Guyana Times - Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Budget Day set for January 26

15% shareholding cap

“Misconceived & legally impermissible” – Banks DIH slams Chris Ram’s claims as misinformed …says Ram sold shares, cannot claim personal knowledge of shareholder communications Central Govt will fix Georgetown with or without M&CC support – Manickchand

Gunman escapes with over $600,000 in Smyth St robbery

Carpenter found with gunshot wounds; Police launch probe

BOSAI’s bulk carrier’s powerful wake floods Linden boats; vessel detained

6-hour power outage today for sections of ECD to facilitate road expansion – GPL Fashion designer, Valentino, has died at age 93

15% shareholding cap

“Misconceived & legally impermissible”

– Banks

DIH slams Chris Ram’s claims as misinformed

…says Ram sold shares, cannot claim personal knowledge of shareholder communications

BMeeting. The company confirmed that all notices were sent in full compliance with the Guyana Companies Act Cap. 89:01.

Christopher Ram

BDIHHI responded, noting that Ram, no longer holds shares and therefore cannot claim personal knowledge of shareholder communications, including the notices issued for the January 31, 2026 Annual General

anks DIH Holdings Inc (BDIHHI) has firmly defended its proposed amendment to its by-laws, which would limit individual shareholding to 15 per cent of the company’s issued capital, dismissing recent claims by Christopher Ram as uninformed and legally incorrect. Ram, whom the company described as a “self-appointed expert on company law in Guyana”, who sold all his shares in BDIHHI on October 18, 2025, described the amendment in a letter published in the media on January 12, as “misconceived and legally impermissible.”

BDIHHI emphasised that the 15 per cent limitation reflects the corporate 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 stated that shareholders are not restricted from enjoying the benefits of their shares, including dividends or the ability to sell them. The company also explained that in cases where a shareholder exceeds the 15 per cent limit, there is a clear, legally compliant process, the shareholder would be required to sell the excess shares within 28 days; if not, the company can sell the shares on their behalf and remit the

proceeds. Any votes exceeding the 15 per cent limit would be invalid.

Addressing Ram’s claims of illegality, BDIHHI noted that Commonwealth legal precedent supports the enforceability of voting limits included in a company’s constitution. By-laws

are recognised as part of a company’s constitution under Guyana law, contrary to Mr Ram’s assertions. The company further stressed that no individual shareholder currently holds more than 11.4 per cent of shares, underscoring that the amendment ensures widely dispersed ownership and prevents concentrated control. BDIHHI described the restructuring under the new holding company as a groundbreaking initiative for Guyana’s corporate sector.

BDIHHI reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and shareholder governance, highlighting that the information document sent to shareholders provides detailed guidance on the purpose and operation of the 15 per cent limitation, demonstrating the company’s compliance and fairness in protecting all shareholders.

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, January 20 – 05:20h-06:50h and Wednesday, January 21 –05:50h-07:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected during the day and into the night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 17:45h reaching a maximum height of 2.68 metres.

Low Tide: 11:19h and 23:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.55 metre.

Budget Day set for January 26

…to unlock new opportunities for all Guyanese – Finance Minister

The Government will present Budget 2026 on Monday, January 26, with Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, set to deliver the presentation. The budget will be the first to be presented in Parliament following the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s re-election under President Dr Irfaan Ali. Dr Singh has already confirmed that the budget will reflect measures outlined in the PPP/C’s 2025 manifesto, which was developed through consultations with the private sector, civil society, youth and women groups, religious organisations and citizens across the country.

Speaking on the upcoming presentation, the Finance Minister on Monday emphasised that Budget 2026, the first national budget since the PPP/C’s re-election to office, will serve as the operational blueprint for the PPP/ C’s manifesto and is set to translate the comprehensive promises made during the 2025 election campaign into tangible benefits. Minister Singh affirmed that the budget is “firmly grounded in the comprehensive and inspiring manifesto that we would have taken to the people of Guyana in the run-up to the 2025 elections.” “As many would recall, the manifesto outlined a comprehensive agenda for advancing the transformation of our country and very importantly, for creating a Guyana that is full of opportunities for all Guyanese people,” Singh stated.

President Ali, during his recent address to the nation in December 2025, explicitly identified measures to be implemented during the current term of office, including but not limited to: economic diversification and job creation by offering tax-free incentives for high-quality jobs in special development zones; housing and home ownership support to provide direct assistance to households to help them build or upgrade their homes; direct financial support for citizens through the universal $100,000 cash grant, increases in pensions and public assistance; support for childcare and elderly care through tax relief measures for companies engaged in childcare and elderly care; financial support to institutions involved in animal care and welfare…and many more.

Opportunities

The Finance Minister further assured that at the core of Budget 2026 is a commitment to human development and noted that the fiscal plan will focus heavily on creating opportunities for citizens to improve their lives and livelihoods.

“The Guyana that we are building is a Guyana that is full of opportunities for every single Guyanese citizen to uplift themselves,” Dr Singh stated. Budget 2026 promises to be a vital moment for Guyana and will ensure that the economic growth of the nation translates directly into individual growth and prosperity for every single Guyanese family. Among the major commitments expected in Budget 2026 is the construction of 40,000 new homes over the next five years, alongside direct financial support for home building and upgrades. The Government also plans to focus on safer, more comfortable communities through projects such as the installation of streetlights and security cameras, construction of concrete drains and the upgrading of recreational spaces.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure development remains a key priority, with major projects including a new four-lane Berbice River Bridge, a Corentyne River Bridge, expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) terminal and municipal airports in Lethem and Rose Hall, as well as improvements to hinterland airstrips. To ease the cost-of-living pressures, the Government has pledged to maintain its policy of no new taxes over the next five years, while also introducing tax reductions for individuals and businesses. Special incentives are expected for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture, animal welfare organisations and veterinary clinics, with some businesses eligible for little to

no corporate tax.

Cash grant, social welfare

In December 2025

President Dr Irfaan Ali during an address to the nation from the lawns of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) had indicated that parents of children with special needs and families led by single mothers may benefit from tax relief or direct financial support. A $100,000 cash grant for every adult citizen is also expected to be included in Budget 2026, alongside increases in social welfare payments, including the “Because We Care” cash grant; Old-age pension; Public assistance. The Government has also proposed wage increases for Community Service Officers (CSOs), workers under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) and the National Pathway Worker Programme.

Special investment, tax exemptions

Other anticipated measures include abolishment of net property tax on individuals; flat tax rates on double-cab pickups; creation of special investment zones with tax exemptions; home improvement assistance for households. Ali had also said that with the aim of providing opportunities to small businesses, the Government plans to remove corporate taxes on income earned by companies engaged in childcare provision services and elderly care facilities. In fact, funds will be allocated in 2026 budget for co-investment in child and elderly care facilities, on the condition that the facilities benefiting from tax and concessions agree to a

suitable cap rate for their services. Meanwhile, as part of a push for a more humane society and the safeguard of animal welfare, Budget 2026 will include financial support to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in animal care and welfare and institutions providing such care.

Agriculture sector In relation to the agricultural sector, Ali pointed to his Government’s strong emphasis on food security and revealed plans to engage farmers on examining ways to encourage and incentivise diversification across the sector and diversification within crops. Also important, he added, is the mega-scale opportunity available in livestock, dairy, mega farms, sugar, etc. To this end, the Government will be incentivising the private sector to form partnerships and consortiums to invest in these opportunities, making them sustainable, profitable and resilient. The President assured that the 2026 budget “…will allocate resources to advance diversification in agriculture and agro-processing, including through co-investment opportunities.” Budget 2026 is expected to balance economic growth, infrastructure development and social welfare, with a focus on creating opportunities across Guyana while building individual and national wealth.

President Ali emphasised that the budget will provide a framework to translate the party’s manifesto promises into tangible benefits for citizens, from improved incomes to safer communities and expanded housing opportunities.

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Georgetown cannot wait

The state of Georgetown, Guyana’s capital city, has long been a reflection of its municipal leadership. Yet, recent developments underscore a troubling reality, political considerations have repeatedly taken precedence over the needs of residents and businesses. The decision by Mayor Alfred Mentore and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-aligned Councillors to boycott a crucial meeting on the city’s sanitation challenges highlights a persistent failure in governance that is jeopardising the health, safety, and well-being of Georgetown’s citizens and businesses.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand’s commitment to move forward with programmes aimed at improving sanitation and the overall condition of the city, even without the cooperation of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), is therefore necessary. Georgetown has endured years of neglect, and its residents cannot continue to bear the consequences of partisan obstruction. The capital’s growing solid waste management crisis is symptomatic of a broader dysfunction at City Hall, where political allegiances appear to override the fundamental responsibility of municipal authorities – that is to serve the public.

Manickchand’s efforts to establish collaboration with the M&CC were met with repeated frustration. Scheduled meetings were abandoned at the last minute, commitments were not honoured, and Councillors reportedly left proceedings abruptly after receiving phone calls. Such behaviour signals a governance structure more interested in political manoeuvring than in addressing the urgent needs of citizens. The consequences are tangible: inconsistent garbage collection, public health risks, and a capital city that risks becoming increasingly uninhabitable.

Georgetown is not only home to residents but also hosts businesses, Government offices, and visitors from across Guyana and the wider region. A city plagued by poor sanitation and mismanagement affects commerce, tourism, and public confidence. When local leadership prioritises political allegiances over the basic functioning of the city, the cost is borne by those who rely on City Hall to provide essential services. Citizens are left holding the burden of inefficiency, while elected representatives appear more concerned with optics and party loyalty than with tangible results.

It is in this context that Minister Manickchand’s decisive stance is both warranted and overdue. By insisting that central government take the lead in remedying Georgetown’s sanitation challenges, the Minister underscores a fundamental principle of governance: public service must not be held hostage to politics. Her plan to consult directly with residents, business owners, and users of the city demonstrates a citizen-centred approach that has long been absent in municipal decision-making. Progress cannot – and should not – be contingent on the cooperation of officials who have consistently demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to act in the public interest.

Further, the Minister’s actions send a message about accountability, and municipal leadership must recognise that their positions are a mandate to serve, not an opportunity to obstruct. The repeated failure to honour commitments and the apparent benefit derived from a city approaching uninhabitability reflect poorly on the Mayor and City Council’s priorities. The public deserves a city that is clean, safe, and functional – not one constrained by political posturing.

The path forward demands action, oversight, and decisive leadership. Minister Manickchand has signalled that the era of inaction, excuses, and political games will no longer be tolerated. The central government’s intervention in coordinating sanitation programmes and urban improvements is not a challenge to local governance; it is a necessary corrective to safeguard public health and ensure the capital’s liveability.

Citizens, businesses, and visitors alike must lend their support to efforts that prioritise the city’s needs over partisan interests. The time for excuses has passed. Residents cannot wait while politics dictates the state of their streets, sanitation, and quality of life.

Ultimately, service to the public must trump political loyalty and Georgetown’s future depends not on the indulgence of obstructive officials but on the commitment of those willing to act in the best interest of the city.

President and Exxon commended for Oil & Gas Institute, a game changer

Dear Editor, The Government announced last month that the construction of its Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI) is now completed. I commend the Government and ExxonMobil for launching this first ever oil and gas training institute (college) in Guyana, perhaps in the Caribbean that is expected to be a game changer for careers in the field. With a lack of industries and shutting down of sugar estates in Berbice to provide employment, the institute will offer training to youngsters (not only in Berbice but throughout Guyana) in the nascent oil and gas industry so they may qualify for jobs in that new industry. As announced four years ago by President Ali and Exxon’s CEO Alistair Routledge, GTTCI will provide requisite training to enhance Guyana’s technical workforce to support the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector with local talent. ExxonM is funding the project.

This institute, an idea of VP Jagdeo and President Ali, was birthed right after a similar proposal prepared and submitted to Government

by Dr Baytoram Ramharack and myself, with suggestions and advice from Ravi Dev and Dr Nanda Gopaul in early 2021 for expanding the current (GuySuCo) Port Mourant Training Centre to include training in oil and gas and the modern construction sector. That proposal was reviewed by Ravi Dev and others linked to GuySuCo before submission to Government. It was an idea I birthed after extensive discussions with Ravi Dev who also discussed it with businessmen with close links to the Government. At the time, with the closure of sugar factories, Ravi, Ramharack and I thought it necessary to provide youths with training in oil and gas and related industries so they could gain employment. The idea was to offer skill-based training programmes in sectors such as Logistics, Construction, Oil, Engineering, Agriculture Sciences, Computer and related technical industries through short-term certification courses. Students would receive an apprenticeship stipend similar to what GuySuCo has been offering to trainees. They would be trained with industry rele-

vant skills to enable immediate employment upon course completion after internships and practical training.

We are pleased that Government has taken the initiative and has launched such a training college in oil and gas. Within five years of its production of oil, Exxon has been able to construct this college on Government’s initiative. It is a prestigious idea well beyond our thoughts at the time.

The institute is located in Port Mourant just behind the Anglican Church Primary School, behind the cemeteries of the church and the slave and indentured labourers and their descendants. The initial location, as reported in the media, was the area where the indentured and slaves were buried which was slated to be graded and tombs relocated. The historic cemeteries and the well-known Tilokie and Babwah vegetable gardens were to be graded to make way for the college but were left untouched thanks to an opposition campaign by local residents and write ups in the media. Exxon was also opposed to disturbing graves even though the indentured cemetery has been largely

unused with the last burial (of a son of an indentured) four decades ago. Deceased have been buried in Babu Jahan where Cheddi and Janet Jagan were cremated and their ashes entombed. Anglicans are still buried in the church’s yard. Exxon’s management did not want to touch burial grounds and prevailed on Government to shift construction a short distance away from the cemeteries. The people of Port Mourant and surrounding areas (descendants of slaves and indentured and the church’s management) are grateful that Exxon has left the historic cemeteries untouched.

Former Principal of UWI St. Augustine, Prof Clement Sankat, a Berbician, oversaw the construction of GTTCI which is commonly known as the Oil and Gas Institute. He is also the director. Sankat said it is a US$100M project with three phases completed; residency building remains. ExxonMobil funds the program including training for dozens of students who went to Canada for initial training.

President Ali brought glad tidings to Amerindian communities

Dear Editor, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has rung in the New Year with fulfilling and delivering on one of his majors promises he made last year to the Toshaos to lower airfares to the Amerindian communities and modernising the more than 60 airstrips in the interior regions. He has brought glad tidings to the Amerindian communities as several local aircraft carriers have responded to his request to lower airfares to the Amerindian communities and to the remote interior regions of the country in general. Many, including Air Services Limited and Roraima Airways, have low-

ered their airfare by some seven (7) per cent, but Jags Aviation Inc. a leading and perhaps the largest domestic aviation provider in Guyana and a member of the prominent and expanding BK Group of Companies has not only heeded the President’s call to lower airfares, but went further than the other local carriers by significantly reducing its air fare by ten (10) per cent.

Borrowing from the famous phrase from the United States Declaration of Independence, “In pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness” penned by Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States, President Dr Ali strongly be-

lieves that all Guyana’s citizens both at home and in the Diaspora should be treated fairly and equally and that his Government will do everything in its power to protect these inherent rights and their human rights. In most of his speeches, he urged Guyanese to be positive, respect the rule of law and one another and help in the development of the country. In other words, be “thy brothers and sisters keepers” and this with his “One Guyana” have been his mantra since he assumed the reign of power as Head of State more than five years ago.

President Ali is blessed with the ability to influ-

President and Exxon commended...

Sankat said that the first batch of students in oil and gas commenced learning months ago training at another location and will shift to the new institute soon. Students were trained in Canada and undergoing further training at the oil and gas institute. He said the training courses offered at GTTCI are similar as colleges in the developed world, including hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical technology. He describes it as a “First World” education, and he hopes to

have 150 students enrolled annually, undergoing 18 months of intensive training at leading-edge facilities. Dr Sankat said training will be similar to the FPSOs. He also said there is a simulator that represents the ships and provides hands-on training of the equipment used in oil production. The institute seeks certification that is internationally recognised and accredited. Prof Sankat said that President Ali insists that certification have global recognition and accreditation.

ence, guide and motivate individuals or groups, both in the private and public sectors toward achieving a shared vision and a common goal for the prosperity of the country. And he has done this both within and outside of his formal authority as President and as a true Guyanese patriot and a good, decent and honest human being to inspire action, foster collaboration, enthuse confidence, make sound decisions, and to empower his

fellow Guyanese to obtain results and achieve goals they could not attain alone. He has implored them not to accept mediocrity and ultimately the sky should be their limit.

It can be said that President Ali has distinguished himself as one of the most influential and respected leaders of his generation. Locally, his Presidency has been defined by principled leadership, economic reform and massive infrastructure

development, and internationally, his advocacy for climate justice and debt reform for developing nations, among others. He has garnered international acclaim for his valiant, moral, intellectual and fearless leadership.

We are fortunate to have Dr Irfaan Ali as our President; we are proud of him.

Sincerely,

Dr Asquith Rose

RioMed responds to erroneous article on e-health record system launch

FROM PAGE 4

Director Sankat thanks ExxonMobil for the leadership and dedication and the resources to make the GTTCI a historic training campus. He also said the institute will cater for hospitality and construction industries. It will be a game-changer for careers of many. What Government needs to do now is to prepare the college to launch career degrees not just diplomas.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, I write in response to your article published on Sunday, January, 18, 2025, on the rollout of the Electronic Health Records pilot at the Festival City Polyclinic.

The article places undue emphasis on a brief interruption during the presentation, portraying it as a system failure. This is misleading.

The interruption was short, did not affect the Electronic Health Records system itself, and was caused by an issue with the HDMI cable connected to the television being used for the presentation.

The EHR platform continued to function as intended.

It is, therefore, disappointing that the journalist involved did not take the time to seek clarification from any of the officials present, or from me, regarding the cause of the interruption before drawing conclusions.

A simple question would have confirmed that the issue was audiovisual equipment-related, not a failure of the digital health system being demonstrated.

Public trust in digital transformation initiatives is important, particularly in healthcare. Accurate and balanced reporting plays a critical role in building that trust. Exaggerating minor, unrelated technical issues risks undermining public confidence in a programme that represents a significant step forward for the healthcare system. Constructive scrutiny is welcome, but it should be grounded in fact.

Sincerely, Hal Mohammed Regional Manager, Caribbean & Latin America RioMed Limited

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

Evening News (RB)

Movie - Diamond Dog Caper (2008)

Page Foundation

Proportion

In order to answer general proportion maths problems:

Identify if the relationship between the variables in the question is (1) directly proportional or inversely proportional

(2) By using division, find the constant or by using multiplication, find the constant.

(3) Multiply the constant by the required value of one variable to find the answer for the other variable or divide the constant by the required value of one variable to find the answer for the other variable.

Example 1: worded problem

If 5 biscuits cost $80, find the cost of 7 biscuits. Identify if the relationship between the variables in the question is directly proportional or inversely proportional.

As the number of biscuits increases the cost will also increase. Therefore the variables are directly proportional. By using division, find the constant or by using multiplication, find the constant.

80÷5=16

1 biscuit will cost $16.

Multiply the constant by the required value of one variable to find the answer for the other variable or divide the constant by the required value of one variable to find the answer for the other variable.

16×7=112

7 biscuits will cost $112 . You can also visualise these steps in a table.

Hanging star decorations are now a colourful upcycled craft! Decorate leftover brown paper bags,

Glue

Markers

Supplies/Tools

Paint Brushes

Scissors

Washable Paint

Hole Punch

Ribbon

Paper bags

Directions

Step 1: Decorate the large and bottom panel of a paper bag with paint and paint brush. Let dry for one hour.

Step 2: Paint a design on the other large panel, then let dry for one hour.

Example 2: worded problem

If 6 bags of flour weigh 15”kg,” find the weight of 17 bags of flour.

Identify if the relationship between the variables in the question is directly proportional or inversely proportional.

As the number of bags of flour increases the weight will also increase. Therefore the variables are directly proportional.

By using division, find the constant or by using multiplication, find the constant.

15÷6=2.5

1 bag of flour will weigh 2.5kg.

Multiply the constant by the required value of one variable to find the answer for the other variable or divide the constant by the required value of one variable to find the answer for the other variable.

2.5×17=42.5

17 bags of flour will weigh 42.5kg.

You can also visualise these steps in a table.

Step 3: Follow the same process on both side panels.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 1-3 on seven more paper bags. Use markers to decorate with no dry time!

Step 5: Hold a folded, decorated paper bag with open end at top. Make an upside-down “T” on the large panel with glue. Put another paper bag on top and press down. Repeat up until the last bag.

Step 6: With scissors, cut a point at the open end of the paper bag stack.

Step 7: Make upside-down “T” with glue on the large panel of the last bag. Gently fan the paper bags, then connect and glue together the first and last paper bag to make a paper star.

Step 8: Hole punch the top of the paper star, then feed through and tie the ribbon.

Step 9: Hang as a party decoration or everyday décor! (Crayola.com)

BY Fatimah asghar

These are my people & I find them on the street & shadow through any wild all wild my people my people a dance of strangers in my blood the old woman’s sari dissolving to wind bindi a new moon on her forehead I claim her my kin & sew the star of her to my breast the toddler dangling from stroller hair a fountain of dandelion seed at the bakery I claim them too the sikh uncle at the airport who apologizes for the pat down the muslim man who abandons his car at the traffic light drops to his knees at the call of the azan & the muslim man who sips good whiskey at the start of maghrib the lone khala at the park pairing her kurta with crocs my people my people I can’t be lost when I see you my compass is brown & gold & blood my compass a muslim teenager snapback & high-tops gracing the subway platform mashallah I claim them all my country is made in my people’s image if they come for you they come for me too in the dead of winter a flock of aunties step out on the sand their dupattas turn to ocean a colony of uncles grind their palms & a thousand jasmines bell the air my people I follow you like constellations we hear the glass smashing the street & the nights opening their dark our names this country’s wood for the fire my people my people the long years we’ve survived the long years yet to come I see you map my sky the light your lantern long ahead & I follow I follow

(Source: Poetry – March 2017)

Write a poem about an unexpected journey.

WORD SEARCH

Canadian financial technology firm eyes expansion into Guyana

Guyana has emerged as a key expansion target for Canadian-based financial technology firm 4Pay Inc, which engaged senior officials of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) in discussions led by Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Agency Head, Peter Ramsaroop. The engagement was facilitated by High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin who was accompanied by Trade Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada, Yvana Nganou and representatives of 4Pay. Fintech (Financial Technology) is the use of digital technology to deliver and automate financial services, encompassing everything from mobile banking apps and digital payments (like

PayPal, Venmo) to complex systems using AI for lending, investing (robo-advisors), insurance and blockchain. It aims to make financial services more efficient, accessible and cheaper than traditional methods, disrupting established players and increasing financial inclusion, though it faces regulatory chal -

lenges. Fintech companies build software, apps and algorithms that either replace or enhance traditional financial processes, often focusing on user experience (UX) and mobile accessibility. They leverage data to offer faster decisions, better insights and more tailored products than often possible with older sys -

tems. In a post on its social media page, GO-Invest said that discussions focused on the company’s potential market entry and how its technology could complement the services of local financial institutions, with particular emphasis on ex -

panding access to banking services and financing for residents and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Representatives of 4Pay outlined the company’s patented, AI-driven technology, which enables the secure online opening

of bank accounts and facilitates access to financing.

The discussions also explored the potential establishment of a data centre to serve Guyana and the wider Caribbean region.

The meeting, GO-Invest said highlighted Guyana’s growing appeal as a destination for technology-driven investment that supports innovation, financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth. Also in attendance were Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of GO-Invest, Mr Tebogah Christian; Senior Director of Investment, Mr John Edghill; Director of Economic Affairs and Planning, Mr Arvinda Ramcharan; and Director of Export and Trade, Mrs Kibbyann ChesterHarding.

Bare Root shooting Carpenter found with gunshot wounds; Police launch probe

Police in Regional Division 4 ‘C’ are investigating the death of Homton Chichester, also known as “Orlando,” a 34-year-old carpenter of Bare Root, Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The incident occurred at about 19:30h on Sunday. Preliminary investigations revealed that Chichester’s body was discovered lying motionless along the Bare Root Access Road with suspected gunshot wounds to the chest and shoulder. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned to

the scene and a doctor on duty from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) pronounced him dead. A motorcycle found at the location was secured by investigators as part of the probe. The body was later escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination. Police said that they canvassed the area for CCTV cameras and retrieved footage that will be analysed and several persons have been contacted and questioned as detectives continue to gather information.

Getting down…

…real on power

For decades we’ve been at the receiving end of the rod of correction of the western European countries and the US as they lectured us to follow the finer points of democracy and other ideals that would “set us frees”!! The assumption, of course, was we were simply benighted. Their default position was “do as we say and not as we do”, evidently because they’d “been there and done that”.

So, you should appreciate your Eyewitness’s quiet glee that Europe’s now at the receiving end of the abovementioned rod as they’re being instructed on the finer elements of power politics in international affairs!! The issue at hand is US President Trump’s declaration that Greenland must be theirs to have and to hold – for security concerns!! Fourteen EU members – including the biggies UK, Germany and France – are screaming bloody murder at the “imperialist” move by the US!! They clearly miss the irony of them complaining about an “imperial” land grab when less than a century and a half ago they sat around a table in Berlin and divvied up Africa among themselves!! By 1914, only Ethiopia and Liberia weren’t theirs!!

Anyhow, the Europeans can’t blame anyone but themselves for what’s happening to them. Here they were grabbing land everywhere with the sword, but declaring they were actually “peaceful” since it was for the good of the natives. In fact, they insisted they were actually “apostles of peace”! So Pres Trump reminded them that one of their own – Norway – refused to award him their Nobel Peace Prize and as such, was implying that he wasn’t peaceful…after committing so much to the Peace enjoyed by Europe recently!!

So what’s Europe to do?? Well…they’ve rushed troops to Greenland suggesting they’ll be taking on the Yankee Military that just snatched Mad Maduro from under the noses of his 100,000- strong army!! And exactly how many troops Europe sent to defend their honour – which they complain has been bruised? THIRTY-SEVEN!!! THAT’S RIGHT – 37!! Of which the Brits contributed ONE!!

Now this could only mean one of two things. Either they feel the Yanks are a bunch of wussies…or that the TACO effect will kick in. TACO being “Trump Always Chickens Out!! And either interpretation ain’t gonna go down well with Trump!!

Maybe the Europeans could ask their former colonies to help??

…with Budget

Well, it was just announced that the Budget gonna be presented next Monday!! Meaning that Manzoor’s back!! And it’ll be acting like a litmus test to reveal the priorities of the various sections of Guyana. For the Government they will be going on (and on and on!!) about how they will be spending $1.1 trillion to develop our fair land. But for the man (and woman) in the street, all they wanna hear is whether they’ll be getting the $100,000 they’d expected they were getting from Father Christmas – AKA Pres Ali – last December. Well good news…it’s coming!! They’re gonna have Christmas in January!!

So, what about the Opposition? They gotta be there for the reading, no? They’re MPs after all!! But there’s a section of the Opposition – Sanction Man’s WIN – that’ll be seeing their chance of getting their leader elected as the LOOI!!

Get out your popcorn for Monday!!

…on waste

Your Eyewitness hates saying he “told you so”. Well, not really!! But didn’t he tell you that the PPP Govt’s great cleanup of GT will be for naught!??!

Central Govt will fix Georgetown with or without M&CC’s support – Manickchand vows

…after Mayor, APNU Councillors boycott meeting to fix sanitation crisis

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand has vowed to move ahead with programmes to improve sanitation and overall conditions in Georgetown, with or without the support of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). The position was articulated by Minister Priya Manickchand on Sunday after Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore and councilors aligned to the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) boycotted a meeting convened to ad-

dress the city’s growing solid waste management challenges. Manickchand accused the Mayor and APNU councillors of actively undermining efforts to resolve Georgetown’s sanitation issues after a scheduled closed-door meeting

the Mayor on garbage collection. This prompted a meeting on Sunday afternoon involving the Mayor, councillors and the city’s Chief Sanitation Officer, during which she expressed deep concern, disappointment and consternation over the state of the capital. “At the

by the M&CC were not honoured.

“It is clear that the Mayor and APNU councillors benefit in some way from a city that is approaching being uninhabitable. This cannot continue,” she stated.

Mayor, APNU Councillors absent

Following that engagement, Manickchand requested that a comprehensive plan outlining effective corrective measures be submitted to her Ministry by 11:00h on Monday. However, when the meeting was convened, neither the Mayor nor APNU councillors attended. She noted that some councillors who had arrived reportedly left shortly after receiving phone calls. Going forward, the Minister

collapsed at the last minute, despite prior commitments from the municipal leadership. She said repeated attempts to foster collaboration between Central Government and the M&CC have been frustrated, warning that residents, users, and visitors to the capital must not be held hostage to partisan politics. According to the Minister, concerns intensified following what she described as inconsistent public statements by

last minute, the Mayor declined the invitation he had already accepted. Notably, no APNU councillor was present. Those who came received phone calls and hurriedly left the compound,” Manickchand said. She explained that, in response, she invited members of the media to be briefed on the extensive efforts made by central Government to build a collaborative relationship with City Hall, noting that several commitments made

said her Ministry will take the lead in improving conditions in Georgetown. “What central Government can do—and what we intend to do—is consult with residents, users, and citizens of Georgetown and determine how we can rescue and restore this city without people whose only role seems to be to stand in the way,” she said.

Manickchand underscored her personal connection to the capital, not-

Councillors and officials present at the meeting on Monday

ing that she is a resident of Georgetown and that her private practice has long been based in the city. “We cannot leave residents and citizens of Georgetown subjected to this level of immaturity and erratic behaviour driven by motives beyond a genuine desire to serve. We must ensure that residents and users of our capital city are comfortable, healthy and safe,” she added. Thus, she urged residents, business owners and visitors to support the planned actions aimed at preventing Georgetown from becoming what she described as an

unacceptable and unhealthy city. She emphasised that the long-standing reliance on strained or ineffective relationships could no longer be allowed to delay action to the detriment of citizens.

“If we continue to be naïve about where directions are coming from and what their true purpose is, regardless of who suffers, then the result will be a stink–a nasty city–which is not acceptable,” Manickchand said.

Changes coming

She assured that visible changes will be made in Georgetown, stressing that

attempts to improve relations that have proven futile will no longer hold back progress. In a subsequent Facebook post, the Minister reiterated that public service must take precedence over political considerations. “Service to citizens must trump my desire to work – even tirelessly – or a more collaborative effort between central Government and the M&CC. Residents and users of the city must not be held hostage to poor politics. We have a duty to be responsive, and that duty will be honoured,” she stated.

Education Ministry to connect directly with PTAs to strengthen partnerships

…will also target attendance, dropout rates

Education Minister, Sonia Parag has announced plans to launch an initiative aimed at the direct interaction between the Education Ministry and the ParentTeachers Association (PTA) of the schools across the nation. In a video interview posted on the Ministry’s Facebook page on Monday, the Minister expressed her desire to create such an initiative in order to be able to increase the quality of education available to the nation’s children. With the PTA already being an existing body which handles the wellbeing of students the Minister wishes to connect with them on a governmental level. She noted that this initiative will strengthen partnerships between the Government, students,

parents and teachers, that students’ needs are being met and policies are being carried out as given by the Ministry.

“I think that engagement is going to assist us and assist parents, teachers, students, with having a better partnership, that we can work together to ensure that schools, that the policies that we are establishing in the Ministry, for example, is being carried out in the schools, that we can get the best results out of, whether that means academic results or whether it is for a better individual,” said the Minister.

Parag noted that while PTAs already exist and have engaged over the years, their interactions have largely been with Ministry offices rather than directly with

political leadership. The Minister explained that this new initiative was proposed following consultations with senior Government officials, to engage more directly with PTAs. The Minister highlighted that there is cooperation between the PTA and the Ministry ensuring to produce better results in the overall performance of students. She acknowledged the work of some existing PTAs and communities and commended their work for being involved in lives of students, solving, whether it is infrastructure or other school issues. She said direct engagement would allow the Government to assist in resolving these issues to ensure fully functioning schools with healthy environments for students to learn. Parag indicated

Gunman escapes with over $600,000 in Smyth

St robbery

Police in Regional Division 4 ‘A’ have launched an investigation into a robbery under arms committed on Sunday night at a restaurant on Smyth Street, Georgetown.

According to prelimi-

nary reports, the incident occurred at about 21:58h and involved a 34-year-old female manager from West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Investigators said the woman had collected the day’s sales from the business and

placed the cash in a bag before leaving the building. As she entered her motor car, which was parked in front of the restaurant, she was confronted by a man. The assailant reportedly opened the driver’s side door, pointed a handgun at the manager and demanded the money. The suspect escaped on foot with $642,000.

Police ranks responded to the scene shortly after the robbery was reported. Detectives have since identified CCTV cameras in the vicinity. Several persons who were in the area at the time have been contacted and questioned.

Investigators are continuing.

that this initiative will begin soon, with scheduled engagements with PTAs across the nation in aims of strengthening the education system and being able to communicate information directly to the Ministry in an easier manner. This step up is to benefit the students and achieve the goals the Ministry wishes to achieve for the entire education sector.

She said “I’ll be starting a scheduled engagement with various PTAs across the country and that is to strengthen our education system, that is to assist us to have direct information sharing between the Ministry, the PTAs, so that we can achieve the goals that we want to achieve, the objectives that we want to achieve for the education, the sector as a whole.”

The Education Minister highlighted the importance of improving student attendance and reducing dropout rates, while strength-

ening collaboration with parent–teacher associations to identify challenges within schools. These include gaps in infrastructure, academic performance and over-

all school management. She also indicated that such engagement is expected to be meaningful and beneficial to the education sector.

BOSAI’s bulk carrier’s powerful wake floods Linden boats; vessel detained

Small river craft and a wooden landing along the Demerara River in the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) were left flooded on Sunday after the passage of a large bulk carrier, the BG FAITH, which generated powerful waves that surged into moored boats and across the riverside structure. The incident occurred during daylight hours as the vessel travelled along the river channel, sending heavy waves toward the shore and forcing persons on the landing to rush to remove personal items and equipment from boats that began taking in water.

At least one craft was seen partially submerged, while others appeared to have sustained damage along their sides. Clothing, bags and loose items were left floating in the river. Eyewitnesses said the vessel passed close enough for its wash to strike the landing directly, producing a surge far stronger than what is normally experienced when ships transit the river. The ship involved,

BG FAITH, is a dry-bulk carrier built in 2024, measuring approximately 129 metres in length and sailing under the flag of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Maritime tracking data show the vessel has been operating within Guyanese waters on runs connected to upriver port facilities. Boat operators said the incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of small crafts whenever large bauxite carriers and bulk vessels transit populated sections of the Demerara River, particularly at Linden. The affected boats are used for fishing, transport and small-scale commerce. Owners said any damage directly threatens their livelihood, as most river operators do not carry insurance and must cover repair costs themselves. Residents noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past. They are now calling for maritime authorities to determine whether navigation rules were breached, whether the vessel complied with speed and distance requirements, and whether an official damage assessment will be conducted. Meanwhile, in an invited comment Public Utilities and Aviation Minister, Deodat Indar said the vessel has been detained. According to the Minister the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) which is responsible for monitoring, regulating and coordinating all maritime activities in Guyana, is handling the matter.

Kimbia and Wiruni community engagements

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, along with senior officials, meets with residents of Kimbia and Wiruni along the Berbice River to discuss community development needs and ongoing challenges (Amerindian Affairs Ministry photos)

US-indicted WIN leader exposed for misleading claims on Anna Catherina Childcare Centre progress

…facility on track for March opening – Early Childhood Development Executive

“I would like to say to parents and family that this facility was built for you, especially the persons in Region Three. This facility is free, this facility is not abandoned, this facility is being prepared, and we encourage that you come on board, you come, you register your child, [and] send your child to this facility. This facility will be a model and we are hoping to carry this model throughout Guyana” - Executive Officer of Early Childhood Development with the Child Care and Protection Agency, Conchita Grey

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry is on track to fully operationalise the multi-purpose $93.4 million Day and Night Care and Early Childhood Centre at Anna Catherina, Region Three (Essequibo Islands - West Demerara) by the first quarter of 2026 as staffing and registration continues. On Monday, in an interview with Guyana Times, the Executive Officer of Early Childhood Development at the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA), Conchita Grey, responded to allegations by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party leader Azruddin Mohamed—who has been indicted and sanctioned in the United States (US)—that the facility had been abandoned. She clarified that, although the

building was commissioned in August 2025, it was not expected to be operational at that time. She explained that despite its commissioning, a facility of that nature cannot be expected to be operational immediately. According to Grey, these facilities require six to nine months to be completely operational, particularly as the day and night care is a new concept not only in Guyana but the wider Caribbean.

Recruiting & training staff

“For a facility like this to become operational, it takes six to nine months and so, from the time the building was commissioned to now, the agency is working to get the building operationalised, we would have put out a video in December of last year stat-

ing that this facility will become operational in the first quarter of this year. So, we’re working, we’re training staff, we’re doing all necessary things to operationalise this facility,” Grey said. She noted that since the commissioning, Ministry officials have been actively working to ensure the centre is fully prepared for operation. Such preparations include, recruiting and training staff, registering children and securing budgetary allocations to support round-the-clock operations.

Addressing claims that the facility has been abandoned, Grey said staff members have been working from the building daily and officers have been going in and out of the building since the beginning of the year. She further went

on to explain that the responsibility of maintaining the outer perimeter falls to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) while the internal upkeep is managed by the agency itself. Currently two staff members have been formally employed for the day and night care programme with additional personnel on site. Gray said that interviews and training are currently ongoing as the Ministry aims to employ qualified and trained professionals to ensure safe and quality care for children. Grey went on to say that once operational, the facility will be staffed with approximately 13 employees per shift, inclusive of caregivers, cooks, cleaners, handymen, drivers and other supervisory staff, to ensure the children are pro-

est in the services offered continues to grow, as parents have been visiting the facility to inquire and register, the Ministry expects to see an increase in registration numbers. The building has the capacity to house

nerable families and working mothers, particularly those who find it difficult to pay for private childcare. All services offered by this facility will be free of cost. With budget considerations expected to be finalised

vided with care, protection and a well maintained and supportive environment at all times. Registration of children has begun with 19 children already registered. She said that inter-

fifty children per shift and will operate across three shifts daily.

Practicum site

In addition to child care services, the centre will be providing training to serve as practicum site for individuals pursuing a career in early child care and childhood education, along with parenting education for the parents of the children who will be attending. This facility will cater to children from three months to 12 years of age and will also accept children with special needs, once appropriate training and systems are in place. “As I said earlier, we will not only be offering day and night care services, but we will be offering parenting education, every child that comes here we are hoping to encourage the parents in the best parenting practices,” Grey said. Grey added that this facility aims to assist vul-

soon, the Ministry is aiming to have the programme fully functioning to the public by early March. Grey assured parents and families that preparations are ongoing and encouraged residents of Region Three to take advantage of the service being offered once it becomes operational. She also highlighted that this facility is the first of many of its kind to be available in Guyana.

She said “I would like to say to parents and family that this facility was built for you, especially the persons in Region Three. This facility is free, this facility is not abandoned, this facility is being prepared, and we encourage that you come on board, you come, you register your child, [and] send your child to this facility. This facility will be a model and we are hoping to carry this model throughout Guyana.”

Sentinel security guards strike over unpaid salaries

Security guards attached to Sentinel Security Incorporated in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice - Corentyne) have gone on strike, alleging that they have not been paid for months. The guards, who provide security for major retail companies said they have not been paid since October and accuse the company, Sentinel Security Inc, of repeatedly misleading both workers and labour officials.

After staging a three-day sit-out last week, the guards said they have now decided to fully withdraw their labour, insisting they can no longer work without pay. Many of the workers have served the company for more than a decade. The strike action follows repeated complaints by guards that salaries are being delayed for up to three months, while statutory deductions continue to be reflected on pay re-

cords without clear proof of remittance. Although many guards are affected, only five agreed to speak publicly during interviews conducted at the company’s New Amsterdam location. Those guards said the protest was not impulsive, but the result of years of unresolved problems that have now reached a breaking point.

Sixty-year-old Bhojkumar Ramsundar said he and several colleagues have not been paid for November, December and the first part of January. He said management repeatedly claims the company has no money, while visits to the Ministry of Labour have produced only assurances. “When we go to Labour [Ministry of Labour], every week they promise us, but until now we get no money. They taking out NIS and we getting no benefit,” Ramsundar alleged, adding that basic household responsibilities such as rent, util-

ities and food have become increasingly difficult to manage. Another guard, Michael Quinton, also 60, said he has worked with Sentinel since April 13, 2010, giving him almost 15 years of service. He said his last salary was for October, paid shortly before Christmas. “We went to Labour Friday. They say we didn’t get paid and maybe weekend we will get it. Weekend come, nothing. This morning [Monday], I come at 5:30 and the office closed,” Quinton said. Quinton, who lives in a rented accommodation, said he has since received notice to vacate. He also said NIS continues to be deducted although he has not been paid, and he has already lodged a report with the NIS office. Meanwhile, Darwin Richards, 24, said he has been employed with Sentinel since September 27, 2023. He said payment delays have been present throughout his employment, but the

6-hour power outage today for sections of ECD to facilitate road expansion

Six hours of power interruption are scheduled for sections of the East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Tuesday as infrastructure works linked to the national road expansion programme move ahead. Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) announced that electricity supply will be temporality off from 09:00h to 15:00h today to facilitate the diversion of the L17 transmission line, which connects the Good Hope and Columbia substations. The exercise is being undertaken to allow the Public Works Ministry to carry out construction along the ECD corridor. According to GPL, the adjustment to the transmission line is necessary to protect electrical infrastructure while the road project proceeds. Customers between Lusignan and Non Pareil will be affected during the

current situation has become unbearable. “We running up to three months without no money. You got rent; you got bills. Sometimes you can’t even come to work with food,” Richards said, explaining that he survives only with help from family members. Vishal Seenarine, 28, said he has worked with Sentinel since 2016. He said he is owed wages for November and December, and that his last payment for October was received before Christmas. “They keep telling Labour we will get paid by weekend. Monday come, no payment. This thing going on for years,” Seenarine said, adding that he does not know how long he can continue working without income. Aubrey Jones, who has worked in private security since 1997 and with Sentinel since 2013, described a long-standing pattern of delayed wages. “August money coming in October. September money coming in November. October money we get in November. After that, nothing,” Jones said. He said guards are frequently sent back and forth between Georgetown and Berbice management, with neither taking responsibility. He also said client companies

continue paying Sentinel on schedule. “They getting their money straight. Why they can’t pay us?” he asked. Jones added that guards work extended shifts, sometimes ten to twelve hours, receive no overtime, and are often left without relief.

Beyond wages, the guards said the NIS issue is particularly worrying, especially for older workers approaching retirement. “This is our sickness, our injury, our pension,” Quinton said. “If that not paid, we losing everything.” In 2018, guards attached to the company in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) had publicly complained of being owed two months’ salary. In 2023, a former armed guard from the New Amsterdam branch also alleged that NIS was deducted but not remitted and that overtime was not paid. More recently, Government officials have warned that security companies could face serious sanctions, including loss of State contracts, if NIS deductions are taken from workers but not paid over. The guards said such warnings have not yet translated into tangible relief on the ground.

They insist their strike is not about confrontation,

– GPL

period. The works form part of the Government’s programme to modernise and expand the national road network. Authorities say the ECD Road Expansion Project is intended to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and support eco-

nomic activity in the region. GPL said the project will bring benefits to residents, commuters and businesses and thanked customers for their understanding as the temporary disruption is carried out in support of the ongoing development works.

but survival. “We honest workers. Food or no food, we come to work. But work must pay,” Quinton said. Richards said the emotional strain is heavy. “You still put on the uniform, but inside you don’t know how you going to live,” he said. Seenarine said he is waiting for any form of resolution. “I can’t wait forever,” he said. Jones said the guards briefly stood down last week after being promised payment, only to be disappointed again. “They promise, then when you call, no money,” he said. The guards are now calling for firm intervention by the Ministry of Labour to ensure outstanding wages are paid, NIS deductions are properly accounted for, and workers are protected from retaliation. Sentinel Security Inc has previously stated in public correspondence that it is a separate corporate entity and not a renamed version of any former company. However, the guards said the matter before them is not corporate history, but accountability. This newspaper made attempts to contact Sentinel Security Inc for comment on the latest allegations. Up to press time, no response was received.

Wedding house attempted murder

“I

lost consciousness” – victim tells jury recounting 2018 attack

Apolice officer who had given evidence during the preliminary inquiry into the 2018 attempted murder of a man from Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), has passed away and on Monday, his previously recorded testimony was read in court as the trial commenced before a jury. On trial for the May 5, 2018, incident, which occurred at Bustlot Village, is Vishnu Jeenarine, called ‘Boyo’. He is indicted for attempting to murder Derek Drupal. The incident took place outside of a wedding house. The

trial opened on Monday at the Berbice High Court in front before a mixed jury. Attorney-at-Law Marisa Edwards is presenting the state’s case, while Attorneyat-Law Charlene Ortega is representing the accused. Justice Deborah KumarChatty is presiding over the case. Among those giving evidence when the trial opened was Sergeant Shenelle Matterson, who was the Prosecutor at the Whim Magistrate’s Court during the preliminary inquiry.

She testified that the now deceased police officer,

Stacy Yearwood had provided evidence to the court on the matter. Matterson read the testimony of Yearwood, who participated in the investigation, allowing the jury to hear the testimony of the now-deceased police officer. However, the prosecution’s key witness was the victim, Derrick Drapaul, who was one of seven witnesses to take the stand.

Drupal told the court that he knew the accused from seeing him on the road in the community. He said he never had any issues with him prior to the incident. However, on the

GWI flushes Canal No 2 system after iron buildup affects water quality

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has moved to address water quality concerns in Canal Number 2 after residents reported discolouration and changes in supply following recent upgrades to the distribution system.

The utility company said the issues were highlighted during a community outreach attended by Ministers Deodat Indar, Priya Manickchand and Vikash Ramkissoon. An assessment by GWI determined that residual iron in sections of the transmission network, combined with increased pressure from system improvements, was affecting the quality of water reaching households. According to GWI its technical team be-

gan a flushing exercise on January 10 to clear the affected lines. The operation continued throughout the weekend with the aim of removing the iron deposits and stabilising supply across the network. The company said the interventions have resulted in the restoration of treated wa-

ter to the area, and residents have indicated that they are now able to drink water directly from their taps. GWI said it will continue to monitor the system to ensure consistent quality and improved service levels in Canal Number 2, Belle West and neighbouring communities.

BOSAI’s bulk carrier’s...

However, he noted that they have launched a full investigation and the captain of the vessel will have to compensate those affected and cover the cost of replacement or repairs. Nevertheless, he assured that the investigation will determine if any other actions will be taken against the captain of the vessel.

Meanwhile, MARAD in

a statement on Monday evening said that Motor Vessel BG Faith IMO 1061661, was being piloted from Georgetown to the BOSAI Bauxite Company’s wharf at Linden. “At approximately 11:30hrs, it was reported that the wave generated by the vessel caused damage to several small passenger boats operating in the area. No casualties or in-

Accused: Vishnu Jeenarine

day in question, he went to the wedding house and he met three friends and referred to them as Samuel, Ricardo, and Junior. He also met his brother-inlaw, Kevin Bassoo, at the wedding house. He told the court that when he was leaving, he saw the accused, who walked up to him and struck him with a piece of wood, and he fell to the ground. He said his brother-in-law assisted in getting him to his feet and the

accused approached him again and struck him several more times, causing him to fall. Drupal testified that while he was at the wedding house, he did see the accused, but they did not have any conversation.

He referred to the piece of wood that was used to hit him in his head has been about three feet in length and 2 ½ inches in diameter. He told the court that the wood was round. When he was launched the second time, it was with a different piece of wood, which Drapaul described as having a square edge. However, he could not recall the length of that wood. “I lost consciousness,” he told the court.

Drapaul testified that he regained consciousness woke up three days later at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). “Me head cap broke out,” Drapaul said.

He said, indicating to the court that the right side of the top of his skull was missing. Drupal said he spent two weeks at the medical facility before be-

ing discharged and had to return for follow-up treatments for the next year. Under cross-examination, Drapaul denied telling the police that he and the accused were family members.

He admitted that it was in front of the house on the street and not on the bridge where the incident occurred. He told the court that there were about 20 to 30 people around when he was hit and at the time, he said his three friends were not next to him. Drapaul also said that he was at the wedding house from 20:00h until midnight and during that time he had consumed four bottles of beer.

He also admitted on the cross-examination that his now wife was at the wedding house, but he did not know who she went to the wedding with in 2018. Drapaul said she did not speak to him that night. The trial continues today when the prosecution is expected to call three more witnesses. The prosecution has indicated that it has eleven witnesses.

Viral TikTok live “shooting” No confirmation of murder suspect’s death – GPF says probe ongoing

TFROM PAGE 12

juries have been reported,” the statement read. MARAD has since launched an investigation into the incident and will engage all stakeholders involved, with the view to having all damages remedied.

The vessel is currently moored alongside the Bosai wharf, where it is currently being detained.

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched an investigation into social media reports involving wanted man Jamal Bourne, known as “Skinny,” who allegedly shot himself in the head on a live TikTok video. Bourne was being sought in connection with the murder of Akeem Hamer at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on September 12, 2024. Police confirmed that they are aware of a video circulated online which appears to show Bourne inflicting a suspected gunshot wound to himself during a Live broadcast on Sunday, January 18, 2026. During the broadcast, Bourne was

seen in the presence of other individuals and was allegedly displaying several suspected firearms. The video was later removed from the page on which it was first posted. Investigators said there is no official confirmation of Bourne’s death and that no reports have been received in any of the 12 policing regions regarding the incident. The Force stated that it is treating the matter seriously and is conducting enquiries to verify the location of the video and the circumstances surrounding what was depicted. The Police Force has urged members of the public to avoid speculation while efforts continue to determine the facts.

Bourne has been wanted since 2024 in relation to the killing of Akeem Hamer, also called “Max,” who was shot during a confrontation in Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen. On September 14, 2024, police issued wanted bulletins for Bourne and another man, 20-yearold Roman Roberts, known as “Arsonal,” both residents of the area. At the time, investigators said the motive for Hamer’s killing remained unclear and no further details were released. Police said investigations into the latest development are ongoing and updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Benab and Craft Centre commissioned at St Deny’s/Tapakuma

Ministerial Advisor

Yvonne Pearson and Director

General Sonia Latchman of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, alongside region-

al officials from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) commissioned the St Deny’s/ Tapakuma Benab and Craft Centre on Monday. Completed through the 2025

Capital Grant, the projects aim to strengthen community infrastructure, support cultural preservation and create economic opportunities for residents.

Fashion designer Valentino has died at age 93

Valentino Garavani, the designer central to pioneering Italian glamour with his eponymous fashion house, has died aged 93.

“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” his foundation said on Instagram on Monday.

“Valentino Garavani was not only a constant guide and inspiration for all of us, but a true source of light, creativity and vision,” it added.

The designer’s body will lie in state at the foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with his funeral due to take place in the Italian capital on Friday.

Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, paid tribute, posting on X: “Valentino,

undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion. Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything.”

Known simply as Valentino, the designer was renowned for his opulent and elegant take on fashion that attracted famous fans. He founded his house in 1959 and could soon count Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor among his devotees. He designed the clothes worn by Monica Vitti in Michelangelo Antonioni’s film La Notte in 1961, while Jackie Kennedy wore his clothes for several years in the 1960s. In 1966, she urged him to “live 100 years!” She went on to marry Aristotle Onassis in 1968, wearing a Valentino wedding dress.

The red dress was

Valentino’s signature item, part of his aesthetic from the very start. His first collection featured a red tulle dress called the Fiesta. The shade of red that he has used – halfway between crimson and poppy – is now so well known that it is officially recognised by the colour authority Pantone. Valentino was at the top of the fashion game for more than 45 years – retiring in 2007, after a final haute couture show where every model wore a red dress. During his career he was on speed dial to an increasingly A-list coterie of women: models including Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer were often seen wearing his clothes off the catwalk, while film stars such as Julia Roberts, Laura Linney and Penélope Cruz wore his designs on the red carpet. Diana, Princess

of Wales, wore his designs in the years after her divorce. Arguably, glamour was there from the start. The designer was born in 1932, in Voghera, a town near Milan, and named after the Italian actor Rudolph Valentino by his mother. Childhood experiences were formative to his future career. He later said his love of red came from a visit to the opera, watching Carmen. “All the women in the boxes were mostly dressed in red, and they leaned forward like geraniums on balconies, and the seats and drapes were red too … I realised that after black and white, there was no finer colour,” he said.

Valentino was an apprentice to the designers Jean Dessès, Christian Dior and Guy Laroche, moving to Paris as a young man. A year after he began his own label at 27, with financial backing from his family, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who became his romantic partner and business partner – initially saving the business from bankruptcy. An all-white collection in 1962 brought him to the attention of the fashion world.

Although their romantic relationship ended in 1972, Giammetti and Valentino ensured the label became known throughout the world. In 1998, they sold the company to HdP, an Italian conglomerate, for about $300m. It is now owned by the Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, while Kering holds a 30% stake.

If the label dressed the rich and beautiful, Valentino and Giammetti dressed the

part and lived the life too.

Valentino was always impeccably dressed in a suit, with a deep suntan (interviewing the designer for the Observer in 2012, Decca Aitkenhead described his complexion as “dipped upside down in lacquer”). The 2008 film Valentino: The Last Emperor documented the duo’s jetset lifestyle –showcasing private jets, five homes, yachts and six pampered pugs, as well as the preparation of the designer’s final collection.

Valentino’s life was not without controversy. In the interview with Aitkenhead, he complained about the idea of bringing models of different sizes to the catwalk and the fact that theatregoers were becoming too casual. He recalled his horror at seeing a fellow audience member dressed in a T-shirt: “No, oh my gosh. [It was] not very clean. And a Bermuda short and a flipflop on the foot.”

His ideas on female beau-

ty were also controversial. He told RTL television in 2007: “When I see somebody and unfortunately she’s relaxed and running around in jogging trousers and without any makeup … I feel very sorry. For me, woman is like a beautiful, beautiful flower bouquet. She has always to be sensational, always to please, always to be perfect, always to please the husband, the lover, everybody. Because we are born to show ourselves always at our best.”

In 2007, Alessandra Facchinetti was appointed creative director of the house after the retirement of Valentino. Just 12 months later she was dismissed and replaced by Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Following the departure of Grazia Chiuri in 2016, Piccioli was named as sole creative director. He held the role until 2024 when it was announced that the former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele was taking over. (The Guardian)

Death toll from Guatemalan gang attacks rises to 9 Police Officers

The death toll from coordinated gang attacks in Guatemala has risen to nine Police Officers, an official confirmed on Monday, following a weekend of violence that began with prison riots.

The conflict started on Saturday when inmates from the Barrio 18 gang took 46 guards hostage at three prisons, demanding greater privileges.

The violence escalated on Sunday after security forces regained control of a prison holding the gang’s leader, Aldo “El Lobo” Duppie. In apparent retaliation, gang members launched a series of attacks on Police in and around Guatemala City.

Initially, seven officers and one gang member were killed in the Sunday attacks, with more than a dozen officers wounded. National Police spokesman Jorge Aguilar told Reuters that an eighth officer died Sunday night and a ninth, Frallan Medrano, died early Monday from injuries sustained in an ambush.

In response, President Bernardo Arevalo declared a 30-day “state of siege”,

which expands the power of security forces and may temporarily limit some civil liberties.

“The attack suffered by the officers was not only against them... but against the entire country,” Arevalo said during a wake for the fallen officers.

The President argued the violence was orchestrated by “political-criminal mafias” attempting to spread terror ahead of key judicial appointments.

El Lobo , the gang leader, is serving sentences to-

talling approximately 2000 years and is married to the niece of Sandra Torres, Arevalo’s main rival in the 2023 presidential election.

While streets in Guatemala City were mostly calm on Monday, Police and military forces were patrolling heavily. Classes across the country were cancelled as a precaution.

Last October, Guatemala’s Congress officially classified the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs as terrorist organisations. (Reuters)

Not afraid, says T&T Minister after release of SoE

detainee who threatened him

Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says he is not afraid for his life after a man, who was detained under the State of Emergency (SoE) for a death threat to a Government official, was released earlier this month.

Speaking at a media briefing at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas, on Sunday, Sturge confirmed he was the Government official under threat. Asked if he was fearful for his life, given what transpired with the detention of individuals during the SoE,

Sturge said no. I m not afraid. We all die. We all will get that chance, and if you give me a choice between cancer and an assassination, I ll choose an assassination. So, I m not afraid.

However, Sturge said the matter is not over, as the suspect can be re-arrested. It s a bit premature to say that he s not going to be charged. I don t know. What I can say is that a pre-action protocol letter was written, and it was acted upon merely hours before the tribunal gave a recommendation to not release him. So, the tribunal, in

essence, stated that he ought not to have been released.

He added that a report that there was never any evidence to hold the suspect in the first place was wrong.

The report in the Newsday, which suggested that there was no evidence in the first place, that has also been proven to be false because the Commissioner of Police (Allister Guevarro), in essence, refuted that when he came before the National Security Council, Sturge said.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazil Supreme Court authorises freezing of investor Nelson Tanure’s assets

Brazil’s Supreme Court

Justice Dias Toffoli has allowed a prosecutor’s request for banks to freeze assets belonging to Brazilian entrepreneur Nelson Tanure due to an investigation into lender Banco Master, according to a document made public last Friday.

The request was made by the country’s Prosecutor General’s Office. The midsized bank was liquidated by the central bank last November.

Investigators allege that Tanure has been a “hidden partner” of Master, an accusation the businessman has disputed, saying he has owned a stake in the lender directly or through financial instruments.

In a statement released on Monday, Tanure’s lawyer Pablo Naves Testoni reaffirmed the investor’s stance, saying he has never made a transaction that could back up such an allegation.

Brazil’s central bank ordered Master to be liquidat-

ed citing “severe liquidity crisis”, a serious deterioration in its financial condition and violations of financial system rules.

While Master holds less than one per cent of banking assets in Latin America’s largest economy, its collapse has led to scrutiny as the bank grew very fast by issuing high-yield debt marketed as covered by Brazil’s private deposit guarantee fund, known as FGC.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica: Bartlett credits destination assurance as PM welcomes US travel advisory upgrade

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica s reclassification to a Level 2 travel advisory by the United States reflects growing international confidence in the island s recovery and its globally-unique approach to destination assurance, almost three months after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness also welcomed the decision, underscoring its importance for the tourism sector and investor confidence.

The US Government on Saturday revised its travel advisory for Jamaica from Level 3 to Level 2, noting that while parts of Jamaica, including Black River and Montego Bay, remain in varying stages of recovery following the Category 5 hurricane on October 28, 2025, all major airports

have reopened and commercial flights have resumed.

Washington had elevated the advisory in the immediate aftermath of the storm which caused extensive damage across several western parishes and resulted in economic losses estimated at between US$6 billion and US$8 billion.

Welcoming the improved advisory level, Bartlett described the move as a strong vote of confidence in Jamaica s resilience and its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and seamless experience for visitors.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Stephen “Cat” Coore, Jamaican music icon and “Third World” co-founder, dies at 69

Stephen Cat Coore, co-founder of legendary reggae band Third World and one of Jamaica s most respected musicians, has died.

The iconic guitarist passed away suddenly on Sunday evening, according to a statement from his publicist. He was 69.

Coore was one of the early members of Inner Circle before leaving to start Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper.

Third World s pioneering fusion of reggae, soul, funk, pop, and rock helped shape the reggae-fusion sound and propel Jamaican music onto the global stage.

The band achieved international acclaim with enduring classics such as Now That We ve Found Love , 96 Degrees in the Shade , and

Try Jah Love , becoming one of Jamaica s longest-running and most successful bands.

Coore, who is celebrated for his exceptional musicianship, compositional brilliance, and deep musical knowledge, was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica in recognition of his outstanding

Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley; his grandchildren, as well as extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and countless fans across the globe. (Jamaica Observer)

Antigua PM urges public to blaze APUA Minister as water distribution problems persist

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the minister responsible for the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Melford Nicholas, along with the authority s management, will be held accountable for ongoing water distribution failures, even as the Government insists that water production has now reached a level sufficient to meet domestic demand.

Speaking during a radio interview following the commissioning of a second reverse osmosis plant under the APUA and Seven Seas Water Group partnership, PM Browne said the focus

must now shift from water production to effective distribution. The newly-commissioned plant adds approximately two million gallons per day to the national supply.

Blaze me, blaze the Minister, but blaze the Minister more, Browne said, arguing that public pressure is part of accountability when service delivery falls short.

Browne acknowledged that resolving Antigua and Barbuda s long-standing water problems has taken longer than expected, describing the investment as capital-intensive and costing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Prime Minister pointed to management failures within APUA, saying delays in responding to broken pipes have, at times, left communities without water for days. He said such prolonged outages are unacceptable and should not continue.

The Prime Minister said both Minister Nicholas and APUA s senior management will be held responsible for ensuring improvements, and he urged the public to continue raising complaints when service failures occur. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

OIL NEWS

Oil steadies as Iran supply fears ease and Greenland moves into spotlight

Oil prices steadied on Monday as civil unrest in Iran subsided, reducing the likelihood of a US attack that could disrupt supplies from the major producer, while market-watchers turned their attention to a stand-off over Greenland.

Brent crude was up one cent, or 0.02 per cent, at US$64.14 a barrel by 1946 GMT. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for February was flat on the previous day’s settlement at US$59.44 a barrel.

Trading activity was muted due to a US federal holiday.

Iran’s violent crackdown has quelled protests that officials say killed 5000 people. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, seems to have stepped back from earlier threats of intervention.

”With fears around Iran subsiding over the last few days after rumours of a US attack, the market is now focusing on the Greenland situation and how deep any fallout between the US and Europe could be, as any trade war expansion could impact demand,” said Rystad analyst Janiv Shah.

Trump has intensified his push to wrest sovereignty over Greenland from fellow NATO member Denmark, threatening punitive tariffs on countries that stand in his way and prompting the European Union to weigh hitting back with its own measures.

EU leaders will convene in Brussels on Thursday for an emergency summit, a European Union spokesperson said on Monday.

As Greenland does not produce oil, there is no direct connection for crude markets, said Commodity Context founder Rory Johnston. But the row over the island is a broadly risk-off development for investors, he said, pointing to Monday’s selloff in equity markets.

Global stocks dropped and the dollar eased against the safe-haven yen and Swiss franc on Monday on concerns about a possible trade war between the US and Europe.

The market was also looking at the risk of damage to Russian infrastructure and distillate supplies at a time when colder weather is forecast to cross North America and Europe, adding to market unease, said PVM Oil Associates analyst John Evans.

In the longer term, the crude market will continue to face downward pressure from an increase in Venezuelan oil on the US Gulf Coast, while a new forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicting stronger economic growth in 2026 should increase demand expectations, said Phil Flynn, senior analyst for the Price Futures Group.

”The market is going to be locked in by competing bullish and bearish forces, leading to a sort of sideways trade,” Flynn said. (Reuters)

Spanish PM vows to find cause of deadly high-speed train crash

Spanish Prime Minister

Pedro Sanchez has promised to get to the bottom of why two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain killing at least 40 persons, as rescuers continue to search the wreckage.

After visiting the site of the crash, Sanchez also announced three days of national mourning for victims.

More than 120 more people were injured as carriages on a Madrid-bound train derailed and crossed over to the opposite tracks, colliding with an oncoming train in Adamuz on Sunday evening.

The crash is the worst the country has seen in more than a decade.

Rail network operator Adif said the collision happened at 19:45 local time (18:45

GMT) on Sunday, about an hour after one of the trains left Málaga heading north to Madrid, when it derailed on a straight stretch of track near the city of Córdoba.

The force of the crash pushed the carriages of the second train into an embankment, according to Transport Minister Óscar Puente. He added that most of those killed and injured were in the front carriages of the second train, which was travelling south from Madrid to Huelva.

Rescue teams said the twisted wreckage of the trains made it difficult to recover people trapped inside the carriages.

Sanchez visited the site of the crash with senior officials on Monday afternoon.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the World

Trump says he will “100%” carry out Greenland tariffs threat, as EU vows to protect its interests

US President Donald Trump has vowed to ”100 per cent” follow through on his threat to impose tariffs on European countries who oppose his demand to take control of Greenland.

European allies have rallied around Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark’s Foreign Minister emphasised the US President cannot threaten his way to ownership of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated the UK’s position that the future of Greenland is for ”Greenlanders and for the Danes alone” to decide.

Asked by NBC News if he would use force to seize Greenland, Trump answered: ”No comment”.

On Monday, Trump declined to rule out the use of force and insisted he would press ahead with the threa-

tened tariffs on goods arriving in the US from the UK and seven other NATOallied countries.

The US President said he would charge Britain a 10 per cent tariff ”on any and all goods” sent to the US from February 1, increasing to 25 per cent from June 1, until a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark. Trump said the same would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland – all of whom are members of the defence alliance NATO, which was founded in 1949. (Excerpt from BBC News)

New storm to hit Gaza, piling on suffering for thousands of displaced

Anew storm is forecast to hit Gaza, adding further to the suffering of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in makeshift tents in displacement camps that are already unfit to withstand the harsh winter weather.

Israel’s more than twoyear l war has forced nearly all of Gaza’s two million people from their homes to live in these temporary shelters.

Last week, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that 127,000 of the 135,000 tents in displacement camps have been rendered unusable because of the recent extreme weather.

“The reality on the ground tells a very pain-

ful and grim story,” said Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Gaza City on Monday.

“Hundreds of thousands of displaced families are

Syria tightens grip after Kurdish pullback, says IS prisoners escape

Syrian Government troops tightened their grip across a swathe of northern and eastern territory on Monday after it was abruptly abandoned by Kurdish forces in a dramatic shift that has consolidated President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rule.

A day after the Kurdishled Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once the main US ally in Syria, agreed to quit large areas under a ceasefire, the sides reported new clashes. The Syrian army said ”a number of” Islamic State militants had escaped a prison that had been under SDF control in the eastern city of Shaddadi, accusing the SDF of releasing them.

The SDF said it had lost control of the pri-

son following an attack by Government fighters. The Syrian army denied attacking the jail and said its forces would work to secure the prison and re-arrest the escapees.

The SDF said Shaddadi prison had held thousands of militants. The army did not say how many IS detainees had fled.

The SDF withdrawals mark the biggest change in Syria’s control map since Islamist fighters led by Sharaa toppled President Bashar al-Assad in 2024, tilting the power balance Sharaa’s way after months of deadlock in talks with the SDF over Government demands its forces merge fully with Damascus. (Excerpt from Reuters)

still living in torn tents and roofless homes exposed to the rain and cold, and the freezing nights.”

This suffering is directly caused by Israeli restrictions, said Abu Azzoum, as Israel has not been allowing the “entry of prefabricated mobile housing units and the building materials that are essential for winter protection” or a free flow of desperately needed basic humanitarian aid. Under a United Statesbrokered ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, and which Israel has violated hundreds of times on a near-daily basis, aid deliveries were supposed to be significantly ramped up, with at least 600 trucks a day due to enter Gaza to fulfil the population’s needs. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bulgarian President Radev

resigns amid speculation he will form his own party

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said on Monday he will resign, fuelling speculation that he will form his own political party to run in upcoming parliamentary elections after the previous Government quit last month.

Radev, who was due to hold the largely ceremonial post until January 2027, said he will submit his resignation to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. If approved, he will be replaced by Vice President Iliana Iotova until presidential elections in November.

Radev, who has expressed scepticism about Bulgaria’s recent move to join the euro and has taken Kremlin-friendly positions on the war in Ukraine and on sanctions against Russia,

was elected President in 2016 and again in 2021.

But he has long floated the possibility of forming his own party to bring stability and fight graft in one of the European Union’s poorest and most corrupt countries.

“Today’s political class has betrayed Bulgarians’ hopes,” he said in a speech. ”We need a new public contract.”

Radev’s move to step down, widely expected in the Balkan country, comes amid a years-long political crisis that has Bulgaria heading toward its eighth parliamentary election in four years.

A fragmented parliament has meant that a series of election winners have failed to win majorities or create lasting coalitions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Think before you spend money. Pay attention to the cost of living and seek solutions to lower your overhead. Choose to do the work yourself instead of hiring someone to do something you can handle on your own.

You may gravitate toward personal or professional change, but you must proceed carefully. Find out if there are any regulations or rules to address before you begin a project.

Cautionary measures will help you dodge scammers, users and abusers. Let your intuition, experience and intelligence ward off anyone trying to take advantage of you. Spending time with a loved one is favored.

Your perspective will be out of whack. Hold off on making decisions involving investments, health and legal matters. Bide your time, gather information and search for a simple solution.

You’ll have to juggle your time, money and personal needs wisely to avoid falling behind. Refuse to let anyone monopolize your time by convincing you their journey is more important than yours.

If you feel left out, do something about it. Socializing go better than you expect. The people you encounter will encourage you to explore new possibilities.

Don’t let anger set in when action is required. Let your emotions and intuition to lead the way, and surround yourself with people who make you think and inspire you to follow your creative dreams.

Tie up loose ends and prepare to move on. Venture out into your community, and you’ll discover all sorts of opportunities to better and more efficiently use your skills and experience. You are overdue for a change.

Don’t overlook the obvious. Ignoring what you must do will slow you down, not help you excel. Deal with issues head-on so you can move forward freely. It’s time to use your imagination.

Put more energy behind your ideas, and see what happens. Turn an opportunity into additional income or cut your overhead. Get rid of what you don’t use or refocus your goals to suit your needs.

Start home improvement projects that are conducive to the lifestyle you want to live. Whatever you desire, it’s up to you to make it happen. Reach out and make plans with people you enjoy being around.

An event that takes you to a new location will inspire you. The change to your surroundings will offer insight into how you can improve your day-to-day living. Look into the possibilities and initiate change.

Du Plooy, spinners take Joburg Super Kings into play-offs

Joburg Super Kings

(JSK) snuck into the SA20 play-offs with a 45-run win over Paarl Royals in Boland in the last league match of the competition, and dumped Durban’s Super Giants out in the process.

JSK qualified in fourth place and will play Royals in the Eliminator in Centurion on Thursday. The winner will progress to Qualifier 2 in Johannesburg on Friday.

Qualifier 1 will be played between two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals on Wednesday.

More worrying for Royals than the result of the match is the unavailability of their Captain David Miller, who suffered a lower limb injury scare in the JSK innings; he did not bat. Miller’s situation will also be a concern for South Africa, who begin their T20 World Cup campaign in three weeks’ time in Ahmedabad, India. South Africa are already likely to be without JSK stand-in Captain Donovan Ferreira, who has a fractured shoulder.

On a slow, low wicket, JSK chose to bat first and recovered from 74 for 3 in the 11th over to total 166 for 5. Leus du Plooy’s unbeaten 54 off 27 balls was the highest of the innings. Royals were faring well on 81 for 2 in the 12th over, but lost 7 for 41 to finish

third on the table. Spinners Prenelan Subrayen and Imran Tahir took five wickets for 31 runs in 7.1 overs between them.

New skipper out for a duck, but Timmers and Pepper recover JSK have their third skipper of the season after Faf du Plessis and Donovan Ferreira were both ruled out through injury. James Vince was bowled second ball by left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin as he backed away to cut through the offside. Then, it was up to Neil Timmers and Michael Pepper to recover. Timmers, a 21-year-old left-handed keeper-batter, came into the XI and got his first boundary off 19-yearold Nqobani Mokoena. He went on to collect four fours, sharing a 49-run stand with Pepper for the second wick-

et, and took JSK to 74 for three in the 11th over.

Wiaan Mulder’s poor tournament

Wiaan Mulder started the competition with 43 off 28 balls, but things have not gone well for him since then. That remains his only score over 20 of the tournament so far. Things got no better for him in this match. He was at the crease in the 17th over, which gave him little time to make an impact. His fourth ball went for four, but there was not much else off his bat. Mulder was done in by a Mokoena slower ball and bowled when he swiped across the line, playing the shot too early. He was Mokoena’s only wicket of the night, which took Mokoena to fifth on the bowling charts.

Pretorius gets Paarl off to a solid start

It’s also been a tough competition for last year’s leading run-scorer Lhuandre Pretorius, who has only had one score of substance – his 98* against MI Cape Town (MICT) –so far. But he took control early on, when he hit the fourth ball of the innings through mid-off, off Akeal Hosein. He went on to flick Mulder through midwicket, send Subrayen in the same direction, and hit Nandre Burger through mid-on to end the power play on 43 for 1. Pretorius was dismissed soon after the restrictions were lifted, when he was caught behind off

to leave Royals at 46 for 2 in the

46 and still got it

Age is nothing but a number. If there is one person who embodies it, it’s Tahir. Playing in just his second match of this SA20, and after removing Pretorius for 32, Tahir produced a classic to dismiss Delano Potgieter for

Joburg Super Kings (20 ovs maximum) Neil Timmers † lbw b Sikandar Raza 39

James Vince (c) b Fortuin 0 Michael Pepper c Lawrence b Waqar Salamkheil 27

Matthew de Villiers c Tribe b Waqar Salamkheil 27

Leus du Plooy not out 54

Wiaan Mulder b Mokoena 8 Dian Forrester not out 7

Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 2) 4

Total 20 Ov (RR: 8.30, 94 Mins) 166/5

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (James Vince, 0.3 ov), 2-50 (Michael Pepper, 7.3 ov), 3-74 (Neil Timmers, 10.6 ov), 4-119 (Matthew de Villiers, 16.3 ov), 5-132 (Wiaan Mulder, 17.6 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Bjorn Fortuin 3-0-17-1 Nqobani Mokoena 3-0-28-1

Ottneil Baartman 3-0-27-0 Dan Lawrence 4-0-24-0 Waqar Salamkheil 4-0-42-2 Sikandar Raza 3-0-27-1

Paarl Royals (T: 167 runs from 20 ovs)

Lhuan-dre Pretorius † c

†Timmers b Imran Tahir 32

Asa Tribe b Subrayen 5

1 in the 13th over. Tahir pitched it on middle and leg, kept Potgieter on the back foot and hit him on the back pad. As Tahir did his trademark Siuuu celebration, Potgieter reviewed. However, ball-tracking confirmed that the ball was going on to hit the stumps and Royals were 82 for 4 in the 13th over, needing 85 to win off 47 balls. (ESPNcricinfo)

Dan Lawrence b Hosein 45 Rubin Hermann c du Plooy b Mulder 14 Delano Potgieter lbw b Imran Tahir 1 Sikandar Raza c Mulder b Subrayen 3 Bjorn Fortuin b Burger 6 Nqobani Mokoena c Pepper b Burger 4 Ottneil Baartman not out 6 Waqar Salamkheil

One Guyana Racing Stable to debut Sir London in Florida this weekend

One Guyana Racing Stable

will place international eyes firmly on the Caribbean this Saturday as its Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup entry, Sir London, makes his highly-anticipated debut for the stable on Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream Park, Florida.

The USA-bred runner was acquired last year at the prestigious Fasig-Tipton Sales, on the very same day Master Z Racing Stable secured future Guyana Cup champion Dataman, a purchase that continues to underline the stable’s sharp eye for elite talent. The acquisition forms part of the stable’s ambitious international campaign, as it aims to secure a record second consecutive victory in the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, attempting to go 2-for-2 in the region’s most prestigious race.

Following the purchase, Sir London was immediately sent to Gulfstream Park, where he was placed under the care of champion trainer Saffie Joseph Jr, one of North America’s most accomplished conditioners. Joseph, who has dominated major international

events in recent seasons, has been meticulously preparing the horse, with the Barbados Gold Cup firmly as the primary target.

Before heading to Barbados, however, Sir London will take an important preparatory step this Saturday, lining up in Race 3 Allowance Optional Claiming, Purse US$87,000, 1 mile on the turf, on Pegasus Day, one of the most competitive cards in world racing. The race marks Sir London’s first start for One Guyana Racing Stable and his debut under Joseph’s programme.

Adding further intrigue to the event, the trainer will saddle two other runners in the Pegasus World Cup, including last year’s Pegasus World Cup winner White Abarrio and Grade 1 performer Skippylongstocking, emphasising the elite company surrounding Sir London on one of racing’s grandest stages.

Sir London enters Saturday’s race with an impressive résumé. He currently holds a standing track record at Laurel Park, where he captured an Allowance Optional Claiming

event over one mile on turf in a blistering 1:33.32, a performance that stamped him as a serious international contender.

Speaking ahead of the race, Joseph Jr noted that while the Pegasus Day contest presents a tough assignment following a lengthy layoff, the outing is primarily designed as a building block towards the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup.

“After the break, this is a strong test,” Joseph Jr said. “But it’s about getting him sharp for the bigger picture. He’s been doing everything right in the mornings.”

That confidence is supported by Sir London’s recent training performances.

On January 17, at the Palm Meadows Training Center, the colt breezed five furlongs in 1:00.90, the fastest time of seven horses working at the distance that morning, signalling readiness despite the layoff.

Schools’ Basketball League kicks off with enthusiasm – Cameron

Willon Cameron, the Chairman of the newly-established Schools’ Basketball League, expressed his excitement following a successful opening day on Friday, highlighting the positive atmosphere surrounding the event.

“The first day went really well; first of all, we are grateful to God for the good weather, because it was a beautiful sunny afternoon, ripe for basketball, outdoor basketball, especially. I think the home teams did an excellent job of setting up. I was only able to visit one game, of course, because I am still coaching even though I am the

organiser… the environment was nice and we had a lot of teachers and parents out there supporting their students and kids, which I thought was really good,” Cameron stated.

He also praised the new officials for their performance.

“Our new officials did an excellent job, so kudos to them. It is only day one, but I count that as something. We were able to start on time for the most part and everything ran very smoothly, which is an awesome start,” he

emphasised.

The opening day concluded with the Government Technical Institute (GTI) securing the largest margin of victory, defeating Marian Academy 84-38. Queen’s College also triumphed over St Stanislaus College with a score of 6642, while President’s College narrowly edged out St Rose’s High 47-41 in the closest match. The league will continue this weekend at various courts throughout Georgetown.

DeClou rallies Linden as he readies for Amsterdam clash …Coach Rogers declares, “We’re not looking for a knockout. If it comes, that’s it”

Linden’s national super middleweight champion, Edmond DeClou took advantage on the local television station in Watooka recently, to rally Lindeners to head out and support him when he faces New Amsterdam’s Desmond Amsterdam in the main event of the Pro/Am card being staged by the Caribbean Boxing Organisation (CBO).

The event is set for Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) in Georgetown.

The occasion was a press briefing, which was held by the CBO in conjunction with Bris-O Promotions, both headed by Seon Bristol.

Dexter Patterson from the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) was also present, along with representative from the Bris-O Promotion group, Kesha Sertima; DeClou and his trainer Orlon “Pocket Rocket” Rogers.

Coach Rogers noted, “This is Amsterdam’s second professional fight and DeClou’s 26th to be exact. So, I think we would not take that for granted and go in there saying it’s a walkover, because Amsterdam is always active and busy. We are working out on different

strategies. More timings and be more patient, even though this fight is a six-round fight. We know when to take him deep in the ocean and drown him. We are not going for a knockout, if it comes, that’s it. But we are preparing to fight and be victorious in the end.”

Addressing his preparation, DeClou said, “I am always 100 per cent ready, just to let the public know that Desmond Amsterdam was a really good amateur fighter. I think this would be his second professional fights. I am definitely not taking the guy lightly, having watched him as

an amateur, so at this point I need the support from Linden, because this guy comes to fight, as I have trained with him for five years and he is always ready fighter and not one to play with.

“We have acknowledged the fact of the decline in the sport of boxing, not only in Guyana but within the Caribbean and as we know together we are strong. We have been able to bring promoters together to work with each other, to assist each and every Caribbean territory when it comes to the world of boxing. We are

working together not only to build boxing but our athletes. Studies have shown, [what] participating in sports has done to our youngsters, it assists and helps them when it comes to classroom learning,” the promoter, Bristol later remarked.

The GABA’s Patterson announced that instead of four amateur fights, there would be six while the professional fights now number seven instead of six.

Commenting on the increase in fights as against what was initially the

Once Saturday’s race is complete, Sir London is expected to continue his preparations before being shipped to Barbados after clearing quarantine, where One Guyana Racing Stable will once again aim to etch its name into Caribbean racing history.

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Pegasus Day to see what this talented runner reveals both as a performer on one of the world’s biggest stages and as a major threat for the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup.

What unfolds this Saturday may well be the opening chapter of another historic international campaign for One Guyana Racing Stable.

Boxing Night promotion, Bristol remarked: “From five professional bouts and four for amateur fights, today we now have extended it to seven professional and six amateur bouts, which is the maximum when it comes to a boxing card.”

Looking ahead to sustaining boxing within the region, Bristol proposed, “Out of 10 territories, I am asking these 10 territories to hold at least one promotion per year and that would be 10 shows in the entire year. It would become a hype for our boxers.”

Zadran, Rasooli power Afghanistan to commanding win over West Indies

Afghanistan have taken a 1-0 series lead

On Sunday, Afghanistan beat West Indies at the Under-19 World Cup in Windhoek. On Monday, the senior side followed suit, producing a similarly-clinical performance against West Indies ahead of the T20 World Cup next month.

On a Dubai pitch that assisted the slower bowlers, Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 87 off 56 balls and Darwish Rasooli’s 84 powered Afghanistan to an imposing 181 for 3. Zadran revealed at the innings break that the total was around 20 runs more than what the team had targeted after the power play.

The score proved more than sufficient as West Indies struggled for timing against Afghanistan’s spin attack. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad shared six wickets between them, squeezing the chase and ensuring a comfortable 38run victory.

Zadran and Rasooli dominate Afghanistan found themselves in early trouble after losing two wick-

ets in quick succession. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out off the first ball, beaten by Gukesh Motie’s direct hit as he fell short of

ing a short ball straight to Brandon King, who pulled off a superb one-handed catch at first slip.

When Rasooli joined

his ground at the non-striker’s end. Sediqullah Atal departed soon after, punch-

Zadran, Afghanistan were 19 for 2. The pair, however, settled quickly and

went blow for blow through the middle overs. Zadran brought up his fourth consecutive T20 International (T20I) half-century, scoring largely with a straight bat to anything full and on the stumps, and using the pace on the ball to swing cleanly through the line.

Rasooli, by contrast, was more industrious, favouring cross-batted strokes to keep the scoreboard moving. He took a particular liking to Khary Pierre, striking him for 4, 6 and 4 in the 15th over to swing momentum back Afghanistan’s way after the pair had gone 18 deliveries without a boundary.

The duo put up a 162-run partnership for the third wicket to lift Afghanistan to a competitive total.

Bad luck, worse catching for West Indies

The pair was helped by a sequence of eight balls that saw three drops in the outfield during the 18th and 19th over. Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph both were employing slower balls and cutters to great effect, but luck was not on their side. First, Motie dropped a sitter at long-on off Rasooli; in the same over, Evin Lewis ran in from deep midwicket to drop Zadran. Soon after, Zadran was dropped once again by Shimron Hetmyer at long-off.

By the time Rasooli had finally holed out going for a pull off the last ball of the innings, the pair had piled on their 162-run partnership in the space of 17.4 overs.

Ziaur Rahman has the last laugh on expensive day

Mujeeb ur Rahman had already spun one through King’s bat and pad in the opening over of the chase, signalling how useful accurate spin would be on the surface. West Indies were

22 for 1 at the end of the fourth over, but threatened to break free when Ziaur was introduced; 16 runs were taken off his first four deliveries, making use of width as well as height to free the arms.

Off the fifth ball, Ziaur got the ball to rise at Lewis off middle stump. The topedge was skied to Rasooli. He would return in the 15th over, despite giving 23 off his first two overs, to take out Quentin Sampson (30) and kill the chase.

By the time he bowled the final over, West Indies had been reduced to 139 for 8. He trapped Pierre lbw plumb in front of the wicket, and completed his spell with figures of 3 for 36.

Rashid Khan, West Indies can’t

The most impactful bowler of the night, however, was introduced right after the power play. With the field spread, Rashid opted for a tight line outside off. He had Hetmyer

aaa

Afghanistan (20 ovs maximum)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz †run out

(Motie) 0

Ibrahim Zadran not out 87

Sediqullah Atal c King b Seales 2

Darwish Rasooli c Hetmyer b Forde 84

Extras (w 8) 8

Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.05) 181/3

Fall of wickets: 1-0

(Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 0.1 ov), 2-19 (Sediqullah Atal, 2.2 ov), 3-181 (Darwish Rasooli, 19.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Jayden Seales 4-0-30-1

Matthew Forde 4-0-51-1

Khary Pierre 4-0-42-0

Shamar Joseph 4-0-40-0

Gudakesh Motie 4-0-18-0

West Indies (T: 182 runs from 20 ovs)

Brandon King (c) b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 44

Evin Lewis c Darwish Rasooli b Ziaur Rahman 4

Johnson Charles † lbw b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 27

Amir Jangoo lbw b Rashid Khan 3

Shimron Hetmyer c Darwish

Rasooli b Rashid Khan 3

dismissed off a slog sweep. Rashid’s quick trajectory through the air ensured –with this ball, and the rest of his spell – that no one could get under him for the big hits. Amir Jangoo fell victim to another sweep in his next over, the ball skidding through to hit his pads. He bowled 15 dots during his spell, giving away just 19 runs for his two wickets. Twelve of those runs came off Sampson’s bat in the 14th over: a six straight over his head, then another one pulled over deep midwicket. It was the highlight of Sampson’s power-hitting on T20I debut. By then, however, West Indies still needed 89 off the final six overs. They never got close, with Afghanistan cramping the batters by bowling on the stumps and taking pace off the ball. Once Sampson fell in the next over – leaving them on 95 for 6 – the lower order was left with too much to do. (ESPNcricinfo)

Quentin Sampson c † Rahmanullah Gurbaz b Ziaur Rahman 30

Matthew Forde c Darwish

Rasooli b Noor Ahmad 25

Gudakesh Motie b Noor

Ahmad 28

Khary Pierre lbw b Ziaur

Rahman 3

Shamar Joseph not out 4

Jayden Seales not out 3

Extras (lb 2, w 7) 9

Total 20 Ov (RR:7.15) 143/9

Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Brandon King, 0.4 ov), 2-38 (Evin Lewis, 4.5 ov), 3-42 (Johnson Charles, 5.2 ov), 4-47 (Shimron

Trinidad & Tobago spin attack crush Guyana in T20 Blaze

Adominant spin per-

formance followed by a composed batting effort propelled Trinidad and Tobago Women to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Guyana Women in Match 11 of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) T20 Blaze at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Trinidad and Tobago made immediate inroads into the Guyana batting line-up, which struggled throughout the innings and was eventually dismissed for a meagre 57 in 17 overs. The Guyanese batters failed to cope with an all-spin attack and showed little application as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Realeanna Grimmond top-scored with 14, while Latoya Williams and Laurene Williams chipped in with 10 runs each, but none of the batters managed to build a meaningful

partnership. T&T leg-spinner Shriya Jairam was the chief destroyer, ripping through the middle order to claim impressive figures of 4 for 11. She was well supported by the off-spin duo of

Samara Ramnath and veteran Anisa Mohammed, who shared five wickets between them to leave Guyana in tatters.

Chasing a modest target of 58, Trinidad and

Tobago stumbled early when Plaffiana Millington removed Shunelle Sawh for a duck in the opening over. The next over brought further success for Guyana as Sheneta Grimmond dis-

missed the aggressive Lee Ann Kirby for a fourth-ball duck, caught at long-on.

However, any hopes of a dramatic turnaround were quickly extinguished by a steady 56-run partnership

between Britney Cooper and Djenaba Joseph. Cooper led the recovery with a welljudged 29 off 36 balls, striking two fours and a six, while Joseph provided solid support with 27 from 37 deliveries.

The pair guided Trinidad and Tobago to 58 for 2 in 13.2 overs, comfortably sealing victory and reinforcing their strong showing in the tournament. The win underlined Trinidad and Tobago s depth in spin bowling and their ability to remain calm under pressure, while Guyana will be searching for answers after another disappointing batting performance.

The loss leaves Guyana with much to reflect on as they prepare for their final round-robin match of the tournament. Guyana Women will take on Barbados Women on January 21, 2026, at 14:30h in their last round-robin encounter.

13 bouts confirmed for Saturday’s Caribbean Boxing Showdown

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) will come alive this Saturday, January 24 when the Caribbean Boxing Organisation (CBO) and Bris-O Promotions join forces for the Caribbean Boxing Showdown, an entertaining night of boxing featuring several stars from around the region.

The squared circle at the Homestretch Avenue venue is set to host 13 bouts; six of which will be amateur fights through collaboration with the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) while the remaining seven will feature professional pugilists.

During a press briefing at the same venue on Monday afternoon, CBO President Seon Bristol outlined some objectives and expectations for Saturday’s event.

“We are setting a standard when it comes to staging boxing in and around the Caribbean. We are creating a blueprint from fighters’ contracts, to security, to the finesse of comfort and style. We like to compare ourselves with others, but we’re gonna have others compare themselves to us, they’re gonna want to be like us. When we hear Don King promotions, Caesar’s Palace, etc,

we look for glamour; we’re going to have it right here. Our objective here is to bring out the best that we have,” Bristol declared.

Bris-O Promotions’ Kesha Sertima later shed some light on what to expect from the professional bouts.

“The first one will be Desmond Amsterdam vs Edmond DeClou, that will be a fight to look for ‘cause we will have a Lindener versus someone from New Amsterdam,” Sertima said, hyping up the night’s headline clash.

Vowing that the amateur boxers will give of their best, GBA Technical Director Elton Chase also promised a good showing in that category.

Chase weighed in, “The amateur section of this card is going to be filled with excitement. We have our own Abiola Jackman and she’s coming up against a Trinidadian, who she fought on the last occasion and won. So, that match, based on reports, is going to be very exciting. We have some of the amateurs who are moving up, in terms of being exposed internationally; we have

fighters from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago who will be matching skills with our own local boxers and I know for sure, those boxers are going to be at their best and our local boxers are going to give of their best.

“So, fans can look forward to six exciting amateur bouts on the night’s card,” the GBA Technical Director promised.

General admission to Saturday’s Pro/Am card is set at $2500, while ringside seats will cost $5000.

The professional card will feature:

Desmond Amsterdam (Guyana) v Edmond DeClou (Guyana) – 6 rounds

Quincy Gomes (Guyana)

v Charles Cox (Barbados) –6 rounds

Rasheed Williams (Bahamas) v Nico Yeo (Jamaica) – 8 rounds

Terrence Adams (Guyana) v Samuel Green (Suriname) – 4 rounds

Joel Williamson (Guyana) v Damar Haslam (Jamaica) – 4 rounds

Delon Charles (Guyana) v Jamal Eastman (Guyana) – 4 rounds

Mitchell Wielson (Suriname) v Tyreece Taitt (Barbados) – 4 rounds

The amateur card will feature:

Abiola Jackman (Guyana) v Angel George (Trinidad and Tobago) at 90-plus kgs

Shakquain James of (Guyana) v Ossis Prince (Guyana) at 71kg

Roopesh Balgobin (Guyana) v Junior Madray (Guyana) at 40kg

Travis Inverary (Guyana) v Mordino Massie (Suriname) at 72.5kg

Jofes Jackman (Guyana) VS Chivoro Blackson (Suriname) at 76kg

Ken Harvey (Guyana) v Zahir Timpico (Suriname) at 56kg