Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has labelled the opposition’s approach to the 2025 elections as a mere collection of promises with no clear plans for the future of the country.

Referencing the opposition’s campaign flyers, which are currently circulating among the public, Jagdeo questioned the credibility of the promises being made by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and the Alliance for Change (AFC).

“Don’t allow yourselves to be duped again,” Jagdeo urged, drawing attention to the lack of substance behind the opposition’s claims.

Among the promises outlined by the opposition are pledges to guarantee every household a “liveable income” free from financial woes and worries, as well as commitments to subsidised food, subsidised rent, and an increase in the old-age pension to $100,000.

Jagdeo, who also serves as the General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), expressed doubt over the feasibility of these proposals. He noted that this new promise echoed the vague slogan used during the 2015 campaign: “The Good Life for Everyone.”

“It’s the same vague promise they made in 2015, and it’s no different this time,” he said.

The Vice President also questioned the opposition’s ability to craft a practical economic plan.

“You never craft a plan to say how you’ll earn money as a country. If you have to spend money, you have to earn money,” Jagdeo remarked.

He pointed out that this philosophy was what led to the country’s economic troubles in the past.

“They have never gotten it right on the economic side,” he added. “They are incapable of crafting a plan…you plan first, but they want to promise and then turn that into the plan.”

Jagdeo also addressed the recent postings by Nigel Hughes, Leader of the AFC, on social media where proposed creating a bank for women in business in Georgetown.

“Obviously, they are trying to fool the people in Georgetown,” Jagdeo concluded with laughter.

Further examining the opposition’s proposals, Jagdeo referred to their call for the restoration of cemeteries in Georgetown, a project that the PPP/C is already undertaking.

“Anyone who believes this would need to have themselves examined because how can you allow yourself to be duped so often?” Jagdeo questioned.

He also spoke directly to young people, reminding them that the APNU+AFC may be promising to focus on youth now, but reminded that when they were in government, they sidelined young people despite making the same lofty promises.

Contrast that with the PPP/C, Jagdeo said the PPP/C has managed to complete and surpass every promise made in the 2020 manifesto and again urged people not to be fooled by the slogans and empty promises of the opposition.

He said the PPP/C will not make empty promises but wants every Guyanese to own a home, not live in rented houses. Every Guyanese will have access to first world healthcare and high-quality/free education and all people regardless of age will have access to training.

Jagdeo also talked about an expansion of the economy outside of oil and gas, support for women, children, and the elderly and a reorientation of the tax system to ensure people pay less taxes and keep more money in their pockets.

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Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has assured truck drivers that no effort will be spared to ensure that they are accommodated on the Supenaam ferry during the busy paddy season.

Edghill engaged the truck drivers at the Parika Stelling on Wednesday night.

“He (Edghill) reassured them that every effort was being made to accommodate their needs during the busy paddy season,” a statement from the Minsitry of Public Works said.

Prior to this, the ministry said that Edghill also engaged with passengers on the ferry.

The Ministry issued the statement in response to a claim made by Opposition member, Shurwayne Holder, about Edghill “taking over” the Supenaam ferry.

The statement clarified that the Minister travelled in his personal vehicle, did not have a convoy and at no point did he prevented boarding.

“The Ministry remains focused on the delivery of fair, efficient and reliable transportation services for all passengers,” the statement noted.

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The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will hold trials this weekend, March 22-23, to determine the nation’s team for the upcoming CARIFTA Games.

The trials, being held at the National Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara,  will finalize the team for the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships in Trinidad and Tobago from April 19-21.

It is understood that at least 11 athletes have already met qualifying standards through earlier developmental meets and the recent National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships.

Ideally, the  AAG aims to send a team of over 30 athletes to the regional competition.

Guyana secured eight medals at the 51st CARIFTA Games in Grenada, including four gold, two silver, and two bronze.

Guyana placed fourth overall on the medal table, behind Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The government will provide financial support for the team’s participation in the Caribbean’s premier junior track and field event.

The trials are scheduled to begin at 10:00h daily.

After the team is selected, the locally-based athletes will be encamped on weekends until the Games.

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Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Navindra Rambarran, a 25-year-old Pump Attendant from Evergreen, Essequibo Coast.

Rambarran died sometime between 20:14hrs Wednesday and 05:30hrs Thursday at Evergreen.

Investigations thus far revealed, that Rambarran lived with his wife, Sarah Camble who told police he would consume alcohol occasionally.

The wife stated that at around 15:00 hrs Wednesday, Rambarran left home on his motorcycle to go out; after he did not return home by 20:00hrs, the woman said she called him several times and he assured her he was on his way home. However, he never showed up.

The next morning, at about 05:45 hrs, Camble received information that his body was found floating in the canal, and his motorcycle was located nearby on the dam with both mirrors broken off.

A report was made at the Charity Police Station by Rambarran’s brother, Gavindra.

Police said there appeared to be fish bites on his face and right ear and bruises on his forehead.

The body is at the Suddie Hospital’s Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

 

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Businessman Azruddin Mohamed and others connected to him are accused of undervaluing the value of vehicles to pay less taxes and breaching the conditions under which they were granted tax exemptions.

Azruddin’s father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, had said a legal response would be made. Contacted by the News Room, Mr Mohamed pointed to his attorney Siand Dhurjon. The attorney told the News Room that those accused have written the GRA, requiring it to provide reasons and justification in evidence and law regarding the claims.

The GRA’s case against Azruddin Mohamed was triggered by the businessman’s Facebook posts in which he posted receipts showing that he had paid the GRA over $98.6M in taxes two Land Cruisers and a Lamborghini. The GRA then wrote Azruddin, stating the the taxes he paid were based on the value of the vehicles he submitted, and it had found these were undervalued.

Azruddin Mohamed, popular on social media, has been cited in three cases. These relate to undervaluation of vehicles.

There have been questions about why the GRA is raising the matter now.

Guyana has a voluntary tax compliance system whereby upon import, a declaration is submitted with values as declared by the importer, and taxes are self-assessed on this basis and paid thereon on the values so declared.

The GRA, utilizing principles as underpinned by the WTO/WCO, by tax legislation and by Anti-Money Laundering regulations thereafter would verify the true acquisition value/cost of the said imports, and make the necessary adjustments to the applicable collectible tax.

Further, the Customs Act specifies that proceedings under the law may commence at any time within seven years after the date of the offence. The vehicles in questioned were acquired between 2020-2023 and are part of the fleet of vehicles in the possession of the Mohamed’s.

Photo: Team Mohamed’s/Facebook

In the case of Azruddin Mohamed, he was told by the GRA to pay the additional amounts.

The cases against Azruddin Mohamed and those connected to him for the vehicles acquired are set out below:

Azruddin Mohamed: Re-assessment of Custom Duty and Tax on Lamborghini

Vehicle: 2020 Lamborghini Roadster PZZ 4000

Facts: GRA carried out an investigation and found that the value of the vehicle declared by Mohamed is inconsistent with values of similar vehicles with the same specifications.

GRA contention: GRA determined that given the undervaluation it found, Mohamed needs to pay additional taxes of $371. 781, 167.

Azruddin Mohamed: Re-assessment of Custom Duty and Tax on Land Cruiser

Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser PAB 3000

Facts: The GRA investigated and concluded that there were reasons to doubt the truth and accuracy of the valuation.

GRA contention: Given the undervaluation, the GRA claims an additional $24, 641, 271.

Azruddin Mohamed: Re-assessment of Custom Duty and Tax on Land Cruiser

Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser PAB 4000

Facts: The GRA investigated and concluded that there were reasons to doubt the truth and accuracy of the valuation.

GRA contention: Given the undervaluation, the GRA claims an additional $24, 641, 271.

Hana Mohamed: Breach of Tax Exemptions on Ferrari

Vehicle: 2020 Ferrari 488

Facts: Hana Mohamed was granted tax exemption for the importation of the vehicle.

GRA contention: Hanna Mohamed breached the conditions under which she was granted tax exemption in three ways:

• She did not live in Guyana for 183 days annually from the time she applied for the tax exemption
• She failed to report to the GRA every six months with the vehicle and relevant documents
• The vehicle is not being used for the intended purpose with which she applied for the tax exemption

Notes: The Customs Act requires that those granted exemption maintain legal residence in Guyana for five years from the date of registration of the vehicle. They must also reside in the country for 183 days each year until the five-year period expires. Further, the vehicle must remain in their possession and cannot be leased, transferred or sold within five years of registration. The vehicles must be used by the individuals as their primary mode of transportation and must report to the GRA with the vehicle every six months.

Next steps: Hana Mohamed was required to show why the GRA should not demand from her the $479, 743, 489 which was foregone in Customs Duty and Taxes.

Bibi Mohamed: Breach of Tax Exemptions on Rolls Royce Cullinan

Vehicle: 2023 Rolls Royce Cullinan PAE 500

Facts: Bibi Mohamed was granted tax exemption for the importation of the vehicle.

GRA contention: Bibi Mohamed breached the conditions under which she was granted the tax exemption in two ways:

• She failed to report to the GRA every six months with the vehicle and relevant documents
• The vehicle is not being used for the intended purpose with which she applied for the tax exemption

Next steps: Bibi Mohamed was required to show why the GRA should not demand from her the $320, 064, 242 which was foregone in Customs Duty and Taxes

Leslie Khan: Breach of Tax Exemptions on Land Rover

Vehicle: 2023 Land Rover, Range Rover PAC 9000

Facts: Leslie Khan was granted tax exemption for the importation of the vehicle.

GRA contention: Leslie Khan breached the conditions of the tax exemption in two ways:

(a)        Khan failed to report to the GRA every six months with the vehicle and relevant documents

(b)       The vehicle is not being used for the intended purpose with which the tax exemption was applied for

Next steps: Leslie Khan was required to show why the GRA should not demand the $61, 485, 982 which was foregone in Customs Duty and Taxes.

The persons listed above were written to by GRA and given 14 days to reply. As noted at the outset, those accused by the GRA have since written to the Authority seeking reasons and justification in evidence and law.

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The Department of Information and Public Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister has responded to the Guyana Press Association’s (GPA) statement issued on Wednesday, which raised concerns over alleged threats to press freedom in the country. The statement has firmly rejected the claims, labelling them as misleading and part of a pattern of selective advocacy from the GPA’s leadership.

In its response, the Department, which falls under the purview of Minister Kwame McCoy, categorically rejected the GPA’s assertion that press freedoms are under threat in Guyana. It argued that the claim is entirely unfounded and contrasts sharply with the reality of an open and free media environment in the country.

The statement pointed out that Guyana’s media landscape is one of the most liberalised in the region, with journalists operating freely and without interference from the state. Additionally, Guyana has one of the most open social media environments in the Caribbean.

The statement also acknowledged the importance of the freedoms that come with a free press but emphasised the responsibility to combat misinformation and disinformation, which it argued could undermine democracy. The government highlighted growing concerns over the spread of false information, particularly on social media, and noted the increasing public calls for a stronger policy framework to protect the public from the harmful impact of such disinformation.

The GPA has been accused of selective advocacy by the government, which pointed out that the association has been conspicuously silent on instances of intimidation, harassment, and threats faced by journalists from state media. This selective approach, the government contends, undermines the GPA’s credibility and exposes a politically motivated bias in the association’s actions.

The statement also suggested that the GPA’s leadership has abandoned neutrality and has adopted an openly anti-PPP stance, particularly evident in the timing of negative narratives ahead of World Press Freedom Day. These narratives, the government argued, appear to be aimed at influencing international assessments, such as the Press Freedom Index, and potentially damaging Guyana’s global reputation.

Furthermore, it questioned the political affiliations of certain individuals within the GPA, suggesting that these blurred ethical lines undermine the association’s role as a neutral body advocating for press freedom. In particular, it raised concerns about GPA President Nazima Raghubir’s participation in a protest in support of activist Melissa Atwell, questioning whether this was consistent with her duties as a neutral media advocate.

The Guyana Press Association’s statement, which was the catalyst for the government’s response, condemned the actions of the social media page “Live in Guyana.”

The GPA accused the page of attempting to discredit journalists and members of the GPA executive who covered a protest on Tuesday at the Square of the Revolution in support of activist Melissa Atwell.

The GPA described the page’s reports as spurious and damaging to the integrity of journalism in the country, calling for a return to ethical and responsible reporting.

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President of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC), Leslie Collymore, has hailed the upcoming One Guyana 3×3 Quest, set for April 5-6, as a ground-breaking and pivotal moment for the sport’s fastest-growing format in the region.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) for hosting this historic One Guyana 3×3 tournament,” Collymore stated.

The event, slated for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, will see 20 teams from 16 countries converging in Guyana for the first-ever 3×3 Quest held in the Caribbean and the first in the Americas for 2025.

Three teams from Guyana will compete against top talent from Ecuador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, the USA, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and Suriname.

The tournament winner will earn a coveted spot at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada, this August.

As Collymore pointed out, “This event marks the first of three 3×3 Quests scheduled for the Caribbean in 2025, reaffirming our commitment to elevating the game on the international stage.”

Looking ahead, Collymore also highlighted the region’s growing basketball calendar, noting, “With the highly anticipated 5×5 FIBA qualification tournaments set for later in the year, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for basketball in the Caribbean.”

The CBC president extended his best wishes to all participating teams, both regional and international.

“I look forward to this competition being a true celebration of skill, sportsmanship and the unifying spirit of basketball. We applaud Guyana for leading the way and eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of our regional basketball programmes,” Collymore concluded.

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The Ministry of Health, in coordination with regional authorities, is investigating a potential outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). This viral infection is highly contagious and most commonly affects young children, particularly those of primary school age, although individuals of all ages can be affected.

An initial assessment of the situation was conducted by an expert team from the Ministry of Health on March 11, with a follow-up visit taking place on March 18. Samples have been collected and sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for confirmation of the pathogen responsible for the outbreak.

The Ministry has issued a public notice detailing the common symptoms of HFMD, which include fever, sore throat, painful sores or blisters in the mouth, and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. Symptoms typically appear between two to seven days after exposure to an infected person, their bodily secretions (such as saliva, blister fluid, or faeces), or contaminated surfaces and objects.

Although HFMD is highly contagious, it is usually not severe, with most cases resolving within seven to 10 days. Treatment is focused on relieving pain and fever and preventing dehydration.

To reduce the risk of infection, the Ministry of Health recommends the following preventive measures:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms.
• Sanitize and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items.

Parents are advised to keep children who show symptoms of HFMD at home until they are no longer contagious. If symptoms persist for more than one week or if a child’s condition worsens, the Ministry urges parents to seek medical attention at the nearest health facility.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding the health of all citizens and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

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The Guyana Fire Service on Wednesday issued a strong warning to the public to refrain from making prank calls to the emergency number 912. Wednesday morning, several false reports were received, claiming that schools and public offices were on fire. However, upon investigation, no fires were found at the reported locations.

Earlier in the day, the Fire Service confirmed that it had received a report of a fire at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) building on Camp Road, Georgetown. Fire trucks and personnel responded promptly, only to find no evidence of a fire upon arrival.

The Fire Service emphasised the serious risks associated with prank calls, explaining that they waste valuable resources and time. These false reports divert firefighters from attending to real emergencies, potentially endangering lives and property.

The Fire Service urges the public to take this warning seriously and avoid engaging in this harmful and reckless behaviour.

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Candidate Master (CM) Taffin Khan assiduously worked his way through 16 rounds of play to achieve the 2025 National Blitz Chess Championship title on March 16 in the Exhibition Room of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre.

The tournament lasted a few hours and was staged one day after the 2025 National Rapid Chess Championship, which was won by Anthony Drayton.

The extremely gruelling, faster-paced 11-round Swiss format tournament featured a time control of three minutes with two-second increments per player.

The tournament saw some interesting match-ups and upsets, leading to the semi-final knockout round, where the final four top finishers faced off across the board.

Leading in the top four were FM Anthony Drayton, CM Taffin Khan, CM Sachin Pitamber and Kyle Couchman, who entered the second phase.

The competition became increasingly challenging when the top seeds- Drayton and Khan- faced off against the top juniors Couchman and Pitamber.

However, the juniors were no match for the top seeds in the knockout phase as Drayton and Khan emerged as the winners, leaving Couchman and Pitamber to play for third and fourth positions.

From left on each photo: Semi-finalists Anthony Drayon, Kyle Couchman and Sachin Pitamber receive their prizes

The Drayton/Khan match for the championship ended in high drama, where at the end of two games, the players were tied at one point each, triggering the Armageddon Round.

For this game, the player with the white pieces starts with five minutes on the clock and must win outright to gain the point.

The player with the dark pieces begins with four minutes and would be declared the winner if the game ends in a draw or a win by black.

Khan won the toss and played white and proceeded to bring Drayton’s unbeaten streak to an end. Drayton settled for second place after coming very close to winning his second championship title for the year.

Couchman took third place, while Pitamber came in fourth. The fifth place went to CM Loris Nathoo, who ended with 6.5 points, while Saeed Ali took sixth also with 6.5 points.

WCM Aditi Joshi and Keron Sandiford placed seventh and eighth with six points, respectively.

Notable performances came from Mahir Rajkumar, Prince Dunn, Kim Shing Chong, Oluwadare Oyeyipo and Aravinda Singh, who all finished with six points.

The Chief Arbiter for the tournament was FIDE Arbiter John Lee.

The top five players received a total of G$115,000 in cash prizes, sponsored by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) at a post-tournament ceremony.

Khan was awarded the championship trophy, and the sixth and seventh-place winners earned a free month’s membership to the Pegasus Chess Club.

The GCF extends thanks to the management of the Guyana Pegasus Hotel for providing the venue for the weekend tournaments.

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