$2.5M to support local African cultural group, youth programme
–– President Ali announces
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan
Ali has committed a contribution of $1 million to support the Organisation for Social and Health Advancement in Guyana (OSHAG).
A grant of $1.5 million will also be available to support an ambassadorial youth programme aimed at empowering and supporting youths in various communities.
The announcement was made at OSHAG’s Emancipation Day celebration on Friday evening.
“You will have a future you cannot even imagine, a future that is going to be
boundless in opportunity, a future in which every single Berbician will rise and prosper. But I want that rise to be one of unity, love, togetherness, one which we hold each other,” the President said making a clarion call for continued unity.
Reflecting on the sacrifices and struggles of Afro-Guyanese, President Dr Ali acknowledged that the path paved by African ancestors is now part of the shared inheritance of all Guyanese. He paid tribute to the immense contributions they have made in shaping the Guyana of today.
“The sacrifice of the African ancestors is a part of my Journey and every
Guyanese journey …every Guyanese are inheritors of their sacrifice.”
He added: Let us today commit ourselves to a future that brings people together, a future in which every Guyanese heart beat together as one in every home, in every place of work, in every place of worship. Let us join hands so that together we might write the next glorious
course of our one Guyana.”
Extending his message of freedom and unity beyond Guyana’s borders, he drew attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, Guyana’s sister nation. He reaffirmed that Guyana will continue to be a voice of reason and a source of support for Haiti and other nations confronting injustice.
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali being treated to a fanfare welcome at OSHAG’s Emancipation Day celebration
Scenes from OSHAG’s Emancipation Day celebration in Region Six (Regional Vice Chairman/Zamal Hussain photos)
Consortiums, expanded celebrations among plans to promote African heritage
–– as President Ali commits gov’t support during engagement with cultural organisations
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali met with several African cultural organisations on Friday morning, during which he outlined a comprehensive approach to promoting and commercialising African culture in Guyana.
The discussions focused on elevating African heritage from solely symbolic expressions to more structured, economically viable initiatives.
As part of his broader vision, President Ali revealed plans to establish systems that support the sustainable advancement of African culture at a commercial level.
This would include the potential formation of consortiums among arts and cultural groups to foster collaboration, innovation, and economic growth within the sector.
“Whether it’s music, whether it’s clothing, whether it’s jewellery…. we have to work on together,” the President said, adding: “How do we build consortium among all of the groups that will create investment, economic, cultural, arts, national, and historical perspective.”
He committed to having further discussions with the groups in October to further examine potential avenues for growth.
In addition to this, the President proposed transforming the annual Emancipation Day observance currently celebrated on a single day into a full week of national activities.
The expanded celebration is expected to provide greater visibility and opportunities for engagement in African cultural traditions, while also
offering avenues for economic participation through festivals, exhibitions, and other cultural showcases.
He said: “I want us to have a deep conversation and to develop [a] roadmap as to what are the main events, what are the main opportunities, and while we celebrate Emancipation at the national level, how do we attract global attention. How do we use this day, not only today, but as a week of opportunity.”
He opined that this would more greatly reflect the ancestors and their sacrifices that have led to Guyana’s evolution.
In addition, the President committed to working directly with stakeholders to create the necessary infrastructure that will underpin and sustain these prospects.
Investing in the future: Young people being equipped with tools to thrive
By Trina Williams
FROM free tertiary education and fully funded vocational training to housing support, job creation and business opportunities, young Guyanese are being handed the tools to build a bright future.
The Government of Guyana has outlined a detailed, results-driven vision that aims to empower young people across the length and breadth of Guyana, regardless of race, religion or social background.
This forward-thinking vision has been contrasted with the opposition’s empty promises and “election gimmicks,” as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo put it. The government’s youth
empowerment agenda targets policy and investment to ensure tomorrow’s leaders are at the heart of Guyana’s development strategy.
Dr. Jagdeo during his Thursday press conference, said: “We have consistently laid out this vision for young people… We want them to be trained. If they want a skill, the opportunity will be there and we will pay for it, any part of the country, for any young person, not just young people but I’m talking about young people here; we will pay it, use all the resources, whatever it costs…”
Whether one aspires to become a mechanic or electrician or trained to gain employment in the oil and gas industry, the government will fund the training or whatever certification is needed.
Those who are already trained and working within
the public sector can also look forward to opportunities for up-skilling.
Now with the government providing free high-speed internet in the hinterland, one can pursue their university education in those Amerindian villages.
Notably, public investments in the education sector soared from $53 billion in 2020 to $185 billion in 2025.
The government has significantly invested in constructing new schools, particularly in hinterland regions, expanding access to education and improving learning environments.
This major focus on building new schools and rehabilitating existing ones have also contributed to additional spaces for students. There has also been heavy emphasis on building out smart classrooms across Guy-
ana.
The ‘One Guyana Digital School’ initiative, which was officially launched earlier this year, demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernising the education system.
The programme, a unique and revolutionary concept of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, aims to integrate digital technologies into classrooms across the country and the wider Caribbean region. The ‘One Guyana Digital School’ is being implemented in partnership with the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
The platform is specifically designed for Grades 10 and 11 students, providing them with access to CSEC learning materials to support their studies.
The Ministry of Education has also invested in
developing smart classrooms in schools across Guyana, while placing renewed focus on technical and vocational education.
The children’s ‘Because we Care’ cash grant and uniform allowance, totaling $55,000 per child, was also reintroduced after it was shelved by the former APNU+AFC government.
The national school feeding programme has been expanded and close to 90,000 students, especially in farflung areas are able to receive breakfast and hot meals with a beverage.
The programme is playing a significant role in improving school attendance and punctuality.
JOB CREATION
Recognising the link between training and employment, the government
is pledging to continue improving the public sector such as increasing salaries and allowances. Those seeking private sector employment would find a market because the government has also adopted a pro-business approach, and pro-industry approach.
Vice-President Dr. Jagdeo said: “So, farming, mining, the hospitality industry, the incentive regimes have been aligned to generate more jobs for young people and better paying jobs.”
He firmly stated: “So, a young person can find a job, and then find better paying jobs and better salaries as they progress or get trained.”
While the APNU’s last term in office left thousands of persons unemployed, the
At Friday’s meeting some 16 groups were gathered
President, Dr Irfaan Ali (second from left) joins a group in a traditional musical rendition, at the extreme right is Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond
Fire destroys GTUC headquarters, Critchlow Labour College
A LATE-NIGHT fire on Thursday gutted the headquarters of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and its education arm, the Critchlow Labour College (CLC).
The building is located at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. It is owned by the GTUC, and at the time housed the CLU, University of Excellence, Management and Business, and the Angela Apple-White-Hercules canteen.
with three fire tenders, were dispatched to the scene within five minutes.
Fire Chief Gregory Wickham told this publication that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received the alert about the blaze at around 23:45 hours on Thursday. He said firefighters, along
Upon arrival, he said, one of the buildings was already completely engulfed in flames, with several pockets of fire observed throughout the structure.
Given the intensity of the blaze, an additional fire tender had to be de-
ployed to help bring the situation under control.
Wickham said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigations continue.
The GTUC, in a statement issued Friday, expressed deep sorrow over the destruction of its facilities, which include the long-standing Critchlow Labour College—an in -
stitution that has educated generations of Guyanese across all regions and ethnicities over its 50-year history.
“The education arm of the GTUC has served hundreds of thousands of Guyanese, from all walks of life, all ethnic groups, from all parts of Guyana,” the statement read, adding: “A great percentage of these benefitted from a Critchlow education that
enabled them to enter the Cyril Potter College of Education, the University of Guyana, and other tertiary institutions.”
The union noted that this was not the first fire to destroy its property, recalling that the initial blaze occurred on March 22, 2025.
The GFS determined that the fire was caused by outdated electrical panels overheating.
The aftermath of the blaze that gutted the GTUC and the Critchlow Labour College
Local banks must cut ties or risk financial collapse
–– Senior Counsel Jonas on institutions’ recent actions to close accounts of those associated with US-sanctioned Mohamed
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW and former founding member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Timothy Jonas, S.C., has said that local banks must decide whether to sever all ties with anyone that is affiliated with US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed or risk financial collapse.
During an online discussion, he highlighted the dangers of maintaining business relationships with individuals sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or those affiliated with them.
In June, Jonas and Ralph Ramkarran, S.C., announced their resignations from ANUG after it was absorbed by Mohamed’s party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN).
Jonas said that local banks rely on honest relationships with correspondent financial institutions in the US.
“You got a credit card. Everybody on this forum got
Former member of ANUG, Attorney-at-Law
Timothy Jonas, S.C.
a credit card. Look at it. It says Visa. It says American Express. Look at your debit card, it says Visa,” he said, explaining: “When your family abroad sending money to you, they send money through the correspondent bank; and when you send money [abroad] or you want to go and shop on Amazon or you want to go online and buy something using credit
card or your debit card, your bank has to make that request to that correspondent bank in the States.”
Jonas warned that those relationships would be jeopardised if local banks are found serving sanctioned individuals or affiliates of those sanctioned.
He said: “The day- Republic Bank, GBTI, Demerara Bank, Citizens- any of the local banks is punished because it has a customer and has not let go of that customer, you can’t go on Amazon and shop anymore. You can’t use your Visa Card anymore. You can’t use your American Express card anymore. And the next day that bank collapses financially.”
Several local banks have started severing ties with candidates of the US-sanctioned Mohamed’s WIN, affirming that this action is aligned with their usual risk assessment procedures.
Despite the known and reported repercussions, how-
Investing in the future: Young people ...
From page 3 without jobs or sources of income. The move saw four sugar estates being closed and over 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs.
current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has highlighted that it restored and created in excess of 60,000 jobs since entering office in 2020.
The APNU and its coalition partner, AFC, however, took persons out of jobs instead of creating opportunities, as was seen in the sugar industry.
Under the APNU+AFC administration, sugar workers were begging for their livelihoods to be spared, even going so far as to hold pickets with heartfelt pleas in the scorching sun, at the time. However, the then government turned a deaf ear to the cries of those workers.
In 2017, the coalition government had announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country, leaving thousands of persons
HOUSING SUPPORT
“We want every young person to own a home,” Dr. Jagdeo stated without any hesitation.
Since being elected to office in 2020, the government has undergone an ambitious housing drive. It has surpassed its 2020 campaign promise of allocating 50,000 house lots by 2025, as the government has delivered not only on its word, but also on a vision of inclusive, equitable, and affordable housing for all Guyanese.
This achievement is not just about numbers—it marks a transformational shift in public-policy execution.
The government has also offered support in con-
ever, Mohamed has launched an attack on those institutions, calling for persons to boycott them.
In a June 2024 statement, the OFAC stated, “Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise evaded Guyana’s tax on gold exports, and defrauded the Guyanese government of tax revenues by under-declaring their gold exports to Guyanese authorities. Between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilogrammes of gold from import-and-export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.”
Recently, US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot said that the US Government, particularly the OFAC, views any elevation of Mohamed, the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, as “problematic”.
Speaking candidly with reporters recently, Ambassa-
structing homes too.
Further, special initiatives are being developed to ensure Amerindian youths can access home-building assistance, despite the unique land tenure systems in their communities, the Vice President announced.
“So, training, education, jobs, housing, recreational and sport facility, a chance to be able to grow in these communities,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
Community development is also on the cards for the government as it has already procured 100,000 street lights to set up in communities for further security.
There has also been more investment in gar-
bage collection and drainage and as such, the government has increased the subvention of each National Democratic Council (NDC) from $5 million to $30 million each to execute these duties.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Many young Guyanese are deciding to become entrepreneurs and as such, the government has decided to create massive investment vehicles for the ordinary citizens.
Notably, the Small Business Bureau (SBB), under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce (MTIC), successfully trained approximately 10,893 small businesses in 2024.
This marks a significant milestone in the Bureau’s
dor Theriot shared the views of the US Government, particularly the OFAC, concerning Mohamed.
“Yes, we are concerned anytime an OFAC-sanctioned individual has the potential to become a member of government, it’s problematic in multiple ways… We have to be very careful if that person is involved. Let’s say we were on a certain committee; we would have to be very careful in working with that committee. We have to make sure that we didn’t work with him specifically,” Theriot stated.
The Ambassador elaborated that US law strictly limits engagement with individuals under OFAC sanctions, making Mohamed’s potential entry into Parliament, whether in government or opposition, an issue of regulatory and reputational risk for both diplomatic missions and private sector interests.
“He would still be a member of government, so
mission to foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen the micro and small-business sectors across Guyana.
From 2020 to 2024, the Bureau reported a notable increase in the number of small businesses benefitting from its training programmes. Key areas of training included: Small-Business Management; Financial Management and Record Keeping; Business Proposal Writing; Guyanese Business Toolkit; Marketing Fundamentals; Delivering Quality Service, and a Label Designing
that would be a concern for us,” Theriot said when asked whether Mohamed’s presence in the opposition would still raise alarm.
But the Ambassador did not stop at government engagement.
She raised a more urgent concern, such as the ripple effects on US investment and business confidence in Guyana.
“When you see an OFAC-sanctioned individual become a part of an official within a government, it sends concern through the private sector of the United States. So, you see, US companies are often rethinking their relationships in the country.
“We’ve seen it in Afghanistan and other countries’ companies … they look to de-risk or even cut ties. And we’re in such a beautiful position right now. All these US companies want to come to Guyana.
I don’t want that to change,” Theriot explained.
Workshop. These programmes were designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills to manage, grow, and sustain their businesses, while contributing to the national economy.
Building on this momentum, the government has pledged to establish a development bank to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), through zero interest loans. Preferential help will be given to women and young people, the Vice-President has said.
Benefits For All
FROM midnight on Thursday, Guyana crossed a symbolic bridge of its own, one that connects policy with tangible daily savings for thousands of ordinary citizens.
With the removal of tolls on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Berbice River Bridge and Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, commuters stand to collectively save close to $12 million every single day, money that would otherwise be siphoned off in toll fees.
This decision, first pledged by President Irfaan Ali last year and reaffirmed in his March address at Babu John, is nothing short of transformational.
At a time when global economic conditions continue to cause cost-of-living pressures, especially at the household lev-
el, these savings are real and immediate.
For the Berbice River Bridge alone, commuters are now spared over $3.5 billion annually, a staggering figure that underscores how even seemingly small daily fees accumulate into substantial burdens on working families.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge, the nation’s busiest, saw an average daily traffic of 22,000 vehicles in 2023.
For every driver, the $200 toll may have felt negligible in isolation, but the collective daily saving speaks volumes about the impact when government policy directly removes costs from people’s pockets.
But toll removal is not just a gift, it is a down payment on Guyana’s promise of equitable development.
With major projects such as the new four-lane Demerara River Bridge and the new Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge underway, citizens can see for themselves that this administration is not content with simply removing fees, it is also expanding and modernising the country’s transport arteries, spurring inter-regional trade and easing congestion.
However, while the bridges may be toll-free, the reality for commuters is less simple. Hire car operators on the New Amsterdam–Georgetown route must pass on the benefit to passengers.
Now, the task is on transport operators to act responsibly. If public transport costs remain artificially inflated while major operational costs vanish overnight, then the spirit of this progressive policy is
being betrayed.
It is also a call for regulatory bodies to step up. The local transport associations must ensure that commuters are not held hostage to opportunistic fare hikes disguised as “market adjustments.”
After all, fairness cannot be seasonal either, as President Ali reminded us, it must be rooted in daily practice, not opportunistic convenience.
The removal of tolls is a landmark moment. It must be matched by fairness in the transport sector so that every dollar saved at the bridge is a dollar that stays in the pockets of the people, not siphoned off by profit-driven fare gouging.
For now, Guyana has shown that good governance can remove burdens overnight.
Private sector condemns US-sanctioned Mohamed's call to boycott legitimate Guyanese businesses
–– emphasises dangers of weaponising political rhetoric to incite division, erode trust, and destabilise local economy, society
–– says financial institutions within their right
The following is the full text of a statement from the Private Sector Commission:
"THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) strongly condemns the recent abhorrent public call by the WIN Party to boycott several private companies operating lawfully in Guyana. This call is reckless, inflammatory, and both politically and economically irresponsible.
Let us be absolutely clear: the private sector in Guyana is not an arm of the state. Our members make decisions based on their internal risk assessments, legal obligations, and the best interests of their shareholders, employees, and clients.
These companies operate fulty within the framework of Guyana’s laws and international regulations.
We categorically reject any attempt to bully or coerce the private sector into political conflicts. The attempt by a political party, whose leader is currently sanctioned by the United States’ Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), to pressure private businesses through public threats and organised boycotts is a direct attack on the democratic principles it claims to uphold.
The greatest threat to democracy is not lawful private enterprise; it is the dangerous weaponisation of political rhetoric to incite division, erode trust, and destabilise our economy and society.
Many of our member companies maintain longstanding economic relationships with the United States and other international partners. Threatening these businesses for making responsible, lawful decisions is not only misguided but also reckless, with potential consequences for the thousands of Guyanese whose livelihoods depend on them
We urge all political actors to conduct themselves with maturity and responsibility.
The PSC will not support, condone, or remain silent in the face of any effort to destabilise our political or economic environment or to intimidate our members.
To the business community, we reaffirm this:
You have our full support. Continue to act in good faith, uphold the law, serve your clients, and protect your employees. Do not be intimidated by political posturing.
"To the public, we urge calm and
to safeguard operations
reason. Guyana’s continued progress depends on a stable, lawful, and united nation."
The following is the full text of a statement from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
"The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) strongly rejects and condemns calls from the ‘We Invest in Nationhood’ (WIN) party for the boycotting of several local businesses, following the closure of bank accounts of members of that party by the private sector businesses in the financial industry.
The Chamber has noted that these actions are consequent to the June 2024 Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions against the presidential candidate of the WIN party, Mr. Azruddin Mohamed which outline that “Financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action.
"The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt
of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.”
These financial institutions, in the wake of dire implications of transacting business with sanctioned individuals and those who may benefit from financial contributions from them, are within their right to safeguard their operations from inherent risks associated with conducting business with such individuals.
To advocate for the boycotting of these banks and businesses associated with these institutions are dubious and self-serving, and such calls must be strongly rejected by the public
Guyana's economy and business landscape are at a crucial juncture, and it is important that this trajectory is not impeded or obstructed by penalties as a result of rogue elements instigating reckless, divisive and dangerous actions that are destructive to private sector and national development
Weaponising the economy for political ends threatens livelihoods, undermines investor confidence, and erodes the democratic values we staunchly defend
"Businesses are not political battlegrounds – they are vital pillars of our national economy and social stability."
The names missing from the 2025 elections
THIS analyst is in two minds on which word to use to describe Khemraj Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo and Clive Thomas.
Is the word “sad” more appropriate than pitiful? 10 years ago, these three players engineered a futuristic moment in Guyana, then, when that magical touch arrived, they themselves transformed it into the opposite of the Midas Touch.
Thomas, famous for the Walter Rodney ramparts of the 1970s, manicured a WPA covenant with the PNC that brought three top former associates of Rodney to power – Thomas himself, Rupert Roopnaraine and Maurice Odle (the WPA triumvirate). The famous WPA that struggled so long for people’s power, no dictator had acquired state power.
The betrayal of people’s power, no dictator by the WPA triumvirate has few parallels, maybe in the global arena in the 20th century. Since August 2020, when the triumvirate was voted out, Thomas has been reduced to the ignominious task of writing a Stabroek News weekly column that hardly anyone reads.
Thomas is now an obscure figure that has become invisible. Odle has written his autobiography in which he describes the emasculation of the WPA as a coalition member of the APNU government. And Roopnaraine, perhaps the most elitist revolutionary (quite oxymoronic, eh!) that Third World politics produced has fallen seriously ill. One sincerely hopes that he recovers soon.
We move now to Khemraj Ramjattan. During the 2015 elections, campaign, I spoke at a meeting with Ramjattan in Tuschen. On our way back to Georgetown, I was in his vehicle, and he was telling an overseas visitor
of the phenomenal success of the AFC as a third party that has not been achieved in the Caribbean (that was not true; the United Force in 1964 in Guyana was a successful and more powerful and resourceful third party than the AFC).
Ramjattan became a political star from 2005 until his star faded in 2015 when power was achieved. I will always remember the expression of a high-level AFC official who used the word peacock to describe how Ramjattan was flying all over the corridors in Parliament in praise of the Hamilton Green Pension Bill when it was being debated.
This was the man, who alongside his colleagues in the AFC, promised Guyanese the wind of change, the tides of hope when the AFC was formed in 2005 and people loved the promise and bought into it.
Today, as a political analyst, I cannot make up my mind between the WPA triumvirate mentioned above and the AFC, as to who betrayed the dream of the Guyanese people in the most despicable, depraved way that has no other example in recent global politics.
Like Thomas, Ramjattan is gone. Superstars fade and become jaded, but some juice is still left in many of them. In fact, there are literally dozens of yesteryear’s superstars that are still swinging on the stage.
Ramjattan is not even a faded, jaded superstar. He is sadly not even an infinitesimal footnote in Guyanese politics. In the campaign for the 2025 elections, he is not seen nor heard. Leonard Craig said Ramjattan told him, he, Ramjattan has called it George. Not only has he called it George, but he should invoke Macbeth.
I quote from Macbeth
“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more.”
No quote is more appropriate to the study of Ramjattan as a failure in politics than that reference to Macbeth, and finally, Moses Nagamootoo.
Where from Shakespeare can you get a quote that applies to this miserable man whose substance simply revolts you? I think it is from Julius Caesar. Cassius, speaking to Brutus, told him: “The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves.”
Nagamootoo wrote his autobiography last year and he sees his faults not in himself, but in all the Guyanese whom he interacted with. Unlike Thomas who writes his little pieces each week in the newspapers in the
hope that people will still see him as relevant, unlike Ramjattan who was happy to be a self-effacing face in the AFC since 2020 but nevertheless, still a face, Nagamootoo rode away long ago.
I have known all three of these so-called patriots for a very long time. It is a study in complex psychology when you reflect on their superb contributions during the rough and frightening days of Burnhamite dictatorship. All three contributed to the long struggle for free and fair elections. But look what they became in the month of March in 2020. So, I end with what I began with. Which word best describes these three men who have left the political scene – sad or pitiful. I think it is both.
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.
Hundreds celebrate African culture
during ACDA’s Emancipation Day festival
By Faith Greene
THE African Cultural and Development Association’s (ACDA) continued its efforts to promote and preserve the African culture, with its annual Emancipation Day festival in the National Park, which attracted hundreds of persons.
This year’s festival was celebrated under the broad theme, “highlighting the connection of all peoples through African culture as we strive to build a world where all our children are loved and protected.”
Held at the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, ACDA’s festival promised headlining acts such as Grammy awarded reggae artist Maxi Priest; international gospel saxophonist, Jesse D. Schultz and cultural performances by Surinamese Maroon artists.
This is in addition to over
50 local talents who performed with poets, dancers and live bands. Despite the heat of the sun, families came out to celebrate and support ACDA’s ventures.
Sharing her feedback, Karen said this is the first Emancipation festival she has been to in around 10 years. Karen shared, “I thought
it was amazing; He [son] just wanted to go on the different rides and exercise and eat. But what I’m impressed about is that I’m seeing a whole lot more people involved in it at this time.”
Another Guyanese, Ezan Phillips said it has been 16-years since he attended the festival. In his comments,
Phillips said the festival has been great, adding that he has seen a lot more faces and more activities since he last attended.
Natasha David, owner of Tasha’s Creative Design, said she has been participating in the activity itself for around 10 years.
Displaying her handmade jewellery, crafted from beads and other materials, costumes and headwraps, Natasha pointed out that she looks forward to Emancipation Day every year.
The Guyana Reparations Committee also had an educational booth in place, where persons found information on Africa before slavery, paintings, and history and culture books.
Esther Gittens, the Secretary of the Committee said, “Most people seem to think that African history begins with slavery. But we tried to show that Africa’s slavery actually interrupted our history. So here what we have is showing what Africa was before slavery.” She continued to share that Africans were the first landowners in Guyana, buying over 200 plantations, which have since become villages. These include Buxton, Queenstown, Victoria, Rose Hall among others.
Persons can visit the Museum of African Heritage in Barima Avenue, Bel Air for more insight. Additionally, the Committee hosts a fortnightly television programme called “Reparations Now”, which is broadcasted on NCN 11.
Karen and her son Nigel (Japheth Savory photos)
Natasha David, with two of her employees at their booth
More stakeholder engagement, deployment of observers
–– as EU EOM mobilises in preparation for September 1 polls
By Naomi Parris
THE European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), on Friday, announced the deployment of 50 observers across Guyana in preparation for the country’s upcoming general and regional elections.
According to Chief Observer Robert Biedroń, a Member of the European Parliament, the mission will monitor the electoral process closely and issue a preliminary report within two days after Guyanese citizens cast their votes.
The mission is meeting various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, and constitutional parties.
“Elections are more than ballots; they are the foundation of democracy. This is why we are here, with a strong team of observers, to assess the process with professionalism and impartiality,” he said.
The EU EOM will observe and analyse the electoral process including legal framework, conduct of campaign activities, involvement of civil society, media coverage and digital and social media platforms
Biedroń said: “We do
not only focus on the election day, but on the entire electoral process, including the pre-election environment, the campaign, the tabulation of results and the resolution of any election related complaints.”
He underscored the mission’s independence and impartiality, urging all stakeholders to ensure credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.
The chief observer said: “Our mission is fully independent and impartial. All observers follow a strict code of conduct in line
with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. We aim to contribute to transparency, public confidence, and peaceful participation during this important electoral process.”
A comprehensive final report, which will include recommendations for possible electoral reform, will be published and presented approximately two months after the conclusion of the process.
The EU Election Observation Mission operates in full independence from the
EU Delegation in Guyana, EU Member States, and other EU institutions.
The mission arrived in Guyana last week and has since engaged several political parties.
The chief observer said: “This is why we are here, the strong team of observers to assess the process with professionalism and in partially, as international election observers.”
Though no official alliance has been formed, the EU EOM is open to ‘synergies’ with other electoral observers, Biedroń said.
From left: Marek Mračka, Press Officer; Vania Anguelova, Deputy Chief Observer; Robert Biedroń, Chief Observer and Colm Fahy, Legal Analyst (Yohan Savory photo)
Nandlall urges review of costs principles after dismissal of ‘frivolous’ electoral challenges
ATTORNEY
General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Anil Nandlall, S.C., has renewed calls for the judiciary to re-evaluate the principles used to award legal costs in cases, especially those deemed frivolous and without merit.
His comments come in the wake of the dismissal of two constitutional challenges to Guyana’s electoral system, brought by citizens Christopher Ram and Vishnu Bandhu.
Chief Justice Roxane George, S.C., on Tuesday ruled against both cases, describing them as frivolous and lacking merit. As a result, costs of $500,000 each were awarded against the applicants.
Ram was represented by Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran and Bandhu by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde.
Both men had challenged aspects of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), seeking to alter elements of Guyana’s proportional representation
electoral model.
The Chief Justice upheld the validity of the existing electoral framework and ruled that the cases failed to establish any constitutional violations.
Speaking during his weekly programme Issues in the News, Nandlall welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a strong endorsement of Guyana’s democratic structures.
However, he expressed concern about the inadequacy of the cost awards.
“I think more costs should have been awarded,” he said, adding: “These cases take a long time to research, prepare, and defend. They take a lot out of you in terms of writing submissions, attending court, arguing over and over again, and reading case law authority from different jurisdictions around the globe.”
Nandlall emphasised that constitutional litigation—especially those involving elections—demands the direct involvement of senior lawyers, often including the Attorney General himself.
The Attorney General explained that such matters cannot be delegated to just any lawyer, as they involve complex legal issues of national importance that require the attention and expertise of senior lawyers.
He argued that the current approach used by the judiciary to assess legal costs does not reflect the real financial and institutional burden faced by the
State.
The Attorney General stressed the need for deterrence in cases that are deemed frivolous or politically motivated. He said: “The costs awarded bear no resemblance to the actual costs endured in conducting these cases, whether by the defendant or claimant. We really need to review the principles currently being applied in relation to the computation of costs.”
In 2023, Attorney General Nandlall made a similar call for the courts to impose higher costs on litigants who file frivolous lawsuits, particularly in relation to the oil and gas sector.
Speaking after several dismissed cases against ExxonMobil and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nandlall warned that such baseless legal actions waste valuable judicial resources and burden
the State. He argued that the courts should take a more practical stance by awarding substantial costs to deter abuse of the legal system, while maintaining that genuine public interest litigation should still be encouraged and protected. That case, filed by Vanda Radzik, Danuta Radzik, and Troy Thomas, resulted in them being ordered to pay $150,000 in costs.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC
Greater efficiency, no more repeated paperwork for patients
–– as GPHC
introduces eCARE health record system
THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on Friday, announced the introduction of its electronic health record system, eCARE, which will further enhance efficiency and transparency in the delivery of care.
This was announced by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robbie Rambarran in a video message.
He said that the move is not only a technology change, but a transforma-
tion in how care is delivered with greater accountability, transparency and efficiency.
While expressing his excitement to introduce the
GPHC’s new eCARE system will eliminate the need for repeated paperwork
system, he stated that every act of care delivered is supported by the systems used, and now those systems are receiving a much-needed upgrade.
Rambarran added: “With eCARE, every patient will have one electronic record that follows them across various departments and specialties, eliminating repeated paperwork, improving workflow and making it easier for multidisciplinary teams to collaborate.”
Against this backdrop, the CEO stated that in the coming week, more information about eCARE will be shared along with how persons can actively participate in the journey.
In March of this year, the Ministry of Health signed a US$3.3 million contract with RioMed Limited for the implementation of a national electronic health record system.
It was noted that the first phase of that project would begin at the GPHC and all its satellite clinics.
Upon completion of the first phase, other phases are set to be embarked upon as the intention is to have the electronic health record system cover all facilities across Guyana. The intention in the long run is for citizens to have a unique identifier, and when they enter the public health system, they can use the same to access their health records and thus reduce waiting times at public health institutions. Several things were set in motion prior to the implementation of the system, which included the passage and enactment of the Data Protection Act aimed at preventing the misuse and theft of data and further protecting the personal data of Guyanese.
GPHC CEO, Robbie Rambarran
Discussions on training, potential acquisition of defence equipment take centre stage
–– as Brigadier Khan engages China, Republic of Korea ambassadors
CHIEF of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, recently hosted courtesy calls from the Ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Korea at Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna, as part of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF)’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral defence partnerships.
According to information from GDF, during the visit by Ambassador Yang Yang, discussions centred on enhancing co-operation in key areas such as training and the potential acquisition of defence equipment to support the GDF’s operational capabilities.
Ambassador Yang expressed China’s continued commitment to supporting Guyana’s national defence development and reaffirmed the strong legacy of collaboration built by her predecessors.
Subsequently, Brigadier Khan welcomed Ambassador Seijoong Kwon of the Republic of Korea, who is accredited to Guyana and based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
“The engagement provided an opportunity to explore the evolution of defence relations between the two countries, with discussions focusing on defence acquisitions, the importance of domain awareness in addressing emerging threats, and the possibility of future exchange visits between the GDF and the Republic of Korea’s defence institutions,” GDF highlighted.
Both courtesy calls, according to GDF, reflect the commitment to strengthening international defence ties through open dialogue, mutual co-operation, and strategic engagement aimed at enhancing national security and regional stability.
GMSA acknowledges government’s efforts following reduction in US tariff rate on Guyanese exports
THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has acknowledged the recent Executive Orders issued by the United States Government to reduce the scheduled reciprocal tariff rate on Guyanese exports from 38 per cent to 15 per cent.
The GMSA, in a press release on Friday, extended its sincere appreciation to the Government of Guyana for its active engagement and representation throughout the negotiation process. It further acknowledged that discussions are ongoing and expressed its full support for continued diplomatic and trade efforts aimed at securing additional tariff reductions.
“The GMSA remains committed to advocating for the interests of local manufacturers and service providers and will continue to work with national and international partners to unlock new trade opportunities for Guyanese businesses,” the association said.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS and members of his team with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yang Yang
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS and members of his team engage non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Guyana, Seijoong Kwon
Guyanese anticipate more business, tourism, saving opportunities
–– welcome removal of tolls at three main local bridges
GUYANESE have welcomed the commencement of toll-free travel across the Wismar, Berbice and Demerara bridges.
In keeping with a commitment outlined by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali earlier this year, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Thursday, announced that the three bridges would be toll free as of midnight.
At the stroke of 12, elated persons were seen capitalising on this new initiative, as the signs “free” covered the holes in the cashier boxes where persons had to pay.
In video interviews, persons said described this initiative as a very good gesture, encouraging all Guyanese to travel, and enhance business and tourism opportunities. They also pointed out that
persons working and those enrolled in school will benefit from this equally, as they would be able to save.
Others say it is a good start for those drivers, who would sometimes park their vehicles and take public transportation to avoid toll fees, particularly in the Berbice area.
The fee at the Berbice River Bridge was GY$1,900.
With no fee to pay, persons can save more money. On a monthly basis, one man said he spent around $45,600 in bridge toll payments to cross the Berbice river.
Persons hope that with the toll-free crossing, commuters will be able to benefit, and that with this implementation, taxi drivers, and mini bus drivers plying this route, would “pass on this saving” to their passengers.
In other parts of Guyana, citizens expressed similar views, noting that every little counts when saving.
Outside of the financial assistance, citizens commented that they hope to see a faster flow of traffic, and less waiting time.
One individual gladly shared that it was his last toll payment ever, while another enthusiastic driver said, “we’re going over the bridge and we ain’t paying nothing!”.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his address to thousands of persons gathered at Babu John, Berbice to commemorate the life and legacy of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) founder and former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan in March declared, “This is investment; this is development.”
Crossing at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (File Photo)
President Ali’s toll-free bridges
a boon for business, families – R3PSInc Head
– says it’s a ‘A true investment in people’s prosperity, One Guyana’
HEAD of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc.), Halim Khan, has lauded President Dr. Irfaan Ali for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to making life easier for Guyanese citi -
zens, as the country ushers in toll-free travel across its three main river bridges.
From midnight on Thursday, motorists crossing the Mackenzie/Wismar, Berbice, and Demerara River Bridges will no longer pay tolls, a
promise first announced by President Ali last year and reaffirmed in March during his address at Babu John, Berbice, to honour the life and legacy of Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
“This historic move
demonstrates President Ali’s dedication to genuine, people-centred development,” Khan said. “By removing tolls on these key crossings, thousands of Guyanese families and businesses will benefit directly from reduced
transportation costs. This is money back in their pockets, which they can now spend on other essential needs.”
Previously, citizens paid $1,900 to cross the Berbice Bridge by car, $200 for the Demerara River Bridge, and $60 to traverse the Wismar Bridge in Linden, costs that quickly add up for daily commuters and businesses alike. The removal of these charges is expected to ease financial burdens, enhance mobility, and boost economic activity across Regions Three, Four, Six, and Ten.
Khan highlighted that this bold initiative is only one aspect of a broader national infrastructure push. Major works are advancing on the New Demerara River Bridge, a transformative 2.65-kilometre, four-lane structure that will modernise connectivity between East and West Demerara. Similarly, construction continues on the new four-lane Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden, designed to improve traffic flow and support industrial growth in the hinterland region.
“President Ali understands that modern roads and bridges are not just about concrete and steel, they are about connecting people to opportunity, creating jobs, and stimulating trade,” Khan added. “He is delivering on promises that were never even campaign commitments, proof that his government’s development vision goes beyond politics and is anchored in tangible, everyday benefits for citizens.”
The Head of R3PSInc. further noted that with the removal of tolls and the construction of new highways and bridges, businesses in Region Three and across Guyana are better positioned to expand inter-regional trade, access new markets, and lower transportation costs for goods and services.
“This is real investment in our country’s future,” Khan said. “On behalf of the Region Three Private Sector Inc., I commend His Excellency and his government for putting people first and for showing that development is about consistent, tireless work to uplift every Guyanese, not just during an election season but every single day.”
Khan urged all citizens to take advantage of these new opportunities and continue working together with the government to ensure that Guyana’s infrastructure keeps pace with its rapid economic transformation.
As President Ali himself put it: “Life and development is not about a seasonal gift; it’s about hard, tireless work. It’s never opportunistic; it’s about full commitment.”
Further Khan explained that such a commitment is part of a shared prosperity and “One Guyana” which is a national vision and unifying philosophy to foster social cohesion, national unity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, geographic location, or economic status.
Traffic Department reports 3,450 road offences in two weeks
–– speeding, tinted vehicles dominate
THE Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department has reported a total of 3,450 traffic offences recorded over a two-week period in July, highlighting persistent challenges in enforcing road safety across the country.
According to the latest figures, between July 13 and July 19, officers recorded 773 specific traffic breaches out of a total of 1,899 cases made for that week alone. The following week, from July 20 to July 26, another 651 specific breaches were recorded out of 1,551 total cases.
Speeding remains the most prevalent offence on Guyana’s roads. For the first week under review, 187 drivers were charged for exceeding speed limits, and that figure rose to 200 the following week, showing a worrying upward trend despite ongoing safety campaigns.
Tinted vehicles also continue to pose a significant challenge for traffic ranks, with 193 cases in the first week and 109 in the second. Improper tints have long been associated with both security risks and difficulties for law enforcement officers during routine stops.
Other common offences recorded during the two-week period include failure to wear seatbelts (85 and 82 cases), failure to wear safety helmets (90 and 104 cases), and driving under the influence of alcohol (38 and 22 cases). Additionally, there were dozens of cases involving vehicles with defective lighting or faulty packing, and breaches of the conditions of prescribed fitness certificates.
In a bid to tackle these worrying trends, the Traffic Department has been ramping up public education efforts. Over the first week alone, officers conducted lectures for drivers, motorcyclists, and other road users at key locations, including the Mahdia Car Park in Region 8, East La Penitence Police Station in Georgetown, the East Coast Public Road near MovieTowne, Croal Street at the Route 40 and 48 minibus parks, the Madewini Public Road at Timehri, and the Port Kaituma Waterfront in Region 1.
To further amplify their message, the Department hosted a dedicated road safety segment on NCN Radio’s 102.5 FM, encouraging listeners to comply with traffic laws and adopt safer driving habits.
Despite these efforts, the steady flow of offenders underscores the deep-rooted culture of traffic violations in Guyana. Senior traffic officers continue to urge motorists to heed the rules of the road, warning that intensified enforcement operations, including more random breathalyzer tests and stop-and-search exercises, will continue throughout the year.
With fatalities and serious accidents often linked to reckless driving, speeding, and drunk driving, the Police Force has reiterated its commitment to saving lives through stricter law enforcement and community education.
Members of the public are encouraged to play their part by reporting reckless drivers, insisting on safer practices when using public transport, and setting a positive example for younger drivers.
‘We need all our people to work together in unity’
Prime Minister Phillips says, emphasises contributions of Afro-Guyanese to Guyana’s development
AS Guyana celebrates the 187th anniversary of Emancipation, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips urged citizens to continue to acknowledge the contributions of Afro Guyanese in the country’s development.
The prime minister was at the time addressing emancipation celebrations in Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, on Thursday night.
“This year, at Emancipation, there’s a lot for us to reflect on…what is important about emancipation is for us to take
time out to reflect on the substantial and important contributions of our African Guyanese to the development of this great nation that we call Guyana,” he said.
Referencing the impact of the village movement, Phillips reminded the audience that the move by the Africans to purchase several villages after slavery was instrumental in the upliftment of Africans.
The prime minister pointed out that it is time for all Guyanese, regardless of race, to co-operate for the development of
“Today, we need all our people…to work together in unity, in keeping with our motto, ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” he reasoned.
PM Phillips said that this type of collaboration is what President Irfaan Ali envisioned in his One Guyana concept.
“Let us work together…in One Guyana to take Guyana to higher heights. Happy Emancipation and respect to all my African Guyanese brothers and sisters,” the prime minister said. (DPI)
Guyana.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips joined villagers in Hopetown on Thursday evening for the annual Emancipation celebration
Mhatre retains India U19 captaincy for Australia tour
AYUSH Mhatre will continue to lead the India U19 team for their upcoming tour of Australia in September, which includes three one-day matches and two multi-day games against the Australian U19 side.
Mhatre recently captained the team in England, where India clinched the Youth One-Day series 3-2 while the twomatch Test series ended in a draw. Wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, who was the designated vice-captain on that tour, remains in the squad but Vihaan Malhotra has been appointed as deputy for the Australia tour.
India U19 squad: Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Rahul Kumar, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), R S Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Naman Pushpak, Henil Patel, D Deepesh, Kishan Kumar, Anmoljeet Singh, Khilan Patel, Udhav Mohan, Aman Chauhan.
Several players from the England tour have retained their places, including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rahul Kumar, Har-
Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will team up again against Australia Under 19s
vansh Singh, R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Anmoljeet Singh and Naman Pushpak.
Among the notable inclusions are Kishan Kumar, Udhav Mohan, Aman Chauhan, and Khilan Patel, who returns after missing the England tour due to a stress reaction in his right leg. D. Deepesh and Naman Pushpak, who were brought in as injury replacements in England for Aditya Rana (stress fracture in lower back) and Khilan Patel respectively, have now earned spots in the main squad for Australia.
The 18-member squad features two wicketkeepers, Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh, while five players have been named as standbys: Yudhajit Guha, Laxman, BK Kishore, Alankrith Rapole, and Arnav Bugga.
The series kicks off on September 21 at Norths, which will host all three one-dayers as well as the first multi-day match from September 30 to October 3. The second multi-day game will be played in Mackay from October 7 to 10. (Cricbuzz)
World Aquatics Championships
Noel sets new national record in 100m butterfly
• From Page 36
Noel had qualified for the championship directly are achieving the B Standard time; as Persaud is still not up to her best after setting the national record in the event of 1 minute 00.67 seconds at the World Championships in 2023 in Japan.
The meet completes a tough competition for Persaud who was not able to replicate her previous best performances.
In her women’s 100-metre butterfly this week, she swam a pedestrian 1:06.49 seconds. It was below her 1 minute 04.93 set earlier this year at the Barbados invitational meet. Both swimmers represented Guyana at the Paris Olympic games.
The swimmers are accompanied by Coach Sean Baksh and Guyana Amateur Swimming Association president Yolema Phillips who is attending the World Aquatics Congress.
Champions League T20 set for grand return
THE Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) is set for a comeback - and its second incarnation will be bigger and better.
Members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), who met recently in Singapore on the sidelines of the ICC Annual Conference, took a formal decision to revive the tournament featuring franchises of domestic Twenty20 leagues of different countries.
If all goes according to the plan, the league may restart as early as next year.
Cricbuzz understands that the international boards will convene soon to work out the modalities of the league, particularly in view of the fact that many franchise owners have teams across multiple countries.
Addressing this cross team ownership structure will be a key challenge for the regulators, who are expected - as was the case previously - to form a Governing Council (GC) or a Board to run the league.
Another major challenge before the regulators will be to determine the scale and scope of the league.
When the Champions League T20 was discontinued in 2015, franchise-based competitions existed only in a handful of major Test-playing nations.
Ten years on, the T20 landscape has
transformed drastically and dramatically - leagues have mushroomed across the cricketing ecosystem, with even Associate nations like the USA and UAE running their
own tournaments. Countries such as Nepal and Canada have also joined this bandwagon. By the latest count, there are around 11 major franchise leagues globally, including
Mahedi dismisses ‘condition specific’ tag, embraces learning curve
BANGLADESH all-rounder Shak Mahedi Hasan believes his bowling is not restricted to specific types of wickets and that he’s always working to adapt and evolve as a cricketer.
After sitting out the first two games of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, Mahedi made a strong return in the decider in Colombo, playing a key role in Bangladesh’s eight-wicket win that sealed their historic maiden T20I series triumph on Sri Lankan soil. The 29-year-old picked up four wickets in the match, showcasing his ability to deliver on the big stage.
Mahedi then featured in all three matches of the subsequent home series against Pakistan, finishing with three wickets for 98 runs across 11 overs.
Following the series win in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh captain Litton Das said that Mahedi had always been in his plans for the Colombo fixture, implying the off-spinner’s suitability to certain conditions. Mahedi, however, sees it differently.
“If you look at my performances on foreign soil, I haven’t fared too badly. I don’t feel I’m suited only to certain wickets,” Mahedi tells Cricbuzz.
When he isn’t part of the playing XI, he says tries to make the most of his time in the dressing room by observing how others handle pressure situations.
“When I’m out of the series, I focus on preparing myself. From close quarters, you can observe how different cricketers respond to different situations and reflect on what your own plans would be in similar scenarios. So, it’s not like I’m sitting idle - I’m learning from the game and how it shifts at various junctures,” he said.
“You know as well as I do why I was dropped,” he added. “I have nothing to say about it. At the end of the day, it’s about what
Bangladesh cricket needs to succeed, and the players who fit that purpose will play. Every time I’ve failed to meet expectations, I’ve been dropped and I’ve made comebacks through performance. So, getting dropped and making comebacks is nothing new to me.”
Mahedi admitted that his bowling with the new ball isn’t as potent as it once was, largely because he didn’t bowl much with the new ball during the Dhaka Premier League.
“My bowling with the new ball needs sharpening. It’s not as vicious as it used to be. But I’ve had to adjust, and I’m happy that I managed to do it,” he said. “I’m not concerned about being labelled the best new-
The Hundred in England.
Identifying a window in a cramped calendar will be another challenge for the organisers who also will have to decide on the allocation of teams from the different leagues.
As in the previous edition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL) are expected to take the lead in the planned venture. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which was not part of the earlier league, is also likely to be an active member as will be Cricket Australia (CA). Who else will be part of it is not clear, Cricket South Africa (CSA), one of the three founders of CL T20, may also be co-opted into the structure.
The CL T20, launched in 2009, was discontinued after the 2014 season when its founding three members - the BCCI, CA, and CSA - accepted a proposal from broadcaster Star Sports to shut down the league.
Incurring heavy financial losses, Star offered a compensation package, which the three boards agreed to in 2015. So it will all start where it ended.
The new members will, before anything else, have to first float a tender to onboard a broadcaster. (Cricbuzz)
ball bowler. My only focus is on improving every day. I enjoy bowling in the powerplay, and because I’ve been doing it regularly, I feel experienced enough to handle the challenge.”
On the batting front, Mahedi said he’s trying to prepare better for his role in the lower-middle order, especially if he’s to bat at No. 6 in T20Is.
“It’s important for me to contribute with the bat - even more so now because we’ve been collapsing quite often. Sometimes I’m having to go in early. In T20s, I’m usually prepared to bat for five overs when the ball is softer, but when I go in earlier, I need some time to adjust to a relatively new ball,” he explained.
“In the nets, it’s usually the top-order batters who face the new ball. But I feel I need to train against the new ball as well, especially against our top pacers who move it around or test you with their pace. I’m not saying I need to bat during their sessions, but when it’s our turn, we should at least get two overs against quality pace. That way, when I’m promoted up the order, I can get into my zone more quickly,” he added.
Mahedi also stressed the need for Bangladesh to prepare on better-quality wickets, especially with global events like the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup coming up.
“It’s crucial to prepare on good wickets. In ICC or global events, the pitches are better and any small mistake gets punished. From a batting perspective, if the wicket isn’t great, you’re forced to either block or go for big hits. On a good pitch, you can work the ones and twos - and that’s very important for any team,” he said.
“As for the Mirpur surface, we know what to expect - unpredictable bounce at times. But we could also train in Chattogram or Sylhet or somewhere else where the wickets are better,” he concluded. (Cricbuzz)
UAE, Pakistan and Afghanistan set for T20I tri-series
will face off against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates in a T20I tri-series, starting 29 August in Sharjah later this month.
The tournament will take place ahead of the Asia Cup in September, as the sub-continent teams prepare for next year’s T20 World Cup. The opening fixture will see Pakistan square up against last year’s T20 World Cup semi-finalists, Afghanistan. All three teams will face each other twice, with the top two sides then advancing to the final scheduled for September 7.
The two teams have played against each other at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium five times in T20Is, with Pakistan having got the better of Afghanistan thrice while the latter have emerged victorious on two other occasions.
Pakistan are currently in the midst of a three-match T20I series against West Indies, having lost 2-1 against Bangladesh in their previous assignment. Meanwhile Afghanistan last featured in the shortest format back in December, when they bested Zimbabwe 2-1 in a three-match series.
Tri-series schedule
(All matches to be played in Sharjah)
• 29 August – Afghanistan v Pakistan
• 30 August – UAE v Pakistan
• 1 September – UAE v Afghanistan
• 2 September – Pakistan v Afghanistan
• 4 September – Pakistan v UAE
• 5 September –
PAKISTAN
The last edition in the CLT20 took place in 2014 which was won by CSK
My bowling with the new ball needs sharpening, admits Mahedi
Ayub spearheads Pakistan to win in first T2OI
From Sean Devers in Florida
A SMALL but vocal gathering of mostly Pakistani supporters watched as Pakistan beat West Indies by 14 runs in the opening game of the three-match T20I series between the two teams on Thursday night under lights at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida. This result means the West Indies have now lost their last six T20Is.
They lost 5-0 to Australia, and their losing streak in this format equals their worst losing record in T20Is. The last time they won a T20 game was on June 15, 2025, when they beat Ireland after losing 3-0 against England.
• Scores: Pak 178-6, WI 164-7.
Twenty-three-year-old Saim Ayub made a maiden half century which lasted 38 balls and was decorated by five fours and two sixes.
Fakhar Zaman made 28 with two fours and a six as the pair shared in an 81-run second-wicket partnership before Pakistan lost five wickets for 71 as Guyanese pacer Shamar Joseph bagged 3-30.
West Indies, on the back of a 71-run opening stand between 18-year-old debutant Jewel Andrew, who hit three sixes and a four in 35 and 35 from 36-year-old Johnson Charles, who struck two fours and a couple of sixes, began their reply solidly.
Ayub galloped to his maiden fifty in this format from 34 balls,
Faheem Ashraf (16). Ashraf and Salman Agha (11*) had gotten their team to a winning total.
West Indies began the chase with Antiguan Andrew and Charles. Andrew, who ‘Kept’ during the Pakistan innings, stroked Nawaz for a six and four while Charles got going with two boundaries off Haris Rauf, the last clearing the ropes.
Andrew, whose mom is Guyanese, lofted Ashraf for six and pulled him brutally for four to silence the partisan Pakistani crowd.
Andrew batted positively, hitting Ashraf for six as the 50 was posted in 6.5 overs.
Charles was dropped on 21 and after 10 overs, West Indies were 63-0 while at the same stage Pakistan were 83-1.
Nawaz had three wickets in the 12th over. He broke the partnership when he removed Andrew, Charles, and Gudakesh Motie (0).
MATT Henry, William O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner starred with the ball as New Zealand completed a nine-wicket victory on Day 3 of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Santner bagged four wickets while Henry and O’Rourke picked up three apiece to bowl the hosts out for 165 in their second innings. Needing only 8 to win, New Zealand lost one wicket before getting over the line in 2.2 overs.
Starting the day at 31/2 in their second innings, Zimbabwe suffered early setbacks as the overnight pair of Nick Welch and Vincent Masekesa fell in quick succession.
William O’Rourke found the outside edge of Welch’s bat as he was caught behind attempting a drive. O’Rourke bagged his third wicket of the innings with one that was short and quick, hitting the splice of Masekesa’s bat en route to forward short leg.
The experienced pair of Sean Williams and skipper Craig Ervine tried to steady the ship, as they raised a half-century partnership, striking nine fours between them. However, their stand ended just before Lunch as both the set batters fell in successive overs.
Williams fell one short of a fifty
West Indies needed an improbable 34 runs to win in the final over but fell 14 short.
Invited to bat, Fakhar Zaman (14) got a delivery that swung into him from Joseph and was trapped LBW as the Berbican made the break at 27-1 in the third over.
But Ayub and Zaman joined forces and flayed the West Indies bowling, bringing up the 50 in 6-3 overs on a flat track and fast outfield in the rainy season in Florida.
The 100 was posted in the 11th over, but with the score on 107 in the next over, Barbadian Jason Holder had Ayub LBW.
Zaman fell to Joseph as the West Indies fought back at a venue where the sun set about 30 minutes before the match commenced.
Hasan Nawaz (24 with a six and four) fell to Trinidadian left- arm spinner Akeil Hussain 136-4 in the 17th over. Nawaz (9) was removed by Guyanese all-rounder Romario Shepherd at 150-5, before Joseph captured his third scalp when he dismissed
as he was caught down the leg-side off Mitch Santner, and Matt Henry got one to move away sharply from Ervine, taking the outside edge, as Zimbabwe went into the break at 114/6, still 44 away from making New Zealand bat again.
Tafadzwa Tsiga was dropped by Michael Bracewell at slip off Henry early in the second session but the bowler had Sikandar Raza walking back to the pavilion a short while later, getting him to top-edge a pull. Newman Nyamhuri was then bowled by Santner as Zimbabwe slipped to 126/8.
Tsiga and Blessing Muzarabani kept New Zealand waiting with a stubborn partnership, and it didn’t help that the visitors missed a few chances. Ajaz Patel put down a catch at deep midwicket when Muzarabani played a slog off Santner while Tsiga
was well short of the crease when a wild throw gave him a reprieve. Meanwhile, Muzarabani and Tsiga struck a few fours off Bracewell as they took Zimbabwe into the lead. The partnership, though, ended on 36 as Muzarabani fell to Santner on 19. A few overs later, the stand-in captain bagged a four-fer, dismissing Tsiga for 27 as the teams went into Tea with New Zealand needing 8 to win the match.
Devon Conway, who struck a fine 88 in the first innings, got going with a boundary Newman Nyamhuri before falling to the same bowler, playing on to the stumps. Williams bowled a maiden to Will Young before Henry Nicholls finished it off with a four off Nyamhuri to seal a victory inside three days to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. (Cricbuzz)
West Indies slumped from 60-3 to 77-4 when Shai Hope (2) was removed by Ayub in the 13th over, before Ayub removed Sherfane Rutherford (11).
Roston Chase (5) and Shepherd (12) departed with West Indies on 110-7, and the dancing fans were waving Pakistan flags. Holder and Joseph clobbered six sixes and four fours between them, but their effort was too little too late for the West Indies.The second match is scheduled for tonight and starts at 8.00pm.
Hope urges Windies to learn quickly after spin collapse
WEST Indies white-ball captain Shai Hope has called on his players to learn from their mistakes and respond with urgency, following a 14-run loss to Pakistan in the opening T20I on Thursday night in Lauderhill, Florida.
Chasing 179 for victory, the West Indies looked poised for a strong reply after openers Johnson Charles and debutant Jewel Andrew stitched together a promising 72-run partnership. But their dismissals in quick succession sparked a dramatic collapse that saw the hosts lose control of the chase, eventually finishing on 164 for 7.
“I wouldn’t say the bowling was poor but we could have restricted them to a lesser score,” said Hope, who managed just two runs before falling to Mohammad Nawaz. “We didn’t field well and we didn’t bat well at all.”
Pakistan’s innings had earlier been anchored by a fluent 57 from Saim Ayub, supported by Fakhar Zaman and some late-order hitting that pushed the visitors to 178 for 6. Ayub and Zaman, both left-handers, proved particularly tricky for West Indies’ main spinner Gudakesh Motie to contain.
“Saim and Fakhar, there were two left-handers and didn’t give a lot of scope for Motie,” Hope ex-
plained. “Chase bowled well and I might have missed a [trick] by not bowling more spin.”
The West Indies had opted for a strategy of attacking the Pakistan spinners early, hoping to dictate the middle overs. While Andrew and Charles gave them the perfect launchpad, Mohammad Nawaz flipped the script with a game-changing final over that removed both openers and Motie in quick succession.
“We didn’t want the spinners to settle, wanted openers to go hard and then have Motie at three,” Hope said. “I didn’t get going today and that was unfortunate, but the plan was to put pressure on their spinners after a fast start.”
The result extended the West Indies’ miserable run in T20 Internationals to six straight defeats and 18 losses in their last 20 matches in the format. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, Hope emphasised the need for accountability.
“We need to learn from our mistakes and learn quickly, and we need to put the words into action,” he said.
The West Indies will be looking to bounce back in the second match of the series on Saturday, hoping to snap a losing streak that is threatening to derail their white-ball ambitions. (Sportsmax)
Jason Holder hit four sixes in an undefeated 30 from 12 balls and added 54 in 3.5 overs with Joseph, who struck a four and two sixes in an unbeaten 21.
Saim Ayub scored a quick half-century against West Indies
Mitchell Santner picked four wickets in the second innings
India in control after dramatic day two
NOW this, party people, is what it is all about. We had to wait until the last Friday of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, but here it was. The best day’s play so far has, at this juncture, put India in control, 75 for 2 in their second innings, leading by 52. That it was day two of this fifth and final Test added to the spectacle. The jeopardy of it all felt keenly, a slalom through angst and nerves. Gus Atkinson’s fourth five-wicket haul after two months out closed India’s first innings for 224. And the same man delivered the final meaningful act, removing Sai Sudharsan LBW, the last of Friday’s 15 wickets to fall.
• (Scores: India 224 (Nair 57, Atkinson 5-33) and 75 for 2 (Jaiswal 51*, Tongue 1-25) lead England 247 (Crawley 64, Brook 53, Prasidh 4-62, Siraj 4-86) by 52 runs)
In between, England had been dismissed for 247, a lead of 23 that looked like being a whole lot more when Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett blitzed 92 from 77 deliveries. But soon after that point, from lunch with England 109 for 1 and only trailing by 115, India stirred.
A rousing middle session from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, 4 for 86 and 4 for 62 respectively, instigated and then completed a collapse that saw all nine wickets fall for 155. Only Harry Brook provided another meaningful contribution with 53. And if there was any doubt that England had ceded the match, it was confirmed in a final 16-over session.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, pugnacious and still alive with 51 not out from 49 deliveries, was dropped twice — first on 20 by Brook, then on 40 by sub-fielder Liam Dawson. And though Crawley got away with his miss of Sai Sudharsan on seven, the vibe was of an already stretched team — with Chris Woakes ruled out of the match with the shoulder injury sustained on day one — desperately reaching out for a game that may drift out of their reach on Saturday.
When it was in England’s grasp, they
could do no wrong. They made light work of what remained of India’s first innings, who arrived at the Kia Oval on Friday morning on 204 for 6.
After news that Woakes was ruled out of the rest of the Test with a suspected dislocated shoulder, Atkinson, on his home ground, took it upon himself to take three as the final four came in just 34 deliveries.
Josh Tongue made the first key incision, finishing with 3 for 53, albeit with an approach so chaotic he’d have been struck off if he were a surgeon. His first over, from the Vauxhall End, went for nine, but he removed Karun Nair for 57 in his second — a sharp delivery that nipped into the stumps, pinning the right-hander on the back leg. Nair took one of India’s three reviews with him.
Washington Sundar should have assumed responsibility at that point as an elongated tail became exposed. But he fell five deliveries later, waltzing into a short ball trap, heaving Atkinson to deep square leg, where Jamie Overton took a smart catch.
Atkinson skittled Siraj before Prasidh felt for a delivery outside off, completing a collapse of four for six in 18 balls. It left Atkinson with an average of 21, the fourth-best
for an England seamer with 50+ dismissals, and the second-best strike rate ever (34.9) for those with 60 wickets.
Then came Crawley and Duckett for their familiar double-act. The latter led the charge, reverse-pulling Akash Deep over the cordon, then “conventionally” ramping Siraj into the sponge for the match’s first two sixes. An attempted third did not just bring Duckett’s end for 43 — caught behind by Dhruv Jurel — but a friendly arm around the shoulder from the bowler.
It looked a mix of jest and respect, though it triggered a shift in the match’s attitude. When India captain Shubman Gill gathered his players on the edge of the field after lunch, there was a sense that it suddenly mattered more than ever.
An eight-over spell from Siraj read 3 for 35, knocking out the engine room. Stand-in skipper Ollie Pope, the prized wicket of Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell were gone in the space of 12 overs.
All three were found wanting by late movement off the surface, with the slightest lack of bounce, from the Pavilion End. Pope’s dismissal required a review, while Root used one in vain. Bethell, making his first Test
appearance since the New Zealand tour last year, simply walked for six.
Maybe Prasidh could claim an assist for Root’s wicket, having riled up the No. 2 on the all-time Test runs chart. The tall quick was in a confrontational mood — earlier throwing a ball at Crawley in his follow-through — and was soon in the book when Crawley, on 64, failed to clear Jadeja at midwicket.
Crawley’s 48 runs in boundaries came in just 42 balls — his third fifty of the series, and 24th overall. But the stroke that dismissed him had a hint of frustration, unlike his earlier precision.
Once Root arrived, Prasidh baited him into a back-and-forth. He then relieved Siraj and took India to tea with two wickets in five deliveries — Jamie Smith nicking to KL Rahul, and Overton trapped LBW off the last ball of the session.
Atkinson maybe should have stuck with Brook instead of holing out to mid-on for Prasidh’s fourth. Brook, though, continued marshalling the tail. Despite refusing singles and failing to rotate strike, he reached 50 from 57 balls.
His best stroke was a six flipped over his shoulder into the stands. But Siraj had the last laugh, Brook deflecting a ball onto his own stumps.
With play extended to 7:30pm, England had a chance to claw back — but Jaiswal came out blazing. He took 12 off Atkinson’s second over with a classy on-drive, a guide past third slip, and a punch through point.
Without Woakes, Tongue shared the new ball, bowling with better discipline. He dismissed Rahul, who edged low to Root. He deserved more, but Dawson’s drop of Jaiswal — mistimed and misjudged under lights — summed up England’s day.
The deflation in the stands, followed by Indian cheers, told the tale. The elation grew when nightwatcher Akash Deep worked his first ball from Atkinson through midwicket for four.
He faced just one more ball before bad light ended play. Saturday will be brighter — and, seemingly, more so for India.
(ESPN Cricinfo)
Former US World Cup captain Thomas Dooley appointed Golden Jaguars head coach
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Dooley, a former captain of the United States men’s national team and a highly experienced international coach, as the new Head Coach of the Guyana senior men’s national team.
This marks the beginning of a new era for the Golden Jaguars as the federation embarks on a strategic push to elevate the national programme, both in terms of performance and professionalism.
“I am delighted to welcome Coach Dooley to the GFF family,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “He joins us at the beginning of a new cycle for the senior men’s national team programme and has the opportunity to introduce his coaching philosophy and build a strong technical staff around him.
“As a highly qualified Gaffer with years of experience, he brings a full set of tools and expertise for the change in direction we would like to see. He will have our complete support and I look forward to meeting with him in the coming weeks to charter a new course
for our beloved Golden Jaguars Programme.”
Dooley brings with him an exceptional résumé, shaped by decades at the highest levels of the game, both as a player and as a coach.
As a player, he earned 81 caps for the US, captained the team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and played in two World Cups overall. He was inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010 and was widely recognised during his career, earning several “Best XI” awards in Major League Soccer and helping lead the U.S. to the Round of 16 in the 1994 World Cup. His professional playing career also included a stint at Bundesliga club, Bayer Leverkusen.
On the sidelines, his coaching career has been equally decorated. Dooley:
• Served as National Head Coach of the Philippines (2014–2018), leading them to an unbeaten qualification campaign for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and setting 11 national team records.
• Was Sporting Director of Viettel FC in Vietnam, where he helped the club win its first cham-
pionship in 23 years.
• Held assistant coaching roles with the USA men’s national team and USA U20 men’s national team, working under renowned coach Jürgen Klinsmann and helping the youth team qualify for the U20 FIFA World Cup.
• Is a UEFA Pro Licence holder, the highest global certification in football coaching. Dooley also has experience in Germany’s Bundesliga, Major League Soccer (MLS), and U.S. youth development, making him one of the most well-rounded coaches ever appointed to lead Guyana’s senior men’s programme.
“I am truly honoured and excited to take on the role of Head Coach for the Guyana national team,” said Dooley.
“I have been deeply impressed by the talent and potential of this group of players, and I firmly believe they can achieve even greater heights with the right mindset, attitude, and sense of responsibility.”
(GFF press release)
Recently appointed Golden Jaguars head coach Thomas Dooley
Things heated up between Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna • (Getty Images)
TROPHY STALL REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT
TO KARES ONE GUYANA T10 TAPEBALL BLAST
... T10 Tapeball tournament concludes tomorrow at Providence Stadium
THE highly anticipated Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball tournament will conclude thrillingly this Sunday at the National Stadium in Providence.
In a significant boost to the event, long-standing sports supporter, Trophy Stall, reaffirmed its commitment. Managing Director, Ramesh Sunich, recently handed over the trophies for the top teams and individual performers to the organiser, FL Sport. Sunich expressed his delight in partnering with a tournament that continues to grow, and he's pledged to remain a key partner in its future success. Yusuf Ali, speaking on behalf of FL Sport, thanked Trophy Stall, noting that their iconic trophies are a fitting reward for the teams' immense hard work.
The stakes have never been higher, with a staggering prize pool on offer. The four zone champions will battle it out for the ultimate national title and a massive GYD$1.7 million grand prize, in addition to the GYD300,000 they have already secured as zone winners.
The national runner-up will not leave empty-handed, taking home G$700,000, a trophy, and medals. Even the losing semi-finalists will be rewarded with GYD$300,000 each.
The individual accolades are equally impressive. The Most
Noel sets new national record in 100m butterfly
GOLDEN boy Raekwon Noel has again lowered the country’s national record in the men’s 100 metres butterfly with a time of 53.91 second at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Friday.
Noel, who is one of the country’s two representatives at the Championship finished 4th place in his heat behind Jesse Sengonzi of Uganda, Josh Kirlew of Jamaica and Samuel Kostal who stopped the clock at 53.32, 53.68 and 53.68 respectively. The previous national record was 54 seconds flat.
Despite his fabulous run Noel finished 45 out of 75 swimmers in the men’s 100 metres butterfly and missed out on qualification for the semi-final round, with only the top 16 swimmers advancing. Noel produced his best butterfly swim earlier this week finishing at the top of the podium in his event with a personal best time and national record of 1 minute 59.89 seconds at the PANAM championship earlier this year.
• Continues on Page 32
Valuable Player (MVP) will receive a substantial cash prize of GYD$150,000 and a brand-new motorbike, courtesy of Regal. Furthermore, players with the Most Runs and Most Wickets will each be awarded GYD$100,000. These prizes, along with additional televisions, are sponsored by Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.
Dedicated sponsors for specific awards further bolster the prize pool: Man-of-the-Final: Sponsored by businessman Mario Moonsammy, this award includes GYD$75,000 and a trophy, with another trophy contributed by Regal; Most Economical Bowler: Azad Ibrahim has sponsored a prize of GYD$35,000; Highest Strike Rate Batsman: B.M. Soat is backing this award with GYD$35,000, along with other incentives for record-breaking performances. In a special treat for fans, one lucky spectator will win a motorbike, courtesy of Banks DIH.
The semi-finals schedule is as follows:
• 15:30h: Defending champions Titans All-Stars face Mahdia (Movements Family).
• 17:00h: Montra Jaguars go head-to-head with Eccles All-Stars.
A special exhibition match featuring government officials, private sector representatives, and youth cricketers is slated for 18:30h, leading into the grand finale at 19:30h.With all four teams boasting immense firepower, the championship title is truly up for grabs. Admission to the event is free.
The main seating will be in the Green Stand, with overflow into the Red Stand. Spectators are advised to use Gate Two for free parking. Organisers have reminded patrons that coolers, firearms, and glass bottles are prohibited inside the stands.
Keemo Paul signs with E4 brand ahead of CPL 2025
GUYANA Amazon Warriors ace all-rounder Keemo Paul is set to rock the E4 brand at the upcoming Caribbean Premier League which starts on August 14 in St Kitts. Paul joined his teammate Kevlon Anderson, who recently signed a one-year deal with the top-notch E4 brand.
The E4 brand, which is owned by overseas-based Guyanese, Ravi Etwaroo, has become a household brand name in Guyana, the Caribbean, and it is slowly taking over the cricket world. In an invited comment, Paul said it feels great to be supporting a local brand which is of the highest quality, and high in demand.
“It feels great to be using and supporting a local brand. I have known Ravi for a while now and it’s a privilege to have been given the opportunity to represent him and his E4 brand.”
Paul, like all international players who only settles for the best equipment, praised the E4 soft goods.
“The soft goods are top quality. I am very impressed and personally I haven’t used the bats as yet but I’ll be using them in our CPL pre-camp and I’m sure they’ll perform really well,” Paul said.
“I’m enthusiastic about CPL this year. I have recovered from my surgery now and I’m just eager to play some cricket.
“The rest is in God’s hands. I just pray for his protection and mercy,” Paul noted.
The 27-year-old Paul has played three Test matches for the West Indies, 30 One Day Internationals and 23 T20 Internationals. With age on his side, Paul will be aiming to find his form and fulfill his talent.
Notably, E4 is International Cricket Council (ICC) approved to be used in all formats of international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is), meaning the E4 logo can legally be displayed on clothing and equipment used in international cricket.
To gain this accreditation and approval in March 2024, it was important the E4 brand catered to all levels of cricketmale, female, senior, junior and youth.
Additionally, Cricket Zone USA, through E4, has sponsored several cricketers across the region, among them Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Gajanand Singh, Kennar Lewis, Matthew Nandu, Kimani Melius, Navin Stewart, Oraine Williams, Tevin Imlach, Adrian Hetmyer, Akshaya Persaud and West Indies female cricketers Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams and Natasha McLean.
The E4 brand has been high in demand, and as such, Etwaroo and his team have supported Guyanese-owned business with supply of E4 products.
The E4 products are available at Giftland Mall in Georgetown, and Cricnation592 Store in Berbice.
Paul and Anderson, the latest signatures of the E4 brand, along with Gudakesh Motie will be donning the E4 brand of the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the 2025 CPL.
Ramesh Sunich (left) hands over one of the trophies to Yusuf Ali of FL Sport.
Keemo Paul with his E4 equipment ahead of CPL 2025
Olympian Raekwon Noel at the World Aquatics Championships