Guyana Times - Tuesday, March 24, 2026

...says Guyana must create new infrastructure

Govt unveils $178.6M 19-volume law revision, law reports

State prepared for legal battle at CCJ – AG assures as Mohameds make another attempt to halt US extradition

Venezuelan national takes full responsibility for deadly gas station bombing

– brings Guyana’s revised laws to completion – claims others charged played no role in attack

Black Belly Sheep population surpasses 3000 as Govt pushes to cut mutton imports

Mon Repos man busted with cocaine, ganja gets 8 years, $12.8M fine

Corentyne fisherman feared dead after falling overboard near Orealla

Cricket match killing: Accused walks free as Judge cites shared blame

US, UK working with Guyana to strengthen anti-corruption, accountability efforts

Legal profession “not ordinary” – AG urges new lawyers to uphold justice over profit

MARCH

BRIDGE OPENING

MARCH 24, 2026

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, March 24 –07:20h-08:50h and Wednesday, March 25 – 08:20h-09:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

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

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

High Tide: 07:59h and 20:40h reaching maximum heights of 2.55 and 2.59 metres.

Low Tide: 14:08h reaching a minimum height of 0.70 metre.

National Payment System to be fully operational in 6 months – President Ali

...says Guyana must create new infrastructure

resident Dr Irfaan Ali

Pon Monday announced that in the next six months, Guyana will be in a position to launch the National Payment Platform.

The Head of State was at the time addressing the gathering at the opening of Demerara Bank’s Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) branch, where he stated that he has instructed the governor of the central bank, Dr Gobind Ganga, to make the platform operational.

“We must have access to digital wallets at a national level and on an international scale... I know in the next 4-6 weeks, Demerara Bank will be launching their own digital wallets for customers,” Ali added, while noting that Guyana now has to create a whole new infrastructure where the cashiers and cash registers in businesses are now equipped with the technology to accept payments by swiping your phone.

This infrastructure is necessary, he added, because that is where the country is heading in the future. He further noted that Guyanese must not take for granted this era of development.

As such, he congratulated the board of directors of Demerara Bank for their bold, innovative steps that drove the financial institution’s success, especially in technology.

The expansion taking place in our financial sector is not by accident but rather by the type of policies that the government is pursuing and by a government that is creating an enabling environment for development and advancement.

He made reference to the tens of thousands of new houselots along the East Coast Demerara corridor, hundreds of new commercial buildings, an entirely new commercial zone at Enmore, and other facilities, including hotels, which require financial services.

“In the last nine months, electronically, Demerara Bank has been able to process more than 50,000 new accounts... in the last six months, they would have conducted more than $50 billion

in transactions electronically.”

Back in February, while addressing the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Dr. Ali stated that Central Bank had completed the

was part of broader financial sector reforms aimed at ensuring the economy operates on a digital backbone, while also promoting financial and technological inclusion.

Further, Dr Ganga in earlier this month related that all local banks are current-

building out the national payment platform and that two local banks were ready to go completely on the digital platform.

He added that this shift

ly working on completing the national payment platform to ensure a glitch-free rollout when the 24-hour inter-linked banking service is ready in a few months.

“All of the banks are at various stages. With this, you will be able to transfer or receive funds from someone who has an account from any of the banks [in Guyana]. Simply put, if you are an account holder of X bank, you will be able to pay or receive from someone at Y bank,” Dr. Ganga had told the Stabroek News.

He further related that the that what the regulator and manager of the platform wants is to ensure a glitchfree process before the system is launched because there cannot be any room for error.

“You can’t make a mistake when implementing a payment system… it is that sensitive,” he said while explaining that security, reliability, and efficiency, are integral to getting users onboard. The National Payment System is a US$6 million Project which will enhance safety and efficiency of payments.

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Global HIV response

The horrific head of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has raised its head globally and closer to home. As of late 2024, approximately 11,000 people are living with HIV in Guyana, with at least 449 new infections recorded in 2024, a rise health officials labelled concerning.

On this note, Minister of Health and Chair of the PANCAP Executive Board and Caricom COHSOD (Health), Dr Frank Anthony has cautioned that the region continues to face critical challenges, with approximately 15,000 new HIV infections recorded annually.

This, he noted, is prevalent among young people, who remain the most affected group, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. He, nevertheless, stated that significant progress was made over the past decade, noting that AIDS-related deaths have declined by more than 60 per cent since 2010.

This achievement, he emphasised, reflects the sustained efforts of healthcare workers, program managers, and regional partners who have led the response with dedication and resilience.

He, however, added that while the Caribbean now has access to unprecedented tools, including expanded testing, treatment, and innovative prevention methods, there must be a stronger focus on increasing access, strengthening prevention strategies, and ensuring sustainable financing.

But, as HIV cases increase in Guyana, it is disappointing that a generation exposed to up-to-date information a generation that has more education, more access to knowledge, and better health care has fallen prey to this dreaded monster of a disease.

There is no doubt, and local records will show that hundreds of millions were spent educating young people about HIV and teaching them skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, critical thinking, decision-making, and communication to improve their self-confidence and ability to make informed choices. Sexual activity begins in adolescence for the majority of people.

According to a UN report on young people and HIV/AIDS, in many countries, unmarried girls and boys are sexually active before the age of 15. According to a released report, data provided reveals that donor funding to fight HIV/AIDS has declined to its lowest levels since 2010, with international donor contributions continuing to drop.

Further, a 2025 UNAIDS report shows that at the end of 2024 just before a sudden collapse in funding triggered a crisis in the global AIDS response the remarkable efforts of communities and Governments had brought down the numbers of new HIV infections by 40 per cent and of AIDS-related deaths by 56 per cent since 2010. But it also shows that huge gaps in HIV prevention remained, with 1.3 million new infections in 2024 almost unchanged from the year before.

The sudden withdrawal of the single biggest contributor to the global HIV response disrupted treatment and prevention programmes around the world in early 2025. International assistance accounts for 80 per cent of prevention programmes in low- and middle-income countries. UNAIDS modelling shows that if the funding permanently disappears, there could be an additional six million HIV infections and an additional four million AIDS-related deaths by 2029.

At the same time, the number of countries criminalising the populations most at risk of HIV has risen for the first time since UNAIDS began reporting.

At the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, nations embraced calls for debt relief, international tax cooperation, and reform of international financial institutions the first steps towards a new economic settlement that can give countries the fiscal space needed to invest in the global HIV response.

Twenty-five of the 60 low- and middle-income countries included in this report have found ways to increase HIV spending from domestic resources into 2026. This is the future of the HIV response nationally owned and led, sustainable, inclusive, and multisectoral. This transformation cannot happen overnight, however.

Global solidarity and renewed commitment from funding partners will be needed as countries plan and lead sustainable transitions towards self-financing. UNAIDS estimates that if the world embraces new technologies, efficiencies, and approaches, the annual cost of the HIV response could fall by around US$7 billion.

The AIDS response may be in crisis, but we have the power to transform. Communities, Governments, and the United Nations are rising to the challenge.

Why the oil and gas price shock from the Iran war won’t just fade away

…rerouting and diversification cannot help when a significant chunk of oil and gas have been taken off the market

By Nikolay kozhaNov

The US-Israeli war on Iran will have a profound impact on the global energy markets. It has already sent the price of the benchmark Brent crude oil soaring to nearly US$120 per barrel, close to its highest point of US$147 recorded in July 2008.

In 2022, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Brent crude also spiked, reaching US$139 per barrel in March, before stabilising at roughly pre-war rates the following year. The price of natural gas also registered a peak in 2022, and so it has this month, as a result of the attacks on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Some may point to the energy shock of the RussiaUkraine war and argue that the Iran war will follow the same pattern: a temporary shock and eventual market normalisation. But that is unlikely to be the case. Yes, oil and gas prices will eventually stabilise, but that would come at a much higher economic cost for the region and the world.

A chokepoint and no alternatives

The 2022 energy shock was primarily driven by the sanctions and price caps that European countries and the United States imposed on Russia. This pushed large volumes of oil into alterna-

tive trade routes and cut off most of the Russian pipeline gas supply to Europe. This resulted in the rerouting of oil and gas flows and the coordinated release of oil reserves to mitigate price spikes.

The war and the sanctions, however, did not change Russia’s position in the global market: it remained one of the largest oil and gas producers. It continued to sell its hydrocarbons internationally, including to European countries, albeit through intermediaries.

By contrast, the 2026 US–Iran war has resulted in a physical chokepoint, taking offline part of the supply of oil and gas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tanker traffic disruptions have forced Gulf producers to curtail output as they have run out of storage capacity.

In addition, Iranian strikes on gas and oil infrastructure have resulted in some damage and the shutdown of many facilities as a precaution. These infrastructure attacks have amplified uncertainty, increasing risk premiums, and removing some production capacity from the market.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) assesses that the current episode is the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, with flows through Hormuz collapsing from 20 million barrels per day to a

trickle and Gulf production cuts of at least 10 million barrels per day.

In 2022, the release of 180 million barrels of oil helped manage the energy price shock as it somewhat alleviated fears of shortages. However, this month’s decision by the IEA to release 400 million barrels of oil is unlikely to have the same effect because it is not addressing the root problem: the physical outage.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of the reserve release is constrained by logistics. Strategic petroleum reserves are predominantly located in the US, Europe, Japan, and South Korea, where they are stored in inland facilities. Moving this oil to the areas most affected by shortages, namely Asian import markets and, to a lesser extent, Europe, requires time, shipping capacity, and secure maritime routes. In the current context, with the constrained tanker availability, simply releasing oil from storage does not guarantee its timely delivery to end users. Rerouting will also not help. Alternative pipeline routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz in Saudi Arabia and Iraq provide only 3.55.5 million barrels per day of spare capacity.

The natural gas market faces a similar crisis. On a yearly basis, 112 billion cubic metres (bcm) of liquefied nat-

ural gas (LNG) or 20 per cent of global LNG trade, normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz. This has now been cut off.

The alternatives are limited. There is the Dolphin pipeline, which runs from Qatar through the United Arab Emirates and to Oman and transports 20-22 bcm a year. The pipeline itself does not have much extra capacity to take on more gas, and Oman’s LNG terminals, where gas is liquified, also cannot accommodate an increased flow.

The global LNG market is even tighter than oil, and there is no spare production capacity to satisfy global demand. Most existing facilities are already running at high utilisation rates, and short-term supply flexibility is limited. The expansion of LNG production would take time and cannot compensate for the immediate shortages.

What awaits us in the long run?

In 2022, the RussiaUkraine war demonstrated that the global energy system had the capacity to absorb price shocks through rerouting, substitution, and policy intervention. In 2026, the US-Israeli war on Iran exposed a fundamental vulnerability: the physical concentration of hydrocarbon flows in critical chokepoints, which cannot be compensated for when a closure occurs.

State prepared for legal battle at CCJ – AG assures as Mohameds make another attempt to halt US extradition

Attorney General Anil

Nandlall has signalled that the State is prepared to fully contest the Mohameds’ latest legal move at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), as the businessmen seek to challenge rulings that cleared the way for their extradition.

At the time, he was speaking with another section of the media.

“I have received the documents filed by the Mohameds in which they are seeking special leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal of Guyana at the Caribbean Court of Justice… Needless to say, the Attorney General, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the, well, I can’t speak for the Magistrate, but definitely we will be defending the case at the Caribbean Court of Justice,” Nandlall said.

He explained that while the applicants have the right to approach the CCJ directly for special leave, there are legal thresholds that must first be satisfied.

“They have followed a dif-

ferent route, which is to get leave of the CCJ itself to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal… there are requirements that have to be satisfied. There is a threshold that has to be met. Let us hope they have met that threshold, or they will meet that threshold,” he added.

Nandlall also underscored the strength of the previous ruling, noting: “The Court of Appeal unanimously made a particular pronouncement and the pronouncement was that the appeal has absolutely no merit… You get leave

to appeal if your appeal has some merit or some prospect of success.”

His comments come as businessmen Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed formally move their legal battle to the CCJ in a move to halt the ongoing extradition proceedings against them currently being heard before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

According to official documents filed with the regional court, the matter, stemming from an appeal to the Court of Appeal of Guyana, has now been listed for a Case Management Conference, signaling the latest escalation in the high-profile case.

The notice, dated March 23, 2026, confirms that the CCJ will convene a virtual case management hearing on Wednesday, March 25, at 10:00h. During that session, attorneys on both sides are expected to assist the court in setting directions for how the matter will proceed under its appellate rules.

The Mohameds are the applicants in the case, which

names Oneidge Walrond, the Minister of Home Affairs, along with the Attorney General and Magistrate Judy Latchman as respondents.

Legal teams representing both sides are also expected to appear at the conference, including Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein and Roysdale Forde for the applicants, as well as Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, who is listed among attorneys for the Minister of Home Affairs.

The CCJ made it clear in its notice that failure by any

Disappointing for performing arts

Dear Editor, On Sunday, March 22, 2026), I attended an absolutely magnificent performance presented by the National Drama Company (NDC) of the National School of Theatre, Arts and Drama promoted as “Musings of a Poet IV”, described as an “evening of wine and theatre”.

The top floor of the National Cultural Centre, usually used for the purpose of holding receptions for stage performances, was converted into a small stage for a seated audience, the intended and successful purpose was to create an intimate setting, bringing the audience closeup to the actors.

“Musings of a Poet IV”, in my view, was misleading as a description of what I was privileged to witness. This was not actors reciting poetry, anything but. The Executive Director,

Al Creighton Jr., describes the show as “a unique form of theatre performance”. It was most certainly that.

The poems, conceived and written by the performers themselves, were presented in drama, music, song, dance, intriguing set designs and theatre in all its forms, by the very best of our artists, many young and some not so young, but each one quite brilliant.

Though presented as “Musings of a Poet IV”, what I saw and immensely enjoyed, was storytelling in poetry, dramatically expressing the thoughts, the emotions, the joy, the anger, the frustrations and the disappointments of ordinary people living everyday ordinary lives but displayed with extraordinary force and fire.

These were stories in verse about “life in de country”, about being born into poverty

and asking why and who is to blame, about blasphemy, about having an opinion and not being afraid to express it, about amnesia, not knowing who I am but knowing what I am, about the death of masquerade, about sin and about games we shouldn’t play. In the Director’s Mark Luke-Edwards’ words “a theatrical experience that represents an intriguing journey fueled by a roller coaster of emotions morphed into a spectacle.”

Credit for this truly tremendous show must also go to the Confucius Institute of UG, whom Al Creighton Jnr. incorporated into the performance.

It is not my practice nor my profession as a writer, to write about theatre, even though I am married to a Theatre Producer of no ordinary means. I, however, decided to write this letter, not only because the

exceptional performance deserves public recognition, but, sadly, because it was not recognized nor attended at the level it should have been by the leadership of our country, both in government and in the opposition.

An entire front row of chairs was reserved for Ministers and VIPs. None came. This was extremely disappointing to me, most especially, now that our President himself has embraced Guyana the “Orange Economy”.

What I and all those who were there last Sunday night were privileged to attend, was a performance on stage by all who were involved, worthy of a Hollywood Oscar and a New York Broadway Venue.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Why the oil and gas price shock...

Unlike sanctions-driven disruptions, a sustained blocking of the Strait of Hormuz obstructs not only trade routes, but the very ability of producers to export, pushing markets beyond adjustment mechanisms into forced demand destruction and structural reconfiguration.

In other words, the longer the war continues and the longer the free transit through the strait remains disrupted, the longer the prices of oil and gas will remain high. Tools used in 2022 – such as diversification

and rerouting – will not work to calm the markets.

Persistent high prices will force consumers and industries to curb their consumption. Energy-intensive industries such as petrochemicals, fertilisers, aluminium, steel, and cement are likely to face the most immediate pressure, as raw materials and fuel costs rise sharply.

The transportation sector will also be affected, though with different dynamics. Higher oil prices translate into increased fuel costs for avia-

tion, shipping, and road transport, as well as raising freight rates and ticket prices.

While demand in these sectors is relatively inelastic in the short term, sustained high prices will eventually reduce mobility, shift consumption patterns, and accelerate efficiency measures. At the household level, higher energy costs will reduce disposable income, leading to indirect consumption contraction across the broader economy.

For the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, this will

FROM PAGE 4

not be merely a market shock but an existential challenge to their role as reliable suppliers, as export disruptions, infrastructure vulnerability, and rising security costs undermine both volumes and credibility.

For the rest of the world, this would mean slower economic growth. The only way to avoid grave economic consequences is to end the war as soon as possible. (Al Jazeera) Nikolay Kozhanov is a research associate professor at the Gulf Studies Center of Qatar University

party to participate in the hearing will not prevent the court from issuing directions, warning that orders could be made in their absence.

This latest move represents a continuation of the Mohameds’ legal efforts to block their extradition, with the matter now entering the region’s highest appellate court after being ventilated in the local courts.

The upcoming case management hearing is expected to determine key procedural steps, including timelines and how the substantive issues raised in the appeal will be addressed.

The outcome of the CCJ proceedings could prove critical in deciding whether the extradition process moves forward or is further delayed, as the legal battle intensifies at the highest judicial level.

The move to the CCJ comes on the heels of an unsuccessful attempt by the businessmen

to secure relief at the Court of Appeal, which declined to halt the extradition proceedings currently ongoing before the Magistrates’ Court.

That ruling followed an earlier High Court decision which upheld the “Authority to Proceed” issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, clearing the way for the extradition case to advance locally.

The extradition request originates from the United States, where the father and son are wanted in connection with a series of serious financial crimes. U.S. authorities have alleged that the pair were involved in offences including money laundering, wire fraud, tax evasion, and bribery, reportedly linked to large-scale gold exports and the evasion of significant revenues. Local authorities acted on the request in October 2025, when the businessmen were arrested, triggering the start of extradition proceedings in Guyana. Since then, the Mohameds have mounted a series of legal challenges, arguing against the legality of the process and seeking to prevent their surrender to U.S. authorities.

Despite those efforts, the matter has continued to progress through the courts, with both the High Court and the Court of Appeal refusing to block the proceedings, setting the stage for the current appeal before the CCJ.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026

Page Foundation

NGSA Questions

1) Which Venn diagram represents the union of two sets?

2) Which number is both the smallest prime and a prime factor?

By Christina rossetti

Supplies

Watercolours in the colours of the rainbow Paint brushes

Canvas Comb

Directions

Step 1: To create Rainbow Comb Painting: Pour a small amount of each paint colour onto canvas, overlapping slightly.

Step 2: Drag comb through paint to create desired pattern. Dry 1–2 hours. (Adapted from Crayola.com)

Brown and furry Caterpillar in a hurry, Take your walk To the shady leaf, or stalk, Or what not, Which may be the chosen spot. No toad spy you, Hovering bird of prey pass by you; Spin and die, To live again a butterfly.

Govt unveils $178.6M 19-volume law revision, law reports

– brings Guyana’s revised laws to completion

After years of conscientious work reviewing and updating legislation, the Government of Guyana has officially launched the Revised Laws of Guyana (as of December 31, 2022), along with the Law Reports of Guyana covering the period 2008 to 2021.

The official unveiling of the iconic red-bound law volumes. took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Monday. Delivering remarks, Attorney General Anil Nandlall disclosed that

Venezuelan national takes full responsibility for deadly gas station bombing

– claims others charged played no role in attack – court to consult DPP before proceeding

Proceedings in the high-profile gas station bombing case took an unexpected twist on Monday when Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, the prime suspect in the deadly gas station bombing back in October 2025, told the court that he is prepared to accept full responsibility for the attack, while insisting that others charged in the matter had no involvement.

The development unfolded at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, just as paper committal proceedings were set to begin before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.

A paper committal is a criminal procedure where a magistrate determines if there is sufficient evidence to send an accused person to trial based solely on written witness statements and documents, rather than oral testimony. It replaces traditional preliminary inquiries to save time, reduce case backlogs, and decrease the burden on witnesses.

The accused, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, a Venezuelan national, is jointly charged with Alexander Bettencourt, Johnny Boodram, and Krystal LaCruz before the Georgetown court. Meanwhile, Wayne Corriea, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Jennifer Rodriguez are fac-

ing related charges at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court.

During the hearing, defence attorney Shellon Boyce told the court that her client had made significant disclosures during recent consultations. This prompted the magistrate to directly question the accused on whether he intended to cooperate with the court.

Through an interpreter, Poedemo indicated that he was willing to admit to the offence and stated that none of the other individuals charged in connection with the matter played any role in the incident. According to the interpretation presented in court, he claimed he acted alone after receiving materials from an unidentified individual, which he then used to carry out the act.

He further expressed a desire for the matter to be concluded swiftly, noting that several of the persons currently before the court are innocent and should not remain implicated. In light of the new claims, Magistrate McGusty indicated that the prosecutor would have to consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before the matter could proceed.

Prosecutor Mandel Moore told the court he would require a formal proposal from Boyce to present to the DPP’s chambers, not-

ing that the process could take approximately two weeks. As such, Magistrate McGusty adjourned the matter to April 20 for a report.

The case stems from

the October 2025 explosion at the Mobil Service Station, which resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne. The incident, which shocked the nation, reportedly involved an explosive device being placed at the location before detonating.

Investigators had previously relied on surveillance footage that allegedly showed the accused at the scene placing the device and leaving shortly before the explosion. Despite months of investigation, a clear motive for the attack has not yet been established.

upon the government’s return to office in 2020, he immediately saw the need to restart the law revision process. He noted that Dr. Irfaan Ali granted prompt approval to move forward with the initiative.

He further explained that financial support was secured through the “Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean – IMPACT Justice Project,” funded by the Canadian government. In this regard, he reached out to Regional Director of the IMPACT, Professor Velma Newton and successfully obtained approximately US$350,000 to advance the project up to December 2021, especially as several significant pieces of legislation were enacted during 2022.

Turning to the continuation of the exercise, he noted that the initiative maintained strong support from the administration, with additional approval granted by the President and Cabinet to extend the project to the end of 2022 at a cost of US$100,000.

He further explained that in 2024, the project was expanded to include subsidiary legislation, with approximately 325 such pieces reviewed and incorporated into the revision process.

Funding for this component amounted to US$130,000, also provided by the Government of Guyana. Additionally, the printing of the Revised Laws was financed at a cost of $178,640,000, resulting in 200 complete sets of the 19-volume collection—commonly referred to as the red volumes.

According to him, this achievement was not the result of a single effort but rather a collaborative undertaking involving multiple contributors.

“The large vision process involved the staff of the Attorney General’s Chambers providing electronic files of the last revised edition of the Laws of Guyana and the gazetted publications of the Laws of

Guyana for the period 2012 to 2020 and 2022.”

He also highlighted that the Law Revision Centre of Anguilla played a critical role in the technical execution of the project, including data capture, formatting, electronic consolidation, revision, and proofreading.

The Law Reports of Guyana (2008–2021)

Turning his attention to the Law Reports of Guyana (2008–2021), Nandlall stated that, similar to the revised laws initiative, he once again approached Head of state Dr. Irfaan Ali for support and authorization to resume publication. He noted that approval was granted without hesitation, and he was instructed to proceed.

Law reporting involves recording and publishing judicial decisions made by courts, providing a record of these decisions along with summaries of relevant facts and legal principles considered in each case. Its purpose is to guide future legal proceedings and promote consistency, predictability, and fairness in the administration of justice.

He noted that the Government of Ireland fully funded this project, including the printing of 750 sets of the 14-volume Law Reports, and that the project was extended to 2021 to ensure comprehensive coverage.

“The Government of Ireland funded this project in its entirety at a cost of $92,085,000, including the printing of 750 sets of 14 volumes of the Law Reports. We deliberately extended the project to 2021 so that we could include all relevant cases in the reports.”

According to Nandlall, the goal is for the Attorney General’s Chambers to be fully equipped with the legal and technical capacity to sustain continuous law revision and law reporting.

“The goal is for the Attorney General’s Chambers to be fully equipped with legal and technical capacity so that continuous law revision and law reporting can be realized. Several lawyers in the chambers have received training in law revision and consolidation by the Regional Law Revision Centre in Anguilla. The Law Revision Unit, of which I am the chair, will preside over this exercise. With respect to our reporting, Professor Velma Newton has already begun training several state counsels in the chambers in preparing cases for the next set of Law Reports. This exercise will continue.”

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Guyana,

he extended profound gratitude to the many individuals whose dedicated and skilled contributions made the projects possible, noting that their unflinching efforts were instrumental in bringing the initiatives to completion.

While acknowledging that it would be impossible to name everyone, he singled out Professor Velma Newton for special recognition, emphasizing that a significant portion of the work was undertaken by her. He highlighted her energy, diligence, and perseverance, describing her contribution as nothing short of phenomenal.

Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali urges the Attorney General to convene a broad presentation involving all sectors of society, including the private sector and other key stakeholders impacted by the process.

“I would like the AG to do is to have a presentation with all of society, the private sector, and everyone who is affected and part of this process, in which we clearly outline how the laws, how this new version, how it is linked to everyday life, how it addresses these issues and challenges, how it addresses some of the things that we are going to be doing as a government, as a country, moving to digitization, moving to electronic form of governance.”

He emphasized that no society can function or endure without laws, noting that in the absence of rules to restrain power, authority becomes unchecked. He expressed concern about individuals who believe they are entitled to exploit access and abuse systems, stressing that such behavior would not be tolerated in other jurisdictions. He added that, based on his own inquiries, such actions would be unacceptable in places like the United States or elsewhere.

“A society without laws cannot endure. Without rules to restrain power, authority becomes unchecked. Without legal protections, the weak are left exposed. In such a condition, order collapses, justice disappears, and society descends into chaos.”

Latest on… …Iran War

It’s been rather quiet over the weekend on our domestic political opposition front – which usually provides most of the grist for your Eyewitness’ mill in this column!! He rather hopes it’s because Eid was celebrated on Saturday! And after their month of fasting – or being respectful of those fasting and reflecting on sacrifice - were feasting and handing out help to the needy!! He’s pretty sure about the feasting part while harbouring trenchant doubts about handing out Zakat!!

Then again, it’s possible they were transfixed by what’s going on in Iran and the Straits of Hormuz. The blockage of shipping by the Iranians has been good for us at the moment!! With the increased oil prices pouring so much extra revenues into Exxon’s coffers they predict they’ll be paying off their fixed up-front expenses this year!! We’ll THEN finally be getting a REAL 50% of the profits since they wouldn’t be taking off 75% off the top before splitting the measly remaining 25% with us!! But again, your Eyewitness doubts our opposition worthies will be celebrating the PPP government getting such a boost in revenues to accelerate their development programs!! How do you keep them down on the (opposition) farm once they’ve seen the bright lights of the (PPP) city?!!

So, your Eyewitness had to keep his eyes on foreign developments as they impact on us. Over in Iran, unlike most of the Arabian Middle East they’d celebrated Eid on Saturday rather than Friday. And Pres Trump chose the occasion to deliver a 48-hour ultimatum to the new Iranian leadership – free up shipping in the Straits of Hormuz or the US would bomb Iran’s energy infrastructure and paralyse their economy in literal darkness!!

The Iranians, however, had other ideas. Between bouts of their Eid celebration, they intensified their bombing of Israel and other US targets in the surrounding gulf States!! Their supersonic ballistic missile was able to pierce Israel’s vaunted “Iron Dome” and strike targets near their mega nuclear site at Dimona!! They were responding tit-for-tat to an Israeli Saturday morning bombing close to one of their nuclear facilities!! And late Sunday night – mere hours before the 48-hour deadline expired – they hit several new Gulf States targets after destroying Qatar’s largest LNG plant!!

It wasn’t therefore surprising when early Mon morning Pres Trump announced he was extending his deadline to bomb Iran’s energy infrastructure by 5 days - because of “talks” between the US and Iran on ending the war. Iran denied there were any “direct” communications.

In your Eyewitness’ opinion it’s unlikely the Iranians would call it quits when they’ve finally been able to give their greatest enemy – Israel – pause and to their ability to pierce their defences!!

US ground forces next??

…our (not-so-Black) Gold

Yeah…while crude oils usually referred to as “Black Gold” – our light crude coming out from under the Atlantic is so free from the heavy oils and tars that’s typical - that ours should be called “light gold”!! Anyhow, in an announcement that should make some of us who’ve been clamoring for renegotiation of the 2016 PSA with Exxon to think a bit harder about the risks inherent in oil exploration five to eight thousand meters below the sea!! Not give up on better terms – but think harder!!

Exxon just announced it was giving up its 35% ownership of Canje Block. That’s it!! It is walking away after spending hundreds of millions to sink two wellsalong with its partners JHI with17.5%, TotalEnergies 35% and Mid Atlantic 12.5%. JHI sold its share to Eco. The point is, it takes a lot of guts – and deep pockets – to exploit oil resources at that depth.

The two wells were at locations that seismic studies had confirmed half-a-billion barrels there. But they weren’t commercial!!

…our western front

Delcy Rodriguez, reappointed hardliner Wilfredo Alejandro Medrano Machado as the commander of Guayana - one of the eight Regiones Estratégicas de Defensa Integral (Strategic Integral Defense Regions) –that includes our Essequibo!!

Not good news.

Police destroy $551.7M worth of ganja along Berbice River

As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues its drug eradication exercise, over $551 million worth of ganja was destroyed at De Veldt, Upper Berbice River, on Friday.

During the eight-hour exercise, two fields with a combined area of approximately seven acres, with about 640,000 cannabis plants, were discovered. The plants ranged between four and 10 feet in height.

In addition, one large drying area was also found with about 850 pounds of dried cannabis. The cannabis plants, dried cannabis and drying area were all destroyed by fire. Police estimated the value of the narcotics destroyed to be $551,767,971. At the time of the raid, no arrests were made. Police are continuing their investigations.

GPF intensifies enforcement efforts to boost road safety nationwide

Ranks of the Traffic Department are strategically positioned daily with the clear purpose of enforcing road regulations and ensuring that the nation's roads remain safe for all citizens, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) stated.

These ranks are deployed at congested junctions and other hotspots to help prevent accidents. The GPF confirmed that their presence is not intended to harass or inconvenience members of the public, but rather to serve as a preventive measure and to ensure that traffic safety and order are maintained.

Over the years, the GPF has placed significant emphasis on enhancing road safety through traffic enforcement campaigns focused on speeding, driving under the influence and the reckless use of the roadway. These data-driven measures are strategically planned based on accident trends and high-traffic areas.

While some road users may view visible traffic enforcement measures as interruptions or unnecessary, the reality is that enforcement plays an integral role in saving lives and deterring reckless and dangerous use of the roadways.

"The Guyana Police Force's Traffic Department does not stand as an adversary to road users, but rather as a guardian of road safety in Guyana, committed to ensuring that every driver, passenger, cyclist and pedestrian reaches their destination safely," the GPF stated.

Further, it stated that the traffic department continues to assiduously pursue its mandate of creating safer roads across the country; this cannot be achieved single-handedly without the support, understanding and compliance of road users, especially drivers. The GPF is also reiterating that the responsibility lies with every individual to use the roadways in a safe and responsible manner, with consideration for themselves and their fellow road users.

"It is also important to note that since the introduction of the Safe Road

Intelligent System (SRIS) by the Government, the Force's Traffic Department has received much-needed support in managing traffic more efficiently and effectively. The SRIS, along with its cameras, speed signs and automated speed ticketing system, has made it easier for ranks to monitor and detect traffic violations in real time."

A more in-depth overview of the SRIS and how it has strengthened traffic management and enforcement countrywide will be covered in a subsequent report.

Bartica man fined $250K for drunk, dangerous driving

Twenty-two-year-old Marcus McKenzie of Second Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was on Monday slapped with a $250,000 fine or an alternative of six months' imprisonment after he was charged with two traffic-related offences. McKenzie appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrate's Court to answer the charges of

driving under the influence of alcohol and dangerous driving.

He pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined $200,000 or an alternative of three months' imprisonment for driving under the influence, and $50,000 for driving dangerously, with an alternative of three months' jail. As such, McKenzie was fined $250,000 or six months' imprisonment.

Lethem businessman gets 2 years for stealing horse

Forty-four-year-old Don Wright, also called "Danny," a businessman from Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) was on Friday sentenced to two years for stealing a horse. Wright appeared before Magistrate Omadatt

Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate's Court, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded guilty to the offence after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied.

As such, he was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with one year as a suspended sentence.

Sentenced: Don Wright

Black Belly Sheep population surpasses 3000 as Govt pushes to cut mutton imports

– cross-breeding to develop regional brand commenced

The Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), is making remarkable progress in developing a regional brand of mutton through its Black Belly Sheep programme. During a meeting with a delegation from Barbados, headed by Barbados’ Minister of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security, Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that since the project was launched in Region Five in March 2022, significant progress has been made, with the national herd exceeding 3000.

“I know one of the main areas we have to discuss is the progress of the Black Belly Sheep programme. In August 2022, we received the first tranche of sheep, totaling 131. We later received three other sets. The second tranche totaled 342, the third, 234, and the fourth, 293. To date, we’ve increased the stock to over 3,000,” Mustapha explained. He also noted that the cross-breeding component of the initiative has commenced as the Government advances its efforts to develop a regional brand aimed at reducing the importation of mutton from New Zealand.

This, he added, is in keeping with CARICOM’s “25 by 2025 + 5” Initiative, which seeks to reduce the regional food import bill by 25 per cent by the end of 2030.

As part of the initiative, the GLDA is also implementing an ongoing programme through which 60 farmers from Region Five have each benefited from five-acre production plots. These plots will function as controlled small-ruminant production units dedicated to the rearing and finishing of sheep under the

Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Project. To date, 54 farmers have been allocated their respective plots and are expected to commence production by the second quarter of 2026. Mustapha noted that this structured approach is expected to generate several strategic outcomes. “First, it will contribute to the development of a stan-

dardised sheep production model that can be replicated across other regions. Second, the concentration of finishing operations will enhance supply chain efficiency, thus facilitating coordinated slaughter, processing, and distribution systems.

Third, by producing consistent, high-quality lamb and mutton, the initiative will strengthen the reliability of domestic supply while positioning Guyana to capitalise on emerging regional and extra-regional export opportunities,” he explained.

The Minister said that one core objective of the project is to increase local mutton production to over 7000 tonnes by the end of year five and to reduce the regional importation bill by 25 per cent. In 2022, President Dr Irfaan Ali launched the

major Black Belly Sheep Project in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), with the aim of making the region the Livestock Capital of Guyana while improving the social and economic well-being of its residents. The Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Project in Guyana represents a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the livestock sector, enhancing regional food security, and expanding economic opportunities for farmers. The project, launched by the Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Government of Barbados, forms part of a broader regional effort to reduce reliance on imported meat products and to develop a sustainable sheep production industry within the Caribbean.

US, UK working with Guyana to strengthen anti-corruption, accountability efforts

Athree-day AntiCorruption Workshop 2026 kicked off on Monday at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road, Eve Leary bringing together 25 officers for specialised instruction under the United State (US) – United Kingdon (UK) Criminal Justice Reform Programme. The 25 investigators and prosecutors from Guyana’s leading investigative agencies and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will focus on financial investigations, case-building and international best practices for managing complex corruption cases. As the first Guyana-based initiative under the multi-year

project, which also supports criminal justice partners across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the workshop advances the project’s broader objectives to modernise laws and practices, expand technical expertise and reinforce effective interagency collaboration. At the opening ceremony, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission John Crippen highlighted the persistent threat corruption poses to good governance and encouraged participants to apply the skills and interagency relationships developed during the workshop to address complex cases collaboratively. In addition, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High

Commission in Georgetown, Liam McShane, welcomed the agencies’ enthusiastic participation, which he said reflects strong commitment to the “continued improvement and success” of Guyana’s criminal justice system. He added that, “this commitment to justice and public service is essential to the strengthening of Guyana’s institutions, as well as to the confidence and trust that citizens place in them.” Further, Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken encouraged the participating officials to uphold accountability across the justice sector, uphold high character in their work and apply the lessons of the training workshop. Hicken

emphasised the importance of ethical leadership and accountability within the Force underscoring that the responsibility is on officers who operate in positions of authority and the need for sound decision-making.

The US and UK both underscored that corruption fuels transnational organised crime, hinders development and weakens public trust. It is light of this, the workshop was facilitated to strengthen cooperation with Guyana to improve accountability, criminal deterrence and shared secu-

rity. The workshop is being facilitated by regional and international experts, including Advisor to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Sirah Abraham, along with members of the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) of Jamaica, Alex Ferguson and Nigel Parke. The US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs provided the US funding under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI),

a US security cooperation programme with Guyana and 12 other Caribbean countries to degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organisations, curb illicit narcotics, and deepen regional security cooperation.

The Anti-Corruption Workshop 2026 forms part of ongoing efforts by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to improve transparency, accountability and professionalism through strategic international partnerships and targeted capacity-building initiatives.

Guyana to host 7th IUF Caribbean Regional Conference

The 7th Caribbean Regional Conference will be held in Guyana from March 26 to 27, 2026 under the auspices of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). The event which serves as a key platform for reviewing the regional committee’s work since its last Conference in 2022, held in Antigua and Barbuda will bring together some 50 trade unionists from across the Caribbean region and further afield to set priorities for the period ahead.

A central feature of the Conference will be the presentation of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) Caribbean Regional Secretary’s report. It will be delivered by Clifton Grant, First Vice President (VP) of the University and Allied

Workers Union (UAWU) of Jamaica. Delegates will also discuss strengthening regional collaboration and advancing workers’ rights in the Caribbean context.

The Conference will be attended by the IUF’s acting General Secretary, Kristjan Bragason, who will be visiting Guyana for the first time since assuming office. His participation underscores the significance of the Caribbean region within the global labour movement.

Another major agenda item will be the election of a new IUF Caribbean Regional Committee, comprising representatives from affiliated unions across the region. In the lead-up to the main Conference, several preparatory meetings have already been convened. These include sessions of the IUF Young Workers Committee, Women’s Committee and the Caribbean Regional Committee.

Notably, the Young Workers Committee Conference was held on March 23, 2026, at GAWU’s Conference Room in High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, where young trade unionists examined the current state of the regional labour movement and outlined strategies for future engagement. GAWU extends a warm welcome to all delegates and observers and expresses its honour in hosting this significant event.

The Union views the Conference as a strong demonstration of regional solidarity and international workers’ fraternity, reinforcing the shared commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of working people.

The IUF is a global trade union federation representing approximately 10 million workers across 119 countries.

Cricket match killing: Accused walks free as Judge cites shared blame

Afzal Deendial, who admitted to fatally stabbing his friend during a cricket match in 2022, was freed on Monday after the Demerara High Court determined that the three-year sentence imposed had already been served while he was on remand. The sentence was handed down by acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh. At an earlier hearing on February 10, 2026, Deendial pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the State accepted the reduced charge. During that hearing, prosecutor Christopher Belfield outlined the facts of the case, after which the court ordered the preparation of a probation report and a victim impact statement.

The probation reports detailed Deendial’s personal history, social circumstances, and behaviour while in custody, while the victim impact statement highlighted the effect of the killing on the deceased’s family. Both reports were submitted to the court ahead of sentencing and were relied upon by the judge in determining the appropriate reductions. According to the agreed statement of facts, the fatal incident occurred on August 12, 2022, at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. Deendial and Kareem Kayum, 25, were at the venue participating in a cricket match, but on opposing teams. The two men, who were known to each other and described as close friends, became involved in a verbal dispute during the game. The court heard that the exchange began as “name-calling,” a common occurrence in competitive cricket, but quickly escalated into a heated argument. Even after moving into the batting cage, Deendial continued directing remarks at Kayum. Tensions intensified, and the confrontation soon turned physical. During the altercation, Deendial armed himself with a knife and stabbed Kayum once in the region of the heart. Kayum collapsed at the scene. He was later transported to the Georgetown

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead. Following the incident, Deendial was arrested by police and reportedly admitted to the killing during investigations. At the time, he was a 21-yearold student of the University of Guyana (UG), residing at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD). He was initially charged with murder and made his first appearance before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before being committed to stand trial in the High Court. The court also heard that Kayum, of Regent Street, Georgetown, was preparing to be married on August 21, 2022, just nine days after the fatal incident. On the day of the stabbing, he had reportedly been finalising arrangements for his wedding before joining friends at the cricket match. A victim impact statement was also presented, detailing the devastating effect of Kayum’s death on his family. His sudden and violent death, according to his family, not only robbed him of his future but left his family to cope with the emotional and psychological aftermath of losing a loved one under tragic circumstances. In his submissions on Monday, state prosecutor s Christopher Belfield stressed the seriousness of the offence, pointing to the use of a knife as a dangerous weapon. It was argued that Deendial had armed himself prior to the confrontation by placing the weapon in his pocket, suggesting an element of premeditation. The State further contended that remarks made by the accused contributed to the escalation of the dispute.

However, Justice Singh, in delivering his ruling, emphasised that the circumstances surrounding the incident were not one-sided. He noted that both the accused and the deceased were young men and friends and that the fatal encounter arose during a heated exchange. The judge pointed to evidence presented to the court indicating that the deceased had been verbally aggressive and had escalated the confrontation.

Reports also suggested that the deceased, who was said to be physically larger and taller than Deendial, struck him to the back of the head during the altercation. According to the defence, this physical blow left Deendial fearful and disoriented, prompting him to react in what he perceived to be self-defence. While acknowledging the irreversible loss of life, Justice Singh stated that the court could not attribute full responsibility to one individual in light of the circumstances. He therefore declined to place significant weight on several aggravating factors advanced by the prosecution. The court also considered Deendial’s conduct while in custody. Defense Attorney, Latchmie Rahamat, during her time on the floor, told the court that her client had made meaningful efforts toward rehabilitation, including enrolling in educational programmes, attempting to continue his university studies online and participating in essay competitions in which he performed commendably. She described the incident as deeply shocking to both families, maintaining that it was out of character for Deendial. While recognising that a life had been lost, counsel argued that her client had not intended to kill his friend and had instead reacted in an emotionally charged moment. She said both he and his family are remorseful. Rahamat further revealed that Deendial’s family is offering $1 million to assist the deceased’s young child. She explained that the family initially chose not to approach the child’s relatives out of concern that it might be perceived as an attempt to influence the course of justice. However, she stressed that the offer remains open, regardless of the conclusion of the case, as a genuine gesture of remorse and support. In addressing the court, Deendial expressed remorse for his actions. “I am truly sorry. My actions were not intended to kill him. I acted based on how I was feeling in the moment,” he said. He added that he had acted in a heightened emotional state

and maintained that the incident does not define who he is, while appealing for leniency and offering an apology to the deceased’s family. As such, Justice Sing handed down the sentence and set a starting point of 18 years’ imprisonment, noting the seriousness of the offence, which involved the use of a knife during a confrontation. In reducing the sentence, the court deducted six years, one-third, for Deendial’s early guilty plea to manslaughter. A further four years were subtracted after the court considered favourable findings in the probation and social reports, which spoke to his background and potential for rehabilitation. An additional two years were deducted for his conduct and youthfulness at the time of the offence. This resulted in a

final sentence of three years’ imprisonment. The court ordered that the time Deendial

spent on remand since 2022 be credited, effectively meaning he had already com-

2nd edition of Indian Film Festival “Bollywood Bonanza” wraps up

The High Commission of India in Guyana, in association with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, successfully hosted the second edition of the Indian Film Festival titled, “Bollywood Bonanza,” from December 2025 to March 2026.

The festival was conducted in partnership with Caribbean Cinemas at their locations in Giftland Mall and Amazonia Mall, as well as with West Central Mall Inc in Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD). Over the course of the festival, nine highly acclaimed Indian

films with English subtitles were screened. These included Jawan, Mimi, Goodbye, Sam Bahadur, Padmavat, Raksha Bandhan, War, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), and Chak De! India. The festival was inaugurated at Caribbean Cinemas, Giftland Mall by High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang accompanied by his spouse, Dr Deepali Telang. The event was attended by representatives of the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, including Assistant Director of Tourism, Sunalie Ragubar and Tourism Development

Officer, Jewel Fredericks. In his opening remarks, the High Commissioner highlighted the global appeal of Indian cinema and its significant role in promoting Indian culture, traditions and people-to-people connections— particularly in Guyana with which India shares deep historical and cultural ties.

Spanning four months, the festival was graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Government officials. The festival concluded on March 22, 2026 with the screening of ‘Chak De! India,’ celebrating the shared passion for sports.

The closing ceremony was attended by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Pauline Sukhai along with members of the diplomatic corps, the Indian diaspora, and the wider community. Acting High Commissioner underlined the broader acceptability of Indian Cinema in Guyana and emphasised the deep-rooted cultural relations between the two countries. Sukhai highlighted the diversity and unity of Guyana’s multicultural society and thanked Government of India’s cultural partnership with Guyana. The concept of organising a spring

film festival draws inspiration from the address of the Prime Minister (PM) of India, Shri Narendra Modi, at the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit held in Guyana in November 2024.

In his remarks, Modi emphasised the global popularity of Bollywood and encouraged the organisation of film festivals to further strengthen intercultural cooperation. The festival was made possible through the valuable support of the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and

Broadcasting, Government of India. “Bollywood Bonanza” received an enthusiastic response from Indian film enthusiasts across Guyana, including representatives of the Government of Guyana, members of the diplomatic corps, media professionals, the Indian diaspora and the student community. The festival underscored the important role of Indian cinema in bringing Indian and Guyanese communities closer together by celebrating the art of filmmaking, enhancing intercultural understanding and fostering stronger people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Unstable weather conditions to affect Guyana over next 6 days – Hydromet Office

T

h e Hydrometeorological Service on Monday reported that unstable weather conditions are expected to affect Guyana over the next six days, resulting in widespread rain-

convergence, supported by moisture transport from the trade winds.

“This is further enhanced by upper-level divergence, creating a highly unstable atmospheric environment.” It added that these combined factors are contributing to increased cloudiness, frequent showers, periods of moderate to heavy rainfall, and isolated to scattered thunderstorms. It reiterated that these unsettled conditions are expected to persist throughout the week, as forecast models indicate that the current atmospheric pattern will remain in place.

As a result, the public is being advised of widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, particularly during the morning into early afternoon periods, reduced visibility during intense showers, and potential impacts.

Those along flood-prone and low-lying areas are most likely to be affected, coupled with water accumulation on roadways that leads to hazardous driving conditions. Sections along

fall with the potential for flooding and in some cases, exacerbating existing flooding, particularly in low-ly-

ing and poorly drained areas. The Hydrometeorological

Office, in a release, stated that the current weather conditions are being influenced by strong low-level

Legal profession “not ordinary” – AG urges new lawyers to uphold justice over profit – cites decline in pro bono legal services

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, has issued a powerful charge to aspiring lawyers to embrace the legal profession as a vehicle for justice, warning against the growing erosion of standards, accountability and public trust within the field. Delivering remarks at the University of Guyana (UG) Law Society’s Pinning Ceremony on Saturday evening, Nandlall stressed that the profession carries a unique and historic responsibility rooted in humanity’s enduring struggle for justice, freedom and fairness.

“The legal profession is not an ordinary profession. Since the beginning of time and man’s entry into civilisation, the human animal has been engaged in one ultimate struggle, and that is the struggle for justice, fairness, freedom. If you look at every epoch of human civilisation and every significant struggle that mankind has been engaged in when you strip it of its esoteric content, what in essence mankind has been struggling for is justice, fairness and freedom,” he said

He underscored that lawyers play a central role in that pursuit, as the interpreters and advocates of the law. He also warned that without strong legal systems, societies face disorder, abuse and power and economic stagnation.

“Civilised society rests upon the edifice of the rule of law. In its absence, there is anarchy. And so, when we take this for granted, look around the world, we will emanate the absence of the rule of law there is anarchy, there is a lack of freedom, there is misbehaviour and abuse of power, there is social disorder, there is eco-

nomic stagnation, there is social degradation.”

The AG cautioned new entrants against being drawn into the profession by the allure of wealth and status, emphasising that such motivations undermine its core purpose. While acknowledging that law can bring financial reward, he said it must never be the driving force.

“Lawyers have a far greater role to play in ensuring that there is global peace, global prosperity, the advancement of humankind than money, glamour and recognition. Those things come naturally. The legal profession has a different role to play. I say this to you because I believe honestly that those who are entering the profession in recent years in particular fail to appreciate the magnitude of the responsibility that devolves upon this profession,” he stated.

Pro bono legal services

He also spoke on the decline of pro bono legal services, specifically for vulnerable groups. He noted that historically, senior attorneys ensured access to justice for those unable to pay. But lamented that his tradition has weakened significantly.

“In every period of human development and human advancement, the largest body of people that requires justice, that requires legal services, have always been the poorest class. Today, that has not changed,” he said, urging young lawyers to fill the gap.

“When justice demands it, you have a duty to render your services. You are going to get clients that will pay, but many and many, many people will come to you who

cannot pay, and they need the protection of the law much more than those who can pay, and they are the ones whom we don’t offer services and are left ignored in this society. My appeal to you here today, tonight, rather, is to ensure that we break that horrible practice that has developed.”

Professionalism

He also raised the issue of the increase of complaints against legal practitioners, including negligence, lack of professionalism and poor communication. According to Nandlall, these issues have eroded public confidence in the profession. “I have met with persons who have complaints about the conduct of their lawyers, the treatment meted out to them by their lawyers… people are treated like dirt. The treatment is one, and then you have a level of negligence…that must change,” he said pointing to widespread dissatisfaction despite clients paying large amounts of legal fees. To address these concerns, he revealed plans to reform the Legal Practitioners Act, introducing stricter accountability measures to enforce professionalism, diligence and transparency across the profession. Among the proposed changes is a mandatory period of supervised attachment for new lawyers under practitioners with at least 10 years’ experience. Nandlall argued that fresh graduates often lack the practical competence required to handle cases independently, which can result in irreversible damage to clients’ matters.

Further, he warned against the misuse of emerging technology such as Artificial Intelligent (AI), citing instances where lawyers fabricated case laws using AI tools despite the abundance of legal resources currently available, he stressed that there is no substitute for hard work. “The law is a jealous mistress. It is, it is. It demands an abnormal amount of time. In fact, if you are a dedicated lawyer, you don’t ever stop thinking about the cases that you have. It keeps running through your head all the time. Every time you

get a blank moment, one of these issues comes up. It is hard work, but the rewards are dear.”

Despite these challenges, Nandlall encouraged the new aspiring lawyers to see the profession as an opportunity to make a change in the lives of people, particu-

larly in this time where the country in undergoing rapid transformation.

“Our country is going in the right direction. We need lawyers, and that is why our Government will start the construction of the law school at Turkeyen this year,” he said, announcing

the Government’s plans to construct a new law school. He concluded with a call for introspection and renewed commitment, urging the next generation of attorneys to restore the profession’s integrity and ensure it continues to serve as a pillar of justice and societal order.

Guyana strengthens disaster readiness capabilities with specialised training

Emergency respond-

ers and healthcare

workers are currently undergoing specialised training in mass casualty management to strengthen national disaster preparedness capacity through an international medical cooperation initiative.

The programme, led by the Health Ministry with support from the University of Miami and the United States Air Force (USAF) under the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 Medical Mission, brings together healthcare professionals and members of the disciplined services for hands-on instruction in disaster response.

Heath Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, during the opening ceremony on Monday stated that the collaboration is designed to significantly enhance the country’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to large-scale emergencies.

“Last week, we launched a programme with LAMAT, their third in the country. They have been coming in and working with our doctors at different facilities to help us to improve capacity and more so, the types of

surgeries and so that we’re doing.”

“This year, what we have seen is that they have added another component where they’ve brought on board the University of Miami. And the University

Mon Repos man busted with cocaine, ganja gets 8 years, $12.8M fine

Forty-seven-year-old Jermain Mickle, who was arrested with a quantity of cocaine and ganja at the Transport Wharf, Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown, on Friday, was jailed for eight years and fined $12.8 million. Mickle appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) stated that on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Transport Wharf, Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Mickle had 1.272 kilograms (kg) of cocaine and 12.104 kg of cannabis. As such, he pleaded guilty to both charges, and the Magistrate imposed the sentence and fine. It was reported that CANU officers, acting on information received, went to the loca-

tion where they intercepted Mickle, who was carrying two cardboard boxes.

A search revealed 13 parcels containing a quantity of cannabis and one parcel containing a rock substance suspected to be cocaine.

Mickle of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested and escorted to the CANU Headquarters, where the narcotics were tested and weighed. The drug enforcement unit subsequently instituted charges against the suspect.

of Miami is now going to help us to train some of our professionals in the area of mass casualty response.” Dr Anthony added that such preparedness is critical because, “you don’t know when these things can happen, but when they happen, we need to be prepared.” He emphasised that the inclusion of several agencies is central to strengthening national response systems. “We have people from all the regions. They are represented here. Some of them are emergency doctors. Others are nurses. And others are from other agencies… we have the police represented as well. We have the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the army. So these are the key partners, so anytime you’re responding to an emergency, these are the agencies that would be involved.”

The training programme is being facilitated by experts from the University

of Miami’s Global Institute for Community Health and Development, alongside the USAF medical teams under LAMAT. Associate Director for Disaster Management, Vincent Torres related that the fourday course which is known as the Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS), is designed to give participants a comprehensive understanding of both natural and human-made disasters. He explained that the programme covers a wide range of scenarios, from flood and fire explosions and other complex emergencies. “It’s a certification programme, and this will allow the learners in the programme to get an overarching view of disasters, natural and manmade. So, we’re talking about preparations for anything from floods and fires to explosives and other man-made cause disasters. So, it’s a very high-level approach

for this programme, which is the BDLS programme,” Torres explained. He added that participants will also receive training in stress management, triage and emergency medical interventions such as “Stop the Bleed” techniques to control severe hemorrhaging. Representing the US military partnerships, Mission Commander under LAMAT, Ted Liszeski, said the exercise is focused on strengthening the full chain of emergency care, from first responders in the field to hospital-based treatment teams. “We’re working with the teams so that, you know, currently a part of the mission that I bring to the table is with the United States Air Force is we’re taking care of at the hospitals. So, we have the initial part, like if there was a natural disaster or like, you know, flood or an oil spill or something like that we need the initial first responders to be there on site,” he explained. He added that the mission also emphasises interoperability between international and local partners. “It’s about working together and making sure systems are collaborative,” he said, noting that the exercise also strengthens US–Guyana cooperation in crisis response and medical readiness. The LAMAT mission is a broader health security cooperation engagement designed to strengthen partnerships, enhance medical readiness and improve access to care across the Caribbean region through sustained training and knowledge exchange.

Courts warehouse attendant charged with theft

Kade Clay, 21, of Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was granted $350,000 for the offence of larceny by clerk and servant.

Clay, a warehouse attendant attached to Unicomer Guyana Inc (Courts) Richmond Branch, Essequibo Coast, was accused of committing the act at his place of employ-

ment on Thursday, March 2, 2026. However, he appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, March 20, 2026, where the charge was read to him.

He nevertheless pleaded not guilty after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied. He was granted bail and will make his next court appearance on April 15, 2026. Charged: Kade Clay

Trio nabbed with narcotics charged, remanded to prison

Fadel Shaw, 37, a laborer from Three Friends, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, who was arrested following the discovery of 3.2 grams of cocaine in his possession, was charged and remanded to prison.

He was charged with the offense of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s

Court last Friday.

Police stated that he was arrested on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

He, however, pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until April 14,

In a separate incident, Monty Simon, 71, a businessman, and Mekesha Simon, 30, a businesswoman, both from Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, who were

found with 3.8 grams of cocaine on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Anna Regina, were also charged and remanded to prison.

They too appeared before Magistrate Ravindra

Mohabir and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them. As such, they were remanded and are expected to make their next court appearance on April 15, 2026.

Corentyne fisherman feared dead after falling overboard near Orealla

...“I want my husband to come home” – wife

The wife of a Corentyne fisherman is clinging to hope for his safe return after he reportedly fell overboard in the Corentyne River in the vicinity of Orealla, some 50 miles upriver, on Saturday afternoon and has not been seen since.

Missing is Alladin Dookie, 28, a captain of the fishing vessel “Gordon”, who resides at No. 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Berbice. According to police, the incident occurred at about 17:59h on March 21 as the vessel was in the vicinity of Orealla Village. Police said information received from Dookie’s mother-in-law, Leila Singh, indicated that she was traveling in a boat at the time when she observed him along with three crew members aboard his vessel. During that time, Dookie was reportedly attempting to start the engine by pulling the choke while leaning over the side of the boat. In the process, he lost his balance and fell into the river.

The matter was reported to the Orealla Police Station at about 19:00h, and ranks visited the scene shortly af-

ter. A search party was subsequently formed and efforts to locate the missing fisherman have been ongoing. Up to late Monday evening, there had been no signs of Dookie, as searches continue along the wide and often unpredictable Corentyne River, where strong currents and depth can complicate recovery efforts. Back home, his wife, Amrita Singh, is now left to grapple with the sudden and frightening uncertainty of life without him.

The couple has been married for 10 years and shares four children aged nine, six, four and one year and five months. “It will be

very, very hard... for me, it is very hard,” she said. Singh explained that her husband has always been the backbone of the household, ensuring that the family is provided for and supported. “Everything he does helps me... now it’s just me alone with the children,” she said. Now, she said, the reality of caring for four young children on her own is already setting in, with responsibilities that once were shared now resting solely on her shoulders. “Looking after the children alone is extremely hard,” Singh added. She noted that her husband was not someone who would stay away from home for long, explaining that he would usually return within a short time, with Friday being about the longest he would remain out at sea. His continued absence, she said, is therefore deeply troubling. As hours have turned into days, the lack of clear information surrounding the search has only added to her distress and uncertainty. “I don’t know anything about the search... nobody is telling us anything,” she said. Even so, Singh contin-

ues to hold on to hope as she waits for word on her husband while trying to comfort their children and make sense of a future that has suddenly become uncertain. As search efforts continue along the Corentyne River, relatives remain anxiously awaiting any development, hoping for answers and for his return. This comes weeks after the body of an-

other fisherman, 33-yearold fisherman Ryan Roberts also called “Blue Shirt,” of Block B Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), who had gone missing was found. It was reported that Roberts was among a fiveman fishing crew that departed the Abary fishing landing on February 24, 2026 on what was expected to be a 15-day fishing ex-

pedition. Reports are that the crew had been hauling in their fishing seine when a large wave struck the vessel, causing Roberts, who had been standing near an ice box, to be knocked overboard into the Atlantic Ocean. His body was discovered along the foreshore at Cottage Village, WCB, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).

Colombian military plane crash kills at least 34, wounds dozens

At least 34 persons have died, and dozens of others have been wounded after a Colombian military plane with 125 persons on board crashed after take-off in the south of the country, officials said.

Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X that the “tragic accident” occurred in Puerto Leguizamo, a remote municipality in the Amazonian province of Putumayo, which borders the neighbouring South American countries of Peru and Ecuador.

Jhon Gabriel Molina, the Governor of the Putumayo department, told local news outlet Caracol Noticias that 34 persons were killed and 21 are still to be identified.

The air force said the Lockheed Martin-built Hercules C-130 had been transporting soldiers to another city in the Putumayo province.

Sanchez said the plane hit the ground just 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) away from where it took ⁠off. Ammunition being carried on board detonated as a result of a fire ⁠on the air-

craft, he added. There ⁠was no indication of an “attack by illegal actors”, Sanchez said.

Carlos Fernando Silva, the commander of Colombia’s Air Force, said two planes, with 74 beds, had been sent to the area to fly the injured back to hospitals in the capital, Bogota, and elsewhere.

Colombia acquired its first Hercules C-130 plane in the

late 1960s and has more recently modernised some older C-130s with newer models sent from the United States.

Last month, another Hercules C-130 belonging to the Bolivian Air Force crashed in the city of El Alto, barely missing a residential building.

More than 20 persons were killed in that crash, and a further 30 were injured. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Jamaican army make J$1.4B cocaine seizure offshore St Elizabeth

More than 2500 kilograms of cocaine were seized offshore St Elizabeth over the weekend following the interception of a vessel travelling in Jamaican waters.

The Maritime Air and Cyber Command of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) seized the cocaine, which has an estimated street value of around J$1.4 billion, from the vessel approximately 10 nautical miles (NM) southeast of Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, on Saturday.

Reports are that the First District Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard was

conducting patrols along Jamaica’s coastline when a gofast vessel was spotted near the Treasure Beach area, destined for mainland Jamaica.

The vessel was intercepted, and a successful boardand-search operation was conducted.

A detailed search uncovered 99 packages of cocaine weighing a total of 2544.404 kilograms, 18 fuel drums, one go-fast vessel with three outboard engines, and other paraphernalia.

Three persons were detained in connection with the seizure. The seized items and the detainees

were handed over to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID).

The JDF says the operation underscores its unwavering commitment to protecting Jamaica’s national borders against transnational organised crime.

It maintained that it will continue to work alongside national and international partners to secure Jamaica’s maritime space, strengthen its borders, and counter illicit activities that threaten regional stability and the Blue Economy.

(Jamaica Observer)

CDB President: Region can be model for resilience

The Caribbean must grasp its chance to become a global model for resilience, by tapping into opportunities in renewable energy, trade, youth development, and innovation.

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President Daniel Best said the institution’s 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, scheduled for Nassau, The Bahamas from June 1 to June 5, will explore how the Region can progress in these and other important areas, with partnerships at the core of the effort, considering that “the decade ahead of us is one of the most consequential periods in modern history”.

He was speaking in Nassau last Thursday during the of-

ficial launch of the annual meeting which has the theme “Forging The Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions For Uncertain Times”.

He was joined by Chair of the CDB Board of Governors and Minister of Economic Affairs of The Bahamas, Senator Michael Halkitis, who said the meeting would “provide an important platform for our Region’s leaders and partners to come together, exchange ideas and chart a path forward”.

In his remarks, Best said that “the decisions we make going forward about energy, economic diversification, climate resilience and institutional strengthening will determine whether our Region simply just survives or un-

locks its full potential in a rapidly-changing world”.

He said that while for many years, the global narrative has focused on the vulnerabilities, small economies, exposure to climate shocks and limited fiscal space, that was not the Region’s whole story.

“We are a region rich in renewable energy potential. We sit at the crossroads along some of the world’s most important trade routes. We have a young and talented population connected to Diaspora networks that span every major economy, and we are a region that has learned, often through necessity, how to adapt, innovate and rebuild in the face of disruption,” Best said. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Rowley, Govt at odds over Hilton’s future in T&T

Concerns over a possible exit by international hotel chain Hilton have sparked political debate, even as industry stakeholders caution against alarm and call for measured engagement.

A Guardian Media investigation reported that Hilton has begun steps toward withdrawing from the State-owned property, citing long-standing structural issues, delayed capital upgrades, and financial underperformance. While the exit is not yet finalised, the development has raised fresh questions about the future of one of the country’s flagship tourism assets.

Former Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley described the situation as predictable, arguing that the issues sur-

rounding the hotel were well known within policy-making circles.

“None of this is surprising to anyone in the know, except that the current Government does not know how to proceed and, as usual, is trying to mislead the population through the media,” Dr Rowley told Guardian Media on Sunday.

He also challenged a key figure cited in the report, saying the cost of required upgrades had been understated.

“The upgrade that is required is not US$600,000 as mentioned in the story, but approximately US$600 million,” he said.

He added that negotiations during his administration had already reduced that figure and advanced

the process toward implementation.

Dr Rowley maintained that a structured plan had been in place before the change in administration.

“If today there is still disagreement and dissatisfaction with Hilton, then that is a matter that must be explained by the Government, which inherited a smooth, ongoing, agreed process,” he said.

He criticised what he described as “misleading leaks,” adding, “This could be Nutrien II as the incompetence reigns.”

Former Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell echoed similar concerns, pointing to what he described as a breakdown in continuity. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Mexico negotiates return of international experts for disappeared students probe

Mexico’s Government is negotiating the return of international experts to take back up investigations into the 2014 disappearance of 43 students in southern Guerrero state, President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday.

A truth commission of five independent experts, known as the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts, or GIEI, was established in 2014 by the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights and the Mexican Government to investigate the students’ disappearance.

The GIEI worked on the case for more than eight years, exposing investigative failures that led to the release of ⁠several former suspects. But after their contracts expired in 2023, they declined to continue, accusing the Government of hampering the probe.

The Government is trying to establish under what conditions the GIEI mem -

bers would be willing to participate again, Angela Buitrago, one of the investigators, told Reuters. She said the experts had indicated they were ready to return, though they were awaiting specific terms.

Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference that the Government had asked the United Nations for support on designing a new investigative framework.

The investigation would

include a ⁠more thorough analysis of phone records from the night of the disappearances on September 26, 2014, and new search areas, she added. The disappearance of the students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College in the southern state of Guerrero remains one of Mexico’s most notorious human rights cases. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Costa Rica plans to accept US-sent migrants from other countries

The United States and Costa Rica have signed an initial agreement for Costa Rica to accept migrants deported by the US from ⁠other countries, Costa Rica’s presidency said on Monday.

Costa Rica can make a final decision on whether to accept the migrants, the presidency said in a statement, with as many as 25 persons expected to be transferred to the country per week.

The US “will put forth

the necessary financial support”, the presidency ⁠said, while the United Nations-tied International Organisation for Migration will offer food and housing. (Reuters)

OIL NEWS

Oil execs warn of longterm damage from Iran war as US downplays crisis

Some of the world’s top oil executives and energy ministers in Houston on Monday expressed growing concern over the longterm effects of the US-Israel war with Iran on the global economy, while the US Energy Secretary Chris Wright downplayed the crisis.

The war has caused one of the biggest disruptions to energy supplies in history after Iran effectively closed the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route and as attacks in the Middle East inflict longterm damage on production infrastructure in several countries. Global benchmark Brent crude was still at US$99 a barrel on Monday afternoon, even after a selloff driven by President Donald Trump’s remarks that he was in talks with Iranian officials to end the conflict.

US crude futures rose more than US$1 in early Asia trade today as markets assessed the supply outlook after ⁠Iran denied holding talks with the United States, contradicting President Donald Trump’s earlier claim .

⁠West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up US$1.37, or 1.6 per cent, at US$89.44 a barrel ⁠as of 2206 GMT. The contract hit ⁠a session low of US$84.37 on ⁠Monday.

“The consequence is not only high energy prices. It will damage other supply chains,” said TotalEnergies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patrick Pouyanne, pointing also to disruptions of helium shipments from the Middle East. ⁠Helium is key for semiconductors and medical supplies.

Wright, speaking at the annual CERAWeek conference in Houston, said oil prices had yet to climb high enough to hurt demand. Gasoline prices have soared by more than 30 per cent to their highest level since 2022 at nearly US$4 a gallon since the conflict started. But Wright said the US had no choice but to go to war with Iran.

“This is a conflict that we simply couldn’t kick down the road,” Wright said.

He said the administration had taken steps to calm energy markets, including releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and helping route barrels to specific locations in China.

Analysts at JP Morgan, however, said Monday that the shut-ins have already “quickly translated into outright shortages of crude and refined products across Asia”.

More than 10,000 attendees from over 80 countries convened at the annual conference, the second time in the last five years the event has occurred in the thick of a major global energy disruption. The event has been so packed on Monday that some attendees were unable to even access the cavernous ballrooms ⁠for specific speakers.

The 2022 gathering took place just weeks after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which also sent oil prices soaring.

Shortly after Wright spoke, Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi’s state oil company ADNOC, warned the jump in oil prices was slowing economic growth globally.

Ben Marshall, president and CEO of trading company Vitol Americas, warned the world would ⁠see severe demand destruction if oil reached US$120 a barrel. Brent futures briefly surged to US$119 a barrel in early March. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UN issues new climate warning as El Niño looms

The Earth’s climate is further out of balance than at any time in recorded history, the United Nations’ weather agency has warned.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) says that our planet is gaining much more heat energy than it can release, driven by emissions of warming gases such as carbon dioxide.

This record ”energy imbalance” heated the ocean to new heights last year and continued to melt our planet’s ice caps. And scientists fear that a natural warming phase called El Niño – expected to begin later this year - could soon bring further heat records.

In response to the report, UN Secretary General António Guterres reiterated his call for countries to move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy to ”deliver climate security, energy security and national security”.

”Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red,” he warned, in a typically punchy video address.

The last 11 years were the Earth’s 11 warmest years in records stretching back to 1850, the WMO says.

In 2025, global average air temperatures were about 1.43C above those of ”pre-industrial” times – before humans started burning large amounts of fossil fuels.

A temporary cooling from the natural La Niña weather pattern meant that 2025 was not quite as hot as 2024, which was boosted by the opposite El Niño phase.

But last year was still one of the three warmest years since records began. Many scientists now believe that warming is accelerating, although they say temperatures are broadly within the range of long-term predictions.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the World

Iran denies talks with US after Trump postpones strikes on power grid

Iran denied on Monday that it had engaged in negotiations with the United States, after President Donald Trump postponed a threat to bomb Iran’s power grid because of what he described as productive talks with unidentified Iranian officials.

A European official said that while there had been no direct negotiations between the two nations, Egypt, Pakistan and Gulf States were relaying messages. A Pakistani official and a second source told Reuters that direct talks on ending the war could be held in Islamabad as soon as this week.

Trump wrote on his

Truth Social platform that the US and Iran had held ”very good and productive” conversations about a ”complete and total reso-

lution of hostilities in the Middle East”.

As a result, he said, he was postponing for five days a plan to hit Iran’s energy grid. His announcement sent share prices higher and oil prices sharply lower to below US$100 a barrel, a sudden reversal to a market swoon caused by his weekend threats and Iran’s vows to respond.

Trump later told reporters his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-inlaw Jared Kushner, who had been negotiating with Iran before the war, had held discussions with a top Iranian official into the evening on Sunday and would continue on Monday.

Ukraine has “irrefutable”

”We have had very, very strong talks. We’ll see where they lead. We have major points of agreement, I would say, almost all points of agreement,” he told reporters before departing Florida for Memphis. An Israeli official and two other sources familiar with the matter said the interlocutor on the Iranian side was Iran’s powerful parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Qalibaf said on X that there had been no such talks with the United States, and ridiculed the suggestion as an attempt to rig financial markets. (Excerpt from Reuters)

evidence of Russia providing intelligence to Iran, Zelenskyy says

Ukraine’s military intelligence has ”irrefutable” evidence that Russia continues to provide intelligence to Iran and such activity can only prolong the war in the Middle East, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday.

”Russia is using its own signals intelligence and elect-

ronic intelligence capabilities, as well as part of the ⁠data obtained through cooperation with partners in the Middle East,” he said on X after meeting the head of military intelligence.

Speaking later in his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said there was ”growing evidence” of continued Russian efforts to funnel intelligence

to Iran.

”This is clearly destructive activity and must be stopped as it only leads ⁠to further destabilisation. All responsible States have an interest in ensuring security and preventing bigger problem,” he said.

”Markets are already reacting negatively and this is significantly complicating ⁠the fuel situation in many count-

ries. By helping the Iranian regime survive and strike more accurately, Russia is effectively prolonging ⁠the war.”

The Kremlin last week dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that Russia was sharing satellite imagery ⁠and improved drone technology with Iran as ”fake news”. (Reuters)

Bahrain proposes UN Security Council approve use of force to protect Hormuz shipping

Bahrain has put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise countries to use ”all necessary means” – diplomatic language for force – to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text seen by Reuters on Monday.

Diplomats said the draft text was backed by other Gulf Arab States and the United States, although they said it was unlikely to succeed.

The move underscores mounting concern in the region that Iran could continue to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that carries about a fifth of global oil supplies and underpins Gulf economies.

Closing the Strait has been ⁠one of Iran’s main objectives. Shipping through the waterway has ground to a nearhalt after Iran hit vessels in its conflict with the US and Israel.

The draft resolution calls Iran’s actions a threat to international peace and security.

The text would authori-

se countries, acting alone or through voluntary multinational naval coalitions, to use ”all necessary means” in and around the Strait of Hormuz –including in the territorial waters of littoral states – to ensure passage and to prevent moves that block or interfere with international navigation.

The resolution also expres-

ses the readiness to impose measures, including targeted sanctions.

The Bahraini and US missions at the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The draft text ”demands that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to ⁠impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz.”

Two European and one Western diplomat said there was little prospect of such a resolution being adopted by the Security Council as Iran’s allies Russia and China were likely to veto the text if needed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Australia, EU seal long-awaited trade deal amid global trade tensions

Australia and the European Union today signed a trade deal marking the culmination of years of negotiations, as Europe seeks to diversify its export markets and expand ties beyond its traditional partners.

Talks between Australia and the EU began in 2018, but progress had been gradual before gaining momentum amid rising global trade tensions, partly driven by US tariffs.

The deal also reflects the EU’s push to reduce dependency on China, par -

ticularly in critical minerals where Beijing has imposed export controls on some key resources and signals Europe’s growing engagement in the IndoPacific, after striking trade accords with Indonesia in September and India in January.

The agreement will remove over 99 per cent of tariffs on EU goods exported to Australia, cutting one billion euros (US$1.16 billion) a year in duties for companies. It will also lower tariffs on imports of critical minerals, the EU said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Choose compassion when dealing with domestic issues. Reach out to supportive people and sign up for volunteer work. What you learn from those you encounter will be advantageous.

Push your agenda forward by seeking out those who can help you make your dreams come true. Emotions and money will knock you off balance. A risk will lead to regret.

Think before you speak. Understand the gravity of your words and how they can influence the lives of others. Focus more on gathering information and searching for beneficial solutions.

Offer helpful ideas. A clear mind and resourceful suggestions will raise your profile and give you a chance to make a difference.

Use your strengths strategically. You shine brightest when you make others smile. A kind word, joke or gesture will put others at ease, making it easier to access the information you desire.

Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. Your insight and thoughtfulness will help you bring about positive change. Hit the reset button, and live life to the fullest.

Get in the zone, and approach life pragmatically. You’ll have choices that require thought and research to ensure you maintain balance. Avoid excess in any way, shape or form.

A quick response will lead to regret. Give yourself a chance to digest what’s being asked of you and what you are willing to do. Opportunity will result from doing what’s right and best for you.

It’s what you do that counts. Keep your thoughts to yourself, be observant and focus on what you can do to ensure you meet your obligations. Choose comfort and convenience.

Think before you act. You have more wiggle room than you realize, and premature moves will lead to regret. Avoid promising the impossible or starting something you cannot finish.

Fix up your surroundings. Do your research before making a physical change. You are likely to take on more than you can handle and fall short of your expectations if you don’t budget wisely.

Emotional talks require common sense and an outlet to blow off steam. Listen carefully, but don’t respond. You’ll tend to overreact, setting off alarms that can damage a relationship.

Promotech National Top Flight Golf League…

3-Way Tie at the Top Sets Stage for Exciting Finale

The Promotech National Top Flight Golf League is heading for a thrilling finish after six rounds of competition, with the latest round producing strong performances, a points shakeup, and a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard.

With only two rounds remaining in the eight-round league, the competition is now finely balanced, paving the way for what promises to be an exciting finale.

The sixth round got underway with impressive scoring on the front nine. Fazil

Haniff and Arnold Deo both returned net scores of 33, while Ian Gouveia bettered that with a net 32. The standout performance on the front nine, however, came from Joseph Szeplaki, who fired an excellent net 31 to capture the front nine and secure two important league points.

The back nine proved just as competitive, with players battling not only for round honours but also for crucial points in the overall standings. Haniff delivered when it mattered most, carding a composed net 33 on the

back nine to finish with an outstanding overall net score of 66. His consistent performance across both halves earned him the overall net victory on a tiebreaker and maximum points for the round.

Szeplaki finished second overall to collect five points, while Payton George produced a solid net 69 to earn three points. Brian Hackett returned a net 72 to secure two points, while Chet Bowling, also finishing on a net 72, claimed the final point position.

One of the key moments of the round involved Patrick

Prashad, who recorded a net 71 that would have earned him valuable points. However, due to an incorrectly marked and signed scorecard, his score was disqualified from the points allocation. This resulted in a shift in the points standings and allowed Hackett to gain important ground in the overall league table.

As has been the pattern in recent rounds, many of the leading players were grouped together, and the pressure of direct competition was evident as no one was able to break away from the pack.

After six rounds, the standings are now extremely tight, with Haniff, Szeplaki and Videsh Persaud all tied at the top of the leaderboard on 17 points each. Hackett sits just one point behind on 16 points, while Patanjilee Persaud remains close on 15 points. Mike Mangal and Keshan Bacchus are both on 10 points, with Bowling still within striking distance heading into the final rounds. With the leaderboard so close and multiple players still in contention, the Promotech National Top Flight Golf League is now perfectly poised for a dramatic and exciting finish as the battle for the title heads into the final two rounds.

Sacking McCullum would have been “easy” – ECB chief

Sacking Head Coach

Brendon McCullum after England’s Ashes debacle would have been the “easy thing to do”, according to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould.

McCullum, Director of Cricket Rob Key, and Test Captain Ben Stokes are to remain in their posts despite the 4-1 Test defeat in Australia, a tour blighted by poor planning, substandard performances and off-field issues.

Gould was speaking

alongside Key at Lord’s on Monday, discussing the findings of a review of the tour.

“I’ve seen the driving ambition and determination that we’re lucky enough to have within our leadership group to take the lessons from the Ashes and move forward,” said Gould.

“These are all individuals that have got other things that they can do in their lives. They are all committed to doing the best for England and to learning the lessons that are evident.”

Gould is the son of former

Wales and Wimbledon football manager Bobby Gould and has also previously served as the chief executive of Bristol City Football Club.

“My old man was a football manager,” he said. “Sacking was part of the job and it wasn’t necessarily the right thing. Moving people on can sometimes be the easy thing to do. That’s not the route that we’re going to take.”

Covering a wide range of topics related to the Ashes tour and the fallout, Gould and Key said:

Naqvi: PCB “will take action” against players opting out of PSL for IPL

akistan Cricket Board

PChairman Mohsin Naqvi has promised to take legal action against players who have left the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the last minute, with the two leagues clashing for the second year in a row.

Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka has become the second player to do so, opting out of Lahore Qalandars’ roster to replace the injured Sam Curran for Rajasthan Royals at the IPL.

Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams will replace Shanaka at Qalandars. Blessing Muzarabani had already pulled out of the PSL after securing an IPL deal with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

“We will take action against those players according to the rules,” Naqvi said on Sunday. There was a case last year too [Corbin Bosch, who was banned from the PSL for one year], and the same thing will happen this time.”

Bosch was a diamond pick for Peshawar Zalmi last time, but he made a late switch to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

“Clashing with the IPL is not an issue, because if players are going there, we’re getting excellent players coming here as well. We could not afford to postpone the PSL, because we have no other window all year.”

There have also been other withdrawals this PSL, with

have pulled

Gudakesh Motie, Jake FraserMcGurk, Ottneil Baartman and Spencer Johnson among those pulling out, though most of them have cited personal reasons.

The PSL is set to start on March 26, two days before the IPL kicks off across the border. The PSL will be played behind closed doors, however, Naqvi announced on Sunday, because of an oil crisis amid the West Asia conflict. The venues have also been trimmed from the original six to just two: Lahore and Karachi.

there has been no “bustup” between McCullum and Stokes

England do not want McCullum to “completely change”, but to “evolve” behaviour of some players was “unprofessional” and there will be “new expectations” there is not an “easy fix” to cricket’s relationship with alcohol only 30-40% of this review is “new” and England must stop “relearning old lessons”

A review or report seems to habitually follow an Ashes defeat in Australia. On this occasion, the ECB has resisted changing personnel, possibly against the desire of some sections of England supporters. Some measures have already been implemented. England used a specialist fielding coach during the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and T20 World Cup, though Key confirmed additions to the backroom staff would continue on an ad-hoc basis.

There was also a midnight curfew imposed on players, while England are recruiting a new national selector and a new member of the board with an intention to boost cricketing expertise.

Beyond those changes, little new information was revealed by Key and Gould – perhaps an admission that the mistakes of the Ashes tour could have been prevented before the tour began.

McCullum and Stokes united as the leaders of the England Test team in 2022. Though both have continued to back each other in public, there was a clear divergence in their messaging in Australia.

Stokes referred to “weak men” in the dressing room,

and asked for his players to “show some dog”. As his ability to score runs ground to a halt, the Captain later suggested opponents have found ways to combat England’s attacking style. In contrast, McCullum thought England too easily came away from their methods in Australia.

“At no stage was there any bust-up or anything like that,” Key told BBC Sport.

“There’s this view that it’s either blocking or slogging –Ben’s for blocking, Brendon’s for slogging. That is not the case.

“We still want players to go out there and be aggressive, we still want players who can score runs against the best bowlers in the world. They’ve just got to be relentless in how they do it. Fundamentally, there’s alignment in the way we are going.”

Criticism of England, and McCullum in particular, centred on an approach that appeared too casual to stand up to the intensity, rigour and pressure of Test cricket. The former New Zealand Captain has previously said he makes “no apologies” for running an “informal” operation.

At the end of the Ashes, McCullum appeared resistant to having change imposed on him, and Key said he does not want the Coach to lose his “authenticity”.

“There’s no point keeping Brendon McCullum if you want him to completely change who he is,” said former Kent Captain.

“All of us have to evolve, we have to get better. It’s wrong to think he doesn’t care, he doesn’t think about everything. Everything he does is to enhance English cricket.”

Allied to accusations of

an over-relaxed environment are instances of off-field misdemeanours.

On a holiday to Noosa during the Ashes, a number of players drank heavily for as many as six consecutive days. Opener Ben Duckett was apparently drunk in a video posted online by a member of the public.

At the end of the fifth Test against Australia, it emerged Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the whiteball tour of New Zealand that preceded the Ashes. Brook, Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue are under investigation from the Cricket Regulator over the incident in the New Zealand capital.

Gould said there were “some instances” that the ECB regarded as “significantly unprofessional”.

When Key became Director of Cricket he removed the curfew, which is now back in place as part of “new expectations” on player behaviour.

England want their culture and environment to be “positive, relaxed and highperformance”, with “better individual and collective decision-making”.

“Cricket’s relationship with alcohol as a global game is not the same as other sports and that’s something we have got to get better at,” said Key.

“It’s not going to be an easy fix. This is not just a problem for the England team, this is throughout the game.

“You can treat everyone like schoolkids, and they rebel. I’m not going to solve this problem just myself, it’s something we need to do as a game.” (BBC Sport)

Jumbo Jet’s Nitro Kart

Klash shifted to larger venue

The highly-anticipat-

ed Nitro Kart Klash, which was initially slated to be hosted by Jumbo Jet Events at the 555 Speedway, Thomas Lands and Albert Street, Georgetown this weekend, and had been postponed owing to a shipping delay, will now see a move to a larger venue.

This is according to the organisers, who made the announcement via their social media page.

The Nitro Kart Klash, a competition which would signal the resurgence of kart racing in Guyana, was initially scheduled for this weekend with pre- checks on Saturday, March 28 and competition day on Sunday, March 29.

However, last week

Jumbo Jet Events announced a postponement to April 19, to accommodate the late ar-

rival of several new karts. Now, it appears as though Jumbo Jet Events

will seize the opportunity to maximise the competition at a larger venue – the Guyana National Stadium Tarmac at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Jumo Jet shared in a social media post, “The momentum behind Nitro Kart Klash has been nothing short of incredible.

“With the overwhelming interest from drivers and the growing excitement from racing fans across the country, it has become clear that the current venue is no longer sufficient to accommodate the scale of our event.

“In our commitment to delivering a safe, competitive, and world-class racing experience, we are now moving forward with plans to construct a new circuit lay

venue, all in preparation for April 19th, 2026.

“This decision ensures that both our racers and spectators can enjoy an exciting, well-organised, and safe day of racing at a level never seen before. We are building something special.”

On the heels of the advisory, the organisers went on to announce on Monday that the event is likely to be shifted to the National Stadium.

Jumbo Jet’s Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr, organiser Andre Rochford, racers Mark and Matthew Vieira and other stakeholders visited the venue as plans roll out for the shift in location.

Competitors will still battle across a diverse line-up of classes, including the Briggs & Stratton sealed-engine

Barker’s 6-for, Watkins’ blitz and Dick’s 136 headline T20 weekend

The Sherwin Williams

Second Division T20

Cup 2026/27 continued in exciting fashion over the weekend, with dominant performances highlighting the latest round of matches.

Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) extended their winning streak, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) got the better of rivals Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), and Police Sports Club made it two wins from two outings.

Malteenoes produced one of the standout performances of the round, with a crushing 104-run victory over Diplomats. After being sent in to bat, MSC piled up an imposing 217 for 5 in their 20 overs. Opening batsman Nichosie Barker set the tone with a fluent 75 off 47 balls, while veteran Marcus Watkins stole the spotlight with a blistering 88 from 51 deliveries, striking nine fours and five sixes. Elvis Patroir was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets.

Diplomats never recovered from the early pressure and were bowled out for 113

Nichosie Barker produced an all-round good performance

in 19.4 overs. Daniel Scott and Vickash Mirchand offered some resistance with 28 apiece, but it was Barker who turned the game decisively with the ball, claiming a sensational six-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, to seal a comprehensive victory.

Meanwhile, GCC secured bragging rights in their clash against DCC. After opting to field, GCC restricted DCC to 131 for 8, thanks largely to disciplined bowling led by Yeudistir Persaud (3 for 21) and Krsna Singh (2 for 16).

Alphius Bookie top-scored

Marcus Watkins topscored with 88

with 45, while Jaden Dowlin chipped in with 23.

In response, GCC chased down the target in 18.3 overs, finishing on 133 for 6. Nicholas Shiopersaud and Rivaldo Phillips both con tributed 31, while Kenrord Moensammy added a valu able 25, guiding the team to a four-wicket win.

In the final match of the weekend, Police Sports Club delivered a batting master class against the University of Guyana. After winning the toss and batting first, Police Sports Club amassed

(13-15 years), and cadets (612), along with the 200cc Honda 4-stroke Promoters Class and the Light Class. Additional events will feature 125cc IAME two-stroke (heavy and light), Under-12 60cc IAME, a five-lap time attack open category, 555 Speedway rental kart races, and supermoto 250cc bikes. The competition is set to offer over $5 million in cash and prizes across the categories.

comfortable win. With momentum building in the tournament, Malteenoes remain the team to beat, while

and Police Sports Club continue to strengthen their positions as serious contenders.

North East crowned champions of Regional Division 4A Streetball competition

…Lady Royals B take female title

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Regional Division 4A, led by Deputy Commissioner Simon McBean, successfully hosted a thrilling three-day Five-ASide Football Competition as part of its Community Fun Day activities from March 20 to March 22, 2026, at Eve Leary and Tiger Bay in Georgetown.

Teams from across Guyana competed fiercely for over $2,000,000 in cash prizes and trophies, showcasing skill, speed, and sportsmanship.

After three days of excit-

ing matches, Lady Royals B emerged as the female champions, with Street Vybz finishing second and Super Strikers taking third place. On the male side, North East claimed the championship, followed by Back Circle in second and Bent Street in third.

Several players stood out with remarkable performances throughout the tournament. Adrian Aaron of Back Circle scored 12 goals and set the record for the fastest male goal at just 11 seconds, earning a cash prize and trophy. In the female competition, Amanda McKenzie led

the scoring with five goals, while Dekola Chester of Lady Royals recorded the fastest female goal in 30 seconds, also receiving awards for her achievement.

At the presentation ceremony, Deputy Commissioner McBean commended all teams for their discipline and competitive spirit. He expressed optimism about making the event an annual tradition, noting that the tournament highlighted both football talent and community engagement. He also praised his support team for their contribution to the event’s success.

gen-

According to the GPF, the Regional Division 4A FiveA-Side Football Competition was a true celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and community spirit, leaving participants and spectators alike eagerly anticipating next year’s event.

Harpy Eagles gear up for revamped CWI 4-Day season

…Hercules confident in preparations

With the 2026 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day Tournament set to bowl off on April 12, Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) Head Coach Ryan Hercules has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations, even as the competition adopts a significantly-revised format.

The upcoming tournament has been resized into a more compact version, featuring fewer teams owing to financial challenges faced by CWI. As part of the restructuring, teams such as the West Indies Academy (WIA) and Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) have been removed from this year’s competition, with players returning to their respective territorial franchises.

Guyana’s preparations have already begun, with a pool of local players completing two practice matches over the past week. While the games produced

low scores, Hercules noted that the sessions were still beneficial in terms of assessing the squad.

“After completing the two practice matches… definitely, you know some things that we didn’t look at. With the challenges of the surface, you know; wasn’t one of the best, but nevertheless, you know, we did play the two matches. We’ve seen guys getting into a groove of things, so definitely some positives to take away,” Hercules explained.

He acknowledged the batting struggles, but stressed that the issues identified would be addressed as preparations intensify.

“There were some low scores, but nevertheless, it’s something that we would have pinpointed… and when the group itself and the squad itself comes together, we know how we go about with our stuff in the next sessions,” he added.

Hercules also confirmed that fitness testing is scheduled for this week, followed by more focused squad preparations ahead of the team’s departure for the tournament.

The Coach divulged, “Fitness testing will be this week… obviously that’s something that we pay really keen attention to and then we get into our squad preparation before we leave.”

The revised tournament format marks a departure from previous editions, where teams competed in a straightforward points-based system across a longer schedule. Despite the changes, Hercules maintained that the team’s mindset remains unchanged.

“In terms of the tweak in the tournament look, we still have to play cricket no matter what changes there are. There’s a cricket match that presents itself… where you can go there, you can showcase the talent and

the skills to the selectors,” he stated.

Hercules went on to add, “So that’s the main objective for us no matter what happens in terms of how the format changes. We have to play cricket… we’ll go a game at a time… we won’t get complacent.”

Looking ahead, Hercules believes the Harpy Eagles possess the experience and youthful energy needed to remain competitive, but emphasised that execution will be key.

“We do have the know-how in terms of how we go about… getting good results from our games. I cannot predict what can happen in the future… but what I can say, we will definitely be giving it our 100 per cent,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of maximising opportunities in a shortened tournament.

“You can play four games,

you can play five games… so you still get some games in, but I do encourage the guys to make sure whatever game they get to play, they make the best of that opportunity… to make it count.”

Hercules further noted that strong performances could open doors at the regional and international levels.

“You could look to stake a claim in the West Indies international team… either red ball or white ball format, so just make the best of that

MCYS/East Bank Inter Village Football…

opportunity,” he urged.

With final preparations ongoing, the Harpy Eagles Coach expressed optimism that the team would be ready to deliver when the competition begins.

“We are pretty much eager and ready… before we travel, we’ll be ready to go there and play good cricket, play our brand of cricket that we have been playing for Guyana for the past few years. Once we do the right thing… remain focused… I think we will get success.”

Agricola keep their head above water; Friendship halt Kaneville’s streak

While still not out of the woods, Agricola made a huge statement that they were not giving up when they stormed back from their opening game defeat to Kuru Kururu with a big win over a starstudded Mocha, 3-1, when the battle for quarter-final berths continued in the inaugural Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS)/East Bank Inter Village Football Tournament on Sunday night at the Eccles EE Ground.

Group D contest saw Friendship contesting their first match, halting the winning streak of Kaneville which had downed Timehri in their first match a week before, beating them 3-2.

Sunday’s opening game, a

Agricola came into the contest with Mocha knowing that defeat would have sent them packing from the tournament and from the first whistle, looked a determined unit against a side that came into the contest as a favourite to win the tournament.

Guyana Masters hockey teams set for Indoor World Cup in England

Guyana will field four teams at the upcoming World Masters Hockey Indoor World Cup, scheduled for March 26-31 in Nottingham, England, as the country looks to build on its impressive debut at the global tournament.

The competition, sanctioned by World Masters Hockey, will be played at the David Ross Sports Facility on the University of Nottingham campus and features veteran players aged 35 and above competing across several divisions. Guyana will contest the Men’s Over-40, Over-50 and Over-55 categories, along with the Women’s Over-40 division.

The expanded participation follows a strong showing at the 2024 edition, where Guyana’s Over-45 men’s team exceeded expectations to claim the silver medal. The side remained unbeaten en route to the final before narrowly losing 5-4 to host nation England.

Guyana Hockey Board

President Philip Fernandes believes the Over-40 men’s team could be the country’s strongest contender this year, citing a blend of fitness and skill among the squad. He noted that speed was a key factor in Guyana’s previous success and

expects similar attributes to play a role again.

Fernandes added that the Over-50 team brings valuable experience and tactical awareness, though he acknowledged that at the international level many teams possess comparable qualities. He described the Over-55 division as unpredictable, given the uncertainty surrounding the composition of opposing teams.

Reflecting on Guyana’s previous campaign, Fernandes said the team benefited from being relatively unknown but warned that this time opponents will be more prepared. He also welcomed the inclusion of a women’s team, highlighting that the squad was built around a core of experienced players who represented Guyana during the mid-2000s and have maintained

a competitive standard.

Preparation for this year’s tournament has been more structured, with teams gaining improved access to indoor facilities for consistent training and match simulation. Limited availability of venues had hindered preparations in 2024, but upgraded access has allowed for more realistic sessions ahead of the competition.

The teams have also received significant support from sponsors and the wider community. The women’s squad secured backing from Cevons Waste Management and Guinness, while the Over55 men’s team were supported by A&D Elevators (USA), Lyft Gym, Caribbean Sea Waves and CSS – Integrated Maritime Solutions. All teams were outfitted with winter jackets by Rockhard Cement.

Despite Mocha’s billing, Agricola were not intimidated and 10 minutes into the match, found the back of the net through a Shamar Sampson strike which gave them the confidence needed to believe in themselves.

One could have felt a heavy pressure easing off the team, but there were still lots of work to be done. Their play saw a fluidity that was missing against Kuru Kururu. The half ended with the slim 1-0 advantage for Agricola which doubled in the 40th minute with a goal off the boots of Demanie Cort.

The goal added even more flair to Agricola’s play, and Mocha still could not find a consistent rhythm. Three minutes after Cort’s goal, Agricola increased the tally to three when Jamal Fiffe added his name to the scoresheet, effectively stifling any inkling of a comeback by Mocha.

Even Kelvin Gordon’s 60thminute strike for Mocha was not enough to jolt Agricola as there was no denying them full points.

They now sit just behind Kuru Kururu on three points, but have exhausted their full quota of two matches.

Mocha will have to defeat Kuru Kururu heavily when they tangle to displace Agricola, Kuru Kururu will aim to end with a win to stay atop Group A.

Friendship took the early lead against Kaneville when Jomlin Scott netted the first of his double in the eighth minute. But that advantage was cancelled out in the 17th minute when Kaneville’s Tyequan Robinson levelled the score.

Just before the half-time whistle, Friendship restored the advantage with Scott’s second goal in the 34th minute. Three minutes into the second half, the advantage was doubled, compliments of Michael Correia’s goal.

Kaneville tucked in another in the 65th minute off the boots of Hermon Gill, but could not find an equaliser as time ran out. The win for Friendship has catapulted them to the top of Group D with a game in hand against the pointless Timehri.

It’s all to play for as the only two villages that have qualified for the quarter-finals are Group C’s Grove and Upper Soesdyke. The final group match between the two will decide who will end as group winners.

The tournament will take a break for the Easter holidays and restart with the final four group matches. Swan are down to play Lower Soesdyke, Mocha take on Kuru Kururu, Friendship oppose Timehri while Grove and Upper Soesdyke will lock horns. East Bank Inter Village Football