Guyana Times - Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Pres Ali urges unity as Guyana celebrates Phagwah 2026

– says beneath the powder “We are one”

Guyana awarded US$50,000 to modernise rice production with climate-smart solutions

Security officer found dead in E Field, Sophia

Guyana ready to assist Diaspora as Middle East conflict escalates – Todd Over 3000 persons to sign sale agreements in 7

Ponzi

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TUESDAY, MARCH 3,

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, March 3 –16:20h-17:50h and Wednesday, March 4 – 05:00h–06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers are expected throughout the day and into the night, followed by partly-cloudy to clear skies. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly between 4.47 metres and 6.26 metres.

High Tide: 16: 51h reaching a maximum height of 2.74 metres.

Low Tide: 10:26h and 22:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metre and 0.50 metre.

Pres Ali urges unity as Guyana celebrates Phagwah 2026

– says beneath the powder “We are one”

As Guyanese especially Hindus across Guyana celebrate the festival of colours, President Dr Irfaan Ali has called on the nation to celebrate as ‘one’ reiterating that despite the many colours that will fill the air and cover the skin,

tion, he stated that there is a moment, just before dawn breaks over Guyana, when the world holds its breath.

“The cane fields whisper in the darkness, the rivers glide silently toward the sea, and somewhere in the distance, the first sounds of

celebrations at the Ministry of Education

we must stand united as ‘one people’.

“This year, as we celebrate, let us carry that invitation forward into every day that follows. Let us build a Guyana where the colour of a child’s skin matters less than the colour of their dreams. Where the texture of their hair is not a measure of their worth, but simply part of the infinite variety of human beauty. Where their religion is a path they walk in peace, and their class is not a cage but a circumstance that can be transcended.

Let us work to build a Guyana where every single person, whether they worship in a mandir, a mosque, a church, or only in the cathedral of their own quiet heart, can stand in the sunlight and say: “Here, I belong. Here, I can become.”

This is not a small dream. It is the largest dream there is. It is the dream for which our ancestors struggled, for which they laboured and wept and hoped,” the Head of State in his Phagwah message stated.

In his message to the na-

life’s rustling begin to stir. This is the threshold between night and morning, between darkness and light, between the old self and the new… On this sacred morning of Phagwah, I stand with you at that threshold.”

He commended the Hindu community for keeping the festival exuberant, colourful, and alive across generations.

“I offer more than greetings; I offer gratitude. You have taught us that Holi is not merely a celebration but a revelation: that good shall always triumph over evil, that the soul, like the earth itself, must be renewed and reborn with each passing season.

Further, he welcomes Guyanese retuning home and visitors who have journeyed from distant shores to the land of cultural explo-

sion.

“You are not visitors here. You are like the returning tide, the branches of the great tree bending back toward its roots. Your presence completes our circle.”

He added that the colours of Phagwah remain rich in meaning. “Is it not the same red that runs through every human vein, whether Hindu or Christian, Muslim or Indigenous, African or Indian or Chinese or Portuguese?”

“The blue that clings to our skin—is it not the same blue that arches over every Guyanese head, from the Rupununi savannahs to the Atlaantic shore? The yellow, the green, the pink, the purple—they are not divisions. They are revelations. They are the visible proof that beauty lies not in uniformity, but in the glorious, joyful mingling of difference.”

President Ali further stated, “When we gather in the streets to celebrate this joyous festival, when we chase each other with abrack and water, when laughter rises like incense from every home and village road, we are not merely playing.”

Instead, he noted that the nation is performing a sacred truth - that beneath the powder, beneath the skin, beneath every label the world has taught us to wear, we are one.

That, he noted is the significance of Holi. “It does not ask for your beliefs. It simply invites you to belong.”

“Happy Phagwah to all. May your lives be drenched in joy, may your hearts be filled with love, and may the Guyana we build together be worthy of the beauty we create today.”

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Celebrating triumph of good, love, and renewal

As Phagwah quickly dawns, most Guyanese (Hindu or not) are eagerly looking forward to the coming celebrations. For the general public, the festival usually includes numerous Phagwah melas, at which patrons can be regaled by various art forms, such as singing and dancing, and playing Phagwah at public sites, such as the Everest Sports Ground or the National Stadium.

Some schools even have their own Phagwah celebrations, such as a show. For the religious, Phagwah includes going to temple, fasting, and, significantly, the burning of Holika.

The story of Phagwah, although probably well known by most Hindus, is not necessarily known to the public. There are a few variants related to the festival. The first, perhaps the most popular, one is that of the overarching triumph of good over evil and the legend associated with this – the story of Prahalad.

The legend goes that Prahalad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, but his father, King Hiranyakashyap, believed that he, the king, should be worshipped as God and was furious that his son had become devoted to someone else. After unsuccessfully trying to wean Prahalad from his devotion, the king ordered that his own son be burnt on a pyre by his sister Holika.

Holika had been gifted in that fire could not harm her. However, miraculously, when the fire died away, Holika had been reduced to ashes, and Prahalad sat unharmed. It is explained that the fact that Prahalad was unharmed despite all odds is symbolic of good triumphing over evil. This is why, on the night before Holi, pyres are lit at different temples.

A less-known origin story of Phagwah focuses on the love of Radha and Krishna. In the legend, young Krishna bemoaned that he was very dark and was upset that Radha was much fairer than he was. His mother, consoling him, told him that he could colour Radha’s face whichever colour he wanted. Taking her advice, Krishna applied coloured pigments to Radha’s face so that she could be the same as he was. Krishna played pranks on the gopis (cowherds) and would apply colour on them and spray them with water from pichkaris.

This is the reason why, on Phagwah, people play with coloured powders and spray each other with water. In some parts of India, a palanquin with idols of Radha and Krishna is paraded through the streets.

Another story of Holi is that of the sacrifice of Kamadeva. In this version, Sati, daughter of King Daksha, was enamoured with Shiva and refused to marry anyone else, to the disdain of her father. Once she did marry Shiva, ties with her family weakened, and she denounced herself completely from them one fateful night. Her father had planned a ritual sacrifice and invited all of their family. She rationalised that her lack of invitation had been an oversight, and she decided to go anyway.

Upon entering the celebration, she and her husband were ridiculed by her father until, finally, Sati announced that since her father had given her this body, she no longer wanted to be associated with it, and as a result, she entered a deep trance until she ignited. Shiva, upon hearing this news, was furious and then entered deep meditation, renouncing all work.

This, of course, threw the world out of balance, so Sati was reborn in the shape of Paravati and began to try to win Shiva’s affection. This proved futile, and so she invoked the help of Kamadeva, the “Indian Cupid god, “ who shot a love arrow into Shiva’s heart. Disturbed from his trance, Shiva opened his third eye and incinerated Kamadeva.

It is said that on the day of Holi, Kamadeva sacrificed himself for the good of all beings. Later, upon realising his mistake, Shiva granted Kamadeva immortality, but he was made invisible, making him a representation of true love as opposed to lust. To this day, on Holi, people still make offerings to Kamadeva to show their gratitude.

These are just a few of the stories associated with the celebration of Holi. Knowing the meaning behind the things that we do helps us have greater appreciation and respect for these traditions. That being said, I hope you all have a great Phagwah and enjoy the festival to its fullest!

Latin America and the Caribbean advances in the fight to eradicate hunger: a

challenge that admits no pauses

By René ORellana HalkyeR

Eradicating hunger is an ethical imperative and an essential condition for the development of countries. Every step forward in reducing hunger is therefore not only an encouraging statistic; it is a clear sign that, with strong political commitment and sound public policies, it is possible to transform realities and improve lives.

The most recent data from the 2025 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, published by FAO together with other United Nations agencies, confirm that undernourishment declined for the fourth consecutive year. In 2024, it affected 5.1 per cent of the population, down from 6.1 per cent in 2020. In concrete terms, 6.2 million people no longer suffer from hunger.

This progress deserves recognition not only for its impact on the lives of those who have escaped hunger, but also because it demonstrates that public policy decisions adopted by countries can generate real transformation. When national authorities show strong political commitment and promote economic recovery measures, social protection, support to family farming, productive innovation and the promotion of agrifood trade, among other actions, results follow.

However, we must continue to join efforts and work together, as more than 33 million people in the region still

suffer from hunger. Some 167 million face food insecurity, 181 million cannot afford a healthy diet, and 141 million adults are living with obesity.

These figures reflect a persistent paradox of the double burden of malnutrition across all our countries: hunger coexists with overweight and obesity, nutritional deficiencies with unhealthy diets. Access to a healthy diet also remains limited due to its high cost, which stands at 5.16 PPP dollars per person per day — the highest in the world.

The high cost of a healthy diet is one of the main drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition. It is compounded by economic challenges, limited access to fresh and nutritious foods, and the consequences of extreme climate events that affect agrifood systems and call for policies that strengthen their sustainability and resilience.

Hunger both reflects and deepens poverty and inequality. Access to food and healthy diets should not be a

privilege for a few.

The upcoming 39th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC39) represents an important opportunity for dialogue and decision-making.

This entails strengthening family farming and sustainable production systems to eradicate hunger and poverty and reduce inequalities; expanding and improving school feeding programmes by incorporating public procurement from family farmers and national dietary guidelines; implementing subsidies to enable the most vulnerable populations to access nutritious but costly foods; and promoting food environments in cities that facilitate access to and consumption of healthy diets.

It also means strengthening and modernising food supply systems, fostering agrifood trade to increase the availability and access to a wider variety of foods, expanding robust social protection systems with synergies with productive inclusion

programmes and a focus on reducing hunger and poverty, investing in innovation and digitalisation for production, productivity and climate resilience, and mobilising financing for large-scale investments through the Hand-in-Hand Initiative.

The region has shown that progress is possible. The challenge now is to sustain that momentum and make it inclusive, so that everyone can access sufficient, safe and nutritious food and healthy diets.

Since 1945, FAO has supported its Members through the generation of data and scientific evidence, technical cooperation for the implementation of policies and actions, and the mobilisation of investments. Today, FAO is implementing its Strategic Framework 2022–2031 across the region through four Regional Priorities aligned with the Four Betters — Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life — strengthening sustainable production, food security and nutrition, climate action and social inclusion.

Together, we can work to develop the policies and programmes needed to drive change and build more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for food security and nutrition.

(René Orellana Halkyer is Assistant DirectorGeneral and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean)

Shubh Holi, Guyana

Dear Editor,

Historically, One Guyana joins with the rest of the world in celebrating the happy, holy, and harmonious Holi holiday this week, an event that commenced with the “planting of the Holika” and continues for days after Tuesday, the official day to play Phagwah.

The festival of colors, love, and spring unfolds itself in the story of King Hiranyakashipu, with the aid of his sister Holika, attempting to put an end to his young son, Prahalad, who stands up for truth and is an ardent devotee of Shri Vishnu. He himself manifested as Narasimha to counter the protective boon given to the King.

Prahalad’s personality personifies strong faith in a Supreme Being (Lord Vishnu-Narayan) and his unwavering belief that in times of evil, the Unknown One becomes known as the savior who comes to rescue His devotees. The lesson learned is that good eventually conquers evil, and the Law of Karma always prevails.

Children should be taught to love a higher power who looks after all, to attend church, mosque, or mandir from a young age, to know their scriptures, and to be brave and bold in respecting the law, attending school regularly, and being honest.

Hiranyakashipu’s poor judgment, his ego, pride, ignorance, and cunningness led him to his downfall when he became shortsighted and too cocky and sure of himself. There is always an oversight when any leader gets carried away with power, leading them into a pitfall. Such shal-

low leaders forget that false discernment has a shelf life and what goes up must come down!

Do not try to fool people, do not make half-promises, do not provide empty cups, clever words, abstract talks, or flamboyance.

The evil that men do will live after them, and what you sow you will certainly reap. Leaders should fulfill their commitments faithfully, honestly, and transparently without any conditions, compromises, or contingencies.

In India, the celebration of Holi coincides with and comes at the end of winter when people welcome the advent of spring. The joy and festivities go hand in hand with those of the religious event. The camaraderie greetings, the offerings made in thanks to Mother Nature, the expression of songs and dances, the friendly playfulness with water, abeer, abrack, powder, and perfume, the preparation of sweets and food, and the sharing of these, all highlight an annual custom that has become traditional.

Holika’s powerlessness against her own strength and boon also underlines a greater power that decides and demarcates the thick line of righteousness over unrighteousness. When power is misused and converted to attain the wrong things, that power is evidently denied and destroys the deceptive person who feels they are untouchable.

The sweet, melodious, and enchanting singing of chowtal, with the vociferous voices and the playing of the tantalizing dholak and ringing jaals, adds to the merriment of Holi, the impression

of unified togetherness, the expression of love and sincerity, and the willingness to live in a cultured upbringing. The lyrics personify the beauty of the livelihood of Krishna and Radha, a tale of Ram and Sita’s devotion, and the ambiance of Shiva’s presence.

The songs, skits, savoring, and scenery embrace the rightness and richness of a historical past that adumbrated our ancestors’ simple but significant pastime from their Motherland, gifted to generations to follow from their sacrifices, selflessness, and submissiveness. Our social leaders should always practice this principle with sobriety and not be carried away by any aloofness.

Phagwah’s pronouncements must never be taken for granted, regarded lightly, or treated with scant respect. The high moral values conceptualized behind the observance and playing of Holi must be executed in the true sense of its significance, with the pride of a proud follower of dignity, honesty, and loyalty for purity, perfection, and practicality.

This international acknowledgment of the Hindu holiday of Holi has an international flavor and globally favors its deep- seated repercussions, which translate to: breaking barriers of unfriendliness, forgetting and forgiving, crossing the bridge of happiness, reigning and roping in peace and joy, planting the seed for productivity and prosperity, progressing from ignorance to knowledge, recognizing limitations and liabilities, lighting up the path away from darkness, rising with the nature of goodness, and accepting the law of rules

and regulations to always be on the right side.

Let this year’s Holi festivities usher into our lives the brightness of the all-pervad-

ing powerful sun, the calmness of a brilliant full moon, and the fulfillment of the rising tide from a roaring sea. Do have a happy, safe,

and enjoyable Phagwah, Guyana.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

The hypocrisy that surrounds the Opposition

Dear Editor, When Azruddin Mohamed was caught red-handed conducting his illegal Cambio business, his excuse was, “That money there is to help poor people.” This was one of the many lame excuses that man has been making ever sense. He makes such excuses in the vein attempt to subvert the rule of law, which precludes him from transacting business in this country, but he persists and keeps making these excuses ad nauseam.

Now, the name Azruddin Mohammed was a virtual unknown until now; he came onto the scene at a time when he was sanctioned by the United States. Around this same time, he appeared locally doing charitable work, in his own words, “Helping poor people.”

His political pursuits came soon after, which, according to him, would place him in a better position to help the suffering masses in this country. High and lofty ideals, I may add, but was this the real reason behind that so-called altruism of his?

I think not, because as soon as he entered political office, that selfless concern for the well-being of others soon vanished into thin air, and all that remains is his own personal self-interest. He no longer builds homes or walks around with those

Kaieteur News and its contradictory narratives

Dear Editor, I write to draw attention to a troubling contradiction in media coverage emerging from Kaieteur News that raises broader questions about political framing, editorial consistency, and the construction of public narratives around climate diplomacy.

On February 26, 2026, Kaieteur News published two pieces concerning Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s remarks at the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) in New Delhi. Read together, the newspaper’s news reporting and its opinion commentary present sharply divergent portrayals of the same event — one factual and affirming, the other sharply critical, to the point of undermining the very statements reported earlier that day.

The news article, titled “VP Jagdeo urges Global South to advance climate goals despite US absence,”

reported that Dr. Jagdeo encouraged developing nations to continue strengthening climate action even without current U.S. participation.

Far from depicting dependence on Washington, the article emphasised his call for momentum among Global South countries, highlighting Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, biodiversity initiatives, and the country’s attempt to balance economic development with environmental stewardship. The tone was descriptive and largely positive, presenting Guyana as an example of national-level climate leadership.

Yet the same day, the newspaper’s Peeping Tom column, “Climate action is not for sale!”, advanced a fundamentally different interpretation. The column criticised Dr. Jagdeo for allegedly suggesting that global climate progress depends on American involvement, framing his remarks

as intellectually outdated and politically submissive to Western influence. The columnist argued that such thinking diminishes emerging global power centers and reflects a misplaced reliance on the United States.

The contradiction is striking.

The news report itself quotes Dr. Jagdeo urging countries to “move forward even without the participation of the United States,” while the opinion column criticises him for implying the opposite.

Readers encountering both pieces are left with mutually incompatible impressions of what was actually said.

Opinion journalism has every right to critique political leaders. However, credible public discourse depends on a shared factual foundation. When commentary appears to reinterpret or contradict verified reporting published by the same outlet on the same day – with-

out acknowledging that discrepancy — it risks blurring the line between analysis and narrative construction.

This inconsistency matters beyond Guyana. Small developing states are increasingly central to global climate debates, particularly as oil-producing nations attempt to reconcile economic development with environmental commitments. Accurate representation of their positions is essential for international audiences trying to understand evolving climate politics in the Global South.

The episode illustrates a broader challenge facing modern media ecosystems: the coexistence of factual reporting and opinion-driven framing that can produce parallel realities within a single publication.

Readers deserve clarity about where interpretation begins and reporting ends.

Sincerely,

Erin Northe

wads of cash handouts anymore; all of these things came to an abrupt end as self-interest took precedence.

So, let us test that “altruistic stance” of Father and son Mohamed. In recent events, there is an extradition request out for one Mr. Bynoe; that matter was heard in the local magistracy and treated with dispatch. That individual is presently held in a common prison awaiting his extradition date.

Now, here we have another person with minor offenses being raced through the court and summarily held in prison awaiting an extradition date with the USA, while the Mohammeds roam free with all the excuses to go with. Isn’t this a travesty of justice? The answer is yes: two extraditable individuals, yet one is treated as a saint while the other is considered a sinner, nobody.

One would have thought that Azruddin might have rushed to the aid of another “hapless fugitive” like himself by financing a good attorney to represent him or at least making a statement

condemning the unjustified attacks of the Americans. He could have come out swinging against the Americans in their attacks on Iran, so why not speak out against them in what he terms “ bullying attacks” against “innocent citizens” like Bynoe? Why? But it all goes to show what mettle of man he is, that is, a self-serving egotistical bigot who thinks only of himself.

The hypocrisy does not stop there. Where are the David Hinds?

Where are the Nigel Hughes and the so-called “Guardians of the Black Race?” Bynoe is Black, so why can’t he be afforded the luxuries of freedom like Azruddin Mohammed while his extradition papers are processed? Instead of championing the injustices meted out to a Black brother, the Black fraternity is strangely silent.

Then, it behooves us to believe that a destitute servility exists in the ranks of the Afro-Centered Opposition, which is a very troubling situation.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Page Foundation

Adding fractions with like denominators

Like denominators are exactly the same. For example, 1/5 and 3/5 have like denominators.

But 1/5 and 1/6 do not have like denominators.

To add fractions with like denominators, just add the numerators. Place the total over the denominator.

Example: Add + +

Step 1: Add 1 + 3 + 4 = 8

Step 2: Place the total over the like denominator.

You may notice your total is an improper fraction. But you have learnt how to change that into a mixed number if you need to.

Remember: Like denominators are the same, and are sometimes called common denominators.

You will need:

Large sheet of gold card

Glue stick

Yellow, red and orange tissue or crepe paper

Brown paper or card

Twigs

Sticky tape

Instructions:

Cut a bonfire shape from card.

Exercises: Add fractions

Cut flames from the tissue paper and glue them to the card. Try not to glue them flat, but bend them and only stick bits down to add texture and make the flames look more real.

From brown paper cut some rectangular "log" shapes and glue these to the bottom of the fire. Finish off by taping on some real twigs to bring the collage to life and add even more texture. (activityvillage.co.uk)

BY CRAIG MORGAN TEICHER

Each player gets out of bed and dresses. Each player uses the toilet then they do what they do in the morning. Then they do what they do in the afternoon. Any activities may be performed. See that each player tires by the time darkness falls. Two or more may play, not together. This Game is played alone.

(Source: Poetry [March 2026])

Your hero is doomed to repeat the past.

2nd gas pipeline to land at mouth of Berbice River – Finance Minister

...says will trigger new wave of industrial boom in region

The country’s second gas pipeline will land at the mouth of the Berbice River in Region Six, a move set to trigger a new wave of industrial activity, according to Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh. The Minister was at the time speaking during a television interview on the National Communications Network (NCN), Berbice where he underscored that Region Six is positioned for major transformation over the next five years, with energy-led development expected to unlock new industries and largescale investment. Minister Singh emphasised the transformative impact.

“Imagine that the gas pipeline will be landing at the mouth of the Berbice River… that will deliver enough gas for us to build

another Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project once the power demand is there,” he said. The project is expected to support bauxite processing, agro-process -

ing, fertiliser production and data centres, creating significant employment opportunities for the surrounding communities. Budget 2026, themed

‘Putting People First,’ also prioritises transport and infrastructure upgrades to support this growth. Key initiatives include the construction of a new bridge across the Berbice River, upgrades to the Corentyne corridor from Palmyra to Moleson Creek, enhanced farm-to-market roads and the potential development of the Corentyne River Bridge with Suriname. Back in November 2025, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that Guyana will build a second GtE pipeline, one to be routed through Berbice, before the end of the decade, describing the project as a national undertaking that will “break every single record in the world” in its speed of delivery. He signalled that the new pipeline is no longer an aspi -

ration but a defined target within the Government’s wider energy and industrialisation strategy.

The announcement places Berbice at the centre of Guyana’s next phase of energy expansion, as the Government prepares for a fivefold increase in national electricity demand by 2030. Ali added that a robust, diversified economy cannot emerge without “cheap, reliable, clean energy”, and the GtE platform, now set to include a separate Berbice line, is the bedrock on which the country’s industrial ambitions will be built. “Cheap, reliable, clean energy is the bedrock of industrialisation,” he said. “It is the key to transforming our export baskets, to powering factories, to enabling manufacturing, agro-pro -

cessing and value-added production and to supporting modern infrastructure.” The President framed the pipeline announcement within what he called “arguably the most transformative decade in our nation’s history.” He pointed to the scale of infrastructure now in motion – roads, bridges, ports, digital systems, energy projects – and said the decisions being taken today will define “the destiny of generations to come.” The Berbice gas line will form part of a massive national energy buildout that includes a 300-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle plant, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, large-scale solar farms, mini-grids and upgraded transmission and control systems.

Guyana awarded US$50,000 to modernise rice production with climate-smart solutions

Guyana has received a US$50,000 grant from New Zealand to modernise the rice industry through the ADOPT Caribbean Soil Health for ClimateResilient Agriculture Project. The project will be officially launched in Guyana later today at the Burma Rice Research Station. This collaboration forms part of a broader regional climate-smart agriculture (CSA) framework supported by New Zealand across the Caribbean and Latin America. The funding will establish two

blocks of climate-smart rice, designed to serve as a model for rice farmers. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Monday stated that once the model is finished, farmers can learn “how to start, because of the severe weather conditions sometimes we experience here”.

Mustapha highlighted that Guyana is already advancing the implementation of new systems and strategies within the agriculture sector, including the introduction of new rice varieties. He noted

that the project will further support ongoing efforts to raise awareness among farmers and enhance resilience to climate change. The model will test and improve production methods that can withstand heavy rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and other climate challenges. Guyana currently has approximately 6,000 rice farmers cultivating over 232,000 acres of land, making rice one of Guyana’s most significant agricultural products. Beyond rice, the Government continues to

invest heavily in hydroponics, shade houses and tunnel-ventilated poultry pens to modernise production and attract young people to agriculture. “We are changing the per -

ception,” the Agriculture Minister said, emphasising that modern technology and innovation are transforming agriculture into a profitable sector.

ADOPT Caribbean is a re -

gional initiative designed to strengthen soil health, reduce agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accelerate the adoption of CSA practices across the Caribbean.

2 men killed in separate weekend stabbing incidents

Two men lost their lives in separate stabbing incidents late Saturday and Sunday in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and Sand Hill, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) with several persons now in police custody as investigations continue. In the first incident, 28-year-old Joel Anthony Tamesar, a construction worker of La Parfaite Harmonie WBD was fatally stabbed while he was at a shop on Sunday. The fatal incident occurred between 19:30h and 19:45h at the shop located at LustEn-Rust, La Parfaite

Harmonie. According to preliminary information, Tamesar was at the shop when a 38-year-old male, also of La Parfaite Harmonie, entered the premises. An altercation reportedly erupted between them during which the suspect allegedly armed himself with a knife and stabbed Tamesar to the left side of his chest before fleeing the scene in a southern direction. The injured man was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he succumbed while receiving medical treatment. The suspect was later apprehended at Lust-En-Rust

after he was found hiding in a trench. He remains in custody as investigations continue. In a separate incident, a male known only as “Mikey” was found dead between late Saturday night and Sunday morning at Granny Road, Sand Hill, Cuyuni River. Investigations revealed that the man had been residing at a farm in the area with other workers. On Saturday evening at about 21:30h, he reportedly left the camp and went to a nearby shop in the company of another male. At about 08:00h on Sunday, his lifeless body was discovered at the side of the road, sev -

eral metres away from the shop. The body bore multiple stab wounds to the upper body. It was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital for official pronouncement and is expected to be taken to the Bartica Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.

Five males, including individuals who were reportedly in the company of the deceased before the discovery of his body, have been arrested and are assisting with investigations. Police in the respective regions have since launched separate probes into the two killings.

Playing… …Phagwah

Yep!! Today, Hindus throw off whatever inhibitions they may have about invading other people’s personal space as they “play Phagwah”!! Now some of you out there might be wondering why we call the festival “Phagwah” while most of the world call it “Holi”? Well, fact of the matter is that even in India – where the festival originated – they have several names for it in the various regions. It just so happens that most of the Indians who ended up in Guyana during indentureship came from Eastern Bihar and Western UP – the so-called “Bhojpuri belt” where they speak Bhojpuri. Phagwa’s their name for Holi. Down in Tamil Nadu where our Madrassis come from they call it Kaam-Dahaan!!

Basically, it’s a Spring Festival in which the early Indians who’d endured the vicissitudes of winter exploded in celebrating the return of life on the sprouting of new leaves!! As is usual in these matters in an old civilisation like India, various stories become associated with the festival and form the basis of narratives that make it easier for ordinary folks to appreciate the notion of a regeneration!! In Tamil Nadu, the stories about Kama, the God of Love being burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva – who restores him to life forty days later on the entreaties of Kama’s wife and his own.

In Guyana, we tell the story of the King who became so infatuated with power that he decreed he was the Supreme Godhead and should be worshipped as such. He was opposed by his own son – who one suspects saw him warts and all!! – and who spread the word among his friends about Lord Vishnu being God. The King tried every which way to silence the upstart prince – including having his sister Holika who was immune to fire – immolate him. Forty days later, Vishnu took material form; killed the King –and order is returned. Holika gave her name to the festival and the immolation is recreated the night before Phagwah with bonfires across Guyana to launch the festivities that celebrate the triumph of good over evil!!

The lesson ain’t just about the dousing of each other with water – signalling the “outing” of the Holi fire and the smearing of red abeer signalling the spilled blood of the Great Pretender! It reminds us that there’s always gonna be power-drunk individuals who will seek to lord it over us. Our duty is to follow the example of the little prince and “speak truth to power”!!

They say “the voice of the people is the voice of God” and as such has the power to make mountains crumble –much less the pretentions of leaders!!

Happy Phagwah or Kaam Dahan to all of you Dear Readers!!

…the long game

Over in the Near East, the Iranians are regrouping after the US and Israeli surprise attacks that wiped out much of their top government and military leadership!! But as your Eyewitness had predicted, other leaders have already been selected to take their places – all coordinated by a leadership body that was prepared for such an eventually!!

Militarily, it was always known Iran’s well-equipped with that staple of modern warfare – short, medium and long-range missiles travelling at all sorts of velocities –including supersonic speeds like their version of the Russian Oreshniks creating such havoc in Ukraine!! They can evade most anti-missile batteries. After the initial flurry of missiles into Israel and surrounding countries with US bases, your Eyewitness believe they’re gonna settle down for a war of attrition!!

Remember their 10-year war with Iraq under Saddam – then supported by the US and Israel?? The Iranians have raised their Red Flag of Revenge – and for a Shia nation founded on the belief in sacrifice, this ain’t gonna end well!! …with honour

Well, our boys in crimson were knocked out by India from this year’s Cricket World Cup! But to their credit and your Eyewitness’s relief – they did so with very credible performances. Dare we say, “Wait till next time?”

Reg 1 woman busted with ganja at Ogle Airport – cocaine, cannabis found during operation at Lethem

Doris Joseph, an outgoing passenger who was traveling to Region One (Barima-Waini)

from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (EFCIA), was on Saturday intercepted with 338 grams

Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where she was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. She pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $101,000.

Meanwhile, CANU also stated that it seized a quantity of cannabis and cocaine during an operation at Tabatinga Lethem, Central Rupununi, last Friday. CANU reported that officers, acting on information received, conducted an operation at a residence located

of cannabis. The interception was carried out by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) after receiving information. CANU stated that the operation led to the discovery of one parcel containing the cannabis. Joseph was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 338 grams.

However, on Monday, she appeared before Magistrate

in the vicinity of Tabatinga Lethem, Central Rupununi, where several parcels containing the illicit drugs were found.

Two persons-Laurence France and Drawn Williams were arrested and taken to the Lethem Office, where the cocaine weighed 45 grams and cannabis 27 grams. Investigations are ongoing.

Guyana ready to assist Diaspora as Middle East conflict escalates – Todd ...says

Govt monitoring situation

As violent clashes in the Middle East stretch into a third day and the death toll climbs into the hundreds, Guyana remains vigilant, pledging support for its small Diaspora in the affected region. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd, when contacted on Monday, told Guyana Times that the Ministry remains in active contact with Guyana’s embassies in Doha and Kuwait to ensure support is readily available for Guyanese nationals in the affected countries. He noted, however, that no citizen has contacted Guyanese authorities for assistance thus far. The Minister further explained that the Guyanese Diaspora in those countries is relatively small, and many are dual citizens who may choose to seek support from their other country of nationality. On February 28, the United States (US) and Israel Defence Forces

(IDF) launched coordinated strikes against Iran, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. In the following days, Iran and allied groups retaliated with missiles, drones, and attacks across the region.

Affected territories include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, among others.

Iran has attacked Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport in Doha, and Kuwait International Airport, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and significant injuries to persons.

Major Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai suspended most flights to and from key hubs like Dubai International, Abu Dhabi, and Doha immediately after the attacks. Many flights were canceled or severely limited due to airspace closures and safety concerns.

Porter nabbed with cocaine, ecstasy at Sherima Police Checkpoint

A30-year-old porter from Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was taken into custody on Sunday following the discovery of a quantity of cocaine and ecstasy during a stopand-search operation at the Sherima Police Checkpoint, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). Police stated that on the day in question, ranks intercepted a motor lorry en route to Puruni Landing, and a search was conducted during which a shopping

bag was found in the passenger-side storage compartment.

Upon inspection, a Milo tin and a Nestum tin containing two transparent bags with whitish rock-like substances suspected to be cocaine, along with a quantity of suspected ecstasy pills, were found. The cocaine was subsequently weighed and amounted to 56 grams, while the ecstasy weighed 98.91 grams. The porter remains in custody pending further investigations and charges.

On Saturday evening, the Guyana Government issued a statement condemning the attacks by Iran on the Kingdom of Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.

The Government described the attacks as unprovoked, unjustified, and in violation of international law. Guyana called for all parties to de-escalate tensions, emphasising the importance of sustained peace and stability in the Middle East.

The statement further expressed full solidarity with the Governments and people of Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, and reiterated Guyana’s condemnation of Iran’s actions against these sovereign states. The Ministry stressed that lasting peace and stability in the region remain a priority for the international community and urged dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Ponzi scheme agents jailed for 4 years after pleading guilty to money laundering

Aubrey Norton and his wife, Martina Seepersaud – two Ponzi Scheme agents were on Friday sentenced to four years imprisonment by Magistrate Rushell Liverpool after pleading guilty to money laundering charges that were instituted against them back in 2021. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Monday stated that an investigation revealed that the couple were agents of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc., an unlicensed company performing functions of a financial securities company. Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. was owned and directed by principals who hired Norton and Seepersaud to illegally solicit clients to invest in forex trading in exchange for commission. In 2021, SOCU arrested the defendants, and they were charged with the offence of money laundering for transferring the sum of $53.5 million, being part payment for the purchase of property situated at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara (ECD), with the aim of concealing or disguising the illicit origin of the said sum, while knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that the said sum of $53.5 million was the proceeds of crime.

The prosecution’s case was one that combined evidence from investors, cash collections, evidence of large cash property transactions, income records and employment records. SOCU adduced evidence to show that Norton and his wife purchased the La Bonne Intention property for $70 million, paying $53.5 million as an initial down payment. Evidence was also adduced to show that the defendants were agents of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc., securing investors at a 10 per cent commission while earning a combined monthly salary of $175,000.00.

The defendants were called to lead their defence, gave sworn evidence, and called witnesses. The case for the defendants was one

of a bare or complete denial, contending that they were never employed by Accelerated Capital Firm Inc., they did not have the means, nor were they ever a part of an agreement to purchase the property situated at LBI for $53.5 million.

The Court opined that it was untenable for the defence to suggest that the Court should reject the consistent independent evidence of multiple witnesses, including legal representatives, who all testified to the myriad arrangements between the defendants and other witnesses. Essentially, the court considered several issues such as (i) whether the defendants converted or transferred property, within the meaning of section 3(1)(A) of the AMLCFT Act; (ii) Has the prosecution proved that $53. 5 million represented the proceeds of crime; (iii) did the defendants know or have reasonable grounds to believe the money was the proceeds of crime; and (iv) was the transfer done with the aim of concealing or disguising the illicit origin of the money. Magistrate Liverpool found that SOCU had amassed an overwhelming amount of credible, cogent, coherent and circumstantial evidence that clearly pointed to the defendants being guilty of the money laundering offence.

The Court, in finding that all the elements of the offence were satisfied, stated that in the context of money laundering, the movements of large, unexplained cash into real estate was a classic method by which illicit funds were converted into an ostensibly legitimate asset, thereby disguising the origin. The Court rejected the defence’s case of a complete denial, stating that it was unable to accept that the numerous witnesses who testified to handing over cash to the defendants to invest collectively fabricated their evidence or causally invoked the defendants’ names without any foundation.

Over 3000 persons to sign sale agreements in 7 new housing areas in 2 months – Croal announces

Some 3000 new allottees have recently been called to sign their agreements of sale and begin the process of obtaining their certificates of title across multiple housing schemes. The seven areas identified include Number 75 Village, Number 76 Village, Village

No. B, Lusignan Phase One, Lusignan Phase Two, Good Hope Phase Two, Vriesland, and Laurentia Catherina. This was disclosed by Housing Minister Collin Croal during an agreementof-sale signing exercise on Monday. The signing process has already commenced, with approximately 350 per-

sons called from Lusignan Phase One. “The staff here have commenced the signing for Lusignan Phase One. We’ve called about 350 persons today (March 2) for this area. Henceforth, that process can continue for others within the Phase One area at the Central Ministry. Two weeks ago, at Number 75 Village, we had called 150 persons,” the Minister stated. Allottees at Number 76 Village, were not left out of the progress as he reported that on February 14, some 300 persons were called.

“Then at Number 76 on the 14th of February, we called 300 persons. Over the next few weeks, we have a number of signings that will be taking place. For example, on the 7th and the 14th for Lusignan Phase Two, we have initiated the process for 500 persons who will be

coming in to sign their agreements of sale as well, for the commencement of the process for their certificates of title,” he explained. Turning to other areas, Croal said that on March 5 and 12, ap-

proximately 300 persons from Good Hope Phase Two (Eastern portion) will be called to sign. Additionally, signings are scheduled for March 19, 21 and 24 at Vriesland, Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD). The areas of Laurentia Catherina in Wales – part of the wider Wales Development – are also included. “I want to say, though, that for the Region Three area, those within the Wales vicinity, when the process is initiated, it can continue at the respective regional offices,” the Minister noted. Croal further stated that staff members are working beyond regular hours, including Saturdays, to ensure that persons receive their house lots in a timely manner. While allocation activities are usually conducted during the workweek, several Saturdays have been scheduled to facilitate the ongoing process. He explained that this is necessary because staff members are also managing their routine weekday responsibilities and the additional weekend efforts are aimed at keeping the distribution process on track. The Minister also pointed out that a large number of persons are visiting the Ministry daily, prompting additional measures to accelerate service delivery. “They’re also dealing with members of the public who are coming in. In order to fast-track and bring quicker service to potential allottees who are waiting for their agreements of sale and to process their titles, we have added some additional days to focus on these areas. As I said, there are seven new areas coming on stream that we’ll be able to process for ownership,” he said. Meanwhile, it was announced that some 3000 persons are targeted to sign agreements in seven areas spanning Regions Six, Four and Three.

“So, within two months or two and a half months, we will have over 3000 persons signing in these seven new

areas,” Croal stated. The Minister noted that significant investment has been made to make the lands accessible. “We have invested over $38.5 billion in those areas to make it accessible for persons to be able to access their land,” he said. Croal also underscored the important role of the media in ensuring that beneficiaries are informed. “All of these persons in the areas I mentioned can view their lots and from the dates identified, they can sign their agreements of sale and proceed to their certificates of title. It’s very important, and from time to time we will be doing these exercises, using the opportunity of the media to update our beneficiaries as to what is happening in the housing sector. It’s very important for you to follow,” he urged. The Minister further encouraged persons to be patient, explaining that the process involves a significant amount of documentation that must be carefully reviewed. Beneficiaries are required to examine and verify the documents before signing, which can take time. As a result, the Minister highlighted that, individuals are invited in batches to ensure that each person receives adequate attention and proper service. The same approach is applied during land-showing exercises, where persons are also called in batches to guarantee that they are given full attention throughout the process. The Housing Ministry, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), he said, is working beyond the call of duty to ensure that home ownership becomes a reality for Guyanese. “Home ownership is not just about the allocation of lots and that is certainly not where we are stopping. It is to ensure that, one, persons get ownership, and two, that they have the opportunity to build their own homes. That is part of our focus,” the Minister stated.

UG to host reading of literary works of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

To honour the work of former senior lecturer in the Department of English in the Faculty of Arts of the University of Guyana (UG), the institution will host a memorial reading of his work in the latter part of March in tribute to his academic and literary contributions to the University of Guyana and internationally. Dr Rupert Roopnaraine (January 31, 1943 – February 23, 2026) will be universally celebrated as a man of thought and action, a man of the Renaissance, a man of academia and of the people, who could walk with kings but never lost the common touch. It is in memory of that intellectual quality that UG celebrates his life and academic legacy.

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English in the Faculty of Arts. He was a member of UG’s Council prior to becoming Minister of Education which was his last substantial public role in Guyana. As an international intellectual he worked towards the bet-

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

terment of humanity. Dr Roopnaraine was a scholar, a statesman, a poet, a critic of the arts and of literature, a lecturer and film-maker who served the University as an expert on literature and philosophical thought, the nation of Guyana as Minister of Education and Member of Parliament (MP). He went from Queens College on a Guyana

Scholarship to Cambridge where he read Comparative Literature and returned to Guyana after serving at Cornell University to join the University of Guyana in 1977. He combined scholarship with activism, driven by a proletarian philosophy that called a deep knowledge of Marxism and modern political thought to the service of mankind. Dr Roopnaraine was fabled for oratorical eloquence as he articulated Continental and Romance Literature and Kafka in equal measure with Charles Dickens, Walt Whitman and the leftist teachings of Terry Eagleton. Yet he was a serious student of Martin Carter and of a Creole sensibility. The University marks his impact as a post-colonialist intellectual reminiscent of the Jacobin cry for “liberte, egalite, fraternite” when he struggled alongside Walter

Rodney against totalitarianism in the 1970s. Dr Roopnaraine reflects the Renaissance spirit in the balance of elements in his life as a scholar, a sportsman and an artist. He was a cricketer—a spin bowler for Queens College and afterwards for Cambridge University (1964-1966), where he was awarded a Blue for his performance in sports. He was a poet, publishing The Web of October: On Re-Reading Martin Carter (Peepal Tree, 1989) and later Suite for Supriya, (Peepal Tree, 1993) enlarging the corpus of original national creative output. His further contribution to Guyanese literature includes his study of Martin Carter to whom he pays tribute consistently in his artistic work. The profound concept of working-class struggle is at the core of the artistic documentary film by

the Victor Jara Collective, The Terror and the Time (1979), written and directed by Dr Roopnaraine, who took the film’s introductory motif and its title from Carter’s poem “Cartman of Dayclean” (1954). Similarly, Carter’s poem “For Walter Rodney” (1981) inspired a title for Dr Roopnaraine’s book of essays The Sky’s Wild Noise (Peepal Tree, 2013), taken from Carter’s tribute to a martyr, which won the OCM Bocas Prize for Non-Fiction 2013. Dr Roopnaraine engaged the literature as he interrogated Guyanese art in his insightful readings of the social world as represented through the ocular spectrum of a painter and sculptor Stanley Greaves. This produced Primacy of the Eye: The Art of Stanley Greaves (Peepal Tree, 2003).

UG recognises the rare

critical attention to the visual arts and the advancement of a Guyanese body of criticism and the crafting of a Guyanese aesthetic perspective. The University celebrates Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s value as a scholar for his contributions to a continuing discourse on the arts and the application of literature in the social context. His played an effective role in the refinement and elevation of a national consciousness informed by the scope and depth of the work of artists he studied inter alia Carter and Greaves. For those reasons UG joins the nation in mourning the loss of a scholar, critic, poet and film maker who has left us with a documentary film of international note, a body of critical discourse and above all, an invitation to a consciousness of humanism and universal enlightenment.

Ponzi Scheme agents jailed for 4 years...

Hence, there was no evidential basis upon which the Court could reasonably conclude that all of the prosecution’s witnesses, independently and coincidentally, chose to falsely implicate the defendants.

Magistrate Liverpool, therefore, found that when the prosecution’s evidence was assessed as a whole, the prosecution’s case remained overwhelming. This resulted in the Court finding that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the defendants transferred $53. 5 million as part payment for the LBI property and that the said mon-

FROM PAGE 17

ey represented proceeds of crime, that the defendants knew or had reasonable grounds to believe that it was proceeds of crime, and that the transfer was done with the aim of concealing or disguising the illicit origin of the money.

Consequently,

Magistrate Liverpool found the defendants guilty and sentenced them to four years imprisonment. The matter was prosecuted by Attorney-at-Law David Brathwaite, prosecutors Aaron Daniels and Neville Jeffers from SOCU, while Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat represented the defendants.

Security officer found dead in E Field, Sophia

Aformer security officer attached to the J.S Supermarket in E Sophia, Greater Georgetown was on Monday found dead along a dam with a suspected wound to his body. The deceased has been identified as Trelon Frank, who was believed to be in his late 20s. When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, residents who live near the area where the body was discovered explained that it was another male resident who made the discovery. The man reportedly cultivates a kitchen garden on the dam, an area commonly used by several villagers for small-scale farming. The dam, residents said, serves as a walkway that connects the backyards of homes in the squatting area to the surrounding area. The now dead man had been living in that squatting settlement where his body was found directly behind the yard where he stayed. According to information gathered, the resident who discovered the body had gone to check on his plants at the back of the deceased’s residence. Upon seeing the man lying motionless on the ground, he initially assumed he was intoxicated. However, after noticing that he was not moving, the resident became alarmed and contacted emergency medical services. When ambulance personnel arrived at

the scene, the man was pronounced dead. A neighbour revealed that she was unsure whether there were any visible marks of violence on the body when it was found. However, she alleged that there were often loud arguments at the home where the deceased had been staying. According to the resident, disputes at the house were frequent and, on at least a few recent occasions, individuals were seen chasing each other with cutlasses. She noted, however, that on Sunday she did not hear any disturbance or quarrelling, which she said would normally occur. When contacted, Frank’s friend and co-worker, Shaquille Chester, said he was with him the day before his death. Chester related that Frank was with him at their place of work on Sunday morning. He said

he (Frank) later went home and returned. The two spent time together again and had a drink before Frank left, indicating that he was going to the city and would be back soon. “I waited about 12 or 13 hours, and he didn’t come,” Chester said. “I thought maybe he went somewhere and would come to work the next day. Or maybe he went to a party and enjoyed himself. He never showed up back for work. I see 12, and one pass, and he didn’t show up.”

Chester explained that he reported for duty at the supermarket on Monday morning and was opening the establishment when someone informed him that his friend had been found dead near a trench corner in the area. “I didn’t expect to hear that. He left me alive. Since I know him, he does work and goes home. He doesn’t cause any problems. Life is short,” Chester said. He added that Frank had told him he was the father of a daughter, though he was unsure of her age. According to Chester, Frank had been working as a security guard for several months, having started sometime last year. He said, based on what Frank told him, the owner of the house he was staying at “took him in,” and the person was reportedly a relative or a friend. Chester said he saw a video of the

scene but could not clearly determine whether there were any marks of violence,

although he noticed that one of Frank’s feet appeared swollen. Up to press time on

Monday, police have not released any information on the incident.

Rotary Club of Garden City G/town hands over shade tunnel to Phoenix Recovery Centre

The Rotary Club of Garden City (Georgetown) on Monday handed over a macro shade tunnel to the Phoenix Recovery Centre aimed at strengthening support for the Centre’s rehabilitation programmes. In addition to constructing the tunnel, the Club facilitated internet connectivity to improve the Centre’s communication capacity. Upcoming phases of the initiative include the development of a website to increase public awareness and keep families informed, as well as the construction of an outdoor gym to further enhance client wellbeing. Together, these efforts underscore the Club’s commitment to supporting rehabilitation and reintegration. From structure to soil to seedlings, the Rotary Club of Garden City – Georgetown spearheaded the project in its entirety. Club members, along with Interactors from New Campbellville Secondary School, visited the Centre to

participate in the planting exercise. Students assisted with bed preparation and the planting of seedlings, and also par-

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026

Caribbean education leaders to meet for CXC Conference, Ministerial Forum on learning in digital age

Over 300 education stakeholders from across the Caribbean, including

Ministers of Education, will gather in Jamaica later this month to discuss teaching, learning, and assessment in the digital age. The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information have partnered to facilitate this timely Regional Education Conference and Ministerial Forum between March 16 and 19, 2026 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. Both CXC events, originally set for October 2025 on Jamaica’s north coast were disrupted by the passage of

Rotary Club of Garden...

They heard firsthand accounts from residents about the devastating impact of substance abuse, creating a powerful and personal learning experience. Students were also introduced to the COP handbook and the “farmto-table” concept, reinforcing the importance of making sound life choices, embracing healthy living, and prioritising regular exercise. The shade tunnel will now serve as a sustainable resource to support horticulture therapy within the Centre’s rehabilitation and wellbeing programmes. Clients will be responsible for maintaining the facility and will directly benefit from the produce cultivated, which include tomatoes, lettuce, pak choy, sweet peppers and eggplant. The tunnel was constructed by participants of the Shade House Training Programme, implemented by Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research

and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA). The programme was delivered through the Climate Resilience Grant, funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation, and continues to empower individuals to advance sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship across Guyana. Secretary of the Club, Erwin Chapman, who attended the weeklong training programme, spearheaded the Club’s involvement in the planting exercise and played an integral role in bringing the project to fruition. In her remarks at the handing-over ceremony, Director Cindy emphasised the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful community impact and reaffirmed the Club’s longterm commitment to supporting the Centre through practical and sustainable initiatives. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Phoenix Recovery Centre, Samantha Younge also delivered remarks, sharing a brief history of the in -

in the conference, which is designed to deepen regional collaboration on how best to navigate the prevailing digital environment for greater learning outcomes in the Caribbean. “CXC is facilitating this meeting of the finest minds in Caribbean education at a time when the region is seeking to scale efforts to equip in-school learners with electronic devices, adapt to generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and embrace electronic-assessment and teaching via online modalities, continued Dr Manning. In the meantime, Pro-Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CXC, Dr Eduardo Ali who is spearheading the organising of the Ministerial Forum, also pointed to CXC’s ongoing work with regional employers to plan for future educational needs and skills for the region under its Skills and Employability Signaling System for CXC Qualifications Development. CXC will sign a landmark Partnership Engagement Agreement (PEA) with the Consortium of Caribbean employer groups at the Ministerial Forum. “As global open education systems evolve, it

is critical that we factor in the counsel and inputs of our employer stakeholders to effectively implement an integrated approach for the teaching and assessment of our learners in our digital environment”, the Pro-Registrar stated. The inaugural CXC Regional Education Conference and Ministerial Forum has been endorsed by, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon who will be a keynote speaker during the four days of meetings. “Jamaica welcomes this timely conference by CXC with our fellow educators from across the region. The goals of this regional meeting are in alignment with Jamaica’s Transforming

Education for National Development (TREND) education strategy, where the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICTs) within the education system is a key pillar to achieve our national goals for world class education and training, and a technology enabled society”, the Minister related. Among the featured speakers and presenters at the CXC Conference and Ministerial Forum will be Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of CXC and Deputy Chair of Council; Dr Marcia Potter; Dr Wayne Wesley, CXC Registrar; Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor, University of Guyana (UG); Dr Luz Longsworth, Senior Corporate Director, Sandals Corporate University, and former Principal and ProVice Chancellor, University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus; Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development, Caribbean Community (CARICOM); and from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Professor Peter Scott, President and CEO, along with members of his team.

stitution and expressing gratitude to the Club for selecting the Centre as a beneficiary and for investing in a project that will directly enhance client rehabilitation and self-sufficiency.

Also addressing the gathering was Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit within the Ministry of Health. Dr Travis Freeman commended the initiative and highlighted its important role in strengthening ongoing rehabilitation efforts. The visiting District Governor Soraya WarnerGustave from St Lucia congratulated the Club on its achievement, commending members for their vision and dedication to service and lauding the construction of the shade tunnel as a tangible example of Rotary’s impact in action. The Rotary Club of Garden City – Georgetown remains committed to advancing sustainable community initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen institutions across Guyana and promote volunteerism.

GAWU rejects WIN’s claims of unpaid sugar workers, salary cuts

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has rejected claims advanced by the opposition political party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), regarding several salary issues affecting unionised workers across the sugar industry. In a statement over the weekend, the WIN political party posted a statement on Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, alleging that over 60 workers at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate have gone three months without being paid while senior staff across all four estates are facing salary cuts. Specifically, WIN alleged that 60 workers at various levels attached to the Uitvlugt Estate have not received salaries for the past three months. The organisation also claimed that senior management staff across all four estates-Uitvlugt, Albion, Blairmont and Rose Hall-have had their salaries slashed by

nearly $100,000. In its statement, WIN called out the Head of GAWU, Seepaul Narine, for failing to provide proper representation to affected workers. GAWU, in a statement on Monday, rejected these assertions. Responding to the allegations that some 60 workers have gone three months without pay, the union said: “This is certainly news to us, as no worker, much less

sixty, within the Union’s bargaining units in the sugar industry has indicated that they were not paid for any period. Had such concerns really existed, the Union would have long represented these workers. We must caution that we are unable to offer any comment for sugar workers not within the Union’s bargaining unit.” “Regarding the senior staffers, apart from

the section of this category of workers represented by the Union, we cannot shed any light on the contentions advanced. We must however, highlight that the senior staffers under our Union’s umbrella have not had any reduction in their earnings or conditions.”

GAWU has dismissed claims that sugar workers were misled or taken advantage of regarding wage

adjustments. The union also stated that the quantum of pay increases had been known since 2024, when it signed a three-year wage and salary agreement with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). According to GAWU, the agreement clearly outlined salary increases for 2024, 2025, and 2026, and as such, it sees no basis for suggestions that workers were deceived. The union added that such claims, which it attributed to a political grouping, were not surprising. The union also responded to criticism directed at its President, Seepaul Narine, who was accused of failing to adequately represent GAWU members within the sugar industry. GAWU maintained that Narine and the union have been actively representing the interests of their members and stated that they do not require advice from the political party WIN or its affili-

ates on how to conduct their work. “We urge WIN and its officials not to engage in desperate acts of deception and obfuscation. GAWU remains proud of its efforts to protect union members and advance their rights and conditions. We cannot fail to note that, as WIN feigns concern for sugar workers, in its midst are several personalities who stood silently and, from all impressions, supported the closure of estates and the sending onto the breadline of thousands of sugar workers. The contradiction is evident, and the crocodile tears are visible.” Additionally, the union addressed concerns raised about disciplinary action taken against two workers from the Uitvlugt Estate. GAWU clarified that the measures were consistent with its constitution and were executed in keeping with due process. It further noted that it does not comment publicly on internal matters.

Relatives of father of 2 killed along Lusignan Public Road seek justice

A43-year-old labourer and father of two was on Sunday evening struck down and killed along Lusignan Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), while

reportedly on his way home for dinner. Dead is Arvindo Mahaballi of Lusignan. Police said the accident occurred at about 19:18h and involved motor car PAK 2521, driv-

en by a 28-year-old taxi driver of Buxton, ECD. Initial investigations revealed that the vehicle was proceeding west along the northern driving lane of the southern car-

Venezuelan national shot during robbery at Eccles

Two-armed robberies committed within hours of each other on Saturday evening in Regional Divisions 4 ‘B’, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and 6 East Berbice-Corentyne (EBC) have left one man nursing a gunshot injury and another businessman counting significant losses. In the first incident, a 22-year-old Venezuelan national was shot and robbed on Saturday at about 19:40h along Flamboyant Street, Eccles Industrial Site, EBD. Reports indicate that the young man had just left a supermarket in the area and was walking east along the roadway when he was approached by two identifiable males on a motorcycle. The pillion rider reportedly dismounted and confronted him, leading to a scuffle.

During the confrontation, the pillion rider allegedly discharged a firearm, striking the victim to his left leg. The suspects then relieved him of one cellular phone and $30,000 in Guyana currency before escaping west along Flamboyant Street on the motorcycle. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were summoned, and the injured labourer was transported to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where he remains a patient in stable condition. Investigators recovered one 9mm spent shell at the scene, which has been lodged. Several CCTV cameras were observed in the area and are expected to be reviewed as part of the ongoing probe. Meanwhile, in a separate incident at about 19:00h on Saturday, a 58-year-old businessman was robbed at

his supermarket in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice. According to reports, the businessman was preparing to close his establishment when three masked males entered the premises. One of the suspects was armed with what appeared to be a rifle, while the other two carried suspected handguns. The armed men reportedly ordered the businessman and his employees to lie on the floor before removing approximately $1.5 million from the cash register. The suspects then fled south along the access street towards the backdam. Police responded and conducted searches in the surrounding area; however, the perpetrators have not yet been apprehended. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

riageway when it collided with Mahaballi, who was reportedly crossing the roadway at the time. The man sustained multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). His body was later escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination. When Guyana Times visited the grieving family, relatives said they were at home when they received word that an accident had occurred along the public road and Mahaballi was the victim. A family member explained that Mahaballi, who did carpentry and other odd jobs to support his house-

hold, had gone earlier in the day to clean a drain on the other side of the village. He had not eaten and was report-

edly heading home for dinner when he was struck down. Relatives said they were told it was a hit-and-run, as the driver allegedly fled the scene. However, a side mirror from the vehicle reportedly fell off during the collision, enabling investigators to obtain the registration number and trace the driver. The family is taking the loss very hard, describing his death as sudden and devastating. They also raised concerns about speeding along the East Coast roads, contending that motorists frequently traverse the roadway at high speeds. Family members believe that if the mirror had not fallen off, it might have been more difficult to identify the driver. They are calling for justice. Mahaballi leaves behind two daughters, ages 17 and 12, who relatives said are struggling to cope with the loss. Family members disclosed that he and the children’s mother were separated, and the girls had been living with him. He was said to have been their primary provider, contributing to their daily needs and ensuring they were cared for. Relatives said the children have been inconsolable since learning of their father’s death. Police confirmed that a breathalyser test conducted on the driver recorded readings of 0.032 per cent and 0.029 per cent blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The vehicle has been lodged pending examination, and the driver remains in custody assisting with investigations. Investigations are ongoing.

MARCH 3,

Phagwah ignites Guyanese in unity, togetherness – Pandit Tewari

As Guyana prepares to celebrate the sacred festival of Phagwah, also known as Holi, Guyanese are being urged to let the spirit of unity, love, togetherness, and shared tradition take centre stage today.

Pandit Hardesh Tewari reflected on the significance of the auspicious festival and its evolution in Guyana from the days of indentureship into a cherished expression in national harmony.

Phagwah is rooted in a Hindu tradition that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It pushes the envelope towards tolerance

of each other’s religious backgrounds and teaches the public that love transcends divisions.

According to Pandit Tewari, the symbolism of

colour itself carries a powerful message of unity.

“Phagwah not only signifies the unity of colours, but also whatever we see as different colours. Colours

come from light. Light is one thing, light only has one colour,” he explained.

He noted that Guyana’s multiethnic, multicultural and multireligious society

has fully embraced the festival, much like other major observances celebrated nationwide.

Pandit Tewari emphasised that beyond the colour and festivity, the deeper message of Phagwah is devotion.

“One fundamental thing is about devotion. Our devotion to God should be second to none,” he said.

The pandit said that Phagwah is about oneness and respect.

Brought to the shores of Guyana by indentured labourers, Phagwah was always observed with joy, enthusiasm and devotion. Over time, it has evolved

into a truly national celebration.

Phagwah sees Guyanese gathering in villages, communities and public spaces to share sweet-meats and place colours onto friends and family members.

On Phagwah day, barriers dissolve as people drench each other in vibrant shades of colours, symbolising the breaking down of divisions and the affirmation of oneness.

The celebration reflects the country’s national motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny, and demonstrates how cultural traditions can strengthen social bonds.

Phagwah calls on us to renew our commitment to love, compassion & togetherness – PPP

The People’s Progressive Party extends heartfelt Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora as we celebrate this sacred and joyous festival of colour.

Phagwah, also known as Holi, commemorates the triumph of good over evil and draws inspiration from the story of Prahlad, whose unwavering devotion and faith overcame the tyranny of Holika. This powerful message reminds us that righteousness, truth, and courage will always prevail.

Beyond its religious significance, Phagwah is a cherished cultural celebration that brings together people of all backgrounds in a spirit of unity and joy. As abeer and gulal fill the air and the sounds of chowtaal and tassa echo across communities, we are reminded of the richness of our heritage and the beauty of Guyana’s diversity.

This sacred occasion calls on us to renew our commitment to love, compassion, and togetherness. In the true spirit of Phagwah, let us continue to embrace one another with respect and work collectively to build a more united, inclusive, and prosperous nation.

The People’s Progressive Party remains committed to fostering harmony among all Guyanese and ensuring that the blessings of progress and development reach every family and community.

May this Phagwah fill your hearts with peace, your homes with happiness, and your lives with the vibrant colours of hope and renewal.

Happy Phagwah!

Continue fostering respect, tolerance & appreciation for cultures – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warm and heartfelt greetings to all Guyanese on the joyous occasion of Holi, also known as Phagwah.

Holi is an annual Hindu Festival of Colours celebrating the arrival of spring. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, a season of renewal, reconciliation, and hope.

Through the joyous sprinkling of water and coloured powder and the sharing of sweets and goodwill, Holi reminds us of the enduring values of unity, forgiveness, and harmony via the strengthening of relationships.

While Holi is religiously observed by our Hindu brothers and sisters, it has long transcended its religious origins to

become a cherished national celebration embraced by Guyanese of all ethnicities and faiths. This shared cultural and religious acceptance is a powerful reflection of our country’s diversity and a testament to our collective identity as one people.

As we celebrate this beautiful festival, which is observed as a national holiday in Guyana today, the Commission calls upon all citizens to continue fostering respect, tolerance, and appreciation for the cultures that define our nation.

Let the colours of Holi serve as a reminder that, though we may come from different ethnic and religious traditions, we are united in our shared destiny and national pride.

Shub Holi!

GHDS

calls for unity,

renewal & spiritual triumph during Holi celebrations

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) extends warm and fraternal Phagwah greetings to the Hindu community and all Guyanese. As the vibrant colors of Holi prepare to blanket our nation, the Sabha reflects on the profound spiritual and social significance of this ancient festival, which remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s cultural identity.

Phagwah, or Holi, marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, immortalized by the story of young Prahlad and his unwavering devotion to righteousness. It is a time when the barriers are dissolved in a sea of colour smeared on each other’s faces removing differences and ushering in fraternity and love.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, emphasized that Phagwah is more than just a celebration of color; it is a catalyst for national harmony.

“Phagwah serves as a powerful reminder that truth and light will always prevail over darkness,” Dr. Persaud stated. “As we smear each other with the vibrant hues of ‘abeer’ and abrack mirroring the colors of Spring, we are essentially washing away everything that divides us. In Guyana, Phagwah has evolved into a beautiful social tapestry where every citizen, regardless of background, can participate in

the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family.”

The Sabha highlights that Phagwah is uniquely both a spiritual and social festival. Spiritually, it is a period of purification, starting with the burning of Holika, which signifies the destruction of inner vices like ego and hatred. Socially, it is a time of intense joy, music, and dance and smearing of vibrant colors, fostering a sense of community belonging that is vital for our national fabric.

Dharmic Sabha reminds all to keep the festival devoid of alcohol and vulgarity.

The GHDS encourages Guyanese to observe the festival with dignity and respect. While the atmosphere is one of exuberance, the Sabha reminds all that the essence of the day is rooted in love and the celebration of nature’s bounty.

To celebrate this auspicious day in an atmosphere of melody and traditional fervor, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha cordially invites the general public to its Holi Utsav which is slated for the Everest Cricket Club Ground, Georgetown commencing at 16:00h.

The event will feature Vishale Samlall, Suraj Singh, Sookrane and others from Guyana and Neval Chaitlall from Trinidad and Tobago, dance performances, and a clean, family-friendly environment for all to enjoy the “Festival of Colors.”

Brazil to mobilise nearly US$50B in

sustainable

investments under Lula’s current term

Brazil’s Government expects to mobilise more than 250 billion reais (US$48.4 billion) in sustainable investments during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s ?current four-year term, with 2026 centred on consolidating initiatives already underway, former ?international affairs secretary Tatiana Rosito said.

Rosito, who left her post at the Finance Ministry on Monday to become the World Bank’s director for China, Korea and Mongolia starting in July, said Brazil has ?assembled a broad suite of financial instruments showcased during its leadership of the ?G20, BRICS and COP30.

The priority now, she added, is delivering results and ?drawing capital rather than crafting new tools.

Cuba

ing EcoInvest, a programme that uses public funds to attract private investment into green projects.

Rosito ?also pointed to the Brazil Investment Platform for Climate and Ecological Transformation (BIP), which lists ?sustainable projects seeking financing.

According to Rosito, Brazil’s recent policy push ?has helped restore its standing as a major global player, with peers viewing Latin America’s ?largest economy as shifting from rhetoric to delivery.

Key efforts include creating national ecological transformation guidelines, issuing sovereign sustainable bonds abroad and launch-

After Brazil unveiled the platform during its 2024 G20 presidency, the country helped develop ?a ?hub of similar initiatives under its COP presidency last year to spur cooperation on sustainable and climate finance among Global South countries.

More than 15 nations, including Colombia, Nigeria and South Africa, have since announced plans for their own platforms, Rosito said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

arrests 10 Panamanians for making ‘subversive’ signs

Cuba’s Interior Ministry has arrested 10 Panamanian citizens for making signs with “subversive content”, saying on Monday they had ?been sent to Cuba from Panama by undisclosed patrons who promised ?to pay them for creating a disruption.

The arrests on Saturday followed another purported attempt at subversion announced by the Cuban Government last week, when heavily-armed ?Cuban

exiles tried to infiltrate the country on a speedboat, resulting ?in a shootout with Cuban forces at sea that ?killed four assailants and wounded six others, who are in Cuban ?custody, officials said.

Both events occurred amid an economic and energy crisis in ?Cuba, with the US imposing a virtual oil blockade on the Caribbean island, exacerbating fuel shortages and blackouts.

Cuba’s Interior Ministry

said in a statement that the Panamanians were ?arrested for “acts of propaganda against the Cuban constitutional order”, citing a ?Cuban law that carries a penalty of three to eight years in prison for “inciting ?against ?social order, international solidarity, or the socialist state”. The law bans distributing, creating or possessing such material, written or oral.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaicans on edge in Qatar

Loud explosions, thick black smoke, and the sound of alarms warning that missiles have entered Qatari airspace have become part of a new, unsettling norm for Jamaicans living in Doha as Iran continues an unprecedented bombardment of Gulf States raising fears of a wider conflict and rattling a region long seen as an oasis of peace and security in the turbulent Middle East.

On Sunday, a Jamaican living in Doha, Qatar, who gave only her first name, Abigail, told the Jamaica Observer that the experience has brought sleepless nights and constant concern for her safety and that of fellow Jamaicans in that region.

Iran has launched drone and missile strikes on a number of Middle East countries in retaliation for an ongoing wave of United States and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic that killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and other American bases in the

Gulf on Saturday after launching a first wave of missile and drone attacks at Israel. Governments in the targeted countries have had to activate air defence systems to intercept the missiles and advised residents to stay indoors and take cover.

Abigail said the crisis has taken a significant mental toll, but noted that she and other Jamaicans in the Middle East have been leaning on each another for reassurance, working

T&T PM faces pressure over US-Israel stance

Activist Nafeesa

Mohammed is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to meet with leaders of the Muslim community ahead of her upcoming meeting with Donald Trump, following the Government’s withdrawal of support for Israel in its conflict with Iran.

Initially, the Government had signalled support for both the US and Israel over Saturday’s attack on Iran, while condemning Iran’s retaliatory strikes on US bases in neighbouring countries. The reversal has prompted questions about whether the change was influenced by concerns over Muslim voter support.

Mohammed, in a WhatsApp statement, urged the Prime Minister to consult the Muslim clergy on issues affecting the community. She highlighted that there are two Muslims

in government, Saddam Hosein and Dr Aiyna Ali, whom she called on to facilitate such a meeting.

“Now is the time for our Prime Minister to consult with the leadership of our Muslim community to solicit views on issues that are affecting us. Last night’s flip-flopping from the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs and today’s newspaper headlines are causing discomfort to many,” she said.

A former diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Government’s shift reflects a desire to maintain ties with the US but questioned the benefits for Trinidad and Tobago.

“If Kamla supports the United States and gets $10 billion, fine – but the Government isn’t thinking strategically,” the diplomat said, warning that the coun-

try could face isolation and future challenges.

Peter Wickham, director of Caribbean Development Research Services, warned that close alignment with Trump could pose long-term political risks. “Trump won’t be there forever. When he’s gone, these positions may very well come back to haunt her,” he said, though he noted the region distinguishes between citizen sentiment and Government positions, potentially mitigating immediate backlash.

Political analyst Derek Ramsamooj said the effects of the Government’s position may be gradual. “You would have some social fallout, not necessarily immediately, but in the coming weeks and months,” he noted, adding that food and energy prices are expected to rise due to the Iranian conflict.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaica eyes strong South America airlift

Bcollectively to stay calm and provide mutual support during the uncertainty.

“I have seen too many [missiles] at this point. It feels too natural. I can say this has been placed in my history books. I’ve seen everything in this life. It feels like fireworks downtown,” she said in reference to the annual fireworks on the Kingston waterfront staged by the Urban Development Corporation to usher in the new year. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

uoyed by a nearly 80 per cent yearover-year surge in visitor arrivals from South America last year, the Jamaican Tourism Ministry is now advancing strategic plans to significantly expand airlift from the region.

According to a release from the Ministry, following high-level discussions with airline executives in Colombia and Panama last week, the Ministry is intensifying Jamaica’s push into the Latin American market, targeting a substantial increase in seats for the 2026 and 2027 winter tourist seasons.

“We are building on an exceptional period of growth from the Latin American region. Jamaica recorded a 75.9 per cent year-over-year increase in Latin American arrivals in 2025, with standout performances across key South American markets, Peru, Argentina and Chile,” said Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.

“These discussions follow a surging demand and a reaffirmation of our commitment to making Jamaica the most accessible and compelling Caribbean destination for travellers from across that region. As dis-

cussions continue, we are aiming to conclude the added lift by mid-year.”

Jamaica’s existing LATAM airlift — currently operating at average load factors between 80 per cent and 86 per cent across active routes — demonstrates the strength of underlying demand. Travel and tourism revenues across Latin America are expected to grow at approximately 6.7 per cent annually through 2030 which positions Jamaica to capture an increasing share of this outbound spend. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

OIL NEWS

Oil surges, stocks slide as Middle East conflict fans inflation fears

Stocks resumed their ?selloff and the dollar strengthened in early Asian trading today as investors considered the implications ?of US and Israeli strikes on Iran on energy prices and the global economy.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell one per cent to extend losses for a second day, led by a 2.5 per cent tumble in Korean shares, while Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 slumped 0.8 per cent. S&P 500 ?e-mini futures were down 0.2 per cent.

“Economic policy uncertainty was already elevated and now with the Iran conflict, the geopolitical ?risk is expected to rise too,” said Rupal Agarwal, Asia quant strategist at Bernstein in ?Singapore. “Last time both spiked was in 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which didn t work well for Asian markets.”

Stocks on ?Wall Street stabilised after a volatile session on Monday which saw the S&P 500 rally from an early selloff to close ?flat and the Nasdaq Composite climb 0.4 per cent, as investors bought the dip in markets after the conflict in the Middle East spilled over into Lebanon.

With no end to hostilities in sight, an official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz is ?closed to marine traffic and the country will fire on any ship trying to pass.

Oil and gas prices jumped on ?Monday, with Brent crude futures surging as much as 13 per cent to US$82.37 a barrel, highest since January 2025, before settling up 7.1 per cent at US$78.07 ?a ?barrel. In natural gas markets, benchmark European and Asian LNG prices leapt by around 40 per cent on Monday.

The surge in energy prices complicates the Federal Reserve’s efforts to keep inflation under control, with policymakers already showing signs of division around the impact of artificial intelligence on the US economy.

ISM manufacturing data released Monday showed activity grew steadily in February, but a gauge of prices ?at the factory gate raced ?to a near three-and-a-half-year ?high amid tariffs, highlighting upside risks to inflation even before the US-led attack on Iran sent oil prices rocketing.

Fed funds futures are pricing an implied 97.5 per cent probability that the US ?central bank will remain on hold at its next two-day meeting on March 18, ?according to the ?CME Group’s FedWatch tool. The odds of a June hold, previously below 50 per cent, edged up on Monday and are now slightly better than a coin-toss.

The US dollar index , which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major peers, held close to ?a six-week ?high at 98.494 as the Iran strikes rattle market nerves and ?the currency regained some of its allure as a safe haven. The yield on the US 10-year Treasury bond was last down 1.9 basis points at ?4.0288 per cent.

Gold edged up 0.2 per cent to US$5336.99. Bitcoin nudged down 0.1 per cent to US$69,348.85, while ether was up 0.3 per cent at $2,050.50.

(Reuters)

Ukraine to complete preparation in days to start EU accession talks, Zelenskyy says

Ukraine ?will complete the technical work needed to open negotiations on all topics for its European Union ?accession process within days, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday.

Zelenskiy reiterated his call on the EU partners to agree on a firm date for Ukraine to join the bloc, saying that would provide an important guarantee of the ?country’s future security as Kyiv negotiates with Moscow to end the war.

“We are ready, but not all ?leaders of the European Union

are... I mean, not everyone is ready to ?give Ukraine this opportunity,” Zelenskyy told reporters in a WhatsApp media chat.

Ukraine became a formal EU ?candidate country in the early days after Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

But so far, Kyiv s progress ?through the existing EU process has been held up by Hungary, which has blocked the unanimous approval required to open formally each of the six so-called accession “clusters” of issues to be resolved.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Around the World

Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed, warns it will attack ships trying to pass; as Trump presses ahead

Iranian media has reported that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and Iran will fire on any ship ?trying to pass.

About a fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran. It links the Gulf north of it with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond.

It is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just three kilometres (two miles) wide in either direction.

More than 20 million barrels of crude, condensate and fuels passed through the strait daily last year on average, data from analytics firm Vortexa showed.

Meanwhile, a ?loud blast was heard and flames were seen at ?the US Embassy ?in Riyadh early this ?morning, three persons ?familiar with the matter ?said, with one person saying the fire was minor.

The Saudi Defence Ministry said in a statement that the drone strike resulted in a ‘limited’ fire and minor material damage.

Black smoke was ?seen rising over ?Riyadh’s ?Diplomatic Quarter, which houses foreign missions, two of ?the ?people said.

US President Donald Trump pressed ahead with military strikes against Iran despite private warnings from senior aides that the escalation could be difficult to contain and carry political risks for Republicans in November’s midterm elections, according to two senior White House officials and a Republican close to the Administration.

The large-scale attack has drawn near-unanimous praise from foreign policy hawks in Washington, who have long dreamed of toppling the authoritarian regime in Tehran. But some White House officials worry the foreign policy gamble may derail Republican chances of holding onto control of Congress at a time when war-wary voters are more con-

cerned with the cost of living than conflicts abroad.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Sunday showed only one in four Americans approved of the US strikes that killed Iran s leader. About half of the respondents including one in four Republicans said they believe Trump is too willing to use military force. The poll closed before the US military announced the first American casualties in the operation six so far.

Three days into the US strikes on Iran, President Trump’s war aims and vision for the future of the country remain opaque.

Trump and senior administration officials have offered a wide range of views about what they hope to achieve in

the largest American military operation in the Middle East in two decades and whether or not the US supports regime change in Tehran.

The administration initially said its goal was to destroy Iran’s nuclear programme. But in the hours and days since, the rationale has shifted as Trump used an unconventional messaging strategy of social media posts and brief telephone interviews with reporters to signal his intentions.

Trump laid out some of his objectives on Monday in his first public remarks at the White House since the start of the war.

President Trump has said the plan for the Iran war initially projected four to five weeks , adding the US military has the capability to go far longer than that .

On Monday, Trump outlined his administration s justification for going to war against Iran alongside Israel, saying that Iran posed grave threats to the US, even as he again said that US strikes on Iran in June of last year led to the obliteration of Iran s nuclear programme . (Excerpts from Reuters, BBC News and Al Jazeera)

France to boost nuclear arsenal and extend deterrence to European allies

France is to boost its nuclear arsenal and extend the deterrent to cover other European countries, in a major development of its nuclear defence policy.

In a speech in Brittany, President Emmanuel Macron explained the changes as the response to an increasingly unstable strategic environment.

“The next 50 years will be an era of nuclear weapons,” he said.

Speaking to naval officers in front of a nuclear subma-

rine at the Ile Longue base near the port of Brest, he said the number of French nuclear warheads would be increased from their current level of around 300.

He announced the launch in 2036 of a new nuclear-armed submarine to be called The Invincible.

He said eight other European countries the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark had agreed to participate in a new “advanced deterrence” strategy.

Writing on X, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk referenced the decision, saying: “We are arming up together with our friends so that our enemies will never dare to attack us.”

Macron said the eight European countries could take part in exercises of France’s air-launched nuclear capacity or force de frappe and also host air bases where France’s nuclear bombers could be stationed.

This would allow France’s

Strategic Air Forces (FAS) to “spread out across the depth of the European continent... and thus complicate the calculations of our adversaries”, the President said.

He added that France’s partners would also share in the development of “auxiliary” capacities under the new nuclear doctrine: space-based alarm systems; air defence to shoot down incoming drones and missiles; and long-range missiles.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

India, Canada reset ties with landmark nuclear energy deal

India and Canada have announced a host of agreements, including a 10-year nuclear energy deal, after their Prime Ministers met in Delhi to reset ties that plummeted due to diplomatic tensions.

Narendra Modi and Mark Carney also struck agreement in areas such as technology, critical minerals, space, defence, and education.

Carney said they agreed to conclude a free trade deal, years in the making, by the end of 2026. Both countries want to reduce exposure to punitive US trade tariffs.

Under Carney, the two Governments are trying to repair ties that were strained when his predeces-

Canadian PM Carney (left) and Indian PM Narendra Modi pledged to increase cooperation in a range of areas, including defence and technology

sor accused Delhi of a link to the 2023 assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India vociferously rejected the allegation by Justin Trudeau.

Trade and diplomatic relations almost came to a standstill as both sides expelled each other’s diplomats and cancelled visa services. Canada hosts a huge expatriate Indian community.

But since Carney took office last year, the relationship has been cautiously rebuilt helped by the fact that his government has said it believes India is not currently linked to violent crimes or threats on Canadian soil.

Carney has not yet spoken to Canadian reporters since his trip began. His office cancelled a planned news conference following the meeting with Modi, citing his tight schedule.

At talks in Delhi, both Carney and Modi underscored India and Canada’s long-standing relationship, mutual goals and close people-to-people ties.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

SUDOKU

Keep your plans to yourself. Preparation will promote a better lifestyle. Consider where to funnel your time and energy to ensure that you get the most out of it.

Focus on how you can use your time to help others or support a cause that concerns you. The people you meet and the opportunities that arise will change how you live and do things.

Empty promises will backfire and add to your stress. Focus on researching, honing skills and looking for ways to show off what you have to offer.

An open and direct attitude will help you get ahead personally and professionally. Home and self-improvements will make a difference to how you think, live and feel about the future.

Dig in, and don’t stop until you are satisfied with your progress. Discipline, open-mindedness and finding meaning in what you do will be rewarding and offer insight.

Take the initiative, follow your heart and put your plans in motion. Communication will bring you closer to your dreams and to those who want to help you reach them.

Say what’s on your mind and follow through on your words. Having the drive to finish what you start will attract attention and the support you need to exploit your talents.

The coast is clear for you to promote what you can do. Social events will offer you an opportunity to practice your spiel on those you trust to critique you with kindness and positive suggestions.

Discussions will spin out of control if you aren’t careful about what you say or do. Take time to rethink your plans before you proceed. Be resourceful and do the work yourself to avoid debt.

Financial growth is evident through wise investments and budgeting. Verify information before you participate in an offer that comes your way. Not everyone will have your best interests at heart.

A high energy level will help you make personal changes. A job opportunity or partnership looks rewarding. Your unique concepts will attract attention and positive changes.

The more you interact with others, the better. Participating in community events will help you expand your plans and initiate new ones.

Clinical Sri Lanka close in on Women’s T20I series win

Chamari Athapaththu earns the Player-of-the-Match award

Sri Lanka Women produced a spirited all-round performance to defeat West Indies Women by four wickets in the second T20 International (T20I) at the National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the opening game was abandoned due to rain.

Chasing a modest target of 102, Sri Lanka reached 102 for 6 in 18.1 overs, with skipper Chamari Athapaththu once again leading from the front. Athapaththu delivered a match-winning all-round display, claiming 2 for 13 with the ball before anchoring the run chase with a composed 39 off 26 deliveries. Her efforts earned her the Player-ofthe-Match award.

Earlier, West Indies Women struggled to build momentum after being sent in to bat, finishing on 101 for 8 from their 20 overs. Hayley Matthews top-scored with 28 off 36 balls, while contributions from Stafanie Taylor (14) and Deandra Dottin (12) failed to lift the hosts to a competitive total.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings. Malki Madara and Nilakshi de Silva claimed three wickets apiece, while Athapaththu’s tidy spell put further pressure on the Caribbean side.

In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase was not without hiccups, as West Indies bowlers fought hard to defend the modest total.

Qiana Joseph (2 for 13) and

Afy Fletcher (2 for 16) struck at regular intervals to keep the contest alive.

However, Athapaththu’s aggressive stroke play set the foundation before Kavisha Dilhari’s unbeaten 18 and Hasini Perera’s steady 18 ensured Sri Lanka crossed the line with 11 balls to spare.

The result gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 advantage in the series after the first T20I was washed out without a ball being bowled. The third and final T20I is scheduled to be played tomorrow at the same venue, starting at 13:00h, where the visitors will look to seal the series while West Indies aim to level

West Indies Women (20 ovs maximum)

Qiana Joseph b Athapaththu 5 Hayley Matthews (c) c Dulani b Athapaththu 28

Jahzara Claxton c Gunaratne b Madara 4

Stafanie Taylor c Dulani b Silva 14

Deandra Dottin c Dilhari b Silva 12

Chinelle Henry st †Perera b Dilhari 5

Shemaine Campbelle †b Madara 7

Jannillea Glasgow b Madara 0

Aaliyah Alleyne not out 11 Afy Fletcher b Silva 5

Karishma Ramharack obstructing the field 4

Extras (lb 2, w 4) 6

Total 20 Ov (RR: 5.05) 101 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Qiana Joseph, 1.6 ov), 2-22 (Jahzara Claxton, 5.1 ov), 3-49 (Hayley Matthews, 10.6 ov), 4-64 (Deandra Dottin, 13.2 ov), 5-72 (Chinelle Henry, 14.4 ov), 6-80 (Shemaine Campbelle, 16.2 ov), 7-80 (Jannillea Glasgow, 16.5 ov), 8-86 (Stafanie Taylor, 17.3 ov), 9-95 (Afy Fletcher, 19.1 ov), 10-101 (Karishma Ramharack, 19.6 ov)

Qiana Joseph picked up two wickets

Sri Lanka Women (T: 102 runs from 20 ovs)

Hasini Perera †c Ramharack

b Matthews 18

Chamari Athapaththu (c) lbw b Fletcher 39

Imesha Dulani c Dottin b Fletcher 2

Harshitha Samarawickrama c †Campbelle b Ramharack 5

Vishmi Gunaratne

c & b Joseph 10

Nilakshika Silva st †Campbelle

b Joseph 3

Kavisha Dilhari not out 18

Rashmika Sewwandi not out 0

Extras (b 4, nb 1, w 2) 7

Total 18.1 Ov (RR: 5.61) 02/6

Fall of wickets: 1-62

(Hasini Perera, 7.3 ov), 2-62 (Chamari Athapaththu, 8.1 ov), 3-70 (Harshitha Samarawickrama, 11.6 ov), 4-70 (Imesha Dulani, 12.3 ov), 5-74 (Nilakshika Silva, 14.1 ov), 6-91 (Vishmi Gunaratne, 16.5 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W Hayley Matthews 4-0-34-1

Chinelle Henry 3-0-14-0

Karishma Ramharack 4-0-16-1

Afy Fletcher 4-1-16-2

Qiana Joseph 2.1-0-13-2 Jahzara Claxton 1-0-5-0

Deo claims top honours at Crown Mining Golf Tournament

The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) came alive with competitive action when Crown Mining hosted its Golf Tournament on March 1, 2026, bringing together 42 golfers for a day of skilful shotmaking and spirited competition on the club’s well-prepared fairways and greens.

Bholawram Deo produced the standout performance of the tournament to secure Overall Best Net with an impressive score of 65, emerging as the day’s top performer after consistent play across the challenging layout. Kishan Bacchus recorded the Best Gross score of 82, while Anand Persaud captured the Longest Drive prize and Feroze Barkat claimed Nearest to the Pin honours.

Competition across the handicap divisions was keenly contested, highlighting the depth of talent within the local golfing fraternity. The winners for their respective flights were:

0-9 Handicap Flight

1st – Kassim Khan (Gross 82 | H/C 8 | Net 74)

2nd – Jaipaul Suknanan (Gross 83 | H/C 8 | Net 75)

3rd – Feroze Barkat (Gross 85 | H/C 7 | Net 78)

10-18 Handicap Flight

1st – Kishan Bacchus (Gross 82 | H/C 15 | Net 67)

2nd – Anand Persaud (Gross 87 | H/C 18 | Net 69)

3rd – Max Persaud (Gross 88 | H/C 16 | Net 72)

Big

A look at the winners’ row

18-36 Handicap Flight

1st – Bholawram Deo (Gross 86

| H/C 21 | Net 65)

2nd – Sheldon Davis (Gross 95 | H/C 21 | Net 74)

3rd – Orson Ferguson (Gross 95 | H/C 20 | Net 75)

●Overall Best Gross: Kishan Bacchus – 82

●Overall Best Net: Bholawram Deo – 65

●Longest Drive: Anand Persaud

●Nearest to the Pin: Feroze Barkat

The tournament was supported by Lubrex highperformance lubricants and Parsun outboard engines, reflecting Crown Mining’s ongoing commitment to supporting sport and community development.

Following the presentation ceremony, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patanjilee Persaud commended the standard

of play and participation.

“This was a well-thoughtout and very well-executed golf tournament played to the highest standards. We commend all the players who participated and demonstrated strong sportsmanship throughout the day,” the CEO said.

He added that Crown Mining and its affiliates, including Lubrex and Parsun Outboards, remain committed to supporting golf and the wider sporting community while encouraging continued growth of the sport locally.

As the sun set over the Lusignan course, the successful staging of the tournament once again underscored the strong partnership between corporate Guyana and the development of golf, with players and organisers alike praising the competitive yet friendly atmosphere that defined the day’s proceedings.

strong bowling displays

The Sherwin Williams SecondDivision T20 Cup 2026/27 bowled off over the weekend with several exciting matches across different venues.

Sophia v Positive Foundation Agricola

Venue: Malteenoes Sports Club Ground

Sophia won the toss and elected to bat first against Positive Foundation Agricola, but struggled to build momentum. They were bowled out for a modest 67 in 15.1 overs. Terrance DeCuna top-scored with 18 from 21 deliveries, while no other batter managed to reach double figures.

Shawn Thompson and Rickford Mohammed led the bowling effort with three wickets each, while Shaquille Leung and Navin Mahadeo supported well with two wickets apiece.

In reply, Agricola comfortably chased down the target, reaching 68 for 3 in 11.1 overs. Nasrudeen

Ally anchored the innings with an unbeaten 28, receiving support from Shemar Bookie, who contributed 15. Agricola secured victory by seven wickets.

Eldorado Cricket Club v University of Guyana

Venue: Malteenoes Sports Club Ground

Eldorado Cricket Club won the toss and chose to bat first, posting an impressive 175 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Deonarine Dindyal led the charge with a blistering 61 off just 28 balls, including six fours and four sixes. Tuen Hicks remained unbeaten on 27, while Kampta Seepersaud added a quickfire 23 from 13 deliveries.

For the University of Guyana,

Yeshua Huston, Shane Seodat, and Dilshan Latchman each claimed two wickets. In response, UG never found their rhythm and were bowled out for 79 in 18.2 overs. Huston topscored with 21. Ravindra Samaroo was outstanding with the ball, producing remarkable figures of 4 for 6 to seal a commanding 96-run victory for Eldorado Cricket Club.

Transport Sports Club v Bel Air Rubis

Venue: Transport Sports Club Ground

At the Transport Sports Club Ground, Transport Sports Club (TSC) defeated Bel Air Rubis by seven wickets.

Bel Air Rubis, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were restricted to 78 all out in 14 overs. Kevin Ross starred with the ball, claiming 4 for 14, while John Persaud chipped in with two wickets. In reply, TSC made light work of the chase, reaching 83 for 3 in 9.5 overs.

THope shoulders responsibility after West Indies fall to India

major talking point. The Caribbean side reached 45 without loss in the first six overs — a steady but not explosive start by modern T20 standards. Hope acknowledged that while higher totals are ideal, context matters.

he West Indies saw their International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup campaign come to a disappointing end on Sunday after a five-wicket defeat to India, who thrilled their home supporters by booking a place in the semi-finals.

Despite moments of promise throughout the tournament, West Indies fell short when it mattered most, unable to fully capitalise on key phases of the match. Skipper Shai Hope, reflecting on both his own performance and the team’s overall showing, did not shy away from accountability.

“Yes, I’ll take the blame

the match. “That’s what you all wanted me to say. But in situations like this, when you’re struggling, everyone struggles. I don’t think I was batting badly. I was hitting the fielders and trying to play the situation a bit more.”

Hope explained that his intention was to anchor the innings and counter India’s spin threat through the middle overs. “Obviously, I wanted to bat a little bit deep into the innings and face most of the spin threat in the middle. But I just didn’t get going today. But yes, I’ll take the blame.”

The West Indies’ powerplay approach became a

“It’s always a game of small margins,” he said. “In the last game, we could have gone a lot harder in the power play, lost three or four wickets, and put ourselves on the back foot. Today we were 45 in the power play without loss. Yes, we’d want to be 6570, but we had a platform set.”

With the batting depth available, Hope believes the foundation was sufficient to build a match-winning total, but execution ultimately proved decisive. “With the batting depth that we have, I don’t see it as a big, big issue, but obviously I’m going to be crying for a lot more. Those are the standards that we set as a team.”

He also praised his squad’s preparation and strategic clarity throughout the tournament. “We were very precise with the way we wanted to go about playing against each opposition throughout the entire campaign. Execution was the biggest thing for us. Today, we didn’t execute as well as we wanted in the power play from the batting side. But I must always take the positive from something.”

For West Indies, the defeat marks the end of a campaign that showed glimpses of potential, but lacked the consistency needed to challenge the tournament’s elite sides. For India, however, the victory propels them into the semi-finals with momentum and belief, as they continue their quest for T20 World Cup glory in front of their passionate home crowd.

Semi-finalists locked in for MODEC tertiary tournament

There were upsets and shocking results on the cards over the weekend as four teams booked their spots in the penultimate round of the inaugural MODEC Tertiary Education Football Tournament.

The quarterfinal action

began on Friday afternoon in Berbice at the Scotts Ground, where the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre (UCITC) breezed past the Port Mourant Technical Centre 3-0. Upper Corentyne’s Joshua Marshall opened the scoring in the 28th minute to

hand his team the lead at the half while Matthew Doris’s second-half brace in the 47th and 79th minutes ensured that they would put a comeback out of reach for Port Mourant.

The second fixture at the same venue in New

Charles assures Lady Jags can top CONCACAF group after recent victory

Following a strong 3-0 victory against Dominica in the CONCACAF women’s qualifiers, Otesha Charles, a key scorer for the Lady Jags, stressed that finishing was essential as they advance in the tournament.

“It’s important in training that we are more clinical in the final third, so it’s working on finishing and

scoring goals; we just need goals,” Charles remarked.

When asked what possible improvements can be made during the match, the talented Charles answered simply, “Finish our chances.”

Furthermore, if the Lady Jags aspire to lead their group, Charles provided insight on how they might achieve this goal.

“I think it is important

that we remain very disciplined, work hard, don’t give up, continue to take all the chances and continue to create as many chances to give us the ultimate chance of qualifying out of the group,” Charles pointed out.

Guyana will face Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, March 5, continuing their quest for the top position despite one win and one loss.

Amsterdam saw the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) getting the better of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) in a surprising twist.

Amare Caesar put NATI ahead in the 23rd minute while Dane Singh made it a 2-0 affair by the 28th. Caesar returned in the 48th minute to complete his brace. GTI’s lone response came through Kevin David in the 65th minute, resulting in a 3-1 victory for the hosts.

On Sunday, the action moved to the Queen’s College Ground where the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) put a stop to the University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen Campus in a 2-0 triumph. Jamaal Smith and Deangelo Davidson found the back of the net for ETI in the 30th and 66th minutes respectively.

Then, Mahaicony Technical Institute (MTI) brought the curtains down on the quarter-finals with a nailbiting 2-1 victory over the Linden Technical Institute (LTI). Linden got ahead first with a stunning shot from outside the box off the boots of Dexter Milo in the 16th minute.

However, Omar Williams and Yohance Francis found back-to-back goals for MTI in the 33rd and 35th minutes to stun their opponents. LTI could not find the equaliser in the remaining minutes, resulting in Mahaicony’s win.

The MODEC semi-finals are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 5. The teams are competing for a $300,000 grand prize. The second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will pocket $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 for the same purpose. The tournament is also being supported by MACORP, Demerara Mutual and Banks DIH under its Powerade brand.

Kart Klash Championships to signal return of competitive go-karting

The intersection of Thomas Lands and Albert Street in Georgetown is expected to be a hive of activity on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 when the inaugural edition of the Nitro Kart Klash engulfs the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) go-karting track.

Spearheaded by Jumbo Jets Events and AJM in collaboration with the GMR&SC, the event is set to see drivers as young as eight years old taking to the track with hopes of development in mind.

During the event’s launch at the same venue on Monday afternoon, organiser Andre Rochford shared an overview of the event and how they intend to transform the current track to suit it.

“We at the Jumbo Jet Events are delighted to partner with the GMR&SC to host the Nitro Kart Klash. It’s basically a platform for go-kart racers to showcase their craft in a controlled, safe environment, this clash in particular, we are paying,” Rochford remarked.

“We’re gonna transform this facility, much to our counterparts internationally. We’re going to set up a 120 foot by 24 foot elevated bleacher which will be covered, that is for our viewers, fans and family of the drivers. We’re also going to set up an elevated VVIP deck, that is across on Malteenoes grounds which will give our VVIP patrons secured indoor parking, elevated ringside view of the track, as well as providing separate access for the karts, pit crew and mechanics.”

“We’re going to do some work on the track, widen the track in some areas and we’re going to ensure all of the required systems that was sent down by FIA to GMR&SC, that we follow those guidelines very closely,” Rochford further explained.

With cadets, juniors and seniors slated to compete over a slew of classes, racer Stefan Jeffrey was elated to shed some light on the introduction of the Briggs and

GBF unveils preparation plans for 3x3 debut at Commonwealth Games

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has officially outlined a comprehensive and performance-driven preparation plan ahead of the country’s historic participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games 3x3 basketball competition, set for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Guyana will be joined by fellow Caribbean nations Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, along with Singapore, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Fiji, host nation Scotland, and Nigeria in the men’s competition.

The country’s qualification marks its first-ever appearance in basketball at a major multisport event of this magnitude, a milestone achievement that the Federation has described as being of national significance.

The GBF’s structured roadmap details a phased approach designed to ensure the team are tactically sharp, physically conditioned and internationally competitive by the time they take the court in Scotland.

The technical team will be led by Head Coach Kidani Brutus, with Rawle Toney serving as Technical Delegate.

Phase One of preparations runs from April 8 to April 15 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and will culminate in a 10team invitational tournament.

The shortlisted players, who will be announced shortly by the GBF, will assemble

on April 8 for orientation and medical screening, followed by intensive tactical and conditioning sessions on April 9 and April 10, with emphasis placed on 3x3 systems and game simulations.

On April 11, the Federation will stage a 10-team tournament, serving as a high-performance evaluation platform, with statistical analysis and technical assessments guiding the final selection process.

Training resumes April 12–13, before the final six-member squad for the Commonwealth Games is announced on April 13.

Following team selection, Phase Two shifts focus to international exposure. The GBF will identify appropriate FIBA (International Basketball Federation) 3x3 Quest and Lite Quest tournaments to increase competitive rhythm and secure

valuable ranking points.

Participation in regional and international events will be prioritised to ensure the team enter the Commonwealth Games battle-tested and tactically-refined.

According to the GBF, the Commonwealth Games appearance will provide Guyana’s first basketball representation at the Games, a major milestone for national sport development, a platform to elevate the profile of 3x3 basketball locally and an opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes.

With just months remaining before the competition tips off in Glasgow, the GBF has described early financial and administrative support as critical to executing a high-performance programme befitting the country’s historic qualification.

Stratton class.

Jeffrey told the gathering, “Brigs and Stratton introduced the LO206 engine package back in 2009, it was a way to revitalise grassroots motorsports, being a budget-friendly, sealed engine, low-cost way to get competitive in the sport, bring the barrier to entry a little bit lower into the sport. With this class, it’s designed to get a lot more people into the sport by it being budget friendly.

“There’s a few classes that I believe will be running at this event, including a cadet class, junior class and senior class, depending on the age of the kid or individual. We’re pretty excited to bring this class to Guyana. It’s one that has been very successful in North America.”

Meanwhile, the event is being received well by recently-elected GMR&SC President Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin, who is looking forward to seeing a new generation of racers.

“They have taken the initiative to promote the sport in a different direction where we’re going to bring from the karting level, where most of the international drivers around the world, start from. So, this will move in the right direction where we can start grooming our young drivers to become professional drivers,” Roshandin shared.

The GMR&SC boss added, “So, I want to thank AJM and Jumbo Jet for taking this initiative and bringing this to the table for GMR&SC.”

The racing classes on the day are the Brigs and Stratton (sealed engine)

for both heavy and light (weight classes) for seniors as well as the juniors (13-15 years) and cadet (612), 200c Honda 4 Stroke Promotors class as well as a light class, 125cc IAME 2-Stroke Heavy and Light 2-stroke, U12 60cc IAME, Time attack Open (5 Laps), 555 Speedway Rental Karts race as well as Super-moto 250cc bikes.

While the senior racers are expected to pocket cash prizes, the juniors will receive vouchers, according to organisers. A $3000 admission fee has been set for the event on March 29, with children entering free of cost.

The two-day event kicks off with scrutineering and qualifying on March 28, 2026, from 10:00h and will be followed up by racing from 10:00h the following day, with gates opening at 08:00h.

The Nitro Kart Klash also has Banks DIH, AJM Enterprise, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, J’s Supermarket, 555 Speedway, SCI (Sawh Construction Inc) Precision Service Centre and Ramchand’s Auto Body onboard as sponsors.

Windies team’s departure from India delayed

Following a disappointing end to their 2026

International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup campaign on Sunday, in a crushing five-wicket loss to hosts India, the West Indies Men’s departure from the host country has been met with delays.

This, and the reason for the development, was disclosed by Cricket West Indies (CWI) in a statement on Monday.

CWI informed, “Cricket West Indies (CWI) wishes to advise that the departure of the West Indies Senior Men’s

Team from India, following their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has been delayed due to international airspace restrictions.

“These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons.

“CWI is working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities and airline partners to secure the

earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff. The safety and well-being of our players, coaches, and officials remain our highest priority.

“The team is currently accommodated in India and remains safe and well. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as confirmed travel arrangements are finalised.

“CWI appreciates the understanding and concern of our fans, families, and stakeholders during this time.”

Junior Jags disqualified from CONCACAF U20 Qualifiers

The effects from an 86th-minute brawl in their last encounter of the ongoing CONCACAF Under20 Qualifiers have hit hard on Guyana’s national team, who have since been disqualified from the remainder of the competition.

This is as a result of several sanctions imposed by the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee following their review of evidence following the altercation on Saturday night.

The Junior Jags, who went out onto the park twice during the Qualifiers thus far, had two remaining matches in Group D, one scheduled for Monday night against Haiti and the other, set for Wednesday, March 4.

CONCACAF shared in an official statement, “The CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee has imposed sanctions on the Men’s Under-20 National Teams of the Anguilla Football Association and Guyana Football Federation, as well as several of their players, following incidents that occurred during their CONCACAF U-20 Qualifiers match on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

“After reviewing the evidence and

documentation gathered during its investigation, and in accordance with the applicable Disciplinary Code, the Committee has declared the match a forfeit in favour of Guyana. This decision was taken after Anguilla received five red cards, leaving the team with fewer players than the minimum required under Laws of the Game to continue the match. As a result, the 5-0 score in favour of Guyana stands.

“Furthermore, the Committee has disqualified both teams from the com-

petition, with their remaining matches to be recorded as 3–0 forfeits in favour of their respective opponents, imposed undisclosed fines, and issued the following four-match suspensions to players from both teams:

Anguilla: Keondre Belle, Keante Brooks, Shemar Browne, Khalique Jackson, and Cardinae Rennie

Guyana: Mateo Clark, Shaquan David, Sheldon Kendall, and Max Robinson

“The suspended players must each

serve their four-match suspensions during the following official matches of their representative team in the same age group in a CONCACAF or FIFA competition. Where the suspension cannot be served in the same age group, they will be carried over to the next highest age category in a CONCACAF or FIFA competition.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has since issued its own statement on the matter, accepting the repercussions handed down by CONCACAF.

The GFF shared in a social media post, “The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has received the final ruling of the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee concerning the matter arising from the physical altercation involving Guyana and Anguilla Under-20 players during their match on 28 February 2026 at Stadion Rignaal Jean Francisca. The Committee has ruled that Guyana is disqualified from further participation in the tournament.

The GFF accepts the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. This represents a deeply-disappointing outcome to what had been a promising campaign

for our Under-20 programme.

“Having carefully reviewed the recording in our possession of the altercation, the Federation has concluded that the incident was neither provoked nor instigated by our players. Notwithstanding this finding, the GFF maintains its unwavering expectation of the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for the game from all staff and players at all times.

“National teams representing Guyana on international campaigns carry a heightened responsibility to serve as exemplary ambassadors for the National Federation and our Country. We must acknowledge that, in this instance, some of our players did not live up to that expectation.

“We will learn from this experience and undertake a comprehensive review to determine what additional measures can be implemented to better prepare our players and staff to manage challenging situations of this nature in the future.”

As a result of these developments, Haiti and Curaçao will battle for the top spot in Group D in the lone remaining match on Wednesday, March 4.

Semi-finalists locked in for MODEC tertiary tournament