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Cross-examination of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards continued on Wednesday and saw her confirming that the United States has assured Guyana that Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed will not be extradited to any third country without the Government of Guyana’s consent.

The confirmation came as defence attorney Roysdale Forde, SC, pressed the senior government official on diplomatic correspondence exchanged between Guyana and the United States following the October 2025 extradition request.

During the afternoon session before Magistrate Judy Latchman, the court was presented with Note 458, the official response from the United States, which was tendered into evidence.

Reading from the document, Forde pointed to a key passage stating that while the United States is not obligated under the treaty to provide such assurances, it nonetheless confirmed that it would not re-extradite the Mohameds to a third state for any offences committed prior to their extradition, without the consent of the Government of Guyana.

Roopchand-Edwards agreed.

“Yes,” she told the court when asked to confirm the contents of the diplomatic note.

The exchange formed part of a deeper examination into Note Verbale 1680 of 2025, which Guyana had sent to the US Embassy requesting assurances tied to Article Seven of the extradition treaty— the principle of “speciality,” which restricts how extradited persons may be treated.

Under questioning, Roopchand-Edwards maintained that the response from the United States directly addressed the concerns raised by Guyana.

“458 is the assurance for 1680 of 2025,” she stated.

The defence had earlier argued that there is a distinction between “assurances” and “undertakings,” but the Permanent Secretary maintained that, in her understanding, the two terms were effectively the same in this context.

The afternoon session focused heavily on whether the assurances requested by Guyana were properly grounded and whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted any assessment of how such treaty provisions are applied by the United States.

Roopchand-Edwards acknowledged that she did not personally conduct any such assessment and was unaware of any report within the ministry examining how the treaty is applied to Guyanese citizens.

“I didn’t do any assessments,” she said.

 

She also confirmed that after receiving the extradition documents in October 2025, she did not forward them to a legal officer to determine whether they complied with the extradition treaty or the Fugitive Offenders Act.

Instead, she said the documents were transmitted to the Minister of Home Affairs.

Further, she told the court that she acted on advice from the ministry’s legal department when dispatching the request for assurances, and that the note was sent both by email and by hand to the US Embassy.

The morning session had focused largely on discrepancies in the Ministry’s correspondence records, including an admitted error in an October 29 entry and questions about when staff were informed of the receipt of the extradition documents.

Further cross-examination of the Permanent Secretary was deferred, with the matter set to continue next Tuesday, March 24.

 

 

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ENet has announced a new partnership with Tails of Hope, under its SAFE initiative: “Supporting Animals, Fostering Empathy,” aimed at strengthening animal welfare efforts and promoting responsible animal care across Guyana.

Tails of Hope is a local animal welfare organisation dedicated to the rescue, care, rehabilitation, and advocacy of vulnerable animals nationwide.

Through this partnership, ENet will provide ongoing financial and strategic support to help Tails of Hope sustain and expand its work. As part of the SAFE initiative, the collaboration will also support public awareness and education efforts designed to encourage compassion, responsibility, and humane treatment of animals within communities.

Founder of Tails of Hope, Shari Rodrigues, welcomed the partnership and reflected on the organisation’s journey:

“When we started in 2019 alongside the GSPCA, the Rosewood Foundation, and other independent activists, many believed this work would be extremely difficult and that change would take a long time. Just over five years later, we are seeing real progress. What once felt like a distant goal now feels achievable.

Over the years, we have continued the work through rescue efforts, vaccination campaigns, and spay and neuter programmes aimed at controlling the stray animal population and reducing suffering. Our hope is to see a future where animals are treated with care and respect.

We are incredibly grateful to ENet for standing with us, not just as a supporter, but as a forward-thinking partner committed to meaningful change.”

Chief Executive Officer of ENet, Vishok Persaud, noted that the partnership reflects the company’s broader commitment to community impact:

“We’ve seen the consistency of Tails of Hope’s work over time, particularly through their ongoing outreach and presence. It is clear this is a sustainable, mission-driven organisation. After meeting Shari and understanding the depth of her commitment, it became evident that this is a partnership where we can do even more together. This is not a one-off initiative, but the start of a long-term collaboration focused on real impact. We are grateful to Tails of Hope for this opportunity to partner with them.”

The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) has commended the partnership, noting its importance in advancing animal welfare efforts across the country.

Animal advocate, Rosalina Rasul said ENet demonstrates how corporate bodies should lead the way in supporting social causes.

“Usually, it’s the other way around. The NGOs would go knocking on doors and say ‘Hey, we have this organisation, can you fund us?’ So, seeing this work in the reverse is actually a very interesting thing, and I think something that is worthy of praise, emulation, and worthy of saying a heartfelt thank you for that sort of innovative thinking.”

Through initiatives like SAFE, ENet remains committed to supporting programmes that strengthen communities, promote responsibility, and create meaningful, lasting impact across Guyana.

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Minister of Housing Collin Croal came through on a promise he made to the organisers of the East Bank Inter-Village Football Competition when he donated a quantity of balls during a simple presentation ceremony recently.

Croal, along with Minister within the office of the Prime Minister Kwame McKoy, was on hand to witness action on the opening day of competition, at the Eccles EE Community Centre ground.

It was during an interaction with Organisers Sports Extra that he made a commitment to present them with a quantity of footballs to enhance the tournament and he made good on that promise.

The Minister, in brief remarks, stated how pleased he was with the initiative which, according to him, could serve as a platform to improve relationships among players and communities as a whole, while also assisting in unearthing talent at the grassroots level.

Twelve of the top teams from villages situated along the East Bank Demerara corridor are vying for prize monies in excess of G$3 million with the first prize set at G$1 million, while second, third and fourth prizes are G$500,000, G$250,000 and G$150,000 respectively, along with individual accolades for Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player and Highest Goalscorer.

Meanwhile, the fixtures for this weekend’s action are, Saturday: Herstelling takes on Swan from 18:00h, while Upper Soesdyke collides with Circuitville at 20:00h.

The following day will see Kaneville versus Friendship at 18:00h, while Mocha square off against Agricola.

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Prison officers attached to facilities across the country are grappling with high levels of stress and trauma, driven by dangerous working conditions, persistent fear, and an expectation of higher salaries.

These findings were revealed during a researched conducted by the University of Guyana.

Dr Melissa Ifill, Senior Lecturer at the University of Guyana, revealed that research conducted among officers highlighted the profound impact of these challenges on their mental health.

She was at the time speaking at the launch of accredited mental health and strategic leadership courses for correctional officers on Wednesday.

“Officers face long stretches without relief, sometimes two weeks at a time, often living far from their families, in a generally dangerous environment.

Many are underpaid for the risks they take daily, and the fear of violent inmates or witnessing attacks on colleagues compounds the stress,” Dr. Ifill said.

She added that officers are enduring hardships similar to those faced by inmates, including challenging living and working conditions.

“This lack of adequate pay, training, and support leaves them feeling unseen, undervalued, and vulnerable,” she noted.

The newly-launched mental health course aims to equip officers with strategies for self-care, identify triggers of mental health challenges, and provide avenues to flag concerns to the relevant personnel, addressing both officer and inmate welfare.

“Both officers and inmates are victims of systemic failures,” Dr. Ifill emphasised, underscoring the urgent need for reforms that prioritize safety, support and mental well-being inside Guyana’s prisons.

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PRESS RELEASE || The highly anticipated Nitro Kart Clash has been postponed to April 19, 2026, but excitement continues to build as more than G$5 million in cash and prizes remain up for grabs across a range of racing categories.

The event, launched by Jumbo Jet Events in partnership with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) and 555 Speedway, was initially scheduled for March 28 and 29 at the Thomas Lands karting facility.

Organiser Andre Rochford explained that the event had to be postponed to allow for the late arrival of several new karts.

“We had a shipping delay with a lot of new karts that are coming for the event, and some competitors reached out to us to plot a way forward. Giving all that’s been going on with the global landscape and shipping and the fact that we want to have a huge event where everyone can get to participate, we opted to shift the date.”

“The idea is to have a large field so that we can reach as many of the grassroots persons as possible, and that includes second, third, and fourth generation racers as well as those making their debuts on the track. We want everyone to have a chance at this event,” Rochford added.

Originally structured as a two-day meet with scrutineering and qualifying followed by race day action, the rescheduled event is expected to maintain its competitive edge and high-energy atmosphere when it takes to the track in April.

Corporate Guyana has also strongly supported the initiative.

Sponsors include Banks DIH, AJM Enterprise, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, J’s Supermarket, 555 Speedway, SCI (Sawh’s Construction Inc.), Precision Service Centre, and Ramchands Autobody.

Competitors will still battle across a diverse line-up of classes, including the Briggs and Stratton sealed-engine category for seniors, juniors (13–15 years), and cadets (6–12), along with the 200cc Honda 4-stroke Promoters Class and the Light Class.

Additional events will feature 125cc IAME two-stroke (heavy and light), under-12 60cc IAME, a five-lap time attack open category, 555 Speedway rental kart races, and supermoto 250cc bikes.

With its revised date now set, the Nitro Kart Clash remains poised to deliver a major boost to the local motorsport scene while offering substantial rewards for competitors across all levels. (Jumbo Jet Events)

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 The Guyana Digital School (GDS) has commenced a multi-day training programme aimed at strengthening educational access and digital capacity within Guyana’s Disciplined Services.

The training, which is being held at the Guyana Digital School’s office in Ogle, East Coast Demerara, brings together designated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) support officers from across the country. These officers are being equipped with the skills and knowledge required to support ranks within their respective regions in effectively navigating the Guyana Digital School platform.

The first session engaged officers from the Guyana Police Force, with subsequent sessions scheduled to include participants from the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Prison Service, and Guyana Fire Service. 

This initiative forms part of a broader national effort to enhance human capital development and expand access to education through digital means. It also supports a directive issued by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, which calls for a force-wide educational uplift within the Disciplined Services. 

Through this training, the officers will play a critical role in bridging the gap between technology and learning, ensuring that officers across all regions are able to access educational resources, enroll in courses, and track their academic progress on the platform.

The Guyana Digital School remains committed to supporting national development through education, innovation, and capacity building. By empowering members of the Disciplined Services with the tools for academic advancement, the initiative contributes to a stronger, more skilled, and more resilient workforce (Ministry of Education press release)

 

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The pitch at the Everest Cricket Ground offered little solace to the batters on Tuesday, as the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ preparations for the Regional Four-Day season hit another low-scoring rut.

With Chairman of Selectors Ramnaresh Sarwan watching from the sidelines, 11 wickets fell on a day where survival often looked like a chore rather than a skill in the second Three-Day practice match.

Veerasammy Permaul exploited the conditions to claim 4 for 35 from 17 overs and he was flanked by the pace duo of Nial Smith and Thaddeus Lovell, who shared four wickets to ensure Imlach XI never found their footing.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricheroes.com/scorecard/23201349/guyana-harpy-eagles-practice-matches/imlach-xi-vs-nandu-xi/scorecard

Choosing to bat first, Imlach XI struggled to build partnerships. Skipper Tevin Imlach looked the most composed, grinding out 36 that spanned 84 deliveries, but he lacked sustained support.

The middle order crumbled under the pressure of disciplined lines; Raymond Perez (15) and Navindra Persaud (12) got starts but failed to capitalise, leaving the side bundled out for a meagre 127 in just under 50 overs.

Nandu XI’s response was measured, led by the stoic Tagenarine Chanderpaul. While his opening partner and captain Matthew Nandu fell for 12—trapped by Ronaldo Alimohamed—Chanderpaul remained unbeaten on 30 at the close.

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The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has officially unveiled a formidable 24-athlete squad set to compete at the 2026 Carifta Games in Grenada over the Easter weekend (April 4-6).

Following a gruelling qualification period, the AAG confirmed a team stacked with talent across the U17 and U20 categories.

The selection comes after the AAG enforced strict entry requirements, removing ‘B’ standards and requiring all athletes to meet the primary marks to book their tickets to the Kirani James Stadium in St. George’s.

AAG President Sheryl Hermonstine praised the intensity of the trials, noting that the high bar produced a battle-hardened squad.

“From me, it was a well-contested few weeks during the qualification period,” Hermonstine stated. “The athletes did their best to qualify, understanding there were no B standards this year—you had to qualify to make the team. I am happy, the AAG is happy, and we know that this team will do Guyana proud.”

In a historic move for the nation’s officiating, Hermonstine also confirmed that Mayfield Taylor Trim, Vice-President of the AAG, will serve as a technical official at the games—a first for Guyana.

The President highlighted the synergy between the association and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as an elite programme featuring additional coaching and specialised training is set to be rolled out this Friday (March 20) when the CARIFTA Camp commences.

Hermonstine extended gratitude to Ministers Charles Ramson and Stevens Jacobs, as well as the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association, for their continued support of the AAG’s vision.

According to the AAG, the team will depart for Grenada on April 2.

In 2025, 42 athletes represented Guyana in Trinidad and Tobago, but only five medals were won.

Team Guyana for CARIFTA Games 2026 in Grenada (April 4-6):

• Girls U-17: Tesianna Harris (100m, 200m), Angel Jeffrey (100, 200m), Olivia Solomon (400m, 800m)

• Boys U-17: Omari Welch (100m, 200m, Long Jump), Malique Kendall (100m), Jumeel Cornette (200m), Jarel Campbell (400m, Long Jump), Jermaine Shepherd (800m, 1500m), Bryson Anderson (800m), Keimal Gishard (Triple Jump, High Jump), Nathaniel Samaroo (Shot Put, Discuss)

• Girls: U-20: Athaleyha Hinckson (100m, 200m), Akeela Dover (100m, 200m), Tianna Springer (400m)

• Boys U-20: Onesi Dunn (100m), Gordon Thompson (100m), Tishawn Easton (200m, 400m), Daquan Farrell (200m), Malachi Austin (400m), Javon Roberts (800m, 1500m), Kaidon Persaud (800m, Javelin), Ebo McNeil (1500m, 5000m), Walton Alleyne (Long Jump),

Relay Teams
• U-17 Boys 4x100m relay team: Omari Welch, Jumeel Cornette, Malique Kendall, Jarel Campbell, Keimal Gishard

• U-20 Boys 4x100m relay team: Onesi Dunn, Gordon Thompson, Skylar Charles, Daquan Farrell, Walton Alleyne, Tishawn Easton

• U-20 Boys 4x400m relay team: Malachi Austin, Tishawn Easton, Skylar Charles, Daquan Farrell, Kaidon Persaud, Javon Roberts

• 4x400m Mixed Relay: Tishwan Easton, Malachi Austin, Tianna Springer, Akeela Dover

Total Athletes: 24

Technical & Management Team: Nial Stanton (Manager), Cheryl Sam (Safeguarding Officer), Quincy Clarke (coach), Kesia Burnett (coach), Anson Ambrose (coach), Robin Phillips (coach)

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PRESS RELEASE || The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hoang Lan Nguyen as Assistant Coach of the Golden Jaguars, marking a significant addition to the national team’s technical staff as preparations continue for upcoming competitions.

Nguyen joins the Golden Jaguars with extensive experience from one of Vietnam’s top professional football environments, having worked with The Cong Viettel FC across both senior and youth levels.

During his tenure, he contributed to multiple championship-winning campaigns, including the club’s V.League 1 title in 2020, as well as youth national titles at the U-21 and U-17 levels.

At the international level, Nguyen has been part of elite continental competitions, including the AFC Champions League 2021 and the AFC Cup 2022, gaining valuable exposure to high-performance football environments and diverse tactical demands.

A tactically driven coach, Nguyen specialises in match analysis, defensive organisation, and transition play.

He brings a strong track record in developing young players while maintaining competitive performance at the senior level, an asset that aligns closely with the GFF’s strategic focus on strengthening player pathways and national team performance.

Fluent in English and experienced in multicultural football settings, Nguyen is expected to integrate seamlessly into the Golden Jaguars’ set-up and play a key role in elevating the Federation’s technical standards and competitive ambitions.

The Guyana Football Federation welcomes Hoang Lan Nguyen and looks forward to his contribution to the continued growth and success of the Golden Jaguars. (GFF)

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Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, is currently in Kingston, Jamaica, and will be delivering the Feature Address at the Inaugural CXC Regional Education Conference on Wednesday. The forum is being held at The Jamaica Pegasus from March 16–18, 2026, under the theme “Navigating the Digital Age: Rethinking Teaching, Learning and Assessment.”

​Minister Parag is attending in her dual capacity as Guyana’s Minister of Education and the current Chairperson of the CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Education. 

Her address serves as the critical bridge between the technical discussions of this inaugural forum and the Ministerial Summit, which will follow.

​In her presentation, Minister Parag intends to address the need for the Caribbean region to capitalize on modern technology to boost regional literacy and numeracy levels.

She plans to advocate for a more balanced approach to modernization, and as COHSOD Chair,  challenge regional leaders to ensure that digital tools are used strategically to close equity gaps.

​Minister Parag’s leadership at this forum underscores Guyana’s significant influence in shaping the Caribbean’s educational transformation agenda. 

This conference was born out of a need to help Caribbean schools move past “emergency” online learning and into a permanent digital era. It focuses on how to use tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and electronic exams to improve how students learn and how they are tested.

​By bringing together educators, regional education ministers and other key stakeholders, the event aims to set new regional standards for numeracy and literacy, ensuring that Caribbean qualifications stay relevant and prepare students for the modern, tech-driven job market.

The other members of Guyana’s delegation include Chief Planning Officer Mischka White-Griffith, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary) Sherwyn Blackman, and Superintendent of Examinations, Ms. Sauda Kadir (Ministry of Education press release)

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