2020 election fraud trial delayed again after defence attorney fails to make appearance
Squatters continue to ignore Govt’s orders to vacate Ogle flight zone
La Parfaite Harmonie father of 4 stabbed to death during altercation Corentyne cane harvester found dead after reportedly stabbing wife
Govt launches website to enhance transparency, access to procurement opportunities
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 25 –09:55h–11:25h, and Thursday, February 26 – 11:35h–13:05h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Light showers are expected to clear to late afternoon sunny skies, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 4.02 metres and 6.25 metres.
High Tide: 10:28h and 23:33h reaching maximum heights of 2.25 metres and 2.07 metres.
Low Tide: 16:50h reaching minimum height of 0.98 metre.
xxonMobil Guyana is set to invest US$100 million over the next decade to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education across the country. This announcement was made during a reception held at the State House on Monday evening by ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods.
The event hosted by the President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, brought together members of cabinet, the diplomatic corps, senior Government officials and ExxonMobil’s Board of Directors, who are currently in Guyana for meetings and site visits. Woods announced that the Guyana ExxonMobil STEM Initiative will focus on strengthening mathematics and science education at the secondary school level while building a nationwide pipeline for future engineers, scientists and technology leaders.
The US$100 million investment will be rolled out over the next 10 years and will include comprehensive teacher training for secondary mathematics and science, collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the University of Guyana (UG), establishment of a nationwide network of student STEM centres and development of a major STEM facility at the UG Campus, targeted for completion around 2028-2029. According to Woods, the first STEM centre will be established at the UG Turkeyen campus, with additional centres planned across the country to ensure nationwide access.
He also noted that over the next decade, the initiative is expected to train thousands of educators and reach tens of thousands of students significantly strengthening STEM in Guyana.
“Our goal is very simple: inspiring the next generation of Guyana’s engineers and scientists by working with the students and the teachers who educate them. Over the next decade, the Guyana STEM initiative
will train thousands of educators and reach tens of thousands of students across the country, transforming Guyana’s STEM talent pipeline and developing a new generation of engineers, scientists and leaders ready to shape Guyana’s future and importantly, open doors to bigger and better opportunities for everyone,” he expressed.
In his remarks, President Ali described the announcement as a significant milestone in the country’s education and workforce agenda for development. He also said he made clear in his first meeting with ExxonMobil, that equipping the next generation of Guyanese with the necessary skills and training would be a national priority.
The President said, “We have to ensure the next generation of Guyanese and this generation that they are equipped with the necessary skills, they’re equipped with the necessary training and knowledge to take Guyana forward, to advance Guyana forward and to en-
sure that we have the human capacity and capability to do this.” President Ali linked the STEM investment to the Government’s wider development strategy, which includes innovation, entrepreneurship and diver-
President also signalled that the Government is seeking accelerated development in the gas sector and expanded exploration activities, with a goal of having a second major gas project online by or before 2030.
sification of the economy.
He said revenues from the oil and gas sector must be used strategically to strengthen other pillars of sustainability, including climate services, environmental services, health, technology and education. The
“We want to see acceleration. We want to see more development there, we want to see acceleration on gas, and we want to see acceleration at a similar pace as gas on exploration and development... before 2030 or by 2030,” President Ali related.
Editor: Tusika Martin
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March 1 is Zero Discrimination Day, an annual worldwide event that promotes diversity and recognises that everyone counts.
This year, UNAIDS shines a light on the persistent discrimination faced by people living with and at risk of HIV, discrimination that undermines access to health services, violates rights, and holds back progress toward ending AIDS by 2030.
This year’s Zero Discrimination Day highlights the need to put people first.
HIV-related stigma and discrimination put lives at risk. According to the People Living with HIV Stigma Index 2.0 Global Report, nearly one in four reports being stigmatised by others, including in healthcare settings, where discrimination undermines trust and access to life-saving services.
In addition, 85 per cent of people living with HIV feel internalised stigma, and many change their behaviour – hiding their HIV status or interrupting HIV treatment – because of fear of rejection and judgement. These findings confirm that HIV-related stigma is not a side issue; it is a barrier to ending AIDS by 2030.
While many countries have laws against discrimination, it’s still a problem in all layers of society in every country in the world. Many countries have and still use discrimination as a way of governing.
The UN first celebrated Zero Discrimination Day after UNAIDS, a UN programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), launched its Zero Discrimination Campaign on World AIDS Day in December 2013.
The UN has recognised that discrimination remains widespread – gender, nationality, age, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or religion can all unfortunately be the basis for some form of discrimination.
The international body has noted that in only four out of 10 countries worldwide do equal numbers of girls and boys attend secondary school, and 75 countries have laws that criminalise same-sex sexual relations.
Discrimination in healthcare settings also continues to be widely reported, the UN noted, and it has stressed that healthcare settings should be considered as safe and caring environments; however, such cases are happening too frequently throughout the world.
Any obstacles that inhibit access to healthcare facilities, including testing, treatment and care services, must be removed. Access to health must be open to everyone. Discrimination has many forms, from racial or religious discrimination to discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation or age, and to bullying at school or at work.
In only three out of 10 countries worldwide do equal numbers of girls and boys attend upper secondary school, and people living with disabilities are nearly three times more likely to be denied health care than other people. UNAIDS has also emphasised that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and to live free from discrimination, coercion and abuse.
Zero discrimination is an integral part of UNAIDS’ vision and has highlighted too that the right to health is a fundamental human right that includes access to affordable, timely and quality health-care services for all, yet discrimination remains widespread in health-care settings, creating a serious barrier to access to HIV services.
Based on data from more than 30,000 persons living with HIV across 25 countries, stigma and discrimination remain pervasive barriers to health access, dignity, and human rights.
Around 60 per cent of European Union/European Economic Area countries report that stigma and discrimination among healthcare professionals remain a barrier to the provision of adequate HIV prevention services for men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs.
UNAIDS has called on everyone to make some noise for #zerodiscrimination. Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity to highlight how everyone can be part of the transformation and take a stand for a fair and just society. Everyone will have experienced discrimination of some kind during their lives; however, non-discrimination is a human right. Equally, States and individuals have a legal obligation not to discriminate.
The symbol for Zero Discrimination Day is the butterfly, widely used by people to share their stories and photos as a way to end discrimination and work towards positive transformation.
Executive Abstract
Recent claims that 58 per cent of Guyana’s population lives in poverty are not supported by current socioeconomic data. That figure is derived from labour force surveys conducted during the 20182021 economic contraction and COVID-19 disruption period and does not reflect present macroeconomic conditions.
Updated indicators - including 104 per cent mobile penetration relative to the adult population, 101 per cent internet usage, expanding household formation, rising wages, and broad-based access to utilities - demonstrate measurable structural improvement in living standards. A multidimensional assessment incorporating housing, utilities, education, employment, and digital access places poverty closer to 18-20 per cent, not 58 per cent. While poverty remains a policy priority, responsible public discourse must be grounded in updated data, proper methodology, and the structural realities of Guyana’s rapidly-transforming economy.
Key Message
The 58 per cent poverty claim does not reflect Guyana’s present economic reality.
Digital connectivity exceeds the adult population (104 per cent mobile; 101 per cent internet).
Household formation and asset ownership contradict mass deprivation.
A multidimensional assessment places poverty closer to 18-20 per cent, not 58 per cent.
The 58 per cent figure reflects 2018-2021 economic contraction - not current conditions.
Understanding the Poverty Narrative Guyana’s population in 2025 is estimated to be between 1.0 and 1.025 million. With 34.3 per cent classified as children, the adult popula-
tion represents 65.7 per cent (approximately 673,425 individuals). Total households are projected at 291,142 with an average household size of 3.52 persons. Households represent 43 per cent of the adult population - a structural indicator inconsistent with a 58 per cent poverty rate.
Administrative data further demonstrate broad digital and asset penetration:
• 700,000 active mobile users (104 per cent of adults), 681,000 internet users (101 per cent), 528,000 social media users (78 per cent), and >400,000 registered motor vehicles between 2000 and 2025 (59 per cent of the adult population and 1.4x the total number of households)
These observable metrics contradict the proposition that a majority of citizens live below subsistence levels.
The 58 per cent figure is derived from a universal US$6 per day poverty benchmark applied to labour force data collected during 2018-2021 - a period marked by structural unemployment, job losses exceeding 40,000, and COVID-19 economic shutdowns. Those conditions have since material-
ly reversed. Current wage levels exceed the US$6 daily threshold. Public sector entry-level wages approximate G$100,000 monthly (~US$500), nearly 2.8 times the applied poverty line. Applying outdated survey conditions to present macroeconomic realities introduces significant distortion.
Prototype Prosperity Index
Figure 1 illustrates SphereX’s prototype multidimensional prosperity index, which integrates monetary poverty, literacy, electricity access, clean cooking fuels, sanitation, potable water, and healthcare access.
The composite prosperity score of 87.6 per cent implies that the overwhelming majority of households are above core deprivation thresholds. Monetary poverty is estimated at approximately 18 per cent, consistent with structural welfare improvements.
Structural Shift in Household Income (2010-2025)
Guyana’s household income model has transitioned from remittance dependence toward domestically generated wages and structured state support.
Remittances declined from 51 per cent of household income (2010) to ~10 per cent (2025).
Government welfare and transfers expanded from 1.6 per cent to 38.1 per cent.
Excluding remittances, social support rose from 28 per cent to 51 per cent of household income.
This transition reflects measurable welfare gains. While poverty remains a policy concern, the empirical evidence demonstrates structural improvement - not deterioration.
Conclusion Poverty exists in Guyana, as it does in all developing economies. However, the assertion that 58 per cent of the population currently lives in poverty is inconsistent with demographic structure, wage data, digital penetration, household formation, and multidimensional welfare indicators.
A responsible interpretation of the data indicates that poverty has materially declined relative to historical hardship periods. Public discourse must therefore be grounded in updated data, methodological clarity, and structural context.
(Joel Bhagwandin)
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud joined the Guyana Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname, to celebrate Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary.
The ceremony, which was held on Friday last, was also attended by the Head of the Diaspora Unit, Rosalinda Rasul, and Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Excellency Virjinand Depoo. Addressing the Guyanese diaspora in Paramaribo, Persaud highlighted the significant strides Guyana has made over the last five decades and the even great-
er development taking place in Guyana from 2020 to the present. These contri-
butions and developments, he noted, came through much struggle underpinned by the visionary leadership of the Government and strong commitments to the
economic development and welfare of the Guyanese people.
He highlighted for the diaspora the transformative developments taking place in various sectors, noting that these developments, both physical and social, revealed how far the country has come since the very first year after Guyana gained its republican status. Reiterating greater plans ahead for the country and its people, Persaud remarked that Guyana is a country of which every Guyanese, in and out of Guyana,
can be proud. Noting that the Government’s inclusive agenda means that Guyanese abroad can play a role in the country’s transformation, he encouraged the diaspora to seize the opportunities available at home.
In addition to the Republic Day event, several diaspora engagements were held in Nickerie. The meetings enabled Guyanese living in Nickerie to engage with Guyanese officials, understand the developments and opportunities available and address queries and concerns of the diaspora.
Dear Editor, The Terror and the Time, which was written by the late great Dr Roopnarine, should be included as compulsory material in the history syllabus in all our schools. It is a great account that showcases the history and the impact our founders have had on our country.
It is also a clear reminder of what we as a nation have gone through to gain our independence and freedom. The struggles of our people, which are clearly portrayed in this film, should always be remembered and serve as a guide to those in Government.
As a nation that overcame oppression and colonialism, we must remember that there is no place
for leaders who embrace the ways of our past oppressors. There is no place for those who exploit the have-nots to enrich those few who already have more than their share. As a people, we have come too far to continue to struggle unnecessarily in a land of plenty. We have sacrificed too much to have those seeking the approval of our previous oppressors continue to rob the poor and give away our patrimony and resources. We saw it during the time of dictatorship and betrayal, and we see it now during this period of plenty. The resources of our homeland are for the benefit of all Guyanese. We must not put our fellow countrymen and countrywomen in debt so they can provide for their
families. We must not restrict access to opportunities, and, most importantly, we must not allow strangers to come into our land and exploit us.
For years, our citizens have spoken up concerning the exploitation occurring in the extractive sector. Our gold primarily benefits those from abroad, and so do our oil and bauxite. In this land of plenty, every Guyanese should be able to wear gold in safety and dignity. Every Guyanese should be able to easily afford gasoline and the safe by-products of the oil and gas sector.
Every Guyanese should be able to see the bauxite of our nation converted into value-added products that are used in the construc-
tion of their homes and the construction of our roads. We do not need more of the have-and-have-not mentality that has plagued our land with exploitation since the time of Christopher Columbus.
Humility and contentment must take root, and greed must be uprooted. Those who prefer greed and a quick buck must be rejected at the polls, while those who seek justice and equality must be embraced. This will help each of us securely build a dignified, successful, and lasting future for our families, without others being side-lined and unable to do the same. Success is not only for the few to access but a right that should be available to all.
My fellow Guyanese, we
Protracted delay in the hearing of the Mohameds’ extradition matter a concern
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the ongoing delays and procedural complexities in the extradition proceedings against Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed.
While the matter remains active before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the High Court has already concluded five related challenges brought by the accused, raising important questions about the efficient administration of justice and the balance between due process and accountability.
Since January 2026, the Mohameds have pursued multiple High Court applications aimed at challenging or halting the extradition process. These included a constitutional challenge to amendments made to the Fugitive Offenders Act in 2009, allegations of political bias, and
judicial review proceedings targeting aspects of the extradition framework.
On February 24, 2026, Chief Justice (AG) Navindra Singh dismissed the substantive constitutional challenge.
Earlier rulings likewise rejected claims of bias, declined to grant stays of proceedings, and ultimately dismissed the judicial review action.
Despite these outcomes, the extradition matter has yet to reach a final resolution at the Magistrates’ Court level.
An appeal arising from one High Court decision is currently pending before the Court of Appeal, and it seems that this too will be completed before the case in the Magistrates’ Court, given the strict timeline announced. The case carries international significance.
The Mohameds, who remain free on bail of $150,000 each, face an 11-count indictment unsealed by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida. The charges include wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, customs violations, and allegations tied to a purported US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.
It is public knowledge that the extradition request, formally transmitted to the Government of Guyana on October 30, 2025, was signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio himself. This, combined with the recent comments by the US Ambassador, adds weight to the seriousness of the matter.
No one should be denied access to legal remedies, and the rule of law demands that
courts carefully consider constitutional and procedural claims. However, when successive applications fail and proceedings continue to stall, the public is left questioning whether the extradition framework is functioning as intended.
Justice must be both fair and timely; excessive delay risks undermining confidence in judicial institutions at home and abroad. The handling of high-profile legal matters will inevitably attract global scrutiny. Transparency, consistency, and adherence to established legal timelines are essential – not only for the parties involved but also for preserving the credibility of Guyana’s justice system.
Yours sincerely, Adron Pires
are on a path that has come to a crossroads. One leads to an ever-increasing gap between the few who have and the masses who do not. The other leads to shared prosperity, where each man, woman, and child has equal access to the opportunity to safely prosper.
A path where our nation’s resources and strength are used to build our nation first and foremost. Where the ways of the oppressors are rejected and neglected, while the ways of cooperation and camaraderie are embraced to build mutual success. We
must, as a people, decide which path we will take. Understanding and remembering our past and the struggles that have brought us this far will help every Guyanese make the best choice for his or her future. For this, our nation should always be grateful to Dr Roopnarine and his team, who were able to capture the spirit of our fight for independence and freedom in the film The Terror and the Time. May he rest in peace.
Yours sincerely, Jamil Changlee
00:00 Movie - Bob Marley: One Love (2024)
Movie - Knight and Day (2010)
Movie - Dumb and Dumber To (2014)
In order to convert a mixed number to an improper fraction:
1. Multiply the whole number by the denominator.
2. Add on the numerator.
3. Write the improper fraction by using the calculated value as the numerator over the original denominator.
Example 1
Write the following mixed number as an improper fraction:
2
Step 1: Multiply the whole number by the denominator.
The whole number part of the mixed number is 2, and the denominator is 5.
2 × 5 = 10.
Step 2: Add on the numerator.
The numerator is 4.
10 + 4 = 14.
The new numerator for the improper fraction is 14.
Step 3: Write the improper fraction by using the calculated value as the numerator over the original denominator.
2 = .
Example 2
•brushes
Materials
•paper plates
•brown card stock
•pink, mint and black paint
•red pompom balls
•sprinkles
•black markers
•scissors
•glue
Instructions
1. Draw an ice cream scoop onto your paper plates with a rounded circle top and a scalloped bottom with the sides slightly bigger than the
Example 3
This conversion will make the process of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions simpler.
Practice:
Write the following mixed numbers as improper fractions:
top circle, and cut it out with scissors.
2. Paint one scoop pink and one mint green and let dry.
Cut out two triangle shapes from your brown paper, with the top being about 4-5″ wide.
3. Draw a criss-cross pattern onto your brown triangle cones with your
black marker. Glue your ice cream scoops onto the top of your cones.
4. Use a small paintbrush to paint on small black dots onto your mint green scoop to look like chocolate chips.
5. Apply glue onto the pink scoop and top with sprinkles (do not eat).
Then glue one red pom-pom ball onto the top of each ice cream scoop and let your cones dry.
(Adapted from easypeasyandfun.com)
BY HAMLIN GARLAND
Within my hand I hold
A piece of lichen-spotted stone— Each fleck red-gold— And with closed eyes I hear the moan Of solemn winds round naked crags Of Colorado's mountains. The snow Lies deep about me. Gray and old Hags of cedars, gaunt and bare, With streaming, tangled hair, Snarl endlessly. White-winged and proud, With stately step and queenly air, A glittering, cool and silent cloud Upon me sails. The wind wails, And from the canon stern and steep I hear the furious waters leap.
(Source: Poetry [November 1913])
Write a story in which a character learns something unexpected about someone they thought they knew well.
Apivotal High Court ruling on Tuesday has kept alive the possibility that Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, may soon be surrendered to US authorities to face federal charges, even as the Attorney General (AG) expressed serious concerns about what he described as prolonged and avoidable delays at the Magistrates’ Court level.
Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh issued a 26page decision largely dismissing the constitutional challenges the Mohameds had mounted against key parts of the Fugitive Offenders Act, the law under which Guyana executes requests for extradition.
Justice Singh ruled that Sections 8(3)(A)(a), 8(3)(A) (b), and 8(3)(B)(c) of the Act are consistent with the Constitution but found Section 8(3)(B)(b) to be unconstitutional and therefore void.
The defendants had contended that the Act’s 2009 amendments breached fundamental constitutional rights, including judicial independence, personal liberty, fair hearing, and equality before the law, among others.
Their legal team argued that the role of the Minister in issuing an Authority to Proceed (ATP) improperly inserted executive influence into a judicial process.
However, the Chief Justice maintained that the statutory framework pre-
serves judicial autonomy, emphasising that committal hearings are conducted by a Magistrate who independently assesses whether legal criteria for surrender to the requesting state have been met.
Reacting to the judgement, AG and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall told reporters that, in practical terms, the invalidated subsection does not halt the extradition process.
“We said that the section has no bearing, and it does not affect in any form or fashion any extradition proceedings in Guyana,” Nandlall said, underscoring that existing treaty safeguards and assurances by the United States guard against onwards surrender without Guyana’s consent.
Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, leading the defence team, described the ruling as a “mixed outcome” and signalled his intent to appeal
the aspects the court did not grant.
“The Chief Justice ruled in favour of ourselves in relation to one order, which we believe is the main plank of the case,” Forde said, adding that the legal team will pursue challenges to the refused reliefs at the appellate level.
The case’s judicial twists unfold against months of extradition proceedings in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, where the United States is seeking the Mohameds’ surrender following a grand jury indictment in the Southern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that from about 2017 through at least 2024, the two men engaged in a sophisticated fraud and tax-evasion scheme, concealing substantial quantities of gold to underpay Guyanese taxes and royalties, resulting in losses alleged to exceed US$50 mil-
lion, and engaged in money laundering and bribery to facilitate these activities.
In his comments Tuesday, Nandlall decried what he described as tactical manoeuvres to slow the committal hearing, which began in late October 2025 after the formal extradition request was transmitted by US authorities.
“What is even more telling is that the ... extradition committal proceedings continue to languish ... in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court,” the AG said, accusing defence counsel of deploying “fabricated medical explanations” and other narratives “to delay both from the lawyers as well as from the subjects.”
Under the Fugitive
A60-year-old father of four was on Sunday evening stabbed to death during a confrontation at First Avenue, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD). The dead man has been identified as Indae Ramotar, a welder also of La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD. According to reports, the attack took place at approximately 19:30h in the vicinity of a shop along First
Avenue. Information gathered by Guyana Times indicates that Ramotar had left his home to make a purchase when he encountered a man who had reportedly been standing across the road from the establishment.
Shortly after Ramotar arrived in the area, the suspect allegedly approached him and launched a violent attack. During the confrontation, Ramotar was
stabbed multiple times about the abdomen.
Following the stabbing, the suspect fled the scene, but he was pursued by villagers who managed to detain him, after which he was handed over to the Police.
Residents stated that prior to the fatal encounter, the suspect had been seen in the community behaving in a disorderly manner. It was further related that he had been making alarming
statements since the previous day.
Police were summoned to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. An ambulance was also dispatched, and Ramotar was examined by emergency medical personnel; however, he was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained.
The suspect was arrested and remains in Police custody as investigations continue.
Offenders Act, he stressed, the Magistrate’s remit is limited to examining the indictment and supporting documents sent by the requesting state to determine whether they satisfy the legal test for committal.
“Extradition proceedings are not trials and should not expand into broader enquiries beyond the statutory framework,” Nandlall said, contrasting the Mohameds’ matter with a recent extradition case in which the defendant, Ronley Floyd Bynoe, accepted surrender without contesting the request.
After more than a month of testimony, the first witness, the Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, remains under cross-examination. The committal hearing is scheduled to resume on February 26, 2026, when the prosecution and defence will argue whether the matter should advance by way of a paper committal or a preliminary inquiry. Unless a successful appeal intervenes, the Magistrate will ultimately determine whether the Mohameds are to be committed for surrender to the United States, marking the next significant milestone in one of Guyana’s most complex and politically-charged legal battles.
ACorentyne cane harvester was found dead on Monday, one day after he allegedly stabbed his wife during a domestic dispute at their Number 76 Housing Scheme, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) home.
The injured woman remains hospitalised in stable condition.
It was reported that on Sunday, 47-year-old Olive Thompson, a Government part-time worker of Lot 667 Number 76 Housing Scheme, was stabbed during a misunderstanding with her husband, Patrick Mahendra Singh, at their home.
According to reports, at about 13:30h on the day in question, Thompson ran into a neighbour’s yard covered in blood and reported that she and her husband
had a misunderstanding that escalated into an argument, during which he stabbed her with a knife.
At the time, Singh was spotted holding a knife and a bottle suspected to contain a poisonous substance and allegedly drank from the bottle before leaving the yard on his motorcycle. Thompson was subsequently rushed to the Number 75 Public Hospital, where she was admitted in serious condition. Police said several checks were carried out for Singh following the incident, but those efforts proved futile.
However, on Monday at about 10:45h, his lifeless body was discovered at Number 76 Village, suspected to have taken his own life. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing are ongoing.
The passing of Dr Rupert Roopnarine of the WPA and Dr Kumar Gunraj of the Liberator Party (LP) signals a passing of the old guard!! Now, most of your young’uns might be muttering, “Kumar who?? ”!!! But that just goes to show we’re at the cusp of a new age – one in which political types proudly identify with folks who call themselves “Scrapeheads”, boasting that everything inside their heads has been scraped out!! Meaning there’s no need to think no mo’ about what we’re doing or ought to be doing – just do whatever comes to you in the moment!! Which, generally, is to just grab whatever you want from what’s around you!! Nihilism?? Hedonism? Dunkaydamism? Call it what you want – but just Keep it Simple, Stupid!! KISS is it!!
So, who was Dr Gunraj?? Just an ordinary medical doctor who had it up to his throat with Burnham’s excesses – after he seized power by rigging elections and keeping the masses in line with his “disciplined forces”. Gunraj teamed up with a dentist, Dr Makepeace Richmond, in the 1970s to represent liberal democracy and a free enterprise system in the political realm. They were dubbed “rightists” for opposing the PPP, WPA and Working People’s Vanguard Party (WPVP) (led by ex-PPP leader Brindley Benn – father of the just-departed Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn) – all vied to prove who was REALLY Marxist-Leninist!! Meaning that Gunraj and Richmond were the only ones who had some sense – since all the survivors have now accepted their line!!
Gunraj and Richmond were from the “professional” class – who aren’t historically known for taking risks. But they did – and paid the price. They were joined by more professionals – who claimed they weren’t “political” but who wanted free and fair elections – calling themselves the “Compass Group”!! Two from the group were heads of huge government corporations – Pat Thompson from the Bauxite Company and Pat Carmichael from Sprostons – who had to flee to Barbados!! Gunraj left for Canada in 1984. The point – Dear Readers – is that there were plenty back then who sacrificed to get us out from under the PNC!!
Even though Rupert goes back to the 1970s with Rodney, in the present – sadly – he was the one during the COI into Rodney’s assassination who said Rodney was amassing guns to attack the state. And from that perspective, gave the PNC an arguable reason to take him out!! He and Rodney were classmates at Queens –highflyers among the highflyers and could very well be called our “best and brightest”.
But in the end, he led the charge to coalesce with Corbin/ Granger’s PNC and will unfortunately be remembered for being part of a gang to subvert democracy in 2020!!
…Jump-up
Ok…OK…quick now!! The Mash parades are over; the calypso, chutney and soca competitions are over; the speeches are over – including Pressie’s midnight tryst at the Public Buildings to raise our Golden Arrowhead. So, what do you remember that’s connected with us becoming a REPUBLIC?? Meaning we’re on our own in the world, masters of our fate and captains of our destiny!! Sadly, only Pressie remembered!!
As your Eyewitness has recounted, he offered a blueprint on how we’re actually gonna be allowed to do our own thing!! And your Eyewitness wants you to reflect on his use of the word “allowed”!! Pressie knows that, as we’ve been told, “no man is an island” – and so is no country, even those who’re surrounded by water. Yes, we’re a republic – but we’re a republic in a hemisphere the US declared they’re numero uno!!
And after the jump-up comes the Caricom meet – with Rubio in attendance!! Pressie had declared Guyana a firm US ally!! Let’s see who won’t stand at attention!!
…the ugliness
The stench from our erstwhile betters from up north just won’t ease!! This French model-agency owner, Brunel – who facilitated Epstein’s clique’s rape and trafficking of underage girls – just committed suicide in jail.
Like Epstein, he took the coward’s way out!!
Fifteen-year-old Aleena Preetam of Good Hope, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) passed away on Monday, leaving her family devastated and a one-monthold baby without a mother. According to information reaching Guyana Times, relatives became concerned after hearing the infant crying continuously at the family’s home. Upon checking the bedroom, they discovered the teenager lying motionless on her bed. She was reportedly unresponsive.
Preetam, a former student of Abram Zuil Secondary School transferred to another secondary institution but eventually dropped out. After leaving school, she became pregnant and subsequently gave birth. Her delivery process was said was safe, and both mother and baby had returned home. However, approximately one month after giving birth, the young mother went to sleep and never woke up.
The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. An investigation is underway.
One year after 40-yearold dentist Abdool Sharaf Rahim was struck down and killed along the Waller’s Delight Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), his widow says the family is still waiting for justice. Rahim, who was employed by the Health Ministry and attached to the BV Health Centre on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) died in the early hours of February 24, 2025, after being hit by a motor car along the WCD Public Road. Investigators were told that Rahim had attempted to retrieve his car keys from his wife, 32-yearold Sonia Ramlochan, who refused because he was intoxicated. According to the police report, Rahim became annoyed, walked across the road from south to north, and stood in the path of an approaching vehicle with his hands raised. The driver, identified as 43-year-old Ashley Raymond, allegedly told police that the area was dark and that, due to the close distance, the right front side of the vehicle collided with Rahim. He was flung into the air, struck the windscreen and fell onto the roadway. Rahim was transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH)
where he was pronounced dead on arrival. However, speaking with Guyana Times, Ramlochan said that one year later, the case has seen repeated delays in the court system. She disclosed that she has attended three consecutive court hearings, only to be told that her case file, including her statement, could not be located. On each occasion, the matter was adjourned to another date. Ramlochan further alleged that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of $350,000 at each court appearance. She also claimed that prior to the first court hearing, the defendant contacted her seeking to settle the matter for $400,000. She said she rejected the offer. “My husband is not an animal for his case to be settled at that amount of money. All I want is fair justice for my husband,” she told Guyana Times. Rahim leaves behind four children, aged 12, 11, 9, and 2. One of the children is preparing to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year. According to Ramlochan, since her husband’s death, she has struggled to provide for the children on her own. “He was the breadwinner. Since he died, life has not been the same,” she said. Rahim was described as a devoted father and healthcare professional who was committed to serving patients at the BV Health Centre. They say the continued adjournments have prolonged the family’s grief and uncertainty. The family is now calling on the relevant authorities to ensure that the matter proceeds without further delay and that justice is served. Police have not provided an updated statement on the status of the investigation.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Stop the blasphemy – Azruddin Mohamed is not and could never be Cheddi
When we read about Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Bishop Tutu, and Marcus Garvey, which Guyanese do we think of? Without hesitation, most Guyanese would say Cheddi Jagan. When we read about “El Chapo”, Pablo Escobar, “Dudus”, and other famous criminals, who in Guyana do we automatically think of? Maybe I will simply leave this for readers to say.
Cheddi Jagan is one of the most revered Guyanese and Caribbean citizens. When Caribbean citizens speak about Cheddi, they speak of a genuine Caribbean freedom fighter, as the father of Guyana. He was by far the Guyanese man of the 20th century. It is why one of the mandates of the United Nations is the New Global Human Order, a fight for justice, thereby inscribing Cheddi’s legacy as not just a Guyanese legacy but a global legacy. We must not forget that even his enemies honour him.
A group of Caribbean Ministers of Health once had an audience with Nelson Mandela. He heard that the Minister of Health of Guyana was in the group. He sought me out and asked if I were one of Cheddi’s boys. In 2008, as President of the World Health Assembly, one of my guest speakers was Bishop Tutu. Introducing himself as Guyana’s Minister of Health, he said, “You are from Cheddi’s country.” In 1990, in Washington, I met some US congressmen soliciting their support for free and fair elections in Guyana. All of them knew about Cheddi’s heroic fight for freedom. Cheddi was and is not just revered in Guyana; he was and is a global icon.
Recently, in Geneva, when Azruddin Mohamed was elected as Leader of the Opposition in Guyana’s Parliament, a diplomat asked me if this was the same man who aspires to be like Pablo Escobar. The vastness of the difference in how people think of Cheddi Jagan compared to Azruddin Mohamed must not escape us. It is why Ruminations categorically rejects any attempt by anyone to compare Azruddin Mohamed to Cheddi Jagan. Such comparisons are absurd, disrespectful, and blasphemous.
Family members and supporters of Azruddin Mohamed have sought to compare him to Cheddi Jagan. Let us be clear – nothing that Cheddi Jagan stood for and fought for is even remotely part of the credentials of Azruddin Mohamed. Cheddi fought all his life for the Guyanese people. Azruddin Mohamed has spent his life thus far brandishing his “playboy” credentials. His politics is not about fighting for justice for people; he is using politics to shield himself from criminal prosecution by the most powerful country on earth.
Cheddi Jagan was politically persecuted because he fought for the freedom of Guyana, the political rights of Guyanese, against the British and colonial masters for Guyana’s freedom and for social justice for the Guyanese people. Cheddi fought against the powerful rigging machinery of Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte and the PNC.
Let us be pellucidly clear. Cheddi was locked up as a political prisoner, without charges and trials. While the colonial powers persecuted him, at no time, in no way, did they ever sanction him or indict and charge him; at no time did anyone request his extradition for crimes. Cheddi Jagan was never a person of interest in any murder, or for gold smuggling, or for tax evasion.
Azruddin Mohamed was never jailed like Cheddi without a trial, never arrested for protesting against rigged elections or for any political activity. He has been arrested for failing to be on time for court while on bail, when the Americans requested his extradition, and when he was driving without a licence and without insurance. Azruddin Mohamed’s arrests have all been linked to illegal activities, nothing remotely close to “political persecution”. Jagan’s arrests were all for political activities defending the rights of citizens – genuine political persecution.
Cheddi Jagan returned to Guyana as a dentist after studying in the USA. Every single Guyanese that returned as a doctor, dentist, lawyer, engineer or any other profession in those times became wealthy or, at least, lived the life of the high middle class. Cheddi did not pursue wealth; he instead devoted all his life, from youth to his death, to fighting for freedom, fighting for social justice and fighting against rigged elections. He stood up to the colonial masters, including the mighty UK and America. He stood up against Burnham and Hoyte’s army and police. He faced judges whose laws were not the Constitution but the paramountcy of the PNC. Cheddi faced the courts, confronted his persecutors and exposed them. Azruddin Mohamed is desperately hiding from those he accused of “persecuting” him. Is he fighting for justice, or is he hiding from justice?
Azruddin Mohamed spent his youthful years seeking wealth by any means. He carefully crafted his “playboy reputation”, travelling around Guyana with his Lamborghini, showing off his wealth. Cheddi travelled around the country with his “poor man” car, on bicycle, in canoes and rowboats, and on donkey carts, walking for miles to meet citizens to stand with them and fight for them. Azruddin Mohamed has sought to buy people’s loyalty, the same way “El Chapo” and Pablo Escobar did. The same people who voted for him in Elections 2025, people from Burnham’s party, will never compare him to even Forbes Burnham. The natural comparison is to Pablo Escobar, “El Chapo” and “Dudus”. When people recklessly compare Azruddin Mohamed to Cheddi Jagan because they claim that he is being “politically persecuted” like Cheddi was, they dishonour Cheddi Jagan; they insult and soil his memory. Ruminations says to those who are inclined to recklessly compare Azruddin Mohamed to Cheddi Jagan – shame on you.
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, on Friday advocated for Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean to
be represented in the permanent category of the United Nations Security Council when
she delivered a statement on behalf of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) during the Second Plenary Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform, held at the United Nations General Assembly.
Delivering the statement on behalf of the fourteen Caricom member states, RodriguesBirkett also called for guaranteed representation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across all regions, as the conversation continued on the need for the modernisation of the Security Council to better reflect global realities and ensure equitable geographic representation.
Caricom acknowledges the various models of reform that have been put forward by member states and groups of member states. Caricom is among those who advocate for the expansion of the permanent category of membership to address the anomaly where two of the five regions of the United Nations are not represented. We further advocate that any new permanent member has the same prerogatives as current permanent members,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.
“We underscore the legitimate expectation that Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean would have representation in the permanent category of the Security Council and that SIDS across all regions would be guaranteed representation.”
The meeting formed part of the broader two-year IGN process established under the 80th session of the General Assembly to generate convergence among member states on Security Council reform, including geographic representation and membership categories.
The plenary session continued discussions under the InterGovernmental Negotiations on the Question of equitable representation on an increase in
the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council. Delegates examined proposals for expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, as well as longer-term membership options, including the possible creation of a third category of seats.
Deliberations reflected sharply divergent national positions. Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted Caricom’s commitment to dialogue and consensus-building. “Caricom acknowledges, however, that there are proposals that conflict with ours, hence the question of how we can build consensus around a single approach. On this latter note, Caricom continues to underscore the utility of continued dialogue among member states to identify the points of flexibility,” RodriguesBirkett said.
However, she underscored that “real consensus around a single approach would only emerge if that dialogue is structured in a way to produce measurable and binding outcomes. We therefore respectfully urge the co-chairs to continue considering how the IGN could move in this direction.”
She noted that towards the possibility of developing a compromise or hybrid model, the establishment of the IGN presupposes that member states would reach such an agreement, facilitated by a structured process.
“Caricom underscores that any such model would have to satisfy the core elements of the positions and proposals that Member States advocate in the IGN,” she said.
“Caricom acknowledges the aspirations elaborated in the IGN on this point, including our own proposal for a dedicated SIDS seat. Each of these proposals must be examined on its merit, including by considering whether the existing modalities for equitable geographic representation are enough to give the concerned countries the con-
sistency of representation that they seek.”
The discussions at the IGN focused on proposals to expand both permanent and non-permanent membership, as well as potential longer-term “fixed regional seats” or a third category of membership. RodriguesBirkett also stressed the importance of legitimacy and credibility in the selection process.
“Caricom is of the view that the selection process should enjoy the widest possible support of Member States to ensure both credibility and legitimacy. Consequently, the General Assembly’s role in the process is critical.”
Deliberations reflected sharply divergent national positions, with discussions unfolding through formal plenaries and informal consultations aimed at identifying pathways toward a more representative and legitimate Security Council.
“Caricom continues to advocate that a review mechanism be established along with any reform of the Security Council to assess all aspects of the reform as agreed. This review should take place within 10-15 years of the implementation of the reform. The scope and objectives of that review should be clearly established at the time of the reform, premised on the approach that the intention would not be to reverse the reform,” Rodrigues-Birkett stated.
Works progressing on US$18.65M GPL control centre
The Board of Directors of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc on Tuesday conducted an on-site visit at the Guyana National Control Centre (GNCC) to gain a first-hand view of the progress being made at the facility.
The visit was led by the Team Leader of the Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, who, along with members of the Executive Management Team, guided the Board through the facility and provided detailed updates on construction progress and systems integration.
Leading the Board delegation was Chairman Maurice Gajadhar. He was accompanied by Directors Dr Mahender Sharma, Dr Sixtus Edwards, Nicholas Deygoo, and Dr Alfred King.
Also in attendance were GPL’s Corporate Secretary, Laurian Bancroft; Bharat Harjohn, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Strategic Operations; Ryan Ross, Divisional Director – Engineering Services; and Gary Hall, Divisional Director, along with technical teams from various departments.
Once completed, the facility will house the state-of-the-art Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which will monitor, control, and optimise electricity distribution across the Demerara-Berbice
The control centre
Interconnected System (DBIS). This will significantly strengthen real-time management and improve overall system reliability. The GNCC is a critical component of the Gas to Energy Project and is being funded by the Government of Guyana at a cost of US$18.65 million, covering both the construction of the building and the implementation of SCADA technology. The engagement formed part of the Board’s ongoing oversight of major strategic projects and reinforced the importance of the GNCC in modernising and strengthening Guyana’s power system infrastructure.
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) continued the expansion of its youth advocacy footprint with the launch of its Harmony Clubs initiative in Region Eight (Potaro–Siparuni) on February 17 and 18, 2026. The outreach was led by Commissioner Reverend Rodwell Porter, Chair (ag) of the Public Relations Sub-Committee, and Commissioner Ras Khafra, who also sits on the Committee. The visit included the establishment of clubs at Mahdia Primary and Micobie Primary Schools, followed by an interactive stakeholders’ meeting at the Micobie benab.
Recognising that the foundation of national unity begins in the classroom, the Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, successfully introduced the Harmony Clubs to both institutions. The initiative forms part of the ERC’s broader strategy to cultivate tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation for our diversity among young learners nationwide. Importantly, the Commission emphasises that the Harmony Club programme is being expanded to all administrative regions
of Guyana, ensuring that students across the country benefit from structured platforms that promote unity, inclusion and peaceful conflict resolution.
Headmistress of Mahdia Primary School, Tiffani Hinds, welcomed the formation of the Club and endorsed the Commission’s role in supporting the school’s newest addition. Similarly, Headmistress of Micobie Primary, Sheneva Calvan-Peters, praised the initiative, noting its importance to the wider community and expressing appreciation for sustained engagement. Senior Education Officer for Region Eight, Samantha Jordan, reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for the programme.
“It is about shaping character, building values and nurturing young people who appreciate diversity and practise tolerance. The Harmony Club provides a structured platform for students to engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate our cultural richness and develop the skills needed to resolve conflicts peacefully,” she stated. She further noted that such initiatives help students respect differences and become respon-
sible citizens who contribute positively to Guyana’s development. During the Micobie Harmony Club ceremony, Commissioner Reverend Porter outlined to students and teachers the composition and role of the ERC. He further emphasised that the work of the Commission is grounded in ensuring equal opportunity for all Guyanese, eliminating discrimination on the basis of ethnicity and promoting harmony and good relations among the country’s diverse population. He underscored that these principles are central to nation-
al unity and sustainable development. Commissioner Ras Khafra reminded students and teachers that in a diverse country such as Guyana, harmony cannot exist where discrimination persists.
He encouraged participants to focus on shared values rather than perceived differences while cautioning against allowing artificial distinctions to undermine unity, particularly within predominantly Indigenous communities. Both school engagements were attended by representatives of the Guyana Police Force
(GPF), including Regional Community Relations Officer Sergeant Rochell Daniels, who expressed support for the formation of the clubs. More than 60 students from Grades Three to Five are expected to participate in the two clubs, where they will be empowered to serve as “Harmony Ambassadors”. Through interactive sessions, students will be encouraged to embrace tolerance and mutual respect as integral components of their educational and personal development.
The Harmony Club initiative commenced in 2025
with five Georgetown prima
ry schools participating in the pilot phase, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The continued expansion into Region Eight and beyond reflects the Commission’s firm commitment to strengthening social cohesion and promoting harmonious relations across every region of Guyana. In addition to the school launches, the Commissioners and ERC team met with residents and community leaders from Micobie, El Paso and neighbouring villages during a Stakeholders’ Meeting at the Micobie Benab. The forum provided an important platform for open dialogue between the Commission and village representatives, including El Paso Chairperson Jinette Singh and Micobie Toshao Julie Singh. Participants shared concerns regarding social cohesion and offered constructive recommendations to enhance ethnic relations within their communities. Such engagements enable the ERC to integrate local perspectives into its national strategies aimed at promoting harmony and good relations throughout Guyana.
The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) recently hosted General Manager of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) Milaika Capella Ras and Operations Manager Dionne MasonGordon in preparation for its 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition in Guyana this year.
The CSA executives, along with the SAG planning team, met with key local stakeholders to advance planning for the highly anticipated regional maritime event, which is sched-
uled for October 25 to 28, 2026. This will mark the first time Guyana will host the CSA’s flagship conference. The conference brings together over 350 key maritime stakeholders from around the world. During the visit the delegation engaged in strategic discussions with SAG Chairman, Dr Komal Singh, and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The meetings focused on logistical coordination, venue readiness and compliance with CSA conference standards. Dr Singh underscored the importance
of bringing the prestigious event to Guyana, noting the local maritime sector’s strong commitment to delivering a seamless, well-executed and fruitful conference. He confirmed that the LOC has already begun comprehensive preparations to ensure all CSA requirements are met.
“This event comes at a time when Guyana continues to have exceptional economic and infrastructure transformation coupled with an abundance of opportunities for Guyanese, investors and, by extension, the shipping industry,” Dr
Singh said.
“We are looking forward to an exceptional gathering that will bring together maritime leaders and stakeholders from across the Caribbean and around the world,” said Ms Capella Ras.
Guyana’s readiness and the dedicated efforts of its organising team promise a memorable and impactful conference,” she added.
The CSA officials also toured several hotels and conference venues earmarked for the event. They were accompanied by SAG Trustee Mr Andrew Astwood and Secretary/ Manager Mr Ian D’Anjou.
The upcoming conference is expected to attract regional and international maritime leaders, industry executives and stakeholders. It will provide a plat-
form to strengthen professional networks, showcase best practices and explore emerging opportunities within the Caribbean maritime sector. The CSA’s visit highlights its continued commitment to regional collaboration, industry development and strengthening the Caribbean’s maritime future – with Guyana poised to be the host to this landmark event.
A27-year-old miner was arrested in the wee hours of Tuesday for allegedly discharging a loaded” firearm”” and for possession of a” firearm” and ammunition without a licence at Middle Walk, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Police stated that ranks were on mobile patrol duties when they received information regarding a male who had allegedly discharged a” firearm” in the area.
Acting on the information, Police proceeded to a location in the vicinity of a car wash, where they made contact with the miner from Non Pareil, ECD, who was seen entering a motor vehicle. As such, a search conducted on him led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol fitted with a magazine
containing seven matching rounds of ammunition. He was questioned about being a holder of a” firearm” licence, but he responded in the negative.
He was arrested and escorted to the Vigilance Police
Station, where the” fire
arm” and ammunition were lodged and the motor vehicle in which he was seen entering was impounded pending investigation. He remains in Police custody as investigations continue.
Ex-inmates receive tool kits under “Fresh Start” programme to support reintegration into society
Former inmates are now receiving practical support to help them reintegrate into society after serving their sentences as part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Fresh Start programme, implemented through the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).
At a presentation ceremony held at the Prison Headquarters on Saturday, four former prisoners were handed tool kits to aid their transition into productive civilian life. Alester Best received a complete carpentry kit, while Samuel Balroop, Albert Beresford, and Marvin Pillay were each presented with landscaping kits.
Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections Officer Tassa McGarrell said the initiative is designed to assist ex-offenders not only as they re-enter society but also as they chart their own professional paths. The kits are intended to give recipients the means to generate income, pursue a trade, and support themselves and their families.
The Fresh Start programme forms part of a broader rehabilitation and reintegration strategy by the Government of Guyana. First introduced several years ago, the initiative focuses on train-
The
ing prisoners in vocational skills while they are incarcerated and providing them with equipment upon release to facilitate sustainable livelihoods outside of prison walls.
Recent national policy decisions also reflect an intensified focus on corrections reform. In the 2026 national budget, the Government earmarked $141.8 million specifically for inmate and officer training to support rehabilitation efforts, while $1.5 billion was allocated for further infrastructure upgrades to prison facilities. Officials highlighted that thousands of inmates have already benefited from training programmes in areas including carpentry, block making, and other income-generating skills.
Longstanding elements of the Fresh Start initiative include vocational training
opportunities in tailoring, joinery, digital skills, anger management, and other fields offered across prison locations. Similar assistance has previously helped ex-inmates resume entrepreneurial activities such as fishing and other trades after their release.
Supporters of the programme say that equipping persons with the necessary tools and training for reintegration not only enhances their personal prospects but also contributes to community safety, reduces recidivism, and fosters economic participation.
The toolkit presentation on Saturday forms part of the Government’s continuing commitment to transforming incarceration from a period of punishment to one of rehabilitation, skills building, and reintegration.
Despite calls by the Government to enforce removal notices against squatters occupying land within the Ogle flight zone on the East Coast of Demerara – warning that the area is a protected reserve critical to aviation safety – squatters continue to occupy the area.
The land lies between the airstrip and the Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme, where development is already restricted.
According to Housing
Minister Collin Croal, aviation authorities have advised that no additional houses can be constructed within that corridor due to flight path safety requirements associated with operations at the Ogle Airstrip.
This newscast understands that approximately 20 houses have been built by squatters who have been occupying the area for more than a year. In fact, airport officials have reported that “No Squatting” signs were erected in the area,
A
the squatting settlement
The long-running criminal trial stemming from Guyana’s disputed March 2020 General and Regional Elections was again forced to pause on Tuesday after a defence attorney failed to appear, halting proceedings at a critical stage in the case.
When the matter was called before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the prosecution informed the court that former Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn had been expected to testify. However, Benn was unable to attend due to illness.
In light of his absence, prosecutors indicated that they were prepared to proceed with four police witnesses in relation to the ongoing voir dire concerning defendant Denise BabbCummings. The court heard that the witnesses were present and ready to give evidence specifically tied to that evidentiary phase.
However, proceedings could not advance because defence attorney Eusi Anderson, who represents Babb-Cummings, was out of the jurisdiction and could not be contacted. Magistrate McGusty was told that efforts had been made to reach Anderson, but those attempts were unsuccessful.
Given the absence of counsel to conduct cross-examination and participate in the voir dire, the magistrate ruled that the court could not proceed. The matter was subsequently adjourned to Wednesday, February 25, for continuation.
The adjournment comes as the trial is presently engaged in a voir dire, a trial within a trial, to determine the admissibility of certain evi-
APNU/AFC Chief Scrutineer
Carol Joseph
dence relating specifically to Babb-Cummings. Witnesses were present and prepared to testify on issues connected to that process, but without defence counsel available to proceed with evidence-in-chief or cross-examination, the court was left with little choice but to stand the matter down.
Magistrate McGusty subsequently signalled her intention to impose structured hearing dates in the coming months to avoid further slippage.
Proposed trial blocks for mid-March and late April 2026 were floated as part of ongoing case management efforts aimed at maintaining momentum in proceedings that have already spanned years.
Nine accused remain before the court on charges of conspiracy to defraud voters by allegedly attempting to manipulate election results in favour of the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC) coalition, formally known as APNUAFC, and deny victory to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).
Those charged include former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers; former APNUAFC Minister Volda Lawrence; APNU-AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Joseph; and former GECOM employees Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller and Denise Bobb-Cummings.
The charges arise out of events that unfolded during the tabulation of votes in Region Four, the country’s largest electoral district. The controversy over the handling and declaration of results in that region
triggered a political and constitutional crisis that extended for five months, drawing regional and international scrutiny. The impasse ended only after a national recount and a series of legal challenges, culminating in the swearing-in of Irfaan Ali on August 2, 2020.
Since the commencement of the criminal proceedings, the trial has encountered a series of interruptions, including administrative setbacks and legal arguments over evidentiary procedures. The current voir dire marks the fourth such exercise in the case, underscoring the complexity of the prosecution’s attempt to introduce contested material.
Prosecutors have argued that the accused conspired to interfere with the lawful tabulation and declaration of votes overseen by the Guyana Elections Commission, while the defence has maintained that the charges are politically motivated and unsupported by credible evidence.
Tuesday’s adjournment adds to a pattern of delays that have tested the patience of observers and heightened public interest in what is widely regarded as one of the most consequential criminal trials in the country’s post-independen-
history.
With structured hearing dates now proposed, the court appears determined to press forward, but the pace of the proceedings will depend heavily on consistent appearances by counsel and the smooth navigation of the remaining evidentiary hurdles.
The matter resumes on Wednesday, February 24.
but the squatters tore the signs down.
One of the concerns being raised is that cargo operations at the airport are expanding, and a new runway is expected to be constructed.
The presence of the houses is reportedly obstructing those development plans.
The area in question is specifically located along a dam reserve near existing housing developments.
Minister Croal recently stated on the Guyana Dialogue podcast that the location is not suitable for alternative road routing or settlement, as the dam serves as an important access reserve and falls within a protected aviation zone.
Croal emphasised that the Government is not seeking to put anyone out on the streets but stressed that squatting
remains illegal and will not be tolerated. He said authorities are actively monitoring for new encroachments and have mapped known squatting locations. Once new structures are detected or reported, enforcement teams have been authorised to move in and demolish them immediately.
According to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Advisory Circular, Section 7.4(b) states that a person who proposes to erect or construct an object, as defined in paragraph 7.1 of the advisory, within a radius of 10 nautical miles of a licensed aerodrome must first notify the aerodrome licensee in writing of that intention.
Where requested, the person must also provide such information to the Authority as may be required under paragraph 7.4(c), apart from any permission required to be obtained for the right to construct.
Section 7.4(c) further states that the GCAA may require information relating to an obstacle, including its geographic latitude and longitude, elevation, and height.
According to Croal, aviation authorities have advised that no additional houses can be constructed in that corridor due to flight path safety requirements associated with ope-
rations at the Ogle Airstrip.
“Those persons, we have told them they must move. We’ve engaged them and served contravention notices. These areas are important as a reserve, and access is critical. Secondly, it’s a flying zone. For example, it’s very close to our Cummings Lodge housing scheme, where we build houses. We can’t build on a portion of land between the Ogle Airstrip and Cummins Lodge because the Civil Aviation Authority has said we cannot construct any further as it would affect the flight path.”
While many may assume that all squatters are vulnerable and unable to make ends meet, the minister said this is not always the case. He highlighted that one person in the area earns a significant income, showing that not all occupants are in need.
“Today, one of the persons addressed from that area is earning an income of $600,000. So, the impression that they’re all completely vulnerable and without means is not accurate. We have engaged and are continuing to engage them. The relocation process has already begun, but if you do not approach it aggressively, those persons will continue to occupy, and you’ll see little movement,” he said.
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on Tuesday announced the launch of the first edition of the Diploma Program in Liquid Biofuels, an academic initiative designed to strengthen technical training in a sector that is key to the decarbonisation of Latin American and Caribbean economies.
The programme will begin on 27 April and last roughly six months. It comprises 120 hours distributed across three content blocks, with a workload of four hours per week. It is academically accredited by the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Centre (CATIE).
The programme will be 100 per cent virtual and asynchronous, delivered through IICA’s Virtual Campus, allowing professionals from across the region to participate. There will also be optional synchronous activities and a final integrated project geared to the practical application of the programme content.
According to Agustín Torroba, IICA’s international biofuels specialist, ”the transition to low-carbon energy systems is one of the most significant structural challenges of the 21st century.”
He suggested that in the Americas the combination of low-carbon agriculture, technological innovation, and science-based public policies positions liquid biofuels as a strategic component for speeding up the decarbonisation of land, sea and air transport.
Torroba pointed out that there is still a major gap in the training of specialised human capital, particularly among Government agencies responsible for the design, implementation and evaluation of energy and climate policies.
”The limited availability of technical training opportunities for middle management in the public sector is a critical gap that needs to be filled for the development and consolidation of biofuel-based energy transition policies,” he said.
The postgraduate programme is designed for public sector professional and techni -
cal personnel, especially middle managers and members of technical teams working for ministries, secretariats, regulatory agencies, and decentralised entities related to energy, the environment, agribusiness, and transportation. It is also intended for professionals from cooperation agencies, international organisations, universities, and private sector organisations involved in the design and implementation of public policies for decarbonisation and energy transition.
The curriculum is organised into three content blocks. The first block comprises eight mandatory key courses totalling 60 hours, with content such as land-based biofuels, policies and regulatory frameworks, marine biofuels, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The second block consists of elective courses that allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, while the third block is the final integrated project. Its modular structure, the academic level of the content, and its direct link to global agendas make this diploma programme a strategic opportunity for those seeking to influence sustainable development, energy security, and climate innovation in the region.
The diploma programme is sponsored by the US Grains and BioProducts Council and the Pan-American Liquid Biofuels Coalition (CPBIO). Online registration is open until April 3.
fforts to address con-
Egestion around the busy Sunday market in Ruimveldt, Georgetown, were highlighted during the televised programme “Road Safety and You”, where traffic officials outlined measures being implemented to restore order and improve traffic flow. Speaking on the programme hosted by Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Earl Lambert, Inspector Marvin Forde, who is attached to the East La Penitence Police Station’s Traffic Department and oversees traffic operations within Ruimveldt, Georgetown and parts of the East Bank Demerara (EBD), detailed the steps being taken in the market area.
“Well, the market at Ruimveldt, that area there, we normally have cut off and
have one-way traffic; that would be northbound traffic alone along the La Penitence public road,” Forde explained. The one-way system is intended to prevent gridlock during peak market hours. However, he noted
pressure on traffic ranks managing the area. To address this, Police are collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) to have the road properly remarked and to restore clear boundaries between vending spaces and the roadway.
that roadway encroachment by vendors has contributed to congestion. “But we are presently working along with Public Works to get the road remarked because they find that the vendors are coming more out to the road,” he said. “So, you’re getting narrow traffic instead of more to the corner road.”
Republic Bank (Guyana)
Limited on Tuesday announced its “Car Bonanza” promotion commencing on Thursday, February 26, to March 6, 2026, and is part of the institution’s ongoing “Cash Bonanza” campaign, which runs until May 29, 2026. The promotion is designed to provide accessible financing for personal needs, whether it’s purchasing a vehicle, funding education, securing a mortgage or even covering travel expenses. With Car Bonanza, customers can enjoy up to 100 per cent financing for vehicle purchases and up to eight years repayment with an interest rate as low as six per cent. The public is encouraged to cash in on the offer. Customers can
also apply online at the Car Bonanza Online Application Link and upload the required documents. Once submitted, a Republic Bank representative will reach out to advise on the next steps to move the process forward. The required documents are one form of valid identification; a job letter and two recent pay slips; a TIN certificate; proof of address (issued within the last eight months); and an income & expenditure
statement for self-employed persons. The convenience of secure online loan applications, quick follow-up and flexible financing terms makes getting behind the wheel even easier. Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity and drive into 2026 with confidence. Visit their nearest Republic Bank branch, send a WhatsApp to 600-0087 or learn more at www.republicguyana.com.
The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on Tuesday announced the official launch of the Government Procurement Opportunities Website, a centralised digital platform designed to strengthen transparency, fairness, and open competition in public procurement across Guyana. The new platform, accessible at https://eprocure.gov.gy/, will serve as the primary online portal for the publication of all procurement opportunities for Government agencies. This initiative represents a significant step in modernising Guyana’s public procurement system and ensuring equitable access to opportunities
for contractors, suppliers, and consultants.
In keeping with the core principles of accountability and open competition, all Invitations to Tender (ITTs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs), and other procurement notices issued by Government agencies will now be publicly advertised and regularly updated. By centralising procurement advertisements on a single, accessible platform, the Government aims to enhance public access to Government procurement information, ensure timely and equal dissemination of opportunities, maintain compliance with procurement laws and regula-
tions and promote confidence and trust in the national procurement system.
Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to visit the website frequently to remain informed of current and upcoming procurement opportunities.
The Government remains steadfast in its mandate to promote equitable access to public procurement opportunities while reinforcing transparency and efficiency within Guyana’s procurement framework.
For further information or assistance, prospective bidders experiencing difficulties may contact the NPTAB at (592) 223-7042.
Forde indicated that the narrowing of the carriageway has slowed vehicular movement and increased
“So, we’re working in collaboration with them to get the road remarked, and also we do some sensitising with the vendors there so they know how to use the road when they finish and move the obstruction, and so Monday morning, you’re able to get full access regarding the use of the road there,” he stated. He further explained that officers are strategically positioned at key junctions to manually regulate traffic when necessary. “So, at each intersection, at each junction, there’s a Police officer there, and we
would relate with each other through a network,” he said. “But okay, we’re pulling the north; the traffic that’s flowing north we would hold, and then we’ll accommodate the persons coming out of the crossing, just to get that heaviness to be pulled off, and you know, persons can get to go where they’re going in a timely manner.” The market attracts significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic, particularly on Sundays, and Police are urging vendors to avoid obstructing the roadway and motorists to comply with traffic directions to ensure smoother movement through the area. Authorities say monitoring and enforcement will continue as improvements are rolled out to reduce congestion in the busy corridor.
Several forensic laboratory professionals from the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) recently engaged in a specialised training exchange hosted by the United States (US) Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at the DEA’s Southeast Laboratory in Miami.
The aim was to strengthen US-Guyana cooperation on synthetic drug detection and reporting through the DEA’s Global Uniform Analysis and Reporting of Drug-Related Substances (GUARDS) programme.
The Guyanese professionals joined forensic lab directors, chemists, and quality assurance managers from the St Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory, the Jamaica Institute of Forensic Science & Legal Medicine, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Forensic Laboratory at the technical exchange.
The DEA training combined theoretical instruction with hands-on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry laboratory practices. Participants also observed DEA laboratory personnel process a 200-kilogram bulk seizure of suspected cocaine, providing real-world con -
text for the advanced techniques. This collaboration directly supports the Department’s implementation of Executive Order 14367, which designates fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.
The initiative addresses a critical capability gap by rapidly strengthening regional synthetic narcotic and fentanyl detection, safe handling, evidence preservation, and reporting in Guyana and across the Caribbean.
The US remains committed to collaborating with Guyana and Caribbean nations to combat the evolving threat of synthetic drugs.
The training represents
a significant step forward in developing the regional forensic capabilities necessary to detect and interdict fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics that are killing Americans and threatening our hemisphere. The GFSL’s participation in the DEA technical exchange was funded by INL under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, a US security cooperation programme with Guyana and 12 other Caribbean countries to degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organisations, curb illicit narcotics and deepen regional security cooperation.
If you want a thing done well, do it yourself. Harry Brook, England’s captain, took matters into his own hands in Pallekele, promoting himself to No. Three and blazing his maiden T20 international hundred to drag his team past Pakistan and into the semi-finals of the men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a game to spare, almost single-handedly.
Brook started the tournament, his first as captain, with 53 against Nepal but had been dismissed by spin for less than 20 for four innings in a row. His response was to move up two spots from No. Five in order to bat in the powerplay, and he found himself walking out to face the second ball after Shaheen Shah Afridi – recalled by Pakistan – struck with the first ball of England’s chase.
Afridi took three wickets in the powerplay to check England’s progress, and Usman Tariq struck twice in the middle overs to reduce them to 58 for 4 and then 103 for 5. But Brook continued to flay Pakistan’s attack to all parts, reaching a 50-ball hundred by launching Afridi over cover for six and then over mid-off for four.
He was cleaned up one ball later by Afridi’s pinpoint yorker but walked off to a standing ovation with England needing only 10 to win. They made hard work of it, gifting two wickets to Mohammad Nawaz to take the game into the 20th over, but Jofra Archer smeared Salman Mirza through midwicket as England’s dugout breathed a sigh of relief.
England’s win sealed their qualification for the semi-finals with a match to spare, and they will top the group if they can beat New Zealand in Colombo on Friday. They are yet to put a complete performance together and were shoddy in the field against Pakistan but have now reached the semi-finals for a fifth men’s T20 World Cup in a row.
Pakistan, meanwhile, must beat Sri Lanka in their final group game and rely on other results falling their way. Despite Sahibzada Farhan’s impressive 63, they always look short on runs after they were bogged down by spin in the middle overs, with Liam Dawson’s 3 for 24 the outstanding performance among England’s attack.
Brook at his best
It has been a long, challenging winter on the road for Brook, punctuated by reminders of his devastating best. His tour to New Zealand, now associated with his altercation with a nightclub bouncer, featured a stunning 135; his underwhelming Ashes tour included a match-winning hand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG); and in Sri Lanka, he crashed 136 not out to clinch a One Day
International (ODI) series win.
Pakistan’s underpowered innings owed much to Farhan, who remains the only one of their batters to have scored an individual half-century in this World Cup. He is the tournament’s
He had not fired at the World Cup, struggling to get going against spin with the field spread, but looked as though he was playing on a different surface to his teammates in Pallekele. He became the first England batter to score a men’s T20I hundred as captain and completed the set of centuries across formats; none of his teammates made it to 30.
England’s openers struggled again: Phil Salt played for a swing which never arrived off Afridi’s first ball was edged behind, while Jos Buttler’s miserable form continued as he under-edged behind for just two. But Brook was in pristine touch, hauling Mirza over square leg for six and then taking 17 runs off Nawaz’s first over, the last of
leading run-scorer with 283 in five innings, but Pakistan’s next highest scorer is Shadab with just 111.
They lost early wickets after choosing to bat first, with Saim Ayub miscuing a pull off Jofra Archer and Salman Agha picking out Jamie Overton in the deep as Dawson bowled in the powerplay for only the second time in the tournament. But they badly lost their way through the middle, with Farhan and Babar Azam adding 46 in 44 balls for the third wicket.
Farhan tried to resurrect Pakistan’s innings after Overton’s cross-seamer snuck under Babar’s bottom edge, launching Will Jacks over midwicket for a 100-metre six. He looked to acceler-
stalled again.
Fakhar Zaman, recalled to the side for the Super Eight stage, swung a pair of sixes down the ground but was well caught by Dawson off Adil Rashid, who rolled through his repertoire to keep Pakistan’s middle order guessing. And Dawson was miserly at the death, taking two wickets in two balls
form, and only Brook was in any way convincing on Tuesday night. But they have reiterated throughout the tournament that there is no point in peaking in the group stages of a World Cup and are through to the knockout stages in the hope that their best is yet to come.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Pakistan
(20 ovs maximum)
Sahibzada Farhan lbw
b Overton 63
Saim Ayub c Bethell b Archer 7
Salman Agha (c) c Overton
b Dawson 5
Babar Azam b Overton 25
Fakhar Zaman c Dawson
b Rashid 25
Shadab Khan run out
(Bethell/†Buttler) 23
Usman Khan †c Overton
b Dawson 8
Mohammad Nawaz
lbw b Dawson 0
Shaheen Shah Afridi c Curran
b Archer 2
Salman Mirza not out 2
Extras (nb 1, w 3) 4
Total 20 Ov (RR: 8.20) 164/9
Fall of wicket: 1-14 (Saim Ayub, 2.1 ov), 2-27 (Salman Agha, 3.3 ov), 3-73 (Babar Azam, 10.5 ov), 4-122(Sahibzada Farhan, 15.4 ov), 5-132 (Fakhar Zaman, 16.3 ov), 6-146 (Usman Khan, 17.4 ov), 7-146 (Mohammad Nawaz, 17.5 ov), 8-149 (Shaheen Shah Afridi, 18.3 ov), 9-164 (Shadab Khan, 19.6 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W Jofra Archer 4-0-32-2
Jamie Overton 3-0-26-2
Liam Dawson 4-0-24-3
Sam Curran 3-0-24-0
Adil Rashid 4-0-31-1
Will Jacks 2-0-27-0
The March 8 Phagwah horse race meet is now rescheduled to Sunday, March 15. This is a result of the Jagan Memorial Event at Babu John, which is set for March 8. The organisers apologised for the inconvenience caused to horse race enthusiasts.
With the races pushed back by a week, the top horses will have more time to prepare. It will be the third race day for the year 2026, and it promises to be a spectacle for horse lovers.
The feature event on the day’s card is the Phagwah Cup, which is open to all horses in Guyana, running at a distance of approximately nine furlongs for a winner’s purse of $2 million and a trophy. There is a race for H Class horses, which will see the winner claiming
The three-year-old Guyanabred maiden event will see the winner walking away with $350,000 and a trophy in the six-furlong event.
The J Class seven-furlong race has a pole position of $350,000 and a trophy.
The race for K Class and lower horses carries a winning purse of $350,000 over six furlongs.
There is also an event for L Class maiden horses, which will see the animals racing for a top purse of $350,000 and a trophy, running at six furlongs.
The event will be held using the rules of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club.
These races are being run under the rules of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club. If there are fewer
than five horses entered for any event, the club reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money after consulting with the horses’ owners.
Owners of horses must pay the full fee for each horse at the point of entry. Five horses must start before a third prize is to be paid.
Seven horses must start before a fourth prize is to be paid. If only four horses start, the prize money will be reduced by 25 per cent. If only three horses start, the prize money will be reduced by 40 per cent.
All entries must be paid in advance of racing day. No late entries will be accepted.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) Master (FM) Rawle Allicock delivered a flawless per -
formance last Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the Mashramani Open Blitz Chess Competition sponsored by the Guyana
Chess Federation (GCF) and the Gambit Group, to claim championship status. The FM finished un -
The Lusignan Golf Club
(LGC) staged a vibrant and competitive Romel Golf Tournament in celebration of Mashramani, bringing together a diverse field of 55 players in a true display of unity, sportsmanship and national pride. Leading the charge was Patanjilee Persaud, who secured Overall Best Gross with an outstanding 38. Persaud also topped the 10–18 Flight, finishing first with gross 38, net six, and score 32, reinforcing his dominance on the course.
Competing in a strong group that included former Guyana Open Champions Mike Mangal and veteran Patrick Prashad, along with Ian Gouveia and Danny Maxim Mangra, Persaud held his nerve in a highly competitive field. Persaud and
gross 42, net our, and score 38.
The 10–18 Flight saw Persaud in first with gross 38, net six, and score 32; Davindra Parbu second with gross 42, net eight, and score 34; and Ramesh Anrud third with gross 43, net eight, and score 35.
Mohanlall Dindanauth both completed the round with matching 38 gross scores. With no back-nine separation, the winner was decided on a countback of the final six holes. On those crucial closing holes, Persaud produced a steady -1, while Dindinath returned +2, giving Persaud the edge and securing the Overall Best Gross title.
In the 0-9 Flight, Mohanlall Dindanauth bagged first place with a gross of 38, a net of three and a score of 35. Rakesh Harry followed in second with gross 40, net four, and score 36, while Kasim Khan placed third with
In the 19–28 Flight, Basil Sewprakesh delivered an impressive round to secure first place with gross 45, net 14, and score 31. Brian Prince took second with gross 43, net 12, and score 31, and Orson Ferguson finished third with gross 44, net 10, and score 34. Sewprakesh’s performance also earned him the Overall Best Net title.
The Amateur Category, introduced for the second time, continued to highlight inclusivity within the sport. Karamchan Persaud finished first, Vishnu Ramjit second, and Wazim Khan third. Special prizes add-
ed further excitement to the Mash celebrations. Anand Persaud captured Longest Drive, Deso Ramsundar won Nearest to Pin, and Phillip Haynes was recognised as the Honest Player, while Basil Sewprakesh secured Overall Best Net.
Golf enthusiast Romel Bhagwandin praised the execution of the tournament and its broad participation.
“The tournament was well executed; we had a turnout of 55 players. For the second time we included an amateur flight for those that don’t have knowledge of the sport or who play a different sporting discipline. We had eight cricketers participating from the Lusignan Cricket Club. This is something I want to continue in the future, whereby people from various sporting disciplines can come out and experience the game of golf.”
He further noted his admiration for Basil Sewprakesh, a groundsman of more than 30 years, emphasising that the tournament demonstrated golf’s accessibility from the experienced competitor to the first-time participant.
In the spirit of Mashramani, the Romel Golf Tournament stood as a celebration of culture, community and competitive excellence on the fairways.
beaten to claim the firstplace prize with a perfect score of nine points, showcasing his experience and style of play that have proven his dominance over the board.
Securing second place was Keron Sandiford, whose years of experience in the blitz format were on full display. He finished with an impressive eight points, dropping his only point in a hard-fought fifth-round encounter against FM Allicock.
FM Anthony Drayton, one of Guyana’s most seasoned competitors, secured third place with seven points, following a surprising loss to Sandiford in round four. Drayton also went down against Allicock in round
six. The top three performers received a total cash prize fund of $50,000.
Joshua Gopaul, Dominic Sam, and Leslie Campbell each finished with a solid 6 points, followed closely by Abel Fernandez Ciria with 5.5. A competitive group – including Matthew Persaud, Javier Davendand, Kishan Puran, Tharisha Montes De Oca, and several others – rounded out the top tier with five points each. 15-year-old Montes De Oca won a medal for her stellar performance, claiming the Best Female award. The Best Junior Female prize went to new talent Rachel Raghunandan, who also finished with five points.
In the youth categories, Abel Fernandez Ciria earned the Best U16 medal, while Javier Davenand and Mark De Freitas took home the top honours for the U14 and U12 divisions, respectively.
Twenty-seven players, including 6 female players, descended on the School of the Nations for nine rounds of high-speed chess. Utilising a format of three minutes plus a two-second increment, the event was specifically designed to promote fastpaced competitive play and boost local participation.
Special thanks were extended to Oluwadare Oyeyipo from the Gambit Chess Club and arbiters for supervising and working together to ensure fair play throughout the event. Gratitude was extended to the School of the Nations for their steadfast support of the local chess community and for once again providing an excellent venue for this tournament.
To learn more about the Guyana Chess Federation or to join one of our chess clubs, interested persons can visit the official website at guyanachess.gy.
By Brandon Corlette
Off-spinner Ravindra Persaud was a key man as he spun Berbice to championship honours at the recent Under-16 inter-county tournament.
The teenager, Persaud, fell in love with the game while watching the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with his father, Narindra Persaud, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six.
According to the young Persaud, his father is his biggest inspiration. He also idolises international cricketers Gudakesh Motie, Nathan Lyon, and Moeen Ali.
Persaud earned Player of the Match with brilliant figures of 3-20 from 10 overs, including four maidens at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda. He claimed the prized scalp
of Lomar Seecharran, Demerara’s talisman and arguably one of the best teenage batsmen in the country at present.
In an invited comment with this daily publication, Persaud reflected on his recent exploits with the ball and spoke about his eagerness to learn while balancing education and cricket.
“The feeling that I had when hearing I was Man of the Match was a really happy and proud feeling because it was the final. I was really excited when I removed Lomar from the crease because I knew that he was the top scorer for the team. The thing that worked well for me with the ball was just to bowl the good line and lengths that our coaches told us about prior to the match,” Persaud reflected.
While cricket is important for Persaud, education
is also significant. He disclosed that prior to the inter-county, he had limited time to train due to extra lessons post school.
“My preparation for inter-county was not a lot because I could only practise one day in the week due to lessons; however, when I
did go to practice, I tried to learn new variations with the ball.”
Persaud, who now plays locally for Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Ground, credited his coaches and senior players at the club.
“Some of the coach-
es that I learned from in this tournament are Coach Ameer Rahaman and Coach Seon Hetmyer,” he said.
The young off-spinner added, “My main takeaways would be that it’s important to be lively in the field and just to stick to the plans that we set and execute them well.” Persaud’s journey to the field:
“Cricket started for me at a very young age when my father used to carry me to the CPL games every year, and it would just be me and him, and sometimes even the whole family.”
“The main person that inspired me in my cricket journey would be none other than my father, Narindra Persaud. He has been my biggest inspiration in cricket since I was a child and still is,” Ravindra said.
According to the youngster, he looks up to Lyon, Motie, and Ali because they
are great spinners, and he is able to learn new things about spin.
Ravindra’s elder brother has also set the bar high educationally. Balancing is key for Ravindra, but it’s not an easy task.
“For me personally, it was hard to balance school and cricket because I love cricket so much that I used to go practice instead of lessons until my mother and father told me that I should learn to balance both education and cricket.”
“After that, I started to go for lessons and take in my education while at the same time kept playing cricket,” the young Persaud explained.
Like all young cricketers, representing Guyana and the West Indies is high on the agenda. For Ravindra Persaud, it’s no different, as he aims to be one of the best off-spinners.
The West Indies cricket team delivered a commanding performance to overpower the Zimbabwe national cricket team by 107 runs on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium, securing two valuable points in Group One and strengthening their push in the tournament. It was a day dominated by a Guyanese duo, as Shimron Hetmyer and Gudakesh Motie produced
match-winning performances with bat and ball, respectively.
Promoted to a more prominent role in the batting order, Hetmyer unleashed a breathtaking innings of 85 from just
Ball-weavers residing in communities along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Linden-Soesdyke Highway will have the opportunity to lock horns in the Sports Extra-organised InterVillage Competition, which kicks off next month.
According to organiser Franklin Wilson, over $2 million in prize money and trophies will be up for grabs in what is anticipated to produce keen rivalry among the 16 teams.
Wilson, in an invited comment, said many spinoffs will be derived from the staging of the tournament.
According to Wilson, players’ talent will be on show, thereby allowing scouts a first-hand opportunity to spot them, while the social impact that will be created is another area that players can profit from.
With the “One Guyana” theme a persistent chant under the current Administration, the tournament can serve as another occasion to boost camaraderie among the participating communities and even beyond. Then there is the prospect of improving the economic fortunes of those engaged in small businesses
both inside and outside of participating communities, while also providing necessary exposure for contributors from the business sector.
Wilson, in summing up the timing and overall benefits of staging such a tournament, expressed confidence in its success, adding that he sees it as a win-all for everyone.
“I personally envisage a successful tournament and one that will certainly benefit all involved,” he asserted. He added that it will also provide much-needed activity among the communities situated on the East Bank and Soesdyke Highway corridor that the sport is played
in.
Among the village teams expected to participate are Agricola, Grove, Friendship, Soesdyke, Timehri, Kuru Kururu, Swan, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Circuitville, Samatta Point, Kaneville, Mocha, Herstelling, Diamond, Hauraruni and Yarrowkabra.
A meeting with the representatives from the villages will be convened shortly to go through the details of what’s expected and other logistics pertaining to the staging of the tournament. Meanwhile, team managers or coaches can contact 6823241 or 647-9173 for further details.
34 deliveries. His knock,
series, and the aggressive batsman has embraced the responsibility.
“He’s been an asset for us, especially in this tour -
everyone supporting him along the way and giving the team a big score for the bowlers to defend.”
While Hetmyer daz -
zled with the bat, Motie delivered a clinical spell to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting line-up. The leftarm spinner returned impressive figures of 4 for 28, mixing accuracy with subtle variations, including a newly developed wrist-spin option that proved particularly effective against left-handed
Hope highlighted Motie’s growth following a brief period away from international cricket.
“Motie, he got a little period before – I was thinking it was the New Zealand series – and he went home and worked on some skills. You can see he’s back to where he was before, and he even added something to his game as well, that wrist spinner,”
“That’s been very crucial for us, especially against the lefties. Sometimes your time away from the game gives you a nice chance to refresh and regroup… He’s in a great space.”
With the victory, the West Indies cricket team improved to a perfect five wins from five matches at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s form sides. They will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated clash against fellow unbeaten contenders, the South Africa national cricket team, on Thursday at 05:30h in what promises to be a decisive Group One showdown.
Shimron Hetmyer smashed a record-breaking 85, an innings where he struck the fastest fifty by a West Indian in T20 World Cup history and matched the highest recorded number of sixes in the tournament’s history.
Hetmyer has 17 sixes in five innings and 219 runs. Nicholas Pooran once held the record for most sixes at a single edition of the T20 World Cup, where he struck 17 sixes in seven innings back in 2024.
Soaking after his breath-taking 85 against Zimbabwe, Hetmyer remained focused on the bigger picture: winning the T20 World Cup.
“It means a lot, actually, more so because of the fact that I didn’t get much in the last game. I’m just
trying to make sure that I keep replicating the same things that I’ve been doing over the past cou-
ple of months. And so far, it’s been working. (On batting at number three) It feels good. It’s a lot eas-
ier now because I’ve been doing it for a while. I understand the role better, I know how situations unfold, and having the backing of everyone in the team really helps. That support puts me in a much more comfortable headspace,” Hetmyer said.
The left-hander said it feels good to achieve the most sixes record, but achieving the team goals is more important.
“I’m not thinking too much about it, to be honest. It does feel good to have achieved something like that, but as a team, we haven’t really accomplished anything yet. “It’s just one game, and there’s still a long way to go. We’re taking it one game at a time and just trying to keep pushing forward. Family back home keeps
supporting me. My wife and kids praying for me – that really helps. It keeps me motivated and pushes me to keep trying to do better,” the Guyanese explained.
Hetmyer hinted that his key to success while batting is not overthinking.
“In the past, I used to overthink a lot, about plans, about getting out. Now, I’m trying to think less and let the bat do the talking; just react,” Hetmyer boldly claimed.
West Indies will be in action on Thursday, February 26, from 17:30h local time. The match will be played in Ahmedabad, India. (Brandon Corlette)
