Guyana Times - Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Govt to intervene as brokers face US$25,000 daily demurrage fees at local ports

The government will seek to address a growing issue at local ports, where brokers are facing demurrage fees of up to US$25,000 per day.

Demurrage is a penalty charge imposed by shipping lines on cargo owners when containers are not picked up from port terminals within the allotted “free time.”

At ports in Guyana, that free time is currently three days.

During a consultation session with industry stakeholders on Monday, brokers highlighted the growing financial burden, noting that demurrage is a steep cost, a cost ultimately passed on to consumers.

Legal officer attached to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Tiffany Hohenkirk, acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that authorities will review the current threeday free period and possibly extend it to 21 days.

“When we assess the proposed measures, they can be summarized as follows: one, for demurrage to commence only after 21 days of the vessel being alongside; two, for the mandatory use of berth chart spatiotemporal systems, including provisions to effectively pause lead time; and three, the

elimination of advance demurrage,” she explained.

She noted that the proposed policy carries both positive and negative implications.

“The proposed policy has mixed implications. On the positive side, there will be reduced upfront demurrage expenses, increased flexibility for local consignments, and more practicable, predictable cost structures. On the negative side, we may incur higher freight rates, there is the potential for declining investor traffic, and increased exposure to supply chain inefficiencies,” she said.

She added that there is also the likelihood of re-

duced competitiveness of Guyana’s ports. According to her, in the global shipping market, which is highly competitive and efficiency-driven, even small deviations from international norms and standards can have significant impacts.

She underscored that if the objective is to substantially reduce costs, the focus must be on aligning with international best practices and standards. She noted that Guyana is a part of the International Maritime Organization and is therefore bound by its conventions and decisions. As such, any legislation or policy implemented must be consistent with the organization’s

principles. She added that improving port efficiency is another critical factor that must be considered.

Who is to blame for that?

Meanwhile, tensions heightened during the consultation as a representative from a major shipping line noted that, globally, demurrage charges can begin in as little as three days, whereas in Guyana some companies only apply such fees after as many as 15 days – an extended grace period he described as unusually long by international standards.

“Historically, some shipping lines have been left on the short end of the stick because people have exceeded the free time. Let’s say, for example, Costco Shipping has 15 days’ free time. If you collect your container on the 16th day and hold it for seven days after, you owe money. There are a number of reasons people give for not clearing cargo within 15 days, and let’s be realistic –15 days is a very long time,” the shipping line representative stated.

“You have some brokers and you have some jokers. And if you have a joker clearing your cargo and they submit an entry with the wrong tariff heading num-

bers, you as the consignee have to bear the brunt of that,” he said.

“These things happen. Now you have instances where people only provide an email address, and their excuse is, ‘Oh, my emails were not seen or not responded to.’ Now, who is to blame for that? On your bill of landing, you have provided the information,” he added.

The representative’s comments were met with a stern advisory from GCCI President Kathy Singh, who urged him not to refer to brokers in a derogatory manner and instead to seek constructive solutions to the issues under discussion.

Amid these concerns, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister, Deodat Indar signaled that authorities will take action against

shipping lines imposing excessively high demurrage charges.

“On advance demurrage, we know who the parties are that are doing it, and we have to eliminate it. The government’s position is clear – we want to remove this practice. It has crept into the system, and it must be addressed. Just imagine having to employ a separate person to track every advance demurrage payment on containers and reconcile them when they are cleared,” he said.

“It’s like a value-added tax return – that is what it sounds like, an administrative nightmare. The amount of money businesses must pay upfront creates a serious cash flow constraint. There is no benefit in this situation – no good news at all,” the minister added.

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 28 –14:15h-15:45h and Wednesday, April 29 – 15:00h-16:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by light rain showers in the mid to late-morning hours. Cloudy skies and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 14:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.74 metres.

Low Tide: 08:00h and 20:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.86 metre and 0.81 metre.

“Symbolic

aggression” against Guyana’s sovereignty – PSC condemns Venezuelan acting president over brooch depicting Essequibo as part of Venezuela

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana has strongly condemned what it describes as a “deliberate and provocative” display of imagery by a senior Venezuelan official showing Guyana’s Essequibo region as part of Venezuela during a recent high-level regional engagement in Barbados.

On Monday evening, in a statement, the PSC said the act was “neither incidental nor benign,” but rather unacceptable within the framework of international law and diplomatic conduct. It said the incident amounts to “symbolic aggression” intended to influence perceptions and test international resolve.

The Commission also noted a pattern of similar actions, referencing an earlier incident during a state visit to Grenada where acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez wore a brooch depicting Venezuela’s map that included Guyana’s Essequibo region, an action that also drew public criticism from Guyanese stakeholders.

The PSC warned that such repeated displays risk undermining regional stability, eroding trust, and weakening principles of peaceful dispute resolution.

“Guyana’s sovereignty is not up for debate,” the Commission stated. “Our borders are non-negotiable. Essequibo is ours.”

Caricom stance

It further urged Caricom and international partners to take a firm stance against what it called provocation from Venezuela and to defend the rule of law.

“We urge Caricom and global partners to stand against provocation from Venezuela and defend the rule of law,” the statement added. “Silence or inaction risks emboldening further escalation.”

The Commission also called on the Government of Barbados to stand firmly in defence of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that the incident occurred during a regional engagement hosted in Barbados.

Guyana’s position on the Essequibo region remains unchanged, the PSC, reiterating that Essequibo is administered by Guyana, populated by Guyanese citizens, developed by Guyana, and protected under international law.

It also rejected Venezuela’s continued territorial claims, including the creation of the so-called “Guayana Esequiba” state, describing these actions as illegal and contrary to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process and

the Argyle Declaration.

The statement comes amid renewed regional attention on the long-standing Guyana–Venezuela border controversy, which is currently before the ICJ for a final and binding ruling.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has previously restated Guyana’s position, saying the country does not “take lightly any threats to the sovereignty of Guyana” and maintaining that “Essequibo is Guyana’s,” referencing the 1899 Arbitral Award which established the boundary.

The PSC said Guyana’s private sector stands firmly with the government and people of Guyana, stressing that economic stability and investment depend on respect for internationally recognised borders.

Meanwhile, this latest act of aggression from Caracas comes as the border controversy case is set for oral hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, May 4. These hearings are

expected to last for at least one week, with the possibility of extending further depending on the Court’s schedule.

Back in 2018, Guyana approached the court, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which demarcates the boundaries between the two nations.

The case is fixed for oral arguments on the merits in May, after which the World Court would deliberate on its decision. But in furtherance of its spurious claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region and a portion of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) have been found and production as well as other exploration activities are currently being undertaken offshore –Venezuela has been heightening its aggressive tactics towards Guyana over the years. Just over a year ago on March 1, 2025, there was

an incursion into Guyana’s waters by Venezuelan naval vessels which threatened several oil vessels operating there, something which was widely condemned by the international community, including the United States.

However, there was a belief that the January 3 capture of Maduro and his wife in Caracas by US troops to face criminal indictments in New York would have seen an ease in aggression from the Spanish-speaking neighbour. But just last month, Guyana had to reaffirm the country’s sovereignty over its maritime jurisdiction, telling Caracas that it has no legal rights to the waters off of Guyana’s coast.

This was after Venezuela had raised objections to a decision made by the Guyana government to advance a three-dimensional multi-client seismic exploration to gather data from a 25,000 square kilometre offshore area within Guyana’s EEZ.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Sex offenders’ registry & carefully-calibrated middle path

The long-awaited establishment of a sex offenders’ registry in Guyana is an important legislative step in strengthening protections against sexual violence. For years, civil society advocates, educators, and child protection bodies have argued that the justice system required a mechanism to monitor convicted offenders after release and to reduce opportunities for reoffending. That objective remains sound and urgent.

Yet the recent disclosure that the proposed registry will not be public raises serious questions about whether the system, as presently designed, will meet the expectations of public safety, transparency, and deterrence that have accompanied the national debate.

No reasonable society disputes that persons convicted of serious sexual offences, particularly crimes against children, pose a legitimate concern once they return to communities. Sexual offences are uniquely damaging crimes. They inflict physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that often last a lifetime. Many victims are children, vulnerable persons, or individuals targeted by those in positions of trust. In such cases, the responsibility of the State extends beyond prosecution and imprisonment. It must also include prevention.

A registry can serve several purposes as it can assist law enforcement in monitoring offenders, improve investigative efficiency when new allegations arise, support risk assessments, and inform institutions responsible for safeguarding children. It can also reassure communities that there is accountability beyond incarceration. However, these outcomes depend heavily on how the registry is structured and accessed.

The proposed Guyanese model appears to create a restricted database rather than a fully public registry. Citizens would reportedly be required to write to the Commissioner of Police if concerns arise regarding an individual in a community. Access would, therefore, depend on suspicion, formal application, administrative review, and response. While such a mechanism may avoid abuse or vigilantism, it may also be too slow and too narrow to serve the preventive purpose many citizens expected.

Public policy in this area requires balance and full public disclosure of every registrant’s private details can create unintended consequences, harassment of family members, unemployment, and social isolation that may in fact increase risks rather than reduce them. It can also expose children living with offenders, innocent relatives, and other third parties to stigma. These are legitimate concerns and should not be dismissed.

At the same time, excessive secrecy can defeat the very rationale for maintaining the registry. If schools, childcare providers, youth organisations, sports clubs, landlords and parents cannot readily verify risks, then the registry becomes largely an internal Police database with limited community/societal value.

The solution lies not at either extreme, but in a carefully-calibrated middle path.

Many jurisdictions use tiered access systems where law enforcement receives complete data. Courts and probation authorities obtain supervisory information. Employers or institutions working with children may receive limited screening access. Communities may be notified only in high-risk cases. Neighbours are not handed unrestricted files, but neither are they left entirely uninformed. Such a framework recognises both public protection and proportionality.

Guyana should consider a model in which essential safeguarding information is available to authorised institutions and vetted applicants through a prompt digital process, rather than requiring written correspondence and uncertain waiting periods. If a school seeks to hire staff, if a youth club is vetting volunteers, or if a parent has credible concerns about a person regularly interacting with children, there should be a clear and timely avenue for response.

The reported inclusion of extensive personal details, including addresses, vehicle information, internet identifiers, fingerprints, DNA profiles, and medical history, demands robust safeguards. Any database containing such sensitive information must be protected by strict cybersecurity standards, access logs, criminal penalties for misuse, and independent oversight. A breach would not only violate privacy but also erode public confidence in the entire initiative.

Registries must be regularly updated to reflect deaths, pardons, acquittals, completed reporting obligations, or changes in residence. Errors in such systems can destroy reputations and expose the State to liability. Administrative discipline must, therefore, match legislative ambition.

The registry should also not become a substitute for broader reform, as preventing sexual violence requires far more than maintaining names in a database. It requires faster prosecution of cases, trauma-informed victim support, school-based education, safe reporting mechanisms, stronger child welfare services, and rehabilitation programmes that reduce recidivism. A registry is one tool, not the whole toolbox.

The Government deserves recognition for advancing legislation that has been delayed for too long. The measure of success will be whether children are safer, communities are better informed, and institutions can act before harm occurs.

A sex offenders’ registry should be crafted as a credible instrument of protection and if the public cannot reasonably benefit from it, and if vulnerable groups remain exposed despite its existence, then the country would possess a registry in name but not in purpose.

A brutal wrestle on a plane, passengers outraged, attendants helpless: I saw the UK’s deportation policy at work

By HugH Muir

It’s Gatwick airport, mid-afternoon, and on the runway there is turmoil. Public policy playing out in full view of the public. Voters, citizens, seeing what they don’t normally see.

“Murdaar, murdaaaaar,” screams the bucking, brawling, brawny man as a clutch of male security officials, with solid intent and hi-vis yellow jackets, collectively fight to pin him into a seat at the back of the airliner. “Me caaan go back a Jamaica,” he hollers, the visceral sound reverberating around the 777. “Dem kill me bredda. Dem a go kill me.”

There are five or six security guards – and they are hardly slight – but bundling a large, hysterical man into an economy-sized seat was always going to be a challenge, and he has the strength – for a while at least – to confound them. One man leaning forwards grabs him in a form of headlock, prompting gasps and shrieks from the other passengers. A few pull out their phones and start filming, ignoring a flight attendant’s pleas that they remain in their seats. Others, eager to fly but drawn to the melee, drift rearwards for a look at this theatre of the macabre.

There is a fraught stalemate as the irresistible force that is the deportation team meets the immovable object that is the would-be deportee, and it is during that brutal, noisy standoff that the mini mutiny begins. “We

can’t fly like this,” declares one angry passenger. “It’s not safe,” protests another. “He’ll calm down,” says a flight attendant, but everyone has eyes on the pulling, pushing and the wrestling: no one believes her. She doesn’t sound as if she quite believes it herself.

The scene gets noisier: screams from the man, loud pleas from the security guards merged with outraged, anguished protests from the public. And then, suddenly, there is retreat. “OK, you’re not going,” says a guard as they wrench the man out of the seat and hustle his writhing frame through the light of the exit. His screams recede and he is gone. The hubbub dies down – and on the way out, one exasperated guard grabs their travel bags from the overhead locker. Observers are relieved of the drama and take their seats. The storm has passed. Soon, doors closed, the plane moves.

There is an abstract quality to our democracy. It allows us to vote for action and change and mandate others to take care of the details. If that policy involves kindness, we largely hear about it secondhand and feel pride that in some small way we played a part in it. But when it involves harshness, and when it is distressing and messy, we enjoy the luxury of knowing that someone else does the dirty work and we never have to see it. Forced deportations sit at the heart of our

Government’s immigration policy. Ministers parade them as a mark of effectiveness. In February, the Home Office said that almost 60,000 unauthorised migrants and convicted criminals have been removed or deported since Labour took office.

The practice is clearly also catnip to members of the right and far right, who want it bigger, better, faster – but few who support the policy with such gusto ever have to force a non-compliant, brawling man into an aeroplane seat or listen to the pitiful cries that accompany that endeavour. I am guessing few of them would ever have to witness it. Indeed, I’m wondering how Keir Starmer, Shabana Mahmood, Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage would have greeted the prospect of a 10hour flight in the immediate, closed vicinity of a security operation involving a desperate, volatile figure with guards who clearly couldn’t control him.

And if that would be anathema to them, I am wondering why they think it is OK for ordinary citizens on ordinary passenger flights. I am guessing that outsourcing the implementation problem to a commercial airline and beleaguered flight attendants moves it one step away from ministers who devise the solution and those who support it.

It could be a wheeze to make the public acutely aware of what it is they have voted for and thus more supportive. But I sus-

pect that probably plays out differently. Like the passengers revolted by what they saw last Friday at Gatwick, many who feel our migration policies are unworthy of a nation that prizes human dignity will feel that the ugly spectacle reinforces all their reservations. It might also be that those who support forced deportations would begin to question their endorsement if they were made to see it play out in practice. It was hard to watch the scuffle and not remember Jimmy Mubenga, the Angolan asylum seeker who died in 2010 after being physically restrained on a deportation flight at Heathrow.

It’s worth knowing that very many of the frequent attempts at forced deportations on passenger flights follow the Gatwick pattern: struggle, combat, outrage, retreat.

I make no case for that deportee. I don’t know what led to a forced removal. He might have a terrible track record. He could be exactly the sort who should be ejected for the public good. The point here is the how, not the why. But it is also the feeling that democratic decisions made at arm’s length ultimately place a responsibility on all who argue for them – and all who implement them. Perhaps as citizens it sharpens our appreciation of that fact when we meet the repercussions face to face. (The Guardian) (Hugh Muir is executive editor, Opinion)

VP Jagdeo, King’s Foundation discuss skills training, sustainable growth in Scotland

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo engaged with The King’s Foundation during an official visit to Scotland, where discussions focused on skills training, sustainable devel-

sustainable urban development, training and supporting individuals and communities, and creating employment opportunities. The programmes cover areas including construc-

on sustainable urban development. The partnership supports the vision of President Irfaan Ali to ensure Guyana’s rapid urban growth is supported by effective planning, quality

ing training in areas such as sustainable construction and practical skills for climate-resilient economies.

Speaking after the visit, Jagdeo said Guyana has made significant progress

opment and future collaboration with Guyana.

According to a press release on Monday, Jagdeo toured several of the Foundation’s programmes at Dumfries House. The initiatives are aimed at

tion, sustainable agriculture, heritage and traditional crafts, STEM education, health and wellbeing, and skills development.

Talks also addressed the Foundation’s growing international work, including its collaboration with Guyana

design and long-term resilience.

During the visit, Jagdeo also met international students participating in the Foundation’s programmes, including students from Antigua and Barbuda. The students are receiv-

in recent years through major investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, housing and drainage systems, while expanding access to services and economic opportunities. He added that as the country continues to grow, empha-

sis is now being placed on improving the quality, integration and sustainability of development to ensure citizens benefit from higher living standards.

Over the past week, VP Jagdeo travelled to the United Kingdom (UK), where he had a series of high-level engagements. On Tuesday, he met with King Charles III at Dumfries House in Scotland. Jagdeo also participated in engagements with The King’s Foundation, including the

team supporting Guyana’s programme to advance sustainable urban development, as well as representatives from across the Commonwealth, focusing on advancing sustainable development, low-carbon growth, and practical solutions for vulnerable countries. VP also joined a Commonwealth roundtable on the Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation, which was adopted in Kigali back in 2022.

Page Foundation

NGSA Questions

into small pieces. Use these as spacers between each flower on

By Kate ColBy

Sun butts into the great American breakfast area— malted vanilla waffle maker, actual bananas. Every morning I sell off the world for parts, by bedtime find a dented fender on my threshold (the blood on my doorpost’s only there to spare itself). I need a clean room, glinting forceps to remove (is that flag still up there ruining the moon?). A big idea is just waiting for me to occur to—I keep it in the safe behind this frame whose impetus is all it depicts.

(Source: Poetry [April 2026])

Step 4: Allow the Model Magic flowers to dry, and then use brightly coloured ribbon to string together the flowers and straws. Tie the end of the ribbon into a knot. Put on your lei and do the hula! Aloha! (Adapted from crayola.com)

Set your story in a place that has lost all colour.

GBTI reports $1.6B first-quarter profit as revenue jumps 21%

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) has reported a profit after tax of $1.6 billion for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 36.8 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

Threats against law enforcement

will be met with full force of law – Govt …as video threats against CANU Head surfaces

The Home Affairs Ministry has confirmed that law enforcement agencies are investigating a video circulating on social media that appears to contain threats against Director of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh. In a statement, the ministry said any threat against the life of a public official is a serious criminal offence and is being treated as such.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the source, authenticity and intent of the video. The ministry added that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety

and security of those targeted.

The development comes amid heightened anti-narcotics operations across Guyana.

According to the ministry, during the first quarter of 2026, CANU removed more than 371 kilograms of narcotics from circulation and disrupted several trafficking networks through intelligence-led enforcement efforts.

Officials noted that while the current security concern comes during an intensified anti-drug campaign, the investigation into the video remains ongoing and no conclusions have yet been reached.

The Government also warned that threats against law enforcement officers will be met with the full force of the law.

It further stated that efforts to dismantle organised criminal networks, both local and international, will continue through coordinated enforcement operations.

The ministry maintained that no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the rule of law or threaten officers carrying out their duties.

In August 2025, local law enforcement officials and international partners was alerted to a threat against the life of Singh.

Based on information received at the time, the threats may have originated from major drug cartels within South America and the Caribbean whose consignments were either intercepted or is being targeted. Since returning to the helm of the drug enforcement agency, Singh’s leadership has resulted in the dismantling of drug trades in and out of Guyana. In an invited comment in August 2025, Singh related that a threat on his life is also one on the Unit and ultimately the country.

According to the bank’s unaudited financial results released on Monday, earnings per share rose to $39.76, up 37 per cent from $29.03 in the first quarter of 2025.

GBTI said total revenue for the period reached $4.1 billion, representing a 21.3 per cent increase yearover-year. Interest income climbed to $2.9 billion from $2.5 billion, while other income rose to $1.2 billion from $930 million.

The bank also reported growth in customer deposits, which increased to $284 billion, up 20.4 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.

Total assets stood at $330 billion at the end of the quarter, continuing an upward trend from $278 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and $208 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

GBTI’s Capital

Adequacy Ratio was reported at 18.5 per cent, while its Common Equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 16.1 per cent.

Chairman Suresh Beharry said the bank delivered a strong first quarter supported by earnings growth, prudent balance sheet management and solid capital levels.

He said the increase in profits and earnings per share reflects the bank’s strategic initiatives and operating model, while deposit growth demonstrates customer confidence in the institution.

Looking ahead, Beharry said the bank remains focused on sustaining profitable growth, expanding its digital services, strengthening client relationships and maintaining financial discipline.

The full first-quarter 2026 financial statements are available on the bank’s website.

Canadian expert hired to build digital driver offence registry

The government has hired a Canadian consultant to support the development of the digital registry of drivers’ records and traffic history, a move aimed at strengthening road safety, law enforcement, and judicial efficiency.

The announcement was made by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall on Monday during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE JUSTICE) Regional Programme Judicial Training on Criminal Trials and Appeals, held at Cara Lodge Hotel.

“At the level of the traffic department… we have hired a consultant from Canada, who is working with the Guyana Police Force to input all the data of traffic offenders as far as we can go, and that data will be accessed or be accessible to the judiciary or particularly the magistracy,” Nandlall noted.

The registry is expected to see the consolidation of key data on motorists,

including licensing details and prior traffic violations, which are currently stored manually across various agencies.

Nandlall explained that efforts are already underway to digitize existing records, many of which are housed in physical files across various locations. He noted that the current manual system limits magistrates’ ability to make fully informed decisions, as they often lack access to a defendant’s complete traffic history.

“We have the licensing system which allows for suspending and eventually revoking driver’s license for repeated offenses for a particular time. But right now, if a person appears before the magistrate and has three prior offenses, the magistrate doesn’t have that information. Now with the construction of this registry with the input of the data and access being granted to the magistrate that will no longer be so. The type the magistrate will be able to type in the name, and the antecedent will pull up on a more informed decision will be made in accor -

dance. And that is just one example of what we are doing across the government system,” Nandlall noted.

The initiative is part of the government’s wider Safe Country Initiative, conceptualized by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The registry for the traffic offences is part of a wider initiative by the government to modernize Guyana’s justice system. It is among several training and reform activities planned for 2026 under the PACE Justice Project. Nandlall had previously announced that government was working on the registry earlier this month where he had outlined plans for the Attorney General’s Chambers to lead the establishment of a comprehensive digital registry of motorists.

Once implemented, the system will allow key institutions such as the judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Probation Department, and the Guyana Revenue Authority to access real-time information.

Has… …solidarity returned?

As we careen towards our tryst with (workers’) destiny on May 1 which has been declared “Labour Day” – and for most citizens a public HOLIDAY!! – your Eyewitness notes that the rituals to honour Critchlow have begun!! Now your Eyewitness grew up in the house of a card-carrying trade union member who was around when workers were shot and killed at Leonora and Enmore for standing up for their rights!! He still clenches his fist as he remembers the trade union battle song – “Solidarity forever, (x3)/ For the union makes us strong”!!

Now he knows there’s always gonna be competition between unions as they fight for turf and suchlike, but hey!! when it comes to extracting more goodies for their members don’t they accept that solidarity will make them stronger? But like with everything else in our dear Mudland, politics is what crept into our dear Garden of Trade Unionism!! Ironically, the trade unions came before politics – and in fact the former gave birth to the latter!! Clearly, however, you can take politics out of the trade unions, but you can’t take trade unions out of politics!!

And there you have it folks. Everything was hunky dory back in the day after old Critchlow founded the BGLU back in 1919 – just four years after “Solidarity Forever” was composed. It organised the dockworkers and other African urban workers, but in 1924 Critchlow’s BGLU called a strike in GT – and sugar workers on the East Bank were mobilised to march in solidarity towards “town”!! Cops at Ruimveldt headed them off at the bridge there and fourteen of them were killed and dozens wounded!! That only Indians were killed made some think the solidarity wasn’t all that deep!! When Ayube Edun founded the MPCA for sugar workers in 1937 – they all quickly joined up!!

When Jagan returned from America, he joined the MPCA – and when Burnham returned from England, he joined Critchlow’s BGLU. Universal suffrage hadn’t arrived yet – and it was the unions that mobilised the masses!!! But you see the schism that’s still dominating our politics was already there: the MPCA organised the mostly Indian sugar workers and the BGLU, African urban workers!!

Well, the two leaders formed their explicitly political organisations, but they kept their hands inside the affairs of their stepping stones. The entry of the CIA in its mission to remove the PPP from office in the 1960s was the critical factor in the unions becoming openly politicised. They formed the initial phalanx that precipitated the Black Friday riots that were the PPP’s death knell – and split the trade union movement!!! But with the PPP unfurling their One Guyana programme that includes one and all in the developmental thrust, maybe “solidarity” is returning?

…trade unionism died??

When Reagan in the US and Thatcher in the UK led the 1980s neo-liberal revolution that miniaturised the role of the state – allowing private enterprise and “the market” to “do wha’ de want wid we” – one of their first targets were trade unions!! The former broke the traffic controller’s strike while the latter did a number on railway and coal workers!! By the turn of the new century – and millennium – trade unionism was on the run up north – and inevitably Guyanese unions followed suit!!

Your Eyewitness ain’t gonna get into the whys and whyfores about this trend – save to point out that one consequence has been the unbelievable wealth gap up north between the top 1% and the rest!! Our question gotta be whether we want to replicate that here – in our “fastest growing economy in the world”!!

Your Eyewitness believes there’s a need for workers’ interests to be represented in businesses. Maybe the German model where they have seats on corporate boards can be adopted?

…Delcy been encouraged??

Venezuela’s Pres Delcy Rodriguez continues her diplomatic wooing of Caricom – in the run-up to the ICJ’s hearings on their Border Controversy with us. She’s presently in Barbados meeting PM Mia Mottley – a critic of US’s Venezuelan action!!

Fatal accidents up 18% so far for 2026 – Traffic Chief

An increase in fatal and serious accidents on Guyana’s roadways is raising concern within the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Traffic Department, even as minor collisions have declined, according to Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh.

Speaking during a recent Traffic Watch broadcast aired on a separate media platform, Singh stressed that road safety remains a shared responsibility and called on all road users to exercise greater caution.

“So, as we continue to see development unfold across our country, us in the traffic department, we are cognisant of the fact that genuinely there is an issue that exists on the roadways where accidents occur with a frequency that demands that every single person in the equation of road safety take responsibility seri-

ously,” he said. Providing a statistical comparison, Singh revealed that fatal accidents have increased this year when compared to the same period in 2025.

“Recently, when you do a statistical analysis, we are experiencing present day when compared to last year, an increase in fatal accidents. You have 33

recorded this year up to present day as opposed to 28 last year. That’s an increase by 5 [more deadly crashes] or about 18 per cent [which works out to about an 18 per cent increase],” he noted, adding that serious accidents have also risen.

“You have 35 recorded this year as opposed to 31 last year, which is an increase of over 13 per cent,” Singh added.

Despite those increases, the Traffic Chief pointed out that minor and damage-related accidents have declined significantly, though he cautioned against viewing this as a major achievement.

“Minor accidents have reduced to 24 per cent less than last year, and the damage accidents by another 37 per cent less than last year. That doesn’t speak much to really anything that you should boast about

from the traffic department standpoint,” he said. Singh maintained that the overall trend highlights the need for stronger adherence to road safety practices.

“There is still much more work to be done. We can do more,” he asserted.

He emphasised that discipline and personal responsibility among all categories of road users are critical to reversing the trend.

“What we demand is that in every space, every driver, every road user, they understand the role that they must play… that caution is not an option and personal responsibility is not optional either,” Singh stated. He added that safer

road use is measurable and has direct outcomes. “The discipline with which the road is used… is one which you can actually measure. It’s one which manifests itself daily… it leads to less accidents, greater safety,” he said. The traffic department continues to urge motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to comply with traffic laws as part of a broader effort to reduce accidents and improve safety nationwide. Over the years, the GPF’s Traffic Department has intensified enforcement through roadblocks, speed guns and public awareness campaigns, particularly during peak travel periods and national holidays.

Murder probe leads to discovery of guns, ammo

Police in Regional Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have recovered two firearms and a quantity of ammunition as investigations continue into the murder of Moses Chapelle, called “Bizo”.

Chapelle was killed on Thursday last at about 21:30h at Blackwater Backdam, Cuyuni River.

Police said that as investigations progressed, a 45-year-old gold miner of Company Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, remains in custody in connection with the matter.

Further enquiries

led ranks on Sunday at about 16:20h, to locations at Blackwater Landing, Cuyuni River, where the weapons and ammunition were found.

According to police, the items recovered included an AM-15 rifle and a .32 pistol.

Ranks also found two magazines containing 42 live .223 rounds, one magazine containing four live .32 rounds, one 9mm magazine, 70 live .223 rounds and 48 live 9mm rounds. The recovered items were taken into police custody as investigations into the murder are continuing.

CANU seizes over 10kg foreign ganja at Tuschen

The Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) has seized a quantity of foreign marijuana weighing just under 11 kilograms following an operation at Tuschen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo.

Sex offenders registry won’t be public – Persaud …citizens must apply to Police for access

Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud has revealed that the sex offenders’ registry, which is provided for in the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill of 2024 which is expected to be passed in the National Assembly soon, will not be public.

Essequibo, and 22-year-old, were arrested.

A search of the vehicle uncovered ten brick-like parcels containing the suspected narcotic.

Two men, a 25-year-old of Vergenoegen, East Bank

According to CANU, officers acting on intelligence received carried out the operation on Saturday during which they intercepted a motor vehicle in the area.

The men were escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the narcotics, which were weighed and found to be 10.992 kilograms. CANU said investigations into the matter are continuing.

It is proposed that the registry will contain over 30 personal details about the offender including their name and all former names, date and place of birth, sex, nationality, main as well as secondary addresses, place of employment, national identification card, their height, weight and physical description, offences committed, including their respective dates as well as convictions and penalties imposed, acquittals or pardons.

It is proposed that the database also include the licence plate number of the vehicle for which the offender has regular control or use, or which he owns or operates as well as a description of the vehicle.

The names and ages of children residing in the same dwelling house in which the offender is residing as well as the name, address and contact information for the offender’s next of kin are also to be included in the database, according to the proposed amendments.

The name, address and contact information of any club, association or organisation whose membership includes children and with which the offender is affiliated is also proposed to be included in the database.

Fingerprints, DNA profile compiled from sample taken from the offender, medical history including information on any communicable diseases contracted by the offend -

er, photograph, information on the IP address of any device regularly used by the offender as well as their email addresses are proposed to be included in the database.

Speaking during the Starting Point programme, the minister said persons would have to write to the Commissioner of Police if they are interested in accessing any information from the registry.

“Let’s say somebody turn up in your community, you have your suspicion and you’re feeling unsafe, you can write to ask. So, it’s not something that’s going to be public… but the public can access through a mechanism,” she explained.

Labourer fined $195,000 after admitting traffic offences

A24-year-old labourer of Charity Extension Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) was fined a total of $195,000 after pleading guilty to several traffic offences at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Shimron Caser appeared before Magistrate Tariq Mohamed charged with failing to have an identification mark at the rear of a vehicle, breach of insurance and driving without a licence. The offences were committed on April 11 at Charity Public Road, Essequibo Coast. Caser pleaded guilty to all three charges and was fined $130,000 for failing to have an identification mark at the rear, with three months’ imprisonment in default of

Fined: Shimron Caser

payment. For breach of insurance, he was fined $25,000, with two weeks imprisonment in default. He was also fined $40,000 for driving without a licence, with three months’ imprisonment in default. The total fines amounted to $195,000.

Man dies in Pomeroon River boat mishap

Police in Regional Division Two are investigating a fatal incident that occurred on Sunday, in which the body of a 28-year-old, was discovered in the Jacklow area, Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Dead is Niftan Persaud, a self-employed resident of Abram’s Creek, Upper Pomeroon River.

Reports are that Persaud had been using a wooden boat belonging to his father, Oscar Persaud, a 70-year-old pensioner of No. 50 Village, Corentyne Berbice, who also resides part-time at Abram’s Creek.

Persaud stated that his son had borrowed the boat, which has a 15HP Yamaha outboard engine to run errands and on Sunday at about 15:00h, Niftan Persaud reportedly left home saying he was travelling to visit his child’s mother, from Siriki, Upper Pomeroon River. Oscar Persaud reported that by Monday at about 06:30h, he had not heard from his son and travelled to Charity, Essequibo Coast, to make enquiries but was unable to locate him. While there, he received a call from his son’s child’s mother, who also said she had not heard from him since he sent her a

message on Sunday.

Reports are that based on investigation, a couple of Jacklow, Pomeroon River, reported hearing a boat travelling and then a loud impact on Sunday night at about 22:00h. Checks in the area on Monday revealed Persaud’s boat floating on the western side of the Upper Pomeroon River in the Jacklow area. At about 14:15h a search party led by Oscar Persaud and relatives discovered the body

of Niftan Persaud approximately 10 feet from a wooden pile in the river.

Police observed the body clad in green and black shorts with visible injuries included damage to the upper back, left ear, and nose, which are suspected to have been caused by piranha fish. The body was transported to Charity Hospital and was later transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination.

Knife removed from teen’s brain in emergency surgery at GPHC

A19-year-old Cuban national was involved in a life-threatening emergency that tested the speed, skill, and precision of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) neurosurgical team after he was rushed to the emergency room with a stab wound to the head sustained during an altercation at a social gathering.

The GPHC on Monday said that upon arrival, he presented with a knife deeply embedded in his skull, a rare and highly dangerous form of penetrating brain injury. Such cases are exceptionally critical, as any movement of the object can result in catastrophic bleeding, irreversible brain damage, or death. Recognising the urgency, the on-call neurosurgical team mobilised immediately and according to the hospital, within min-

utes, the patient was stabilised and advanced imaging was performed to assess the blade’s trajectory and depth. The scans revealed that the knife had penetrated the cranial vault and entered the brain, lacerating tissue in the speech centre, with active intracranial bleeding. At approximately 04:00 hours, the patient was taken to the operating theatre for emergency treatment.

The hospital said on Monday that the surgical team performed a carefully planned procedure to safely remove the foreign object. Unlike routine trauma cases, extracting an embedded knife from the brain requires meticulous control to prevent secondary injury. The surrounding bone and cerebral tissue were exposed, and the blade was removed in a controlled manner, minimising bleeding and preserving neurologi-

cal function. The operation proceeded without complications. GPHC said that what can only be described as extraordinary, the patient regained consciousness following surgery and demonstrated encouraging neurological recovery. Against the odds, he survived a potentially fatal injury with no immediate life-threatening deficits. He currently has right hemiparesis and difficulty articulating speech, both of which are expected to improve. The patient is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Tuesday. The GPHC expressed in a release, “What began as a violent incident could have ended in tragedy. Instead, it stands as a powerful example of the effectiveness of emergency response at GPHC, where skill, timing, and teamwork converge to save lives.”

Teen charged with rape of 13-year-old on $300,000 bail

An 18-year-old construction worker of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has been charged with the rape of a child under the age of 16. Joshua Pollard appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on Monday before Magistrate Tariq Mohamed. It is alleged that Pollard committed the offence against a 13-year-old girl on April 22, 2026, at Richmond, Essequibo Coast.

The charge was laid under Section 10(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03. Pollard was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The prosecution objected to bail, however the court granted bail in the sum of $300,000. As a condition of bail, Pollard was ordered to have no contact with the complainant or her family pending the outcome of the matter. The case was adjourned to May 13.

2020 election fraud case

“They don’t know who is me. I don’t play” – Carol Smith-Joseph’s outburst in court disrupts trial

Proceedings in the 2020 elections fraud trial were disrupted twice on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, as the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) member Carol SmithJoseph, who was charged, first became the subject of a threat allegation and later interrupted the hearing with claims of harassment inside the courtroom. The matter is being heard before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, with former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) elections agent Anieshaw Mohamed continuing her testimony under cross-examination by Defence Attorney Nigel Hughes.

During the morning session, Mohamed halted proceedings while under cross-examination, alleging that Smith-Joseph had made a threatening remark towards her, claiming that SmithJoseph said she was allegedly going to slap her while seated in the courtroom. The allegation prompted an immediate response from the court and led to a brief adjournment to restore order. However, before the morning adjournment, cross-examination continued with Hughes focusing on an audio recording taken during the tabulation of Region Four votes at the Ashmins Building, as well as spreadsheets Mohamed said she prepared in March 2020.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon session, SmithJoseph interrupted proceedings, rising to her feet to complain to Magistrate McGusty that she was being harassed by persons in the courtroom. Raising her voice, she declared, “Ma’am, I am being harassed at the back here.

I am not going to take it. Trust me on that one… they don’t know who is

me. I don’t play.” Her complaint followed the earlier presence of several individuals who had initially been brought in as potential witnesses but later identified themselves as observers and were allowed to remain in the courtroom.

Magistrate McGusty issued a stern warning to those present, reminding them that misconduct within the court could result in charges and instructed court officers to remove the individuals identified in the complaint.

Despite the disruptions, Hughes continued his cross-examination.

The high-profile case centres on the tabulation of votes in Region Four during the 2 March 2020 General and Regional Elections, which prose -

cutors say was manipulated in favour of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition.

Nine persons are before the court facing a total of 19 electoral fraud charges, including former Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, PNC/R executive Volda Lawrence and PNCR member Carol Smith-Joseph, along with several former GECOM staff members. All of the accused have pleaded not guilty and remain on bail. The prosecution alleges that they played a critical role in inflating votes for APNU+AFC while reducing votes for the PPP/C, while the defence continues to challenge the credibility of witnesses and the integrity of the evidence presented. The trial is set to resume today.

Judicial training “very crucial” to fix longstanding weaknesses in justice system – AG

…as acting Chancellor says training will improve case management, speed up criminal hearings

The Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) Regional Programme on Monday opened a four-day judicial training focused on criminal trials and appeals, signaling a continued push to strengthen Guyana’s justice sector and reduce case backlogs. The training, held at the Cara Lodge Hotel, Georgetown is the first of several scheduled for 2026 and marks the fourth such engagement in Guyana under the PACE Justice Project. It specifically targets newly appointed High Court Judges and Justices of Appeal, equipping them with updated knowledge and tools to address evolving challenges in criminal justice.

Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall underscored the significance of the initiative, linking it to broader regional reform efforts supported by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “The proposal that has brought us here today is one of the key projects which aligns with the Government of Guyana’s objective to modernise the criminal justice sector,” Nandlall said.

The PACE Justice Programme was developed following a 2020 needs assessment across nine Caribbean territories and incorporates priorities identified by regional Governments. Guyana’s Ministry of Legal Affairs serves as the budgetary agency responsible for ensuring stakeholders benefit from the initiative.

Case backlogs Nandlall pointed to longstanding issues contributing to case backlogs,

including inefficiencies in policing, outdated court systems, and limited digitalisation. “The reasons for these backlogs are numerous, ranging from weaknesses in police capture, outdated court case handling systems and processes, paper-based evidence management systems and limited digitalisation of correction system processes, which contribute to bottlenecks in the work of investigators, prosecutors and courts,” he said. Through the PACE Justice Project, key agencies, including the judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Ministry of Home Affairs, have received integrated software and hardware to modernise operations. “The hardware ensures documentation for cases, for example the typing of statements for criminal cases, the digitisation of full documents, and the software will facilitate the recording of testimony in Magistrates’ courts and faster communication between agencies,” Nandlall explained.

Apart from infrastructure upgrades, the project has delivered training in areas such as restorative justice, criminal mediation, forensic investigation and digital transformation. The AG noted that the initiative builds on a previous justice reform programme that led to major legislative changes, including plea bargaining laws, the abolition of preliminary inquiries, and the enactment of restorative justice legislation. He emphasised that crime remains a pressing regional concern.

“At the level of CARICOM, crime is now accepted as a public health hazard in the Caribbean,” he said, referencing efforts led by regional lead -

ers, including Barbados Prime Minister (PM) Mia Mottley.

Nandlall also highlighted Guyana’s progress in restorative justice, noting that restorative justice offices have already been established in six of the country’s 10 administrative regions, with plans to expand nationwide by year-end.

Updated legislation in pipeline

Looking ahead, Nandlall outlined additional legislative reforms, including a new Evidence Bill to replace the outdated 1893 Act. “Just the mention of the date would persuade you that it is completely archaic. We have a new bill now, a comprehensive bill that will embrace all the modern and technological advances that have been made. It will allow for the easy admission of evidence of computer-generated documents and films, and all the apparatus and equipment that we use now in our daily lives,” he said. He added that Guyana is also preparing for emerging threats, particularly in cyberspace and organised crime, to address cybercrime, updated legislation in the pipeline money laundering and terrorism financing. “These training sessions are very, very crucial, very timely, and we have to continue to do so. Training can never be a wasteful exercise. No matter how bright we think we are, no matter how educated we think we are, training is always crucial for us to continue to enhance our ability to do that which is our assigned task,” Nandlall stated.

Speed up

Speaking at the opening of the training, acting Chancellor of the

Judiciary, Justice Roxane George, said the programme aims to enhance the efficient management of criminal cases and ensure they are heard by the courts in a timely manner.

“Judicial education programmes will keep them on the cutting edge so that they maintain

the high standards of judicial conduct embodied in the code of conduct,” the acting Chancellor said. Meanwhile, EU’s Ambassador to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni, said that building public confidence in the justice system is key to making it more effective. He stressed the importance of safeguard -

ing those involved in legal matters, noting the need for access to justice and protection for victims and witnesses to help strengthen trust in the judicial system.

“So the focus is rather on the issue of trust in the system, empowerment,” the ambassador said.

Guyana’s Civil Aviation Training School earns ICAO Gold Standard accreditation

Guyana’s Civil Aviation Training School has earned Gold Standard accreditation from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) under its TRAINAIR PLUS Programme, marking a significant advancement in its global ranking and reinforcing the country’s growing reputation in aviation training and capacity building.

This status elevation was officially conferred on April 16 on the sidelines of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), which was recently held in Marrakech, Morocco, marking a defining moment for aviation training in the region.

The ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Gold Standard accreditation is among the most prestigious designations in the Global Aviation Training community. It certifies that Civil Aviation Training School (CATS) delivers training programmes that fully meet and exceed internationally recognised aviation standards, qualifying the institution to develop new and offer ICAO-approved courses to aviation professionals in Guyana and internationally. “This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our instructors

and staff to deliver worldclass aviation training,” said Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, A.A., Director General of the GCAA. “Attaining Gold Standard status is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and underscores Guyana’s growing influence on the global aviation stage.”

The new status positions Guyana as an emerging regional aviation training hub, enabling CATS to attract students and aviation professionals from across the Caribbean, South America and the world. The school has already trained students

from Guyana, Suriname, Barbados, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and St Lucia, both in person and virtually since attaining its TRAINAIR PLUS accreditation.

The school’s enhanced standing is expected to drive increased enrollment, foster international partnerships and contribute to the development of a highly skilled aviation workforce in the region. ICAO’s TRAINAIR PLUS Programme is a global network of aviation training organisations committed to harmonising training quality and standards worldwide.

UG Berbice job fair connects hundreds to jobs, training, business opportunities

Hundreds of students, job seekers and professionals turned out at the University of Guyana’s (UG) Berbice Campus at Tain, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), for a job fair that brought together employers, training agencies, utility companies, academic departments and private sector entities offering pathways into employment, skills training and entrepreneurship.

The event featured a wide cross-section of opportunities, ranging from academic programmes and technical training to vacancies in agriculture, utilities, offshore operations, supermarkets and the public sector. Several booths also promoted small business development, wellness products and creative enterprises, turning the fair into more than a recruitment exercise. Among the agencies present was the Labour Ministry, which showcased five departments, including the Labour Department, Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency, Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Co-operatives Department and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department.

He said Albion Estate alone has about 300 vacancies, while the three Berbice estates, Albion, Rose Hall and Blairmont, may have close to 1,000 vacancies in total.

According to Chinapen, GuySuCo is seeking cane harvesters, planters, fertiliser hands, spray men, agronomy hands, operators, servicemen, agriculture mechanics, auto electricians, fitter machinists and other tradesmen. He said the corporation is also moving further into mechanisation and is now seeking persons to operate and service tractors and other machines used for cutting, planting and fertilising cane.

He added that there are also staff-level vacancies, including for a quality manager and assistant drone pilot at Albion Estate. Chinapen said persons interested in employment can submit applications to the Human Resources (HR) Department,

Clarence Shacho the BIT representative in Region Six, said the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) was using its job bank to connect applicants with available vacancies. Shacho said vacancies were available at J Supermarket, Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo’s) Albion Estate and Massy at Palmyra. He said persons seeking employment can access the job bank, apply for available vacancies and receive guidance where necessary. He also said the BIT was offering courses in areas such as Information Technology (IT), catering, welding, mechanics, electrical installation, air conditioning and general building construction. GuySuCo also used the fair to make a major recruitment push, with Shazad Chinapen, Human Resources Manager at Albion Estate, saying the corporation has vacancies across its field, factory, technical and staff operations.

noting that application forms are available for those who need assistance.

Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) also outlined opportunities for both technical and non-technical applicants. HR Development Manager Anthony Johnson said GPL offers a one-year technician training programme and a management trainee programme. The technician programme requires Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) passes, including Mathematics, English and a science subject, along with certification from a technical institute. Johnson said the management trainee programme is open to persons with degrees in engineering disciplines such as electrical, mechanical or civil engineering. He said GPL also has opportunities in customer service, human resources, internal audit, quality assurance and finance.

The oil and gas sector was also represented, although several major companies declined to provide information to the media. However, Noble Drilling’s Local Content Manager, Renata Khan-Bovell, said the company is the drilling contractor for ExxonMobil Guyana and currently operates four drill ships offshore Guyana.

Khan-Bovell said Noble was recruiting mainly for roustabout and welder positions. She said the company is looking for approximately eight welders over time and about 15 roustabouts. For welding posi-

tions, she said applicants should have experience and technical or vocational certification, while roustabout applicants are mainly being sought from the technical and vocational training

space. The job fair also highlighted the role of the university and other institutions in preparing students for the workforce. Several academic booths displayed programmes, research op-

portunities and career pathways, while the Division of Education and Humanities drew attention with interactive displays focused on early childhood education and learning through play.

Colombia offers record US$1.4Mreward for rebel it blames for deadly bomb attack

Colombia’s Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez says he is offering a record reward for information leading to the capture of a rebel leader known as “Marlon”.

“Marlon”, whose real name is Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo, is suspected of having ordered Saturday’s bomb attack on the PanAmerican Highway, in which 20 persons were killed.

The attack is one of the deadliest targeting civilians and comes just over a month before presidential elections scheduled for 31 May.

Sánchez said the five billion peso (US$1.4m) reward for “Marlon” was the highest offered by Colombia.

The Defence Minister accused “Marlon” of being behind Saturday’s attack as well as a series of others in the provinces of Cauca and Valle del Cauca, in south-western Colombia, over the weekend. No evi-

dence or details have been released.

In the deadliest of these incidents, 15 women and five men were killed when an explosive device was detonated on the motorway connecting the cities of Cali and Popayán, the governor of Cauca province said.

Several buses and other vehicles were destroyed in the blast, which opened up a huge crater.

“Marlon” belongs to an armed group led by a dissident rebel known by the alias of Iván Mordisco, Colombia’s most wanted man.

Mordisco once formed part of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) but broke away from the rebel group as it negotiated the 2016 peace deal with the Government.

He is considered to be Colombia’s most powerful dissident rebel leader. His group engages in illegal mining and extortion as well as drug trafficking.

Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán described Saturday’s explosive attack as the “most brutal and ruthless attack against the civilian population in decades”.

President Gustavo Petro described those behind it as “terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers” and ordered additional troops to the region.

Petro’s term ends in August of this year. Barred by the constitution from running for a second term, he has given his backing to the left-wing candidate, Iván Cepeda.

Opinion polls suggest that Cepeda, who has called for more negotiation efforts with the rebels, is currently ahead of several candidates from the right-wing opposition, who are calling for a tougher approach.

The new president is due to be chosen on May 31, with a possible run-off scheduled for June 31.

(BBC News)

Economic performance across the region remained subdued last year – CDB

The Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Friday said economic performance across the Caribbean remained subdued in 2025 as global uncertainty, climate shocks, and domestic structural challenges weighed on growth.

“While the Caribbean continues to demonstrate resilience, the region’s growth prospects remain constrained by external uncertainty, climate-related shocks, and longstanding structural challenges,” said Christine Dawson, CDB’s Acting Director of Economics.

“Strengthening institutions, accelerating reforms, and improving project execution will be critical to unlocking higher, more inclu-

sive, and more sustainable growth across the region.”

The CDB in its latest Caribbean Economic Review and Outlook 20252026, said that regional growth, excluding Guyana, slowed to 0.6 per cent in 2025 from 1.4 per cent, the previous year, as activity weakened across most of the Bank’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

The CDB said that including Guyana, regional growth was 4.7 per cent, down from 8.3 per cent in 2024, with Guyana continuing to be the primary driver of regional performance.

Caribbean economies faced heightened geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade and tariff policies, weaker external demand, and intensifying climate-related disruptions during the

Jamaican authorities targeting illegallyimported and contaminated sugar

Jamaica Police on Friday issued a stern warning to wholesale and supermarket operators selling illegally imported sugar following the arrest of two Chinese businessmen.

The cops say they will be inspecting establishments for contaminated sugar and will be prosecuting those found in breach.

Sergeant Desroy Holness, sub-officer in charge of the Area Three Agricultural Protection Branch (APB), said the businessmen were charged with breaches of the Sugar Control Act after they were found selling Guyanese sugar labelled ‘Demerara’ without a permit.

“I am sending a strong message, along with members of

the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA), that we believe that there are several other businesses out there who are selling this brand of brown sugar. When you are caught you will be prosecuted. This operation will be an ongoing operation by the APB and the Sugar Industry Authority,” Holness told Journalists.

He explained that the Police, along with the SIA, visited a wholesale and supermarket in Luana where the brown sugar was seen for sale.

“On entering, checks were made…and 10 packages of brown sugar [were seen]. The owners of the establishment were informed by the Sugar Industry Authority that no permit has been granted for such importation or sale of this

brown sugar,” said Holness. Friday’s operation followed a promise by the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) to intensify monitoring of sugar quality to protect public health, following the confirmation of metal fragments in samples of brown sugar produced by PanCaribbean Sugar Company Limited last week. The NCRA also advised the public that there is an immediate nationwide recall of the products produced by PanCaribbean Sugar Company Limited after a consumer posted a video to social media platform TikTok showing what appeared to be signs of metal contamination in his purchase. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Barbados, Venezuela seek to strengthen relations in wide range of sectors

Barbados and Venezuela on Monday moved towards further strengthening their bilateral relations, agreeing on a number of initiatives ranging from trade, the economy, culture, and developing their energy sectors.

year. Tourism activity continued to support growth, albeit at a slower pace in several service-exporting economies, while commodity exporters recorded mixed performances.

Suriname experienced moderate growth supported by offshore energy-related investment, while Trinidad and Tobago saw flat growth amid weakness in both the energy and non-energy sectors. Jamaica and Haiti were affected by climate-related disruptions, including Hurricane Melissa, which dampened economic activity and tourism demand. Haiti’s economy contracted for the seventh consecutive year as insecurity continued to suppress growth.

(Excerpt from Nations News)

Prime Minister Mia Mottley held talks with visiting Venezuelan acting president, Delcy Rodriquez, who arrived there on Sunday evening, and both leaders said they were pleased with the outcome of their deliberations.

“April 27th marks the birth of the cooperation in economy and trade between Venezuela and Barbados,” Rodriquez said in a statement to reporters, adding that the discussions between the two delegations also touched on several issues, including inviting Barbados “to come and invest in oil fields, also in gas exploration in Venezuela”.

Rodriquez said that there was a role for Barbados in joining Caracas, “to increase the production of hydrocarbons in Venezuela and that we can also guarantee the supply and the safety for en-

ergy to the people of Barbados in the future.

“We have also discussed the complementarity for renewable energies that we may together manufacture solar panels so we can have a complete energetic sector. There are many spaces for investment and we want to review our agreements on investment and double taxation,” the acting Venezuelan Head of State said.

In her statement, Mottley said the price of energy concerns everyone across the world, adding “we have for some time been speaking about the possibility of deepening bilateral cooperation between Venezuela and Barbados.

Mottley said that whenever there has been an international oil crisis, countries of the Caribbean only survive it if there is assistance from outside.

“In the 1970s, when we had the international oil crisis, we had the San Jose Agreement which helped all of us in the region and we thank Mexico and Venezuela for that. In the 1990s, President

(Hugo) Chávez would have assisted with Petro Caribe, which would have helped a number of countries in the region as well.”

Mottley said in recent times, discussions have been held with Venezuela to assist other Caribbean countries with discounted product where possible.

“So that over the course of the last five decades, Venezuela has been a very close friend to the region as it relates to energy security and energy efficiency, affordable access, I should say, to energy product.

“ So I want to thank you, Madam President, for ensuring that we can today, on the 27th of April, make another major step in securing the bilateral relationship between our two countries,” said Mottley, who has been invited to visit Caracas.

The Venezuelan leader said that during their discussions, Prime Minister Mottley expressed her intention of having Barbadians acquire a second official language, and that would be Spanish.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil prices rise as no end to Iran war stand-off seems in sight

Oil prices extended their gains today as efforts to end the US-Iran war appear stalled, with the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway still mainly shut, keeping energy supplies from the key Middle East producing region out of the reach of global buyers.

US President Donald Trump is unhappy with the latest Iranian proposal aimed at ending the war, a US official said on Monday. Iranian sources disclosed on Monday that Tehran’s proposal avoided addressing its nuclear programme ⁠until hostilities cease and Gulf shipping disputes are resolved.

Trump’s displeasure with the Iranian offer leaves the conflict deadlocked, with Iran shutting shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries supply equal to about 20 per cent of global oil and gas consumption, and the US keeping in place its blockade of Iranian ports.

Brent crude futures for June climbed 45 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to US$108.68 a barrel as of 0051 GMT, after gaining 2.8 per cent in the previous session to its highest close since April 7. The contract is up for a seventh day.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for June rose 58 ⁠cents, or 0.6 per cent, to US$96.96, after gaining 2.1 per cent in the previous session.

An earlier round of negotiations between the US and Iran collapsed last week following failed face-to-face talks.

“For oil traders, it’s not the rhetoric that matters any more, but the actual physical flow of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, and right now, that flow ⁠remains constrained,” Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at City Index and FOREX.com, said in a note.

Razaqzada added that even if a resolution is reached, production outages and logistical challenges mean recovery could take months.

Ship-tracking data revealed significant disruptions ⁠in the region, with six Iranian oil tankers forced to turn back due to the US blockade.

However, a liquefied natural gas tanker managed by the United Arab Emirates’ Abu Dhabi National Oil ⁠Co did cross the Strait of Hormuz and appears to be near India, shiptracking data showed on Monday.

Prior to the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28, between 125 and 140 vessels transited the strait daily. (Reuters)

China seeks to block US tech giant Meta from AI acquisition

China has said it is blocking tech giant Meta from an acquisition of artificial intelligence (AI) startup Manus, tightening scrutiny of investment in domestic startups developing frontier technologies from the United States.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Monday that it was prohibiting the foreign acquisition of Manus, without specifically naming Meta.

The move highlights Beijing’s increased concern over US acquisitions of Chinese AI talent and intellectual property, as Washington tries to limit Chinese tech firms’ access to advanced US chips.

It was not immediately clear on what grounds China was seeking the annulment of a deal involving a Singapore-based company and how, if at all, a completed acquisition

transaction would be unwound.

Manus, which has Chinese roots but is based in Singapore, provides general-purpose AI agents designed to carry out complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

The call to annul the deal was made by the commission in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, the NDRC’s statement said.

California-based Meta said in response to the statement: “The transaction complied fully with applicable law. We anticipate an appropriate resolution to the inquiry.”

A White House spokesperson said in a statement that the Trump Administration “will continue defending America’s leading and innovative technology sector against undue foreign interference of any sort”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Suspect charged with attempted assassination of Trump at Washington dinner

ACalifornia man has been charged with attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump in an incident that has sparked a White House security review.

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was also charged with two firearms offences when he appeared in court in Washington, DC on Monday. He did not enter a plea.

He was carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun and three knives as he charged past a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday, say prosecutors.

A Secret Service agent

was hit, but not seriously wounded during the attack at a hotel. The accused faces life in prison if found guilty.

Dressed in a blue jump-

suit with a nametag, the suspect appeared calm at Monday’s court appearance in the nation’s capital.

He was softly spoken as

he answered almost every question from the Judge with either “yes, your honour” or “no, your honour”. He stated his age and said he had a master’s degree.

Three US marshals stood behind him, and one was at his side, while the Federal Prosecutor handling the case, US Attorney for Washington Jeanine Pirro, looked on.

During Saturday night’s incident, Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet members and other White House officials were rushed from the Washington Hilton hotel ballroom after gunfire rang out.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump reviews peace plan; UN calls for Hormuz to reopen

US President Donald Trump’s national security team is reviewing an Iranian peace plan to halt the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, while also pushing back talks on its nuclear programme.

Iran’s Foreign Minister

Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg and said Tehran was considering a US request to restart negotiations.

Meanwhile, dozens of nations have called for the “urgent and unimpeded reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz,

with United Nations Chief António Guterres warning that the US-Iran standoff in the waterway risks triggering a global food emergency.

Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that its guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta stopped the M/T

Stream “after it attempted to sail to an Iranian port” on Sunday. In a post on social media that also included a photograph of the two ships, CENTCOM said the action was part of the “US blockade of Iranian ports”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

King Charles arrives in US for State visit

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States on Monday for a four-day trip, welcomed by self-proclaimed royal fan Donald Trump even as the US President has differed with the British Government over the Iran war.

The state visit, by far the most high-profile and consequential of Charles’ reign, marks the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence from British rule, and is the first to the country by a British monarch in two decades.

After landing at Joint Base Andrews, the site of a brief arrival ceremony,

the King and Queen while the President shook their hands. The four stood briefly for photographers before retreating inside for a private tea.

The King and Queen ⁠later appeared at a garden party at the British Ambassador’s recently-renovated residence, where a choir sang the British and American national anthems.

the royals proceeded to the White House, where they were greeted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who exchanged kisses on the cheek with

They mingled with a crowd that included media leaders, Washington socialites and officials such as US Senator Ted Cruz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ambassadors from other countries. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Gunmen raid Nigerian orphanage and kidnap children

Eight children are still missing after gunmen raided an unregistered orphanage in Nigeria’s north-central Kogi State and kidnapped 23, authorities have said.

Kogi’s information commissioner Kingsley Fanwo said 15 children were rescued due to the “prompt and coordinated response” of security agencies.

Sunday’s attack also saw the owner of the facility taken, he added.

No group has claimed

responsibility for the attack, but security sources say the state has a functional Boko Haram cell, and there have been several violent attacks in the area.

Nigeria is also grappling with a kidnap crisis in many parts of the country, with criminal gangs abducting people for ransoms. The Government has made paying ransoms illegal, but this has not prevented the kidnappings.

“The Government re-

mains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all the victims,” Fanwo said.

His statement on Monday also highlighted that the orphanage was “operating illegally” without the knowledge of relevant authorities.

Fanwo urged operators of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions to always engage appropriately with the appropriate Government agencies “especially in the current security climate”.

Mass kidnappings in schools are not uncommon in Nigeria, especially in the country’s northern region which is currently plagued by insecurity. This is the first time an orphanage has been targeted.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that gunmen killed at least 29 persons in an attack on a community in Nigeria’s Adamawa state, according to the state governor on Monday.

(Excerpts from BBC News and Reuters)

SUDOKU

HOROSCOPES

Devise a plan, create and make your dreams come true. Own the floor instead of letting someone else push your buttons. Dress for the occasion; if you look and feel your best, you’ll excel.

Sit tight, work toward your goal and refrain from letting others cost you your time, money or happiness. It’s time to fend for yourself and to live life your way.

Share only what’s necessary. Trusting others with personal information will lead to trouble, arguments and regret. Keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself.

Put more time and effort into your home, personal life and meaningful relationships. Trying to help someone who doesn’t want your input will lead to distress and anger.

Initiate your plans. Learn as you go and master the skills you need to reach your objective. Reach out to those you care about most or who you want to get to know better.

Participate in events that address your concerns. If you aren’t part of the solution, you may be part of the problem. Learn from experience and know when to retreat.

Focus on work, getting ahead and abiding by the rules and regulations. Look for partnerships that can match your input and add to your success. Time is on your side.

Be open to suggestions, but refuse to let anyone railroad you into something that doesn’t feel right. Create opportunities and take control of your destiny.

Take time to get your space in order and to relax and enjoy what you accomplish. Think about how you earn and handle cash, and you’ll feel relief and lower stress.

Sit tight and keep a close watch on what’s happening around you. Refuse to let your emotions take control or conversations take a negative turn. Choose peace over discord.

Look for creative ways to deal with money management. Bartering, cutting your overhead and being meticulous with spending habits will help you maintain stability that puts your mind at ease.

Keep an open mind. Give yourself a chance to chill and to rethink your strategy. Refuse to let outside influences interfere. Your best results will come from within. Do what’s best for you.

early exchanges to raze

pitch did not mis-

through Delhi Capitals.

DC crumpled to 8 for 6 –their powerplay score of 13 was the lowest in a full Indian Premier League (IPL) game - and were in danger of being dismissed for the lowest total in the league. Contributions from the lower order helped them avoid that ignominy and dragged them to 75. Royal Challengers Bengaluru completed the demolition job with nine wickets and 81 balls to spare. They narrowed Punjab Kings’ lead

behave, but offered swing and bounce throughout the power play. Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood made the most of it to return figures of 3-0-5-3 and 3-0-83 respectively in the first six overs. At the innings break, Bhuvneshwar said that he was surprised that the ball swung for so long. Safe to say so were the DC batters.

Parakh, picked ahead of Prithvi Shaw, came in as a player with a considerable reputation for an 18-year old. DC’s director of crick-

Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar lead rout of Delhi Capitals

Porel takes DC past lowest IPL score

A dust storm, which caused a brief stoppage, and a 35-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Abhishek Porel and David Miller then gave DC some respite.

DC had pressed the

he launched Romario Shepherd over square leg in the 11th over, but two overs later, Krunal Pandya pinned him lbw for 12 off

with back-to-back sixes off Natarajan. Along the way, he became the first player to 9000 IPL runs. (ESPNcricinfo)

GFA Senior Men’s Knockout Football…

Riddim Squad rally to sink Ordis 4-2 as Camptown, Eastveldt share spoils

Riddim Squad rally to sink Ordis 4-2 as Camptown, Eastveldt share spoils

Eastveldt battled to a scoreless first half, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock. Eastveldt eventually took control in the 68th minute when Akeem Farley found the back of the net to give his side the lead. However, Camptown responded with experience and composure, as Marlon Bethel netted in the 80th minute to

Neither side was able to find a winner in the closing stages, and the contest ended level.

The Group B encounter between Riddim Squad and Ordis delivered a more eventful contest, featuring six goals and a dramatic momentum shift. Ordis started brightly, taking the lead in the sixth minute

Orin Singh doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute. Riddim Squad pulled one back before halftime through Kelvin Gordon in the 37th minute to trail 2-1 at the break.

Riddim Squad resumed strongly in the second half, with Demani Cort equalising just two minutes after the re start. Ordis’ challenge was further complicated in the 55th minute when Leyland Joseph was shown a straight red card, reducing his team to 10 players. Riddim Squad capitalised on the numerical advantage, as Seon Grant gave them the lead in the 70th minute before Gordon completed his brace five min utes later to seal the result.

The NALICO/NAFICOsponsored Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Senior Men’s Knockout tournament got underway on Sunday evening at the Plaisance Community Ground, with Riddim Squad FC producing a strong second-half comeback to defeat Ordis FC 4-2, while reigning league champions Camptown FC fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Eastveldt FC.

In the Group A opening fixture, Camptown and

secure a share of the points.

RHTY&SC honours Ganpat, Reddy as Youth Cricketers of the Year

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Thursday last honoured national youth cricketers Leon Reddy and Jayden Ganpat as the club’s Youth Cricketers of the Year for 2025.

The club, with the assistance of Mahendra Hardyal of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, handed over a 32-inch television set to each of the players during a simple presentation ceremony.

Club Secretary Hilbert Foster stated that the players were selected based on their performance during 2025, as well as personal commitment, discipline and attendance at training sessions. Reddy, the current Captain of the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-16 team, had an outstanding year with both bat and ball at all junior levels. He was even able to gain selection to the Rose Hall Town Bakewell Second-Division and NAMILCO Thunderbolt First-Division teams.

In addition, Reddy is widely respected for his leadership skills on the field and recently led Berbice to the Under-16 inter-county championship title. Reddy served as the Vice Captain of the Guyana Under-16 team in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) bilateral series versus Barbados. He was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the inter-county tournament and the best bowler of the CWI series.

Ganpat, a left-arm spin-

ner who can also bat is the vice captain of the Farfan and Mendes U16 team, that have so far reached the quarter-finals of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) tournament. Last year, Ganpat was the Vice Captain of the Berbice U13 team and performed well with the ball. In the bilateral series versus Barbados, which was held here, Ganpat spun webs around the opposing batsmen and took the most wickets. He later gained selection to the Berbice U16 team.

RHTY&SC Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall hailed both awardees as the future of the club, which has won a total of 132 cricket tournaments and produced 133 players for Berbice since its formation in 1990 by the St Francis Community Developers. Seventy-six of those players have gone on to represent Guyana at dif-

ferent levels while 10 have played international cricket, including Assad Fudadin, Kelvon Anderson, Kelvin Sinclair, Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, and Shabika Gajnabi.

Kissoonlall expressed thanks to the management and staff of Regal Stationery for their support. The company, last year, also provided two television sets to Danellie Manns and Tameshwar Deonandan, who were named best youth players for 2024. Special thanks were also extended to former BCB President Anil Beharry for his role in obtaining the sponsorship.

Regal Managing Director Mahendra Hardyal congratulated both players and stated that his company was pleased to assist. He urged both players to remain focused and disciplined in the future.

The tournament contin ues today, Tuesday, April 28, at the same venue, with Beacons FC set to oppose North Stars FC in a Group C fixture from 19:00h, followed by a Group D clash between Black Pearl FC and Vengy FC.

Ken Wilson before

Group A features

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” GT zone semi-finals set for Wednesday

he Guinness

T“Greatest of the Streets” Georgetown Championship will move into a decisive semifinal stage on Wednesday, April 29, at the National Cultural Centre tarmac, paving the way for a new champion to be crowned and a noticeable shift in the tournament’s competitive order.

For the first time in recent years, the competition’s traditional powerhouses: Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, and National All-Stars have all failed to secure automatic qualification to the National Play-offs, which are scheduled for May 8 at the same venue. According to a press release from the organisers, their absence underlines a “changing landscape” in the street football arena, with

“emerging teams stepping forward to challenge the established order”.

The race for the title has been further opened following the quarterfinal elimination of defending champions Laing Avenue, ensuring that a different team will lift the trophy this year.

Attention now turns to the semifinal match-ups, which are expected to deliver high-quality contests.

Former champion Leopold Street will oppose previous winner Tiger Bay (rebranded as New Bay Ballers) in what is shaping up to be a closely-contested encounter between two experienced sides.

Both teams have demonstrated the composure and pedigree required at this stage and will be aiming to secure a return to the final.

In the other semi-final, Island All-Stars will meet Bent Street B, guaranteeing a first-time finalist. Both teams have impressed throughout the tournament, overcoming more established opponents and displaying a confident and disciplined approach. Their performances have added a new dimension to the competition and signalled their readiness to compete for top honours. As the semi-final stage approaches, a strong turnout is expected at the National Cultural Centre tarmac. The combination of experienced contenders and rising challengers is set to produce competitive fixtures as the tournament moves closer to crowning a new Georgetown champion.

Chase, Santa Rosa storm into Massy Distribution U18 final

Arguably the best of Guyana’s youth footballers were on show on Sunday last, as the Massy Distribution Under-18 school football tournament semifinals dished out enrapturing action in a double-header fixture at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Of the now determined finalists, 2025 runners-up Chase’s Academic Foundation were the first to book their spot in this weekend’s grand finale, mauling Charlestown Secondary enroute to the most anticipated game of the tournament.

Chase’s Captain Shaquan David broke the ice early in the seventh minute, with their tally being extended by Malcolm Hendricks by the 11th. Nyron Barrow made it a 3-0 affair in the 27th minute in what was an uncharacteristically slow first half for the Parade Street outfit.

Charlestown’s hopes of a strong comeback were shot just before the break as their captain, Malachi Gowen was handed his marching papers, after back-to-back yellow cards.

Chase took advantage of the 10-man Charlestown, adding four more goals to their tally in the sec-

ond half. David completed his brace in the 68th minute while goals came off the boots of Mark Glasgow, Onesi Dunn and Jaden Christian to seal the 7-0 victory.

Andell James gave them the lead by the 30th.

However, Welcome equalised in the 40th minute for a 2-2 halftime score. The second half bore no fruit for either side, plunging the contest into extra time.

Santa Rosa broke out into celebrations in the 98th minute after Shane James capitalised on some chaos in the box to tap the ball home. However, their celebrations were short- lived as Welcome completed his hat-trick in the 100th, levelling the scores once again.

Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Championships slated for August

This August, Guyana will once again be the epicentre of regional youth boxing action as the Land of Many Waters hosts another edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships.

The event is set for August 20-22, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue.

The staging of the prestigious tournament represents another important chapter for the sport locally, as Guyana continues to serve as the home of the championship, having hosted it consistently since its inception.

A glimpse of what to expect when the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Championships roll around in August

of our grassroots programme and our commitment to youth development.”

The second fixture –a battle between Santa Rosa Secondary and West Ruimveldt Secondary had fans on the edge of their seats, inclusive of Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal.

From the penalty spot, West Ruimveldt almost had it in the first five kicks after their keeper pulled off a stunning save on the third. However, they would miss their fifth kick, sending the game into sudden death. There, Santa Rosa prevailed to claim the win 8-7.

The Massy Distribution U18 final is scheduled for

West Ruimveldt stunned their opponents early as Donovan Welcome connected to the back of the net with a header in just the third minute. Paul Thomas responded on Santa Rosa’s behalf, levelling the scores in the 21st minute while

the same venue this weekend. The finalists will be competing for a $300,000 grand prize to be allocated in kind to a school project of their choice. Second place will settle for $200,000, and third place will receive $100,000 for the same purpose.

The event was conceptualised and first staged in Guyana in 2016, and is named in honour of the country’s 1978 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Winfield Braithwaite.

Over the years, the championships have proven to be a vital breeding ground for elite Guyanese talent, producing standout fighters such as Olympian Keevin Allicock, as well as the dynamic sister duo of Abiola and Alesha Jackman.

The tournament, which remains a key fixture on Guyana’s boxing calendar, has also served as a stepping stone for numerous regional boxers who have progressed to compete at the Olympic Games and World Championships, underlining its importance on the international pathway.

Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle emphasised Guyana’s proud history in the competition, noting that the country has finished as overall champions almost every year since the tournament’s inception.

“Guyana has always taken this tournament seriously, because it is our foundation,” Ninvalle shared in a statement on Monday, “We’ve dominated consistently, and that speaks to the strength

Ninvalle also highlighted the significance of hosting the championships annually, describing it as a major boost for amateur boxing both locally and across the region.

“Hosting this tournament in Guyana each year is massive for us. It allows our young boxers to compete in front of their supporters and gives the Caribbean another opportunity to experience Guyana’s passion for boxing,” the GBA boss related.

He further underscored the GBA’s commitment to investing in the sport and creating opportunities for emerging talent.

“We are hosting because we believe in building boxing from the ground up. This tournament provides critical exposure for our young boxers and helps prepare them for the international stage. It’s an investment in the future of Guyanese boxing,” he further noted.

Adding an exciting dimension to Guyana’s line-up will be England-based prospect Bradley Khan, whose parents are Guyanese. Ninvalle pointed to his inclusion as part of a broader strategy to tap into Diaspora talent.

“Bradley Khan is one of the top youth boxers in England, and having him

John dominates Cheddi Jagan Memorial Road Race in Essequibo

of

The annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial Road Race was held on Sunday in Essequibo, with riders tackling a demanding 55-mile coastal route from Supenaam to Anna Regina Market square and back, as Briton John powered to victory in the Senior/Elite category.

John delivered a commanding performance, completing the course in 1 hour, 40 minutes, and

52.51 seconds while also dominating the sprint primes, collecting eight along the way. He finished ahead of Alex Newton, who took second place, while Robin Persaud completed the podium in third. Ajani Cutting and Geron Williams rounded out the top five, with Seagon Hubbard finishing sixth. In the other categories, Persaud returned to the

top of the podium in the Open Veterans division, finishing ahead of Hubbard and Jaikarran Sukhai. The Over-50 category was won by Ian Jackson, with Mark Spencer and Talim Shaw taking second and third respectively.

Spencer also featured prominently in Category Four, where he secured second place behind winner Julio Melville, while Collis Williams finished third.

The Junior category saw Newton as the lone participant, while Abigail Jeffrey was the sole competitor in the Ladies division.

The event was supported by several sponsors, including Tamesh Jagmohan, Caricom Rice Mills Ltd, Builders Hardware, and General Supplies and Construction.

represent Guyana is significant,” Ninvalle explained. According to Ninvalle, the GBA is committed to inclusivity and identifying elite talent wherever it exists, adding that the diaspora is an important part of the Association’s development strategy.

GOA rewards SA Youth Games medallists with training grants

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) on Monday afternoon moved to reward the country’s South American Youth Games medallists, who raked in seven medals at the recently-concluded fourth edition of the event in Panama City.

The training grants will bolster the athletes’ preparation and readiness as many of the group now turn their attention to more international exposure.

The grants were handed over at the GOA’s Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown headquarters where a debrief of

the Games was hosted on Monday.

There, GOA President Godfrey Munroe expressed the Association’s pride in the Guyanese contingent’s performance on the regional stage.

Munroe told the gathering of athletes, coaches and parents, “We’re quite pleased from the Guyana Olympic Association side on the team’s performance. I think, overall, we had eight disciplines participating in these games, which is quite a unique feature. It’s testimony to our strength, athletic ability, the work that you guys put in.”

Six of the seven medals were garnered in the track and field arena, with Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President Sheryl Hermonstine signalling an intention to build on those performances.

“This is not the final at line; Panama was proof of what we can do. The next challenge is to raise the car. We will invest, you will train harder and we will expect results because Guyana deserves to be on every podium. Athletes, you have set the tone, now let’s build on it,” Hermonstine articulated.

Already looking at aspects for improvement was National Sports Commission (NSC) Vice Chair Cristy Campbell.

“The games, whether you medalled or not, it’ a learning curve for each and every one of us. I’ve closely followed the results of all of the disciplines and I’ve made some notes which I’ll pass on through the GOA, to the respective national federations in areas we believe could be implemented for betterment,” Campbell shared.

She went on to add, “When

I say betterment, I don’t only mean for the athletes or the Coaches, but this entire process is a learning curve for everybody involved, all of the key stakeholders.”

Guyana picked up three gold, one silver and three bronze medals for a 10thplace overall finish at the South American Youth

Games.

Ken Harvey (Bronze –60kg Boxing); Ebo McNeil (bronze – 1500m, bronze –Boys’ 4x400m relay); Ezekiel Millington (Gold – 100m, gold – 4x100m relay); Gordon Thompson (silver – 100m, gold – 4x100m, bronze –4x400m); Deuquan Farrell (Gold – 200m, gold – 4x100m, bronze – 4x400m); David

Motie sparks collapse as Guyana seize slim 1st-innings edge

The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) and the Windward Islands Volcanoes remain locked in a keen contest after two absorbing days in the third and final round of their bilateral series in the West Indies

Four-Day Championship at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua and Barbuda. Resuming Day Two at 22 for 1 in reply to Guyana’s first-innings total of 242, the Volcanoes faced an uphill task, trailing by 220 runs.

Fung secures silver at Malta Pro Show

Guyana’s Rosanna Fung, the 2025 International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) World Champion, secured a second-place finish in the female Wellness category over the weekend at the Malta Pro Show in Europe. In a statement, Fung explained that while the end result was not the goal, the experience gained is essential to her growth on the professional circuit. Up next for Fung is the IFBB Pro Roger Boyce World Cup & Barbados Classic, which takes place May 14- May 18, at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.

Overnight batsmen Stephan Pascal (13*) and Kavem Hodge (7*) returned to the crease with the responsibility of rebuilding the innings.

By lunch, the Windwards had made encouraging progress, reaching 122 for 2 from 41 overs. Hodge led the charge with an assured unbeaten 60 from 98 deliveries, striking 10

just 19 runs short of Guyana’s first-innings total.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was the chief architect of the collapse, claiming 4 for 52 to lead the Harpy Eagles’ attack. Fast bowlers Nial Smith and Joseph provided valuable support with two wickets apiece, ensuring Guyana secured a slender

fours, while Johann Jeremiah supported with 12 not out off 27 balls. The deficit had been reduced to 120 runs, setting the stage for an intriguing afternoon session.

Hodge continued his positive approach after the interval, crafting a well-compiled 74. Having negotiated the closing overs of Day One, he returned with confidence and composure, bringing up his half-century in style. His innings featured 10 boundaries and a six before he was dismissed by Shamar Joseph, just as he looked poised to push on to three figures.

Alick Athanaze provided further resistance with a fluent unbeaten 50 from 83 balls, including five fours and a six. However, the Volcanoes were eventually bowled out for 223 in 71.3 overs, falling

first-innings advantage.

With a narrow lead of 19 runs, the Harpy Eagles began their second innings under pressure. Their start, however, mirrored the inconsistencies of their first. Matthew Nandu endured a second duck in the match, trapped leg-before-wicket by Ryan John, while Kevlon Anderson’s struggles continued as he laboured to just five runs from 26 deliveries.

By stumps on Day Two, Guyana had reached 44 for 2. Tagenarine Chanderpaul stood firm on 19 from 68 balls, and skipper Tevin Imlach was unbeaten on 16, tasked with extending the lead on the third morning.

With the match delicately poised and only 63 runs separating the sides overall, Day Three promises to be decisive

as both teams vie for the upper hand in this final-round encounter. Play resumes at 10:00h.

In the other game, Trinidad and Tobago are firmly in the driver’s seat against the Leeward Islands at the close of Day Two in their West Indies FourDay Championship encounter at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

After winning the toss and batting with authority, Trinidad and Tobago declared on a mammoth 522 for 9, built around a magnificent double century from skipper Joshua Da Silva. The right-hander produced a commanding 220, anchoring the innings with patience and class to put his side in a dominant position.

Karima Gore was the standout performer with the ball for the Leeward Islands, returning impressive figures of 4 for 86 despite the heavy workload. In reply, the Leeward Islands struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined Trinidad and Tobago bowling attack. By stumps on Day Two, they had slipped to 88 for 4 after 25 overs, still trailing by 434 runs.

Williams (gold

and Ade Sealey

4x400m) were all presented with the training grants from the GOA.

A total of 32 athletes represented Guyana at the South American Youth Games across athletics, archery, 3x3 basketball, badminton, boxing, chess, lawn tennis and table tennis.

Gore, adding to his impact on the match, remained unbeaten on a fighting 60 and will carry the responsibility of guiding his team’s recovery when play resume. Gudakesh Motie led the charge once again

ExxonMobil GSL tickets now available online

Tickets for the highly-anticipated

ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) 2026 are now officially on sale, giving fans the opportunity to secure their seats for one of the most exciting events on the international cricket calendar.

The third edition of the tournament will take place from July 23 to August 1, 2026 at the iconic Guyana National Stadium, Providence, bringing together elite franchise teams from around the world in a celebration of world-class T20 cricket.

Featuring a five-team line-up representing leading global T20 leagues, the ExxonMobil Guyana GSL continues its mission to unite top cricketing talent on a single global stage. The competition will follow a round-robin format culminating in playoffs and a final to crown the champion.

The 2026 tournament will feature –Guyana Amazon Warriors (Caribbean Premier League)

Lahore Qalandars (Pakistan Super League)

Desert Vipers (International League T20)

Perth Scorchers XI (Big Bash League)

San Francisco Unicorns (Major League Cricket)

Fans attending the tournament can expect not only high-quality cricket but also an enhanced matchday experience, with entertainment and fan engagement playing a central role throughout the event.

Previous editions have demonstrated strong local and international support, with packed crowds and a vibrant festival atmosphere in Providence.

The ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League has quickly established itself as a premier global T20 competition, showcasing top teams from across multiple leagues while promoting Guyana as a hub for international sport and tourism.

Tickets are available now at www. gslt20.com, and fans are encouraged to purchase early to be part of this landmark cricketing showcase.

GOA rewards SA Youth Games medallists with training grants