Guyana Times - Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Agri Ministry blacklists

Cops seize GPF-issued bulletproof vest, handcuffs from Region 2 woman

Man admits to killing friend in cricket match stabbing

2 slapped with narco trafficking charge after highspeed chase

“Service before self is not negotiable”Col Foster Man jailed for 20 years for fatal stabbing of neighbour

$5B allocation approved to drive development in Amerindian communities

Parliament has approved nearly $5 billion to support youth development and sustainable economic initiatives in more than 200 Amerindian communities across Guyana, as part of a wider $7.5 billion allocation for the Amerindian Affairs Ministry in the 2026 fiscal year. The allocations were presented and defended by Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah BrowneShadeek during the consideration of budget estimates in the Committee of Supply on Tuesday eve-

ning. The $5 billion allocation, approved under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), includes funding to increase monthly stipends for Community Service Officers (CSOs) from $30,000 to $50,000. Resources have also been set aside to support education and training on the Amerindian Act, a process that will form part of planned revisions to the legislation in keeping with commitments made by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Funding has further been approved for the disburse-

ment of Presidential Grants to 254 villages to finance income-generating ventures. These projects are expected to include activities such as poultry production, farming, tourism and other community-led initiatives. Addressing the committee, Browne-Shadeek explained that decisions on how the grants are used are made at the village level. She said communities determine their priorities during general meetings, and the Ministry facilitates the allocation of funds accordingly. Training programmes will also be ex-

panded, following previous efforts to build the capacity of CSOs. The Minister confirmed that dedicated funding has been approved for continued training initiatives in 2026. In addition, $100 million has been approved to provide transportation assets, including buses, vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, boats and outboard engines, to support mobility in hinterland communities. Another $197 million has been approved to support national events and activities, including the Upper Mazaruni District

Games, the Rupununi Rodeo and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference. Beyond community grants and programmes, funding has also been approved for infrastructure development. The Parliamentary Committee of Supply approved $500 million to begin construction of a new Amerindian hostel. Minister Browne-Shadeek said the Ministry has identified three potential locations and will announce the final site publicly.

She informed the House that the proposed hostel is

designed to accommodate up to 350 residents and will be a two-storey structure. The project is currently at the preliminary design stage, with the next step involving the engagement of a consultant through public tendering to prepare detailed drawings. Once that process is completed, mobilisation for construction is expected to begin.

Meanwhile, approximately $31 million has been approved for maintenance works at the existing Amerindian Hostel on Princes Street, Georgetown.

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

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 11 –11:55h–13:25h, and Thursday, February 12 – 12:55h–14:25h..

Agri Ministry blacklists 30 contractors as pump stations’ delays persist

…Ministry to focus on mobile pump systems instead of fixed pump stations

AThundery showers will clear to late-afternoon sunny skies, followed by cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday revealed that the Ministry has blacklisted some 30 contractors from being awarded future contracts under his Ministry, as day two of the consideration of the Budget 2026 estimates continued before the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly at Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Though he did not explicitly name all 30 of the blacklisted companies, Mustapha noted that the list includes contractor Tepui Group Inc, which is associated with Mikhail Rodrigues, also known as the “Guyanese Critic”. Tepui Group Inc was awarded the $865 million Belle Vue Pump Station contract.

“Not only Tepui Group, but also what we have done in the last quarter of 2025: we have written to the National Tender Administration, and we listed approximately 30 contractors that we said that we don’t want to do business with anymore. Those are delinquent contractors from the Ministry of Agriculture,” the Minister stated.

He added, “We will not want to do any business with them, and that has been sent to the National Procurement Board, and I hope that anytime those persons tender for a job at the Ministry of Agriculture, we would object to it.”

Mustapha made the revelations as he responded to several questions from APNU Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul about the Ministry’s budget allocation and the state of pump stations being constructed across the country.

Addressing the issue of further contracts with Tepui Group, Mustapha said the Ministry has already taken formal steps to prevent further engagement with several delinquent contractors.

However, even as Tepui gets blacklisted from future projects, Mustapha explained that the company still remains liable for the works being conducted at the Belle Vue Pump Station, notwithstanding the works being completed by GAICO Construction. After several missed deadlines and slow progress by Tepui Group, the project was taken over by GAICO in 2025. However, GAICO has taken over the project as a subcontractor under Tepui.

“Yes, we hold him [Mikhail Rodrigues] accountable all the time. Although we help to facilitate the subcontracting, and we are also speaking with the contractor now, he is responsible because he is the man always… the bonds

are renewed, and we have a bond there so that we can recoup any cost that he doesn’t abide by,” Mustapha explained.

According to Mustapha, work at the Belle Vue Pump Station currently stands at 29 per cent.

Nine pump stations

According to Mustapha, nine pump stations are on schedule to be completed this year.

Providing an update on other major pump station works, Mustapha said the Meten-Meer-Zorg Pump Station is 83 per cent completed and is expected to be finished within two months, despite earlier difficulties.

Meanwhile, the Pouderoyen sluice pump station stands at 89 per cent completion. The Pump Station at A-Line is 25 per cent completed, with a revised completion date of August 15, 2026.

The Jimbo Grove Pump Station is 78 per cent completed, and the Black Bush Polder Pump Station is 87 per cent completed.

He also disclosed that the Letter Kenny Pump Station contract was terminated after issues with the previous contractor, Triple A, a company from Berbice. The new contractor is Quality Deliverer.

“It was re-advertised and re-tendered, and they will continue work there,” he said.

Mustapha further listed completed pump stations at Greenwich Park, Barnwell, Adventure on

the Corentyne, Cosier and Andrews on the Essequibo Coast, Trafalgar in Region Four, Montrose, Canal Number One, Liliendaal, Ogle, and Anna Regina.

He also explained that the Ministry was now making a shift towards focusing on investments in mobile pump stations instead of fixed pump stations given the myriads of issues facing the construction and completion of several pump stations across the country.

“With the issues that we are experiencing with these fixed pump stations, because we have approximately nine pump stations that will be completed this year, and a number of these pump stations we encountered difficulties in,” Mustapha said.

The Minister added that the Ministry has now taken a deliberate decision to avoid future construction of fixed pump stations.

“We have taken a deliberate decision to avoid

building future fixed pump stations and go to these mobile and hydrophore pumps across the country, and you will have the same effect in terms of cubic feet per second,” the Minister said.

He pointed to challenges at the Jimbo area, where construction required the relocation of graves.

“So, what we have decided now, this year, is that we will be procuring 40 hydrophore pumps, mobile pumps, that we will be placing in vulnerable areas to avoid these pump stations being constructed and taking a long time,” he explained.

According to him, once Budget 2026 is approved, advertisements will be published for the supply of the pumps.

“As soon as this budget is approved, we’ll put out an advertisement to supply these pumps, and as long as they come, we will install these pumps in the various areas,” he said.

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Waste management reform

The establishment of the country’s first Recycling and Composting Centre at the Haags Bosch Landfill is a significant development in the national approach to waste management. For decades, solid waste disposal has largely revolved around collection and burial, with limited emphasis on recovery, reuse, or transformation. The launch of a dedicated facility focused on recycling and composting gestures an overdue shift toward a more modern and environmentally responsible framework.

Waste management is no longer a peripheral municipal concern, as it is a public health issue, an environmental imperative, and increasingly, an economic opportunity. Rapid urbanisation, expanding commercial activity, and changing consumption patterns have contributed to mounting volumes of waste. Landfills, once viewed as adequate solutions, are reaching capacity while generating methane emissions, leachate, and other environmental hazards. Without intervention, these pressures will intensify.

The introduction of structured composting and recycling initiatives reflects recognition that waste should not be treated solely as refuse but as a resource stream capable of generating value. Organic waste constitutes a substantial proportion of the material deposited at landfill sites. When diverted and properly processed, it can be transformed into compost suitable for agricultural and household use. Such diversion reduces landfill burden, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports soil health.

The centre’s focus on hands-on training is particularly noteworthy, as technical knowledge and practical competence are essential if recycling and composting are to move beyond pilot efforts. Training programmes that cover feedstock evaluation, pile construction, monitoring, and collection systems help ensure that initiatives are grounded in science and best practice. The participation of local authorities, national agencies, educational institutions, and private sector actors underscores the crosssector collaboration required for sustained impact.

International technical cooperation supporting the programme demonstrates that waste management reform is aligned with broader environmental and climate objectives. Organic waste diversion is recognised globally as a key strategy in reducing methane emissions from landfills. In small and developing states, where landfill space is finite and climate vulnerabilities are acute, such measures are essential components of environmental governance.

Recycling and composting must be embedded within a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework. Clear standards for waste separation at source, incentives for private sector participation, and enforcement mechanisms to discourage indiscriminate dumping will be necessary. Without systemic integration, isolated facilities risk operating below capacity or becoming symbolic rather than transformative.

Public behaviour also remains a decisive factor as waste separation begins at the household and commercial level. Without consistent separation of organics, plastics, metals, and other materials, recycling streams become contaminated and composting processes compromised. Sustained public education campaigns will be required to foster a cultural shift in how waste is perceived and managed. The concept that materials traditionally discarded can be repurposed must take root across communities.

The availability of locally produced organic compost presents opportunities to enhance soil fertility while reducing reliance on imported chemical inputs. In a country where agriculture remains a pillar of economic activity and food security, the integration of compost into farming systems could yield both environmental and economic dividends. The link between waste management and agricultural resilience should therefore be strengthened through coordinated planning among relevant agencies.

Moreover, the private sector’s engagement will determine the scalability of recycling initiatives. Markets must exist for recovered materials if recycling is to be economically viable. Support for local enterprises involved in waste collection, processing, and product development can stimulate job creation while reinforcing environmental objectives. A circular economy approach, in which materials are kept in productive use for as long as possible, requires deliberate policy direction and investment.

The launch of the Recycling and Composting Centre should therefore be viewed as the foundation of a reform agenda. Replication in other regions, integration with municipal waste systems, and the development of reliable data on waste streams will be critical next steps. Monitoring and evaluation must accompany expansion to ensure that environmental benefits are measurable and sustained.

The Haags Bosch facility is an opportunity to redefine national standards in waste management.

Protecting children is a priority – now is the time to prove it

By the WhO COunCil Of ChampiOns tO end ViOlenCe against Children

When Governments adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we committed to a world that invests in our children, where every girl and boy grows up free from violence, exploitation and neglect. Establishing, for the first time, global targets to end all forms of violence against children, grounded in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Today, 10 years on, we must confront a stark reality: we are not on course to achieve those targets.

Each year, half of the world’s children are victims of violence. Bluntly, we are failing to keep a billion girls and boys safe in their homes, schools, communities, care settings and online.

We recognise the complexity of the issue, and we recognise its consequences, often lasting lifetimes and spanning generations. Violence erodes every investment that families, communities, and Governments make in children, from their education and social inclusion to their mental and physical health. The violence experienced by a billion children today is the same violence that will undermine the health, prosperity, and stability of our societies tomorrow.

As Ministers, we are

driven by the possible, by the interventions and investments that can most improve people’s lives. We are motivated by the fact that violence against children is entirely preventable. And that preventing violence strengthens public health outcomes, social protection systems, community resilience and intergenerational mobility.

Decades of rigorous research, community mobilisation, and country experience have given us a clear understanding of what works. The INSPIRE framework, coordinated by WHO and partners, provides a proven blueprint of seven strategies –from strengthening norms and laws to supporting parents and carers, scaling response services and creating safe school environments. A recent, largest-ever, evidence review on preventing violence against children confirmed unequivocally that INSPIRE strategies work. We are now the first generation in history with the knowledge and tools to deliver sustained reductions in violence at a national scale. We have the opportunity, and responsibility, to act.

This is why we are launching the WHO Council of Champions to End Violence Against Children. The first-ever global collective of Ministers committed to using our political capital to position violence preven -

tion where it belongs: at the centre of national and global health, social development, justice, protection and economic agendas. We are compelled to act by the fact that children who grow up safe are healthier, learn better and are more socially protected, becoming adults who contribute to stronger, more equitable societies.

Together, we, the 10 Ministers, will generate –and demonstrate – political leadership. From the outset, we must confront the dramatic disparity between the scale of the problem and the scale of investment. Whether looking at domestic budgets or funder flows, the power of preventing violence – with its wins for child outcomes from social development to mental health – remains unrecognised and under-resourced. We are committed to prioritising the problem, increasing funding and intensifying actions to unlock the enabling potential of preventing violence against children.

This year is our proof point. In November 2026, the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, hosted by the Government of the Philippines, will stand on the shoulders of an impactful First Global Ministerial Conference in Colombia in 2024. That moment proved what is possible. Prioritising our

most promising and vulnerable citizens, mobilising member states, civil society and citizens and delivering unprecedented commitments to action for children affected by violence.

With the SDG deadline fast approaching, we must do more and do better. The Ministerial Conference in Manila must celebrate success, lock in progress, elevate expectations and generate concrete commitments commensurate with the scale of the violence prevention challenge. It represents a moment to scale best-proven INSPIRE strategies, confront the financing gap head-on, strengthen health and social protection systems, and ensure that lived experience – of children, young people, civil society and victims of violence – helps shape the solutions so essential to delivering our shared SDG promise.

Let our next moves as Ministers prove our commitment – redoubling our efforts to work towards a world free from violence and exploitation, just as we pledged, just as each child deserves. (Al Jazeera)

(WHO Council of Champions to End Violence Against Children: The Council of Champions is a newWHO-coordinated, international effort to generate collective political leadership on child protection.

2 slapped with narco-trafficking charge after high-speed chase

Two men accused of trafficking more than eight kilograms (kg) of cocaine were on Tuesday remanded to prison after appearing before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where conflicting accounts of their arrest were laid before the court.

Shaquille Gordon, 32, and 54-year-old Ravindranauth Persaud pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging that on Saturday last they had 8.226 kg of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of traf-

ficking along the Rupert Craig Highway between Kitty and Sheriff Streets, Georgetown.

They were represented by attorneys Eden Corbin and Dexter Todd, while the prosecution objected to bail on behalf of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU).

Todd told the court that the matter was one of entrapment, insisting that the two men did not know each other and were wrongfully targeted by CANU officers.

Todd told the court that an unknown individual contacted Persaud to collect a

package, but, being occupied, he instead dispatched a taxi driver, Gordon, to do so.

Todd said Gordon picked up a passenger who later turned out to be a CANU of-

ficer carrying the package and was instructed to drive slowly. He claimed that Gordon later noticed a vehicle following them and was told by the officer to stop.

Man admits to killing friend in cricket match stabbing

A2022 murder case

stemming from a dead-

ly altercation during a cricket match in Georgetown ended on Tuesday when the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter at the Demerara High Court. Afzal Deendial appeared before acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh, where the murder charge was formally reduced before he entered the guilty plea. The State is being represented by Prosecutor Christopher Belfield. The matter relates to the death of 25-year-old Kareem Kayum, who was killed during a confrontation at the sporting event. Following the plea, Justice Singh directed that a probation report and a victim impact statement be prepared and submitted to the court on or before March 10 to aid in sentencing. The case has been adjourned to March 16.

The charge arose from the August 12, 2022, killing of Kayum, who was stabbed during a game of cricket at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. Police had stated that Deendial and Kayum, who were known to each other and considered close friends, became embroiled in a heated argument

during the match. What reportedly began as routine “name-calling”, common during cricket games, escalated into violence. During the confrontation, Deendial allegedly armed himself with a knife and stabbed Kayum in the region of the heart. Kayum collapsed at the

scene and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead. The accused was later arrested and, during police interrogation, confessed to the killing. At the time of his death, Kayum, of Regent Street, Georgetown, was engaged to be married just nine days later, on August 21, 2022. Reports indicated that he had met with friends for the cricket match shortly after completing shopping arrangements for his wedding. Deendial, a then 21-year-old University of Guyana (UG) student from Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was initially arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was subsequently committed to stand trial in the High Court.

Wortmanville man pleads guilty to manslaughter

AWortmanville, Georgetown man, who was charged with the 2022 murder of 30-year-old Aubrey Baird, pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter when he appeared before the Demerara High Court on Tuesday.

Brian Matterson appeared before acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh on Tuesday.

The state is being represented by Prosecutor Geneva Wills.

According to the prosecution’s statement of facts, Baird was in the company of others when he and Matterson became involved in a verbal exchange that later escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, Baird reportedly struck Matterson twice.

The court was told that Matterson subsequently armed himself with a knife and stabbed Baird twice. Baird later succumbed to

his injuries, and a post-mortem examination determined that perforation of the heart was the cause of death.

Following the plea, Justice Singh ordered that a probation report and victim impact statement be prepared and submitted to the court on or before March 10. Matterson is scheduled to

be sentenced on March 16.

Police reports at the time had stated that Baird, a vendor of Hardina Street, Wortmanville, was fatally stabbed during an incident that occurred just after 21:00h in the community. Eyewitnesses had reported that an argument erupted between the two men, during which Baird punched Matterson in the face.

Matterson reportedly left the scene on a bicycle

but later returned after being encouraged by others in the area to “properly represent himself”. Upon his return, he confronted Baird and stabbed him in the chest, in the region of the heart.

Baird collapsed at the scene and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Following the incident, Matterson was reportedly attacked and beaten by residents before being taken into police custody.

At the time, Baird’s wife said she rushed to the scene after hearing the commotion, only to find her husband lifeless.

Matterson, a resident of Wortmanville, had previously appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on an attempted murder charge arising from the alleged stabbing of his neighbour, Ronald Bettencourt, during a separate incident.

Upon stopping, the officer reportedly exited the car, at which point Gordon threw the package back at him.

The defence further alleged that Gordon was then pursued, causing him to panic and attempt to flee. Todd claimed that after Gordon eventually stopped, he was arrested.

However, the prosecutor told the court that CANU officers, acting on information received, were conducting an operation in Kitty and Sheriff Streets, Georgetown, when they observed Persaud handing a package to

his vehicle and attempting to escape through a trench. Upon arrest, officers observed a gash on his forehead. The prosecutor said both men were arrested.

Objecting to bail, the prosecution argued that no special reasons existed to justify bail for either defendant and contended that Gordon posed a flight risk, noting his alleged attempt to flee from law enforcement.

Magistrate McGusty adjourned the matter to February 12, when the court is expected to examine video footage related to the incident. Based on the submissions thus far, bail was refused, and both men were remanded to custody.

In a separate press release, CANU reported that officers seized approximately 18.135 pounds (8.226 kg) of cocaine during the operation

Gordon, who was driving alongside a bus. The package was placed into Gordon’s vehicle, after which CANU officers moved in.

According to the prosecution, Gordon immediately sped off, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, Gordon allegedly threw the package from the passenger-side window. Officers stopped to retrieve the package, which was later confirmed to contain suspected narcotics, while others continued the pursuit.

Gordon was eventually apprehended after crashing

following a high-speed chase through Georgetown.

CANU stated that officers intercepted two vehicles during an operation near David Street, Kitty, but the driver of a white Volkswagen motorcar fled, leading to a pursuit that resulted in a collision involving several CANU vehicles.

During the chase along Sheriff Street, officers observed a brown cardboard box being thrown from the fleeing vehicle. The box was later recovered and found to contain seven brick-like parcels suspected to be cocaine.

Both Gordon, the driver of the Volkswagen, and Persaud, who was driving a white Pitbull minibus, were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, where the substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed to be 8.226 kg.

FEBRUARY

Page Foundation

Conversion Graphs cont’d

How to draw conversion graphs

In order to draw a conversion graph:

1. Draw axes and choose which units should be represented by the horizontal and vertical.

2. Use information provided to plot at least 3 points that represent the conversion between the units. If the units are in direct proportion, the line will go through (0,0)

3. Draw a straight line through the points ensuring it is long enough to span the width and height of the axes.

Example 4: drawing a graph to convert kilometres

8 kilometres is equivalent to 5 miles. Draw a conversion graph for values of 0km to 16km.

Draw axes and choose which units should be represented by the horizontal and vertical.

We know that 0km = 0 miles.

We can use the fact that 8km = 5 miles to say that 16km = 10 miles.

Let the horizontal axis represent km, and the vertical axis represent miles.

The horizontal axis therefore must go from 0 to 16 and the vertical axis must go from 0 to 10.

Materials

Cupcake liners of different sizes

Lollipops

Scissors

Pencil

Green construction paper

Directions

Step 1: Layer your cupcake liners on top of one another by size. Place the bigger cups on the bottom and the smallest on top.

Step 2: Use a pencil to poke holes in the centre of each cupcake liner. Then slide the lollipop through the holes.

Step 3: Make double-sided leaves by folding your green construction paper in half, cutting along the folded line, and folding each piece in half again, lengthwise. Draw a leaf shape, but be sure the fold is at the stem side, and

Use information provided to plot at least 3 points that represent the conversion between the units. If the units are in direct proportion, the line will go through (0,0).

Plot the points (0,0), (8,5) and (16,10).

Draw a straight line through the points ensuring it is long enough to span the width and height of the axes.

don't cut through the fold.

Step 4: Write a message on the leaf before securing it to the lollipop stick. Then tape or glue close the fold around the stick.

Make as many as you like! What a sweet treat for Valentine's Day. (pbs.org)

By AngelA JAckson

My Girl

Before the doctor told me I could not leave her, Not even for fifteen minutes, Twice a week I would rumble-race out of that house, Wind-zip down the street to the el, Jump on to 87th, Haul-dash to the gym, Stomp the treadmill For forty-five minutes, Then pull heavy arms And thighs for fifteen minutes, Rumble-race back to the el, Ride the train in a soft sweat, Then fast-charge Down the street.

And one day There she was.

Sitting on the gray stoop

Like a little lost girl, Head turned in my direction, Wistful, “You were gone a long time.” I never went to that gym again.

(Source: Poetry [April 2023])

Write a short story about an event or activity where you excelled.

Mechanisation will not cost jobs as GuySuCo targets profitability by 2030 - Mustapha

…debunching money to be paid to workers soon

Speaking about the future of the sugar industry, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a five-year strategic plan aimed at restoring the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to profitability by 2030 through increased mechanisation and stronger management accountability. The Minister was at the time addressing the Committee of Supply during the second day of the consideration of the 2026 Budget estimates in the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) as allocations for the Agriculture Ministry were examined. “When I made my speech in the Parliament, I displayed a copy of the five-year plan,” Mustapha said. “The five-

year plan is a strategic plan that we will work to ensure GuySuCo goes back to profitability. That will be the catalyst to change the modus operandi of the corporation, and hopefully we can make a change from this year.” He said GuySuCo’s management is now under closer scrutiny, with regular engagements taking place to ensure accountability. “Managers have to be more accountable now. We will ensure that the strategic plan is successful and GuySuCo can return to profitability in 2030,” Mustapha added. According to the Minister, more than 41 per cent of GuySuCo’s cultivation is already mechanised, with additional machinery to be acquired over the next five years. He noted that challenges predating 2020, including the closure of four sugar estates, have con-

tributed to higher production costs. However, he said the Government fulfilled its 2020 election pledge to revive the industry. “We made a commitment to the people of this country in 2020 that we would try as much as possible to reopen closed sugar estates, which we did in some areas,” Mustapha said. He explained that workers are still employed at shuttered locations such as Enmore and Skeldon, with between 200 and 300 workers engaged, adding that this also affects production costs. Mustapha stressed that mechanisation will not result in job losses.

“With mechanisation, no one will lose their job. Over the next five years, mechanisation will fill the gaps, but no one will go home,” he said, pointing out that GuySuCo is currently facing a significant labour

Agri Ministry blacklists...

Responding to questions about the more than $16 billion budget for pump stations and related works, the Minister said the figure includes retention payments, completed projects, and ongoing multi-year contracts.

“We have a number of retentions; we have a number of drainage projects that have been completed,” he explained.

He listed projects including rehabilitation of drainage structures in Mabaruma and Santa Cruz in Region One, empoldering at Bethany Creek, pump stations at Charity, Andrews and Anna Regina, revetment works at Riverstown and Hamilton Court, the main canal structure on the Essequibo Coast, all-weather roads at Dartmouth and Cosier,

farm-to-market access roads at Sparta, and several other mechanical excavation projects.

“There are 189 of those projects. I have to disaggregate it because it’s between ongoing projects, multiyear projects and retention. But $10.746 billion is going to retention and multi-year projects,” Mustapha said.

shortage. He added that mechanisation is intended to address this challenge and ensure a more stable labour supply, supported by training opportunities for workers. The Minister was at the time addressing the Committee of Supply during the second day of the consideration of the 2026 Budget estimates in the National Assembly at the ACCC as allocations for the Ministry of Agriculture were examined.

Owes NIS

During the session, Mustapha disclosed that GuySuCo still owes the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) approximately $2 billion but as-

sured that arrangements are in place to ensure workers are not denied benefits. Responding to questions from opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), including Vinceroy Jordan, Terrence Campbell and Jerethra Fernandes of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), as well as Vishnu Panday of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), he said current NIS contributions are being paid from revenue generated through sugar sales.

“Approximately two years ago, GuySuCo started trying to pay that sum to NIS to come up to date. They are hoping that by mid-year they will generate the sum to pay over

to the NIS,” Mustapha explained. He said there is no evidence that workers are being denied benefits and invited reports of any affected cases to be brought to his attention.

Debunching, retroactive payments

On outstanding payments to workers, Mustapha said the amounts relate to debunching and retroactive payments, which will be paid shortly. He also rejected claims that mechanisation would lead to layoffs, reiterating the Government’s position that workers will remain employed as the corporation transitions under the five-year plan.

Examining…

…the spending

It would seem that the line-by-line examination of the expenditures projected in Budget 2026 – by the National Assembly transformed into the quaintly named “Committee of Supply” – wasn’t as uneventful as usual. Eyebrows were raised – and questions asked – on a number of items! But it doesn’t appear that any changes were made. The office of “Commissioner of Information” (CoI) came in for intense scrutiny as information was sought as to what exactly the incumbent did – since there wasn’t any information provided by him in a report (or verbally) on his activities to earn the $40M allocated to the office. The explanation that most of the sum – 85 per cent or $34M – was for his salary seems to’ve just further aroused the Opposition MPs’ ire!! Now the CoI – a retired Justice of the court known for his acerbic wit and insistence on formalities – was appointed by the President pursuant to the “Access to Information Act of 2011” as part of the PPP declaration that it was committed to openness and transparency in its governance of the country!! What your Eyewitness can’t understand is that since the Act is very clear in its articulation of the CoI’s duties, why – for instance – some of the Government’s noted critics picketed the fella’s office!! They claim he wasn’t “responsive”!! It seems from what your Eyewitness read, they were kinda rude to the CoI because they complained that he objected to their refusal to refer to him in their communications as “Justice” or “Esquire”!! Now, if you really want some piece of information that you think is vital to whatever Governmental function you are investigating, what does it take for you to refer to the man’s honorific – as is customary? Anyhow, the fella is a one-man office, and perhaps the Opposition can follow up on their suggestion made during the examination of the estimates that the CoI’s finances be INCREASED so that he can employ staff?!!

Another matter that was cleared up was funding for the LOO’s office – which was raised from last year to $34M. According to the legislation introduced by the PPP in 2010, he’s entitled to a rent-free office; reimbursement for medical expenses for self and family; security service at home and office; research assistant; executive assistant; chauffeur; personal security; gardener; two domestic servants; vacation allowance; and salary equivalent to those of a Cabinet Minister!! Not so incidentally, during the 2025 estimates scrutiny, the Govt whip revealed that the previous LOO never had his office open – even though the $400,000 monthly rent was paid!

It was also on the books that the Government’s catering for 716,261 adults to receive the $100,000 cash grant this year – up from 613,000!!

More Guyanese from furrin?

…voting trends

It was also revealed that an expenditure examination showed that $6.9 billion was allocated for Local Government Elections (LGE) – constitutionally due later this year!! From where your Eyewitness stands – on the side-lines with his popcorn always ready! – is that while LGEs aren’t usually taken very seriously, this time around, things are gonna be different!! With all the old political verities thrown out of the window with the whupping of APNU/PNC by the WIN to make their leader the LOO, the LGE are gonna provide us with some evidence as to whether WIN might just be a passing wind – or not!!

Of course, it’ll also give the PNC a chance to do a Lazarus and rise from the dead!! Sadly, even though Chicken Man saw some Biblical significance in the PNC’s decimation for him to lead just 12 MPs into the National Assembly, his performance up to now clearly shows he ain’t no Jesus Christ!!

If Sanction Man is extradited before the LGE, of course, all bets will be off. Cause, then, any number can play!!

…legal training

Your Eyewitness read that $100M was allocated for architectural drawings and structural engineering plans, etc, for our own law school. Whatever happened to the plans –and funding? – for the JOF Hayles Law School, former AG Basil Williams had promised?

High Court upholds Scotiabank’s right to close WIN candidate’s account

WIN’s Gobin Harbhajan

The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge brought by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) candidate Gobin Harbhajan against Scotiabank over the closure of his bank account, ruling that the bank acted within the terms of its contract. In a decision handed down on Tuesday, Justice Nicola Pierre found that Scotiabank was entitled to terminate the account un-

der the Personal Financial Services Agreement, which formed part of the account application. The agreement allows the bank to end banking services without providing a reason, once 30 days’ notice is given. The court held that this contractual provision grants the bank an unconditional right to terminate and does not require any assessment or justification for the decision.

The court also declined to

issue declarations sought by Harbhajan regarding the status of the WIN party. These included claims that WIN remains separate from its individual members and that no sanctions have been imposed on the party or its candidates. Justice Pierre ruled that no evidence was presented to support those assertions. In assessing the claim of political discrimination, Justice Pierre ruled that while Harbhajan

established that his account was closed and that he is a WIN candidate, he failed to prove that political opinion was the reason for the termination. The judge noted that assertions that all WIN members’ accounts were closed were unsupported by evidence and insufficient to establish causation.

The court also dismissed allegations of non-compliance with the AMLCFT Act.

Cops seize GPF-issued bulletproof vest, handcuffs from Region 2 woman

Police in Regional Division Two on Monday conducted an operation at a residence in Tapakuma, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and seized a black bulletproof vest, a pair of handcuffs, a pair of ankle shack-

les, and a metal cap badge identified as property of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The exercise was carried out on Monday between 11:15h and 11:45h. A 27-year-old woman was arrested at the location and taken into Police custody to assist with investigations.

Miner slapped with illegal gun possession charge

AHe pleaded guilty to the offence, and the court imposed a fine of $150,000. In default of payment, Husain will serve three months’ imprisonment.

The charge arose from an incident in which Husain was found operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

45-year-old gold miner of Belfield Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm without a licence, contrary to Section 16(2)(a) of the Firearm Act, Chapter 16:05. Calvin Skeete appeared on Tuesday at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court via Zoom before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison. The matter has been adjourned to March 24. Taxi driver fined $150,000 for drunk driving Ataxi driver of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Tuesday charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Ameer Husain appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him.

Sugar worker jumps to safety as fire guts home

A43-year-old sugar worker attached to the Albion Sugar Estate is now homeless after an early morning fire destroyed the house he occupied in Albion Village on Tuesday. Faiam Ali reportedly escaped by jumping through a window as flames rapidly engulfed the wooden structure at about 04:00h, while neighbours rushed out of their homes in an attempt to save him and contain the blaze. Ali, who lives alone in the house, is said to have smelt smoke before discovering that the back section of the building was already on fire. According to neighbours, the blaze appeared to have started in the kitchen area and quickly spread throughout

the structure. Anita Ramphal, who lives a few houses away, said she was awakened by Ali’s calls for help. “He called me about four o’clock and said, ‘Bardi, come help me, I see the fire.’ When I peeped through the window, I saw the flames, and I started waking up everybody in the village,” Ramphal recounted. She explained that residents immediately mobilised, grabbing buckets and forming a line in an effort to douse the flames.

“People come out with buckets and water, and we try, but it didn’t work out. He had to jump through the window into the shed to save himself,” she added. Another resident, Bhimwattie Sahid, said, “… we hear screaming and when

we run out, the back of the house was already on fire. The kitchen area was burning, and in half an hour the whole place gone.” “The boy ain’t got nobody - no mother, no father, no brother, no sister. He left with nothing, and I really hope somebody could look into helping him get back a little shelter,” she said. Residents also indicated that an estate fire tender was contacted, but despite efforts to respond, the building was already extensively damaged by the time additional assistance arrived. Ali is described by neighbours as a quiet and hard-working individual. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

EU-backed training programme strengthens agri extension services in Guyana

The Committee Linking EntrepreneurshipAgricultureDevelopment (COLEAD), in partnership with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), successfully concluded a six-day “Train the Trainers” session from February 2 to 7 at NAREI.

The initiative, primarily funded by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), aims to modernise agricultural extension services and promote sustainable farming practices across Guyana.

The programme focused on enhancing the pedagogical skills of agricultural ex-

perts, equipping them to transfer critical knowledge to horticultural businesses and local farmers. Central to the training was the Field Training Workshop (FTW) methodology, a hands-on, practical approach designed to connect technical theory with real-world field application.

Key topics covered during the session included integrated crop protection and sustainable pest management, safety and hygiene in pesticide use, the SIOM technique (Subject-InterestObjective-Method) for effective knowledge transfer, and active learning strategies employing interactive materials such as puzzles and flipcharts. Participants included

extension officers, regional training coordinators, and supervisors from prominent Guyanese institutions, including the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the University of Guyana (UG), and the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO).

COLEAD, a private sector not-for-profit organisation, emphasised that such initiatives are essential for enhancing the agricultural sector’s contribution to global sustainability. With continued EU support, these programmes aim to strengthen horticultural value chains and ensure compliance with evolving international food safety standards.

“Service before self is not negotiable” – Col Foster

...says GDF women held to full military standards

Women serving in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) must meet the same fitness, weight, deployment and professional standards as their male counterparts, as operational readiness and credibility cannot be compromised, Colonel Lorraine Foster declared on Tuesday. Colonel Foster was at the time addressing a Thanksgiving Service to mark the 59th anniversary of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), held at the auditorium, Base Camp Ayanganna, where she made it clear that equality in the Force comes with equal responsibility and accountability. “Let me state this without ambiguity: we are officers and soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force,” Foster said. “Our obligation to duty, discipline and service is equal to that of our male counterparts. Service before self is not negotiable, and our commitment is not conditional.” She stressed that operational readiness requires women to be fully deployable and fit for the role, noting that standards relating to fitness, weight, and professional appearance are not optional. “Fitness, weight standards and profession -

ities. While affirming that the Force has a responsibility to protect its members from discrimination, exploitation or abuse of authority, Foster cautioned that protection must not be mistaken for exemption.

“Protection does not equate to exemption from standards,” she said. “Equality demands honesty. It means equal opportunity, equal responsibility and equal accountability. It does not

mean different rules when it is convenient.” Foster reiterated her support for the full integration of women across all areas of military service, including combat and leadership roles, saying gender should never

are expanding. Nothing is holding you back.” Reflecting on the establishment of the Women’s Army Corps in January 1967, Khan said the enlistment of women was a visionary decision that shaped the fu -

al appearance are conditions of that service, not personal preferences,” she said, warning that when standards are ignored, “the credibility of the individual and the integrity of the force are compromised.”

Colonel Foster, who is also Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve (GNR), told the gathering that career progression and leadership opportunities within the GDF are directly linked to readiness and performance. “Career progression, leadership opportunities and command confidence are directly tied to fitness for the role,” she said. “I expect every woman to take responsibility for meeting those standards, and I expect commanders to enforce them fairly and consistently.” She said the GDF must produce female soldiers who are “operationally relevant, mentally resilient, and disciplined”, adding that women must be viewed as assets to mission success rather than liabil -

determine appointments. “Capability, not gender, must determine appointments,” she said, noting that women must be prepared to serve across infantry, artillery, engineering, special forces, transport units and command positions. She also rejected what she described as “sympathy promotions”, stating, “We will earn every stripe, every pip and every crown through discipline, service, fitness for role and unwavering commitment to duty.”

Not constrained by institutional barriers

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, in his address, echoed Foster’s position, reaffirming that female soldiers are held to the same expectations as male soldiers and are not constrained by institutional barriers. “The female soldiers, you are required, just like the male, to serve selflessly,” Khan said. “There are opportunities that we

ture of the Force.

“It was not simply the formation of a corps,” he said. “It was the affirmation of a conviction that courage recognises no gender and service belongs to those who are willing to stand.” Khan described the anniversary service as more than a ceremonial observance, calling it a moment of gratitude and reflection on the sacrifices made by generations of women in uniform. “Anniversaries are not only about time; they are about testimony,” he said, noting that women of the GDF have contributed “tremendous value to the richness of our military culture across every speciality.”

The service brought together senior officers, representatives of the joint services, retired members of the WAC and serving soldiers as the GDF reflected on nearly six decades of women’s service under a single standard and a unified mission.

Guyana launches 1st Recycling and Composting Centre

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry has officially launched a Recycling and Composting Centre at the Haags Bosch Landfill in Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) marking a major step forward in Guyana’s efforts to promote sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship. The launch also marked the start of a series of structured composting training sessions, which will continue until Thursday, February 12. Speaking at the event, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration), Dr Josh Kanhai, highlighted the importance of the initiative and encouraged participants to engage actively in managing recyclable waste products. “Recycling is very,

very important…all the waste you see around here wouldn’t be here if we had the capacity to recycle it. From the tires to the scrap [that Guyana has], to the mud and even the pebbles on the ground — it’s all recyclable. It just depends on how you see the waste and how you manage it.” Turning his attention to

composting, Dr Kanhai emphasised its value and urged participants to pay close attention during the training sessions. “Composting creates value from things we would otherwise discard… you can use it in your kitchen garden or in plant pots outside, producing organic fruits and vegetables free from herbicides or pesti-

cides,” he stated, highlighting the benefits recycling has in agriculture. “This is a revolutionary aspect of science that we will all be learning about over the next three days. I urge you to be attentive and take as many notes as possible. This small batch is the first of its kind in Guyana and it won’t be the last. You should be proud of taking this step to learn about composting, which represents the advanced end of recycling.” The training sessions are part of a technical cooperation initiative supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and implemented by the Centre for Clean Air Policy (CCAP), in collaboration with ImplementaSur. The programme aims to build national and local ca-

pacity in organic waste diversion through practical, hands-on training combined with technical instruction, focusing on reducing the volume of organic waste sent to landfills and promoting environmentally responsible alternatives.

Composting workshop

During the launch, participants took part in a Ministry-led composting workshop at the Haags Bosch Landfill Site, where they actively engaged in creating compost piles using organic and market waste. This hands-on exercise allowed participants to gain practical experience in composting techniques while reinforcing the principles of organic waste management. The workshop was organised in collaboration with Recycle Organics and brought together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders from Government agencies, local authorities, educational institutions and the private sector.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Opposition MPs deliberately promoted misinformation and disinformation

As the 13th Parliament gets earnestly going with the debate over Budget 2026, Ruminations is gravely disappointed that the Opposition MPs seemingly adopted the notion that their job is to misinform the public and to promote disinformation. Unfortunately, the Opposition MPs were determined to outdo each other in misinformation and disinformation.

The World Bank describes households with earnings of less than $800 per day per person as people living in severe poverty and with earnings of less than $1400 per day as moderate poverty. The IDB, using this definition, reported poverty rates in Guyana between 2016 and 2019 and for 2020 and 2021, periods when the Government was mostly in the control of the PNC-led APNU/AFC, and the President was President David Granger. The 2020-2021 period was when COVID-19 impacted the whole world. Part of that time, David Granger was Guyana’s President, and the Government was the PNC-led APNU/AFC. President Ali’s first two years in office were in the COVID-19 years.

Therefore, the IDB report of 58 per cent poverty, with 32 per cent severe poverty in Guyana, is an indictment of the Granger- and PNC-led APNU/AFC Government. If MPs will stand up in Parliament and highlight this finding, we should, at least, expect them to tell the Guyanese people that under President David Granger and under the PNC-led APNU/AFC, this was the reality in Guyana.

Instead, many of the Opposition MPs gleefully, directly and indirectly, blamed the President Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government for 58 per cent poverty. At no point did any of the Opposition MPs feel compelled to inform the Guyanese people that the IDB report referred mainly to a period when the PNC-led APNU/AFC was the Government. Can the Opposition seriously believe their story that 58 per cent of the households are earning less than $1400 or that 32 per cent of the households are earning less than $800 per day today?

To say that the Guyana of today, under President Irfaan Ali and the PPP Government, has 58 per cent poverty is misinforming the people. The fact is that the IDB Report was for a period when a PNC-led Government under David Granger sacked more than 7000 workers, impoverishing more than 60,000 people who depended on those sugar workers for their livelihood, for spending in the markets and the community shops, and for supporting the local tailors and seamstresses. It came at a time when bauxite workers were laid off and when more than 40,000 Guyanese citizens across the country lost their jobs.

The report came at a time when families were drowning under more than 200 new taxes, when education and health and water and electricity were subjected to VAT, when the Government increased agriculture land lease rates and drainage and irrigation payments by often more than 100 per cent, and when the more than 10,000 rice farmers were denied help because the Government told them they were the private sector. Compounding the problem, it came at a time when the PNC-led APNU/AFC Government took away the cash grant for children and the water and electricity subsidies for pensioners, and increased university fees by more than 50 per cent. Not one MP in the Opposition benches who kept repeating the misinformation told the people any of this.

The media has a responsibility to fact-check MPs. Most of the private sector media reported what the Opposition MPs said about 58 per cent poverty as fact. The Stabroek News, the Kaieteur News, various radio and TV newscasts and online media failed to inform the public that the poverty rates reported by the IDB, which Opposition MPs parroted, were for a period under the David Granger-led, PNC-led APNU/AFC Government.

How can a country with a 58 per cent poverty rate see bank loans to purchase motor vehicles more than triple between 2020 and 2025, standing today at $33.8B? Between 1970 and 1990, Guyana had the same licence plate series. This means it took more than 20 years for Guyana to import 10,000 vehicles. Under successive PPP Governments under Presidents Cheddi Jagan, Sam Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar, by 2015, a license plate series was completed in months, with two series in 2014, compared to one series in 20 years under a Burnham-led and Hoyte-led PNC Government. As of 2025, almost four series were completed in a year, more than 40,000 vehicles. Ordinary families are now owning their own cars, with their own homes. Which person making less than $800 or $1400 per day can afford a car or get a loan from the bank?

Outside of loans for motor vehicles, household credit increased by almost 100 per cent, from $33.5B to $66.5B, and real estate mortgages increased from $90.6B in 2020 to $185B in 2025. This shows the incredible increase in home and property ownership. Thousands of new businesses have been registered. Private sector loans have more than doubled since 2020, from $260B to $532B. The private sector has grown and is employing more people. Because of the local content laws, more Guyanese companies are benefiting from oil and gas and are generating almost a billion US dollars in local revenue that did not exist before 2020.

At the same time, between 2020 and 2025, Guyana’s Human Development Index (HDI) has dramatically changed. An HDI of 1.0 is the most developed, and the lowest developed is near zero. In 1990, when Guyana used to be among the lowest HDIs in the world, our HDI was 0.440. Today our HDI has improved to 0.78. Usually, countries with high poverty rates are below 0.5 HDI. The Opposition MPs, in spreading misinformation and promoting disinformation, insulted the intelligence of the Guyanese people.

Man jailed for 20 years for fatal stabbing of neighbour

George Moses of Lamaha Street, Newtown, Kitty, Georgetown, was on Tuesday sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for the fatal stabbing of his neighbour, Anthony Williams, following a violent confrontation in their shared residence. The sentencing was handed down at the Demerara High Court, where presiding Judge Gino Persaud took into account both the persistent nature of the attack and the profound impact of the killing on the victim’s family. The court heard that Moses and Williams were long-time neighbours who lived in separate flats within a two-storey apartment on Lamaha Street. Williams occupied the lower flat, while Moses resided in the upper flat. The two men reportedly had an ongoing conflict that frequently escalated into physical altercations. On March 30, at approximately 18:30h, Police Corporal Nelson, stationed near the residence, witnessed the men arguing in the yard. According to the officer, Moses attacked Williams with a knife, shouting, “I’m going to kill you and go lie down for you.” Several stabs were delivered to the victim before Moses discarded the weapon into a nearby canal. Williams was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Moses was apprehended at the scene, cautioned and later charged with murder. Bail was refused due to the severity of the offence. During sentencing, the court heard emotional statements from the deceased’s children and partner. Kiara Williams, the eldest daughter, said her father’s death had placed significant responsibilities on her, as she now helps care for her younger siblings despite living separately from them. She expressed the family’s desire for the offender to face the full penalty of the law. Shemaroy Williams, the victim’s son, said losing his father caused deep emotional pain, particularly when he is with peers who speak about their fathers. He described the loss as a constant, difficult reminder of what was taken from him. The deceased’s partner, Dahlia Gouveia, told the court that she has struggled financially since her partner’s death, as he had been the sole provider for their children. She said the family often reflects on him with sadness, adding that the loss has been particularly hard given her unemployment.

Aggravating factors

The Judge outlined several aggravating factors in imposing a sentence, in-

cluding the fact that the deceased was unarmed and vulnerable at the time of the attack and that the offender displayed a persistent course of violence. The court noted that after the initial confrontation, Moses chased Williams and stabbed him multiple times, even after threatening him and as Williams attempted to flee. The Judge said the killing occurred in front of the victim’s children, heightening the seriousness of the offence. The court further stated that Moses showed no genuine remorse and that the act could have been avoided, but he persisted in pursuing and stabbing the victim. These factors, the

Jailed: George Moses being escorted from court after he was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment

Judge said, established that Moses posed a danger to society. The Judge started with a 30-year sentence due to the severity of the crime. Three years were

added for being a danger to society, and then three years were deducted for an apology, although the court noted it was not considered fully remorseful, and an additional 10-year reduction was applied for the early guilty plea. This resulted in a final sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, from which time already spent on remand will be deducted. This leaves Moses with 17 years and six months remaining to be served in prison. The Judge emphasised that the sentence reflected both the gravity of Moses’ actions and the lasting impact on the deceased’s family, particularly his children, who were left without their father.

$10.03B approved for Foreign Affairs Ministry

…Foreign Service Institute to be completed by May

The Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry has secured a $10.03 billion allocation in Budget 2026, with $138.338 million set aside for the completion of a new building at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and allocations towards institutional strengthening and digitisation.

The allocation was approved on Tuesday during the consideration of estimates in the 2026 Budget before the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd told the House that the FSI is expected

to be completed by mid-May.

“So we’re erecting a new building at the Foreign Service Institute, so we’re catering for that in this year’s budget because the completion date should be sometime in mid-May. So we factor that into the new building,” the Minister said.

Digitisation has also been identified as a key priority for 2026, with $10 million allocated specifically for the digitisation of the Ministry’s records and an additional $31 million earmarked for IT infrastructure. A further $54 million has been budgeted for vehicles.

Under the Development of Foreign Policy programme, an allocation of $862 million has been approved. This includes $410 million for legal and ad-

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Minister Hugh Todd on Tuesday evening

visory services, $269.525 million for advocacy, $5 million for public diplomacy and public relations activities, $35

million for diaspora engagements and outreaches, $10 million for digitisation of the Ministry’s records, $65 million for bank charges and remittances to overseas missions, $31 million for IT infrastructure and $37 million for operational and administrative expenditure.

Another $620 million has been allocated under the same programme for operational diplomatic engagements. The breakdown includes $200 million for transportation and visiting delegations, $140 million for multilateral and global affairs, $100 million for official visits, $40 million for official events, receptions and conferences, $80 million for official tokens and branding, $2.5 million for IT infrastruc-

ture and equipment, $30 million to support missions, $25 million for administrative and office use, and $2.5 million for special projects for diplomatic operations.

During the scrutiny of the estimates, Todd faced questions from several Opposition Members, including Amanza Walton-Desir of Forward Guyana, APNU’s Riaz Rupnarain, and WIN’s Andrew Lewis and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.

The Minister also disclosed that the Government is paying US$450,000 per month to two lobbying firms to advance Guyana’s interests internationally. He said DR Consultancy receives US$400,000 monthly under a one-year contract,

while Continental receives US$50,000 monthly under a six-month contract.

“The lobby firms are not there to help us conduct our foreign policy. These are registered agencies that advocate on behalf of Governments. And in our case, because of where we are in terms of our development trajectory, we have to also compete for the attention of big states. It helps us to manoeuvre in the corridors of power to get to those offices that they need to hear from us, and we don’t have the manpower on this side to do it. So we use the lobby firms to help us to facilitate moving in that direction. So it’s to help enhance, not to help us conduct our foreign policy,” Todd explained.

Guyana launches 1st Recycling...

The training programme is being led by composting consultant and expert, Matthew Cotton, who guided participants through feedstock evaluation and compost pile construction exercises. Materials used included wood chips, sawdust, fruit skins, vegetable peels and chicken manure, selected to demonstrate effective composting ratios and best practices. In addition to pile building, the training will include sessions on pile monitoring, organics collection systems and ongoing feedstock assessment, ensuring participants are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to implement composting initiatives within their organisations and communities. Also in attendance at the launch were

Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Miguel ChooKang; and Director of Sanitation, Satrohan Nauth, along with representatives from the Eccles/ Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Stewartville/Cornelia Ida NDC, Mon Repos/ La Reconnaissance NDC, Waste Solution Landfill Inc.,

the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Puran’s Brothers Inc, Cevons Waste Management, and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

Body of missing T&T schoolboy found in Mayaro waters

The body of 17-yearold schoolboy Gabriel Nelson was found in the waters off Mayaro on Tuesday afternoon, bringing an end to an intense search involving Police, rescue teams, villagers and fisherfolk.

Nelson’s body was spotted shortly after 14:00h by a villager aboard a fishing vessel and later recovered. The Form Five student of St Stephen’s College had been reported missing after being pulled under by a rip current while bathing at Grand Lagoon, Mayaro, on Sunday.

Relatives said that around 16:00h, Gabriel, his 13-year-old brother, and their 20-year-old cousin, Nicholas Sinanan, encountered difficulties while swimming about 50 feet from shore. The two other boys managed to reach safety, but Gabriel was dragged underwater.

Gabriel, of George

Village, Tableland, had gone to the beach with family members earlier that day. Searches were conducted by Police, the Coast Guard, hunters’ search and res-

Venezuelan Opposition politician Guanipa under house arrest, son says

Venezuelan Opposition

politician Juan Pablo Guanipa is under house arrest in the city of Maracaibo, his son Ramon Guanipa said on Tuesday, shortly after the close ally of Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado was freed from jail and recaptured.

“I confirm my father, Juan Pablo Guanipa, is in my house in Maracaibo,” his son said in a post on X. “We are relieved to know my family will be reunited soon.”

“My father is still unjustly imprisoned,” he added, “because house arrest is still prison, and we demand his full freedom and that of all the political prisoners.”

Venezuela’s Government has announced a series of prisoner releases amid US pressure after the United States captured President Nicolas Maduro in an attack on Caracas ordered by President Donald Trump. The Government denies holding political prisoners and says those jailed have committed crimes.

Ramon said his father had been forcibly retaken by unidentified men who put a t-shirt over his head and did not let him lift his head from the floor of the van in which he was transported. His whereabouts were unknown until his son confirmed on Tuesday that he was in Maracaibo, the cap-

ital of the oil-rich state of Zulia, where the entire family is from.

Government officials have said nearly 900 of the prisoners have been released, but they have not been clear about when this occurred. Venezuela’s Opposition and human rights groups have said for years that the Government uses detentions to stamp out dissent.

Guanipa was imprisoned for more than eight months on accusations of leading a terrorist plot, which he has denied. Before that, he lived in hiding after the 2024 Presidential vote, which the Opposition says it won, though Maduro claimed victory. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Positive vibrations mark Bob Marley’s 81st birthday

Celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the birth of Robert Nesta Marley took place on Thursday at the Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road, which served as the focal point for local tributes on the annual observance of Bob Marley Day.

Declared a national day of recognition by the Jamaican Government in 1991, Bob Marley Day brought together family members, fans, students and performers for a programme spanning cultural ceremony and live music. Activities began with a morning ceremony featuring the blowing of the Abeng, traditional drum-

ming and a blessing from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The ceremony was hosted by reigning Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Brithney Clarke alongside Sister Mitzie. Students from schools across the island participated through musical and spoken-word performances, including representatives from the Alpha School of Music, Saint Andrew Preparatory School, Haile Selassie High School and Voicebox.

The afternoon segment, titled Live at Bob’s, was hosted by Emprezz Golding and featured performances by Ras-I, Samory I, Jemere Morgan, Naomi Cowan, Haile Celestial, Jaz Elize,

Jah Lil, Karbon, Complex Ricki, Madeline and Bongo Herman. Several artistes shared personal reflections on Marley alongside renditions of reggae classics.

Members of the Marley family were in attendance, including Stephen Marley, Juju Marley and Stephanie Marley, as well as several of Bob Marley’s grandchildren. Yohan Marley headlined the Live at Bob’s performances.

Tributes were also paid to recently deceased Jamaican music figures Jimmy Cliff, Cat Coore and drummer Sly Dunbar. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Venezuelan oil output could return to pre-blockade level by mid-2026, EIA says

Expanded US licences for Venezuela-related deals are expected to restore the South American country’s oil production by mid-2026 to levels seen before a US naval blockade in December, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Tuesday.

Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA was forced to make deep output cuts after Washington imposed the strict naval blockade to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The blockade cut off Venezuela’s ability to export oil, leading to millions of barrels of crude building up in onshore tanks and vessels. Venezuela had been producing around 1.1 million to 1.2 million barrels per day of crude before the blockade.

PDVSA has since reversed most of the cuts, lifting output to close to 1 million bpd, after the US Government last month authorised commodities traders Vitol and Trafigura to join oil major Chevron, opening new tabs in exporting Venezuelan oil, helping clear the storage build-up.

The traders have stored much of the oil in Caribbean terminals, from where it is likely to be shipped to refineries on the US Gulf Coast, the EIA said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Israeli strikes kill 5 in Gaza, health officials say

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed five Palestinians in Gaza on Tuesday, health officials said, the latest violence to undermine a fourmonth-old, US-brokered truce in the enclave.

In Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, an airstrike killed two persons who were riding an electric bike, medics said. Later, Israeli drone fire killed a woman in Deir Al-Balah, and troops shot dead a man in Khan Younis in the south, they said.

Another man was killed by Israeli gunfire in Jabalia in northern Gaza, Palestinian medics said.

The violence came a day after Israeli forces killed four militants in the southern city of Rafah after they emerged from an underground tunnel and opened fire on troops.

Without commenting directly on the four persons killed on Tuesday, the Israeli military said it had carried out attacks targeting what it described as Hamas militants in re -

sponse to Monday’s incident in Rafah.

In Gaza City, dozens of Palestinians rallied at the funerals of three persons who were killed by an Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in the area on Monday night.

One body was wrapped in a Hamas green flag, while another had a green Hamas ribbon on his forehead, signalling that the two were members of the militant group.

Reuters was not able to ascertain the identities of those killed. Israel and Hamas have repeatedly traded blame for violations of the ceasefire deal, a key element of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, the deadliest and most destructive in the generations-old IsraeliPalestinian conflict. The next phase of Trump’s plan involves Hamas disarming, Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza, and the deployment of an international peacekeeping force.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump threatens Iran with “something very tough” if US demands not met

US President Donald Trump has continued to threaten Iran with possible military attacks if Tehran does not accede to his demands on issues ranging from nuclear enrichment to ballistic missiles.

In comments to the Israeli outlet Channel 12, published on Tuesday, Trump hinted at aggressive actions if no deal comes together with Iran.

“Either we reach a deal, or we’ll have to do something very tough,” Trump told the news outlet.

The remarks come as Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, meets with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, to discuss the results of talks between US and Iranian officials last week.

In recent weeks, Trump

has touted an increase in US military forces in the region, having sent a “massive armada” to nearby waters.

That deployment includes the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier.

Channel 12 and the news outlet Axios reported on Tuesday that Trump is also thinking about sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

That military build-up has spurred fears of an impending US strike against Iran. Critics fear such an attack could destabilise the region. Already, on Monday, the US has issued guidelines to US-flagged commercial ships, warning them to stay “as far as possible” from Iranian territorial waters.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

14-year-old girl allegedly zip-tied in raid, raising questions about ICE tactics

When Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue described the October raid on a popular community horse racing venue, he flatly rejected allegations that agents used zip ties to restrain some of the dozens of children present.

Then he was presented with photographic evidence. Images obtained by CBS News appear to show the zip ties and bruised wrists of Anabel Romero’s 14-yearold daughter, SueHey, a US citizen who was tending to her six- and eight-year-old siblings when the agents descended on the crowd in military-style gear and herded them into a confined area.

“God bless her. I’m sorry she went through that,” said Donahue, a self-proclaimed cowboy who participated in the raid on horseback. “But law enforcement is not evil because we contained every-

body and detained them until we sorted it out. That’s not evil.”

Mistreatment of children during a militarised police action that involved armoured vehicles and flashbang grenades has sparked fresh questions about tactics being employed nationwide in the name of the Trump Administration’s wave of immigration sweeps.

The Administration denied that children at the Idaho horse track were ever zip-tied.

“ICE didn’t zip-tie, restrain, or arrest any children,” Homeland Security spokesperson Trisha McLaughlin told CBS News in a statement.

She said, “ICE does not zip-tie or handcuff children. This is the kind of garbage

rhetoric contributing to our officers facing a 1300 per cent increase in assaults against them and an 8000 per cent increase in death threats.”

But those who were temporarily detained tell a different story.

In an exclusive interview with CBS News, 14-year-old SueHey described the moment law enforcement officers – who she said refused to identify the agencies they worked for – herded her onto the racetrack with hundreds of other detainees and, she says, zip-tied her hands.

“I’m just like there crying, like I’m struggling to breathe,” she said. “I can’t even get the words out.”

Her mother, who says she, too, was bound with plastic zip ties, could not hold or console her daughter. (Excerpt from CBS News)

FBI releases images of masked person in hunt for Savannah Guthrie’s mother

The FBI has released images of a masked person in the hunt for news anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother.

Officials are seeking to identify the individual, who they say was armed, more than eight days after 84-yearold Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home.

Savannah Guthrie said on Monday that her family believes their mother is still alive and issued a new appeal to anyone with information. Nancy Guthrie disappeared in the middle of the night from her Tucson, Arizona, home and was last seen on January 31. Authorities believe she was taken against her will.

“As of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement on X. He said authorities had been working to recover images from the home surveillance

system that “may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors – including the removal of recording devices”.

Officials also released two short videos showing the person approach the front door of Nancy Guthrie’s home, then check the camera before moving away, pick up some vegetation from the ground and use it to cover the camera lens.

Savannah Guthrie shared the new video on Instagram. “Someone out there recognises this person,” she said on Tuesday. “We believe she is still out there. Bring her home.”

This marks the first major breakthrough in a case that has gripped the country for more than a week. On Monday, Police were still saying they had yet to identify any suspects or vehicles connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, the same day Savannah Guthrie issued a new video appeal to anyone with information.

“We believe our mum is still out there,” she said in a video posted to her Instagram account. “We need your help.”

She renewed that appeal on Tuesday, reposting the surveillance images on her Instagram with the message:

“We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.” The FBI is offering a US$50,000 reward for any information. (BBC News)

SUDOKU

Put your energy where it will do some good and be uplifting for you and the people you help. Volunteering your time or services will change how you feel about and manage your finances.

Discipline will help eliminate regret and failure. Pay attention to how you present yourself to others mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s essential that you are true to yourself and to those you care about.

Proceed with caution. Your words and actions will have an impact on those on the receiving end. Be kind, not cutting, and you’ll gain respect and the support you need to reach your objective.

Pay attention to your needs. Learn from past mistakes; avoid being neglectful of symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. Selfimprovement will boost your confidence and reputation.

Put more energy into relationships that complement your attributes and encourage you to do your best. Refuse to let the changes going on around you upset your plans or discourage you from sharing your beliefs.

Unusual people, places and pastimes will attract your attention. Embrace what and who comes your way with an open heart, eyes and ears. What you discover will broaden your awareness and purpose.

Let your imagination lead the way. It’s up to you to take the initiative and turn your dream into a reality. Seize the moment, act on instinct and trust your gut.

You will experience big setbacks if you let anger get in the way of your talent, charm and ability to put your magic to work for you. Stop talking and start moving forward.

Set a plan and budget in place and move forward with vigor. Time is precious, and if you channel it correctly, what you end up with will exceed your expectations.

Be direct, ask questions and bypass anyone who cannot give you a straight answer. Put your plan in place and trust your instincts, knowledge and experience to carry you forward.

Your energy requires direction. Once you grasp what’s most important to you, nothing will stop you from reaching your objective. Don’t stop when the sky’s the limit.

Look, assess and follow through, and the returns will far exceed the stress. The personal growth you gain will take you far beyond your expectations.

There was the odd

hiccup or two; Glenn Phillips’ bowling the 18th over and giving up 27 runs, James Neesham turning a leg bye into an all-run four with an overthrow. But in the end, New Zealand wrapped up the win that was expected of them against UAE –with all 10 wickets and 27 balls to spare – and look in good shape to make the Super Eights.

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert knocked off the entire target of 174 by themselves. In the course of doing that, they recorded the highest partnership for any wicket, by any side, in the T20 World Cup.

Waseem and Sharafu hit out

An even-paced pitch and its location on the square – making one side of the ground smaller than the other – resulted in the batters really enjoying themselves.

Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu are the most accomplished players in the UAE lineup, and they stepped up –together – to put on a 107run partnership. It is their second-highest for the second wicket in T20Is.

The logic behind their stroke-play really stood out. Sharafu (55 off 47) backed away against

Mitchell Santner and carved him over cover point for four. That shot was about getting the odds in his favour – hitting with the turn and to the short boundary. Waseem (66 off 45) backed his upper cut off Matt Henry’s slower bouncer because short third was inside the circle. It was high-percentage cricket in a high-pressure situation.

NZ’s attack under pressure

New Zealand’s bowlers had a really tough time against India in the bilateral series leading up to this World Cup. Huffing and puffing against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who had crumbled to 81 all out in a warm-up game in Chennai against Italy, isn’t the kind of confidence boost they’re in need of.

Phillips’ bowling in the

Seifert, Allen’s 50s help New Zealand gallop to record-breaking win against UAE

death was odd. The four overs leading up to it had brought only 17 runs and two wickets. This one over alone yielded 27, including a wide, a no-ball four and a free-hit six. All while frontline quick Jacob Duffy had two overs left.

NZ’s bash brothers Allen and Seifert knocked off almost half the target in the power play itself. The 78 runs they put on together included nine fours and four sixes, which amount to a ballsper-boundary ratio of 2.77. This is a strength Santner had alluded to in the pre-

match press conference ahead of the Afghanistan game, and it came good to take New Zealand to a 2-0 record in the group of death.

Allen showed game awareness when he played out UAE’s pinpoint accurate spin bowler, Haider Ali, and took down their quicks with ease instead. He had tried to do too much against Mujeeb Ur Rahman and lost his stumps during their previous match against Afghanistan. Here, even when Haider tempted him with mid-off up, he held back his big shots.

Seifert backed up his 39-ball 50 on Sunday with a 23-ball 50 today, continuing his path to becoming a high-volume batter instead of his previous version, where he was a high-variance batter. He didn’t have any trouble taking on Haider as the game neared its conclusion, reverse-hitting him for a six and then a four. New Zealand’s bash brothers were in full flow, so the chase didn’t last beyond the 16th over. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

United Arab Emirates (20 ovs maximum)

Aryansh Sharma †

c Phillips b Duffy 8

Muhammad Waseem

(c) not out 66

Alishan Sharafu

c Mitchell b Santner 55

Harshit Kaushik

c Neesham b Phillips 2

Mayank Kumar

c Santner b Ferguson 21

Sohaib Khan c Phillips

b Henry 7

Muhammad

Spinners, Farhan seal comfortable win for Pakistan

Shadab Khan belted 30 off 12 balls, then stifled the United States’ chase with 2 for 26 to spearhead Pakistan’s second win of the T20 World Cup. After they snuck past the Netherlands in a heart-stopping tournament opener on Saturday, this was a routine victory for Pakistan, which highlighted how dangerous their spin-dominated attack might be on Sri Lankan pitches.

Sahibzada Farhan underpinned Pakistan’s total of 190 for 9 – their highest score at a T20 World Cup since the 2016 edition –with 73 off 41 balls, sharing partnerships worth 54 and 81 with Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, respectively. But it was Shadab’s late launch from No. 6 that gave them a winning score, despite a chaotic finish to their innings.

Shadley van Schalkwyk, US’ standout bowler when they ran India close on Saturday night, returned identical figures of 4 for 25 as he

leaned heavily on his slower balls. But the injured Ali Khan was a big miss, and a repeat of the US’ famous Super Over victory when the teams met at the 2024 T20 World Cup always felt unlikely.

The run chase started brightly thanks to Shayan Jahangir, one of three Pakistan-born players on the US side, who made 49 off 34. But Pakistan’s five spinners turned the screw through the middle of the innings, returning combined figures of 7 for 115 in 16 overs as they were backed up by an impressive effort in the field.

Shubham Ranjane, still carrying the injury that he picked up against India, showed some resistance, hauling back-to-back sixes off Shaheen Shah Afridi over the leg side. But by the time he reached a 28ball half-century – his first in T20Is – the equation was 35 off the last five balls, and he was trapped lbw two balls later.

The result takes Pakistan to the top of the

nascent Group A table with two wins from two; after the withdrawal of the Government’s boycott order on Monday night, their next opponents will be India on Sunday.

Farhan’s fast start Ayub made an instant statement of intent by skipping down the pitch and trying to launch the first ball of the match back over Saurabh Netravalkar’s head for six. He only connected with thin air but successfully cleared the long-on boundary two balls later to kickstart a boundary-laden opening stand with Farhan.

It was Farhan who made most of the running. He hit three fours in the space of four balls from US debutant – and ninecap former Pakistan international – Ehsan Adil and took 16 runs from offspinner Milind Kumar’s over to leave Pakistan 54 for 0 after five overs, despite chewing up 18 dot balls.

Van Schalkwyk’s slower balls proved effective

again, producing two wickets in the final over of the Powerplay: Ayub sliced a catch to short third reaching for a wide one, and Salman Agha was tucked up as he looked to give himself room, heaving a cutter straight to deep backward square. It prompted a period of consolidation, with a single boundary in the next five overs.

Babar’s acceleration Babar ground his way to 15 off 17 balls before switching gears in the 13th over, launching Harmeet Singh’s left-arm spin over midwicket for six, then hitting back-to-back boundaries, the second a rifled cut shot from a low base. He was well caught by Milind at long-on soon after drinks for 46 off 32, eventually showing signs of rhythm after a scratchy start to the World Cup.

Farhan, who had powered to a 27-ball half-century, was well caught by Sanjay Krishnamurthi on the long-off boundary in Harmeet’s final over, and Pakistan reshuffled their batting line-up after a partnership worth 81 in 53 balls. Usman Khan slid down to No. 8, below Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab and Faheem Ashraf, and Shadab made the most of his promotion.

He belted Netravalkar’s slower ball for six, then took Adil for three consecutive fours on his way to 30 off 12. His dismissal, splicing a catch behind off the impressive van Schalkwyk, was the first of five wickets to fall in the final 10 balls – including two run-outs in the final over – but Shaheen’s late blow dragged Pakistan up to 190.

Jahangir falls short

Jahangir replaced Saiteja Mukkamalla at the top of the order and made a fast start. He whipped Shaheen through midwicket for four, rocked back to heave Ayub over wide long-on, and dumped Abrar Ahmed back over his head to take US to 50 in the powerplay, for the loss of Andries Gous, caught at mid-off off Nawaz.

But they got bogged down by spin through the middle of the innings, with Monank Patel mistiming a slog-sweep back to Shadab for a painstaking 3 off 10. Jahangir launched Nawaz through long-off for four to

Pakistan (20 ovs maximum)

Saim Ayub c Netravalkar

b van Schalkwyk 19

Sahibzada Farhan c Krishnamurthi b Harmeet

Sigh 73

Salman Agha (c) c Shayan

Jahangir b van Schalkwyk 1 Babar Azam c Milind Kumar b Mohammad Mohsin 46

Mohammad Nawaz c Shayan Jahangir b Netravalkar 5 Shadab Khan c †Gous

b van Schalkwyk 30 Faheem Ashraf c Netravalkar b van Schalkwyk 1 Usman Khan †run out (†Gous/Netravalkar) 0 Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 9 Abrar Ahmed run out (Shayan Jahangir/†Gous) 0

Extras (lb 2, nb 2, w 2) 6

Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.50) 190/9

Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Saim Ayub, 5.1 ov), 2-56 (Salman Agha, 5.6 ov), 3-137 (Babar Azam, 14.4 ov), 4-143 (Sahibzada Farhan,15.5ov),5-177 (Shadab Khan, 18.3 ov), 6-179 (Faheem Ashraf, 18.6 ov), 7-179 (Mohammad Nawaz,19.1ov), 8-182 (Usman Khan, 19.4 ov), 9-190 (Abrar Ahmed, 19.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Saurabh Netravalkar 4 -0-40-1

Ehsan Adil 3-0-39-0

Shadley van Schalkwyk 4-0-25-4

Milind Kumar 1-0-16-0

Mohammad Mohsin 4-0-27-1

Harmeet Singh 4-0-41-1

end a 28-ball stretch without a boundary but mistimed Shadab’s wrong ‘un to long-on to fall one run short of a first T20 World Cup half-century. Milind and Ranjane added 54 off 35 for the fourth wicket but could not prevent the asking rate from spiralling out of control. Usman Tariq, who replaced Salman Mirza to leave Pakistan with a single frontline seamer, had Milind caught on the edge of the ring, then struck twice in two balls to finish with 3 for 27 in his first match at an ICC event. (ESPNcricinfo)

United States of America (T: 191 runs from 20 ovs)

Andries Gous †c Agha Salman b Mohammad Nawaz 13

Shayan Jahangir c Shaheen Shah Afridi

b Shadab Khan 49

Monank Patel (c) c & b Shadab Khan 3

Milind Kumar c Shaheen Shah Afridi b Usman Tariq 29 Shubham Ranjane lbw b Shaheen Shah Afridi 51 Sanjay Krishnamurthi

b Abrar Ahmed 0 Harmeet Singh c Mohammad Nawaz b Usman Tariq 6 Mohammad Mohsin b Usman Tariq 0 Shadley van Schalkwyk not out 1 Ehsan Adil not out 1

Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 3) 5

Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.90) 158/8 Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Andries Gous, 4.5 ov), 2-58 (Monank Patel, 8.3 ov), 3-69 (Shayan Jahangir, 10.2 ov), 4-123 (Milind Kumar, 15.6 ov), 5-124 (Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 16.3 ov), 6-152 (Harmeet Singh, 18.4 ov), 7-152 (Mohammad Mohsin, 18.5 ov), 8-156 (Shubham Ranjane, 19.3

Bowling O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-0-42-1 Saim Ayub 1-0-11-0 Abrar Ahmed 4-0-30-1

Mohammad Nawaz 3-0-21-1 Shadab Khan 4-0-26-2 Usman Tariq 4-0-27-3

Record-setting run: Chance dominates at Bayrock opening

On Saturday eve -

ning, 400 metres

ace Arinze Chance stole the spotlight at the inaugural event of the Bayrock Synthetic Facility in Linden, setting a new track record with a remarkable time of 46.49 seconds.

Despite the glory of the win, Chance expressed that his primary focus was on executing a wellplanned race strategy.

“The idea is to pretty much execute the race as best as possible, I would almost say to perfection, so that was pretty much the intention going into this race; knowing that it’s a big crowd, new facility being commissioned,” he shared.

“I love the big stages, I love the bright lights so the mood was set for a good race, and I have been able to open up my season running one of my fastest times ever,” Chance noted with enthusiasm.

He also appreciated the experience of competing at the new facility.

“The facility itself is great, that atmosphere was electric. The surface of the track, I think because it hasn’t been used a lot— probably laid a few years ago—definitely still has a

lot of springiness in it, and I definitely utilized that to the best of my ability,” he reflected after clinching victory in the 400 metres.

Looking ahead, Chance will be back in action on February 14 at the Bayrock Facility, eager to surpass his own record.

Guyana’s U-17 teams impress at CONCACAF Qualifiers

The Guyana Football Federation has extended its highest commendation to the players and technical staff of Guyana’s Under- 17 Men’s and Women’s National Teams for their exemplary representation of the nation during the CONCACAF U-17 World Cup Qualifiers 2026.

The GFF shared in a statement via social media, “Throughout the qualifying campaign, both teams served as true ambassadors of Guyana, competing with discipline, character, and pride while upholding the values of the Golden Arrowhead on the international stage.

established teams such as Jamaica and Honduras.

The Guyana U-17 Men (Junior Golden Jaguars) opened their campaign with a disciplined victory over Bermuda and followed with a determined and competi-

The Guyana U-17 Women (Junior Lady Jags) delivered strong and competitive performances within Group D, securing valuable results against regional opponents and recording a dominant victory over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while demonstrating resilience against

tive performance against host nation Honduras, reflecting growth and tactical maturity within the squad.

Both national teams concluded the campaign just one match away from historic FIFA World Cup qualification, underscoring the continued progress of Guyana’s youth

CWI congratulates Lawes on WC Team of Tournament selection

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has extended its warmest congratulations to rising star Vitel Lawes on his deserved selection in the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup (WC) Team of the Tournament.

The 18-year-old Jamaican left-arm wrist-spin bowler was a standout performer for the team, showcasing skill, bravery, and consistency that captured the attention of the global cricketing community and the hearts of supporters across the region.

His inclusion in the prestigious team, selected by a panel of International Cricket Council (ICC) experts and commentators, is a testament to his impactful performances on the world stage.

Lawes emerged as a leader in the West Indies bowling attack, finishing as the highest wicket-taker for the team with 10 scalps. His ability to extract turn from the pitch and make crucial breakthroughs at key moments was a highlight of the tournament.

Team of the Tournament is a very big achievement for me.

In the Sri Lanka series last year, I only took one wicket, and at one point I was questioning if I was going to make the World Cup team. To come from such a low moment, this

development pathway and the positive impact of sustained investment in grassroots and high-performance football.

The Guyana Football Federation also extends sincere appreciation to our colleagues of the International Support Group (ISG) for their support and dedication, which contributed meaningfully to the preparation and overall performance of both national teams throughout the qualification process.

The Federation further thanks the parents and guardians for their unwavering support and commitment to the development of these young athletes, and the fans and supporters whose prayers, encouragement, and belief provided vital motivation throughout the journey.

The Guyana Football Federation remains committed to building on this foundation as we continue to strengthen youth football and elevate Guyana’s presence on the regional and international stage.”

In the team’s opening encounter against Tanzania, Lawes struck with 3/23 to help restrict the opponents and set up a relatively easy chase for his side. In the following game, a defeat to Afghanistan, Lawes again picked up three wickets, this time for 48 runs.

Figures of 1/60 against South Africa in their final group game and 2/41 against Ireland in the Super 6 stage were marked by less bowling dominance but rather crucial breakthroughs to nullify dangerous partnerships. He then signed off the tournament with 1/55 against Australia. He also had the most dot balls bowled with 150.

Speaking after being named to the prestigious team, Lawes remarked on his tournament experience, saying, “It was an excellent tournament for me. Besides the team lifting the trophy, I couldn’t ask for anything better in a World Cup. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Before the tournament, I promised myself that I would give it 110 per cent every game, and I think I did that as best as I could.”

“Being named in the

Wicketkeeper-batter

is a tremendous feeling, and to be the only West Indian makes it even more special for me, the region and my country. I feel like I represented my region and country very well in the circumstances.”

Cricket West Indies’ Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe also shared his thoughts on the honour, saying, “Vitel’s selection to the ICC Under 19 World Cup Team of the Tournament is richly deserved and reflects both his individual quality and his growth as a cricketer.”

“Throughout the tournament, he showed maturity beyond his years, tremendous skill, and an excellent understanding of his role. All culminating in the ability to strike at important times against quality opposition. Performances like these underline the value of our youth development pathways and give us great confidence in the next generation of West Indies players.”

In addition to Lawes, West Indies’ WC run also featured excellent performances from several members of the team.

Opening batter Zachary Carter was the only West Indian player to hit a century in the tournament, a feat he accomplished in the victory over South Africa. He also struck a half-century in the

of the order, while 17-yearold Tanez Francis impressed alongside Carter. With the ball, Shaquan Belle finished with the tournament’s best bowling figures, 6/40 against South Africa.

Pace partner Jakeem Pollard had an extraordinary dot ball percentage of 68.4 per cent, as 130 of his 190 deliveries yielded no runs. Belle, Carter and Micah McKenzie were the three West Indians to claim Player of the Match prizes against Tanzania, South Africa and Ireland, respectively.

Cricket West Indies commends the entire West Indies Under-19 squad and support staff for their commitment and effort throughout the tournament, laying a strong foundation for the future of West Indies cricket.

GFF confirms shift in domestic football calendar for 2026/27 season

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has confirmed the shift in the domestic football calendar, set to commence with the 2026/ 27 season; labelling the move as a ‘Strategic realignment’.

Announced on Monday, the 2026/27 season is now scheduled to commence in August 2026 and conclude in May 2027, as opposed to the March commencement and October conclusion of the year prior (2025).

According to the GFF, “This landmark reform represents a decisive step toward aligning Guyana’s domestic football ecosystem with the FIFA international calendar, strengthening competitiveness, improving operational efficiency, and supporting long-term sustainability.”

“The revised calendar synchronizes domestic competitions with FIFA international match windows, including the consolidation of the traditional September and October international breaks into a single 16-day window. This alignment improves access to professional players for national team duty, enhances preparation time for international competitions, and significantly reduces scheduling conflicts between club and country obligations.”

Structured Competition framework under the updated domestic calendar

The GFF has advised that the updated domestic calendar establishes a clearly sequenced and purposedriven competition structure, ensuring year-round football activity, appropriate recovery periods, and alignment across youth, regional, elite, Women’s, and national team football.

Senior Men’s Competitions:

Elite League Cup (Senior Men)

-February–March 2026: The Elite League Cup will be staged as a transitional competition to provide meaningful match activity for Elite League clubs during the interim period, supporting preparation for Elite League Season 8, which will commence in August 2026.

“Equally important, the fixed annual framework introduces predictability across the football ecosystem, enabling improved planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for clubs, Regional Associations, and national teams.”

- From 2027 onwards: The Elite League Cup will transition to a post-season competition window, running from early May to mid-June, commencing after a two-week recovery period following the conclusion of the Elite League season.

Elite League – Season 8 and Beyond

-The Elite League will operate annually from August to April, beginning with Season 8 in August 2026.

-Matches will be hosted at multiple approved venues across Guyana, ensuring nationwide access to elite football while maximizing venue utilization.

-Elite League clubs will compete in a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 32 matches per season across all sanctioned competitions.

GFF Super 16 Cup

-The Super 16 Cup will be contested annually between November and January, positioning it as a marquee mid-season competition that sustains competitive intensity during the domestic season.

GFF Federation Cup

-The Federation Cup will be staged between April and June, bringing together Elite League and Regional Association clubs in a unified national knockout competition.

Regional Association Competitions

Regional Association Leagues

-Regional leagues will be fully aligned with the national calendar, with seasons running from September to April each year.

- The GFF is actively

exploring mechanisms to support two complete rounds of league matches at the Regional Association level, aimed at increasing match exposure, competitiveness, and club development.

- Regional Association clubs are projected to play between 10 and 28 matches per season, inclusive of league and national competitions.

Elite League Promotional Playoffs

-The promotional playoffs will take place annually in May, immediately following the conclusion of the Regional Association season.

-This structure will take effect from May 2026 onwards, reinforcing a clear and meritbased pathway from Regional Association football to the Elite League.

Women’s Football Competitions

Women’s Division 1 League

-The 10-team Women’s Division 1 League will be contested annually from September to April, commencing in 2026 and continuing thereafter.

-This alignment ensures consistency with the national calendar while strengthening the competitive and developmental pathway for women’s football in Guyana.

Youth Development Competitions

Under-13 and Under-15

(Boys and Girls)

-Competitions will be played between July and August, maximizing school holiday periods and facilitating broad national participation.

Under-17 (Boys and Girls)

- Competitions will run from August to November.

- This window is deliberately structured to allow for player identification, selection, and preparation of the Under-17 male and female National Teams, which will participate in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers held annually in January and February.

GFF President Wayne Forde said about the development, “This calendar reform represents a major advancement for football in Guyana. It delivers tangible benefits to every stakeholder in the game. Clubs gain increased

competitive opportunities and national exposure. Our national teams benefit from a predictable, internationally aligned schedule that enhances preparation and reduces conflicts in player selection. For our Regional Associations and women’s football programme, the fixed framework improves planning, budgeting, and long-term development. This is a critical step in building a modern, professional, and sustainable football structure for Guyana.” The Federation further noted that the implementation of the 2026/27 domestic calendar underscores the GFF’s commitment to institutional strengthening, expanded participation, gender equity, and international competitiveness, positioning Guyana’s football system for long-term growth and stability.

GCB congratulates Sir Clive on ascension to Lancashire CCC Presidency

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has extended congratulations to international cricket icon Sir Clive Lloyd on his pending appointment as President of Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC), the Board shared in a missive on Monday.

The GCB wrote, “Following the end of the tenureship of former President Dame Sarah Storey, the Board of LCCC has unanimously endorsed the nomination of the legendary and distinguished Sir Clive Lloyd whose appointment

will be formally presented at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the Club where it will be submitted to the members for ratification.

Renowned for his lasting impact on the game of cricket, Sir Clive’s appointment is underpinned by an exceptional cricketing legacy and a deep, enduring association with LCCC. Sir Clive played and made an indelible mark for 20 seasons with Lancashire in English County Cricket and was captain for 5 of those seasons. He represented Lancashire in 219 first-class

matches between 1968 and 1986 amassing more than 12,000 runs and playing a pivotal role in the Club’s success especially in one-day cricket. His outstanding contribution helped secure two One-Day League titles in 1969 and 1970 as well as four (4) Gillette Cup titles between 1970 and 1975 including an unforgettable century of 126 in the 1972 final at Lord’s.

Sir Clive has continued to serve LCCC beyond his playing days, having been a Vice President of the Club and a long-standing member of its Management

AAG President applauds Government for Bayrock facility

In the wake of the successful inauguration of the Bayrock Synthetic Facility in Linden, Sheryl Hermonstine, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, commended the Government for its robust backing of track and field.

“I would like to extend sincere thanks to the Government of Guyana, the Minister of Sports and the National Sports Commission for the vision and commitment to advancing athletics,” said Hermonstine.

“The investment clearly demonstrates that track and field is being taken to the next level. Not just Leonora; also Berbice is soon to come and Georgetown. With facilities like this, I believe Guyana is laying

the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive athletics future where talent can rise from

every corner of the country,” she stated.

Moreover, Hermonstine acknowledged the facility’s vital role in nurturing the sport in Guyana.

“I am absolutely overjoyed with the completion of the new stadium at Bayrock Linden. For me, this facility represents far more than infrastructure; it is an investment in people, potential, and possibilities. The stadium provides for athletes in Linden and the wider Region 10 a world-class space to train, compete, and grow right at home,” she asserted.

This weekend, the AAG will host another event at the Bayrock Facility as the season progresses.

Committee from 1993 to 2012. His enduring impact was formally recognized with his induction into the inaugural Lancashire Cricket Hall of Fame in 2020, and more recently with a stand at Old Trafford Cricket Ground being named in his honour alongside fellow cricket legend Farokh Engineer.

On the international stage, Sir Clive’s achievements remain unparalleled. Between 1966 and 1985, he represented the West Indies in 110 Test matches and captained the side in 74 of them securing 36 victories to become the most successful captain in West Indies cricket history. His leadership oversaw a remarkable run of 26 Tests without defeat, including 11 consecutive wins.

His captaincy during the period 1974-1985 is widely considered as the golden era in West Indies cricket. A formidable batsman, Sir Clive recorded 19 Test centuries with a careerbest score of 242 not out against India in 1975. His crowning achievement came on June 21, 1975 when he lifted the Prudential Trophy at Lord’s after leading the West Indies to victory over Australia in the inaugural ICC Men’s One-Day World Cup played over 60 overs. That historic triumph remains one of the most defining moments in world cricket.

Sir Clive also left an auspicious mark on regional cricket representing Guyana with distinction and captaining

the team in 1983 when Guyana became the first territory to win both the four-day and one-day regional titles in a single season. Following his illustrious playing career, he served the game globally as an ICC Match Referee and was appointed Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee in 2008.

In recognition of his excellence on the field, he was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1971. His outstanding contributions to the sport and the region has been recognized through numerous honours, including the Order of the Caribbean Community, induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009, and his knighthood in 2022.

The Guyana Cricket Board

is especially proud that Sir Clive Lloyd continues to serve the development of cricket at home as an Executive Member of the GCB, where he provides invaluable guidance in his role as Specialist Cricket Consultant contributing his vast experience and insight to the growth of the game in Guyana.

The Guyana Cricket Board salutes Sir Clive Lloyd on this latest honour which stands as further testament to his extraordinary contributions to cricket at the county, regional, and international levels. The GCB is confident that his wisdom, leadership, and deep love for the game will continue to enrich Lancashire County Cricket Club and indeed the global cricketing community.”

West Indies seek consistency ahead of England clash

West Indies will look to build momentum when they face England in their second match of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup today, with first ball scheduled for 09:30hrs at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

Following a positive start to their campaign, the Caribbean side are keen to fine-tune key areas as the tournament gathers pace.

Speaking after a training session in Mumbai, all-rounder Jason Holder struck an upbeat yet realistic tone, emphasizing consistency, discipline and improvement as the team’s main focus.

“We took a lot of boxes in the first game,” Holder said. “But we keep challenging ourselves in each department. We know we can improve as the tournament goes on.”

Holder highlighted the importance of maintaining a steady attitude across all facets of the game — batting, bowling and fielding. While pleased with the overall performance so far, he admitted that lapses in the field had cost the team and needed urgent attention.

“We’ve been letting ourselves down and dropping a few chances. That’s definitely an area we can improve on,” he noted. “But all in all, I’m really happy with how we started. It’s important for us to continue to build.”

The West Indies camp has also placed strong emphasis on clarity of roles as they prepare for the challenge posed by England, one of the pre-tournament favourites. According to Holder, understanding

and executing individual responsibilities will be key to producing a united team performance.

“Role clarity and role execution are very important,” he explained. “Everybody knows what’s required of them personally. The challenge is for each individual to execute their role and bring it together collectively for the team.”

The clash against England promises to be a high-intensity encounter, with both teams boast -

ing explosive batting lineups and varied bowling attacks. On a Wankhede surface known for its true bounce and fast outfield, execution under pressure is likely to decide the outcome.

Head coach Daren Sammy echoed those sentiments while underlining the scale of the challenge posed by England. Describing the fixture as a familiar and fiercely competitive rivalry, Sammy expects another high-scor -

ing battle.

“It’s a battle. It’s going to be a battle,” Sammy said. “We’ve always been entertainers, and England has also been entertaining. Over the last few years, England is probably the opposition we’ve played most T20s against.”

Sammy pointed out that both teams are well accustomed to each other’s strengths after multiple five-match series in recent seasons, often producing run-filled encounters. With

Wankhede traditionally offering a batting-friendly surface, he believes smart decision-making will be crucial.

“The surface here tells you that you need to put some good runs on the board if you bat first,” he noted.

Reflecting on West Indies’ 2016 T20 World Cup triumph, Sammy acknowledged that the global game has evolved, with power-hitting now a universal trait.

“Back then we were known for our six hitting, but the world has caught up. Everybody hits sixes now, and they run really well between the wickets,” he said. “We have a lot to do, but we might just have to hit more sixes again, something we were able to do when we dominated during that era. Tomorrow, we’ve got to be smart.”

As West Indies aim to reinforce their credentials in the competition, consistency in mindset and performance will be central to their ambitions when they take the field today.

Petra to host historic 1st Linden leg of MODEC Tournament at Bayrock Stadium

The Petra Organisation proudly announced on Tuesday that it has been granted permission by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) to host the inaugural Linden leg of the MODEC Tertiary Football Competition in the Mining town. This landmark event will take place on Wednesday, 12th February 2026, at the newly constructed Bayrock National Stadium.

“This is a defining moment for football in Linden and for Guyana as a whole. We are extremely grateful to Minister Charles Ramson and Minister Stephen Jacobs for their support and vision in making this possi-

ble. The Bayrock National Stadium is more than just a venue— it is a symbol of opportunity and progress for our athletes and communities,” a statement from the

organization shared.

The Organisation also extended its congratulations to the Government of Guyana for delivering a

facility of such exceptional quality to the nation.

With the Bayroc National Stadium now available, sports associations can focus more intently on nur-

turing talent and advancing athlete development.

In addition, the Petra Organisation also called on the public to take pride in this achievement and to

safeguard the stadium for future generations.

“This facility will benefit all in Guyana. We encourage everyone to treat it with care and respect, ensuring that it remains a beacon of inspiration and excellence for years to come.”

The Linden leg of the MODEC Football Competition promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and national pride, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Petra’s Schools’ football journey. The fixture features Linden Technical Institute (LTI) coming up against the Cyril Potters College of Education (CPCE) today, Wednesday, February 11, set to kick off at 16:00hrs.