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Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Monday revealed a US$750 million investment that will specifically target the issue of electricity theft and losses.

For 2024, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) recorded a 25 per cent loss in electricity.

To counter this issue, PM Phillips said, “We continue with our project of changing out meters because with the modern metering I mean it is costly, but that itself will help with reducing the loss.”

He further revealed plans for significant investment to address the issue.

“We intend to spend in 2025, some US$750 million dollars. We will start spending towards building out and modernising the whole transmission and distribution system which in itself will contribution to reduction in line loss,” the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works Deodat Indar provided further clarification, explaining that the 25 per cent loss includes both technical and commercial losses.

“The commercial losses that is the term they use for people when they run a wire from the pole to the house [or] when they do something to the meter, when one man get a meter and he split it to entire community,” Indar explained highlighted that 12 per cent commercial losses were recorded last year.

He added, “How do you fix that? You ensure you have very good monitoring and inspection systems and work on changing out defective meters. This has been very high in the past, but we have worked to bring it down.”

Technical losses mainly come from line losses during the transfer of power from the point of generation to the point of distribution.

Indar noted that GPL started upgrading all transmission lines and continues efforts to modernise infrastructure.

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Youth leader and medical student, Nikhil Sankar recently responded to statements made by the leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes at a recent party press conference. Sankar, in a letter to the editor, expressed an interest in tackling a debunked conspiracy theory.

See below Sankar’s full letter to the editor:

Reference is drawn to remarks made by Exxon Attorney and AFC leader, Mr. Nigel Hughes at the AFC’s latest press conference (3/1/2025).

Upon being questioned about his repetition of the debunked conspiracy theory that the PPP was involved in the death of 1,200 Afro-Guyanese men, Hughes declared the following: “Well, I’ve been practising law for 37 years, and between 1992 and today, I have represented the families of several people who have either been shot, killed or murdered by the Guyana Police Force. And the numbers that I have and the circumstances in which people have been shot and killed, I believe that the number I gave is accurate.

“And just to remind you, Shaquille Grant was put to lie on the ground with five other people in Agricola, shot through his head. If you want to go back to what started the whole problem in Buxton with Shaka Blair, we can do that. Since 1992, I have more than sufficient bases on which I can say that”.

The aforementioned remarks constitute a masterclass in deflection and retreat.

Deconstructing his statement reveals a dangerous political playbook for failing Opposition politicians in Guyana: Combining conspiracy theory with emotional fallacy to exploit racial tension. Therefore, it is imperative to recognise, debunk and expose those following this playbook to ensure political survival at the expense of the Guyanese people.

Hughes commenced by arrogantly talking up his credentials and years of experience as an attorney, undoubtedly, with the intent of adding credence to the wild statements which followed. He made vague mention of representing “the families of several people” who he claimed were killed by the police force.

On this basis, he deemed the “1,200” figure correct. No evidence. No list of alleged figures. Not an iota of information to justify his ramblings. Instead, we get pure conjecture coming from Hughes. In matters of public discourse, on an issue such as this which has divided the Guyanese people, this “defense” is as spineless as it is pathetic.
Now, Nigel Hughes has represented a litany of figures relating to the Crime Wave: Some victims, as well as some of the most notorious murderers during this period.

Mr. Hughes unsuccessfully represented the late Mark Royden Williams, aka “Smallie”, in his 2022 trial for the murder of GDF officer Ivor Williams. Williams was murdered during an armed confrontation between the military and gunmen on January 23, 2008, at Buxton.
In 2021, Mr. Hughes successfully represented ‘Smallie’ in his trial for the murders of Rajesh Singh and Fazil Hakim in 2007.

For persons in rural areas, Mark’s name brings back dark memories from the early 2000s. ‘Smallie’, along with James Anthony “Sally” Hyles were fingered as part of the group led by “Fineman” Rawlins, which committed several heinous crimes.

All occurred during the crime wave period, and all have deeply scarred the psyche of the Guyanese people. In 2018, the CCJ acquitted both men. Only Hyles walked free, as Williams was already sentenced to death for his role in the Bartica Massacre. Guess who represented Hyles.

Hughes’ remarks followed up a Facebook video he and his party uploaded, claiming that the PPP “oversaw” the “state executions” of Sash Sawh, Quindon Bacchus and even the Henry Brothers!

Only a sick and twisted mind could produce these vile conspiracy theories, compounded by the fact that he offers no tangible evidence, nor proof to support ANY of these dangerous claims. All of the fluff, zero of the substance. However, this is utterly on-brand for Nigel Hughes.

In December 2012, my primary school head teacher (in Eccles) quickly dismissed us all and urged us to hurry home at once. I had not an inkling as to the circumstances surrounding this decision. That night, I watched on television the violent havoc unleashed upon Agricola, where countless citizens were beaten and robbed, and buses were burnt.

Later, I learnt that Mr. Hughes’ much-criticised ultimatum he gave President Ramotar to sack then Minister Rohee, apparently sparked the whole ordeal in Agricola. This twisted, albeit lazy, playbook of division will not work in 2025.

Insert yourself into a narrative, play on emotions, darting away without fully committing to the narrative and avoiding scrutiny. This modus operandi has repeatedly worked for Mr. Hughes, most famously with the 33>32 saga. However, as we approach another Election cycle, we must demand and actively work towards creating a new political culture built upon the tenets of unity, truth, democracy, as well as prosperity for all of us.

Better must come from Mr. Hughes, as it is evident that unity is but an inconvenience to those grappling onto the remaining vestiges of relevance.

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Approximately 1, 924 lots across Guyana will be regularised this year with the majority from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Squatting areas in Success, Mocha Arcadia, Enmore, Vigilance, Coldingen and Enterprise in Region Four are all set to be regularised this year, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said in a recent yearend press conference.

“So in all for Region Four, a minimum of 700 occupants we will be regularising,” Croal revealed.

As it relates to Region Ten, areas like Ituni, Coomacka, West Watooka, Block E and F Canvas City, Block F Wismar, Green Valley Wismar and Siberia will be regularised.

“A total of 667 lots minimum are targeted to be regularised in Region Ten in the year of 2025,” Minister Croal said.

He also noted that a minimum of 95 lots in Region Two are also set to be regularised in communities like Lima Sands, Paradise Jip and Walton Hall.

In Region Three, 59 lots in Plantation Best Reserve will also be regularised and 57 lots from Region Six in Belvedere North and Hampshire.

Meanwhile, in 2024, a total of 583 lots from six squatter settlements were allocated, primarily in the following areas: Region Three in areas like Plantation De Willem, Barnwell, and Philadelphia; Plantation De Endragt and Prosperity (Barnwell North) in Region Four and Conception Fitz Hope in Region Ten.

Additionally, a total of 258 households were relocated to wholesome communities in 2024 due to their occupancy of zero-tolerance areas.

Going forward in 2025, Croal reiterated that the regularisation programme prioritises the security and legal ownership of land for citizens.

He also reminded citizens that no new squatting areas will be recognised.

“When we squat or when we occupy a land – one, obviously you don’t have ownership, you won’t have access to legal utility services, security of tenure is not assured because the future of you and whoever else is occupying those areas illegally can be dealt with and likewise your children’s future is not secured,” Croal stated.

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For 2024, the Pediatric Medicine Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) admitted 1,319 children, aged 29 days to under 13 years old, and found that pneumonia was the leading cause of illness with 370 cases.

This was followed by sickle cell disease and anemia at 172 cases; neurological conditions at 120, and blood cancers at 83.

Dr Sara Singh heads the Pediatrics Department at GPHC which is structured into four key areas. These are the Pediatric Medicine Ward, Pediatric Critical Care, the Outpatient Clinic, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Dr. Singh shared some statistics recently at an end-of-year press conference at the hospital’s Resource Centre on New Market Street, Georgetown.

According to her, the Outpatient Clinic, which includes walk-in services as well as specialised follow up care clinics, saw 11,234 visits for 2024; 9,244 at the walk in clinic and 1,990 at the special clinics.

“These numbers reflect the trust that parents have placed in our pediatric team and attest to the quality of care that they receive at GPHC,” Singh commented.

In 2024, 194 pediatric patients were admitted across the Pediatric High Dependence Unit, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and the Adult ICU.

“Due to nurse staffing limitations, we still rely on the Adult ICU for the admissions of a number of cases,” Singh disclosed.

In 2025, she said her department aims to further reduce the backlog of pediatric cardiac interventions that are needed, along with enhancing pediatric hematologic cancer services.

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Guyana will see bauxite production increase by 400,000 tonnes this year due to the massive government interventions in the sector.

In 2024, bauxite production increased by 250,000 tonnes, according to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

During a live broadcast on Sunday, the president said the sector collapsed during the previous government’s tenure due to mismanagement.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

Between 2014 and 2020, the sector experienced a 40 per cent slump in production that led to the decline of half of its workforce being put out of a job.

The president emphasised that these job losses primarily affected residents of Region Ten, an area historically known as an opposition stronghold.

“Since the PPP/Civic assumed office, a number of steps were taken by our government to reduce costs, broaden product range, and increase production because that was the important thing for us. We had to build back the sector,” he said.

The Guyanese leader continued, “At the end of 2024, we had an increase of 250,000 tonnes. And this year, we’re looking at a further increase of 400,000 tonnes. Our exports for 2024 are projected at US$163 million.”

One of Guyana’s mining areas

President Ali stated that additional investment by BOSAI Mineral Group will also result in a drastic hike in production.

“This bauxite company also undertook to construct a $470 million aluminum plant. They’ve made a commitment that with expanded production and the cost of energy coming down, they are looking at the expansion and building of an aluminum plant in the future,” he added.

With over 500 employees added to the sector in 2024, President Ali said another 500 jobs will be added this year as the industry recovers.

One of Guyana’s mining areas

“In addition to this, the company is working to reduce energy costs by installing a solar system. And of course, we have worked consistently with the company to protect their rights and improve the conditions of service for the workers in these mining companies,” the head of state stated.

President Ali pledged that his administration will continue to formulate policies, create opportunities and incentives to foster growth and boost production for small, medium-sized and large scale producers and operators (Republished from the Department of Public Information) 

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Legendary former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd believes that plans to make Test cricket a two-tier system will signal the end to one of the world’s most iconic sports teams, the West Indies.

Under the proposals to split the international game’s 12 full member nations into two, which will be discussed by ICC chairman Jay Shah and representatives from Australia, India, and England later this month, the regional side that has produced cricketers like Sir Garfield Sobers and Brian Lara would celebrate its 100th anniversary as a Test team in 2028 as part of the B-tier of the game’s longest format.

First reported by Australian newspaper The Age, consideration is being given to revamping the nine-team WTC into one of two divisions, a 7-5 reworking starting in the summer of 2027.

Lloyd believes that move would eventually result in the disbanding of the West Indies, arguing that any drop in revenue may encourage the bigger islands to go it alone.

“You can imagine them talking about dismantling the West Indies teams and playing as their own (islands),” Lloyd said.

Sir Clive Lloyd

Lloyd, 80, captained West Indies when they went 27 Test matches unbeaten in the 1980s, culminating in a then record winning streak of 11 in 1984 with six victories against Australia sandwiching five against England.

Things are much different now for the regional side, languishing eighth in the Test rankings and at the bottom of the WTC.

“We were the cash cows for a lot of people over the years,” Lloyd said.

“We worked hard for what we achieved, and only had 5million people. India have got a billion and a quarter. Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, they all have more people but look at what we achieved. We have a great history, and now you’re going to tell us, because of a monetary situation, this is how it’s going to be,” Lloyd added.

This is not the first time the two-tier Test system has been proposed, but the ‘big three’ of England, Australia and India are now more than ever keen to maximize television revenue.

December’s Boxing Day Test between Australia and India attracted a record aggregate attendance of over 373,000.

Playing each other twice every three years instead of twice every four from 2027, when the next cycle of rights begins, would result in revenue spikes from gate receipts, TV and sponsorship.

Unfortunately, it would leave the Windies and the other have-nots playing loss-making fixtures.

“We wouldn’t be able to produce the type of cricket we have produced over the years,” Lloyd said.

“You can only improve against better opposition. The better system would be to give all teams the same amount of money so they can improve,” he added. (SportsMax)

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Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ‘A’ has emerged victorious in the inaugural ‘Maid Marian Wheat Up’ Women’s Football Championship.

They triumphed over their fellow GDF B team with a decisive 7-1 victory in the final match, at the National Training Centre in Providence.

Sandra Johnson stole the spotlight with a stellar performance, netting a hat-trick. Glendy Lewis further solidified the win with two goals, while Jalade Trim and Patsy Walker each contributed one goal. Ashanti Horsham managed a solitary goal for GDF FC Team B.

GDF FC Team A’s triumph wasn’t just about the trophy. They were awarded the coveted $500,000 cash prize for their first-place finish.

GDF FC Team B secured a respectable second place and $300,000, while Guyana Police Force FC clinched third place, taking home $150,000.

Fruta Conquerors FC finished fourth, earning $50,000.

The tournament wasn’t just about team success – individual brilliance was celebrated as well. Glendy Lewis was crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her outstanding performances throughout the competition.

Jalade Trim’s impressive 17 goals throughout the tournament secured her the Most Goals Award.

Ruth George’s exceptional defensive skills earned her the Best Goalkeeper Award, having conceded only one goal during the entire competition.

The GFF President, Wayne Forde, acknowledged the tournament’s significance for women’s football in Guyana.

He highlighted the importance of partnerships in fostering growth and emphasized the continuous journey of women’s football development under his administration.

“The Maid Marian Wheat Up Women’s Cup has provided a vital platform for our talented female athletes,” Mr. Forde said.

“We are committed to building on this success and ensuring that women’s football receives the recognition it deserves.”

The tournament wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable support of sponsors. Mr. Fitzroy McLeod, Finance Controller of NAMILCO, the title sponsor, expressed his company’s honour in supporting the initiative.

He emphasized the power of sport to inspire and empower, acknowledging the immense potential showcased by female athletes in the tournament.

Anita Lall, Marketing Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc., another key sponsor, echoed these sentiments. “We believe in the power of sport to shape the future,” she stated.

“We are thrilled to have shared in this venture and hope it fostered friendships, valuable life lessons, and athletic growth.”

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Currently, just about five per cent of Guyana’s energy needs are met by renewable resources but this is set to increase dramatically in the coming years, according to Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips.

“It is just about five per cent of our energy needs at this point as I speak but that is going to increase tremendously over the next year…2025/ 2026,” the Prime Minister said at a press engagement on Monday.

He highlighted, “Soon we will be signing another one for a 15 megawatt (MW) solar farm in Region 10.

“The government always has the intentions of doing more but everything needs to be financed, you need to have money to finance those projects, we are at a stage now where we have an increase in revenue from the oil stream and as we promised the people of Guyana, we will use this revenue to improve the lives and livelihood of the people.”

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips with other officials at the end-of-year engagement (Photo: OPM/ January 7, 2025)

Key achievements in renewable energy in 2024 include the commissioning of the Moco Moco hydropower plant in Region Nine.

The 0.7 MW Moco Moco hydropower plant was commissioned in December 2024. And soon, the Kumu 1.5 MW hydropower plant will also be commissioned. Together, these plants will add 2.2 MW of hydropower to the grid, benefiting Moco Moco, Kumu, Quarrie, and surrounding communities. These hydropower plants are expected to reduce fuel costs and improve power reliability.

Then there is the 0.67 MW solar farm that was commissioned in Bartica, Region Seven.

“It is the first of its kind there and they put at least 0.65 megawatts into the grid,” Minister of the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar stated.

Indar has oversight of the energy sector within the Office of the Prime Minister. He was also at Monday’s press engagement.

Indar further revealed that significant progress was made with the 30,000 solar home systems programme last year.

With the solar systems distributed to dozens of households, some 4.8 megawatts of power were able to save 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This programme has transformed access to energy in hinterland regions.

“When we say that we are going to bring power and development for everybody it is here,” Minister Indar stated.

He further revealed that a six MW solar PV farm in Leguan, valued at $292 million, is set to be commissioned by April 2025 while the US$2.3 million 750 kilowatt solar farm in Wakenaam will be operational by late January 2025.

Already, contracts have been signed for solar farms in Berbice and Essequibo, with plans for a 15 MW solar farm in Region 10.

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Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips highlighted significant achievements for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) for 2024, including a substantial increase in electricity generation capacity and improvements to infrastructure.

Total generation capacity rose from 207 megawatts (MW) to 267 MW by the end of 2024, Prime Minister Phillips revealed during a review of the sector on Monday.

With a current peak demand of 205 MW, the country now has excess capacity to supply electricity, maintain a spinning reserve, and support future growth, the Prime Minister stated.

“In 2024 alone we have increased the capacity by 124 megawatts,” he highlighted at an end-of-year press conference.

Key additions to the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), Guyana’s main power grid, included 28 MW at the Columbia station, 37 MW from the first power ship in Berbice, and 60 MW from the second power ship in Demerara.

Additionally, new households began getting power from GPL. Some 153 households in Crabwood Creek; 500 households in Samville, Soesdyke/Linden Highway and 259 other households joined the DBIS.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who was also at Monday’s engagement, said GPL has worked to ensure the reliable supply of power.

However, Indar noted that many of the utility company’s engines had exceeded their scheduled maintenance hours due to increased demand.

“Some of them have gone past the running hours, I saw one at Vreed-en-Hoop – 4000 hours. Please recall that we could not have taken these engines off, they were needed to generate power because we did not have enough capacity to match the massive growing demands of the country,” Indar explained.

Nevertheless, meetings were held with GPL to implement a schedule for engine repairs and ensure adequate generating capacity during maintenance.

Indar assured that Guyana’s power generation is sufficient for the foreseeable future, with proper management and scheduling of engine repairs. He revealed that efforts are underway to enhance the transmission network to handle bulk power transfer.

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