




WITH rapid development taking place across all sectors of the country, former executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and attorney-at-law, Thandi McAllister, has said that President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s work speaks for itself.
McAllister was at the time speaking on the Starting Point podcast, during which she noted that the Head of State has passionately outlined his plans for the country, and with the same passion has brought those plans to fruition.
“I started out as a sceptic; I did! And I’m happy that I was pleasantly put to my place… He is doing a
Attorney-at-Law Thandi McAllister
fantastic job, and it’s not because we’re of the same era, or we’re from the same region, that I’m to sit here and say, hey, he deserves a second term. His work speaks for itself,” she said.
Against this backdrop, she described President Ali’s first term in office as a rewarding and interesting journey for Guyana, as vast development has been seen.
She added, “I am happy that he’s been able to steer the ship right. Yes, there have been storms; and there will be storms. But he’s been able to steer the ship right. And I think it’s because he has very good support, and he has very strong shoulders to lean on.”
Further to this, McAllister indicated that having been exposed to Dr. Ali’s work and his philosophy of wanting what’s best for Guyana and observing what he has put into his presidency and all that has been taking place, a vote in Guyana’s best interest is a vote to re-elect President Ali.
“Observing how much he has put into this presidency, and how much he continues to sacrifice to ensure the transformational development we are all witnessing, a vote in Guyana’s best interest is a vote for the PPP/C and to re-elect Ifraan Ali as President of this Co-operative Republic,” she stated.
Further, she indicated that a vast difference can be seen between President Ali and his predecessor in relation to grounding with the people, as she noted that it is important not to lose that connection with one’s base.
-President Ali says at commissioning of new US$133.4M Ogle to Eccles Highway -thoroughfare will open new lands for housing, other opportunities - will eventually extend to Providence to connect to new Demerara River Bridge
By Naomi Parris
REDUCING the travel time between the East Coast and the East Bank of Demerara from one hour to just under 10 minutes, the first phase of the Ogle to Eccles Four Lane Highway was on Monday afternoon commissioned by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
The Head of State during his feature address at the commissioning ceremony, stated that the US$133.4 million investment is not just simply ‘a stone and asphalt’ project, but one of opportunities.
“We are building new corridors of opportunity for Guyana. But it is also a bold declaration, a declaration that Guyana is on the move, not by chance, not by choice, not by accident, but by deliberate action. The road is about our ambition, not casted stone and asphalt. It is about progress, poured and paved. It is about our vision translated into reality,” President Ali emphasised.
He added: “This road is not fundamentally about traffic management, although it will most certainly relieve congestion on the East Bank and East Coast, especially during peak hours. It will cut down commuting time, it will ease frustration and reduce fuel costs.”
The new throughfare he noted is a part of a much larger, grander and consequential vision to take the country to newer heights, opening new network links.
It also reflects the speed of the country’s economic growth and expansion.
“Guyana’s economy has grown not in inches, but in leaps. And to keep pace with that growth, to sustain it and expand it, we must continue to invest in productive assets. One of the most important ways to do so is by building infrastructure that opens up new lands and communities, stimulate investment and drive inclusive development,” the President explained.
The new road he stressed is about building families and improving the quality of life for citizens, serving as a cata-
lyst for broad-based national development.
“Where roads go, opportunities follow, and where opportunity flourishes, so too does human dignity, industry and prosperity. This bypass road is opening up far more than an alternative route. This has opened up lands for housing, agriculture, commerce, warehousing and industry. This has opened up the arteries of our economy so goods can flow, people can move, and services can expand,”
President Ali asserted.
The new road will also be seen as a ‘socio- economic enabler’ as the government forges ahead with plans for transformation.
“This bypass road is opening up far more than we could ever imagine. By improving our road network, we're improving access to markets for farmers, fishermen and small businesses. We are making it easier, faster and cheaper to move produce from farm to market, to move goods from warehouse to port, and to move people from where they live to where they work and learn, and also to access education and health services.”
Since assuming office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has pursued a robust infrastructural agenda and to this end, Dr. Ali noted that the newly commissioned
highway is just one aspect of the government’s broader vision. Further, he noted that several other road networks are either under construction or nearing completion.
He referenced a design for the new Land of Canaan to Linden-Soesdyke Highway which was recently completed.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill revealed that the contractor – Ashoka Buildon, an Indian company, has been re-engaged to further expand the new highway to Providence, allowing for the direct link of traffic from the new Demerara Harbour Bridge to the East Coast corridor.
“There will be a seamless transfer that when you come off the bridge, the roundabout, which is being constructed right now at Heroes Highway, then you continue for another two kilometres to connect with this, and then you could get along. it is visionary leadership and ensuring the best for the people” he said.
The minister noted that the cost of roadwork from Eccles to Providence will be charged at the same rate as the Ogle to Eccles Highway.
“Even though there are
increases in the construction market, we got it for the same price,” Minister Edghill boasted. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar was also among attendees. In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of maintaining the road and urged the public to treat it with care, avoiding activities that could damage it.
“I believe that this project will put Guyana on the map in terms of the level of construction that we are able to do and the level of quality that we're able to deliver. I want to say that the road belongs to Guyanese [and] that we must treated [it] as our property.”
He added: We should not be parking trucks, haulers and all sorts of things at the side of the road causing it to damage. We should not speed on the road and cause accidents. We should not be malicious to go dig out the reflectors in the night when nobody is watching.”
Offering remarks virtually, India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar praised Guyana's economic progress and infrastructure development, emphasising the shared values and mutual support between the two countries.
The project was funded by a line of credit from the Indian
Export-Import Bank, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
The road network connects Ogle to Eccles over 11.57 kilometres and includes a modern four-lane highway with 24 box culverts, nine minor bridges, eight pipe culverts, and a major bridge, along with modern junctions, energy-efficient lighting, and drainage systems.
Over 350 skilled personnel and more than 200 machines were involved in the project, which began with large-scale site clearance. Workers also experienced challenges pertaining to soil conditions.
A United States (U.S.) lawmaker has raised an alarm that a sanctioned Guyanese political figure is allegedly acting as a “pro-Maduro puppet.”
The U.S. congressman Carlos Gimenez shared on social media that the Bolivarian Republic is attempting to destabilise Guyana’s sovereignty by backing the U.S.-sanctioned businessman.
In a post on ‘X,’ formerly known as twitter, Gimenez wrote: “In the U.S. Congress we are alarmed by the regime in Venezuela’s attempt to undermine #Guyana through its pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by OFAC!
“The Western Hemisphere must remain a stronghold of freedom — not a breeding ground for communist dictatorships.”
Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing, on June 11 2024, were sanctioned by U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which oversees sanctions against individuals and entities tied to illicit activities and hostile foreign governments.
Recently, President, Dr Irfaan Ali had said that the September 1 General and Regional Elections is “more than just choosing a political party,” but also a defining moment for Guyana’s national security, global standing and ensuring development for future generations.
Given the country’s progress and global standing, the President also
emphasised that leadership must not fall into the hands of those whose affiliations and agendas may compromise Guyana’s territorial integrity.
The President firmly stated that the nation’s
safety and security, sovereignty and territorial integrity, require partners and allies to be on the same side with Guyana. He said: “…Our allies and our friends have signalled to us that there
are people in this country who are dangerous to the national security, who are dangerous to the sovereignty, who will put at risk the sovereignty of this country because their dealings are intertwined with countries and this particular country that is an enemy to Guyana.”
Without naming persons, President Ali’s statement underscored the importance of preserving Guyana’s relationships with its international and regional partners, and persons not allowing those with insidious agendas cloaked in a flurry of attractive promises to mislead them.
The genesis of the border controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela. Decades after this historic award, Venezuela reignited tensions by challenging its validity.
In 2018, Guyana took a decisive step by approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.
Venezuela initially claimed that the ICJ lacked jurisdiction, a contention flatly rejected by the World Court in a crucial ruling in December 2020.
The door was thus opened for the ICJ to delve into the merits of the substantive case.
The U.S. government and other international and regional partners have long supported Guyana’s sovereignty and urged respect for the nation’s territorial integrity in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.
POLICE in Regional Division 4A are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Romel Bollers, a 33-year-old shopkeeper of Lot 120 Brutus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara.
The suspected murder occurred around 08:30hrs at Titus Street, Agricola, on Monday. Investigations so far have revealed that Bollers
left his home around 08:15hrs to go and feed pigs at Lot 166 Titus Street, Agricola.
According to the police, Bollers’ sister said that shortly after, she overheard people in the area saying that her brother (Romel Bollers) had been shot.
She immediately left and went to their pig pens (at Lot 166) where she saw her brother lying
motionless on the ground on his back, in front of a pig pen. He was bleeding from injuries to his abdomen and back.
The ambulance service from the Eccles Fire Station was summoned, and Bollers was escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The body was examined, and a wound was
seen on his right shoulder, two on his abdomen, and one to his right elbow, all suspected to be gunshot injuries. The body is at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a PME.
The scene was processed by ranks from CID HQ, and one nine mm spent shell was recovered. Investigations are in progress, the police said.
THE upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections are more than just a normal democratic process for Guyana. They represent a crucial moment for the nation’s survival as a Sovereign State.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has issued a serious warning about individuals with foreign loyalties who pose a significant threat to national security. This should alert every loyal Guyanese citizen.
As Venezuela makes aggressive territorial claims over two-thirds of Guyana’s land, and frequently breaks international law with naval incursions into our Exclusive Economic Zone, the decision voters face goes beyond party politics.
President Ali had revealed that international allies have warned
about “people in this country who are dangerous to the national security”, and whose “dealings are intertwined with countries that are enemies to Guyana”.
The stakes are extremely high. Guyana’s impressive rise from one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere to a swiftly growing oilrich democracy relies on solid partnerships with key allies, especially the United States.
These relationships have provided essential support in countering Venezuelan aggression, from diplomatic backing at international gatherings to boosting security cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Venezuela’s rising provocations, like its recent sham elections and completing a controversial bridge to
Ankoko Island, highlight why Guyana cannot risk leadership that might endanger these vital alliances.
The country faces what Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn had called “multifaceted challenges”, such as renewed territorial claims, increased organised crime, and geopolitical weaknesses.
The PPP/C government’s record reflects its commitment to national security. Under President Ali’s leadership, Guyana has strengthened its defence capabilities through partnerships, improved border monitoring systems, and maintained firm diplomatic positions that have earned international respect.
As Guyanese prepare to vote, they must realise that these elections will decide if the country continues its
path towards becoming a prosperous, secure democracy, or risks damaging decades of diplomatic progress.
The choice is clear: Proven leadership that has delivered unprecedented development while protecting national interests, versus untested alternatives with uncertain foreign connections.
Protecting Guyana’s sovereignty is critical. Every vote on September 1 will either strengthen or weaken the nation’s ability to defend its territory against external threats.
In this decisive moment, love of country must come before party politics, and national security must take priority over personal ambitions.
The future of Guyana, all 83,000 square miles of it, depends on the wisdom of its voters.
A LADY named Nakisha Sinclair has achieved overnight fame.
She has accused the AFC of using her work in the current campaign season without sensitivity to copyright abuse and logical financial reward.
I never knew about the existence of this lady until her accusations against Nigel Hughes.
In her quarrel with Nigel, Ms. Sinclair wrote the following and as you read it, tell me if it doesn’t look like the lady has lifted parts of certain Guyana Chronicle columns of mine: “I find it sobering to watch how quickly voices go silent when the accused are no longer government actors but political allies.”
Those words are similar to many expressions in my columns the past four years. So, did Ms. Sinclair plagiarize my political analyses?
The answer is no. I believe the quote offered above is Ms. Sinclair’s own thoughts and she has a right to express them. But I want Ms. Sinclair to know that her thoughts put in words can be found in not five or ten columns of my past two years but dozens.
I have published dozens of columns in which incredibly illegal, morally offensive, and politically uncivilised things have been said and written by anti-government actors, but there is no ventilation of these issues in this country. You go to social media and the mainstream press and you are psychologically tortured by the inexorable castigations of even the most inconsequential errors of the Guyana government. It is relentless and in this pursuit of the PPP, some words become a stuck record.
The stuck record is about lack of accountability. But as Ms. Sinclair noted, there is a lack of accountability on the other side. Let me quote Ms. Sinclair once more: “Just months ago, several persons including members and affiliates of the AFC and other parties were vocal in their condemnation of the government for allegedly misappropriating the creative work of a fashion designer.”
I hope Ms. Sinclair knows this is the rotten part of Guyana, which she must play her part in exposing. I quote Ms. Sinclair for
the third time: “The silence is deafening. The same people who demanded accountability are now curiously mute. If your commitment to integrity only applies when your opponents are the accused, it is not integrity. Had my issues been with the government, the headlines would have been loud.”
I hope Ms. Sinclair is aware that the way she has put it, I have done so in dozens of columns. I will spend the rest of this column educating Ms. Sinclair on the existence of hypocrisy in certain circles of society and these hypocrites should not be accepted by the Guyanese people and the sooner Guyana as a country ostracises them, the more secure the future of Guyana’s young generation will be.
We start with the silence Ms. Sinclair so laments. The son of the former Chancellor of the Judiciary had a confrontation with the female security. All hell broke loose. The young man was crucified in the private newspapers for mistreatment of women. But Mr. Lincoln Lewis was charged by the police for physical assault of a woman half his size and the silence was deafening.
The same Lewis was sued for copyright infringement by the original owner of an online newspaper named Village Voice and Mr. Lewis lost. And there was reverberating silence. Under the constitution of the Guyana Press Association, its president is allowed two terms of two-year duration. The current president, Ms. Nazima Raghubir is in her eighth year, four of which there was no election for office bearers. And the silence is very loud.
The current co-president of a frenetic anti-government civil society group with the title, Guyana Human Rights Association, is a trade unionist named Norris Witter. This very gentleman, when asked on the Freddie Kissoon Show to speak on the attempted rigging of the 2020 national elections, said openly that he doesn’t know about any election rigging in March 2020. And the silence is nauseating.
The Stabroek News informed a retired university professor, Dr. Randolph Persaud, who is the adviser to the President of Guyana that they cannot carry his letters because they attack civil society organisations. This ugly
and sickening blow to free speech was met with the sound of silence.
I just randomly picked these examples as I was typing but I could cite hundreds, yes, hundreds of situations of the kind of which Ms. Sinclair is now protesting against. We have a social disease here in Guyana where people who criticise the government are far worse than any low- or high-level figure in
the corridors of power. These people are misfits that have no right to criticise any citizen in Guyana much less the elected government.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP, on Monday held consultations at the Latchmansingh Primary School, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice with over 100 residents particularly farmers from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara to Blairmont, West Coast Berbice, whose occupation of lands along the corridor earmarked for the installation of Guyana Power & Light (GPL) transmission cables will be affected.
According to information from the Attorney General’s Facebook page, the transmission cables are intended to distribute electricity generated by the Wales Gas-to-Energy Project and will extend to as far as Number 53 Village on the Corentyne Coast.
During the engagement, the Attorney General briefed the residents on the importance of the Gas-to-Energy
Project, emphasising that it will ensure reliable supply of electricity and cooking gas at appreciably lower prices than which currently obtain.
He further highlighted the transformative impact this project will have on the economy and the lives of every single Guyanese citizen.
The Attorney General further outlined the process the government intends to activate to compulsorily acquire the lands and pay market value in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
“In this exercise, the government’s priority is to ensure that your proprietary interests are protected, that the process embarked upon is fair and transparent and that as far as possible, we arrive at consensual positions on what fair market value is for whatever property is being acquired.
“While the government will provide lawyers and certificates of valuation, you
will be free to retain lawyers of your choice and secure as certificates of valuation from valuation officers of your own choosing,” he said.
The minister further emphasised that, as far as possible, the government is aiming to run the transmission lines along state lands and only where state lands are not available that private properties will be acquired.
“Compensation will also be paid for growing crops as well as for building and erections on these lands, including, lands that are leased from the State,” he said.
Also, in attendance at the meeting were Vickchand Ramphal, Regional Chairman of Region Five (Mahaica - Berbice), senior officials from the Guyana Power & Light Inc, the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary - Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP, on Monday held consultations at the Latchmansingh Primary School, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice with over 100 residents particularly farmers from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara to Blairmont, West Coast Berbice, whose occupation of lands along the corridor earmarked for the installation of Guyana Power & Light (GPL) transmission cables will be affected
IN a stirring address at a recent awards ceremony, President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB),
Bissoondyal Singh, delivered a heartfelt tribute to President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, lauding him as
the driving force behind Guyana’s meteoric rise in both sports and national development over the past
five years.
Singh, speaking to an audience gathered to honour outstanding contributors to Guyanese sport, urged attendees not to lose sight of the visionary leadership that has paved the way for sustainable progress across the nation.
“While he may not be on the list of awardees for tonight’s event, he is, without a doubt, the greatest contributor to this sport over the past five years,” Singh
declared, referencing President Ali’s transformative impact.
Describing President Ali as “the architect of the transformation and modernising of this country,”
Singh credited him with elevating Guyana onto the global stage, noting that the nation is now recognised as the fastest growing economy per capita in the world.
Singh praised Ali’s leadership qualities, highlighting his vision, courage, and compassion: “He leads with vision, courage, and firm resolve. But more importantly, he leads with heart. He inspires trust, cultivates unity, and brings out the best in those around him.”
Since assuming office, President Ali has championed a dynamic vision for inclusive development, Singh noted, ensuring that sports is no longer an afterthought but a pillar of national pride and unity. Singh emphasised that under Ali’s guidance, teams have flourished, communities have grown stronger, and countless lives have
been positively changed.
In a powerful moment, Singh called on the audience to rise in recognition of President Ali’s exceptional service and leadership.
“We are proud of you. We are inspired by you. And we stand with you,” Singh stated, offering the GCB’s full endorsement and support for Ali’s continued presidency and the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
Singh’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment of gratitude and optimism within the sporting and wider national community.
As Guyana continues its remarkable trajectory of growth and development, the partnership between visionary leadership and grassroots engagement in sport stands as a testament to the nation’s bright future.
With the 2025-2030 horizon in sight, Singh concluded with a message of unity and hope: “May your leadership and guidance continue to uplift this great land we all love and call home.”
THE Early Childhood Development Services Unit (ECDSU) under the Childcare and Protection Agency - Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, on Monday opened its first Early Childhood Development Conference, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
Under the theme, ‘Elevating Early Childhood Development, Strengthening Standards, Enhancing Services, and Building Partnerships’, the conference brought together some 300 early childhood development
ulation.
The Minister of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS), Dr. Vindhya Persaud said this conference was born from a “burning need’’ to bring these practitioners into an environment where they can share ideas, develop solutions to challenges, and limitations they may face daily.
The minister revealed that in Guyana, there are around 1,003 trained early childhood development practitioners. She shared that these practitioners will become the nomenclature
centres.
The programme was created by the Childcare and Protection Agency, along with specialists from the University of Guyana.
The minister stated that they have not only trained these persons, but have empowered them financially, with grants to aid in their startup. She told the attendees that this is an option that is open to them.
According to Dr. Persaud, this is crucial because the ministry has embarked on a significant initiative called home-based care, allowing
practitioners with a goal of strengthening the collaborative commitment to care, protect and ensure the development of Guyana’s children.
It also aimed to offer participants a unique opportunity to listen, learn and collaborate, as policymakers continue to build systems that will give every child the best possible start in life.
During the conference, it was mentioned that a multi-sectoral early-childhood development policy will be launched in a matter of weeks, with national guidelines and a comprehensive implementation plan. It will be supported by the Government of Canada, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the global partner in developing early childhood development manuals for parents and caregivers that are centred on the principles of nurturing care, delivering training, and capacity building for licensing officers, childcare providers and parents and distributing relevant resources to childcare facilities to foster play-based learning and stim-
that people will become familiar with as it continues to expand.
She said it is vital for practitioners to refer to themselves as Early Childhood Development Practitioners, urging them to own, live and be that term.
The minister further said, “When we speak of early childhood development, we’re really speaking of zero to eight years, but this conference is different and unique because we are focusing on zero to three years, nine months. Why do I say zero? Because we’re focusing on the children too. So, before that baby comes into the world, we want to focus on the baby’s mother,”
She posited that a child’s environment in the womb is equally as important as when that child is born.
In addition, the minister mentioned that through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), Early Childhood Development programme, 50 women have benefitted. Of that number, 17 women were able to open their own daycare
persons who provide care to children in a community in their homes, to have “Centres of Excellence.”
“As a country, I’ve always believed that we must never stop striving for excellence, and that kind of detail comes from within a person. Don’t stop,” she emphasised, adding, “Sign up for the WIIN programme levels one, two, and three, early childhood. We’re going to add special-needs education to that soon. So, you have a full lineup of training programmes that you can benefit from at no cost to you, but all I’m asking, see it says WIIN, Women’s Innovation Investment Network. Just as we invest, network, innovate, and as women and men too, let us cross the finish line by committing our time, committing ourselves to get into the pinnacle of early childhood development education.”
Also attending the conference were Early Childhood Development Specialist, Dr. Michelle Semple-McBean, Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, and Dr. Lidon Lashley.
IN a significant move to reduce the growing backlog of joint replacement surgeries, the Orthopaedics Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) conducted a series of knee and hip replacement surgeries over the weekend.
According to a press release, a total of 12 joint replacement procedures were successfully completed: eight knee replacements and four hip replacements, marking a notable boost in the department’s surgical output.
Typically, only emergency surgeries are performed on weekends at GPHC, and joint replacement surgeries are limited to two per week, as operating theatre time is shared among multiple de-
partments.
However, to address the long list of patients awaiting care, the Orthopaedics Department has been dedicating one weekend each quarter to perform additional surgeries.
Among the 12 procedures done this past weekend, four were same-day surgeries, where patients were admitted on the morning of the operation and discharged by evening.
This is a relatively new initiative at GPHC, with the first same-day joint replacement having been completed in March 2025.
The success of this approach is a testament to the advanced surgical techniques and enhanced recovery protocols now being implemented by the department’s
skilled surgical team.
The remaining eight patients were discharged within 24 hours, further demonstrating the team’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and hospital efficiency through modern, minimally invasive practices.
To date, the Orthopaedics Department has completed a total of 79 joint replacement surgeries for the year, reflecting the dedication and ongoing efforts of the team to meet the needs of patients awaiting life-changing procedures.
Joint replacement surgery is typically recom -
mended for individuals experiencing severe joint pain, stiffness, or mobility issues—most commonly in the knees or hips—that significantly affect their quality of life.
These symptoms are often caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic injury, or other degenerative joint diseases.
When other forms of treatment such as medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications no longer provide relief, joint replacement surgery may be considered as a last resort to restore mobility and
reduce pain.
HOW TO ACCESS JOINT REPLACEMENT
SURGERY AT GPHC
Individuals who believe they may need joint replacement surgery are encouraged to visit their nearest healthcare facility, where they will be assessed by a medical practitioner.
If it is determined that the condition cannot be effectively treated with medication or other non-surgical methods, the patient will be referred to the Surgical Outpatient Clinic at GPHC for further evaluation and management
by a specialist team. It is important to note that surgery is only recommended when all other treatment options have been exhausted, and due to the high demand for joint replacement procedures, there is currently a waiting list, GPHC said.
The hospital administration said it remains committed to enhancing access to critical surgical services and applauds the efforts of the Orthopaedics team along with the other supporting departments for going above and beyond in delivering care to those in need.
IN a bold celebration of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, five young Guyanese women recently stepped into the shoes of foreign diplomats for a day, an initiative that sought to highlight the importance of women’s representation in global leadership and foreign policy.
The event was a collaborative effort by the High Commission of Belize in Guyana, the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Embassy of Suriname, the
H.E. Gale Miller Garnett (Belize), Mrs. Candice N. Shade (Trinidad and Tobago), H.E. Liselle Blankendal (Suriname), H.E. Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo (Mexico), and Mr. Wilmot Garnett (IICA).
During their placements, the young diplomats were introduced to embassy staff, shared their personal interests and academic pursuits, and participated in tours of the missions, gaining insights into each country’s programmes, trade policies, and cultural priorities in Guyana.
Some participants also
introduced to key initiatives, including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and the Youth Ambassadors Programme.
Culminating the day’s activities, the Embassy of Mexico hosted a special session titled “Women in Diplomacy and the Integration of the Americas.”
The young diplomats engaged with Mexican Senior Diplomat, Sylvia Paola Mendoza and received a video message from H.E. Luz Elena Baños Rivas, Mexico’s Ambassador to the
Embassy of Mexico, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in partnership with The Imperial House, a local organisation championing gender and youth empowerment through its “Girls, Assemble!” programme.
This initiative stems from Guyana’s own international advocacy. In 2022, the country co-sponsored a resolution at the 76th United Nations General Assembly that led to the recognition of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, aimed at acknowledging the contributions of women in the field and promoting equal participation in decision-making at all levels.
Each of the five young women—Ms. Kyra Adams, Ms. Natassia Ashby, Ms. Amelie Burnham, Ms. Adana Dorrick, and Ms. Chanecia LaRose—was hosted by a different diplomatic mission or organisation. They began their day by presenting symbolic credentials to their respective Heads of Mission:
engaged directly with foreign officials. Ms. Kyra Adams spoke with Mr. Kevin Chen Sierra from the Belize Foreign Ministry, Ms. Natassia Ashby connected with Mr. Kirk Francois of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and Ms. Amelie Burnham received a call from Suriname’s Ambassador to Cuba, Mrs. Wendy Paulis-Aminta. At IICA, Ms. Chanecia LaRose had a productive conversation with Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and later with IICA’s Beverly Best, who encouraged her to embrace leadership, cultural diversity, and social advocacy.
The day also included a courtesy visit to Madam Justice Lisa Shoman, General Counsel to the CARICOM Secretariat. There, the young women explored the impact of female leadership on Caribbean integration and the vital role of youth in shaping regional unity. They were also given a tour of the CARICOM Secretariat and
global peace, security, and co-operation.
The participating missions reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inclusive diplomacy, strengthening educational and cultural exchange, and ensuring equitable access for women and girls in foreign policy.
By opening their doors to the next generation of leaders, they aim to break down systemic barriers and build a future where women’s voices are equally represented at every level of global governance.
Organisation of American States. Ambassador Baños underscored the invaluable contributions of women in shaping international law, democracy, and human rights in the Americas.
“Don’t be discouraged by the challenges ahead.
Now more than ever, the world needs your voices, your ideas, and your leadership,” she told the aspiring diplomats.
The day ended with a networking session among the participants and other young women interested in diplomacy.
The “Diplomat for a Day” experience is part of The Imperial House’s broader “Girls, Assemble!” programme, which encourages young women to engage in politics and international affairs through initiatives like the National Assembly of Girls.
The programme emphasises that female participation in diplomacy is essential not only for national and regional development, but also for
AIMED at providing more opportunities for women in the hinterland regions, the Office of the First Lady, on Monday, awarded 10 scholarships.
First Lady, Arya Ali, at the scholarship award ceremony which was held at State House, said that the 10 young women are among the first set of trailblazers who will reshape the maritime industry in profound ways.
The 10 young women will pursue cadet certificate programmes as Officer in Charge of navigational watch or Officer in Charge of engineering watch.
She said that while the maritime sector remains the backbone of international trade, the global shipping industry is suffering acute crewing shortages – an issue that presents an opportunity for Guyana to join the ranks of countries that supply crews globally.
The scholarship initiative is one being undertaken by her office, Tidewater Inc., AA Maritime and Offshore Training Institute and the Ministry of Public Works.
Speaking specifically on why this programme targets women specifically, she said that at sea, women remain vastly underrepresented, accounting for just one per cent of the total number of seafarers despite the steady increase in the number of
women joining the industry.
“Now, imagine if we were to make more opportunities like these available to women, how many of our challenges in the maritime sector could be addressed, including crewing shortages,” she said.
Mrs. Ali told the gathering that her office and, by extension, the Government of Guyana supports gender equality and the empowerment of women through gender specific fellowships and other opportunities.
She added that this is why when Tidewater offered to provide support, they immediately thought of a gender specific programme which would achieve several things.
Firstly, she noted that it provides highly specialised training opportunities to
young women in a deliberate attempt to achieve greater gender parity in a male-dominated industry.
Added to this, the First Lady noted, “This programme ensures that women from our hinterland regions, particularly our indigenous women, have access to the same kinds of academic and training opportunities that those of us on the coastland usually have.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, during brief remarks, said that the implementation of this programme will put Guy-
ana in a position where more women will be seen not just in office but in the operations and involvement in the real business in the maritime sector.
He further noted that it is also a testimony of the opportunities that can be provided when the private sector and public sector work together.
“So, we are bridging the gap in careers and working with girls and young women, to ensure particularly that underserved areas are heavily impacted,” he said.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Tidewater
Inc., Quintin Kneen, said: “This initiative is not just about education or training, it’s about access, it’s about breaking barriers that have stood for too long.”
Kneen, while noting that this training transforms lives, added that they will be cheering the cadets on along the journey and expressed his pride in them taking up the opportunity.
Subsequently, a framework agreement was signed between the Office of the First Lady and Tidewater Inc. aimed at further supporting such opportunities.
TWO dozen small contractors from Kawkwani in Region 10 have been awarded fixed-rate contracts to construct concrete roads in their communities.
This initiative, aimed at community-driven development and empowering local contractors, is nothing new to the sub-district. Last November, 16 residents were selected to execute road works of a similar nature.
Some of the 24 contractors are entering the
industry for the first time, and they have embraced the opportunity, saying it will help improve their lives and bring about the overall development of their sub-district.
Orvil August, who was awarded a contract for the first time, described the initiative as a platform to propel Guyanese, particularly underprivileged individuals, into entrepreneurship.
“It is a great initiative from the government for the community people, in par-
ticular, those entrepreneurs and young poor people who would have been given the opportunity without any proper form of documentation to acquire a contract, and enable them to enhance their family and livelihoods. I must say thanks to the government for coming up with this brilliant idea to help poor people,” August expressed.
Another small contractor, Finola Trim, said, “It has brought about a lot of change within our commu-
nity, and once again I would like to say thank you.”
While underscoring the impact of the initiative, the Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, urged the contractors to employ persons from the community.
“When we issue these fixed-rate contracts in communities, it is to empower the community. Everybody here who gets a contract is supposed to hire from Kwakwani, and this programme is designed to cre-
ate employment. We will do other things and people will have to get a chance,” the minister said.
Beyond fostering employment, the government has introduced new measures to make projects more accessible, such as a new mobilisation process.
For example, contractors who can provide a bond will be given a 30 per cent mobilisation advance, while those who cannot will be given 10 per cent.
Additionally, the gov -
ernment has decided to pay concrete suppliers directly to remove the burdens of loans for cement purchases. These efforts not only make the experience simpler for small contractors, but they also accelerate the project timeline.
Meanwhile, Minister Edghill reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering development without discrimination and to improving the lives of citizens in every community. (DPI)
MINISTER of Education Priya Manickchand, along with the administration of Christ Church Secondary and officials from the Ministry of Education, welcomed scores of students back to their school building two years after it was destroyed by fire and they were relocated.
The school was maliciously set on fire in early 2023, displacing more than 500 students along with teachers.
The Education Ministry, following the tragedy, immediately pursued and finalised plans to reconstruct the school. The project involved seven contracts, and amounted to $688.159 million. The new three-storey building containing 20 classrooms was built at the same site, and will accommodate the teachers and students who were housed at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), in Turkeyen.
The new school has modern amenities, including science and IT ‘labs’, and modern classrooms.
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced the implementation of an advanced electronic traffic management system aimed at easing congestion and enhancing road safety across the country’s high-volume traffic areas. He made this revelation at the commissioning of the new Ogle to Eccles highway, which adds an alternative link between the East Coast of Demerara and the East Bank of Demerara.
The initiative, which forms part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure digital transformation, will utilise interconnected traffic cameras and roadside digital screens to provide real-time traffic updates and diversion instructions to commuters.
“So, we are going to interconnect the cameras in high volume traffic areas to give us what we call E-traffic management,” President Ali said.
According to the President, the smart traffic system will be fully integrated with mobile technology to ensure accessibility and convenience for drivers.
Essentially, persons would be able to see where there is a buildup of traffic and what are the possible
routes to divert to.
The system is expected to significantly reduce traffic buildup and improve overall commuter experience through data-driven decision-making. Back in April, the government rolled out its automated speed-ticketing system. This state-of-the-art system, powered by advanced speed cameras and radar speed signs connected to cloud-based infrastructure, detects and ticket speeding violations, ensuring seamless and fair enforcement of traffic laws.
Last year, the government began the installation of smart cameras along several major highways across the country, which had captured more than 60,000 instances of drivers speeding.
In January, data gathered through the use of newly established traffic cameras and the installation of new radar speed signs provided invaluable insights into the behaviour of road users, particularly as it relates to speeding.
The data, which was collected over the course of several days, revealed that between seven per cent and 11 per cent of road users are exceeding speed limits during peak hours.
THE government has taken technical and vocational training (TVET) to new heights, boosting the country’s human resource capacity and preparing citizens, especially young Guyanese, to meet the growing demands of existing and emerging job markets.
Beyond professional development, the lives of Guyanese are being reshaped. Thousands are now transitioning from unemployment to long-term job positions in the public and private sectors.
For others, the training programmes have paved the way for entrepreneurship, with many people now launching their own businesses.
This is the reality for 29-year-old Shivani Harrylall, who recently completed the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Basic Needs
Trust Fund (BNTF) motor vehicle servicing and repair course.
Harrylall, who was one of the top three graduates in her class and the only female with distinction, said that the training was more than just a learning opportunity.
She said it was a life-changing decision, as she is now on track to opening an auto parts and mechanical business.
“Well, there has been discussion within my family to start a business selling auto parts; a mechanical service. So, we are definitely moving forward in this business,” she said, adding:
“I think it will be a great change for us, because, coming from a middle-class family and somebody who is always working with someone and never had the opportunity to be their own boss, it will be a great opportunity for us to do that.”
Despite the success, balancing the training demands with a full-time job was no small feat.
Harrylall works as a taxi driver, providing services across the country, and even as far as Suriname. She noted that adjusting her schedule to attend classes required dedication and sacrifice.
“Well, I do trips fulltime. I do trips to Suriname, airports, and around Guyana. So, it was very hard to fix my schedule to facilitate coming to class. But because I am not a quitter, I don’t like my attendance to go down. So, I made a lot of sacrifices,” Harrylall said.
While expressing gratitude to the government for making such a training possible, she noted that it was not something she had ever seen in Guyana before.
“I am very grateful to the government for these opportunities. Growing up,
MINISTER of Education
Priya Manickchand recently spent four days in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region (Region Nine), where she engaged directly with educators, students and parents to assess and celebrate the strides being made in education, particularly in some of the country’s most remote communities.
As part of her visit, Minister Manickchand toured the villages of Aishalton, Para Bara, Shea, Awarewaunau, Maruraunau, Achawib, and Bashaizon, each of which proudly boasts a functioning primary school with its own dedicated library.
“This achievement is part of a major push by the Ministry of Education to ensure that every primary school in Guyana, including those in hinterland and riverine areas, has access to a fully stocked library,” the ministry said in a Facebook post adding that these libraries are not just spaces with books, but they are vibrant reading corners filled with titles that capture the imagination of young readers.
Popular books such as 'Dog Man,' 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid,' and 'Junie B. Jones' line the shelves, in -
viting children to dive into stories that are known to spark curiosity, inspire joy and foster a life-long love for reading.
In September 2024, the National Literacy Department of the MoE, launched the Primary School Libraries initiative which ensures that every primary school is stocked with a wide selection of classic, and contemporary literature for children. It is also part of a larger effort to eliminate illiteracy.
Described as more than spaces with books, the libraries are said to be vibrant reading corners, filled with titles that capture young readers’ imagination.
we never saw these opportunities.
So, when I saw this, I wanted to take it right away. And I am grateful that the government is not restricting training towards men, and leaving out women, but they are given the same opportunity,” she said happily.
Another trailblazer, Priya Devipujak, has completed the welding and fabrication course.
The young woman, who works as a security guard with Queensway, said the training armed her with the skills to attain a better job in a company.
“My next plan is to go
into a company and thrive with the knowledge that I have gained,” Devipujak said, adding:
“It feels good to me to encourage other young people that it does not matter if you are the youngest in the class or the only female. Once you have the mindset to do something, you can.”
At 28, his life did not end for part-time electrician, Vidyanand Sugrim. He grabbed at the free opportunity to expand his knowledge and expertise.
“My experience was very good; I learned a lot of things. A lot of things we did not know in the field, we
learned it in the training,” he said.
Welcoming the training initiative, Sugrim said the government is on the right track, as it relates to upskilling the nation.
“Right now, this country needs a lot of professional electricians. I think the government of Guyana is doing a great job in sponsoring these courses, and I want a lot of young people to take advantage of it,” he said.
The TVET training began in February, and has already equipped 108 young people in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with job-ready skills. (DPI)
This significant and impactful initiative is “deeply personal” to the education minister, who has a strong belief that the ability to read, as well as the joy of reading should be within the reach of every child, regardless of their location.
The literacy push also forms part of the ministry’s commitment to closing the educational gap between urban and rural areas.
According to the MoE, by providing equitable access to resources, it is creating more inclusive learning environments for children and giving each child across Guyana fair opportunities to thrive.
THE Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission to Guyana in advance of the country’s general and regional elections scheduled for September 1.
According to a press release, the center was invited to observe this year’s elections by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
A four-person core team of experts begun arriving in Georgetown on Monday from the United States, Georgia, and the United Kingdom. Additional electoral experts and observers will join them closer to
elections day.
“We look forward to engaging with Guyanese stakeholders across the political spectrum and civil society to provide an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process. We hope our observation and reporting will help the Guyanese people assess the credibility of the elections, while providing useful recommendations for reform and encouraging transparency,” said Carter Center Field Office Director Jason Calder.
“The Carter Center has had a long-standing commitment to democracy in Guyana, and we are hon -
oured to launch this international election observation mission in support of the electoral process,” said David Carroll, director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Programme.
The Carter Center’s
regional and international obligations for democratic elections.
Since 1992, the center has worked in Guyana to strengthen democracy, support civil society, encourage sustainable development and reinforce the rule of law.
election observation work is conducted in accordance with the 2005 Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, and makes assessments based on relevant parts of national legal frameworks, as well as
The Carter Center has organised more than 125 election observation missions in 100 countries, including in Guyana in 1992, 2001, 2006, 2015, and 2020.
In addition to work on elections, the center has conducted a range of activities in Guyana, including helping Guyanese articulate a comprehensive vision and development
strategy; supporting civil society groups working to advance the status of women, youth, and Amerindians; assisting judicial system reform programmes in partnership with the High Court, the chief justice, the Guyana Bar Association, and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers; facilitating conflict-resolution efforts in support of peace and political dialogue; and supporting government, industry, and civil society stakeholders to comply with the requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
RENEWABLE energy appears to be the future, as Government continues to push for the use of solar power in hinterland and small communities in Guyana. Revenue accumulated from the oil sector will be used to drive this change.
This was mentioned by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday last, during the commissioning of the 750-kilowatt peak (kWp) Solar Farm in Wakenaam, Region Three.
Prime Minister Phillips, in his speech, said that in the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) 2020 manifesto, the Party promised to pursue a strategic imperative- the energy mix, focusing on solar, wind, gas, biomass energy and hydropower.
He told the residents of Wakenaam that over the last five years, they have pursued that energy mix. As this continue, there will be even more focus on renewable energy,
PM Phillips related that through the Guyana Energy Agency, and the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc., over 60 microgrids have been developed and delivered to the people who reside mainly in Hinterland communities.
He affirmed that if persons travel in any region, and visit Amerindian communities in particular, they will find a small solar farm and grid that supplies electricity to schools, health centres, police stations and other public buildings.
He said, “we've distributed that to over 30,000 households, mainly in the Hinterland, and remote areas, along the riverine areas. Basically, people are off the grid, but they have some form of electricity as we seek to embrace the energy from the sun.”
The Prime Minister underscored that it is at a
stage where our scientists, technologists and engineers have mastered the development of technology to harness the energy from the sun, and convert it into energy for daily use in homes, factories and anywhere else this energy source can be used.
PM Phillips recalled that Mabaruma was the first area where a solar farm was set up. In this instance, he said a combination of solar energy, and generator power is used in this village, allowing the full use of renewable energy during the day.
At Bartica, there is a similar approach, with a 1.5-megawatt solar farm installed. In Mahdia, they commissioned a 0.65-megawatt solar farm as well which is used to power that town.
PM Phillips called for communities to create business strategies, and get investors to maximise the use of the excess power available.
He pointed out that recently Guyana was mentioned as perhaps one of the few countries in the world that can feed itself with food from each food group, for its citizens, and all persons visiting.
“We need to take that step forward. We now have to harness or utilise the energy, especially what is available here in Wakenaam, and produce goods with a shelf life that can now be exported to the rest of the world.”
According to the leader, there are lots of things in store in the area of renewable energy.
PM Phillips reminded that the Government was committed to making investments- in keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy- in greater usage of renewable energy throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.
TEN years after setting Jamaica’s 400m national record of 43.93 seconds, Rusheen McDonald believes he’s ready to break it — and silence his critics in the process.
The 32-year-old, running out of MVP Track Club, claimed his first-ever national title on Sunday night at the Jamaica National
Championships in Kingston with a composed run of 44.89 seconds, holding off 21-year-old Delano Kennedy (44.91) and Jevaughn Powell (45.08) in a dramatic final. However, he just missed out on the qualifying standard of 44.85 for the World Athletics Championships. He believes he will get the mark once he leaves for Europe in the coming days.
As McDonald approached the finish line, he raised his right index finger to his lips in a bold gesture of defiance. It was not aimed at his competitors — it was aimed at his critics.
“The emotion [was] because of the doubters and the haters and the people who say, ‘Rusheen (go to) Tür -
kiye because you don’t have any purpose in Jamaica,’” he said moments after crossing the line. “But I love Jamaica. I'm not going to change from Jamaica or anything. I just love Jamaica.”
His statement came against the backdrop of recent controversy in Jamaican
(Tuesday, July 1, 2025)
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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Brian Lara-277 (Sydney, 1992-93)
(2) Adam Voges-269 (Hobart, 2015-2016)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) What are the best innings bowling figures by a WI in a Test versus AUST to date?
(2) What are the best innings bowling figures by a WI in a Test against AUST to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
MUSSELBURGH
09:00 hrs Big Fun
09:30 hrs Crystal Guard
10:00 hrs The Trickster
10:30 hrs Keep Me Stable
11:00 hrs Sibyl Charm
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12:00 hrs Ski Angel
CHELMSFORD
13:00 hrs Derp Water Bay
13:30 hrs Ziggy's Missile
14:00 hrs Pixie Diva
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15:00 hrs Cloud Cover
13:18 hrs Finest View
13:48 hrs Sharing Is
Caring
14:18 hrs Realistic Optimism 14:48 hrs Doc McCoy 15:18 hrs Theonlywayiswessex 15:48 hrs Jury Belle
IRISH RACING TIPS
ROSCOMMON
12:08 hrs Sound Bite
12:38 hrs Lil Angel
13:08 hrs Star Mind
13:38 hrs Elusive Duke
14:08 hrs Action Plan
14:28 hrs Purple Lily
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AMERICAN RACING TIPS
FINGER LAKES
Race 1 Turnupthemusic
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Race 3 Adjustable Rate
Race 4 Khalis Dream
athletics, where four athletes, including three Olympic medallists, are in the process of switching allegiance to Türkiye — sparking national debate about loyalty, opportunity, and support for elite athletes.
But McDonald, who has faced his own share of struggles and scrutiny, made his position clear.
“Jamaica is where I start from — my tender years in Jamaica,” he said. “So all the negative comments… that’s all of the hate and stuff like that. Not from my opponents, they get me. I respect every athlete. I talk to every athlete.”
Despite winning, McDonald wasn’t entirely satisfied with his performance on the clock.
“I never pleased with the time,” he admitted. “But thank God I finished the race.”
He believes better is coming and has his own national record of 43.93 in sight, especially with plans to sharpen up on the European circuit ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
“When I go to Europe, I’m going to go hard — like 20.5 the first 200 — and then I can finish faster,” he said. “I put on a lot of weight over the years. I am a better weight right now. I’m eating healthy at the moment.”
Still boasting the foot speed of a 200m sprinter, McDonald believes that with the right competition like Steven Gardiner and Wayde van Neikerk, he can return to sub-44 form.
“When I get good competition, I’m going to get better time," he said confidently. “I’m in good shape right now. Ready for run right now.” (Sportsmax)
By the second hour of the third day in Bulawayo, the outlook had turned bleak for Zimbabwe. South Africa's third-wicket partnership between Wiaan Mulder and David Bedingham had grown to 72 at over five runs an over.
Zimbabwe's spearhead, Blessing Muzarabani, was off the field due to illness. The field placements were defensive and the home side looked out of answers.
(Scores: Zimbabwe 251 and 32 for 1 (Bosch 1-1) need 505 runs to beat South Africa 418 for 9 dec and 369 (Mulder 147, Maharaj 51, Masakadza 4-98)
Then came a lucky breakthrough. Wellington Masakadza, brought back for the 33rd over, banged one in short to Bedingham, who should have dispatched it to the boundary. Instead, he mistimed the pull straight to midwicket and fell for a brisk 35.
That dismissal triggered a slide, with South Africa
losing 3 for 19 in five overs; the only passage of play in Zimbabwe's favour.
It was otherwise a day of South African dominance.
Mulder, who had added 63 with Tony de Zorzi for the second wicket, had a partnership of 104 with Kyle Verreynne for the sixth. South Africa's No. 3 made a career-best 147 at a strike rate of 71.35 and put the match out of Zimbabwe's reach.
They were set a target of 537, after South Africa were bowled out for 369 in their second innings, and ended the day at 32 for 1. Mulder, who started the day patiently, lost his partner de Zorzi when the left-hander edged Tanaka Chivanga to second slip for 31. But each time the bowlers strayed in line or pitched too full, Mulder tried to drive to the boundary.
Those occasional fours, and Bedingham's quick start, kept South Africa going. Mulder brought up his fifty with a huge six over
midwicket off Masakadza in the 24th over, by which time South Africa's lead had passed 250.
Zimbabwe resorted to spin at that point for nine consecutive overs but couldn't prevent Mulder and Bedingham from scoring 44 runs in that phase. Bedingham's miscue eventually gave Zimbabwe a window, and Vincent Masekesa exploited the rough outside off to turn one sharply into first-innings centurion Lhuan-dre Pretorius, bowling him for 4. Masekesa struck again in the 38th over, dismissing Dewald Brevis for 3 when he attempted an ambitious hoick.
With South Africa 155 for 5, Mulder capitalised on the hittable balls. He drove, flicked and glanced for three boundaries in the next two overs, and reached his second Test hundred in the 43rd over with another boundary. By lunch, South Africa were ahead by 352. Five overs into the sec-
dominated day three, setting Zimbabwe a daunting target of 537
were untroubled.
The century partnership was eventually broken by a short ball, as Wessly Madhevere had Mulder caught at deep midwicket. Three balls later, Masakadza found just enough turn to induce Verreynne to edge to slip for 36.
At 259 for 7 - just as when they were 155 for 5 - Zimbabwe hoped to end South Africa's innings quickly. But it wasn't to be.
South Africa's captain Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch deepened Zimbabwe's woes, extending the lead beyond 425 with a quick 92-run stand. Maharaj began cautiously with three dots, but from the 61st over, the pair added 47 runs in eight overs.
ond session, Mulder and Verreynne were scoring boundaries frequently as Masekesa and Chivanga lacked control. Zimbabwe's energy and confidence dropped; although their spinners were getting turn, the two well-set batters
With the lead nearly 500, Zimbabwe suffered another blow in the last over before tea. Muzarabani, eligible to bowl after making up for his time off the field, had Bosch caught at first slip off a no-ball. Maharaj got to a half-century off 64 balls in the 77th over, but in the
next one, Masakadza bowled Bosch for 36 by turning one from the rough outside leg.
Masakadza had his fourth wicket soon after, removing Maharaj, who missed one after skipping down the pitch. Muzarabani then cleaned up Kwena Maphaka to finally bring Zimbabwe's ordeal to an end.
Set a daunting target of 537 and with stumps approaching, openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Prince Masvaure adopted a defensive approach. Only eight runs were scored in the first seven overs, as Codi Yusuf and Mulder bowled with discipline.
When the final over of the day began, Zimbabwe had reached 32, and 15 of those runs were extras. The second ball of that over turned out to be the last of the day, as Kaitano edged Bosch to second slip, giving South Africa their first breakthrough in their pursuit of victory. (ESPN Cricinfo)
IS there a breakthrough in the Asia Cup imbroglio? It may still be a little premature to draw any definitive conclusions about the continental championship, but there is now a greater sense of optimism surrounding the tournament.
This is a marked change from the uncertainty that had loomed over it due to the tensions between India and Pakistan.
While nothing concrete has been finalised as yet, indications are that a formal decision could be taken next week. What's more, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is hopeful of releasing the schedule for the sixteam tournament in the first week of July, when it is expected to convene.
If all goes according to plan, the ACC is believed to be targeting a start in the second week of September. More specifically, the tournament - to be played in the T20 format - is likely to
begin on September 10. Along with India and Pakistan, the participating teams will include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Some sort of
promotional activities for the tournament have already begun, in fact.
The UAE continues to remain the frontrunner to host the tournament, although
there is also some discussion around staging it in a hybrid format. While India is the designated host this time, the ACC had earlier decided that when it is India or Pakistan's
turn to host the Asia Cup, the tournament would be held in a neutral venue -- for understandable reasons.
The tournament was plunged into uncertainty following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April. Matters escalated further after India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May, casting serious doubts over the tournament's future.
There were also growing calls in India to boycott Pakistan in multilateral events. India, in any case, does not engage with Pakistan in bilateral cricket. There was even chatter that India's boycott of Pakistan in global events will be discussed in the next ICC meeting.
However, the recent turn of events in world cricket is suggestive of the situation heading into a different direction. In quick succession, the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the schedules for two global events - the Women's ODI
World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the Women's T20 World Cup in England. India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other in both the tournaments -- first on October 5 in Colombo, and then on June 14 at Edgbaston.
Although officials from the BCCI, ACC, or ICC have not commented publicly on the matter, it appears that cricketing ties between the arch-rivals will continue -- at least in the global events. These matches remain the biggest revenue generators for world cricket -- and it's important to note that this applies to global cricket, not necessarily to Indian cricket. India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are not exactly reliant on the revenue from these high-profile encounters, but governing bodies such as the ICC, the ACC, and their member boards heavily are.
TWO-TIME defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, avoided a seismic shock against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in the Wimbledon first round to set up a meeting with British qualifier Oliver Tarvet.
Alcaraz dug deep to win 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 2-6 6-1 as he opened the Centre Court play on a sweltering first day of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament.
The 22-year-old Spaniard quickly secured victory when an entertaining contest resumed after a 15-minute pause in the deciding set.
A spectator who had been sitting in the sun took ill, with Alcaraz going over with a bottle of cold water to help
the recovery.
Alcaraz, who is the second seed behind Italian rival Jannik Sinner, struggled on serve and made uncharacteristic errors off the ground throughout a four-and-a-half hour contest in temperatures topping 32C.
In what is set to be his final Wimbledon appearance before retirement, 38-yearold Fognini twice fought back to force the decider but Alcaraz regained control to extend his winning streak to 19 matches.
Alcaraz claimed his fifth Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier this month - beating Sinner in an all-time classic final - before lifting the Queen's trophy on
REPLACEMENTS will be trialled in domestic first-class cricket for players who suffer a "serious injury" during a game.
A player can be replaced by a "like-for-like" replacement any time during a match, which includes the warm-up period.
The six-month trial by full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) will start in October.
ICC playing conditions for Tests do not allow full substitutes.
Teams are allowed to replace injured players in the field, although the "substitute shall not bowl
his return to the British grass. Alcaraz roared in relief when he finally ended Fognini's resistance, breaking into a broad smile and sharing a friendly embrace with his opponent.
"I tried my best but I can be better. I need to improve in the next round," said Alcaraz.
Next he will face 21-yearold Tarvet, who gets a shot at one of sport's superstars after
beating Switzerland's Leandro Riedi on his Wimbledon debut.
Nightmare start for Alcaraz
Coming from the sundrenched region of Murcia, Alcaraz is well accustomed to playing in searing heat.
Nevertheless, having to start his latest title defence with a lengthy contest in such tough conditions was far from ideal.
The players expecting to go deep over the fortnight want to preserve as much energy as possible in the earlier rounds, but Alcaraz needed to dig deep into his physical and mental reserves to see off Fognini.
Alcaraz is used to playing
the opening match of Wimbledon on its most iconic court - as tradition dictates the reigning men's champion does - but lacked the freedom and fluency for which he is known.
"Playing the first match on Centre Court is never easy," said Alcaraz.
"I've been practising really well and playing really well but Wimbledon is different. I could feel the difference."
On a buzzing Centre Court where the atmosphere rarely faded despite the stifling weather, Alcaraz lost serve five times in an absorbing contest between two of the sport's finest entertainers.
ENGLAND have named an unchanged team for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, meaning a further wait for the return of Jofra Archer.
Pace bowler Archer is back in the squad after a four-year absence but missed Monday's training session because of a family emergency.
England say the 30-yearold will rejoin the team in Birmingham on Tuesday, ahead of the second Test starting tomorrow.
or act as captain but may act as wicketkeeper only with the consent of the umpires".
The exception is if a player suffers a concussion.
The injury issue was highlighted last month when Zimbabwe pace bowler Richard Ngarava suffered a back problem on day one of the Test against England at Trent Bridge. Ngarava returned briefly later in the day but was unable to bowl because of how long he had spent off the pitch. He looked in discomfort before leaving the field again. (BBC Sport)
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is available, but the tourists may opt to omit him depending on the conditions.
India have committed to playing Bumrah in only three of the five Tests and he was part of the team beaten in the first Test at Headingley last week.
England are looking to take a 2-0 lead on a ground where India have never won a Test. They have lost seven and drawn one of the eight since they first played here in 1967.
Archer, who burst onto the international scene in 2019, has not played a Test since 2021 after a string of back and elbow injuries.
He has been carefully nursed back to fitness on a diet of white-ball cricket and played for Sussex in the County Championship last week, taking one wicket in 18 overs.
Both former England captain Michael Vaughan and Sussex coach Paul Farbrace, also a former England assistant coach, urged caution with rushing Archer back to the Test arena after such limited first-class bowling.
England had the option of releasing Archer to play in the final two days of Sussex's Championship match against Warwickshire, on Tuesday and Wednesday, but he will remain with the national team.
All of the other members of the squad who are not playing in the second Test – Jacob Bethell, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton – will also stay in Birmingham. There is a short turnaround to the beginning of the third Test at Lord's, starting on 10 July.
England's unchanged XI means the specialist seamers will once again be Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes, the latter playing on his home ground.
Woakes is one of the few members of the England team
Jofra Archer's last Test for England was against India in 2021
remaining from when Archer made his international bow and told BBC Sport: "He's put in some seriously hard yards to get himself back in condition and a physical state to be at his best.
"He's still relatively young. I believe he's still got his best years ahead of him. That might not be as soon as he gets back but, give him time, and he can certainly be better than he was in 2019."
Bumrah, the best bowler in the world, was outstanding at Headingley, claiming 5-83 in England's first innings. He has his own history with injuries, including a recent back problem, and India announced before the tour that he will only play in three Tests. After the loss in
Leeds, head coach Gautam Gambhir said there would be no deviation from the plan.
Speaking on Monday, former Essex captain Ten Doeschate said: "He's had eight days to recover from the last Test. Given conditions and workload, and how we think we can best manage for the next four games, we haven't made a call on that."
In the hot, dry conditions in Birmingham, Ten Doeschate also admitted a second spinner could join Ravindra Jadeja in the Indian XI.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who tormented England on their tour of India last year, is one option, while off-spinner Washington Sundar would add greater depth to the batting line-up.
As England trained on Monday, they were joined by former all-rounder Moeen Ali, who was on hand at his home ground in a coaching role.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir. (BBC Sport)
BLISTERING unde -
feated 61 from opener Lenox Mark powered Regal Masters to an emphatic four-wicket victory over New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Dream Team when the final of the Over-40 category of the 20th edition of the Independence Cup climaxed at Baisley Park, Queens, New York on Sunday.
Regal Masters set 153 for victory, after NYSCL Dream Team were restricted to 152 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, Regal Masters reached the required target in 17.4 overs, losing six wickets in the process.
The victory also marked sweet revenge for the Guyanese outfit who were beaten by the same opponents last year.
The experienced Mark, whose 40-ball knock was spiced by one four and six
sixes, shared in two important partnerships, adding 47 with flamboyant opener
Patrick Rooplall, who struck three fours and two sixes in a quickfire 31 and 72 with skipper Khemchandra Dindial for the fifth wicket before the latter went via the
run-out route with 14 needed for victory.
Rameshwar Persaud was the opponent’s best bowler with two for 36 from his four overs.
Earlier, opener Amar Singh who’s top score of 31 included a four and a six and
BRYAN Levell delivered a championship-worthy performance that not only secured back-to-back national 200m titles, but also fittingly brought the curtain down on the final day of the JAAA/Puma National Senior Championships at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Levell, representing Uptimum, surged through the curve and powered home in 20.10 seconds, a time that dipped under the World Championships automatic qualifying mark of 20.16s. His win again showcased the steady growth of one of Jamaica’s brightest sprinting talents.
Levell held off Christopher Taylor, who clocked a season’s best 20.28s, and Adrian Kerr, who finished third in 20.49s.
But while Levell was adding to his title haul, the women’s 200m final produced a first-time national champion in Ashanti Moore, who held her com -
posure to win in 22.66 seconds. It was a well-earned victory for the Sprintec Track Club athlete, even though it fell just shy of the World Championships qualifying mark of 22.57s. Moore was pushed all the way by Gabrielle Matthews of the University of Florida, who took silver in 22.80s, and Roneisha McGregor, who clocked 22.86s for third. Several athletes, including Jode -
an Williams (23.00s) and Kemba Nelson (23.02s), were also competitive in a tightly bunched field. Notably, Niesha Burgher, who finished seventh in 23.25s, had already secured the qualifying standard earlier in the season with a personal best of 22.39s. Meanwhile, Briana Williams bowed out after a false start.2025-06-29 20:01:50 (Sportsmax)
number three Prakash Mahadeo (29 with three fours and six) promised much but were foiled by excellent bowling from the Regal Masters attack. Brian Manniram also slammed a breezy 27 which contained two sixes.
Bowling for the eventual winners, Lakeram Roopnarine claimed three for 19 and Randolph Ketwaroo two for 28.
The winners carted off the winning Eagle and $3,000(US) while all the players were also recipients of medals. Mark took home the man-of-the-match award. (Frederick Halley)
DURING his playing days as an all-rounder with the Regal Over-40 and Legends Over-50 teams, Throy Kippins was regarded as a competent all-rounder and on several occasions starred in his role with both bat and ball.
As fate would have it, a severe illness brought his career to an end. However, through the efforts of the
Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, its softball teams and Ravi Etwaroo of Cricket Zone USA, Kippins’ heroics are still being remembered.
On Sunday, the Berbician, who now resides in New York, was the recipient of a plaque and a cash award, compliments of the two entities.
The plaque read: “A true champion of the game
whose brilliance with the bat and ball matched only by unwavering determination, humility and heart. Though your career was cut short by illness, your legacy lives on in every innings and every player inspired. Thank you for the memories, the fight and the spirit of a true cricketer. With respect and admiration from your Regal sports family.”
ROAD Warriors have been crowned champions of the inaugural Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Ansa McAL June Madness Futsal Championship, defeating Guyana’s top side, Sparta Boss, in a captivating final at a sold-out Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday morning.
Lady Canaimas also secured the women’s title, continuing their dominance in female futsal.
The championship match, witnessed by dignitaries including Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr., and Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, saw the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall erupt with excite-
ment from start to finish.
The Brazilian Road Warriors, who started the tournament with 48 teams, secured the men’s title and a $2 million prize.
They also swept the individual awards, with Wendrecky DeSouza named Most Valuable Player, Luis DaSilva taking Highest Goal Scorer with 10 goals, and John Vieira earning Best Goalkeeper.
In the final, Road Warriors showcased resilience and tactical prowess, nullifying Sparta Boss’ potent attack.
Despite falling to Sparta Boss in the semi-finals of the national championships earlier this year, the Brazilian outfit made no mistakes this time.
Sparta Boss’ leading scorer, Curtez Kellman, was tightly marked, and while Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett managed to score both of the team’s goals (24th and 37th minute), he was largely contained by the Road Warriors’ defence.
Road Warriors’ goals came from Thalyson Pinheiro (6th minute), Luis DaSilva (10th minute), Joao DeSouza (28th minute), and a fabulous right-footed strike from Samuel Harrinandan (33rd minute), capping a fantastic undefeated run for the team.
LADY CANAIMAS DOMINATE WOMEN’S FINAL Lady Canaimas con -
tinued their impressive form in the women’s final, trouncing Iconic Strikers 5-0.
Goals from Glendy Lewis (1st and 20th minute), Sandra Johnson (2nd and 10th minute), and Niomi Williams (12th minute) were all on target to secure the $200,000 top prize. Iconic Strikers received $100,000 as runners-up.
The third-place match saw Back Circle ‘A’ comfortably defeat Gold Is Money 8-5, securing the $400,000 prize. Gold Is Money took home $200,000.
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat, last evening opened the second edition of the CARICOM Classic Team Chess Tournament.
The tournament begins today and runs until Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson gave the feature address at the opening ceremony at tje Pegasus Suites, Atlantic Conference Centre in Kingston. (Details in tomorrow's edition)
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – LEGENDARY West Indian batsman and Jamaican cricket icon, Lawrence Rowe, has voiced his frustration over questionable umpiring decisions that he believes significantly impacted the West Indies in the first Test against Australia in Barbados.
Speaking on iSports on i95.5 FM with host Andre Errol Baptiste, on Saturday, Rowe pointed to South African third umpire Adrian Holdstock’s controversial calls as a major turning point in the match.
Despite the assistance of replay technology, at least three decisions went against the home side, leaving the West Indies camp deeply aggrieved.
Rowe highlighted the dismissals of batsmen Shai Hope and captain Roston Chase as particularly damaging.
“I believe we got a couple of bad decisions, Hope and the skipper. I didn’t think either of them was out. They were batting well, both on 40-odd, and looking set. On
that wicket, you need to settle in, and they were doing just that. One of them could have gone on to score a hundred. If we had a lead of 70 to 100 runs, things could have been very different.”
The former batting great argued that chasing a target of 170-180 to win the Test would have been far more manageable than the daunting 300 set by Australia.
“Chasing 300 was always going to be difficult on that track. A smaller target would have changed the mindset of the batsmen completely,” Rowe explained.
Despite the disappointment, Rowe expressed optimism about the team’s potential to bounce back in the second Test.
“This squad has talent. I was very impressed with the bowling; they performed extremely well. As for the batting, we have players who can deliver, but some make avoidable mistakes that prove costly. If they harness their abilities and play with greater determination, I believe we can turn things around.”