader; the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral; a delegation from the United Nations; faith leaders; charity representatives and schoolchildren also attended the ceremony. Wednesday’s congregation included representa-

through the cathedral.

The service featured six languages, including singing in Urdu, a Gospel reading in Spanish and a prayer in the Bemba language of Zambia.

The Pope sent a representative from the Holy See, and the Most Rev Richard Moth, the new Archbishop of Westminster, who is the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, gave a reading from the Old Testament. Dame Sarah was welcomed into Canterbury Cathedral by schoolchildren from John Wallis Academy in Ashford.

Having walked to the Cathedral’s West Door, she knocked it three times using

and with you to worship and love him with heart and soul, mind and strength.” She placed her hand on the St John’s Bible to swear the Corporal Oath – the first time this Bible has been used in this way.

The copy of the first Benedictine hand-illuminated Bible for more than 500 years was given to the cathedral in 2023.

Dame Sarah was first placed into the Bishop’s Chair, which dates from 1844, and marked her in-

predecessor, Bishop Justin Welby, in November 2024 over allegations that he mishandled abuse claims related to John Smyth, the Church’s most prolific abuser.

The Archbishop said: “In a world already torn by conflict, suffering, and division, we must also acknowledge the hurt that exists much closer to home.

“We must not overlook or minimise the pain experienced by those who have been harmed through the

her faith in God and made a commitment to follow Jesus.

“I could never have imagined the future that lay ahead, and certainly not the ministry to which I am now called.”

The Archbishop arrived in Canterbury on Sunday at the end of a six-day walking pilgrimage from London, telling those she greeted that she was “very relieved” to complete the 87-mile trek. She has held a career of many firsts: In 1999, at the age of 37, she became

stallation as Archbishop of Canterbury.

She was then installed in the ancient Chair of St Augustine – dating from the early 13th century, symbolising her wider min-

tives and 26 primates from the Anglican Communion –Christian churches around the world of which Dame Sarah is now the spiritual leader.

Among them were some of the first female Anglican bishops from across Africa, who joined a procession

her pastoral staff – the traditional way for a new archbishop to seek permission to enter.

She was questioned by the schoolchildren as to why she had been sent, to which she answered: “I am sent as Archbishop to serve you, to proclaim the love of Christ

istry across the Anglican Communion. Delivering her inaugural sermon as Archbishop, Dame Sarah admitted that the Church had failed victims of abuse.

The institution has been left reeling from the unprecedented resignation of her

actions, inactions, or failures of those in our own Christian churches and communities.

“Today, and every day, we hold victims and survivors in our hearts and in our prayers, and we must remain committed to truth, compassion, justice and action.”

Dame Sarah wore a clasp on her cloak which was made from the belt buckle she wore as a nurse while serving in the NHS.

As a symbol of the strong ties between Anglicans and Roman Catholics, she also wore the pastoral ring given to Archbishop Michael Ramsey in Rome by Pope Paul VI in 1966.

The service took place on the Feast of the Anunciation, which marks the day the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of Jesus.

During her sermon she referred to Mary, the mother of God, who she said had to trust “in a future she couldn’t yet see – a future she could never have imagined”.

Dame Sarah, who became a Christian at 16, said: “This resonates with me, as I look back over my life – at the teenage Sarah, who put

the youngest person ever to be chief nursing officer for England. She then became the first female Bishop of London in 2018.

Speaking before her installation ceremony, Dame Sarah urged women to “follow your dreams”. Asked about her career achievements, she said: “It’s interesting, when I meet students, which I have done in the last week as part of the pilgrimage, it is the most frequently asked question, actually.

“And once I sort of try and get my head around being the Archbishop, I recognise the significance of being the first female Archbishop, but I am also aware of the women that have supported me in my ministry, and also the men as well.

“And part of the installation service will have women’s voices right the way through it, so there’s something about celebrating women, but also being able to say to other people, in a sense, it’s entirely possible for you to follow your dreams and what you want to do.”

The Archbishop has repeatedly spoken about the misogyny she has endured.

(The Telegraph)

Regional

US offers up to US$3M bounty for information on finances of powerful Haiti gangs

The United States on Wednesday offered a reward of up to US$3 million and possible relocation in exchange for information on the financial activities of Haiti’s Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif criminal groups.

Washington has designated both groups, which bring together hundreds of gangs in the capital Port-au-Prince, agricultural Artibonite region and central Haiti, as terrorist organisations.

The US announcement marks a shift in tactics as previous bounties have been focused on individual gang leaders.

Haitian security forces, with the support of a partially-deployed United Nationsbacked force and a US private military company, have intensified attacks on armed gangs that control most of the capital, but have yet to make a major gang leader’s arrest.

Once dependent on sponsorship from elites, Haiti’s gangs have grown more economically independent as they cemented control over the capital and extended to rural areas in recent years.

Besides controlling roads and checkpoints, they are accused of collecting funds through extortion; thousands of ransom kidnappings; gun, drug and organ trafficking,

Members of the Haitian Armed Forces patrol as people flee homes following armed gangs violence over the weekend, many grouped behind an alliance known as Viv Ansanm, in the Poste Marchand suburb, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, December 9, 2024 (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol file photo)

and theft of vehicles, buildings and crops.

More than a million people have been displaced by the conflict with gangs, which has exacerbated food insecurity, and close to 20,000 have been reported killed in Haiti since 2021. The death toll has climbed every year.

According to the UN, most gang killings are the result of firearms brought illegally into the country, with many believed to come through US ports in Florida and Georgia.

According to a report released on Wednesday by Mercy Corps, which surveyed thousands of displaced people across the capital Port-

au-Prince, 99 per cent had no job or income after being displaced and 95 per cent felt unsafe in their new lodgings.

Less than half had access to a functioning toilet and the vast majority were eating less than two meals a day. Just a third of children were attending school and a third of women said they had suffered physical or sexual violence at the displacement site, the report found.

The UN estimated 1.45 million people were internally displaced across Haiti by the end of last year, with more than 400,000 displaced in the last year alone. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Dominica to implement measures to cushion impact of Middle East war on local economy

The Dominica Government on Wednesday said it would be taking measures to cushion the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East, acknowledging that events thousands of miles away would significantly affect the price of fuel, the cost of food, the stability of jobs, and the strength of the local economy.

Let me be clear, Dominica is not in danger of war, but we are exposed to the economic aftershocks of this conflict

that has already caused the largest supply disruption in the history of global oil markets, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told a news conference. He said the most immediate risk facing Dominica was a sharp increase in global oil prices. We import all of our fuel and high oil prices, and of course, it will affect electricity costs, transportation, and the price of goods and services across our economy. We face ris-

ing costs of imported food and essential supplies, as global shipping routes and supply chains experience disruption, said Skerrit.

The Prime Minister said at the same time, there may be a slowdown in global travel and investment, which could affect tourism and inflows into the local economy.

Your Government has not waited for the situation to worsen. We are actively and decisively working to protect the people of Dominica. Over the coming days and weeks, we will implement a series of targeted measures designed to cushion the impact on households and businesses, he added.

Skerrit said the Government will first introduce targeted relief measures to help manage the rising cost of living, saying this will include temporary reductions on duties and taxes on essential goods, and increased support for vulnerable households through our social protection programmes. (Excerpt from CMC)

4 killed in latest US attack on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean

The United States has conducted its 47th attack on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel, this time killing four persons.

Wednesday s announcement brings the total number of people killed in the boat-bombing campaign, dubbed Operation Southern Spear, to approximately 163.

US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, described the attack as applying total systemic friction on the cartels .

On March 25, at the di-

rection of #SOUTHCOM

commander Gen Francis L Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organisations, the command unit wrote on social media.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.

No further details were provided to identify which terrorist organisation was involved, or who was on board the vessel.

As has been its custom, SOUTHCOM attached a brief, 15-second aerial video of the attack alongside its statement, showing a narrow boat bursting into flames.

The Administration of President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that lethal tactics are necessary to stop drug trafficking into the US.

The boat-bombing campaign began in the Caribbean Sea on September 2 and expanded to the eastern Pacific Ocean in October. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Mexican President says will uphold Cuban doctor agreement

President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday Mexico would maintain its agreement with Havana to have Cuban doctors working in the country, after a handful of nearby nations pulled out of such arrangements amid pressure from the United States.

“We have a very good agreement that’s also been a great help to us. It’s a bilateral agreement that’s been very beneficial for Mexico,” Sheinbaum said during her daily morning press conference.

Mexico has become a major host for Cuban medical personnel, with thousands of doctors and special-

Brazil

ists deployed to the country since 2022 to work in under-served, rural areas.

The medical mission programme is one of the largest single sources of foreign income for the Cuban Government, which has accused countries that decided to do away with the programmes of caving in to pressure from Washington.

The US has imposed a trade embargo on Cuba since 1960, and this year the Trump Administration escalated by threatening tariffs on countries that ship oil to Cuba, where fuel shortages have caused worsening blackouts and battered key services.

Mexico, which halted its

unveils

own oil shipments to the Caribbean’s largest island, is among several countries that have sent humanitarian aid to Cuba.

The Bahamas, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica and Guyana have announced plans to end agreements with Cuba under the programme which the US says is exploitative and amounts to forced labour.

Host countries, where rural communities rely on services provided by Cuban doctors and nurses, reject this claim. Officials say the medics’ salaries and labour standards comply with local and international law.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

1st supersonic fighter jet assembled in country

Brazil became the first Latin American nation to build a supersonic fighter jet on Wednesday when it unveiled the first Gripen plane assembled in the country.

Brazil first signed the contract for Saab’s Gripen in 2014, choosing it over Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet

and the Rafale, made by France’s Dassault, to replace its aging fleet of fighter jets.

The country joins Western powers such as the United States and France, as well as major developing economies including Russia, India and China, in building a supersonic fighter jet.

Its deal with Swedish

defence group Saab included the production of 15 of the 36 jets under contract at Brazilian planemaker Embraer’s Gaviao Peixoto plant in S o Paulo state under a technology transfer agreement.

Saab said it expects to use the Brazilian production line as an export hub, a prospect bolstered by an agreement last year for neighbouring Colombia to acquire Gripen fighters.

“This is the first time since 1937, when Saab was founded, that a fighter aircraft is manufactured outside Sweden,” said Saab Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Micael Johansson.

The Gripen production line underscores Brazil’s growing ambitions in military aviation, with Embraer’s C-390 Millennium cargo jet gaining traction among European buyers. (Excerpt from Reuters)

OIL NEWS

US oil prices rise as investors assess Middle East de-escalation

US oil prices rose in early trade today, recovering some of the previous day’s losses as investors assessed prospects for de-escalation in the Middle East and Iran reviewed a US proposal to end the war, which has disrupted energy flows from the Gulf.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed more than US$1 to US$91.42 a barrel at the open and were up 93 cents, or one per cent, at US$91.25 a barrel as of 2225 GMT.

WTI lost 2.2 per cent on Wednesday.

Iran is still reviewing a US proposal to end the war in the Gulf despite an initial response that was negative, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday, indicating that Tehran had so far stopped short of rejecting it outright.

US President Donald Trump will hit Iran harder if Tehran fails to accept that the country has been ”defeated militarily”, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Iranian officials publicly scorned the prospect of any negotiations with the Trump Administration. But an apparent delay in delivering a formal response to Pakistan, which delivered a 15-point proposal on behalf of Washington, appeared to signal that at least some figures in Tehran may be considering it. (Reuters)

Meta, Google lose US case over social media harm to kids

Neville, mother of Alexander; Mary Rodee, mother of Riley Basford; Shelby Knox; lawyer Laura Marquez-Garrett; lawyer

liable

of harming

2026 (Reuters/Mike Blake photo)

ALos Angeles jury on Wednesday found Meta and Alphabet’s Google negligent for designing social media platforms that are harmful to young people, in a US$6 million verdict that will serve as a bellwether for numerous similar cases.

The jury found Meta liable for US$4.2 million in damages and Google for US$1.8 million, small amounts for two of the world’s most valuable companies with annual capital spending over US$100 billion each.

The Los Angeles trial is meant to serve as a bellwether, or test case, for the thousands of similar lawsuits consolidated in California state courts.

The case involves a 20-year-old woman, a minor when the case began who is known in court by her first name Kaley. She said she became addicted to Google’s YouTube and

Meta’s Instagram at a young age because of their attention-grabbing design, such as the “infinite scroll” that encourages users to keep looking at new posts.

The jury found Google and Meta were negligent in the design of both apps and failed to warn about their dangers.

“Today s verdict is a referendum from a jury, to an entire industry that accountability has arrived,” the plaintiff’s lead counsel said in a statement.

Meta and Google disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal, spokespeople for each company said.

Shares of Meta closed up 0.3 per cent, and Google parent Alphabet finished 0.2 per cent higher.

Snap and TikTok were also defendants in the trial. Both settled with the plaintiff before it began. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Around the World

Iran says it is reviewing US proposal to end war

Iran is reviewing a United States proposal to end the war in the Gulf, but has no intention of holding talks to end the widening Middle East conflict, the country’s Foreign Minister said on Wednesday.

The comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi suggested some willingness by Tehran to negotiate an end to the war if its demands were met, despite an initial response that was negative as Iranian officials publicly poured scorn on the prospect of any negotiations with the US.

The exchange of messages through mediators ”does not mean negotiations with the US,” Araqchi said on State television.

”They put forward ideas in their messages that were

conveyed to top authorities, and if necessary, a position will be announced by them,” Araqchi said.

Additionally, Iran has told intermediaries that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement with the US and Israel, six regional sources familiar

Trump to visit

with Iran’s position said.

US President Donald Trump’s 15-point proposal, sent through Pakistan, calls for removing Iran’s stocks of highly-enriched uranium, halting enrichment, curbing its ballistic missile programme and cutting off funding for regional allies,

Xi Jinping

according to three Israeli Cabinet sources familiar with the plan.

The White House declined to disclose specifics of its proposal and threatened to escalate its strikes.

”If they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily, and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

A senior Israeli defence official said Israel was sceptical Iran would agree to the terms, and that Israel was concerned US negotiators might make concessions. Israel also wants any agreement to preserve its option to conduct pre-emptive strikes, a second source said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

in

China

May 14-15 after Iran war delay

United States President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid-May, delaying a planned trip by several weeks as the war against Iran drags on.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Wednesday that Trump s trip will now take place on May 14 and May 15, instead of its originally-planned dates, from March 31 to April 2.

She added that Trump and First Lady Melania Trump expect to host Xi during a visit to Washington, DC, later in the year.

During Wednesday s news briefing, Leavitt faced questions about whether the new dates for the trip symbolised that the war in Iran might be coming to a close.

Russia

One reporter asked, Did the two leaders speak about the conclusion of the war was that a precondition for them to have this rescheduled meeting Leavitt denied any such preconditions.

President Xi understood that it s very important for the President to be here throughout these combat operations right now, she said. He understood, obviously, the request to postpone and accepted it, which is why we have new

dates on the books. Fighting in Iran has continued as the war approaches the one-month mark, despite repeated assurances by the White House that victory is close at hand.

Iran s continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for petrol shipping, has sent shocks through the global economy, including in China. The analytics firm Kpler found that, in 2025, more than 80 per cent of Iranian oil shipments were bought by Beijing, amounting to about 1.38 million barrels per day. China has called for an end to the war. Trump, meanwhile, has requested that China help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Beijing has so far declined to participate. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

sought to blackmail US using intelligence to Iran, Zelenskyy says

Russia sought to blackmail the United States by offering to stop sharing military intelligence with Iran if, in return, Washington would cut off Ukraine from its intelligence data, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday.

Zelenskyy, who said on Monday that Ukraine’s military intelligence has ”irrefutable” evidence that Russia is continuing to pro-

vide intelligence to Iran, told Reuters he had seen the data, but provided no further details.

Speaking in his presidential compound in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said that some Iranian drones, used to attack US military assets and its allies during the war in the Middle East, contained Russian components.

”I have reports from our intelligence services showing that Russia is doing

this and saying: ’I will not pass on intelligence to Iran if America stops passing intelligence to Ukraine.’ Isn’t that blackmail Absolutely,” Zelenskyy said.

He did not say who, according to the reports, Russia was addressing the comments to. Russia has denied assisting Iran in its month-old conflict with the United States and Israel a denial that Washington said earlier this month that it

had also received directly from Moscow when the issue was discussed.

Ukraine, which has faced sustained attacks by Iranian-designed Shahed drones since Russia launched its invasion in 2022, is helping several Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to counter drone attacks on their territory, the President said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

HOROSCOPES

Too much of anything will hold you back. Dive deep into your mind and apply more thought and energy to making your home and close relationships better.

SUDOKU

Mental stimulation will set the wheels in motion and help you navigate your way forward with precision. Look for grants, incentives and courses that can help you expand your interests.

Get the facts firsthand. Work to make a difference. Whether you focus on your needs or reach out to help others, the process will be uplifting and will open doors that lead to insight.

Avoid letting negativity and criticism set in. Look for the good in everyone and everything, and you ll attract the right people. Share your intentions and speak from the heart, and opportunity will prevail.

Whatever you do next, weigh the pros and cons before getting involved in situations that could be hard to extricate yourself from. Protect your reputation and stick to the facts.

Reach out, make suggestions and participate in events and activities that address issues of concern. Don t let your enthusiasm lead you to overextend yourself physically or financially.

The people and places that attract you will not be conducive to you best interests. Listen carefully and refrain from offering personal information.

Set yourself up for success. Trust and believe in your abilities and reach out to people who are heading in the same direction. Work-related events will change your perception of someone interesting.

Take note of what others do or say, but don t follow the herd. Focus more on what makes you happy and choose a lifestyle that allows you to fulfill your heart’s desires.

Be careful what you share and sign up for and who you trust to look out for your interests. When opportunity knocks – and it will – open the door.

Apply your energy and attention to how you handle your finances. A change at home or to your lifestyle that encourages you to start a home business or sell off items you no longer use will boost your morale.

Do something you enjoy or investigate something that intrigues you and the outcome will be enlightening. Don t hesitate to hone your skills; practice makes perfect, and perfection attracts those as enthusiastic as you.

Briton John to defend Jagan’s Memorial Road Race title on Sunday

The Flying Ace Cycle Club will stage its Annual Jagan’s Memorial Cycle Road Race on Sunday, March 29, with riders set to roll off from Freedom House in New Amsterdam at 08:30h.

Briton John, the defending champion, will be aiming to make it three in a row, having dominated the event in 2024 and 2025.

The race will see John and his challengers travel along the Corentyne corridor to the Number 51 Police Station before making the turn and heading to Babu Jaan for the finish, setting

up what organisers expect to be a competitive outing across several categories.

Prizes will be awarded across multiple divisions, with the General Classification rewarding the top six finishers. The Veterans Open category will cater for the top four riders, while the Veterans Over-50 division will award its top three competitors, all of whom will finish at Babu Jaan on the upward journey.

The Juniors, Category Four, and Ladies divisions will also be contested, each offering prizes for the top

three finishers. Similar to the Veterans Over-50 category, the Ladies competitors will conclude their race at Babu Jaan on the upward leg of the course.

To add further competition throughout the event, 10 prime points will be available along the route, providing opportunities for riders to secure intermediate rewards.

Transportation for cyclists is scheduled to depart from Freedom House on Robb Street at 05:45h on race day, to ensure participants arrive in Berbice in time for the start.

NSC expresses condolences at passing of Dominoes Federation VP Osborne

The National Sport Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sadness at the sudden passing of Roberto Osborne, Vice President of the Guyana National Dominoes Federation, describing his death as a significant loss to the sport and the wider sporting community.

According to reports, Osborne passed away unexpectedly after retiring to bed on Monday evening.

He was discovered unresponsive the following day, sending shockwaves throughout the dominoes fraternity and beyond.

Osborne was widely respected as a long-serving and dedicated member of the local dominoes community.

Over the years, he contributed immensely to the development of the sport, serving in multiple capacities at both the national level and within the Georgetown subdivision.

His commitment and passion for dominoes helped to strengthen the sport’s structure and foster a sense of unity among players and administrators alike.

Director of Sport (DoS), Steve Nincalle, described Osborne’s passing as a major blow, noting that his contributions went far beyond administrative duties.

“Roberto Osborne’s passing is a tremendous loss to dominoes in Guyana. He was a committed servant of

the sport who gave of himself tirelessly to ensure its growth and organisation,” Ninvalle said.

Ninvalle also extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the NSC to Osborne’s family, friends, and the entire dominoes community during this difficult time.

“This is a painful moment, and we stand in solidarity with all those grieving his loss,” Ninvalle added.

The NSC noted that Osborne’s legacy will en-

dure through the many players and officials he mentored and the structures he helped to build within the sport. His dedication serves as a reminder of the vital role administrators play in sustaining and advancing Guyana’s sporting disciplines.

As tributes continue to pour in, the local dominoes community mourns the loss of a stalwart whose impact will not be forgotten.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has published its Annual Report for the 2025 financial year, following the staging of its 27th Annual General Meeting on Saturday, March 21.

The virtual meeting was attended by representatives from each Full Member

as the acquisition of commercial partnerships, player retention, and the negotiation of broadcasting and media rights. Importantly,

the International Cricket Council is aware of these dynamics and will inevitably have to play a leading role in addressing a signif-

shareholder – Barbados Cricket Association (BCA); Guyana Cricket Board (GCB); Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA); Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB); Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB).

Also in attendance were representatives from various Special Members, including the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), with auditors, Grant Thornton, present for the reading of the audited Financial Statements.

The 2025 Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s performance across cricket operations, high-performance development, commercial activity, and financial management, while outlining the strategic priorities required to strengthen West Indies cricket in an evolving global landscape. It reflects on a year of transition and recalibration, as CWI continues to respond to the shifting dynamics of international and franchise cricket, while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.

In his President’s message, Dr Kishore Shallow, spoke to the challenges facing the organisation and the global game.

“It is clear that the continued rise of franchise cricket increasingly dominates the international game. Cricket West Indies is not immune to this reality, as we are already experiencing its effects in areas such

icant global trend, one that poses a long-term challenge to the traditional international game.”

The President emphasised the collective approach required at the regional level to ensure long-term sustainability.

“The time has certain-

sure a stronger and more sustainable pathway for the future.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Dehring outlined a clear roadmap for modernising CWI’s cricket production pipeline to meet the demands of contemporary professional sport.

“First, we must attract from much earlier stages of development more of the best male and female athletes in the Region, aligning with what obtains in modern professional sport and creating clear, aspirational pathways to professional careers. Second, we must re-engineer our tournament and administrative structures to improve both productivity and financial sustainability. Third, the retooling of the production pipeline with modern training facilities and infrastructure is paramount.”

The 2025 Annual Report underscores CWI’s commitment to transformation, innovation, and unity as it navigates a rapidly-changing cricket landscape. With a renewed emphasis on grassroots development,

ly come, perhaps overdue even, for greater emphasis to be placed on our domestic and regional systems. While West Indies cricket represents the pinnacle of achievement, the journey begins much earlier: in our schools, our communities, and our clubs. The entire model of cricket development in our region requires careful re-examination and thoughtful redesign to en-

high-performance systems, and financial sustainability, the organisation is positioning itself to build a stronger, more competitive future for West Indies cricket.

All interested persons are encouraged to read the full report and 2024/25 Financial Statements by visiting the Financial Accounts page on www. windiescricket.com. (CWI)

Competitive opportunities for local youth at VMFA Exchange Cup 2026

Beginning Sunday, March 29, the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) will open its doors to three international youth clubs, alongside several other local clubs for their first Exchange Cup 2026.

The competition will run until Wednesday, April 1 at Camp Ayanganna Ground with some 60 games on the cards as the youngsters compete in the Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 categories.

Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport, the Director of the VMFA, former Golden Jaguar Vurlon Mills dubbed the upcoming competition as an exciting opportunity for the country’s youth footballers.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for us and it’s an exciting opportunity for the kids and we’re proud to have this opportunity for the boys, the local teams to compete in this kind of activity,” Mills told this publication.

He went on to share their intentions for the tournament, “At VMFA, we’ve always enjoyed the opportunity of our young teams travelling and competing abroad and we believe that this opportunity can be extended to more local teams. And so, we decided to have our own international competition right here in Guyana. Given the short planning and short time we had for it, we weren’t able to get all the international teams that we’re hoping

Tto get, but we’re still happy that we got three countries.”

VMFA’s youth teams alongside the likes of Fruta Conquerors, Buxton Stars, Pele FC, Camptown and Plaisance FC among others, will be joined in the competition by Peppermint Youth Programme out of St Lucia, Antigua’s Young Warriors and Trinidad and Tobago’s Point Fortuin’s Youth Academy.

Excited to host, Mills is even more elated to provide such an opportunity to local clubs.

He explained, “For us, this competition is more than just a tournament, this is an exchange of culture, this is an exchange of different playing styles, an opportunity to see

youth football development across the Caribbean. So, we’re happy that, even though we’ve been able to do it outside of Guyana, now we’re the hosts of it. We’re happy to be home, competing; we’ve seen what it looks like travelling and playing.

“We realise that we can compete at any youth level across the Caribbean and we want to give those local clubs the same opportunity to test themselves

against these opponents that are coming from the other countries in the Caribbean,” the Coach added.

The player-turned Coach went on to opine that next week’s competition will fill a big gap for youth players locally.

Mills posited, “I think this competition fills a big, big gap when it comes to youth football due to the lack of local youth competition. Our kids aren’t getting playing time, if we look across we’ve got to keep organising practice games, so these events and tournaments create opportunity for playing time and not just playing time but competition at the highest level.”

“For us, this is not just a one-off competition, this is not just about VMFA. For us, this is part of a long- term programme and a plan where we can keep creating these opportunities, not just for us but for the local clubs to have a platform to play and be exposed,” he further stated.

MVP Sports, NexGen Sports, and SHI Oil are amongst the corporate supporters for the Exchange Cup 2026.

Babb crowned Overall Champion at GBBFF’s Rising Stars 2 …Osbourne captures Miss Bikini title

wo exciting encounters highlighted the Georgetown Under-17 Eline Security Logistics 50-Over competition over the weekend, with Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and GT XI emerging victorious in contrasting but dominant performances.

At the Police Sports Club Ground, MSC produced a disciplined all-round display to defeat Queen’s College (QC) by 89 runs. After winning the toss and opting to bat, MSC posted a modest total of 206 all out in 43 overs. Shane Shivbarran led the scoring with a patient 34 off 46 deliveries, while Shane Kissoondeo (30) and Tafari Softleigh (28) provided useful support in building the innings.

QC’s bowling effort was led by Nathaniel Sukhnandan and Morven Barron, who claimed two wickets each to keep MSC from posting a larger total.

In response, QC struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 117 in 38 overs. Sukhnandan returned to top score with 34, while Barron contributed 23, but no other batter managed to reach double figures.

MSC’s bowlers proved too strong, with Nathaniel Harper delivering an outstanding spell of 3 for 8, supported well by Deshawn Ramnauth’s 2 for 13, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Meanwhile, at the Everest Sports Club Ground, GT XI chased down their target in style to defeat Everest Cricket Club in a rain-affected match reduced to 40 overs per side.

Everest, batting first after GT XI won the toss and chose to field, posted 182 for 9 in their allotted overs. Anek Haimnarine top-scored with 33, while Vinesh Kalpoo (32) and Joshua Sharma (22) made valuable contributions. Nathan Puran and Aaron Perlins were the pick of the GT XI bowlers, each taking two

In reply, GT XI were powered by a superb innings from Tyrell King, who smashed 96 off 98 balls, including seven fours and five sixes. He was well supported by Aaron Narine, who added 47 in a crucial partnership.

GT XI comfortably reached 185 for 5 in 37.5 overs, securing a well-earned victory with more than two overs to spare. The weekend’s results underline the depth of young cricketing talent in Georgetown, with several players delivering standout performances with both bat and ball.

The Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) staged its Battle of the Rising Stars 2 – Novice Competition on Sunday, March 22, at the Ramada Princess Hotel, drawing a large turnout and showcasing emerging talent across multiple categories.

According to the GBBFF, more than 400 spectators filled the venue to capacity, complementing the successful staging of the event. The competition formed part of efforts to strengthen grassroots bodybuilding in Guyana, with the GBBFF, noting strong support from within the local fitness community.

Several categories were contested on the night, with athletes competing in divisions ranging from Women’s Wellness and Bikini to Men’s Physique and various weight classes. Among the standout performers was Shakeel Babb, who secured victory in the Under 143 lbs division before going on to claim the Overall Champion title.

In the Men’s divisions, Enimen Eitokpah delivered a notable performance, winning the Under 176 lbs class and later topping the Men’s Physique category. Other category winners included Jonathan Nedderman in the Over 176 lbs class and Vijai Rahim in the Under 165 lbs division.

On the female side, Marlisa Osbourne captured the Miss Bikini title, while Reneka Stephenson secured first place in the Female Fitness Model category. Weslyn Gonsalves and Vanna Burnett were the lone competitors in the Women’s Wellness and Kids Fitness categories respectively.

The Federation also acknowledged the role of its partners, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and several corporate sponsors, in supporting the development of bodybuilding locally.

The GBBFF is expected to continue its calendar of events with the Linden Classic scheduled for June 14, as part of the ongoing One Guyana Bodybuilding Competition Tour.

Winners

Women’s Wellness: Weslyn Gonsalves

Female Fitness Model: Reneka Stephenson

Miss Bikini: Marlisa Osbourne

Kids Fitness: Vanna Burnett

Over 176 lbs Class: Jonathan Nedderman

Under 176 lbs Class: Enimen Eitokpah

Under 165 lbs Class: Vijai Rahim

Under 143 lbs Class: Shakeel Babb

Men’s Physique: Enimen Eitokpah

Men’s Fitness: Emmanuel Forde

Overall Champion: Shakeel Babb

3 young Guyanese cyclists to participate in UCI training programme in T&T

Three young Guyanese cyclists are set to benefit from international

West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships… GuyanaNRA receives sponsorship boost from Continental Group of Companies

Regional Short-Range champions Guyana Wednesday received a financial boost ahead of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) title defence at this year’s West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships (WIFBSC) set for Antigua and Barbuda, next month.

Continental Group of Companies made the timely donation to the GuyanaNRA, stating that it was confident that the Guyanese contingent will once again represent the nation with pride.

Handing over the cheque on behalf of Continental Group of Companies was Accounts Clerk Sandra Dwarka to reigning Caribbean Fullbore Shooting Individual Champion Peter Persaud.

Dwarka expressed delight on behalf of her company to Persaud for the opportunity to make a contribution towards Guyana’s quest to continue its dominance of the sport at the Short Range level.

“Continental Group of Companies is well seized with the exploits of this team at the Caribbean level. We are also aware of the financial requirements to ensure that you are able to prepare properly and be in the perfect frame of mind to hit the target, thus our support. We wish the team well,” she stated.

Persaud, in response, expressed gratitude to Dwarka and Management of the Continental Group of Companies on behalf of the

President, executive and Captain of the GuyanaNRA:

“we are very thankful for your continued partnership and support which will go towards us being able to be properly prepared for the task at hand. We want to also assure you that the Golden Arrowhead will continue to fly high as we do intend to take care of business as usual.”

Guyana will come up against the formidable Antigua and Barbuda, which has been improving steadily;

Barbados; Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.

Meanwhile, the GuyanaNRA is also preparing to welcome a 22-member English Rifle Team to these shores for a Goodwill championship ahead of the Caribbean Championships, April 13-19. The two nations have always been involved in these exchanges and the locals will be using the championship to garner much-needed internationallevel practice ahead of the WIFBSC.

exposure, with one already competing overseas and two others preparing to join him for a training programme in Trinidad and Tobago.

Alexander Leung is already in Trinidad and is actively participating in local cycling races. The young rider has also been officially invited to attend a track cycling training camp organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Cycling Centre.

According to the

Dooley

invitation seen by <<<Guyana Times Sport>>>, the camp will be held at the UCI World Cycling Centre Continental Development Satellite in Couva from April 3 to April 10. Leung is expected to arrive at the camp on April 2 and depart on April 11, during which time he will be based at a hotel in Couva.

Meanwhile, Sidwell Sandy and Ajani Cutting are the other two youngsters who have also been invited to

participate in the UCI training initiative. Both riders are expected to join Leung in Trinidad ahead of the camp. According to a source within the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), the opportunity forms part of ongoing efforts to expose emerging Guyanese cyclists to higher levels of training and competition, with the trio set to gain valuable experience both on and off the track.

keen on exposing local players to senior national set-up

The senior men’s national football team’s recentlyannounced roster for the CONCACAF Friendly Series contained a number of surprises, featuring maiden call-ups for several players.

Among those called up were National U20 players that impressed at the CONCACAF Under-20 Qualifiers earlier this month.

Quizzed about Bryan Wharton and Shabazz WalkerEdwards’ inclusion from the U20 side, which he also oversaw, Head Coach Thomas Dooley noted his reasons for

The Golden Jaguars squad reads:

Goalkeepers:

Akel Clarke

Grant Wyles

Joshua Narine

Defenders:

Terence Vancooten

Raushan Ritch

Walker Shabazz-Edwards

Liam Gordon

Jalen Jones

Nathan Ferguson

Kvist Paul

Brandon Solomon

their call-up, while expressing his desire to have included more players from the youth team.

Dooley told Guyana Times Sport exclusively about Wharton and Walker-Edwards’ inclusion, “It’s not the U20s where the kids play against each other, now it’s adults playing against each other and they have to step up and not be afraid of it, show what you have. So, they have all the qualities, and the quality is to be developed and the best ways to get your foot in

the door is to live for a couple days with your teammates in the men’s national team and see how everything goes there, how you have to fight in training against each other and learn from it.

“The things is, Jaden Thom was one I had in my eyes to bring back in and then we had Mateo from the U20s and Max the defender, those players were also the ones that I was looking up to bring them to the first team, just to get the experience. They might not start, let’s say, but you know, I want to see how they compete

Midfielders:

Curtez Kellman

Shemar Scott

Nathan Moriah-Welsh

Elliot Bonds

Forwards:

Kelsey Benjamin

Bryan Wharton

Chris Macey

Maliq Cadogan

Kyle Reid

Osaze DeRosario

Enoch George Omari Glasgow

in training against adults and how they’re doing in the next level,” he shared about intentions to include other players from the U20 outfit.

Dooley further discussed the inclusion of local players Brandon Solomon, Shemar Scott and Chris Macey, citing their exploits in the local arena.

“If you play in your league and you play good games, then you deserve to be noticed and brought into the national team. Chris was an MVP [Most Valuable Player] so he deserves to get a chance to be a part of it,” the gaffer said.

He turned his attention to Scott, stating, “Scott was the one that I liked in the last camp that we had before we went to the games in Antigua, and so, I told him that if he keeps on playing like this, I will give him the opportunity to come with us next time.”

“Brandon, after Jaden Thom was getting injured, we had to have another right back, and so, we decided for Brandon to come back in, fulfil this and give an opportunity to be with us,” he added.

As such, the gaffer went on to reiterate his willingness to expose those players to the national set-up.

Dooley opined, “They are the ones who I want to give them the opportunity to get in a little bit, see how it is over here and see how you can fight against them, compared to the international players.”

The Golden Jaguars are scheduled to take on Dominica on Friday, March 27 at 15:00h in the first of two friendlies. They will then turn their attention to Belize on Monday, March 30.