Guyana Times - Tuesday, February 3, 2026

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, February 3 – 05:30h–07:00h and Wednesday, February 4 –06:05h-07:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light showers are expected in the early-morning hours, followed by sunny skies for the rest of the day, with partly-cloudy skies followed by light showers at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 17:48h reaching a maximum height of 2.75 metres.

Low Tide: 11:22h and 23:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.49 metre.

Caricom must guarantee market for Belizean, Guyanese refined sugar – Belize

PM …as

countries pledge to champion removal of regional trade barriers …sign MoUs to deepen collaboration in tourism, defence, education

As both Guyana and Belize move into the production of refined sugar, the two countries have committed to championing the removal of regional trade barriers that impede free movement and market access within Caricom. This message was underscored during a special sitting of the Parliament of Belize which was addressed by Belizean Prime Minister (PM) John Antonio Briceño and Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is on a three-day State visit to that country. “We share a history shaped by sugar, fields were ploughed and cane cut by indentured labour and sugar exported to Europe by nationalists. As the industry evolved, it provided jobs, it educated our children, earned foreign ex-

change and drove the development of our colonial societies. But that was yesterday,” the Belizean PM told the Parliament. “Today [Monday], we will jointly facilitate private sector investment in the refined sugar sector. Sugar remains an agricultural mainstay for both Belize and Guyana. As Governments, we will assure the private sector that we will work diligently to ensure that Caricom is an assured market for Belizean and Guyanese producers of refined sugar,” he added. Late last year, United States (US)-based SUCRO (Sucro Sourcing) entered into a joint venture agreement with businessmen in Belize and Guyana to construct two sugar refineries in both Caricom nations. In Guyana, the joint venture - Demerara Sugar Refinery Inc - will establish the country’s first white sugar refinery at the former Wales Sugar Estate in Region Three (Essequibo Islands - West Demerara). The US$20 million facility, being developed in partnership with local firm GAICO Construction and General Services Inc is expected to be completed later this year. In Belize, a similar agreement was signed late last year between SUCRO and Santander Sugar Limited

(SSL), one of the country’s leading sugar mills, to form Caribbean Sugar

Refinery (CSR) Limited. The Caribbean imports around 200,000 tonnes of refined sugar each year, totalling US$180 million in 2024. The plant in Guyana is projected to produce 100,000 tonnes per year.

Trade barriers

In his address, President Ali emphasised that Guyana and Belize must play leading roles in achieving food security in the region. “The region must, in turn, have a fair-trade system in which our produce and production is not subjected to the bureaucracy of the system, or is not subjected to artificial barriers of trade that affect this region,” the Guyanese leader contended. “We must together cham-

pion the cause of removing the barriers to trade, especially in food in this region. For too long, the region has taken for granted our farmers and our food system. We must push back hard now to ensure that our food becomes the region’s food by a system that encourages and supports this,” President Ali emphasised. He also spoke about the 25 by 2025 + 5 agenda to slash the regional food import bill, noting that this requires the adaptation of modern technology, expansion of climate resilient farming practices, improved logistics and greater emphasis on value-added agro-processing.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Interfaith harmony

The national observance of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026 has once again underscored the enduring importance of religious coexistence in Guyana’s social and developmental landscape. Hosted by the InterReligious Organisation of Guyana and addressed by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, the event served as a timely reaffirmation that unity, compassion, and mutual respect remain indispensable pillars of national progress.

Guyana’s strength has long resided in its diversity and a nation shaped by multiple faith traditions, cultures, and histories has consistently demonstrated that pluralism, when guided by respect and understanding, can be a unifying force rather than a source of division. The observance of Interfaith Harmony Week provided a platform to reinforce this principle, emphasising that religious diversity is a demographic reality as well as a national asset that contributes to unity and stability.

Central to the discussions was the recognition that the teachings of the world’s major religions, while distinct in practice, converge around shared moral foundations. Values such as service to others, justice, mercy, and compassion are universally upheld across faith traditions. These principles are not abstract ideals but practical guides for conduct, capable of shaping attitudes, strengthening communities, and promoting peaceful coexistence. When actively practised, they foster trust and understanding, counter intolerance, and reinforce the social fabric.

The theme highlighted during this year’s observance called for faith to be demonstrated through action. In a contemporary context marked by global uncertainty, social pressures, and rapid change, this call carries particular relevance. Acts of kindness, solidarity, and care for the vulnerable translate religious belief into tangible social benefit. Such actions help bridge differences, reduce social fragmentation, and create environments where dialogue and cooperation can flourish.

Social stability and peace are prerequisites for economic growth, investment, and long-term planning. Societies that manage diversity constructively are better positioned to withstand internal and external shocks. By promoting mutual respect among religious communities, Guyana strengthens its resilience and reinforces the conditions necessary for sustainable development. Harmony among faiths, therefore, is not solely a moral aspiration but a strategic necessity.

The Government’s reaffirmed commitment to fostering an inclusive society rooted in respect reflects an understanding that governance and social cohesion are deeply interconnected. The vision of “One Guyana” is advanced not only through infrastructure and economic policy, but through efforts to nurture unity at the community level. Interfaith collaboration plays a critical role in this process, offering a framework for dialogue, conflict prevention, and collective problem-solving.

The presence of religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders at the observance highlighted the broad-based support for interfaith engagement. Such gatherings create opportunities for sustained cooperation and shared advocacy on issues of national concern, including social justice, education, and humanitarian response. Faith-based organisations, with their deep community reach, remain essential partners in promoting ethical leadership and civic responsibility.

Hosting the event at the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana further symbolised the inclusive ethos underpinning interfaith initiatives. It reflected the openness of religious institutions to serve as spaces for dialogue and mutual learning. These spaces are vital in countering misinformation, prejudice, and extremism, particularly among younger generations. By encouraging interaction and understanding, interfaith platforms help cultivate a culture of respect that can be carried forward.

As Guyana continues its development trajectory, the importance of safeguarding social harmony cannot be overstated. Economic transformation, demographic change, and increased global engagement bring both opportunities and challenges. Navigating this period successfully will require a strong commitment to the values that have historically sustained national unity. Interfaith harmony, grounded in shared ethics and mutual respect, offers a steady compass.

The observance of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026 served as a reminder that peace is an ongoing process, cherished through consistent effort and collective responsibility.

Even British teenagers want tighter laws around social media – but let’s make it part of a broader vision for children

By GaBy Hinsliff

Our children’s feelings are not for sale, and nor are they to be manipulated.

So said Emmanuel Macron this week, after French lawmakers voted to ban under-15s from social media. Admittedly, he then repeated these sentiments in a post on X, in the time-honoured manner of parents solemnly lecturing children to do as we say, not as we do.

Yet Macron is not wrong. The backlash building up against social media now is unmistakable, as guilt over all those hours wasted scrolling meets growing alarm at the ugly and dystopian world big tech has helped create. Only last week the Labour MP Jess Asato, a Government adviser on violence against women, described how an X user had created an AIgenerated video of her being chloroformed and prepared for rape. Who wants their 14-year-old daughter hanging out somewhere that happens? Though teens mostly prefer TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat to X, it’s the grim excesses of the platform under Elon Musk that have shaken many adults out of complacency.

Parents are beguiled by tales of Australian kids rediscovering bike rides and board games, after under-16s were banned from social media just in time for the antipodean summer. Teachers sick of dealing with the fallout from adolescent social media beef, or the inevitable after-effects of kids staying up all night on their phones, want

action. The surest sign of which way Labour winds are blowing, meanwhile, is that the health secretary, Wes Streeting, recently invited the pro-ban campaigning author Jonathan Haidt in to address officials, while the thwarted leadership hopeful Andy Burnham suggests a crackdown makes sense to him. Yet Downing Street has hesitated, leaving Kemi Badenoch to take advantage, for once, of an open goal. The Conservatives have amended the children’s wellbeing and schools bill going through the House of Lords in order to put the idea of a ban on the table, and will use an opposition day debate this Wednesday to hammer their point home, somewhat awkwardly for Labour MPs who broadly agree with the idea, but don’t want to see the Tories take the credit.

Personally, I wasn’t convinced for a long time of the case for a ban. What changed my mind was realising how Gen Z, now old enough to reflect on growing up in a social media free-forall, feels about it. Half of 16to 24-year-olds wish they’d spent less time on their phones and three-quarters want tougher regulation to protect young people from social media, according to recent polling for the thinktank The New Britain Project. When teenagers themselves say that they’d keep their own future children away from it for as long as possible, alarm bells should be ringing. And, though some will, of course, find enterprising ways around a ban, in itself that’s not an excuse for doing nothing; there’s a booming

trade in fake ID for underage drinkers, but we don’t just give up and let 14-yearolds drink until they black out. Legislating on teenage harms is less about prohibition than setting social norms until they’re old enough to regulate their own intake, and protecting them from industries otherwise only too ready to exploit them.

That said, the ongoing Government consultation on teens and social media should be given the time and space to consider more serious objections. Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly tragically killed herself after viewing endless images of self-harm on Instagram, has made a thoughtful case that the Online Safety Act (designed to outlaw the most egregious material) should be given a chance to work. Children’s charities, including the NSPCC, are worried about teenagers banned from the big platforms experimenting with riskier alternatives, and about the cliff-edge potentially created for kids let loose at 16 on social media with little experience of it. (Though the more countries follow Australia’s example, the greater the incentive for platforms to do what the former Meta executive Nick Clegg advocated when I interviewed him, and create teen versions of their product. Companies tend to innovate remarkably quickly when facing an existential threat to the business model.)

The most powerful argument against a ban, however, is that it’s not the easy answer to a teenage mental health crisis some want it to be. The evidence is

still so mixed that it’s unclear whether being glued to a phone makes children miserable, or whether miserable teens spend more time online seeking comfort. New research from the University of Manchester, tracking 25,000 children, finds no evidence linking heavier social media use or gaming in one school year with increased anxiety and depression the next. Yet the researchers didn’t conclude that social media was harmless: more that teenagers are complicated, and that adults should pay more attention to what they’re doing both on and offline. Age limits for social media could fit alongside properly-funded children’s mental health services, more things for teenagers to do away from a screen –the recent Government announcement of funding for youth clubs was a start – an honest reckoning with what else threatens children’s wellbeing, from poverty to academic stress, and some uncomfortable questions about parenting. If a fouryear-old is already so online that they try to swipe a book rather than read it, as a survey of reception teachers for the charity Kindred Squared recently reported, that’s not big tech’s fault. A ban is not, then, a panacea. But it ought to be part of a broader national mission for happier childhoods, which recognises that as a society we have for some time been asleep at the wheel. It’s not too late, even now, to wake up. (The Guardian) (Gaby Hinsliff is a Guardian columnist)

Local hatching egg programme is good for Guyana

Dear Editor, As per Budget 2026 details, I note that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government “… has set its sights on producing up to 20 million hatching eggs annually as part of a long-term plan to strengthen Guyana’s poultry industry, reduce dependence on imports and improve disease control across the sector.” This is really great news. As a matter of fact, putting this into context, the egg hatching industry is generally considered a profitable, stable, and essential segment of the broader

poultry sector, acting as the foundation for both broiler meat and egg production. On the global scale, the egg hatching industry is currently experiencing a significant boom, driven by high demand for poultry meat and eggs, combined with acute supply shortages that have pushed prices to historic highs. The market, which includes both broiler and layer chick production, is highly profitable, with the global egg incubator market estimated to grow from its current USD 1.12 billion to USD 1.89 billion by 2032. According to Agriculture

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, the initiative, already into the implementation phase, “… is aimed at ensuring that Guyana can eventually meet its own demand for hatching eggs while safeguarding the health and quality of broiler production.” He detailed that “Currently, Guyana utilizes approximately 53 million hatching eggs annually to sustain its poultry industry, and scaling up things will mean hastening the land clearing that is underway at Pokoribe, a settlement located in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), so as to

establish dedicated breeder facilities. This means spinoffs like employment, entrepreneurship, and eventually fully meeting local demands.

This will not be overnight, even though ongoing is the preparation of some 200 acres of land to be used for infrastructural things like specialised pens, already procured. The programme has that added element of ‘tested’ expertise, as it is in tandem with a Brazilian company, that is bringing technical aid to this aspect of poultry production that is not the usu-

al ‘everyday’ stuff, but that which differs significantly from standard broiler operations. The aim is that when completed, and in full swing, the facilities are expected to produce between 16 and 20 million hatching eggs annually. This, as we all know, is not going to suffice for the country, but it’s a start and it represents that all-important critical first step toward self-sufficiency, say within the next five years (as the Minister hinted).

Editor, this kind of thinking and planning is what Guyana needs. We know

that the poultry industry is quite a cornerstone of global economies, providing essential, high-quality protein (meat and eggs) while acting as a significant driver of income, employment, and rural development. It enhances food security, serves as a “petty cash” buffer for smallholders, and generates substantial economic activity, including billions in wages and tax revenue. With good space available in Guyana, we must maximize.

Yours truly, HB Singh

The Creative/Orange Economy: driving sustainable development

Dear Editor,

In the Creative/Orange economy, individuals and groups play a pivotal role in both conceptualizing and organizing creative endeavors. These participants are not only tasked with structuring such activities but are also responsible for the actual production and publication of their work. Ideally, their efforts result in financial compensation that reflects the tangible value of their creative output.

A distinguishing feature of the creative economy, especially compared with traditional economic sectors, is its reliance on original or copyrightable intellectual property (IP) as its primary input. The value generated within this sector is rooted in unique ideas, artistic expressions, or innovations that are eligible for protection under intellectual property laws. This heavy dependence on IP highlights the distinctive nature of the creative industries within the broader economic context.

When exploring innovative pathways to sustainable development, the creative economy stands out for its focus on leveraging creativity, knowledge, and cultural assets. This approach cen-

ters on using these resources to drive economic growth while ensuring social and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing creative industries and intellectual capital, networks within the creative economy seek to foster inclusive development and build resilient communities that can adapt to changing circumstances. Despite its significant contributions, the creative economy faces considerable obstacles in gaining the recognition it deserves within mainstream economic philosophy. One major challenge stems from the quantification methods commonly used in conventional economic frameworks, which typically emphasize direct financial returns. However, in creative industries, these returns are not always easily measurable, mainly when value is assessed through patents or other methods. Additionally, these measures can vary widely depending on factors such as market access, organizational capacity, and opportunities for commercialization.

A second challenge arises from mainstream economic theory’s tendency to overlook externalities central to the creative economy. These

externalities include cultural exposure, the co-location of diverse artistic expressions, and demographic influences that shape the creative sector’s potential.

The creative/orange economy makes a significant contribution toward achieving the overarching objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the heart of its impact is a focus on enhancing quality of life and overall well-being through intentional economic strategies centered on creativity and innovation. The creative economy supports a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably aligning with SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work

and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

To fully understand the significance of Guyana’s journey, it is essential to revisit key moments within its proper historical context. This reflection allows for a renewal of collective memory, offering insights and inspiration drawn from the various streams and brooks of the past, even if not directly from their sources. By recognizing these highlights, it becomes possible

to honor past achievements and challenges while deepening understanding of the factors that have shaped Guyana’s creative and developmental narrative.

As Guyana marks its sixtieth anniversary of independence, the nation stands at a pivotal moment to consider the role of the creative economy in advancing sustainable development. This milestone offers an opportunity to highlight how Guyana’s creative industries—fueled by innovation, cultural expression, and intellectual property—can meaningfully contribute to economic growth and social progress.

This celebration coincides with global initiatives to emphasize creativity,

knowledge, and cultural assets as essential drivers for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the deliberate organization and publication of creative work, Guyana’s artists, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs can help build more resilient communities, improve quality of life, and foster inclusive development. Recognizing the importance of intellectual property and creative output is crucial for advancing these goals and ensuring that the creative economy receives the acknowledgment and support it merits within the broader economic landscape.

Sincerely,

Sherwood Clarke

Page Foundation

Scale Diagrams cont’d

The distance from Earth to Mars in real life is 54.6×10^⁶ km

Example 5: floor plan

Below is the scale diagram of a floor plan of a bedroom. The length of the bed is 190cm. State the ratio of the floor plan to the actual distances in its simplest form.

1. Identify two lines that are mathematically similar

We need to measure the length of the bed on the floor plan so we can compare this to the actual length.

The length of the bed on the floor plan is 8.5cm.

So the two similar lengths are 190cm and 8.5cm.

2. Express the lengths as a ratio A:B

The ratio is of the form “plan: actual” so we have the ratio 8.5cm:190cm

3. Simplify the ratio

Writing the ratio in the simplest form we have: 17cm:380cm

Since the units are the same we can rewrite the ratio without them 17:380

Remember, the simplest form shouldn’t contain decimals.

Example 6: scale model

A scale model of the planets in the solar system is given below. The minimum distance from Earth to Mars is 54.6×10^⁶ km from the surface of each planet. State the ratio in the form 1cm:n” “ km of the scale model to the real distance.

Write n in standard form correct to 3 significant figures.

Identify two lines that are mathematically similar

Measuring the distance between Earth and Mars, we get

The distance from Earth to Mars in the diagram is 4.9cm.

Supplies:

Crayola Air Dry Clay

Construction paper

Markers

Crayons

Glue

Glitter glue

Paint brush

Scissors

Washable paint

Picture frame

Directions

Step 1: Remove the backing from a 4x4 picture frame. Using purple acrylic paint, paint the frame purple. Let dry.

Step 2: Spread a thin layer of yellow air-dry clay onto the frame backing. Smooth out.

Step 3: Use a paper towel or another textured item to create a pattern in the clay.

Step 4: Trim the excess clay from the edges of the backing.

Step 5: Using blue air-dry clay, mould pieces of a dragonfly body and attach to the clay-covered backing with school glue.

Step 6: Draw 2 larger and 2 smaller wing shapes on bright pop construction paper. Cut out.

Step 7: Stick the wings firmly into the wet clay of the dragonfly’s body, allowing them to stick out. Let dry.

Step 8: Using markers, decorate the dragonfly and the background.

Express the lengths as a ratio A:B

The ratio is of the form “model: actual” so we have the ratio 4.9cm:54.6×10^⁶ km

Simplify the ratio

Simplifying the ratio to the form 1:n, we divide both sides by 4.9 to get 1cm:11142857.14km

1cm:1.11×10^⁷ km

(the equivalent to walking around the equator of the Earth 278 times!)

Common mistakes

. The order of the ratio is incorrect

Stating the ratio in the incorrect order will mean that the scale diagram is much larger/smaller than what is expected.

Eg: Let a ratio represent the scale diagram to the real life distance. The ratio 1:2 means that the real life distance is twice the length of the scale diagram.

The ratio 2:1 means that the real life distance is half of the scale diagram.

. Incorrect units in the solution

The units for the model can be mixed up with the units for the real life distance.

Eg: If we were calculating the distance of 10cm on a map with the scale ratio of 1cm:5km,” “ 10×5=50cm is stated whereas the correct solution would be 10×5=50km.

. Converting units

Sometimes the units in a question need to be converted so that they are all the same, so it is important to be confident in converting between different metric units.

Eg: The map scale is given as 1:25,000 which means that 1cm on the map is equivalent to 25,000cm in real life.

If the answer is asked to be written in kilometres, the real life value in centimetres must be divided by 100,” “ 000 to get the same measurement in kilometres.

Practice questions

1) A miniature toy dinosaur is being put into production. The average length of a diplodocus is 25m. The height of the back legs of a diplodocus

are 18% of its length. The back legs of the scale model are 1.5cm tall. What is the simplified ratio of the model to the actual dinosaur?

By Tina Cane

After Sappho

What cannot be said will be wept what cannot be wept will be bled what cannot be bled will be buried what is buried will rot rot rot

I’ve got this Adidas track jacket with a vibrant print of flowers exploding all over the polyester

It’s loud but I like it like I like mashed potatoes in winter the comfort of it even if sometimes people comment on it like the man at the gas station did today

That’s a good jacket he nodded as he got into his car Thanks I replied I have a collection of them Vintage on eBay

Okay he laughed Fabulous!

Whatever you need

Whatever you need

5:1 1:300

2:500

Step 10: Use glitter glue to paint the dragonfly body and add more decorative accents to the frame and the picture. (Adapted from crayola.com)

Step 9: Place the scene into the frame, making sure the picture is right-side-up.

1.5cm:25m

2) The length of a path is measured at 26.2 metres. A scale drawing of the same path has a length of 14” cm.” State the ratio of the diagram to the actual path in the form 1:n.

3) A camera screen has a height of 7cm and a width of 5cm.

A photo frame is 19cm wide.

(a) What is the scale ratio of the camera screen to the photo frame? Write your answer in the form 1:n.

(b) Calculate the height of the photo frame.

Which I took to mean my jacket was a form of weeping thus I wept as my car got sudsed and buffed my arms sheathed in exploding flowers one jacket is enough but I have six

(Source: Poetry [January/February 2026])

Never bite the hand that feeds you – Parag slams WIN MP for criticising GOAL programme that funded his studies

Education Minister, Sonia Parag on Monday called out We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Gordon Barker for his hypocrisy during the opening of the Budget 2026 debates, pointing out that he criticised the Government’s Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) even as he has benefited from free education under the programme. Delivering his maiden speech on the National Assembly floor at the Budget Debates began, Barker described the Government’s GOAL programme, which offers free tertiary level online scholarships to all Guyanese as a potential atrocity. He said that the programme

is riddled with poor planning, weak oversight and unacceptable uncertainly for thousands of Guyanese students. However, according to Parag, Barker has handsomely benefited from the very programme he now criticises. “You never ever bite the hand that you feed from,” Parag quipped, pointing to what she described as clear hypocrisy.

“The Honourable member would have earned his qualifications that he stands in this National House so proudly of from the GOAL programme that he is fighting. The Honourable member stood there and talked about the atrocity of this programme, but the Honourable member got his degree from the Jain Deemed-to-be University on the GOAL

programme. Shocking. And moved on to a PhD on GOAL. Extremely shocking.” Barker introduced himself as the Shadow Minister of Education, seemingly taking over the role from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MP, Coretta McDonald. McDonald delivered her speech just after Barker as the three parties on the Opposition benches continue to navigate internal arrangements in the sharing of the opposition’s 29 parliamentary seats. Parag described Barker and McDonald as “two shadows who gave unimpressive presentations.”

Parag countered Barker’s criticism with facts and statistics about the GOAL programme, reminding that over 54,000 Guyanese had been awarded programmes under the initiative between 2021 - 2025, with some 6000 Guyanese graduating with various degrees and certificates in 2025.

The Government established GOAL programme is an online education initiative launched in 2021 as part of Guyana’s broader agenda to expand access to tertiary and skillsbased learning. It partners with local and international universities and institutions to offer a wide range of programmes, includ-

ing certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, postgraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees to Guyanese learners through flexible, online delivery. The programme aims to make quality education accessible to citizens across the country. To date, the programme has far exceeded its original target of 20,000 scholarships. In his inaugural address Barker also spoke about the National School Feeding Programme, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), the recently opened YASS Special Needs School, infrastructure in the public schools. McDonald later took the floor and picked up the mantle where Barker left off, criticising the $183 billion education budget and what percentage it accounts for in the overall National Budget. Taking the floor to defend the works, policies and initiatives of the Government for the past 5 years and the next coming five years, Parag addressed individual claims as she endorsed the 2026 Budget. “A budget crafted for the ppl written by the ppl and grounded firmly in reality hopes and aspirations of the Guyanese people. Priority was always placed on the education sector by the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/Civic) Government,” Parag noted.

To McDonald, Parag re-

minded her of statements she made in 2018, when at the time in her position as General Secretary (GS) of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), she was at loggerheads with the then Government of the APNU and its coalition partner the Alliance for Change (AFC), and noted that “life for teachers un-

der the PPP/C is always better”. Parag pointed to the billions spent by the Government year on year to continue the building out of infrastructure, the University of Guyana (UG) student loan write off programme, and the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant given to parents for each child in school.

“We don’t add burdens, we add benefits” – Edghill on Budget 2026

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, on Monday pushed back against claims that Budget 2026 does not cater to the people, as he outlined how the budget provides a plethora of social measures and infrastructure provisions, underscoring that, “this budget binds growth with fairness and opportunities with inclusion.” Edghill was the third speaker of the day and the first for the Government side as Budget Debates on the 2026 Budget commenced in the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). Edghill responded directly to points made by the Opposition MPs who spoke before him, We Invest in Nationhood’s (WIN) Dr Andre Lewis and A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Vinceroy Jordan. Jordan opened his party’s case with APNU’s longstanding, recycled claim that the budget offers nothing for the people, setting the theme his MPs are expected to repeat throughout the debates. However, as he took to the floor, Minister Edghill listed a number of social measures contained

in the Budget which he believes directly impact Guyanese at the individual level. “Listen to who is going to get the benefits. Every family that gets a new born baby continues to get $100,000 at the time of birth. The 206,000 children in our private and public schools who will get their cash grant of $85,000. Putting people first. The 106,100 pensioners who will get their increase in pension, the 25,000 persons who will benefit from public assistance, 70,000

public servants who will benefit from an increased wage bill from $147 billion to $177 billion. Thousands will benefit because we put people first,” Edghill contended. Addressing criticisms that the budget is infrastructure heavy, Edghill highlighted the role infrastructure plays in improving the lives of individuals.

“We are hearing that people are complaining about how the budget is heavy on infrastructure. It is because they don’t take time to link how infra-

structure will benefit the individual,” Edghill noted. He provided concrete examples of the impact of major infrastructure projects saying: “Ask all the people of Region Three who travel to Georgetown to work on a daily basis how the US$260 million Bharrat Jagdeo River Bridge has transformed their lives. Ask the people of diamond how the new Heroes highway has transformed their lives and how they can get to work and back home and get their children to school early... Ask the people who use the Ogle to Eccles interlink, that is now moving on to providence with a direct link to the Bharrat Jagdeo River Bridge, how investment in infrastructure is making a difference in their lives.” Edghill also rejected Jordan’s claims that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had appropriated the Budget 2026 theme of “Putting People First” from the APNU 2025 manifesto, noting that the motif has been used by the PPP/C for years. He also reminded that it was a core slogan and governing philosophy in the 1992 United States (US) presidential cam-

paign of Bill Clinton and Al Gore. “These were concepts in the PPP/C long before the 2025 manifesto of the APNU. Budget 2026, rightly themed ‘Putting people First’, is a strong expression of the one Guyana philosophy which recognises that true national progress must uplift all citizens. It is a social contract of inclusion and this budget intentionally directs resources to the everyday needs of the working family, small

businesses, farmers, public servants and communities,” Edghill noted. He further added, “Budget 2026 unlocks a new transformative growth that builds out a Guyana where every person can partake in the nation’s successes. This is a well thought out ppl oriented, pro poor, service oriented, development focus budget with an aim to achieve a united and prosperous Guyana. This budget does that.”

56 doctors, 234 nurses, 51 clinical staff at Diamond hospital –Health Minister tells Parliament

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has confirmed that the Diamond Regional Hospital is adequately staffed to provide quality healthcare services, following questions raised by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Nima Flue-Bess during the first day of the 2026 National Budget debates. During the question-and-answer segment on Monday, Dr Anthony provided updated figures on the hospital’s staffing. According to the Minister, the facility currently has 56 doctors, 234 nurses, 51 other clinical staff and 107 administrative personnel. At the hospital’s commissioning in June 2025, the staffing complement included nearly 70 doctors, more than 40

registered nurses, 50 nursing assistants and 45 patient care assistants.

Since commissioning, the nursing staff has increased from 135 to 234, reflecting a rise of more than 70 per cent. Dr Anthony stated that the current staffing levels are sufficient to meet the hospital’s

service requirements and that the facility remains operational and properly resourced. On June 8, 2025, the $6.6 billion Diamond Regional Hospital was the first of six regional hospitals being completed that year to open its doors, making good on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) Government’s drive to revolutionise healthcare in Guyana. The hospital, which was built by China CAMC Engineering Company and overseen by VIKAB Engineering, is fully equipped with CT scans, several Intensive Care Units (ICU), including a neonatal ICU for babies; three modern surgery theatres, including one in the emergency department; a high dependency unit; several outpatient clinics, and 75 patient beds with five beds in each room; digital X-rays, and ultrasound machines.

In his feature address, President Dr Irfaan Ali had stressed that Guyana’s healthcare sector will one day be a “global masterpiece”, and will make Guyana a health hub.

How to… …use the oil money

The Budget Debate kicked off yesterday on the record

$1.558 trillion to be spent by the Government in 2026 – towards fulfilling its goals for developing the country!! Not unexpectedly, there’s a lot of attention on the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) into which our takings from oil and gold are deposited. The Opposition’s criticisms are hurled from several fronts. First is the gripe that the Fund’s withdrawals are too large – and don’t leave enough for “future generations”!! Secondly, that the withdrawals aren’t directed enough on alleviating present poverty in the country and too much on infrastructure.

Now all of this is more than a tad confusing your Eyewitness. Firstly, the PPP Government had openly amended APNU’s 2019 NRF rules on withdrawals early in their term of office – in 2021! Their focus was twofold – to increase oversight, transparency and clarity of the rules for the ordinary citizen – and also to increase the percentage of the deposits for developmental purposes!! For the former, rather than having all authority over the fund fall under A SINGLE MINISTER, it was now delegated to a 3–5-member Board of Directors. Most significantly, very strict reporting regulations were introduced to make it harder to play games with the funds. And lastly, rather than a very complex, opaque formula for withdrawals the new formula was easy for everyone to understand!!

So, from where your Eyewitness stands – on the sidelines watching on as a very interested citizen looking for himself and the country to develop! – the gist of the complaints is that too much money’s being withdrawn!! But at the same time, they want the country to be “developed” and poverty to be reduced!! The Government’s position is that for the latter goal to be achieved, the answer isn’t to depend only on cash grants!! Their philosophy is based on the premise that it’s better to teach a man to fish than give him a fish!! In Guyana’s free enterprise economy, they see their job in poverty reduction to be doing all it takes to attract jobs to Guyana – where our citizens can come out of poverty with dignity!!

Private Sector jobs will only be created when the conditions are attractive for private entities to plunk down their cash. And chief among these conditions are infrastructure of all types: roads and bridges to transport raw materials and finished products; drainage and irrigation for agriculture and fisheries; power production for factories etc…etc!! In this scenario, the Government concedes that poverty won’t be eradicated with one stroke!! And is committed to some cash grants to tide folks over.

As far as future generations are concerned – aren’t they gonna inherit the infrastructure and jobs being created now!! Quit kvetching, Opposition!!

…make enemies and lose friends

New LOO Sanction Man certainly ain’t done himself no favours when it comes to building alliances!! Which is essential for a new party that weaselled away most of its support from its now fellow Opposition member – the APNU/PNC!! First, he gotta realise he’s not just Leader of his WIN Scrapeheads but of the ENTIRE Opposition!! This includes Walton-Desir’s 1-seat FGM – AND the 12seat decimated APNU/PNC –- which feels it contains “multitudes” from the WPA and the AFC that had joined its banner before the elections.

WPA’s Black Pudding Man – who Norton sent to Parliament – sees WIN’s winning the Scrapehead vote as an aberration!! He’s doing his darndest to remind them that Sanction Man’s as racist as they come – pointing to the latter Daady’s rants!! In going straight to the GECOM Chair to have WIN select the Opposition Commissioners, he played right into Black Pudding Man’s hands by in effect firing Vincent Alexander – the latter’s chief African rights sidekick!!

No wonder they refused to meet Sanction Man!!

…debate

The PPP’s shown it has a formidable elections machinery – which it replenishes with new blood who are being blooded during the ongoing debate!! WIN’s desire to sound “respectable” gonna be kicked into the dust in the dust-up by PPP’s young’uns!!

Guyana, Belize not begging – Pres Ali pushes market value for biodiversity

Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking during a special sitting of the Parliament of Belize on Monday highlighted that Guyana and Belize are vulnerable to the effects of climate change but emphasised the valuable assets they possess in the area of biodiversity.

“Climate change represents the most serious and immediate existential challenge facing small States including Belize and Guyana. Rising sea levels, increasingly intense storms, prolonged droughts and coastal erosion threaten lives, livelihoods and long-term development,” he informed the Belize Parliament.

Ali, who is on a threeday State visit, spoke in the National Assembly which was also addressed

by Belizean Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño. He reminded that “our two countries possess some of

the most diverse and valuable ecosystems in the Caribbean, encompassing vast tracts of tropical for-

ests, extensive freshwater resources and extraordinary biodiversity that place us among the world’s

most environmentally significant small states.”

In this regard, he said the two countries are determined to be part of the solution.

“The solution is not begging bowl for handout or for charity or for sympathy. The problem is real and we have real assets and so the solution must be market based and we must let the world understand that what we possess, this natural asset, is part of an ecosystem that supports life and livelihood of this earth and the valuation and value must come to our people,” President Ali posited.

He explained that the territories of Guyana and Belize include critical habitats that support unique flora and fauna, provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon seques-

tration and climate regulation and sustain livelihoods through agriculture, forestry, fisheries and ecotourism – emphasising that these natural endowments carry global responsibilities.

“Belize and Guyana serve as careful custodians of environmental heritage whose preservation is vital not only to our national development but also to regional and global ecological balance. And that is why we have a joint responsibility to monetise this most important global asset and the world in turn has a responsibility to ensure that economic value of these assets are passed on to the peoples of our countries,” President Ali posited. President Ali is currently on a three day state visit to Belize.

Derelict crackdown

Truck owner pays $4.4M to reclaim seized vehicles – Edghill

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill has disclosed that the owner of some of the trucks that were recently seized by the Government in its derelict-removal drive recently paid $4.4 million to get them back.

“The gentleman who refused to remove his derelict vehicles has paid the $4.4 million for the removal, so he can get back his trucks that he used as a barricade and that is the penalty for lawlessness,” Edghill told the National Assembly on Monday during his contribution to the Budget 2026 debates. Edghill said owners of vehicles recently seized by the Government can reclaim them after paying a fee. The Minister subsequently disclosed that owners can pay a fee to get them back. One of the sites where the removal exercise was conducted was the Old Railway Embankment be-

hind the GuyOil Gas Station, where the road was blocked by abandoned vehicles owned by Global Spare Parts and Auto Sales. At that location, the owner of the auto sales had contracted two trucks to act as a barricade to the officials attempting to remove the derelict vehicles. Those trucks were also towed by the Government during its exercise. Another location was Sandy Babb and Middleton Streets, Georgetown, where a tarmac built for recreational purposes was occupied with derelict vehicles.

In a recent statement, Edghill had explained that the Government is not interested in permanently withholding property. He outlined a straightforward “cost-recovery” mandate for any owner wishing to recover their items. “All the persons whose stuff got picked up – if you really, really want it before I

take it to the derelict dump site, they have to come into the Ministry, pay us what it cost to remove it, then you can get it back,” the Minister had

said. The Minister has also reminded the public that this exercise will continue across the country. “Government reserves must remain clear for

safety, drainage and future development,” the Ministry emphasised in the statement last week. Last year, Edghill had issued a stern warning that derelict vehicles, encumbrances and encroachments on road shoulders and Government reserves across Guyana will be removed.

“Guyanese are becoming fatigued and fed up, and

it appears that once you finish cleaning, the very same thing reoccurs,” Edghill had lamented, as he assured that the Government will intensify its campaigns countrywide.

“We are giving notice to everyone: derelict vehicles, vehicles without wheels or doors, or vehicles with bush in them that have been abandoned on road shoulders will be removed, and they will be crushed into scrap at the Government’s derelict site on the Linden–Soesdyke Highway,” the Minister had emphasised, noting that several contractors have already been engaged to assist in this nationwide exercise.

Similar to the removal of derelict vehicles, the Minister had also addressed the growing issue of businesses encroaching onto road shoulders and pedestrian walkways. As such, he said the Ministry will continue to remove all encumbrances and encroachments wherever violations occur, as part of its commitment to road safety and orderliness.

Caricom must guarantee...

Local ownership

As Belize and Guyana undertake the building out of robust food systems, President Ali underscored the critical role of the private sector of both countries. “I call upon the private sector of both countries to seek out opportunities between both countries, create partnerships in capital, in talent, in land, in technology, in marketing,” he said. “I can assure you, you have two Governments aligned in this vision of empowering the private sectors, empowering the people to grow their prosperity, advance their businesses, create jobs and enhance the economic wellbeing of the people of both countries. The private sector is central to the expansion of this relationship.”

External shocks

Recognising that both Guyana and Belize are susceptible to external shocks from fluctuations in commodity prices and supply chain disruptions, President Ali emphasised the importance of increasing local ownership of critical systems. He asserted that, “we must give greater ownership to our citizens, our private sector and those who reside in our countries.”

“If our citizens and our people in the region own our food systems, own our energy systems, own our telecoms systems, own our technology, own the things that drive our economy, then we are building resilience from within and we are building prosperity from within.”

MoUs Meanwhile, the Belizean PM also spoke about oth-

er areas for collaboration with Guyana, including in the area of education, tourism and digitisation. The two countries took concrete steps to deepen bilateral engagement through the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements expand collaboration in key areas, including digital governance and emerging technologies, tourism development and investment, defence and security cooperation and education, covering scholarships, academic and professional exchanges and joint research initiatives. Prior to the singing of the MoUs Briceño during his address of a special sitting of the Parliament had explained that his country can “offer our experience in tourism” as Guyana builds its own tourism product.

“Our geographic similarities provide scope for knowledge sharing. Our expertise in agriculture will be made available and educational opportunities explored,” he added. The Belizean PM also expressed that Guyana’s experience in digitisation would help his country in its own efforts in this area. Meanwhile, President Ali reiterated that Guyana’s prosperity will translate to the prosperity of the wider region, including Belize.

“Belize and Guyana may be small in size but we’re not small in principle, ambition and determination. By standing together within our region and beyond, by upholding the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions and cooperating strategically, we can ensure that our peoples do more than endure the challenges of our time, we can ensure that they prosper,” he said.

Govt to crack down on quick resale of State-allocated houses

Housing Minister Collin Croal has announced that the government will be moving to address the hasty resale of State-allocated houses.

2026 Budget boosts investment, jobs & local enterprise – Excel Guyana

Excel Guyana Inc. has commended the 2026 National Budget, which was presented on January 26, 2026, by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh who highlighted that it will boost investments, job creation and support for local enterprises. The company, in a release, stated that the budget lays a strong foundation for investment, infrastructure and opportunity while placing Guyanese people and communities at the centre of national development.

“For more than 30 years, Excel Guyana has cultivated partnerships across CARICOM and beyond, and the initiatives outlined in Budget 2026 directly support this mission. The Government’s allocations for infrastructure and logistics will not only accelerate construction projects and enhance nationwide connectivity but also improve access to services, create jobs and strengthen communities,” the release stated.

Further, it welcomes the creation of a Development Bank capitalised at US$100 million, which will provide vital support to small and medium-sized enterprises, empowering local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and generate employment. “Tax relief in agriculture and agro-processing is expected to open new avenues for farmers and producers, ensuring that Guyanese households benefit from lower costs, stronger food security and expanded opportu-

Co-Chair

nities in value-added industries.” Equally important, measures aimed at workforce development align with Excel Guyana’s recruitment and Employer of Record services, ensuring that Guyanese workers are equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive in a rapidly growing economy. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kris Sammy stated that Budget 2026 is more than an economic plan but rather it is a people-centred vision for Guyana’s future.

“Excel Guyana is proud to stand alongside this vision by connecting investors, building partnerships and ensuring that growth translates into better lives for all Guyanese,” he added.

The whopping $1.558 trillion 2026 national budget was presented under the theme, “Putting People First” with no new taxes and will be partially funded by the Natural Resources Fund.

for sale at $75M

Beneficiaries of ministry-allocated homes are prohibited from selling or otherwise disposing of the property within the first

ten years of ownership.

However, Croal said authorities are aware of a number of newly-handed over houses being adver-

tised for sale.

“Sometimes when you see advertisements of houses for resale and when you look at the ad…and you

see it’s actually one of the houses through our housing programme, it’s doing a disservice to someone who is really in need,” the minister expressed.

“So, we are examining measures at our level to go after such persons, and I want to use this opportunity to say, that we will have no tolerance for persons who seek to resell these homes,” he affirmed.

However, Croal noted that beneficiaries are free to rent out the homes.

The government has set a target of constructing 40,000 homes over the next five years.

During the last five years, the administration distributed over 50,000 house lots and constructed over 2,000 houses for various sections of the population.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

China-Guyana, relations have entered a “fast track” of development – Ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang has made it clear that China–Guyana relations have entered a “fast track” of development, highlighting sharp growth in bilateral trade, major infrastructure projects and expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Last Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana hosted the 2026 Chinese Spring Festival reception. Addressing the gathering, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang said that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, China and Guyana have developed a strong and enduring partnership. “Although China and Guyana are separated by vast oceans, we have become good friends sharing weal and woe, valuable partners in close cooperation and brothers bound by blood. Under the strategic guidance of our two Presidents, China–Guyana relations have entered a ‘fast track’ of development,” she said. Highlighting the

strength of bilateral cooperation, the Ambassador noted that in 2025, trade between China and Guyana reached nearly US$2.9 billion—more than double the figure recorded in the previous year. She also pointed to the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, constructed by a Chinese company, describing it as a “Bridge of Friendship and Development” that has eased daily life for citizens while promoting regional development. Ambassador Yang further cited the six

regional hospitals built by Chinese enterprises, all of which are now operational, as a hallmark of the two countries’ joint efforts to build a “Health Silk Road.” She also praised the contribution of Chinese medical teams in Guyana, noting that over the past year they have saved countless lives through compassion and professional care, earning the respect and recognition of the Guyanese people. In addition, people-to-people exchanges have continued to grow, with more than 200

Guyanese from the public sector, business community, healthcare and other fields traveling to China for training programmes and returning home to contribute to national development. Looking ahead, Ambassador Yang said China-Guyana relations are poised for an even more promising future. She noted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China not only outlines China’s economic and social development over the next five years but also presents significant opportunities for countries worldwide, including Guyana. She said China stands ready to work with Guyana to implement the important consensus reached by the two Presidents, follow the guidance of China’s Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and advance cooperation under five key programmes—solidarity, development, civilisation, peace and people-to-people connectivity. These efforts, she added,

will help translate strong trade growth into high-quality projects that benefit both nations while strengthening infrastructure connectivity and cultural ties. She noted that over the past year, China’s modernisation drive achieved major milestones, with the economy demonstrating strong resilience amid global economic challenges. In 2025, China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5 per cent, surpassing 140 trillion yuan for the first time. It was also stated that a more open China will continue to make new and greater contributions to the global economy. In September 2025, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative, which she said contributes Chinese perspectives to the reform and improvement of the global governance system. Guyana’s Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, performing the functions of President of Guyana, also addressed the reception.

Phillips said that, “Guyana takes great pride in its Chinese community, which has flourished since their arrival on our shores on January 12, 1853, marking 173 years of remarkable growth and development. Our Chinese brothers and sisters have contributed significantly to Guyana’s social, cultural and economic fabric. We have seen how dedicated, persistent and entrepreneurial they are, and how these traits have helped shape our business sector, especially in trade, retail and business development.” According to PM Phillips, this festive occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the strong ties of friendship and partnership that persist between Guyana and China. He noted that the two countries have built a robust and dynamic partnership over the years, based on mutual respect and shared vision and interests for growth and development, both at the individual and national levels.

President Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana, on a three-day State Visit to Belize, was hosted by Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam at a State reception. The President also held meetings with Prime Minister John Briceño and members of the Cabinet at Belize House in Belmopan (Guyana’s Office of the President and Government of Belize Press Office photos)

PM Phillips urges respect, unity at World Interfaith Harmony Week observance

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President, reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to

turing a society where religious diversity contributes to national cohesion. He reflected on this year’s theme, noting it calls on Guyanese to demonstrate

commitment to fostering an inclusive society rooted in mutual respect. He noted that interfaith harmony is an essential pillar of national development, reinforcing the vision of “One Guyana” and sup -

unity, compassion and respect for religion on Monday at the national observance of the United Nations (UN) World Inter Faith Harmony Week 2026, hosted by the Inter Religious Organisation of Guyana. During his remarks, Phillips highlighted the importance of nur -

their faith through action and care for one another. He also emphasised that teachings across all faiths highlight shared values of service, justice and mercy, which are central to sustaining peace and strengthening the social fabric. The PM reaffirmed the Government’s

porting the country’s pursuit of peace, stability and social advancement. The observance brought together leaders of various religious communities, members of the diplomatic corps, Government officials, civil society representatives and other stakeholders committed to promoting harmony and understanding across Guyana’s multicultur -

Banks DIH to challenge injunction that blocked 15% shareholder voting cap at AGM

Banks DIH Holdings Inc (BDIHHI) has announced its intention to appeal a High Court ruling that blocked the company from putting a proposed bylaw change to a vote at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), after Justice Sandil Kissoon granted an injunction just one day before the scheduled gathering.

Banks DIH, one of Guyana’s oldest and largest public companies, is proposing an amendment to its corporate bylaws that would limit the percentage

of shares for which any single shareholder can exercise voting rights to 15 per cent of the company’s issued share capital.

Chairman and Managing Director of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis, made the announcement at the company’s AGM, which proceeded over the weekend.

The managing director explained that the company operates in accordance with its Articles of Incorporation and bylaws. He noted that the Board of Directors has the authority to recommend

amendments to the bylaws, subject to approval by shareholders at an Annual General Meeting.

He further stated that shareholders have the right to vote either in favour of or against any proposed resolution. If a resolution is rejected, it cannot be implemented and is effectively terminated.

He explained that if a resolution is approved, any shareholder who believes they have been adversely affected has the right, within one month, to apply

to the court for a hearing. However, he noted that at the close of the register for the AGM, the vote on proposed Bylaw Number Eight could not proceed, as Justice Kissoon had restrained the company from doing so.

“As a law-abiding and responsible corporate citizen, we will comply with the judge’s order. However, the company proposes to appeal this matter to the Full Court for the discharge of this injunction,” Reis said.

US extradition request Court defers ruling to Feb 9 on US-indicted father-son duo

Chief Justice (acting) Navindra Singh had set February 2, to deliver his ruling on the constitutional challenge and judicial review proceedings filed by USindicted Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed in their bid to block their extradition to America.

However, he has now postponed that decision to February 9.

The Mohameds are essentially challenging sections of Guyana’s Fugitive Offenders Act and are seeking to quash the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs to issue the authority to proceed, which launched the extradition proceedings against the father-and son-duo. The Mohameds, through their team of lawyers, submitted that the extradition process was tainted by presumed and apparent bias.

The extradition of the Mohameds is being sought under the Guyana–United Kingdom extradition treaty, which continues to operate in Guyana pursuant to Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitive Offenders Act,

Cap. 10:04, as amended by Act No. 10 of 2024. The extradition request was formally submitted by the US Government on October 30, 2025.

The father-son duo have been indicted by a grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges ranging from wire fraud and mail fraud to money laundering, primarily connected to the export of gold to the US by their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises.

The Mohameds are accused of conspiring to defraud the US and Guyanese Governments between 2017 and June 11, 2024. In October last year the US formally submitted an ex-

tradition request for the Mohameds. Prior to the indictment the Mohameds were sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2024. Azruddin was also embroiled in several local cases involving alleged tax evasion and also linked to the under-declaration of a Lamborghini valued at US$695,000 but declared at US$75,300.

The US has requested the extradition of the Mohameds to face the indictments, and those extradition proceedings are currently pending in the local courts. However, a court document filed in Florida and seen by Guyana Times states that Attorney Paster would be appearing as

Banks DIH to challenge...

FROM PAGE 15

Shareholders at the meeting on Saturday (Banks DIH photo)

According to legal documents seen by this publication, the court granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the company-whether by its directors, officers, chairman of the meeting, company secretary, servants, agents, or otherwise -from presenting, tabling, proposing, or putting to a vote any resolution seeking to confirm, adopt, or give effect to the proposed “New Bylaw 8 – Share Ownership” at the AGM scheduled for January 31, 2026, or any

adjournment thereof.

The court also granted an injunction restraining the company from treating as invalid, disregarding, discounting, or refusing to count any votes lawfully attached to issued ordinary shares, pending the determination of the substantive proceedings filed by the applicants.

In previously explaining the rationale behind the proposed bylaw amendment, BDIHHI emphasised that the 15 per cent voting limitation reflects the cor -

porate philosophy of the company’s founder, Peter D’Aguiar, aimed at promoting shareholder democracy and preventing control by a small group of investors. The company further stated that shareholders would not be restricted from enjoying the benefits of their shares, including dividends or the ability to sell them.

On Saturday, the company hosted its Annual General Meeting for its more than 15,000 shareholders.

counsel for the US “regarding any forfeiture issues” in the case styled United States of America vs. Nazar Mohamed et al.

The Mohameds are accused of conspiring to defraud both the US and Guyanese Governments between 2017 and June 11, 2024. Prosecutors allege that the father-son duo used a scheme to unlawfully obtain property by transmitting communications through interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of US laws.

According to US prosecutors, the goal was to enrich themselves while defrauding the Government of Guyana by evading taxes and royalties on gold exports. They are accused of

reusing Guyana Customs declarations and official seals on multiple shipments to falsely indicate that taxes and royalties had been paid. US authorities allege the scheme resulted in more than US$50 million in lost taxes and royalties to the Government of Guyana. Additional indictments detail similar conduct involving shipments of gold, emails allegedly from Nazar Mohamed requesting the sealed boxes from Miami and exports of over 165-kilograms (kg) of gold per shipment destined for Dubai. If convicted, most of the charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines of up to US$250,000, while the money laundering

charge carries a fine of up to US$500,000 or the value of the laundered property.

The US Government is also seeking forfeiture of certain assets connected to the accused. As a result, the assignment of Attorney Paster to the case is being viewed as significant, particularly pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings.

The Assistant US Attorney assigned to the matter is an experienced prosecutor in high-value forfeiture and transnational corruption cases. Last year, he was part of a prosecutorial team that secured more than US$20 million in a civil forfeiture case linked to a Venezuelan bribery and money-laundering scheme.

Budget 2026 debate

Region 6 tapped for major road, community connectivity push

As Parliament opened debate on the 2026 National Budget on Monday, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was singled out for a major connectivity and access push, with Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill outlining a series of road and community-link projects aimed at improving movement, market access and everyday services across the region. Speaking during the opening day of the debate, Edghill pointed to the build out of a new fourlane corridor from Palmyra to Molson Creek as a central pillar of the Region Six programme, alongside expanded farm-to-market access from El dorado and a set of hinterland and riverine connections linking Molson Creek with Orealla and surrounding communities, including Siparuta and Kwakwani, Region 10. He said the works are intended to ensure that development reaches residents where they live, work and produce, rather than remaining con-

fined to headline figures.

The Public Works Minister framed the Region Six projects as part the “people-first” approach, arguing that improved transport infrastructure directly lowers travel time and costs, supports agriculture and trade and improves access to health, education and other services. In Region Six, he said, stronger road and community links are critical to helping farmers move produce more efficiently, easing daily commutes along the Corentyne corridor and better integrating riverine and hinterland villages into the regional economy.

While the debate featured sharp national exchanges, opposition Parliamentarians also underscored standards against which Region Six residents are likely to judge delivery. Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Andre Lewis congratulated the Finance Minister and public servants on the preparation of the Budget and

argued that a people-centred programme should ultimately be measured by tangible outcomes, including improved quality of life, equitable regional development and sustained access to services. Applied to Region Six, that benchmark places emphasis on whether promised road and access works translate into improvements for communities. Opposition MP Vinceroy Jordan similarly raised issues. However, Edghill maintained that the scale of public works investment reflects the link between infrastructure and individual benefit, stressing that improved roads, drainage and access routes are designed to reduce costs, support economic activity and improve service delivery. For Region Six, he said, the PalmyraMolson Creek corridor and associated hinterland links are expected to strengthen connectivity along the Corentyne while opening up easier access for interior and riverine communities.

Mexico’s President pledges to send aid to Cuba despite US efforts to cut oil access

Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to send humanitarian aid this week to Cuba and said Mexico was “exploring all diplomatic avenues to be able to send fuel to the Cuban people,” despite efforts from Washington to cut off oil to the Caribbean nation.

Donald Trump last week signed an executive order allowing the US to slap tariffs on countries sending crude oil to Cuba and on Saturday said that Sheinbaum had agreed to halt shipments of oil at his request – a claim the Mexican leader rejected.

“We never discussed with President Trump the issue of oil with Cuba,” Sheinbaum said at a public event on Sunday in the northern state of Sonora.

Mexico’s support for Cuba has become a sudden sticking point in its relationship with Washington, already under immense pressure thanks to Trump’s repeated threats to send troops south of the border to confront the country’s cartels.

The Mexican government last year eclipsed Venezuela to become Cuba’s top oil supplier, a lifeline for a country in economic freefall plagued by rolling blackouts and fuel scarcity. After the US attack on Caracas last month to capture president Nicolás Maduro, Trump halted oil shipments from Venezuela, making Mexico’s support even more critical.

Since Maduro was captured and renditioned to

the US, Washington has increasingly turned its attention to Cuba, with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, openly calling for a regime change in Havana.

But after threatening a virtual oil blockade, Trump said on Sunday that Washington was negotiating a deal with the Cuban regime, though he offered no details on what such a deal would entail.

“Cuba is a failing nation. It has been for a long time, but now it doesn’t have Venezuela to prop it up. So we’re talking to the people from Cuba, the highest people in Cuba, to see what happens,” Trump told reporters on Sunday. “I think we’re going to make a deal with Cuba.”

After slamming Trump’s executive order as “an unusual and extraordinary threat”, Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez

struck a more conciliatory tone on Monday, saying on X that the country “is willing to reactivate and expand bilateral cooperation with the US.”

Havana’s sudden willingness to negotiate may be an act of desperation: the Financial Times has reported that, according to data consultancy firm Kpler, without additional oil supply, Cuba will run out of fuel in the next three weeks.

But Trump’s efforts to pressure Cuba on to the negotiating table rely partly on Mexico halting its oil supply, putting Sheinbaum in a difficult position between wanting to appease an increasingly volatile White House and maintain the backing of her leftist Morena party which has long supported the Cuban regime.

William LeoGrande, an expert on US-Latin America relations at American

University said: “It’s a little hard to see through the fog here to understand exactly how Mexico is going to manage this tension between, on the one hand, its longstanding friendship with Cuba and its desire to help avoid a humanitarian crisis on the island – but on the other hand it needs to maintain a working relationship with the United States on a broad range of issues.”

Underscoring the tightrope Sheinbaum is walking, her vow to keep sending humanitarian aid to Cuba drew

strong praise from Morena senators and an immediate backlash in Washington.

“From the United States Congress, we do not understand President Sheinbaum’s eagerness to continue undermining our country’s policies,” wrote Republican congressman Carlos Giménez Monday on X. “We do not understand her eagerness to continue aiding the murderous and cruel dictatorship that tramples on the people of #Cuba.”

As Mexico and the US head towards trade negoti-

ations in July, Sheinbaum will have to continue treading carefully, particularly with the threat of tariffs for sending oil to Cuba still looming large.

“It’s leverage that Washington has and we’ve seen Trump do this all the time – use economic coercion to get countries to do what he wants them to do,” said LeoGrande. “So I’m sure that has to be a concern to President Sheinbaum as she’s preparing to negotiate these troubled waters.” (The Guardian)

“TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother taken from her home against her will, sheriff says

Arizona investigators probing the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother, said Monday they believe she was taken from her home against her will. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously described Guthrie’s home as a “crime scene.” She was taken “possibly in the middle of the night and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction,” his department said in a statement.

Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday night in her home outside Tucson. She has limited mobility and needs to take medication daily or “it could be fatal,” Nanos said.

She had no cognitive issues, and her disappearance was not linked to dementia, he added, describing her as being “of sound mind” and “sharp as a tack.”

Guthrie’s family reported her missing around noon Sunday, setting off a search-and-rescue mission that included trained personnel, drones, an airplane, a helicopter, volunteers and search-and-rescue dogs lent from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“I think she was abducted,” Nanos told NBC News. “When you’re taken from your bed and you don’t want to go somewhere, that’s an abduction.”

Nanos said officials believe Guthrie was harmed when she was taken, but they did not provide other details.

“We know she was harmed at the home, but we don’t know to what extent,” he said.

Nanos has not provided additional details about the investigation. He has said investigators “saw some things at the home that were concerning to us” but did not offer specifics.

The community was devastated by her disappearance, Nanos told NBC News.

“This is just really sad for our community,” he said. “Savannah is family to us. She’s a big part of this community. Her family is devastated, the entire family. And you know, this just doesn’t happen in Tucson.”

Nanos confirmed that law enforcement officials are reviewing video from cameras at Guthrie’s home, where she lives alone and employs staff members. He urged neighbors to “go through their Ring cameras.”

Nanos asked members of the public to contact the sheriff’s office at 520-3514900 if they have information about the case.

“I need this community to step up and start giving us some calls,” Nanos said.

Guthrie is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Her family last saw her at home around 9:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Saturday. She “is not in good physical health,” Nanos said.

Authorities are not aware of any threats against Savannah Guthrie, who is in Arizona. The FBI is aware of the case.

Monday’s broadcast of the “TODAY” show opened with an update on Guthrie,

with co-anchor Craig Melvin calling it a “deeply personal story for us.”

In a statement reported on the air, Savannah Guthrie said in part: “I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support.”

“Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said in her statement. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at: 520-3514900.”

Savannah Guthrie has frequently discussed her close relationship with her mother over the years.

“She loves us, her family, fiercely, and her selflessness and sacrifice for us, her steadfastness and her unmovable confidence, is the reason any of us grew up to do anything,” Savannah Guthrie said in a 2022 tribute to her mother on her 80th birthday.

In a Mother’s Day tribute on Instagram in 2024, Savannah Guthrie described her mother as “God’s first, best and most important gift to me.”

Guthrie’s father, Charles Guthrie, died when she was 16. She is one of three children. (NBC News)

Cuba denies security threat accusations as US raises pressure

In Venezuelan oil region, industry reform sparks both hope and scepticism

The Cuban Government has rejected accusations that it poses a threat to the security of the United States, insisting that it stands ready to cooperate with Washington.

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Monday calling for dialogue and stressing that the Caribbean island does not support “terrorism”. The declaration comes amid a spike in tension after the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro last month, which was part of President Donald Trump’s drive for US domination of the Western Hemisphere.

“The Cuban people and the American people benefit from constructive engagement, lawful cooperation, and peaceful coexistence,” the statement from Havana said.

“Cuba reaffirms its willingness to maintain a respectful and reciprocal dialogue, oriented toward tangible results, with the United States Government, based on mutual interest

and international law.”

The statement came hours after Trump said diplomatic contact with Cuba had been revived, noting that his Administration is talking to the “highest people” in the Cuban Government.

“Cuba is a failing nation for a long time. But now it doesn’t have Venezuela to prop it up,” Trump told reporters late on Sunday.

Venezuela was Cuba’s top energy supplier, but since US forces toppled Maduro, the flow of oil to the island has all but come to a halt.

The US has also been intercepting and seizing Venezuelan oil tankers in the Caribbean – a move that critics say amounts to piracy.

Beyond oil supplies, Cuba had close economic and security relations with Maduro’s government. Nearly 50 Cuban soldiers were killed during the capture of the Venezuelan leader.

The Trump administration has also been pressuring Mexico to stop supplying

Cuba with oil. On Monday, Trump said Mexico would stop sending oil to Cuba, Reuters reported. A total energy siege could lead to a serious humanitarian crisis in the country.

Washington has had hostile relations with Havana since the rise of the late President Fidel Castro after the communist revolution that overthrew USbacked authoritarian leader Fulgencio Batista in 1959.

In 2021, during his first term, Trump listed Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism”.

Last week, the White House released a memorandum labelling the Cuban Government an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the US.

The document accused Havana of aligning with “malign actors”, including China and Russia. That is despite the US itself seeking improved relations with Moscow and Beijing.

A recently-released US National Defence Strategy downplayed the pair as a security threat. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Protesters call for T&T CoP’s

head over fatal Police shooting

Anger and grief erupted Sunday as friends, family, and supporters demanded the resignations of Commissioner of Police

Cop Allister Guevarro and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander. The calls followed a brazen Police-involved shooting in St Augustine that left Joshua Samaroo dead and his common-law wife, Kaia Sealy, critically injured and paralysed.

Pressure on the Commissioner intensified after Guevarro confirmed last Friday that he has no intention of stepping down, despite mounting public criticism over his handling of the incident.

Fewer than 100 protesters gathered outside Woodford Square, opposite Parliament, to call for justice for Samaroo and Sealy.

Alyssa Phillip, a close friend of Sealy’s from Bishop Anstey High School, became emotional as she addressed the crowd.

“We are here to demand justice for Joshua and Kaia, not only that, but to raise awareness to the public,” Phillip said. “We have to remember that this was a surrendering man.”

She also called on the Prime Minister to act.

“If you would like any semblance of respect and integrity to remain within your Government, call for the Commissioner of

Police to step down and your Minister of Homeland Security,” Phillip said.

A video of the incident went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. The footage shows the car Samaroo was driving coming to a halt on Bassie Street after a high-speed Police chase. Samaroo’s hands appear visible outside the driver’s side window. Moments later, shots were fired into the vehicle. Samaroo was killed, and Sealy was injured.

Samaroo’s aunt, Camilla Williams Samaroo, said video footage contradicted official accounts.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA’s workers and retirees are hoping oil industry reform sparked by US intervention last month will increase the purchasing power of their eroding wages and pension payments, but their confidence is measured.

Some loyal PDVSA employees and retirees in and around the oil centre of Maracaibo in Zulia state told Reuters they anticipate a turnaround would make their jobs, wages and pension payments more secure and valuable.

But PDVSA retiree Jose Luis Galindo in nearby Ciudad Ojeda believes the

economic boost will be modest.

The changes follow US capture of President Nicolás Maduro last month and US President Donald Trump’s plan for Washington to direct the oil-exporting country from afar. He proposed a US$100 billion energy reconstruction plan and has repeatedly said the overhaul will be positive for Venezuela and its people.

The country has suffered a long economic decline and analysts estimate that inflation reached 400 per cent last year.

An energy-industry reform that passed last week is set to cut taxes, grant au-

tonomy to private producers and allow the transfer of assets. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who has made oil sales deals with the US since Maduro’s ouster, supports the plan. Venezuela’s Government and the US embassy said on Monday that Rodriguez met with US envoy Laura Dogu, as the two countries gradually resume bilateral relations.

The Government said in a statement that the meeting took place at the Miraflores presidential palace to discuss “the work agenda between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the United States”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Candidate tough on crime wins Costa Rica presidential election

The candidate for the governing conservative Sovereign People’s Party, Laura Fernández, has won the presidential election in Costa Rica.

With more than 88 per cent of the votes counted, Fernández had over 48 per cent of the votes, far ahead of the second-placed centrist candidate, Álvaro Ramos, who conceded defeat.

Fernández ran on a promise to deepen the tough-on-crime approach of the outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who had handpicked her as his successor.

Voters had said they were concerned about a surge in drug-related violence in the Central American country.

The size of her vote share – which exceeded the

40 per cent needed to win outright in the first round –means that there is no need for a run-off.

Fernández will be sworn in on May 8.

In her victory speech, the 39-year-old said she would plough ahead with the policies introduced by Chaves, whose chief of staff she was.

Under Costa Rica’s constitution, Presidents are not

allowed to serve two consecutive terms and Chaves was therefore barred from standing for re-election.

Costa Rica, one of Central America’s safest countries and a stable democracy, has seen a rise in crime over the past years as transnational criminal gangs have expanded in the region. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US wants St Lucia to ban nationals from studying medicine in Cuba, says PM

St Lucian Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre says the United States has called on the Caribbean country to stop sending its nationals to study medicine in Cuba.

“I have a big problem. Many of our doctors got trained in Cuba and now the great United States has said we can’t do that any longer,” Pierre told the weekend meeting of the second World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities held in St Lucia.

“This is a major problem I have to face,” Pierre said, noting that most of the local doctors have been trained in Cuba.

“We also have Cubans who come over to work. So the American Government has said we can’t even train them in Cuba. So I have a major issue on my hand,” Pierre told the conference.

Pierre told the audi-

ence that the situation added pressure to an already-strained health sector.

He cited the United States geopolitical pressures as the driving force behind this unprecedented shift, while urging the Diaspora and innovative local initiatives to help the country navigate these new challenges.

Last month, the United States Embassy in Barbados said the Cuban regime’s “medical missions” programme, which has benefitted several Caribbean countries “relies on coercion and abuse”. (Excerpt from CMC)

OIL NEWS

Oil slides, gold loses lustre as Iran threat recedes

Oil and gold prices fell Monday as concerns eased over US monetary policy and the chances of an American attack on Iran, while stock markets pushed higher.

Both main crude oil contracts shed more than four per cent on cooling US-Iran tensions.

“The trigger for the sharp reversal were comments from President Trump suggesting an easing of tensions with Iran,” said Trade Nation analyst David Morrison.

Washington has hit out at Iran’s leadership in recent weeks over its deadly response to anti-Government protests, with Trump threatening military action.

He has also pushed for an agreement over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Gold, which has benefitted from safe haven trading when geopolitical tensions mount as well as the lower value of the US dollar, continued to slide lower.

“Many investors bought gold and silver as protection against the volatile geopolitical backdrop, yet they’ve learned the hard way these assets can also be volatile themselves,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

The precious metal also took a hit on news that US President Donald Trump had chosen Kevin Warsh to become chairman of the US Federal Reserve. Warsh will still need to be confirmed by lawmakers.

Traders regard Warsh, a former Morgan Stanley investment banker and Fed Governor, as the toughest inflation fighter among the final candidates, raising expectations that his monetary policy would underpin the greenback.

The choice also eased concerns about the Fed’s independence following a series of attacks on incumbent Jerome Powell over his reticence to cut rates as quickly as the President wanted.

In equities trading, after a brief dip, Wall Street’s main indices turned around and closed higher.

US shares were also boosted by a survey that showed manufacturing activity expanding for the first time in 12 months in January.

European shares ended the day with solid gains, with London’s FTSE 100 striking a fresh record high.

But Asian equities markets slumped earlier in the day on tech concerns.

Seoul, which has hit multiple records this year thanks to its big tech weighting, plunged more than five per cent Monday, with chip giant SK hynix shedding eight per cent and market heavyweight Samsung off more than six per cent.

Tokyo, also home to several big-name tech firms, lost more than one per cent, as did Taipei, where chip giant TSMC is listed.

After a strong January fuelled by artificial intelligence bets, stocks went into reverse last week as traders resumed questioning the wisdom of the vast sums pumped into the sector and when they will see returns.

That has also raised fears of a tech bubble that could soon pop.

The latest round of selling came after Microsoft last week announced a surge in spending on AI infrastructure, reviving concerns companies could take some time before seeing a return on their investments. (Excerpt from AFP)

Superhuman teen swims hours to save family stranded off Australian coast

A13-year-old boy has been praised for his determination after he swam through rough waters in fading light to save his mother and two siblings who had been swept out to sea off Australia’s coast.

The family had been paddleboarding and kayaking at Geographe Bay in the south of Western Australia, on Friday when strong winds pushed their inflatables off course, Police said.

The teenager began to paddle back to shore to raise the alarm, but his kayak took on water so he swam the remaining 4km (2 nautical miles).

”The bravery, strength and courage shown by this family were extraordinary, especially the young fella who swam 4km to raise the alarm,” Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group said.

The organisation’s commander Paul Bresland described the efforts of the teenager as ”superhuman”.

”He swam in, he reckons, the first two hours with a life jacket on,” he told ABC News.

”The brave fella thought he’s not going to make it with a life jacket on, so he ditched it, and he swam the next two hours without a life jacket.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the World

US to cut tariffs on India to 18%, India agrees to end Russian oil purchases

US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a trade deal with India that slashes US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent in exchange for India halting Russian oil purchases and lowering trade barriers.

Trump announced the deal on social media following a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that India would now buy oil from the US and potentially Venezuela.

A White House official told Reuters that the US was rescinding a punitive 25 per cent duty on all imports from India over its purchases of Russian oil that had stacked on top of a 25 per cent ”reciprocal” tariff rate.

US-listed shares of major

India to ”BUY AMERICAN at a much higher level”, in addition to buying more than US$500 billion worth of US energy, including coal, along with technology, agricultural and other products, Trump added.

”They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO,” Trump said of India.

Indian companies rallied on the news. IT consulting firm Infosys closed 4.3 per cent higher, consultancy Wipro rose 6.8 per cent, HDFC Bank gained 4.4 per cent and the iShares MSCI India exchange-traded fund rallied 3 per cent.

Trump’s announcement added to positive sentiment over semiconductor makers and artificial intelligence, lifting major indexes into positive territory on the day.

Modi also committed

Until Trump returned to office and raised US tariff rates to double-digit levels last year, India had some of the world’s highest tariffs, with a simple applied rate of 15.6 per cent and an effective applied tariff of 8.2 per cent, according to World Trade Organisation data.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Iran fears US strike may reignite protests, imperil rule–sources

Iran s leadership is increasingly worried a US strike could break its grip on power by driving an already enraged public back onto the streets, following a bloody crackdown on anti-Government protests, according to six current and former officials.

In high-level meetings, officials told Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that public anger over last month’s

crackdown the bloodiest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution has reached a point where fear is no longer a deterrent, four current officials briefed on the discussions said.

The officials said Khamenei was told that many Iranians were prepared to confront security forces again and that external pressure such as a limited US strike could embolden them and inflict irreparable damage to

the political establishment.

One of the officials told Reuters that Iran’s enemies were seeking more protests so as to bring the Islamic Republic to an end, and ”unfortunately” there would be more violence if an uprising took place.

”An attack combined with demonstrations by angry people could lead to a collapse (of the ruling system). That is the main concern among the

top officials and that is what our enemies want,” said the official, who like the other officials contacted for this story declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. The reported remarks are significant because they suggest private misgivings inside the leadership at odds with Tehran s defiant public stance towards the protesters and the US. (Excerpt from Reuters)

SpaceX acquires xAI in record-setting deal as Musk looks to unify AI and space ambitions

Elon Musk said on Monday that SpaceX has acquired his artificial-intelligence startup xAI in a record-setting deal that unifies Musk’s AI and space ambitions by combining the rocket-and-satellite company with the maker of the Grok chatbot.

The deal, first reported by Reuters last week, represents one of the most ambitious tie-ups in the technology sector yet, combining a spaceand-defence contractor with a fast-growing AI developer whose costs are largely driven by chips, data centres and energy. It could also bolster

A SpaceX Starship spacecraft rolls out toward its launch pad past the Starbase Manufacturing Facility before its 10th test flight from the company’s complex in Starbase, Texas, US, August 23, 2025 (Reuters/Steve Nesius photo)

SpaceX s data-centre ambitions as Musk competes with rivals like Alphabet’s Google, Meta, Amazon-backed Anthropic and OpenAI in the

AI sector.

The transaction values

SpaceX at US$1 trillion, and xAI at US$250 billion, according to a person familiar with

the matter. “This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI’s mission: scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the Universe and extend the light of consciousness to the stars!” Musk said.

The purchase of xAI sets a new record for the world’s largest M&A deal, a distinction held for more than 25 years when Vodafone bought Germany s Mannesmann in a hostile takeover valued at US$203 billion in 2000, according to data compiled by LSEG. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Clintons to testify in congressional Epstein probe ahead of contempt proceedings

Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, have agreed to testify in the congressional investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Bill Clinton’s Deputy Chief of Staff confirmed the news on social media, writing: ”The former President

and former Secretary of State will be there”.

It comes days before the Republican-led US House of Representatives was expected to vote to hold both Clintons in criminal contempt over their months-long resistance of legal summonses.

Bill Clinton’s photo appears in Epstein files re-

leased by the Department of Justice, although the former Democratic President has denied any wrongdoing.

The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, approved the measure to hold the Clintons in contempt late last month, with the support of several Democrats.

In a statement at the time,

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said his committee had sent a clear message that ”no-one is above the law”.

Lawyers for the Clintons had called the committee subpoenas ”unenforceable”, and said they had already provided the ”limited information” they had on Epstein.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

SUDOKU

Think before you act, especially when money or your career is at stake. Put more energy into helping others and finding ways to make your life more efficient.

Play by the rules and pay attention to detail, and you’ll make headway. Be wary of anyone using manipulative tactics to push you in a questionable direction.

Put your best foot forward and rise to whatever task requires your undivided attention. Be bold, do your best and refuse to let anyone’s negativity or ego stifle your glory.

Be open to suggestions and willing to try new things. What you learn will open doors to all sorts of new and exciting pastimes and people. Make your space user-friendly.

Refuse to let anyone put demands on you. Question, communicate and change what isn’t working for you. Do your best and expect the same from your colleagues. Pay attention to high-pressure situation.

Keep your emotions in check and your eye on what you want to achieve. Be the go-getter, the one to ask questions and put everything in its place. The bolder you are, the more respect and help you will receive.

Refuse to let excessive behavior and procrastination win when you have so much to gain by pitching in and making a difference. Socializing and networking can lead to promising opportunities.

Learn through observation, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or walk away. A change of heart will encourage you to find a path that better suits your preferences and your budget.

Put your energy into moneymaking opportunities and investing in yourself and your future. Mix and mingle with people just as vibrant and eager as you.

Sort through investments, financial and legal documents, and any medical issues that need attention. A couple of healthy lifestyle changes can make a difference to your mobility, clarity or longevity.

Be a leader, not a follower. Gravitate toward security and maintaining what you already have. Put your energy into detail, precision and perfection as you move forward.

Sit tight and let whatever is happening around you unfold naturally. Focus inward and pay attention to relationships and how you can connect in ways that will help you get along better.

Big wins mark opening weekend of Demerara U16 cricket

The Demerara Under-16 cricket tournament got off to an exciting start over the weekend with several one-sided contests and standout individual performances at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) and Lusignan Community Centre Grounds.

On Saturday, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) produced a dominant batting display against the East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) at the LBI Ground. After winning the toss and opting to bat, GCA piled on a massive 431 for 4 from their 50 overs. Nathan Bishop was the star of the innings, blasting a superb 150 off 102 balls, striking eight fours and seven sixes. He was well supported by Lomar Seecharran, who also registered a century with a commanding 132.

Ali led the bowling attack with a four-wicket haul to seal an emphatic victory for GCA.

EBCA’s reply never threatened the target as they were skittled out for just 34 in 18 overs. Wasim

In the other Saturday fixture, the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) elected to bat first against the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA). ECCB struggled with the bat and were dismissed for 95 in 34.5 overs, with Ashton Collins top-scoring with 39. Dhirendra Shivepersaud was the standout bowler, claiming 5 for 18. WDCA

then chased down the target comfortably, reaching 96 for 4 in 19.3 overs, with Ishan Harricharran finishing unbeaten on 43. Action continued on Sunday with ECCB taking on Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Select XI at the LBI Ground. Batting first, ECCB were bowled out for 143 in 45.2 overs, with Aaron Persaud top-scoring with 41. Noel Madramatoo and Hezekiah Hohenkirk each picked up three wickets for DCB. However,

DCB’s chase fell short as they were bowled out for 124 in 38 overs, despite contributions of 33 from Madramatoo and 22 from Adam Mohammed. Jorden Bissessar starred with the ball, picking up three wickets to secure the win for ECCB. In the final match of the weekend, GCA continued their impressive form by defeating WDCA by 201 runs at Lusignan. Batting first, GCA posted 255 for 8 in their 50 overs, with Seecharran top-scoring with 72, while Mickel Johnson and Prosper Jacobus chipped in with 35 apiece. WDCA’s reply faltered badly as they were bowled out for just 54 in 24.4 overs. Ali and Balashankar Narine both claimed three wickets to complete another comprehensive victory for GCA. The tournament is expected to continue today with more matches scheduled for the LBI and Lusignan Grounds.

Mash Cup 2026... Fruta, Plaisance, Ann’s Grove, Buxton advance

The East Coast Mash Cup 2026 delivered a thrilling night of knockout football on Saturday at the Golden Grove Community Centre Ground, as four intense quarter-final clashes determined the teams advancing to the semi-final stage.

Fans were treated to a mix of clinical finishing, dra-

matic penalty shootouts, and high-energy football, proving once again why the Mash Cup has become one of the most-anticipated tournaments on the East Coast calendar.

Fruta Conquerors march on Fruta Conquerors opened the quarter-finals in commanding fashion with a

2-0 victory over Uitvlugt Warriors. Dwayne James set the tone early, finding the back of the net in the second minute, before Dennis Edwards sealed the win with a well-taken goal in the 22nd minute. Fruta’s disciplined performance ensured they progressed comfortably into the semi-finals.

Port Mourant, Rose Hall Canje into BCB U17 final

The Port Mourant Cricket Club and Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club recorded respective wins in their semi-final matches over the weekend.

Port Mourant defeated Tucber Park by 91 runs at Port Mourant, while Rose Hall Canje got the better of Rose Hall Town at the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Ground by a massive 150 runs.

Rose Hall Canje scored 268 in 50 overs, with Romario Ramdeholl blasting 151, an innings laced with 16 fours and nine sixes. He was supported by Michael Newland Jr, who made 32, and Luke Amsterdam, who chipped in with 24.

In reply, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club managed only 118 all out.

Richard Ramdeholl claimed 4-19, while Newland Jnr had 3-13 and Gautam Dhanraj 2-32.

Over at Port Mourant, the home team batted first and posted 207 all out.

Navin Boodwah stood tall and scored 92, an innings that featured 12 fours and one six.

Gibran Yacoob made 29, while Vishal Williams scored 28. Bowling for Tucber Park, Micah

Amsterdam extracted some serious pace to end with 4-40, while Jayhayden Rohlehr had 3-53.

In reply, Tucber Park were rattled out for 116 all out. Gavin Kisten top-scored with 33, while Lemuel Dejonge made 16 and Thierry Henry 13. Bowling for Port Mourant, Khusal Muthan had 3-28, while Yacoob had 3-40. Ravin Boodwah also chipped in with wickets.

Plaisance FC edge

Riddim Squad

In the second encounter, Plaisance FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Riddim Squad. Travis Garraway gave Plaisance an early advantage in the fifth minute, and Otto Jones extended the lead at the halfhour mark. Riddim Squad responded through Kelvin Gordon in the 16th minute,

but Plaisance held firm to book their place in the next round.

Penalty drama for Ann’s Grove FC

One of the most tense matches of the night saw

Ann’s Grove FC and Mahaica

Determinators FC locked in a scoreless draw after regulation time. With neither side able to break the dead-

lock, the match went to penalties, where Ann’s Grove FC showed composure under pressure, winning the shootout 5-4 to advance.

Buxton Stars survive late-night thriller

The final quarter-final delivered yet another penalty shootout as Golden Stars FC and Buxton Stars FC played to a 1-1 draw. Travis Williams put Golden Stars ahead in the 16th minute, but Buxton Stars responded through Shamar Scott in the 33rd minute. Buxton Stars held their nerve in the shootout to secure their semi-final berth.

Semi-final showdowns set With the quarter-finals complete, the semi-finals are now set for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Golden Grove Community Centre Ground. Gates open at 18:00h (6:00 pm), with Fruta Conquerors facing Ann’s Grove FC at 18:00h (6:00 pm), followed by Plaisance FC versus Buxton Stars FC at 22:00h (10:00 pm).

As the East Coast Mash Cup moves closer to crowning its champion, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be another electrifying night of knockout football.

West Indies bring power and depth to the T20 World Cup

Big picture: WI with depth and power

Six-hitting is how West Indies won their last International Cricket Council (ICC) title, in 2016, and the squad they have picked for the T20 World Cup in 2026 contains plenty of power-packed players. Daren Sammy, who lifted the trophy then, is Head Coach now and believes “something special is about to happen”.

It might even be necessary given that of all 20 teams, West Indies have the second-lowest win-loss ratio – 0.52 – on the back of winning 14 out of 43 matches since the end of the previous T20 World Cup in 2024. A mitigating factor is that they tend to face stronger opposition than the likes of Nepal (3.2) or Canada (2.4), and some of their Test-playing peers, like South Africa who

were almost champions in 2024, are just barely better off (0.6).

Early wickets are unlikely to decide West Indies’ matches. Not when Romario Shepherd could come in and live up to a T20 balls-perboundary ratio of 4.64. They can put out a line-up with batting all the way down to 11. Their middle order (num-

bers 4 to 7) has hit 150 sixes over the last seven months (only one team has bettered that) and eight fifty-plus scores (only three teams have bettered that).

To shore up the top, there were reports suggesting Cricket West Indies (CWI) had reached out to Nicholas Pooran to reverse his retirement. When that didn’t hap-

pen, they brought Shimron Hetmyer in and his returns against South Africa, from the number three position, were rather promising: 171 runs from three innings at a strike rate of 178.12.

Recent form

West Indies lost 2-1 to South Africa with the same squad they picked for the T20 World Cup. Prior to that, they lost to Afghanistan 2-1 and New Zealand 3-1.

Players to watch: Holder, Shamar and Motie Jason Holder was part of the squad that won the 2016 T20 World Cup, but did not get to play. He has since expanded his range of skills and is now prepared to take on the Dwayne Bravo role, all the way down to bowling in the death and stifling

right-hand batters with the angle from around the wicket.

Shamar Joseph will carry the new-ball threat though whether it will be the same as before remains to be seen. The fast bowler is coming back to the spotlight after a long period on the sidelines. Until the Afghanistan series in mid-January, he had not played any cricket for four months.

Gudakesh Motie also missed some game time leading into the World Cup, because he had to iron out some technical issues with his bowling action. However, as a left-armer capable of delivering both orthodox and wristspin, he could be vital for the team in subcontinent conditions.

Last hurrah

Johnson Charles is

Group fixtures vs Scotland in Kolkata, February 7 vs England in Mumbai, February 11 vs Nepal in Mumbai, February 15 vs Italy in Kolkata, February 19

GSA welcomes $6B budget allocation for sport

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) is the latest local sport association to voice its support of the sector’s $6 billion Budget 2026 allocation that was announced last Monday in the National Assembly by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

In a statement, Association President David Fernandes said, “The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) welcomes the substantial increase in funding for sport announced in the 2026 National Budget. This continued rise in investment reflects a clear national commitment to strengthening sport as a driver of youth development, national pride, and economic growth.

“Support received in 2025 enabled meaningful improvements in athlete preparation and facility upgrades, and the expanded 2026 allocation builds directly on that momentum. Investment in sport is an investment in people – it strengthens our national identity, brings communities together with pride and

patriotism, and promotes the physical health and wellness of our nation.

“The Government’s commitment to upgrading facilities, including air-conditioning the courts at the National Racquet Centre, is especially timely as Guyana prepares to host a major Pan American squash event in 2027. Modernised courts will elevate athlete performance and ensure the country is fully ready to welcome regional and international competitors.

“As Guyana continues to expand its sport-tourism footprint, these investments will generate wider economic benefits across hospitality, transportation, and local business, further strengthening the country’s profile on the global stage.

“The GSA expresses its gratitude for the confidence placed in the sport sector and looks forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the 2026 investment delivers lasting impact. With improved infrastructure and a landmark 2027 event ahead, the Association is en-

ergised by what the coming year will bring for squash and for sport in Guyana.”

This year’s budget focuses on several infrastructural projects such as the completion of international-standard facilities, namely the Palmyra Stadium, Anna Regina and Mackenzie multipurpose sport facilities and

New Amsterdam Synthetic Track.

New projects, such as the Good Hope Cricket Academy; a boxing facility at Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam; a chess facility at Providence Stadium, the first dedicated powerlifting and high- performance conditioning facility; a cricket

academy at Albion and multipurpose halls across the country will also take centre stage.

While investing in coaching personnel and mentorship, alongside Guyana’s sport tourism product, is on the front burner; $1.3 billion of sport’s allocation will also go towards the continuation

Guyana Women finish joint 2nd at CG United Super50

Guyana Women delivered a strong showing at the Cricket West Indies CG United Super50 Women’s Tournament, finishing joint second as the competition concluded over the weekend.

The Guyanese ended the tournament on 20 points, level with the Windward Islands, after a convincing six-wicket victory over the same opponents on Saturday. Guyana chased down their target with authority, completing the win with 78 balls remaining to secure a top-two finish.

After three rounds of competition, Guyana recorded two wins and one loss, with their only defeat coming against Trinidad and Tobago earlier in the tournament.

Jamaica Women emerged as champions after finishing at the top of the standings with 21 points, narrowly edging out Guyana and the Windward Islands. Trinidad and Tobago placed third with 19 points following a competitive campaign.

Several players produced standout individual performances throughout the tournament. Windward Islands batter Jannillea Glasgow topped

the run-scoring charts with 149 runs, while Jamaica’s Afy Fletcher accumulated 92 runs during the competition.

In the bowling department, Trinidad and Tobago’s Anisa Mohammed led all bowlers with 13 wickets. Guyana’s Ashmini Munisar was the standout performer for the hosts, fin-

ishing with nine wickets and playing a key role in Guyana’s successful run.

Guyana’s joint second-place finish highlights a promising campaign and reflects the team’s growing competitiveness at the regional level as attention now turns to future international and regional assignments.

of the community ground project.

CPL 2026 final tickets go on sale February 7

Tickets for the highly-anticipated Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 Finals will go on general sale from Friday, February 7, available online at www.cplt20.com, the CPL revealed on Monday.

Cricket fans will have an opportunity to secure early access to tickets ahead of the general sale.

CPL mailing list subscribers will receive an exclusive early-access link today, Tuesday, February 4. Meanwhile, Visa cardholders will be able to purchase tickets during a dedicated presale window on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6.

All four knockout matches, including the CPL final, will be staged at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados, promising an unforgettable climax to the

CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers…

14-0

Guyana’s National Under-17 Girls’ team ended their CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers campaign with a dominant 14-0 mauling of St Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday afternoon, positioning themselves well to seal a second-place finish in their group.

Head Coach Delon Williams selected a starting XI which consisted of Captain Sydney Glean, Goalkeeper Alexis Mars, Avril Pasvolsky, Alexaudria Chasles, Ayah Stewart, Laila Ross, Ellie Biffin, Anaya Joseph, Aliyah John, Lily Biffin, and Arianna Chin.

The goal spree at the Stadion Guillermo Prospero Trinidad in Oranjestad began quite early in the encounter with Joseph’s powerful right-footed shot finding the left corner of the net, after a drive down the left wing.

By the seventh minute, Chasles had doubled the lead for the Guyanese side with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box, signalling an intention to boost their goal difference column. Chin sent one past the keeper in the 11th minute with a shot from outside the box, after which John made good use of a break-

away run by slotting the ball into the top-right corner in the 22nd, while a screamer off the boots of Ellie Biffin from outside the box found the topleft corner of the goal in the 28th, for Guyana’s fifth goal, all from different scorers.

The remainder of the first half, however, was the Alexaudria Chasles show, as she went on to secure four goals in the half. Chasles had back-to-back goals in the 33rd and 35th minutes, both from close range and later secured her fourth in the 45th+2, with another right-footed shot.

Those goals were punctuated by Ellie Biffin’s second in the 42nd minute, releasing another missile from outside the box into the top-left corner. The Junior Lady Jags ended the first half with a 9-0 lead.

Chasles began the second half with her fifth strike, from close range off the right foot in the 51st minute.

Two minutes later, Carissa Lombardi repaid Coach Williams for her substitution into the game with a shot from outside the box to secure Guyana’s 11th goal.

Chasles completed her sixgoal haul in the 60th minute, while Pasvolsky added her name to the scoresheet in the

65th, following a string of assists.

Subbed into the game in the 66th minute, Guyana’s Tanya De Vair wasted no time in joining the scoring party, tucking one in, in the 67th minute for Guyana’s 14th goal.

While the result was a strong showing for Guyana, the Junior Lady Jags had to await the result of the clash between Honduras and Jamaica on Monday to know their fate in Group D.

Guyana ended the group stage with seven points from two wins, a draw and a loss; their goal difference propelled to 14 after Monday afternoon’s win.

The format of this year’s U17 Girls Qualifiers saw 29 teams competing in six groups for a chance to move on to Round Two. After round-robin play, the six group winners, in addition to the two best second-placed teams, will advance to the final round.

There, they will meet CONCACAF’s top-ranked teams, namely Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States (who received byes to this round) for another bout of group play.

have their tickets for the CPL final upgraded to a fully-inclusive VIP experience.

CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell said: “The CPL finals are always a special occasion, and bringing all four knockout matches to Kensington Oval gives fans the chance to experience an incredible week of world-class cricket in one of the game’s most historic venues. We’re delighted to offer multiple early-access opportunities for supporters and to add something extra with the VIP upgrade prize draw for those attending all four games.”

Republic Bank CPL 2026 knockout schedule (All matches at Kensington Oval, Barbados)

Wednesday, September

16, 2026 – Eliminator

3rd-placed team v 4thplaced team

Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Qualifier 1

1st-placed team v 2ndplaced team

Friday, September 18, 2026 – Qualifier 2

Winner of Eliminator v Loser of Qualifier 1

Sunday, September 20, 2026 – CPL Final

Winner of Qualifier 1 v Winner of Qualifier 2

With the Caribbean’s biggest cricket festival building towards a thrilling finale, fans are encouraged to secure their seats early to avoid disappointment.

draw to

Multimillion basketball court commissioned at Campbellville

Aspanking new all-weather basketball court, equipped with lights and bleachers, is the new highlight of the Campbellville Housing Scheme.

Executed by the Public Works Ministry after the community’s old court was moved to facilitate the four-lane Conversation Tree road project, the new basketball court was officially commissioned on Sunday.

Reflecting on the Government of Guyana’s commitment to ensuring the court was replaced, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill also shared thoughts of the Ministry sponsoring a tournament at the venue.

Edghill recollected, “Coming out of that consultation and discussions with Kester and his team, we looked at the alignment ‘cause the last thing we want to do in development is disrupt people’s lives or to create inconveniences; we realised that there was no way we could’ve saved that hard court that the guys would play on. And we made a commitment, Vice President [Bharrat] Jagdeo, myself, to the guys that night that we will give them back a facility.”

“I look forward and I believe I can speak to this, the Ministry of Public Works, at least for the next three years,

will sponsor a tournament right here, once every year. We’ll make sure you get the

many of it exist in the region, in the Caribbean, none of its kind in Guyana and definite

trophies, the prizes and everything,” Edghill later announced.

He continued, “I would like to see teams from around Georgetown. You know why I want us to do that? Because when teams come here to play and they appreciate what is here, we’ll be able to transfer the garbage dump, the place where everybody throwing old stuff into facilities like this, because communities will realise what is at waste when we allow people to do that kind of stuff.”

Meanwhile, Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) Vice President Rawle Toney expressed hopes of seeing similar high-calibre courts being built.

“Additionally, this facility, in terms of the surface, not

ly the Basketball Federation would be encouraging clubs and our other affiliates to host tournaments and bring the game back to the community. We also hope this would be the standard of basketball courts around the country, so, it’s the first and hopefully, not the last,” Toney remarked. Also present at Sunday’s commissioning was Minister within the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Steven Jacobs, who gave an assurance of similar facilities being undertaken in the future.

Minister Jacobs assured, “There will be a number of facilities of this kind, stretched right across the entire country. I say that now because you have a massive rollout of multipurpose turfs in schools and then you also have rehabilitation works in community grounds, because we want to encourage community involvement and create spaces for the community and persons to come out and play, to develop their skills and talents.”

Competitive action is set to soon visit the Campbellville court, with a 3x3 tournament set to be hosted in the near future.