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As part of a comprehensive process of distributing the $100,000 cash grant, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Tuesday said persons must have their photo taken during the registration process.

“We are not of course compelling anybody to have their picture taken, they do have the option not to have your picture taken but if you do exercise your right to not have your picture taken, you will not be registered,” Dr Singh told reporters at the sidelines of an event at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

BREAKING: $100K for every citizen above 18 as Gov’t revises previous measure aimed at households

He further explained the process for the grant involves four key steps.

The first is registration where schedules will be published for every community, detailing dates, times, and locations.

A technical team equipped with pre-programmed tablets will visit communities nationwide to capture data electronically. Citizens are urged to look out for the schedules specific to their areas.

The second step once registered will be verification to eliminate duplication and ensure validation of the citizen registered.

This step, Dr Singh explained, is being expedited through an app designed to scan ID cards.

After verification, cheques will be issued to eligible recipients.

The fourth step will be the distribution of the cheques at the centres where persons would have registered.

The Finance Minister assured citizens that efforts are being made to ensure the process runs as quickly as possible. Public servants will be registered through ministries, while private-sector employees and homemakers will be registered in their communities.

A request for $30 billion was made to the National Assembly on Monday by Dr. Singh. This is part of the $84.5 billion supplementary funding.

Asked about the timeline for everyone to receive the grant, the minister responded “Our aim is to capture as many people as possible.”

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West Indies won their first Test at home in two-and-a-half years when they beat Bangladesh in the first Test in Antigua by 201 runs.

The visitors’ chase of 334 was brought to a close at 132-9 on the fifth morning, just an over after Alzarri Joseph struck No. 11 Shoriful Islam on the back of his shoulder.

The Bangladesh physio didn’t clear Shoriful to continue his innings, thus bringing the curtains down on the game as Shoriful retired hurt.

The hosts took seven overs to wrap things up on Tuesday. Alzarri removed Hasan Mahmud for a duck, as he was caught behind to an away-going delivery, before Jaker Ali fell lbw for 31. Jaker struck four boundaries in his 58-ball stay.

Alzarri, however, continued to pepper Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam with bouncers, while the West Indies fielders also took turns in sledging the Bangladesh tailenders.

It is possible that like in the first innings, when Bangladesh had declared 181 runs behind West Indies, they decided to not continue in their second dig, fearing about their lower-order batters getting injured due to the short-ball barrage.

While the Bangladesh tail predictably folded quickly on the fifth morning, their specialist batters offered very little fight when they had started their chase on the fourth afternoon.

Zakir Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell in the first four overs, as Kemar Roach got Zakir bowled off the inside edge, similar to how Zakir had got out in the first innings.

Mahmudul, too, did a similar thing, getting out like he did in the first innings, as he edged to the slips after chasing a slightly wide delivery.

Roach had then removed Shahadat Hossain with a delivery that cut through the batter, kissing his gloves as he tried to get out of the way of the big inswinger.

Mominul Haque, who had survived two dropped catches off Shamar Joseph, gave Roach his third wicket via a return catch.

Shamar suffered two more dropped catches off his bowling, before he had Litton Das caught at fine leg.

Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz kept fighting despite his troubles against the short ball by making 45.

Jayden Seales got him caught behind, with Joshua Da Silva taking an excellent catch. Seales then cleaned Taijul Islam up, before bad light stopped play on the fourth evening.

But it was West Indies’ batters who set the Test up, as the hosts declared at 450 for 9 in the first innings.

Justin Greaves reached his maiden hundred during a patient 140-run eighth-wicket stand with Roach, who made his highest Test score of 47. They rescued the West Indies from 261 for 7 on the second morning.

Bangladesh had somewhat recovered after Mikyle Louis and Alick Athanaze, who got out in the nineties on the first day, had also added 140 runs for the fourth wicket.

Bangladesh replied with similar watchfulness, though they neither had a big partnership nor a big individual knock.

Jaker and Mominul made half-centuries, while Litton scored 40. Jaker and Taijul added 68 for the seventh wicket, and that helped the visitors avoid the follow-on.

They surprised West Indies on the fourth morning by declaring on 269 for 9, despite being behind by 181 runs.

Taskin then ran through the West Indies line-up, taking career-best figures of 6 for 64, also his first five-for in Tests.

Bangladesh’s bowlers provided hope by bowling West Indies out for 152, but their batters continued their year-long struggle with this Test. (ESPNcricinfo)

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On Monday, November 25, 2024, in Nassau, Bahamas, Guyana and the Bahamas signed an open skies Air Services Agreement to promote and facilitate airlines to operate air services between the two countries, as well as other countries.

Signing the Agreement on behalf of the Bahamas was Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and for Guyana, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works.

In addition to the standard articles of Grant of Rights; Designation and Authorisation; User Charges; Recognition of Certificates and Licenses; Pricing; Commercial Activities; Fair Competition, inter alia, Minister Edghill said “this Agreement is promoting open market access for airlines to operate unimpeded in terms of capacity and frequency of flights between our two countries and third countries”.

Minister Edghill further noted that the agreement is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to connecting Guyana with the rest of the world and it is anticipated that Bahamas Air will soon add destination Guyana to its regional network.

Consistent with the government’s model of open skies agreements, the Agreement facilitates acceptance of the Principal Place of Business as a means of designating an airline in contrast to the traditional restrictive requirement of substantial ownership and effective control by nationals of either country. This means that the airlines could benefit from foreign share capital and investment once they establish their main economic and operating base in either the Bahamas or Guyana. The Principal Place of Business condition for airline designation is now a common inclusion in Air Services Agreements and creates a very advantageous position for small States with limited capital or financial resources.

Presently, there are no direct flights between Guyana and the Bahamas. However, this Agreement puts in place the legal framework that opens market access for airlines to operate and enhance competitive air transport services, trade, and economic growth between the two countries.

The Agreement complements the more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has established with other ICAO States to develop air connectivity among States.

Guyana and The Bahamas established diplomatic relations on July 10, 1973 (Ministry of Public Works press release)

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The National Assembly on Monday passed amendments to the Deceased Persons Estate Administration Act to allow better access to monies left by deceased persons.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC presented the bill for its second reading at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday, where it received unanimous support.

The minister said that this intervention stems from consultations with the general public and other stakeholders such as the Bar Association of Guyana.

Under the current legislation, when a person dies, their assets become part of their estate. To manage and distribute these assets, a legal process is typically required. If the deceased person left a will, an executor must apply for probate to oversee the estate according to the will’s instructions.

In the absence of a will, a person must apply for letters of administration to manage and distribute the estate.

“Our law, prior to 2022, provided that without letters of administration or probate, one of the authorised persons could have gone to a bank where the deceased had an account and had money in it, but could have only withdrawn $250. When this act was passed nearly 100 years ago, $250 was a substantial sum of money,” AG Nandlall explained.

However, historically, smaller estates were subject to the same costly administrative processes as larger ones.

To alleviate this burden, in 2022, the government increased the threshold to $750,000. This allowed beneficiaries to access up to $750,000 from bank accounts without the need for letters of administration.

This 2024 amendment now takes it a step further, simplifying the process for beneficiaries and allowing them to access funds more quickly and efficiently.

“This amendment is simply intended to expand the category of places to as wide as possible, moving it from the narrow focus of a bank account to anywhere else,” the AG noted.

This amendment now includes credit unions, co-op society, the National Insurance Scheme, and other holdings.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr explained that the amendment will alleviate the financial burden on many families by eliminating the need for legal fees, funeral costs, or other unexpected expenses associated with the loss of a loved one

“This bill comes from the grassroots of all of our immediate and direct engagements with people. In situations where the death is unexpected, especially when the other person is in a vulnerable situation, they must be able to have access to the means to support themselves in the interim, if for example they have to get letters of administration or a probate,” he said (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Competing for the first time since he migrated to the USA a few months ago, Guyana’s squat gold medallist at the 2023 World Sub-Junior and Junior Championships, Romeo Hunter has continued to prove that he is a top class athlete.

Competing at the Load The Kilos Classic in Houston, Texas, on Sunday last with the blessings of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation, the 18 year-old Hunter, with a bodyweight of 74.48kg, captured a gold and bronze competing in the 83kg Men’s Raw Sub-Junior and Open classes.

Despite being the lightest competitor in the 83kg weight class, Hunter proved again that he can dominate his Sub-Junior peers and even opted to compete with the big guys in the Open category and proved that he can finish on the podium even amongst the big guys.

Romeo Hunter (right) made the step up with the big boys and earned himself a medal

His lifts of Squat: 265kg, Bench Press: 157.5kg, Deadlift: 240kg and Total: 662.5kg was good enough for the Sub-Junior gold medal and the Open bronze medal.

Initially, Hunter had planned to enter the 74kg category, but because most of the competitors were in the 83kg division on competition day, he decided to face the bulk of the rivalry.

Hunter said he was pleased with his accomplishment and will continue to train consistently as he will be representing the Golden Arrowhead in 2025 on the world stage once again where he has unfinished business.

Meanwhile, the GAPLF will be hosting its Senior Championships on Sunday December 8, at St. Stanislaus College Auditorium where exciting action is set to unfold as the Federation brings the curtains down on another successful year for the sport.

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All-rounder Sherfane Rutherford will get the opportunity to shine on T20 franchise cricket’s biggest stage once again after being picked up by the Gujarat Giants on Monday’s second day of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) Mega Auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Rutherford, who entered the auction with a base price of US$182,000, was the subject of an intense bidding war between the Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.

The Indians started the bidding at US$243,000 before the Titans countered with a bid of US$268,000.

Mumbai responded with a bid of US$292,000 before the Titans returned with a winning bid of US$317,000.

Rutherford made ten appearances in the IPL, seven for the Delhi Capitals in 2019 and three for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022, scoring 106 runs in nine innings at an average of 15.14.

He has also previously been part of the Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Other West Indians selected on day two include Romario Shepherd, who the Royal Challengers Bangalore snapped up for US$182,000, and West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell, who went to the Kolkata Knight Riders for the same price.

The Lucknow Super Giants exercised their right to match the Mumbai Indians bid of US$91,000 for pacer Shamar Joseph.

Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Akeal Hosein, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase all went unsold.

Nicholas Pooran (US$2, 500,000), Sunil Narine (US$1,400,000), Andre Russell (US$1,400,000), and Shimron Hetmyer (US$1,300,000) were previously retained by the respective franchises. (SportsMax) 

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The second Hope and Justice Centre opened its doors to comprehensively serve the public on Monday at Vergenoegen, Region Three.

The centre was built with financial aid from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and boasts of the country’s first-ever forensic interview unit. It offers a plethora of services like the one at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

While at the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said that the new facility which is much larger than the first creates the foundation for a just, and equitable society where no one will be left behind.

It will complement the holistic programmes and policies that the government, through the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Human Services and Social Security, have since put in place to tackle violence within society such as the Family Violence Act.

With the aim of establishing such centre in each region, Prime Minister Phillips added that they will serve as a voice for the voiceless and protection for those who may be in danger.

“These centres will be sanctuaries of hope and citadels of justice for those who feel trapped in darkness. They will be safe havens for the vulnerable and a stepping stone for the determined. Most importantly they will be symbols of our commitment to a justice system that serves everyone,” the prime minister stressed.

He added that the government will continue to ensure that a broader reform agenda is established that seeks to make justice more accessible, compassionate, and effective.

Meanwhile, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, noted that while the centre will cater to those that are suffering from violence. It will also add to the reform programme by reducing the intake of the prison population.

According to the minister, the centre will be a key point for serving both the victims and perpetrators as it consists several services.

“This centre is intended to provide a platform and a forum where a person can come and access a number of services. You come to this centre and there will be a doctor, a policeman, a social worker, and a lawyer. Most importantly a victim will have a place to stay for a short while if they don’t have anywhere to go until legal steps are taken,” the attorney general stated.

Additionally, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud said that the new centre defines the government’s commitment to ending gender-based violence in the country.

She added that the centre will go far beyond domestic cases with the new unit that has been set up.

“For the first time in the history of our country, we also have a state-owned and operated forensic interview unit in Region Three. This means that the backlog of cases in child abuse will be dealt with the right way,” Minister Persaud disclosed.

The centre will also serve those residents living in Region Two in the interim until one is built in the area.

IDB’s Chief of Operations to Guyana, Ivan Alonzo Gaviria stressed the bank’s continuous effort to support the government of Guyana on such major initiatives.

The new facility was commissioned in keeping with the 16 days of activism which began on Monday. The 16 days are dedicated to eradicating violence against women and girls.

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Another landmark legislation to advance Guyana’s transition to a digital economy was on Monday passed in the National Assembly.

The Open Data Bill, which was presented by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, signals another critical step forward in the governance and utilisation of data for the benefit of Guyanese.

It provides for the use and administration of public data to facilitate transparency, effective governance and innovation in the use and administration of public data.

The ‘data’ outlined in the bill refers to any material in any form, including records, documents, electronic mails, press releases, logbooks, contracts, and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any law.

According to PM Phillips, the bill will work hand in hand with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and the Digital Identity Card Act.

“These laws form a comprehensive framework that balances the power of digital innovation with the protection of individual rights and privacy,” he said.

The prime minister also emphasised that the legislation aligns with international best practices, citing the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and the Open, Public, Electronic, and Necessary (OPEN) Government Data Act implemented in the United States.

“This bill will attract investment and enable our citizens to participate more fully in the digital economy. The passage of this bill reflects our determination to harness the power of data to drive national development and improve the lives of all Guyanese,” he said.

Outlining several features of the bill, PM Phillips explained that it provides for the designation of a Data Officer of each public authority. This officer would be responsible for data asset management, sharing and publication of data assets for the agency, among other key functions.

It also imposes an obligation on public authorities to maintain a data register in electronic form of all data assets created, collected, under the control or direction of, or maintained by that public authority.

Public authorities are also obligated to engage the public in the use of public data assets and encourage collaboration under the legislation.

The PM recognised the risks associated with making public data more accessible, but he explained that the bill addresses these concerns with several safeguards embedded in its clauses.

For instance, Clause 11 states that a public authority shall not publish any non-public data asset unless so authorised by any law.

Additionally, clause 15 prohibits officers, employees, and agents of public authorities from disclosing confidential information obtained through the authority’s data system or non-public data assets, unless legally required or permitted. Violation of this clause is punishable by a fine of five hundred thousand dollars and to imprisonment for six months.

“Moreover, the Open Data bill builds on the foundation of the Data Protection Act, which reinforces confidentiality and privacy safeguards,” the prime minister added.

The Data Protection Act, which holds 106 sections, more specifically addresses the intricacies of data privacy and safeguarding against the abuse of data, while the Open Data bill provides an overarching framework for the use of this data.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC said that the bill speaks to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision of making data more accessible.

“This will help the Ministry of Agriculture to make prudent decisions, it will help our farmers in terms of looking at weather patterns and determining what crops to plant, etc. It will allow our transportation sector to look at passenger trends,” he pointed out, noting that the value of open data cannot be understated.

Members of Parliament Sanjeev Datadin and Allister Charlie also voiced their support for the bill (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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West Indies are three wickets away from clinching the Antigua Test against Bangladesh. The visitors ended the fourth day on 109-7 after they were set a target of 334.

Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales led the way for the hosts with three wickets each, as Bangladesh’s specialist batters failed to put together a performance for the umpteenth time this year.

West Indies themselves couldn’t put up a bigger target after they were bowled out for 152 in the second innings. Taskin Ahmed got his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing up with 6-64.

This came on the back of Bangladesh’s surprise declaration on the fourth morning, despite being 181 runs behind West Indies’ first-innings total of 450-9.

Bangladesh’s batters, however, couldn’t repay their bowlers. Both their openers got out similarly to how they were dismissed in the first innings.

Zakir Hasan inside-edged Roach on to his stumps, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged Seales to third slip. Roach then set Shahadat Hossain up in the 11th over, getting the ball to seam away several times before bowling a booming inswinger.

The ball kissed Shahadat’s gloves as he tried to get out of the way, before Joshua Da Silva took the inside edge.

Shamar Joseph then saw two dropped catches in his first over, both of Mominul Haque. Da Silva dropped a chance down the leg side, before Mikyle Louis couldn’t hold on to a straightforward one at gully.

Mominul, however, couldn’t last long, as Roach took a superb caught and bowled from his drive in the next over.

But Shamar’s bad luck continued at the other end. Alick Athanaze dropped Mehidy Hasan Miraz at second slip, with the Bangladesh captain on 14.

Litton Das cut one uppishly, only for Seales to get a hand on it at backward point.

Shamar’s exasperation at having four catches dropped off his bowling, however, didn’t last too long. He had Litton caught at fine leg for 22 to reduce Bangladesh to 59-5 in the 18th over.

Mehidy was the only one fighting for Bangladesh, riding out the short-ball barrage, and keeping the scoreboard moving.

He made 45 off 46 balls with five fours and a six, before Seales got him caught behind, as Da Silva took a fine catch. Seales then clean bowled Taijul Islam as well.

West Indies’ morning had started with good fortune despite the declaration surprise. Shahadat, at first slip, dropped captain Kraigg Brathwaite on nine.

Next ball, Taskin slammed an inswinger into Louis’ front pad, but umpire Kumar Dharmasena said not out. Replays showed that the batter was plumb in front, but Bangladesh hadn’t taken the review.

Taskin, however, removed Louis in his next over when the opener was caught behind for 8. Taskin then had Keacy Carty caught at third slip, a further reward of his excellent line and length in his first spell.

Brathwaite then guided Shoriful Islam to second slip in the following over, as the visitors’ decision to declare got an early vindication.

Kavem Hodge and Alick Athanaze nearly got West Indies out of trouble. The pair struck eight fours either side of the lunch break, but just when they added 50 for the fourth wicket, Bangladesh struck three times in as many overs.

Taskin’s beautiful delivery that nipped slightly away had Hodge caught behind for 15. It was also Litton Das’ 100th catch in Tests.

Mehidy then removed Athanaze in the following over. He made 42 off 63 balls, with seven fours, but the young left-hander played a superfluous shot, struck on the back foot while trying to cut a ball that was spinning into him.

Then Taskin clipped Justin Greaves’ off stump with another fantastic delivery, as the first-innings centurion made just two in the second.

Alzarri Joseph immediately counterattacked against Taskin, and this time there were no verbal exchanges between the two.

Da Silva followed suit by getting two fours off Taskin’s next over. He struck Taijul for a straight six, but then the left-arm spinner got one to get big on Da Silva, who gave a catch to point.

Alzarri then holed out to short fine leg after top edging Mehidy. He had earlier survived a similar top edge, but Mominul had dropped a relatively difficult chance. Mominul had earlier also dropped Carty at short cover.

It was, however, all forgotten when Taskin yorked Shamar to complete his first five-for. He finished up the West Indies innings when Mehidy took a brilliant diving catch at mid-off, after Roach was deceived by a Taskin’s slower ball.

But Bangladesh’s batters couldn’t be inspired by their bowlers, as they crumbled on the fourth day. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Almost one year after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five servicemen including Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, a book is being written to honour his extraordinary life and legacy.

This was revealed during a memorial service attended by President Irfaan Ali, family members, friends, and colleagues. Charles was remembered for his contributions as a skilled pilot, dedicated serviceman, and hero.

Charles was killed in a horrific accident on December 7, 2023 when the Bell 412 helicopter he was piloting crashed in the jungles of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan reflected on the loss of not just Charles but four other servicemen: Brigadier Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Warrant Officer Jason Khan.

Mike Charles was killed in a horrific accident on December 7, 2023 when the Bell 412 helicopter he was piloting crashed in the jungles of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Brigadier Khan said, “All of us are touched differently but as the Chief of Defence Staff, I give the instruction for them to go on that mission, I have my moments to reflect on this and I know if I had to do it again, that instruction would still be issued because these are men in uniform, men that are committed to their duties.”

He expressed his gratitude for the service of Charles and the four others and highlighted that “a book is in the making because this man had served exceedingly well.”

Charles’ widow, Lolita Fernandes spoke movingly about his magnetic personality and infectious laugh.

“Though Mike is no longer with us in the body, his spirit lives on in each and every one of our hearts and in the countless lives he has touched throughout his lifetime,” Fernandes said.

President Irfaan Ali holds the young son of the late Mike Charles. Sitting next to him is Brigadier Omar Khan

She added that her touched many lives not just through his actions but “simply being his authentic self.”

She described Charles as an extraordinary pilot, avid photographer and one of the most patriotic and dedicated Guyanese.

“Mike was not tall in stature but he had a mighty spirit, his voice was powerful and he used to fight for what he believed in – truth, honesty and justice,” the woman said as she asked those gathered to honour his memory by continuing to spread the love and light he brought in their lives.

President Irfaan Ali

President Ali like many others spoke fondly about Charles and said he was a shining example of what it means to be truly committed to duty and country.

“Through his service he crisscrossed the country as a seasoned aviator and his videographer skills showcased the splendor of the country,” President Ali said.

Though humble in spirit, the Head of State added that Charles was mighty in heart.

“On this the first anniversary of the passing of Mike, it still finds us – the nation and the family – grappling with pain, grief and disbelief. Time may have passed but the void he left in our hearts remain profound.”

President Irfaan Ali embraces the mother of the late Mike Charles

President Ali said Mike has left a legacy that he sees other servicemen trying to embody.

“Today as they fly, they would take continuous images of the river banks, of the forests,” the President said while reflecting on Charles being described as the ‘eyes in the sky’ for the country’s rivers and forests.

Described as a hero the Guyana Defence Force, President Ali said the loss of Charles was not just personal to his family but the entire nation.

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