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Lewis Hamilton said he was “gobsmacked” to take his first pole position for Ferrari for the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Hamilton out-qualified Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc fourth and Lando Norris’ McLaren sixth.

The seven-time champion, who qualified eighth and finished ninth on his Ferrari debut in Australia last weekend, said: “I’m a bit taken aback by it.

“I didn’t know when we would get to this position and, after last weekend, it was a difficult start to the week. I came here with aggression and wanting to go into the weekend and get the car into a great place.

“I started out straight away with a better feeling in the car and I can’t believe we are at the front. I am just a bit gobsmacked.”

Despite achieving a record 104 race pole positions during his career, to be in first place on the grid for the sprint is an unfamiliar experience for Hamilton.

He has been the sprint pole-sitter just once before, at the 2021 British Grand Prix, when he was passed at the start by Verstappen and had to accept second place in the 17-lap dash.

Hamilton’s last race pole came at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix- 20 months ago.

For his feat in Shanghai, Hamilton out-qualified Leclerc by 0.208 seconds and Norris by 0.544secs.

The result gives Hamilton prime starting position for the shorter sprint race on Saturday, after which the teams can modify their car set-ups before grand prix qualifying. (BBC)

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Guyanese left-arm spinner Devon Lord has been among the outstanding performers of the ongoing CPL/TKR T20 Festival in Trinidad and Tobago.

Playing for Yorkshire Cricket Club in Group A of the tournament, Lord emerged the leading bowler for his team and the second most successful of the competition.

Unfortunately, Yorkshire Cricket Club didn’t make the semi-finals, finishing third in the group behind Marchin Patriots Sports Club and Queen’s Park Cricket Club with two wins and two defeats.

Devon Lord celebrates a wicket with his teammates

The Georgetown Cricket Club spinner ended the preliminary stage of the tournament with 10 wickets in four games, with a best of 5-23 against the power-packed Queen’s Park Cricket Club.

In that game that Yorkshire won by three runs, Lord accounted for Queen’s Park top four batsmen, among them Darren Bravo and Andre Fletcher.

Devon Lord in his delivery stride

At this stage of the tournament, Lord is second only to Kerwin Sirju of Clarke Road United on the most wickets list.

Sirju has picked up 13 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. Lord and Sirju are the only bowlers to take five wickets in an innings in the competition.

Semi-final action in the tournament is set for today (March 21) with Marchin Patriots Sports Club against Clarke Road United from 14:30h and Powergen Penal SC against Queen’s Park Cricket Club from 18:30h.

The final is set for Saturday (March 22).

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See below the full statement issued: 

Mr. Manniram Prashad, President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) and Mr. Nelson Castañeda Barbour, Executive President of the Colombian Petroleum, Gas, and Energy Chamber (CAMPETROL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.

By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), GOGEC and CAMPETROL have committed to enhancing trade relations, knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives between Guyana and Colombia.

The MOU outlines key areas of cooperation, including:
a)  Knowledge Sharing: Exchange of industry reports, regulatory insights, and market trends.

1. b) Investment & Trade Promotion: Organizing business forums, trade missions, and networking events.
   c) Capacity Building: Hosting training programs, seminars, and workshops for industry professionals.
   d) Technical Collaboration: Partnering on research and development for sustainable energy solutions.
   e) Policy Advocacy: Working together on policy recommendations to support a strong and sustainable energy sector.

“This partnership with CAMPETROL aligns with GOGEC’s mission to create global linkages and drive opportunities for local companies. Colombia’s expertise in the energy sector presents valuable learning and collaboration opportunities for Guyana as we continue to expand our oil and gas industry,” said Manniram Prashad, President of GOGEC.

CAMPETROL’s representatives also emphasized the importance of this alliance, stating that it paves the way for cross-border investments and technological advancements that will benefit both nations’ energy industries.

As part of the agreement, both organizations will establish working groups to implement joint initiatives and hold periodic meetings to track progress and explore new areas of cooperation.

The signing of this MOU is a step toward fostering a dynamic and sustainable energy sector for Guyana and Colombia, leveraging the strengths of both countries for mutual growth.

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During a press conference on Thursday, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo rejected suggestions that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is controlling or influencing the content posted on various media platforms.

He clarified that while individuals are free to express support for the party on social media, the PPP/C does not endorse or direct the content shared independently.

“I’ve seen a number of people in the public domain say that the People’s Progressive Party is directing what happens on Guyana Daily News,” Dr. Jagdeo remarked.

“This is not a new accusation. It’s always been there that anything favourable to the PPP or critical of the opposition is labelled as PPP-aligned.”

Dr. Jagdeo continued by acknowledging that many media outlets, occasionally posts content that supports the PPP. He expressed gratitude for such support, but stressed that it does not imply official party approval or endorsement of all content shared by the media organisation.

“People are free to support the People’s Progressive Party,” he said. “We’re not going to run people down for wanting to support the party. There are hundreds of thousands of people who support the PPP.”

However, the Vice President made it clear that this does not equate to the party endorsing every post made on social media platforms or elsewhere. He explained, “That doesn’t mean that we sanction or support everything that’s posted. Sometimes I agree with things posted, and other times I disagree with them.”

Dr. Jagdeo also emphasised the importance of maintaining the independence of media outlets, stating that the PPP does not exert control over what independent media publish.

He drew comparisons to other media figures, highlighting that the party does not interfere with their content. “There are times when I would disagree with the content, but they have the right to express themselves,” he added.

He concluded by noting that while there are instances of disagreement, the PPP remains committed to respecting the independence of the media.

“That’s normal,” he affirmed. “We agree with some things, and we disagree with others. It’s part of a healthy democratic process.”

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The first of 50,000 trees will be planted on Friday, March 21, 2025, as the National Tree Planting project commences along the Conversation Tree four-lane highway. Over a seven-year period, palms, ornamentals, and local tree species will be planted in every region of Guyana. The official launch of the project will be held at the Conversation Tree and Pike Street intersection commencing at 09:45 hrs.

Trees to be planted are the Royal Palm, Barbados Pride, Flamboyant, Ite Palm, and Poi. In the first phase, the project aims to transform newly built highways, hospitals, schools, and government buildings into beautifully visual spaces. The objective is to improve the aesthetics of urban green spaces, provide clean air, shade, and a cooling effect in humid temperatures while at the same time offering safe recreational and relaxation spaces for citizens.

The project is a collaborative effort led by the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), with support from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local businesses, and the Ministries of Public Works, Local Government and Development, Education, and Health.

At the launch of the project, remarks will be delivered by Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the PAC Board of Directors, Mr. Robert Persaud, Special Advisor to the PAC, Mr. Damian Fernandes, and Tropical Horticulturist and Agroforester, Dr. Patrick Chesney.

While the planting of trees beautifies the surroundings, it will also contribute to Guyana’s effort to combat climate change. This is in keeping with the Government of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which acknowledges the critical role urban areas play in achieving sustainable development by promoting low-carbon solutions to support growing urban areas.
March 20, 2025

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday urged the opposition to direct their protests against the U.S. government, rather than the Guyanese government, over the arrest and detention of social media activist Melissa Atwell, who was recently detained by U.S. immigration authorities.

Dr. Jagdeo addressed Tuesday’s protests at the Square of the Revolution, where opposition figures and anti-PPP forces voiced their concerns. While emphasising that it is every Guyanese citizen’s right to stage a protest, Dr. Jagdeo asserted that the matter lies within the jurisdiction of the U.S. government and not the PPP administration.

He said those who engaged in the protest were being misguided.

“We are not going to get sucked into a debate around Ms. Atwell,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

“What I can tell you factually is that we do not control ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] in the United States of America. If there is a problem with U.S. immigration policies, the opposition should protest directly to the U.S. government.”

The Vice President was responding to claims that the PPP administration had somehow influenced U.S. policies regarding Atwell’s treatment.

He pointed out that these claims were largely being advanced by anti-PPP figures.

“If they object to Trump’s policies, and they should say that clearly,” Dr. Jagdeo continued. “Do not bring the PPP into it.”

Dr. Jagdeo explained that whether Atwell remains in the U.S. or returns to Guyana is entirely a matter for the U.S. government to decide. He added, “If she stays there, we wish her well. If she comes home, she is welcomed as a Guyanese citizen.”

He also emphasised that the government cannot control what Ms. Atwell says, whether she is in the U.S. or in Guyana, noting, “As General Secretary of the PPP, it doesn’t matter where she is located or what she says. I know the people of this country will recognise that the PPP party, despite what is said, will not be affected.”

Addressing the issue of U.S. immigration policy, Dr. Jagdeo explained that when ICE detains an individual, it is typically for immigration-related reasons.

He acknowledged that Atwell had claimed U.S. citizenship, though if this is the case, her situation would be unusual, but not unprecedented.

“If she is indeed a U.S. citizen, then it would be unusual, but if not, she may face further difficulties.”

Atwell will now make her appearance before a US Immigration Judge on Friday, March 28. She was originally scheduled to make an appearance on June 25 and a new Judge has been appointed to hear the matter.

She is detained in Louisiana where she was transferred after being arrested in New York last Thursday.

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A fire broke out Thursday at a residential property located at Lot 162 Garnette Street, Kitty, Georgetown, following a gas leak caused by a defective regulator.

The fire was reported at 11:40hrs, prompting an immediate response from the fire department.

Section Leader Liverpool, along with Hackshaw, Leading Fireman Legal, and a team of nine firefighters, arrived on the scene.

They were equipped with two fire appliances – Water Tender #118 and Water Carrier #23 – to combat the blaze.

According to initial investigations, the fire was caused by a malfunctioning gas regulator head.

There was minimal damage as a reuslt of the fire (Photo: GFS/ March 20, 2025)

The defect led to gas vapor escaping from the cylinder, which then came into contact with a naked flame from the gas stove. This ignited the gas vapor, sparking a fire that spread to nearby combustible materials.

Fortunately, damage was minimal. Only two wooden cupboards and one glass case were slightly affected by the flames. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire using a hose reel from Water Tender #118 and a jet from the tank supply of Water Carrier #23.

The property, owned by Camille Daly, was successfully safeguarded from further destruction. No injuries have been reported.

Fire officials continue to stress the importance of regularly checking gas appliances to prevent similar incidents.

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The Ministry of Education and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) have reached out to 900 students offering opportunities to transfer credits to other universities following its recent announcement of ending its partnership with the International School of Distance Education (ISDC) and the University of Staffordshire.

In the initial statement issued by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), it was confirmed that affected students could transfer to alternative institutions willing to accept the credits they earned.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed this and reassured the 1,400 impacted students. He said the 500 remaining students would soon be contacted.

“The affected students will retain their earned credits and will continue their education seamlessly through the new institutions,” Dr. Jagdeo affirmed on Thursday at a press conference.

Despite the disruption, Dr. Jagdeo expressed confidence that the Ministry of Education is working diligently to contact the remaining 500 students, who will also be offered suitable alternatives in the near future.

In a strong show of support for the Director of GOAL, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, Dr. Jagdeo defended him against criticism.

He commended Opadeyi’s robust academic credentials and professional capabilities, rejecting disparaging remarks aimed at him. “I firmly believe in Professor Opadeyi’s abilities. He has a solid academic background,” said Dr. Jagdeo.

He reassured students that the government is committed to ensuring that they will not suffer any negative consequences as a result of this transition.

Between 2021 and 2024, GOAL awarded a total of 29,758 scholarships, with the number of scholarships granted increasing each year. In particular, the scholarships saw a significant growth of 32.4%, rising from 6,280 in 2021 to 8,316 in 2024. The most notable increase occurred between 2021 and 2022, when the number of scholarships granted grew by 18%.

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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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