– Jagdeo says as PPP/C’s support continues to grow with endorsements from opposition, civil society figures
THE People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is experiencing a surge in support from former opposition figures and civil society members who are backing President Dr. Irfaan Ali for a second term, citing national progress, inclusive governance and a clear development vision.
General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, while speaking at a recent press conference, credited the party’s track record over the past five years for attracting new endorsements, even from former critics and longtime political opponents.
“They see the changes under the PPP. They see that we are a party welcoming to people, regardless of their former political views; that
we are a diverse party, ethnically diverse, religiously diverse, with a gender-diverse party, and they like what they see,” he stated.
Dr. Jagdeo revealed that the PPP has been receiving widespread support from individuals formerly aligned with the main opposition parties like the Alliance for Change (AFC) and the People’s National Congress (PNC), many of whom have expressed deep disillusionment with their parties' internal management and leadership direction.
“I've met with a ton of people from their camp, who are totally dissatisfied with the leadership in both parties, AFC and the PNC. They don't see any future in those parties for themselves. In
fact, they don't believe those parties are capable of managing their own affairs; internal affairs, much less that of the country,” Jagdeo said.
The General Secretary credited the PPP’s inclusive and forward-thinking governance as a key reason for the recent wave of endorsements. He said the party’s embrace of diversity, ethnicity, religious and gender has resonated with citizens across Guyana.
Among other drivers, he pointed to the PPP/C’s track record over the past five years, highlighting policy areas that have drawn praise even from former critics.
“They also see our laidout plans for the future. The digital society, financial literacy, financial sophistica-
tion, more land to the small farmers, to the smaller miners, changing the taxation system.
“Supporting education, fully investing in a massive way in education, healthcare, safety. They like what they see on infrastructure development, the sports quality, and they're coming to us.”
He added: “People who stood on the platform and were critical of us in the past have now changed their views of the PPP, because they see we work for Guyana and we have the laid-out plans.
Among the most high-profile endorsements in the past week was that of Region Four Chairman and longtime PNC member, Daniel Seeram.
In a public Facebook post, Seeram expressed his support for President Ali and Vice-President Jagdeo, stating, “After fruitful discussions and careful considerations on matters of national and regional development, I am pleased to
endorse President Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo for a second term to lead the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.”
Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) Leader Lenox Shuman also threw his support behind the PPP/C, praising what he described as its “visionary, dynamic, and innovative leadership”.
In contrasting the record of the APNU+AFC with the PPP/C’s tenure, Shuman remarked that the difference was “chalk and cheese”.
Additionally, businessman Shazaam Ally of The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) has announced he has officially joined the PPP/C and will be actively supporting the party’s 2025 campaign.
TCI leader and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Asha Kissoon has also thrown her unequivocal support behind the ruling PPP/C.
“This decision comes after deep reflection on the path our country is taking, and the kind of leadership
that is needed to secure a brighter future for all Guyanese,” Dr. Kissoon said.
She was not hesitant in her support, noting that the government is not just all talk and no action, but over the past five years, they have expanded job creation, infrastructure, healthcare and youth development.
Dr. Kissoon further noted that the governing PPP/C’s commitments made in their 2020 Manifesto have been substantially fulfilled.
“I am proud to join the PPP/C, because they have not only promised progress; they have delivered it. The commitments made in their 2020 Manifesto have been substantially fulfilled. From job creation and infrastructure [sic] expansion to health-care improvements and youth development, the PPP/C government has honoured the promises it made to the people,” she said.
Jagdeo pointed to several pillars of the government’s agenda that have attracted attention across the political spectrum, including digital transformation, financial inclusion, tax reform, education, health care, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth development.
“Even people who once stood on the platform and criticised us have now changed their view. They see we are working for Guyana,” he added.
Guyanese are set to head to the polls on September 1, 2025 for General and Regional Elections.
- as gov’t maps out strategic food-production plans for farming districts - access to new lands, enhanced drainage also on the cards
to the immediate needs of farmers in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the government of Guyana has set aside some $50 billion to begin the rehabilitation of farmto-market roads.
This was announced on Sunday by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, during a community engagement with fisherfolk, rice farmers, and cash-crop producers.
The President stated that the government is actively crafting strategic food-production plans tailored to the specific needs of farming districts across the country.
Specifically for Region Three, an audit is underway to examine the conditions of farmto- market roads.
“Right now, we're completing an audit of all the farm-to-market access dams across the region. We are going to set aside $50 billion to start upgrading all of those farms-to-market access dams into all-weather, hard-surface roads.”
This investment is expected to reduce transportation costs and minimise produce spoilage, thereby improving overall efficiency in getting goods from farms to markets.
“Let me say to you that agriculture, food production is not a one size fits all.
“Agriculture and food production is about specific policies and measures depending on the competitive advantage of
each and every region,” the President said, highlighting the importance of continued engagements with government officials, farmers and other stakeholders to address concerns and develop effective solutions.
“That is why we've been going through all across the country to address this issue of agriculture and food production, but with a specific development strategy for every single one of our regions, because the aim is to position Guyana as a leading producer of food for the entire Region,” he added.
In addition to the government’s plans to fix all-weather roads, President Ali pointed out how the investment in new highways will open new transportation links, allowing farmers to not just access new lands, but also new markets.
He explained that the
new highway to Parika and the Del Conte Road link, complemented by the Sandhill Road link will unlock an estimated 75,000 acres of land for which people have transports or leases.
“These investments will open up those lands, giving farmers access. But access alone is not enough—capital investment for development is significant. That’s why the government will form agricultural districts and assign machinery to assist with land development,” President Ali explained.
Ultimately, the aim is to enhance connectivity between the mainland and island communities in the Essequibo River, further integrating the national food production network.
“We are talking to you about a clearly defined vision—understanding what investments are needed and
committing to making those investments a reality.”
While the government continues to invest heavily in drainage and irrigation (D&I) systems countrywide, the President proposed a more targeted approach that empowers farmers to
manage their own D&I systems by district.
“For example, in Canal Number One, we’ve assigned two bobcats and two tractors to the farmers’ group. We provide the capital equipment, and they will have to maintain that capital equipment and keep it in operation.”
This initiative is
expected to empower farmers and reduce their input costs, while the government continues to invest in larger, more complex national drainage systems.
In Budget 2025, a total of $72.3 billion has been allocated for upgrades to Guyana’s national drainage and irrigation network.
President Ali noted that farmers will also receive mobile pumps.
Outside of these initiatives, the government he noted, will also continue to support farmers with direct cash transfers and other incentives to boost production.
“Direct transfer is something that we will continue to do to subsidise and enhance your income base, so you don't have to come forward and tell me about direct transfer and cash grant that is a given in the coming months and years ahead.”
By Shamar Meusa
PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has affirmed that over the last five years, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has worked tirelessly to eliminate digital disparities and unequal access to
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Guyana. The Prime Minister made these remarks during the launch of Guyana’s first Internet Exchange Point (IXP), noting that significant strides have been made toward achieving the Government’s digital development
goals.
“We have not only delivered on this promise but also exceeded it.” Prime Minister Phillips stated, reflecting on the progress made since the PPP/C’s return to office in 2020.
Giving details on some of the strides made, he stated that it was within the government’s first 100 days in office that the new Telecommunications Act was brought into operation, thus bringing the liberalisation of the communications sector.
He added that this was a transformative move that prompted, among other things, increased investment in Guyana’s digital infrastructure.
Today, three companies operate fibre optic networks, providing broadband access nationwide. The Prime Min-
ister highlighted that bandwidth costs have dropped to one-tenth of their 2020 levels.
Further to this, he indicated that 90 per cent of hinterland communities now have access to high-speed internet services with over 139 fully functional ICT hubs and a further 1,100 ‘WiFiGY’ locations across Guyana.
Additionally, 90% of all nursery, primary, secondary, tertiary and technical/ vocational institutions have internet access, with plans in place to connect the remaining institutions soon.
Also, connectivity has also been extended to approximately 370 government institutions, including hospitals, health centres, police stations, and fire stations.
Prime Minister Phillips
added that the ‘Safe City’ Programme has since been expanded into a Safe Country Programme, enhancing national security through digital infrastructure.
He added that priority has been placed on the digital skills development here to ensure Guyanese benefit from the advancements being made in the sector.
“We have prioritised digital skills development, partnering with international agencies and businesses to
ensure that Guyanese are equipped to use and benefit from these ICT initiatives,” he said.
PM Phillips went on to note that there are now more than 60 online government services, even as the ICT service sector continues to grow with new businesses being established almost daily.
Advancements in the ICT sector are expected to continue with targeted investments.
Regional Vice Chairman of Region Four and member of the opposition People’s National Congress (PNC), Samuel Sandy, has thrown his full support behind President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
In a public statement issued on Sunday, Sandy praised the PPP/C administration for its leadership and accomplishments, stating, “I stand resolute [sic] in my conviction that the Government of Guyana is in capable, visionary hands.”
He credited the Ali-led administration with ushering in sweeping improvements across key sectors of the country.
“Under their leadership, Guyana has experienced unprecedented economic growth, strengthened international partnerships and significant infrastructural development across every region,” Sandy said.
Highlighting progress in areas such as healthcare, education, housing, energy, and national security, he declared that the PPP/C government has “delivered results that have directly improved the lives of our people.”
The endorsement from another senior official within the PNC comes just months ahead of the country’s national elections, marking a big blow to that party.
Sandy highlighted the importance of political continuity during what he described as a central moment in Guyana’s development.
“It is imperative that this administration continues its mandate, not only to consolidate these gains, but to guide Guyana through this critical period of economic expansion and social transformation,”
he asserted.
Sandy further described the PPP/C as “the only political movement with the experience, competence, and inclusive vision necessary to unify our diverse society, while responsibly managing the opportuni-
ties and challenges of our rapidly changing nation.”
As such, he made clear his endorsement of the incumbent, stating: “I am proud to endorse President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C for the 2025 General and Regional Elections.”
Sandy currently serves as Regional Vice Chairman for Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four), operating out of the Timehri Sub-Office on the East Bank of Demerara.
IN an era where political rhetoric often overshadows tangible action, Guyana’s current administration has distinguished itself through a remarkable commitment to people-centred governance one that goes far beyond campaign promises.
The deliberate practice of the People's Progressive Party/Civic government in reaching out to the people directly reflects a sea of change in how good governance must work, not from behind closed rooms, but in communities that need it most.
Evidence of this new approach is everywhere.
From the distant settlements of Region Ten to the fishing communities of Berbice, government ministers and even President Irfaan Ali have made reaching out to the people a fundamental practice of their government.
This isn't photo-op politics; it's consistent engagement that has quantifiable outcomes.
As so well put by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, this government has been “on the ground constantly” since the first day in office, forging a direct connection between policy implementation and the peo-
ple's concerns.
The measurable results of this strategy are dramatic in a variety of areas. For the health sector, remote villages that had once been blighted by basic medical care now have upgraded health posts, regular medical check-ups, and even complex machinery such as oxygen plants.
Toshao Helen Williams of the Saxacalli community pointed out how her health post now provides malaria testing—the only such facility in the river area—illustrating how specific needs within a community lead to specific solutions.
Education is another success story, with the government's universal secondary education goal by 2025 being supported by huge investments of $94.4 billion this year alone alone.
The adoption of technology in terms of smart classrooms and literacy programs illustrates how solutions today are being adopted at grassroots level. Most fundamentally, the economic change lies in generating jobs of over 50,000 advertisements—far in excess of manifesto commitments—with focus on youth and rural regions.
The new-farm-logic initiatives such as the brackish water shrimp projects and homestead development schemes for the poor households are a prime example of community participation pinpointing specific economic opportunities.
It is the systematic approach that makes it stand out. Instead of occasional visits, the government has made community participation a part of governance by institutionalising the process.
Minister Collin Croal's insistence that, “Your participation in the decision-making process is crucial," re-
flects a simple respect that good governance isn't merely talking in blocks, but consistent engagement.
That type of interaction with individuals is more than just good politics—it's good governance that works and yields results.
When decision-makers frequently interact with communities, hear their complaints, and institute targeted solutions, the result is transformative development that enhances lives while constructing real democratic engagement.
Dear Editor,
THE calculating PPP/C Government has let the cat out of the bag by announcing September 1st, 2025 to be E-Day.
It comes at a celebrated time when the PPP/C is riding high on cloud nine, having made hay while the sun was shining. From day one in August 2020, they hit the ground running to clean up their predecessor’s mess, and they have done their homework, planning and providing for all six races in all ten regions (even Region 11) equally and equitably, regardless of race, religion, political persuasion, gender or age.
The Government has introduced bigger, better and bolder budgets each year, as they explore uncharted waters, create rippling effects, and set unprecedented standards. Budget 2025 is huge: G$1.38 trillion (US$6.63 billion) representing a 20.6 per cent increase over 2024 and 3.4 times the size of the 2021 budget, when the PPP/C first took full control.
Guyana’s economic incline plane remains unparalleled with an IMF’s projected 2025 GDP real growth rate of 10.3 per cent, representing the fast-
est growing economy in the world. Its real non-oil growth is projected at 13 per cent, reflecting a no Dutch Disease Syndrome.
Under an astute financial management programme, the PPP/C Government has recorded an average 47per cent real GDP growth (2022-2024).
The fiscal deficit is projected to contract by 15.6 per cent from 2024. The oil industry is expected to yield US$2.5 billion this year, most of which will be spent.
According to a press release from last month, Director of IMF Western Hemisphere Department, Dr. Rodrigo Valdes was in high praise for the PPP/C government saying, “We’re seeing a very good management in Guyana. Now, Suriname has to establish the framework for this to work well for them.”
President Irfan Ali continues to sit on international pedestals and to attract worldwide attention as he receives accolades, recognitions and honours, unperceived before.
His presence is of colossal significance at any forum, not only because Guyana is now an oil rich nation, but, of par-
amount importance, President Ali is being acknowledged as a leader who has successfully to lead the country from poverty to prosperity, from rags to riches, from embarrassment to exquisiteness, from precariousness to soundness and to transition it from just a name to justify a fame.
As all eyes are again focused on Guyana’s territorial controversy with neighbouring Venezuela, Guyana is set to assume the Presidency of the United Nations Security council for the month of June 2025.
Venezuela’s President Nicholos Maduro is regarded as the ‘belly of the beast’ in the Southern Hemisphere as over six million of its citizens migrated out of the country due to poverty, hardship, food shortage, unemployment and fear for their lives.
Ironically, those very reasons are driving Venezuelans to seek solace under the PPP/C Government’s wings in Guyana.
On the other side of the coin, a distraught Opposition has been caught napping with their pants down, as they horrifyingly heard the disturbed news of September 1st being
They were gambling on a November date so that they can put their house in order. The PNC is in a disarray, divided by dissent.
The PNC collating with a five - man WPA Party and other one member parties, is meaningless. No one will listen to a Brutus type backstabber. The WPA’s fingers are draped in Rodney’s blood. One man party commands no influence and will not attract voters.
The PNC’s election campaign machinery is non-functional. They are yet to formulate a slogan, an agenda, literature, materials, flags and other paraphernalia. The question of finance cannot be ruled out.
July 20th will be nomination day —the PNC is dazed and undecided. They are yet to find a running mate and to finalise a who’s who for ministerial and parliamentary positions.
The parting of the “red sea” adds no comfort or solace to them, rather, it harbours a sense of insecurity and uncertainty.
The 2023 Local Government Election is a sad reminder of the PNC’s lousy perfor-
mance and their inability to contest all the constituencies.
The PPP/C gained a walk over in 291 constituencies out of the 610 due to the Opposition’s failure to field any contestants!
Meanwhile, PNC members are crossing the floor to join the PPP/C and to back President Ali.
Young voters are persuaded by results, actions and a fool-proof manifesto. Only the PPP/C Party provides and perfects such a reality.
Guyanese can no longer be fooled with honey, sweet talk and empty promises as adumbrated by the Opposition. Guyanese refuse to be brainwashed by PNC’s propaganda and have long drawn the line of demarcation between truth and lies.
Undoubtedly, a few diehards will remain out of loyalty only and not conviction. What is globally glaring is the PNC’s track record of thirty-three years of disaster as they ruined the lives of Guyanese by destabilising the economy of this country.
The AFC have decided to walk the plank without the PNC. Battered, bruised and
bitten by controversies, contradictories and peculiarities, that party is still in the market for alliances.
But they will always be remembered as the party who sold out the sugar workers, betrayed their trust and put some 7,000 breadwinners on the line —Over 40,000 were directly affected.
A Party with a Dr. Jackel and Mr. Hyde face is not what Guyanese deserve.
The new kid on the block is full of inexperience from lack of exposure about the running of a government. Looking next door across at Maduro, tells a sad tale. Apart from his heavy baggage and dark clouds as his shadow, Guyanese learnt a bitter lesson from the US sanctions from the 2020 Elections! Will there be a media mogul to form a perfect storm in a teacup? The night is young and promises potential surprises. But, at the end of the day, it is only the PPP/C that is ready, willing and capable of going into an election battle.
Yours, respectfully, Jai Lall.
FORMER soldier and elected PNC Chairman of Region Four, Daniel Seeram, has gone over to the PPP. The PNC has lost Geeta Chandan. Former Mayor, Ubraj Narine, is still a card-bearing member of the PNC, but read and listen to what he says and writes; it is as if he is gone from the PNC.
Based on a confidential statement made to me by Narine, I cannot see Narine working with Norton.
Norton made no attempt to reconcile with Mursaline Faiz, former Treasurer of the PNC. Norton made no attempt to reconcile with Amna Ally before she died.
But Norton has welcomed an election alliance with the WPA, which is basically a three-man party of David Hinds, Tacuma Ogunseye and Kidackie Amsterdam. The last two are on incitement charges within the context of race.
Hinds’ racial sermons have no parallel in the history of the three multi-racial countries in CARICOM – Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname. No human on Planet Earth listening to and watching Hinds thinks he belongs to modern politics. But Norton has teamed up with Hinds.
Hear the words of Norton when Seeram left the PNC last week, “I am not worried. Our party base is strong.”
But the base of a party cannot be strong for two reasons – if it keeps losing its pivotal leaders, and secondly, if it does not pursue multi-racial directions.
Commonsensical politics is that, firstly, the PPP needs to show Guy-
ana that as a party with majority Indian leadership, it has embraced African Guyanese from different social classes. Secondly, the PNC has to prove to Guyana that as a party with majority African leadership, it has attracted important Indian cadres.
And lastly, new parties must attract multi-racial constituencies if they are going to be worthwhile third parties and by multi-racial, it is meant different ethnicities, not just Africans and Indians.
Of these three directions, the PPP has done superbly. Now, you can say that it has the national purse to do it, but the fact is, purse or no purse, it has been endorsed by a school of well-known African social and political actors.
Purse or no purse, that is a huge political reality as Guyana goes into the national election. Of these three directions, small parties are trying their best to build multi-racial platforms.
Against this backdrop, the PNC has faltered and “badly” is a mild adverb.
The PNC needs Ubraj Narine, Geeta Chandan and Daniel Seeram more than it needs David Hinds. For Norton to adopt a nonchalant attitude to the exodus of high-profile Indians and welcome Hinds indicates that either he is a political dunce, not acquainted with modern Guyanese politics, or has lost his marbles.
David Hinds cannot bring in votes in September to the PNC. It is silly to think he can, because commonsensical pathways run into the millions. A pro-capitalist party does not need to hunt for business to get
plenty of seats in Parliament. It is a pro-business party, so it will get the votes of the bourgeoisie. This happened in the early 1960s with Peter D’Aguiar and his party, the United Force (UF).
D’Aguiar needed the Amerindian votes to secure substantial seats in Parliament and he did it. Burnham wanted to weaken the PPP as an opposition party, so he stole Indians from the UF and the PPP and brought in high-profile Indians into his Cabinet, of whom Sir Shridath Ramphal and Mohamed Shahabuddeen
stood out.
The PNC will get the same amount of votes that it traditionally gets without David Hinds and Tacuma Ogunseye.
In fact, these two bizarre men could cost the PNC the votes of two sets of Africans – young, decent Africans who grew up in an environment that doesn’t know about the race card and decent, African, educated, middle-class Guyanese who think Hinds is wacko.
On the contrary, Seeram, Narine, and Chandan could bring in votes that Hinds will find
it impossible to do.
Now, the reality is, Guyana doesn’t know how much, if any, votes these Indians will bring to the PNC, but sociologically and culturally there is the colossal possibility that they could secure votes for the PNC, while Hinds cannot.
Thus, the logical question to Norton is: why are you in a hurry to embrace Hinds and not reconcile with those Indians?
Now, there is a supposition. Suppose Norton is afraid to tell Hinds that the WPA is a non-existent
entity and that there is no need for an alliance because Hinds may cuss him down and the PNC will lose votes.
I am contending that cannot happen. If Norton chooses not to team up with Hinds and Hinds cusses him down, it will not affect the traditional votes the PNC will get.
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.
THE elections having been called by President Ali have triggered a series of statutory events that, ceteris paribus, are irreversible.
As such, September 1, 2025 is Election Day, like it or not. The inevitability of this date has placed the Opposition in a loathsome disposition, and it must have dawned on them that they have no choice but to step up to the plate.
But instead of shaking off the dross and mounting a political hurrah, the Opposition has chosen to complain about the date, via the three opposition-nominated GECOM commissioners. They now claim that GECOM is not ready and cannot deliver successful elections in about 100 days.
GECOM not ready? Really???
Essentially, the Opposition consists of two segments: the main Opposition that is, the PNC and AFC and the “others.” The main Opposition appears uncoordinated, politically illogical, jejune, and frankly, desperate.
The PNC knows it has never won an election when contesting alone and under its own name. Contesting an
election alone is merely a matter of how much resilience it can show and how can it maximise electoral returns within its limitations.
The limitations faced by the PNC is one that they have conscientiously cultivated over time—they have boxed themselves into an ethnic cul-de-sac.
I do not see the PNC making a deliberate or strategic play for Indo-Guyanese votes. They have always organised campaigns around Afro dominated communities and protect that turf strenuously.
It seems that they have given up hope that Indo-Guyanese will ever support the PNC, in any significant way.
So, over time they have come to depend on three realities; one, the ostensible declining Indo-Guyanese population; two, pursue coalition with forces that have a significant Indo support base; three, hope for the prodigious rise of a charismatic personality to split the Indo-Guyanese vote— leaving the PNC with the plurality drawn primarily from its Afro base.
These are points of desperation for the
PNC.
It seems they are population-watching so that they can determine their own level of confidence. That is why they are so preoccupied by what the 2022 census may or may not show.
And further, they express an overt aversive phobia for every Venezuelan seeking refuge here. They are mortified that the few who can claim citizenship by ancestry and others by marriage, will be turned into PPP voters and cancel out the lost from Indo-migration.
This has led to spurious claims that the government is issuing ID cards to ineligible Venezuelans in exchange for their votes.
The PNC is playing the long game, consolidate the Afro-Guyanese vote by appealing to race, and wait out the declining Indo population.
In another two election cycles, going forward, they could win naturally based on the estimated changes in the demographic structure of the country. So, they see Venezuelan migration as potentially disruptive to this long game.
This strategy has one major Faultline
that makes it electorally precarious. The PPP is making a concerted and unrelenting move to wrest the very Afro-political enclaves the PNC wishes to protect.
The cracks are not only beginning to show—they are showing signs of developing craters, as Afro-Guyanese in small but steady streams are openly supporting the PPP.
Panic is setting in, that is why the PNC has shown an affinity for the rabid racialised politics being practised by known political protagonists.
PNC is further doubling down on this pathway because it knows that the AFC has lost its appeal to Indo-Guyanese. Therefore, any coalition with the AFC will be to hold the small but formidable middle-class and keep the very Afro enclaves from fragment-
ing further.
Because of this, the PNC will see no reason to give up the presidential candidature because they know that with or without a PNC/AFC coalition, winning is a long shot.
So, both the AFC and the PNC are hoping that Azruddin Mohamed is that knight in shining armour that will struth his style, wrest Indo-voters from the PPP and either create an outright win for them or at the very least a minority government.
My own prediction is that if ‘Team Mohameds’ campaign machinery shows any sign of robustness, the AFC and PNC will rush into a coalition. They will do this for two reasons to combine forces to stave off further decline in their Afro voting stock and to attempt to take advantage of any possibility of split-
ting the Indo-Guyanese vote.
The second segment of the opposition, the “and others” will not make any dent on the ballot box including ‘Team Mohameds.’
They are simply democracy’s decorations and affirmations—that any Guyanese has a constitutional right to run for president, “they also ran” into the footnotes of Guyanese electoral history.
The lack of success of the “other parties” will line up to gnaw at the PNC core support base and will render their strategy even more stupendously ill- fated.
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.
By Michel Outridge
WHEN all hope seemed lost, electrician James Thomas refused to give up. Determined not to become an amputee, he sought a second opinion and trusted the process, his faith in God never wavered.
Today, that faith and patience paid off. He received the help he needed, has regained the use of his legs, and has returned to full mobility.
Thomas, a diabetic and well-known electrician in his village of Bartica, was injured while installing a solar panel on the roof of a building.
On that day, the sun was exceptionally hot. After completing the task and beginning his descent, his sandals began to slip on the zinc roofing. To prevent falling, he removed them, a decision he would later regret.
Barefoot, he tried to
make his way down, but the intense heat of the zinc sheets burned his feet severely, down to the bone.
Due to his diabetic condition, he was hospitalised, where medical professionals informed him that the leg had become septic and would need to be amputated.
Devastated and unwilling to accept this fate, Thomas took a self-discharge and returned home.
According to his wife, Jacqueline Thomas, while attending a funeral at Caria Caria, on the mainland of the Essequibo River, she mentioned her husband’s condition to some acquaintances. They advised her to contact the Community Health Worker (CHW) at the Fort Island Health Post for help and she did.
Mrs Thomas told the Guyana Chronicle that she wrapped her husband in a blanket and took him aboard a large boat travelling the Bartica/Fort
Island and Parika route, bringing him to CHW Pretty Debideen at Fort Island.
Upon examining Thomas’s feet, Debideen discovered a bone fragment had flaked off and become embedded in the flesh, leading to the infection and discolouration. She made an incision to remove the fragment, immediately relieving some of Thomas’s discomfort.
After this, he began visiting Fort Island every other day for dressing and treatment.
However, due to the high cost of travel, he could not maintain the schedule. In an extraordinary act of compassion, CHW Debideen opened her home to Thomas, who stayed for 10 days.
During this time, his wounds were treated and dressed daily.
Slowly, he regained mobility, was able to wear shoes again and eventually
returned home. Thomas remains deeply grateful to Debideen for her care and kindness during what was a terrifying and uncertain time.
“I feel really blessed to be able to regain the full use of both legs. Being able to wear shoes again feels really good. Now that I’m fully healed, I’m more conscious of my diabetic condition,” Thomas shared.
The bond between the Thomas family and the Debideens has grown
stronger over the years. They continue to visit one another, maintaining a friendship built during a time of crisis.
Mrs Jacqueline Thomas, 62, expressed heartfelt thanks to Debideen for the excellent care she provided during a period when it felt like all options had been exhausted.
“It goes to show that miracles can happen when you least expect them. God’s mercy was upon us, and we’re thankful for it,” she said.
A mother of five, Mrs Thomas is originally from Saxacalli, Essequibo River, but her family relocated to Bartica so she could attend secondary school.
A retired pensioner, she worked her way up from stores clerk to storekeeper, and finally to Administrative Assistant at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) before retiring in 2017.
By Naomi Parris
BUILDING on the economic buzz along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has mulled the idea of establishing a traffic terminal catering to truckers and other stakeholders.
While speaking at a recent event, the Head of State noted that the Soesdyke-Linden Highway is no longer a just transportation link, but is now a new corridor of development with a mixture of industrial investments highlighting the country’s
diverse economy.
The Soesdyke-Linden Highway acts as the operational hub for sand, loam, and concrete trucks. It serves as the point of origin for transporting these critical materials to various regions across the country.
“Ultimately, for the sand trucks, the loam trucks and concrete trucks, the last activity brings them here as a terminating point on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway; their first activity takes them from here, as the start of the day, with a truckload of sand/loam,” President Ali
said.
And with Guyana experiencing a construction boom, there has been an increase of traffic along the route. As such, Dr. Ali stated that a terminal could bring a greater synergy to the operations along the highway.
“With the level of activity that is taking place on this corridor, we can easily integrate, through government investment, infrastructure that will allow that traffic to have a terminal along the highway that allows them to be more in line with the synergies of what they're
doing,” he said.
Making an appeal to investors, the Head of State noted that such an investment could bring greater efficiency to the construction
and value-added projects.
“In the coming five years, the transformation that is taking place along this corridor is going to be so immense, that a value creation
ecosystem of the country.
“Those are the type of things that are also critical; that you may consider the softer side of the investment, but are critical in it bringing efficiency to the entire ecosystem,” he added.
President Ali reiterated that the corridor is quickly being transformed into a buzz of economic activity.
“Today, on this Soesdyke-Linden Highway, tens of millions of US dollars; tens of billions of Guyanese dollars are being invested here on this new corridor of development,” he said.
He highlighted key projects, including investments in sustainable agriculture, such as a US$25 million dairy plant expected to come on-stream soon, alongside hydroponic and nursery facilities.
The government also has tourism development plans, including lake-front communities, new zones of urbanisation, and manufacturing
is going to be unbelievable in terms of jobs; in terms of asset value, in terms of infrastructure expansion, in terms of productivity, all of that,” President Ali said.
The President also highlighted the Highway’s strategic role as a future transportation and service hub between Guyana and Brazil, noting that the establishment of waterfronts along the Demerara River will be key to this development.
This will be complemented by quarries and industrial facilities that are soon to begin operation.
“We can have a comprehensive ecosystem surrounding the building out of our infrastructure, where we are not only building infrastructure, but we are building infrastructure where almost all of the input will come from, right here in Guyana,” President Ali said, adding:
Major projects contributing to this vision includes the Linden to Lethem Road, the new Sandhill Road, which will connect the mining communities in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to urban centres, the development of a new shore-base facility, and the new Corentyne River Bridge connecting Guyana, Suriname and Brazil to facilitate cross-border trade, and other projects aimed at transforming the country’s landscape.
“We want also investors who are coming in to look at the capacity we've been able to build up here in Guyana.” President Ali said, adding that the overarching goal is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that fosters national development and regional prosperity.
“It's about creating new opportunities, and it's about opening up the possibilities here for the rest of your countrymen and women and investors globally,” he concluded.
“The current infrastructure build-out is only to handle the immediate needs. The economy of this country will be built out on such a massive scale that infrastructure, connectivity, the markets and people will be beyond anything we can imagine.”
GUYANA has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of June, taking the lead on a packed agenda that will include high-stakes discussions on global conflicts and development.
According to a release from the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, the country’s month-long presidency will see it presiding over several mandated meetings of the council on issues relating to Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, and other crisis-affected regions.
The council will also convene a mandated session on Resolution 2334, which addresses Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
A major highlight of Guyana’s presidency will come on June 19, when President, Dr Irfaan Ali will chair a high-level open debate on “Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security.”
The debate aims to examine how poverty and underdevelopment fuel conflicts and instability, and it is expected to feature key briefers from the United Nations system and the African Union, as well as participation from numerous UN member states.
The discussion will build on previous Security Council engagements exploring the link between sustainable development and international peace and security.
It comes at a critical
time, as armed conflicts escalate globally and the international community struggles to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Additionally, Guyana will organise the annual Children and Armed Conflict Open Debate on June 25.
The debate will include briefings from Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, followed by statements from member states in response to the Secretary-General’s annual report on the issue.
Throughout the month, Guyana will highlight its priority issues, including conflict prevention, the security-development nexus, the impacts of climate change on peace and security, protection of children in armed conflict and advancing the women, peace and security agenda.
The Security Council is expected to adopt its Programme of Work on Monday, June 2.
Following this, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, will brief the media on the council’s plans for the month.
Guyana is currently serving a two-year term on the Security Council, which runs from January 2024 to December 2025. This marks the country’s third time on the council, having previously served in 1975–1976 and 1982–1983.
By Faith Greene
GUYANESE are widely known for their warmth and hospitality, but many from the diaspora are also proving to be enterprising and forward-thinking, choosing to return home and invest in the country’s growth.
One such example is Shellon Morian, a Guyana-born entrepreneur who has brought her successful US-based cleaning business back to its roots.
Morian is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Shelly’s Organic Residential and Commercial Cleaning Company (R&CC), a company she established in 2015 in the United States.
Last Saturday, she officially launched its Guyana operations, in collaboration with Master’s Touch Environmental Services and Supplies Inc.
Reflecting on her journey, Morian shared that she migrated from Guyana to Barbados at age 14.
At 17, she met Lancelot Myers, CEO of Master’s Touch, who offered her an opportunity to work within his company. It was there she gained valuable skills that helped shape her future.
Her strong foundation in Barbados prepared her for a career in the environmental services sector, when she later moved to the United States in 2000.
Morian went on to work at the St. Barnabas Medical Centre, where she remained employed for 14 years.
Driven by a passion to bring her company home, Morian said she aims to provide high-quality, organic cleaning services in Guyana, prioritising quality over quantity
and offering a strong, professionally trained team that is eager to get the job done.
Human Resource Director of the company, Julicea Wilson,
service provider in the US, with a strong emphasis on customer service and environmental sustainability.
Through hard work and dedication, the
ward to a bright future in partnership with the citizens of Guyana,” Wilson said.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Tourism and Hospitality
shared that Shelly’s Organic has evolved into a reputable cleaning
company now boasts over 150 clients across several states.
The company has three main pillars: Eco-friendly cleaning (using organic, non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for children and pets and don’t comp romise on effectiveness), versatile cleaning solutions, and customer satisfaction, (prioritising client satisfaction by providing reliable, high-quality cleaning services tailored to each customer’s needs).
“With a team of approximately 40 skilled professionals, we provide high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning services that ensure a safe and spotless environment for our clients.
“All that I’ve told you today is what Shelly’s Organic is bringing to the cleaning industry. We look for-
Association of Guyana (THAG), Oslyn Kirton, in her remarks, underscored that health and safety in the tourism industry is a critical matter.
She said that in Guyana, there is a need to shift mindsets around these issues starting with children, who can influence their parents to adopt better practices.
Commending Morian’s initiative, Kirton stated, “We're talking about sustainability and we're talking about a green Guyana; and this will contribute to a green Guyana.”
She described the launch as the beginning of a new chapter, filled with fresh opportunities and meaningful partnerships, and a step forward in Guyana’s growth and commitment to green enterprises, sustainable development and service excellence.
These, she highlighted, are values that align deeply with the vision of THAG. Furthermore, she said THAG understands that cleanliness, health and safety are not optional in the tourism industry, but are fundamental.
She noted that for visitors choosing accommodation, tour operators, or dining experiences, hygiene standards and environmental responsibility are often deciding factors.
“With the planet focused on organic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, we are seeing the rise of a service that not only meets industry standards, but elevates them,” she affirmed.
“This is the kind of innovation and leadership we need more of in tourism-supporting services.”
Kirton added that by offering environmentally friendly cleaning, Shelly’s Organic and Master’s Touch are directly supporting the tourism industry’s ability to meet high visitor expectations while reducing environmental impact.
In addition to residential and commercial cleaning, Shelly’s Organic does medical-facility cleaning, as well as specialised cleaning (inclusive of moving in or out, deep cleaning, and post-construction cleanup).
For more information, persons can call 664-5648 / 654-7376, email ShellonM@ ShellysOrganic.com, or find the company on social media: Instagram: @ShellysOrganic Facebook: Shelly’s Organic Home Cleaning.
EDUCATION unlocks the door to the future and since 2021, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has helped thousands of Guyanese to open that door by providing access to quality tertiary education.
Over the years, GOAL has partnered with various international universities to offer a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, including certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, postgraduate, master and doctorate degrees.
With over 6,000 graduates expected to walk the stage in a matter of weeks, several scholars have come forward to share their inspiring journeys and experiences with the GOAL programme.
Janel Lewis said her decision to join the scholarship programme stemmed from a personal commitment to advancing her skills in nursing.
“I saw the scholarship as an opportunity to gain access to high-quality education, while contributing meaningfully to the health sector,” she explained.
Lewis added that the programme has been instrumental in her personal
and professional life, providing her with access to advanced nursing education and enabling her to deliver patient-centred care with confidence and expertise.
Ronald Cox, who will be graduating with a Master in Leadership Education through GOAL’s partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, reflected on his learning experience, “The online learning was very good. It was a new platform, but we coped well and here I am, finally graduating.”
Cox praised GOAL as a transformative initiative, relating that opportunity given by a government to help
citizens elevate themselves academically is a welcome one such as this initiative.
Shazad Carrim, an engineer, expressed that pursuing his Master degree was a life-long dream, which made even more rewarding through a GOAL scholarship.
“One of the first initiatives that the government came with when they took over office; I think that was a very good initiative to develop people within the country to take them to higher heights in their education level,” he stated.
Speaking of flexibility, Carrim added, “The Engi -
neering Management programme was very flexible. You could study at your own pace and time; because being people that normally works [sic] during the day, it was very hard to have a very fulltime course, so it was a very flexible course to us.”
Frances Wright, a participant in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) programme, echoed similar sentiments. He has already progressed to studying for his Bachelor’s degree.
“Studying has been good because it’s online and very flexible. All classes are in the evenings, and I can be
anywhere in Guyana as long as I have internet access,” he explained.
Melicia Murray, another GOAL scholar, pursued a Master’s in Psychology through the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India.
She shared that she always had an interest in understanding people and how the mind works and GOAL gave her that opportunity.
“The online programme gave us a chance to be at home, still do our normal chores, be engaged with the crowd we’re accustomed to; whether it’s work or any other recreational aspect and then we’re still able to conduct that. So, I think it’s a great initiative. We’re able to get things done in a speedy time,” she explained.
Ayesha Morgan, another IGNOU student, will graduate with a Post-graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. As a mature student, she described the opportunity as a legacy achievement.
“It’s very engaging, and the ability to push yourself, to develop yourself and to dive into something new, such as online classes; the
challenges and the opportunity that it brought with it really was amazing for me,” she said.
As a Procurement Officer, Morgan shared that her goal has long been to work in human resources, and the skills she gained will help her realise that dream.
Natalie Goodman, who completed a Master in Public Health at Texila American University, shared the unique challenges of studying from Guyana’s hinterland.
“I’m in the hinterland, and the internet access, sometimes I couldn’t have proper access. I would have [sic] taken another initiative, by utilising the internet service at my hospital where I’m attached; and I was able to complete my course successfully.”
She extended heartfelt thanks to the government for making education accessible, especially to those in remote regions.
Come June 09 and 10, 2025, GOAL will host a graduation ceremony to celebrate these scholars, along with their fellow graduands.
THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has confirmed that the early Sunday morning fire which destroyed a church hall at Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, is suspected to be the result of arson.
Initial reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs had suggested that the blaze, which broke out around 05:20hrs at Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, was caused by a defective light bulb that sparked and ignited nearby materials.
The property is owned by Juan Edghill, the Minister of Public Works. However, a follow-up release later the same day revealed new findings based on video surveillance footage and further electrical inspections.
The updated report clarified that the fire occurred
at Lot 26 Durban Street, Lodge, not Joseph Pollydore Street as previously stated and was deliberately set.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows a “hooded individual” entering the premises at approximately 04:48hrs, moments before the fire was reported.
The building, a two-storey wooden and concrete structure used as a church hall, sustained severe structural and content damage.
Thankfully, no injuries or displacements were reported.
Eighteen firefighters, supported by tenders WT#124, 95 and W/C#28, 24, responded swiftly to the scene under the command of Officers S/L Watts, S/L Devent, L/FM Roberts, and L/FM Thompson.
Extinguishment operations were executed using two jets from W/C #23 and #24.
The GFS has since launched a full investigation in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force. “Person or persons found culpable will face the full brunt of the law,” the Fire Service stated.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Minister Edghill in a personal statement said, “Although the damage and loss are significant, we are extremely grateful for the swift response and commendable efforts of the Guyana Fire Service in containing the
“We also extend heartfelt thanks to our neighbours,
friends, and church members who came out and offered their assistance during this time.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
By Indrawattie Natram
PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali has called on the youths of Region Two to explore the wealth of opportu -
as a fallback option, but rather as a thriving and profitable industry with immense potential.
He urged young people to view agriculture
He outlined several measures and policies aimed at enhancing the sector’s viability. Among them are plans to open more lands for cultivation,
nities available in the agriculture sector.
He made this appeal during a public meeting held at the Anna Regina Secondary School on Saturday, where he engaged with rice farmers, cash crop cultivators, and fisherfolk.
The President emphasised that agriculture should not be seen merely
as a sustainable and rewarding career path, highlighting his government’s continued efforts to build a supportive ecosystem for youth involvement in the sector.
“We want young people to trust that this government is committed to making agriculture viable. It is not just about surviving in the sector, but thriving,” President Ali said.
reduce input costs and support farmers in owning their own equipment.
He also pledged continued investment in essential infrastructure and financial support for farmers.
“This government will continue to give grants and support education, our elders and most importantly, we are focusing on economic transfor -
mation—putting more money in your pockets, lowering your input costs, and backing agriculture,” he stressed.
resident Ali further announced the construction of all-weather roads to replace the current dam systems, significantly improving transportation and accessibility for farming communities.
the housing sector.
“It will happen in agriculture too,” the President assured.
Calling on young people to show genuine interest in the sector, President Ali underscored that agriculture offers both additional income and long-term stability.
He noted that this is not a one-off initiative
support,” he reiterated.
The President also stated that Essequibo is poised to become the breadbasket for both agriculture and tourism, revealing that three new cold storage facilities will soon be established in the region to support cash crop farmers.
Additionally, Region Two benefits from the
To improve financial access, the government plans to introduce a co-investment fund and push for reduced interest rates through tax incentives, similar to what has already been achieved in
but part of a wider plan to develop small agri-industries, such as aquaculture ponds and shade house farming.
“Resources are available, and this government will continue to provide
presence of a branch of the Guyana School of Agriculture, which offers residents the opportunity to pursue formal training and realise their dreams in agriculture.
GUYANA’S electoral system is built on collective decision-making and party-based structures, not personal ambition, warns University of Guyana academic, Kofi Dalrymple, as the country gears up for General and Regional Elections on September 1.
Dalrymple, who serves as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, weighed in on recent public discourse sparked by United States-sanctioned businessman and tax evasion accused, Azruddin Mohamed self-declared presidential bid.
In a Facebook post, he pointed out that Guyana’s political framework does not support individual presidential runs but rather a group-driven, proportional representation process.
“In our electoral process, one person cannot run, much less win an election in Guyana. It takes a team, a process, and real democratic consensus starting at the grassroots,” he stated.
The announcement, though met with curiosity by some, prompted the academic to clarify that Guyana does not operate under a U.S.style primary system.
“We have a party-based proportional representation system, not a US-style primary. Here, a party or group forms a list, gets the required signatures, and selects a presidential candidate from within. That’s the first step in our democratic process—step one is nomi-
nation through group engagement, not self-declaration,” Dalrymple explained.
Against this backdrop, he raised critical questions about the implications of pre-emptive self-nomination, noting that it could limit their opportunity to be considered for leadership roles.
“If someone declares themselves as the candidate before the list is even formed, what happens to others who join later? Aren't they forced to fall in line behind a decision they had no part in, even if they’re more capable or electable than a self-declared candidate?” he asked.
Dalrymple argued that forming a political party, recruiting a slate of candidates and developing democratic internal mechanisms to select a presidential nominee are essential components of Guyana’s electoral architecture.
“This is why historically people say, ‘I've formed a party and plan to contest the elections.’ Forming the party, getting the candidates, establishing an internal party democratic system that leads to the nomination is the work to be done,” he said.
Referring to a widely shared video inviting citizens to join a new political effort, Dalrymple added, “I suppose all who join now are clear that they are contending for other positions, because the top spot, so to speak, is filled.”
He concluded by asking whether the electorate should be cautious of self-de -
clared bids that bypass the necessary democratic checks, warning that such approaches
may undermine transparency and inclusiveness in leadership selection.
- ‘Men on Mission’ initiative brings relief to Essequibo family
By Indrawattie Natram
THE life of Kuntie Kissoon, called ‘Mala’, a single mother of two, from Unu Creek/Cullen Sand Top on the Essequibo Coast, has been transformed through the compassionate vision of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the impactful Men on Mission initiative.
After years of living in a dilapidated and unsafe structure, Kissoon has now been handed the keys to a brand-new home, a mo-
ment that marks not only the fulfilment of a personal dream but also the Government’s ongoing commitment to uplifting vulnerable citizens and building stronger communities.
This gift was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Essequibo contractor Ali Khan and the dedication of Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ricky Ramraj.
He was joined by Member of Parliament Tandika Simone Smith; Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit; Prime Minister’s Regional Representative, Arnold Adams and other regional officials, who stood in solidarity with Kissoon during a heartfelt handing-over ceremony held last Friday.
The journey began during a routine house-tohouse outreach conducted by members of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – Cluster 3, Region 2.
The walkabout included Comrades Icela, Nalini and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC)
Chairperson, Hansoutie Ramkellewan, who listened to Kissoon’s story and swiftly brought her case to the attention of the relevant authorities.
The local leaders were moved to help change Kissoon’s life and subsequently made representations to their party’s leadership.
Their actions reflect the true essence of grassroots politics, meeting people where they are and responding with empathy and urgency.
With tears of gratitude, Kissoon thanked the Government of Guyana, the sponsor and every individual involved in making her dream a reality.
For her and her children, this new home represents safety, dignity and a fresh start.
Kissoon explained that
whenever it rained, her roof would leak and many nights she slept on a wet bed. She said she could not afford to build a home on her own, as she earned a meagre income cleaning shrimp for survival.
She further shared that her daughter and granddaughter live with her and she is happy that her granddaughter’s future can be better than hers.
“I could have never afforded it. My savings are meagre. I just try to survive. Thanks to the Government of Guyana and the regional authorities for seeing my plight,” she said. Under President Ali and the PPP/C Government, the promise of prosperity is being delivered—one family, one home, one dream at a time.
A HEALTH and Pharmaceutical Investment Mission is set to be hosted from today (Monday, June 2, 2025), led by the European Union (EU) Delegation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the EU Chamber of Commerce in Guyana.
The three-day event, which runs until Wednesday, is being held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel and aims to connect local stakeholders with European health and pharmaceutical companies.
EU Ambassador to Guyana, Rene Van Nes, recently noted that, under the Global Gateway initiative, the EU will invest in local pharmaceutical development in both Guyana and Barbados.
He highlighted that a landmark joint dec -
laration was signed last year to strengthen co-operation in pharmaceutical and regulatory services between Lithuania, Barbados, and Guyana.
To this end, Ambassador Van Nes ex -
plained that Lithuania had previously assisted Rwanda in establishing its pharmaceutical regulatory framework and that the same experts are now supporting Guyana in a similar effort.
PUPIL of Queenstown
Primary School tragically lost his life on Saturday evening in a fatal electrocution accident at a relative’s home.
The incident, which occurred on May 31, claimed the life of Emmanuel Jones.
The incident occurred around 18:30 hours at the family’s two-storey wooden and concrete residence in Queenstown, Region Two.
According to reports, young Emmanuel had been playing with other relatives inside the house before running into the eastern yard, where an old parked car and an exposed electrical drop cord were located.
His father, Marlon Jones, told reporters that Emmanuel ran behind the vehicle, held onto it, and was electrocuted due to a
“With that regulatory framework in place, Guyana will be open for business to start producing its own pharmaceuticals,” he said at the time.
The Ambassador further noted that a mission of European companies focused on health and pharmaceuticals with a keen interest in investing in Guyana is now underway. He
also indicated that this model may be replicated in other sectors.
Over 13 companies from EU member states including Spain, Austria, France, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Sweden, Italy, and Ireland are expected to participate in the mission.
The mission is backed by the Guyana Office for Investment
(Go-Invest), the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA).
The mission will feature targeted seminars, business-to-business meetings, and site visits to medical and pharmaceutical facilities across the country.
live wire that had become bridged to the car.
The other children present immediately raised an alarm.
Emmanuel was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead.
Detectives conducted an initial assessment and found no visible marks of violence on the child’s body.
His remains were taken to the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.
This deeply saddening incident has left the Queenstown community in mourning. Authorities continue to investigate, while calls for increased public awareness around home electrical safety are already growing.
HOSTS Monedderlust could not hold off Ann’s Grove at the number 5 ground in Berbice in a match fans were expecting to have a different outcome as the Elite League Season 7 continued on Saturday.
The hosts went down 2-1.
Yohance Francis was in a no-nonsense moood as he needed about four minutes before he hit the back of the net to stun the home crowd in Berbice.
Tyrone Delph gave Monedderlust Hope with his strike in the 25th minute to level the scores.
The two sides went into the break after the first 45 with the scores levelled at 1-1.
The second half proved less fruitful as the teams battled it out with better defensive plays, neither side adding to its score sheet for most of the contest.
It was not until the 89th minute that Alden Lawrence broke the deadlock with a fine effort after beating the defender to outwit Monedderlust’s capable custodian to win 2-1.
The league features 90 games over a 6-month period with top sides in Season 7 of the Elite League collecting two million dollars and being awarded an automatic qualifying spot at the CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championships.
The 2nd place team will collect $1,200,000, 3rd Place $800,000 and 4th Place 500,000.
The league is sponsored by Guyana Beverage Inc. through its Turbo brand, BACIF, Blue Water Shipping and Namilco.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
MARKET RASEN
08:40hrs Appleshaw
09:15hrs Iron Heart
09:50hrs St Patricks Bridge
10:25hrs Prince Imperial
11:00hrs Gwennie Mayjem
11:35hrs Nachtgeist I2:10hrs I'm A Believer
WINDSOR
12:40hrs Kalahari Blue
13:15hrs American Gulf
13:45hrs Jettie's Run
14:15hrs Rajaking
14:45hrs Silver Gunn
15:15hrs Fravanco
15:45hrs Newfangled
WETHERBY
13:00hrs Vlad
13:30hrs Cottai Belle
14:00hrs Lady Mariko
14:30hrs Homeland 15:00hrs Opal Storm 15:30hrs Hamlet's Night 16:00hrs Novamay
IRISH RACING TIPS
GOWAN PARK 08:32hrs Dancing Teapot 09:07hrs Jazz Dreamers 09:42hrs Heavens Gate 10:17hrs My Kurkum 10:52hrs Action Plan 11:27hrs Kalixa
12:00hrs Game Point 12:30hrs Gold Dublooms
RACING TIPS
CMC – Joe Root hit a masterful, unbeaten century to anchor England to an exciting three-wicket victory over the West Indies, which helped them to claim their One Day International series with a game to spare here on Sunday.
Root rescued the home side with a magnificent knock of 166 not out, his 18th ODI century, to propel them to 312 for seven off 48.5 overs, past the West Indies’ competitive total of 308.
His performance overshadowed that of Keacy Carty, who scored 103 – his third century in four matches – to put the West Indies in a good position to post a total in excess of 350.
Carty along with opener Brandon King put on 141
runs for the second wicket following the early dismissal of Jewel Andrew for a duck after the West Indies were sent in to bat.
Both batsmen were given lifelines early in their innings, with Ben Dockett dropping Carty at slip when he was one and King after he had scored just 11.
They took advantage of their luck, with Carty racing to his half century off 59 balls by pulling Adil Rashid to backward square for four.
King then ended a poor run of form by reaching his half century off 56 balls with a single off Rashid after driving him through cover.
The pair had motored along to 147 for one at almost six runs an over, until King drove Rashid straight into the hands of Brydon Carse
stationed at long off to be out for 59.
Captain Shai Hope joined Carty at the crease and the two maintained the momentum by taking the score pass the 200-mark.
Carty, fresh off two hundreds in the preceding tour of Ireland, brought up his fourth ODI century off 102 balls when he guided Jacob Bethell past backward point for a boundary.
But almost immediately after, Carty walked straight past a Will Jacks delivery and was stumped for 103 off 105 balls, inclusive of 13 fours.
At that point, West Indies were still well positioned at 205 for three in the 36th over.
However, Carty’s dismissal saw the visitors lose five wickets for 63 runs to see them slump to 268 for seven.
(ESPNCRICINFO) - THE Jasprit Bumrah yorker isn't invincible. Not even when it starts to tail. Shreyas Iyer met it with extraordinary coolness and an open face of the bat to find a boundary. It gave him the 61st run of an enormously impressive innings and reinforced a feeling of helplessness on Mumbai Indians (MI). They were staring into the eyes of the man who was single-handedly beating them. The five-time champions came up short, and for the first time, couldn't defend a total in excess of 200. This means IPL 2025 will mark the arrival of a new power. Punjab Kings (PBKS) or Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
SHREYAS=KOHLI
There is something extra special about batters who do
their best work in a chase. Even now, when the accepted wisdom is to know what your target is, the prospect of a batter playing like he owns every little blade of grass that surrounds him is the stuff of dreams. Shreyas had his eyes wide open. This was real. This was class. He arrived at the crease in the last over of the powerplay and knew he couldn't take his time. The second ball went for four. He never looked flustered, even when PBKS needed two runs a ball for the last eight overs. He launched Reece Topley for a hat-trick of sixes in the 13th over. Those three hits doubled PBKS' chances of victory. It was 25 per cent coming into the over and 53 per cent coming out of it. Standing deep in his crease, watching every ball right onto his bat, functioning sometimes on pure
instinct. There was a four he got off Hardik Pandya where he seemed almost ready to leave the short ball only to ramp it as it passed him and get it over the keeper. There was a six that he got off Ashwani Kumar, he almost seemed to predict the bowler would go wide yorker to mitigate the damage of a free-hit ball and he shifted across his crease and scythed the ball over cover.
His best shots though were those steers all along the ground to the backward point boundary off the two best bowlers in the opposition - Trent Boult and Bumrah. That was when everybody at the ground knew the game was firmly in Shreyas' hand. That it had always been there. He was expressionless in victory. He knew it was his. He knew it was coming.
It took a fighting 78 off 66 balls by Hope to help get the West Indies over 300, before he was the last wicket to fall with 14 balls still remaining in the innings.
Rashid led the way for England with 4-63 while pacer Saqib Mahmood took 3-37.
England got off to terrible start, losing openers Jamie Smith and Duckett for ducks to slip to 2-2.
Root and captain Harry Brook joined forces, but the former was lucky not to be run out with the score on seven, but Roston Chase’s effort from gully went just wide.
The West Indies were unfortunate not to have claimed the wickets of both batsmen in successive deliveries with the score on 41.
Forde was certain his
inswinger had trapped Root lbw when he was seven, but the umpire ruled not out with the review showing that the ball would have clipped the bail, leading to the call standing.
And with the next delivery bowled by Jaydon Seales, wicketkeeper Hope put down Brook diving to his right.
They would prove costly, as the pair added a further 46 valuable runs, before Alzarri Joseph grabbed Brook’s wicket for 47.
And when Joseph bowled Jos Buttler for a duck and Roston Chase had Bethell lbw for 17, the West Indies were in the ascendancy at 133 for five.
But Root found a worthy partner in Jacks, and the two shared a 143-run partner -
ship to revive England’s run chase.
Root brought up his century by thumping Gudakesh Motie for a six and then a four to start the 36th over and followed it up by hitting Chase for three boundaries in the 38th over.
By the time Joseph dismissed Jacks for 49 to leave the score 276 for six, the damage had already been done, with England requiring 33 runs from 36 balls.
Root then duly brought up his 150 before fittingly ending the match by driving Seales to the boundary.
In all he faced 139 balls and struck 21 fours and two sixes.
Joseph was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 4-31 from his 10 overs.
TOP teams Old Fort Show Stoppers and Saints Slayers are the front runners, after impressive showing in the group stage of the Kellogg’s U-14 Schools’ Hockey League.
After the round robin stage of the competition, Saints Slayers lead the girls standing with 12 points followed by Old Fort High Fliers with 9 points and Multi with 4 points.
In the girls’ category Saints Slayers ‘slayed’ GCC Her-ricanes 5-nil with Carenza Copeland leading with a hat-trick.
Multi then beat Saints Sensations 1-nil with a Unique Mentore goal.
Saints Sensations and
GCC Her-ricanes who finish at the bottom of the table will engage in a play-off for a chance to reach the semi-finals.
In the boys’ group A, Saints Sigma took down Hikers Hatchets 4-2. Saints’ goal came off the sticks of Zane Edwards and Dominic Thom both of whom registered doubles.
Hikers’ goal came from Simeon Smith in a losing cause.
Old Fort Gladiators also trounced Warriors 6-1, Gladiators Aderemi Simon and Brandon Layne were instrumental as they each grabbed a pair of goals.
Saints Sigma and Hikers Hatchets who finished 4th
and 5th will meet in a oneoff playoff to determine the fourth team from their group to reach the quarter finals.
In the boys’ group B, Saints Snipers drew with multi 1-1, Lian Mohan scored for Snipers and Alpha Smith scored multi’s field goal.
Also in group B Old Fort Show Stoppers stopped Saints Scorpions 2-1 with field goals from Jimmy Carpio and Jhonny Carpio.
In the Boys’ Group B Old Fort Show Stoppers lead the standing with 9 points followed by Multi, Saints Scorpions and SHC Snipers who did enough to earn a place in the quarter finals.
(Formula 1) OSCAR Piastri has further strengthened his championship lead by clinching a commanding victory in the Spanish Grand Prix, the Australian leading team mate Lando Norris in a McLaren 1-2 amid a dramatic end to the race that saw Max Verstappen and George Russell collide.
Piastri made an excellent start from pole position, allowing the 24-year-old to build an early lead from Verstappen who had overtaken Norris into Turn 1. Norris later retook the position – only for Verstappen to leapfrog both McLarens after the first pit stops, putting himself into P1.
This proved to be brief, however, as the Dutchman pitted early for a second stop, handing the lead back to Piastri – all of which triggered much intrigue over whether Verstappen would opt for a three-stop strategy, a scenario that could pose a threat to the papaya squad should the Red Bull have fresher rubber later on.
Verstappen did indeed embark on a three-stop – but the whole picture was dramatically shaken up when a Safety Car was deployed in the latter stages after Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes pulled off track with a mechanical issue, prompting most of the frontrunners to pit again.
While Piastri and Norris surged clear at the restart amid
led away when the race began, while Norris was overtaken by Verstappen as further
a six-lap dash to the flag, Verstappen found himself passed by Charles Leclerc for third before battling with Russell. The pair made contact and Verstappen was forced to go down the escape road, only for Red Bull to tell their driver to hand the position back.
There was then another collision between the pair for which Verstappen subsequently received a 10-second time penalty. But there were no such dramas ahead for Piastri, who sealed his fifth victory of the season ahead of McLaren team mate Norris.
Leclerc sealed the final spot on the podium for Ferrari in third, while Russell claimed fourth and Nico Hulkenberg was an eye-catching fifth for Kick Sauber after starting back from P15 on the grid. Lewis Hamilton followed in sixth for Ferrari, while Isack Hadjar added to Racing Bulls’ tally in seventh and Pierre Gasly claimed eighth for Alpine. Fernando Alonso finally scored his maiden points of
VETERANS’ rider Kwame Ridley and junior cyclist Alex Newton showed their prowess recently when a local contingent journeyed to Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the Raiders Cycling Club Criterium Race, titled "Speed to Victory."
the campaign in P9 for Aston Martin, while Verstappen’s penalty dropped him down to a final position of P10.
Liam Lawson just missed out on points in an eventful afternoon for the Racing Bulls driver, with Gabriel Bortoleto following in P12 for Kick Sauber ahead of Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda in P13. Williams’ Carlos Sainz had a tough home race in P14, while Franco Colapinto crossed the line in P15 for Alpine.
The Haas pair of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman were the final classified runners in 16th and 17th respectively, with Antonelli and Williams’ Alex Albon the two retirees, the latter having sustained front wing damage to his car.
Only 19 cars competed in the race after Aston Martin announced Lance Stroll’s withdrawal from the event on Saturday evening, with the Canadian experiencing hand and wrist pain which will require a medical procedure.
Newton and Ridley were joined by Aaron Newton, Alexander Leung, Andre Greene and Kwame Fortune.
The group took part in a training camp and then competed in the Raiders Cycling Club Criterium Race.
Reports out of the twin island republic said that leading up to the races, the team trained together, fo -
cusing on development and strengthening their individual weaknesses.
The team’s combined efforts culminated in two major race events: the first held on Friday under the Raiders Cycling Club, and the second on Sunday, hosted by the Trinidad & Tobago Cycling Federation.
On Friday, Kwame Ridley claimed first place in the veterans Category, with his countrymate Fortune taking fifth.
In the elite class, Andrew Greene picked up sixth place with Aaron Newton in seventh, while Alex Newton was good enough for second place in the Juniors
category.
In the final race on Sunday which went over 70 miles, Ridley was again supreme to take the other veterans win.
This time, Fortune was second place in the Veterans as Guyana had a 1-2 finish.
Over in the senior Elite category, Aaron Newton showed his class to clinch the fifth place with seventh going to Andre Greene
Alex Newton and Alexander Leung also dominated in the Juniors Category, finishing with the top two podium finishes.
Newton took the first place with Leung second place.
(From page 23)
ecutive team during a brief but meaningful gathering. Addressing the club officials and supporters present, she applauded their initiative and commitment to the sport. "This affiliation signals more than just paperwork, it’s a testament to the power of unity, vision, and shared purpose. Golden League Archery brings fresh energy and heart
to the national archery landscape. My door remains open, and Archery Guyana stands ready to support your journey every step of the way,” said President Persaud-McKinnon. She underscored the importance of working collaboratively and noted that the federation’s Board of Directors remains steadfast in its
mission to empower all clubs under its umbrella.
Golden League Archery Club, which will operate out of Sophia, adds an exciting new dimension to the sport’s reach and accessibility. The club has already laid groundwork for developmental programming and athlete engagement in its community and beyond.
WHEN night two of the 2025 One Guyana King and Queen of the Sand football competition continued at the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Linden office ground in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden, defending champs of the queen’s segment, Speightland, headlined the night.
They got their campaign
off to a solid start trouncing Fearless 4-1 after falling behind in the first minute of the match. N. Wayne (4th, 10th), T. Williams (15th) and Shanella Pearson one minute later led the victory charge.
Five matches in the king’s segment of the championship were played and five wins were recorded. Bomberz, led by a brace
each from Shemiah Samuels (4th, 16th) and Dequan Samuels (8th, 26th) got the better of Rockstone 4-2. For Rockstone, Isiah Allicock scored in the 12th and 18th minute.
Young Gunners, backed by goals from Devonte Tappin in the 22nd minute and Lency Barker in the 30th minute, played a patient game to rebound
and beat UDK Victors who scored early through a Kenneth James 4th minute strike.
Team Mineral were too good for Speightland as they ran away comfortable 4-0 winners. Kelroy Anthony led with a double, hitting the target in the 13th and 29th minute after Jermaine King opened their account in the 9th minute.
Sealing the win was Delon Charter in the 24th minute.
Almost as convincing was Ony Syde in their 4-1 whipping of Turf President.
Isiah Adams led the victors off with his 5th minute strike but evening things up was Turf President’ Clifton Charles three minutes later.
That was their only response as goals from Kriston Lewis in the 16th min -
ute and a double from Ryan Arthur in the 28th and 30th minute went unanswered as One Syde controlled the flow of play, pocketing all the points.
Foundation Family was the other team to take full points on the night when they brushed aside Lil Ballers 3-1. Matches continued Saturday night at the same venue.
IN a continued progressive and bold step toward strengthening the archery movement in Guyana, Golden League Archery Club was officially welcomed into the national fold under Archery Guyana on the evening of May 29, 2025. The affiliation ceremony marked a significant moment of unity and expansion, as yet another dedicated club took its place within the framework of the recognised national federation for archery.
At the heart of the occasion was Club President
Courtlee Rodrigues, who stated with pride: “Golden League Archery is proud to announce its formal affiliation with Archery Guyana and undertakes to work closely with the Federation. Staying true to our working motto ‘Stronger Together, we are committed to building strong partnerships that elevate the sport locally and within the Guyanese diaspora.” The federation’s President, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, officially presented the Certificate of Affiliation to the club’s ex-
