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Dear Editor,
I have witnessed some ‘lows’ in my lifetime thus far, but this ‘takes the cake.’ I refer here to the general opposition in Guyana, particularly the We Invest in Nation (WIN) party, and their chronic behaviour in attempting to distort just about everything. Just a mere glancing at their approach showcases their unharnessed carping and kvetching. I am shocked that the “… planned social media regulations that will be implemented for children, for their (own) safety…” is being attacked. Under the aegis of Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, and in his words, it is an attempt “… to make the issue seem like a negative thing (and truly) it is merely them pulling at straws.”
Editor, I expect the WIN party to at least be on top of issues that are of global concern in this rapidly evolving cyber age that we are all caught up in. WIN should appoint a qualified, eager, and well-paid professional to follow issues that are trending.
Let me educate this quasi-political coterie, led by Azruddin Mohamed. It is time for the lot to be informed that what the ever-alert and noble AG is attempting to do is all about safe-guarding our children. In being informed and proactive, he is hoping not only to deter criminality against our juniors, but also to pre-empt scavengers of all sorts from invading and destroying Guyana’s greatest asset, that is our children. WIN must know by now (I hope) that cybercrimes of all sorts against children are surging globally, with online child sexual exploitation, sexual extortion, and enticement reaching record highs. The crisis is so rapidly outpacing the regulatory and safety measures of digital platforms, that urgency to protectively act is in a state of emergency.
Universally, governments are increasingly mandating social media protections for minors, even shifting the responsibility onto technology companies to ensure digital safety. For example, in Canada, lawmakers introduced the proposed Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34), which requires platforms to enforce a minimum age of 16 for accounts unless they implement strict regulatory safeguards.
Look at Australia, where there was the passing of legislation enforcing a minimum age of 16 for major social media platforms. For more on this kind of thing, I advise that WIN trace the European Union countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Greece, where they are all are advancing national regulations, with EU-wide age verification policies under consideration. I add that UNICEF keeps emphasizing the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms and consulting young people on the rules that govern their online environments.
Readers, I am all the way with Nandlall. He “… has assured the general public that there are no ulterior motives behind the planned social media regulations that will be implemented for children, stressing that it is merely for their safety.” This is what I have just delineated. I can posit no reason for opposing, or even questioning this most important introduction into our legal framework. Indeed, as he pointed out in ‘Issues in the News’, “… the initiative is devoid of any disadvantage because children will still have social media access it is just that it will be managed.”
He removed the fear of a ‘ban’ that will preclude the positives of social media for children by explaining that “They will continue to have access to educational programmes but they will NOT have access to pornography, and what they have access to will depend upon their age.” I ask is this a case of “… the government being uncomfortable with what happens on Facebook?” No way.
Honestly, and like the AG pointed out, good and caring adults are certainly not pleased with ‘every single thing’ that is seen on Facebook. We are inundated with the immoral and illegal, and seem to have no conscience to pique, nor sensibilities to offend. But we do have a governmental responsibility to create a conducive and salutary environment for our young people. The government therefore must not be remiss in the area.
(Look WIN and followers of WIN). Please be informed and educated, even if you do not want to be caring. The AG, like I just did, has proffered evidence of what is obtaining in the global village of today’s world. Cyber age is about compressing all of us into a single space, but that does not mean we cannot isolate and insulate ourselves for our own good. As per the United Nations, the leaders have already produced a model legislation which 177 countries have already signed on to, so regulating social media for children is not something that is going to happen it is already here. Guyana must follow suit immediately.
It is quite commendable that through the AG, the Government of Guyana has (already) written to various platforms seeking to establish a formal institutional relationship with them, so that censorship can be affected. The General Secretary of CARICOM, I add has confirmed that the entire Caribbean Community is on board on this matter.
Afterall, Children must be protected on social media to shield them from severe risks like cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and exposure to harmful content that drives mental health issues. WIN should get on board.
Yours truly,
Hargesh B. Singh

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…new Chair calls for deeper CSME integration, stronger transport links

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) opened its 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St Lucia on Sunday with outgoing Chairman, Prime Minister (PM) of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Drew, urging regional leaders to continue placing the interests of the Caribbean above national differences, while incoming Chairman, St Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre, committed to making Caricom more responsive to the everyday needs of Caribbean people. Addressing the opening ceremony, Drew reflected on his six-month tenure as Chairman of the 15-member regional bloc, saying Caricom had emerged stronger despite challenges and that the organisation’s future depends on preserving unity and strengthening regional cooperation. He reminded fellow Heads of Government that disagreements are inevitable but should never be allowed to undermine the regional integration movement. “There will always be difficult issues before the community. There will always be spirited debates. There will always be differing perspectives. That is natural. It must be expected, but it is also healthy. What must never become natural, however, is allowing those differences to weaken the institution that has served our people so well,” Drew said. He urged leaders to protect and modernise Caricom while resolving disputes through patience, consultation and dialogue. “Our responsibility is to protect this community, improve it where necessary, modernise it where appropriate, but never, ever lose sight of its immense value to our people,” he told regional leaders. Thanking his colleagues for their support throughout his chairmanship, Drew praised them for consistently putting the interests of the wider Caribbean ahead of individual national priorities.

“I want to say thank you. Thank you for your friendship, thank you for your wisdom, and thank you for your trust. Thank you for your willingness to place the interests of the Caribbean above our individual interests.” Describing his tenure as one of the greatest honours of his public life, Drew said Caricom remains indispensable to the region’s future. “It is indispensable to our security. It is indispensable to our economic prosperity. It is indispensable to our voice in international affairs. Most importantly, it is indispensable to the future of Caribbean people.” He said that while some had questioned Caricom’s resilience six months ago, the focus should now be on building an even stronger regional community. “I leave this chairmanship convinced of one enduring truth: unity and togetherness is not simply our highest ideal. It is our greatest strategic advantage.” Drew also highlighted several accomplishments during his tenure, including continued progress on reparatory justice through Caricom’s revised Ten-Point Plan, stronger regional collaboration in health, education and human development, and continued support for creative industries, migration initiatives and workforce development. He noted that the Community had strengthened cooperation on non-communicable diseases, health emergencies and the education of nurses and midwives while advancing programmes to equip young people with skills recognised throughout the region.
The outgoing chairman also pointed to the work of regional institutions, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the Regional Security System (RSS), saying these organisations quietly deliver benefits to Caribbean citizens every day. He said Trinidad and Tobago’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demonstrated the value of Caribbean solidarity, noting that the country’s campaign benefited significantly from the united support of Caricom member states. “When Caricom stands behind one of its own, our collective voice commands respect on the world stage,” Drew said.

Trade imbalances
Turning to regional trade, Drew acknowledged that trade imbalances still exist among member states but argued that intra-regional commerce continues to strengthen Caribbean economies by supporting businesses, workers and families throughout the region. He encouraged leaders to continue strengthening productive sectors while maintaining the broader objective of collective regional growth. Drew also paid tribute to Caricom Secretary-General (SG) Dr Carla Barnett and the Secretariat, commending their professionalism and commitment to implementing the decisions of Heads of Government while maintaining the Secretariat’s impartiality. He then formally handed over the chairmanship to St Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre.

What more can Caricom do?
Assuming the role of Caricom Chairman on July 1, Pierre said he takes office at a time when the Caribbean is facing geopolitical tensions, rising living costs, climate change, technological disruption and growing security concerns. He said Caricom must now move “from conference rooms to communities, from rhetoric to reality, from communiqués to results.” “Our people are asking a serious and legitimate question, what more can Caricom do for me?” Pierre said.
“The question is not an attack on this community, but a genuine appeal for solutions.” Pierre said every major regional decision should be measured by one standard—whether it improves the lives of Caribbean people. “It is not enough for us to agree on principle; we must implement in practice. It is not enough for us to speak of integration; we must make integration work for the ordinary citizen.”
He identified unity as the foundation of his chairmanship, warning that regional divisions only weaken Caricom’s influence internationally. “The world has often benefited from Caribbean disunity. Larger powers and larger markets can more easily engage a divided Caribbean than a united one. But when the Caribbean speaks with one voice, when we act together, when we negotiate as a bloc, our collective influence is far greater.” Pierre pledged to ensure that every member state feels heard and represented. “Every voice counts. Every nation matters. Every citizen must be able to see themselves reflected in the work of Caricom.”
He also identified citizen security as one of the Community’s most urgent priorities, pointing to violent crime, illicit firearms trafficking, organised criminal networks, cybercrime, gang activity and weaknesses within criminal justice systems as shared regional challenges. “No member state can address these challenges alone,” Pierre said, calling for stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies and greater investment in education, employment, sports, culture and community development to address the root causes of crime. Climate change also featured prominently in Pierre’s address as he renewed Caricom’s call for climate justice and greater international support for vulnerable Caribbean states. He said Caricom would continue advocating for fair access to climate financing, loss and damage support, debt relief linked to climate vulnerability and reforms to international financial systems that better reflect the realities facing small island developing states. Pierre also reaffirmed Caricom’s full support for Guyana’s bid to host the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP35) in 2030.

Deeper implementation
On economic matters, he called for deeper implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), greater regional transportation links, expanded agricultural production and stronger food security to reduce the region’s dependence on imported food. The incoming chairman also highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, saying Caricom must develop a harmonised regional approach to AI while ensuring Caribbean workers are equipped with the skills needed for emerging industries. Youth development, he added, must remain central to Caricom’s agenda, stressing that young people expect regional integration to create jobs, improve entrepreneurship opportunities and make free movement easier across member states.

New associate membership
Meanwhile, Caricom also announced an expansion of its Associate Membership with the formal accession of Martinique. The French overseas territory officially became Caricom’s seventh Associate Member on June 16, 2026, after the Government of the French Republic deposited the required Instrument of Accession, allowing the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of Caricom to enter into force. Martinique is participating in the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, which runs in St Lucia from July 5 to July 8.

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Dear Editor,
Governments are chosen by the people of that country and not the other way around where a party chooses itself and stays in power ad infinitum. This has been the position ever since the advent of democracy, where the masses choose who govern them, or in other words from the mass of people a government is chosen, this is the formula that has stood the test of time. A true labelling of the process is “A government is of the people” and one that governs “For the benefit of the people of that jurisdiction, it is a Universal Law that transcends every political jurisdiction known to man. When this ceases to exist then dictatorship takes over, and the state becomes mired in conflict, similar to what we experienced here in Guyana.
No person, or party should be in power/office except that mandate originates from the people, simply put a people choose who governs them. So, when President Ali made the statement that “The Guyanese Government stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba, as it welcomes a sustainable solution to the economic and humanitarian challenges that country faces.” He goes on to say, “A resolution to the current situation must be based on the will of the Cuban People and based on universal values, the rule of law, transparency and good governance.” These words clearly enunciates the principles that governs us as a people in the regional family, however, it is a sad picture when these principles are not upheld for one reason or the other. Some Caribbean heads get dicey when certain countries are brought under the microscope, at the present moment they are up in arms against the utterances of Guyana’s President calling him one that is aligned to the dictates of the United States.
But is this so? And the answer is a resounding no.
So, Guyana would like for Cuba the freedom of choice of government in just the same way we longed for democracy to return to our country. We, had to wage a valiant battle to get rid of that albatross of rigged elections and PNC rule in Guyana, for twenty eight years we languished in the dumps waiting for that day to come. When that day came we welcomed it with open arms, and has since moved full speed ahead with our development.
This is our wish for a fellow Caribbean Territory to get into the future of development where people’s voice as well as their votes must be counted, Cuba needs this now!
Respectfully,
Neil Adams

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By Dr Tariq Jagnarine

Fam Med, Endocrinology, Diabetes

Food nourishes our bodies, supports growth, strengthens immunity, and helps prevent disease. However, when food is improperly handled, it can become a source of harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins that may lead to serious illness. Safe food handling is, therefore, not just a kitchen responsibility but an essential public health practice.

Why food safety matters
According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 600 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in an estimated 420,000 deaths worldwide. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to severe illness.
Foodborne diseases can cause:
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Kidney failure in severe cases
• Long-term complications such as arthritis or nerve damage
Common germs responsible include:
• Salmonella
• Escherichia coli (E coli)
• Campylobacter
• Listeria
• Norovirus

The four principles of safe food handling
1. Keep clean
Clean hands, utensils, and food preparation surfaces before handling food.
Always:
• Wash hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food.
• Wash hands after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, pets, or using the toilet.
• Clean cutting boards, knives, and countertops after each use.
• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or cooking.
Remember that many harmful bacteria are invisible and cannot be detected by smell or appearance.
2. Separate raw and cooked foods
Cross-contamination is one of the leading causes of food poisoning.
To prevent it:
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.
• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
• Never place cooked food back onto a plate that previously held raw meat.
• Use separate utensils whenever possible.
3. Cook food thoroughly
Proper cooking destroys most harmful microorganisms.
General recommendations include:
• Poultry: at least 74°C (165°F)
• Ground meat: at least 71°C (160°F)
• Fish: cook until opaque and flakes easily
• Eggs: cook until both the yolk and white are firm
When reheating leftovers, ensure they reach at least 74°C (165°F).
4. Keep food at safe temperatures
Bacteria grow rapidly between 5°C and 60°C, often called the “danger zone”.
Safe practices include:
• Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of cooking.
• In very hot weather, refrigerate within one hour.
• Keep refrigerators below 5°C.
• Keep freezers at −18°C or colder.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, microwave, or cold running water –
not on the kitchen counter.

Shopping safely
Food safety begins before arriving home.
Choose stores that maintain good hygiene.
When shopping:
• Purchase refrigerated and frozen foods last.
• Check expiry dates carefully.
• Avoid dented or swollen canned foods.
• Do not buy packages with broken seals.
• Transport chilled foods home promptly.

Safe storage
Proper storage extends food quality and reduces bacterial growth.
Remember to:
• Label leftovers with the preparation date.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within three to four days.
• Freeze foods if they will not be eaten soon.
• Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator, allowing cold air to circulate.

Protecting vulnerable family members
Certain individuals require extra precautions:
• Pregnant women should avoid unpasteurised milk products and undercooked meats.
• Young children should not consume raw eggs or unpasteurised juices.
• Older adults should avoid high-risk ready-to-eat foods unless properly heated.
• People living with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems should be particularly cautious with food hygiene.

Food safety during power outages
Power failures can quickly make refrigerated foods unsafe.
If electricity is lost:
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Refrigerated food is generally safe for up to four hours if unopened.
• A full freezer may remain cold for about 48 hours if unopened.
• When in doubt, throw it out.
Never taste food to determine whether it is safe.

Common Myths
Myth: If food smells fine, it is safe to eat.
Fact: Dangerous bacteria often do not change the smell, taste, or appearance of food.
Myth: Washing raw chicken removes bacteria.
Fact: Washing raw poultry can spread bacteria around the kitchen through splashing. Proper cooking is the safest way to destroy germs.
Myth: Reheating food multiple times makes it safe.
Fact: Repeated cooling and reheating increases the risk of bacterial growth.

A public health responsibility
Food safety is everyone’s responsibility – from farmers and food manufacturers to restaurants and families preparing meals at home. Simple daily habits such as washing hands, separating raw foods, cooking thoroughly, and storing foods correctly can prevent illness, reduce healthcare costs, and save lives.
By practising proper food handling every day, we protect not only ourselves but also our loved ones and our communities.
Throughout my years in clinical practice and public health, I have seen preventable cases of foodborne illness affecting both children and adults. Many of these illnesses could have been avoided through basic food safety measures. As healthcare professionals and community members, we all have a role in promoting safe food practices. Small actions taken in our kitchens today can prevent serious illness tomorrow. Food safety begins with informed choices, and every safe meal prepared is an investment in better health.

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