Over $67B invested in Region One, fueling growth, improving livelihoods
WITHIN the last five years, the PPP/C Government has invested $67 billion in Region One, transforming lives through education, health, and Infrastructure, while driving growth of the local economy.
That was the message that Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips delivered during a public meeting in Port Kaituma on Saturday. Addressing a large gathering of residents, PM Phillips promised they will never be left out of Guyana’s development story.
“We have ushered in five years of sustained development for all the people of Guyana, and when it comes to development, there are no stepchildren, there are no cousins, we are all one PPP/C family bringing development to all the people of Guyana, including the people that did not vote for us and the people at Matakai, the people of Arokaka, the people at Matthews Ridge, the people at Port Kaituma. You will never
be left out of any development plan that the PPP/C has in store for Guyana,” he emphasised.
In education, the prime minister noted that 814 young people from Region
--PM Phillips
One are currently enrolled in the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, while 320 teachers have also received training in the last five years. To support the develop-
ment of the region’s human resources, new nursery, primary and secondary schools have been constructed, offering students modern, comfortable and engaging learning environments.
Beyond education, the prime minister highlighted extensive road construction across the region as part of the government’s commitment to improving the region’s road networks.
To further boost accessibility, the government acquired a new Indian Vessel, MV Ma Lisha, to ply the Port Georgetown to Region One.
“You said to us you had no proper ferry service, so we brought one for you, and now we are saying that even with the increased service, there is a need for additional ferry service, that is because of the growth in your community. A growth that is only made possible under the PPP/C government of Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali,” he stated.
PM Phillips reiterated that the PPP/C government has delivered on its promise of inclusive development, ensuring that no community is left behind, regardless of political allegiance, and it will continue to do so.
“This is a government that ensures you share in the prosperity in Guyana,” he said.
He stated that the government has ensured that wealth generated from oil and gas Turn to page 14
Within the last five years, the PPP/C Government has invested $67 billion in Region One, transforming lives through education, health, and Infrastructure, while driving growth of the local economy
Lower electricity rates, toll-free bridge, agriculture investments for Region One
--President
LOWER electricity costs, more work to address social issues and enhanced agriculture are on the cards for Region One (Barima-Waini), as President Dr. Irfaan Ali has outlined a transformative blueprint that will see the region becoming a major development hub.
President Ali, on Saturday, at a public meeting in Port Kaituma, outlined to the residents how the government will help the region build economic self-sufficiency, from revitalising the cocoa and coffee industries, building a new wharf and cold storage facility, and targeting transportation costs.
Joined by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and other officials, the President pointed to how the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s support has grown, and this is because citizens are recognising the hard work of the adminis -
tration.
Ali details development strategy
“We don’t have an elections strategy; we have a development strategy,” he said, affirming that the government always stands with the people.
Although each region has seen development in every area, from health, education, infrastructure and village development since 2020, the President pointed out that this is just beginning.
At the heart of the government’s agenda is its intention to continue reducing the cost-of-living through a number of initiatives, the Head of State said.
As of August 1, the cost of electricity for consumers from the Port Kaituma Power and Light Inc. (PKPL) was reduced by 30 per cent; this will be further reduced by 30 per cent as part of a $110 million subsidy already in place, Dr. Ali noted.
The toll at the Four Miles bridge will be removed, the
President said, noting that this is a step by the government for citizens to enjoy the quality of life, given that vehicles will be able to traverse freely.
Region One will become the coffee and cocoa capital of the Caribbean, President Ali told the residents, noting that a facility will be built, and the government will provide support every step of the way.
Region One will also be connected to the $1 billion port and wharf facility, which is being developed at Charity, Guyana, to enhance trade and economic activity in the Essequibo region and the wider Caribbean.
President Ali also announced that the government will be investing in a new wharf and a cold storage facility so that farmers can store their produce for an extended period.
He said: “That is how we give people a better opportu-
nity; by creating opportunity, by opening up opportunity.
And in all the villages we are going to invest, as I said, to expand the production. We hope to ensure that we build more accommodation for the growing number of nurses, doctors and teachers that are coming to your region…”
There will also be a special programme called the Poverty Reduction Strategy, and this will aid the government in addressing poverty in Region One.
Focusing on the social issues plaguing Baramita, President Ali said that there will be collaboration with the church and other stakeholders to address the peculiar issues.
A special literacy programme is also being rolled out to empower residents.
Protecting the waterways in the hinterland is also a top priority for the government, President Ali said, noting that there will be a special initiative in which the rivers
Lower electricity costs, more work to address social issues and enhanced agriculture are on the cards for Region One, as President Dr. Irfaan Ali has outlined a transformative blueprint that will see the region becoming a major development hub
and other waterways will be cleaned. He said: “To enhance water access and quality, the government will also invest in micro water-treatment facilities.”
Government services
such as passport applications will be brought to the hinterland, the President assured the residents.
INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE
President Ali pointed to the PPP/C’s track record and urged residents not throw away 75 years of services, struggle and leadership for Guyana.
He said: “We have fought for you. Do not let anyone who is seasonal come with their one day goodie and believe they can remove or rewrite seventy-five years of struggle and leadership. No one-day excitement; no one-day opportunism disguising as charity, no one-day evil disguised as charity can take away or erase 75 years of service and struggle and leadership for the people of this country, especially our Amerindian brothers and sisters.”
The President said that with or without oil, the PPP/C has also ensured that Guyanese live a comfortable and quality life. Staying the course with the PPP/C, according to Dr. Ali, would result in better health, education, and social services and other developments.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
‘Don’t let anyone use you to protect their criminality’
--President Ali urges residents to not gamble with their future, stay the course with the tried, trusted, tested PPP/C gov’t
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has cautioned residents about those political aspirants who are attempting to manipulate voters and undermine national security, just to protect their criminality and selfish interests.
During a public meeting on Saturday in Port Kaituma Region One (Barima-Waini), the President told citizens to commit themselves to development and national security by staying the course with the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government.
Braving the rains and standing before a mammoth sea of red, President Ali said: “Be truthful to your conscience. This is not the time
to gamble with your future. This is not the time to put the national security of our country at risk. This is not the time to put our country's sovereignty at risk.”
He reminded citizens that Guyana’s international partners have cautioned the nation about United States (US)- sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed and how he poses a threat to a stable and secure Guyana.
“Don't let anyone use you to protect their own personal interest, to protect their own criminality.
That is what he's doing, using Guyana once again, because he used us as Reuters said to perpetrate irregularities and criminality, and when he was caught, he now
wants to use you once again to defend that criminality,”
President Ali said.
President Ali has stated that the choice is clear, meaning, the PPP/C has solidified itself as the only national party that is committed to working for the people and towards a future that is prosperous and stands on a solid foundation.
The Head of State cautioned Guyanese about what is at stake and not to gamble with their future.
Azruddin, along with his father, Nazar Mohamed and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing, on June 11 2024, were sanctioned by Department of the Trea-
sury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which oversees sanctions against individuals and entities tied to illicit activities and hostile foreign governments.
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, Ambassador 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 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 said.
While the PPP/C stands on a solid track record, the President urged residents to recommit themselves to walking to every single home and engaging everyone to come out and vote.
He said: “…Let us not count anyone as we've lost to anyone. Let us go back and invite them to come to this family. Let us reach out to them and show them love. Let us reach out to them and let them understand the truth. Let us reach out to them with facts. Let us reach out to them with the honour, humility and dignity that is associated to the People's Progressive Party/Civic.”
Tangible results, long-term vision: Key indicators of a strong gov’t
--private sector stakeholder says; impressed by achievements of PPP/C over the past five years --confident in party’s ability to continue country’s accelerated development
AS the 2025 General and Regional Elections draw closer, political parties across Guyana are making ambitious pledges to capture the electorate’s support.
But for private sector leaders like Komal Singh, Managing Director of GAICO Construction and immediate past chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the true measure of a government’s value lies not in promises, but in proven delivery and long-term vision.
In a candid conversation on the current political cli-
mate on the Starting Point Podcast, Singh emphasised that investors are closely watching key indicators beyond manifestos and public rallies.
“When you invest in a country, you look for political stability, a government that respects the sanctity of contracts, and an environment that supports private sector growth and development,” he said.
Singh added: “The private sector is the engine of the economy. We also ensure that the environment creates opportunities with real lon-
Banks operate within framework of local, international standards
--guided by strict regulatory obligations, GABI says
THE Guyana Association of Bankers Inc. (GABI) has reminded the public that all licensed commercial banks in Guyana operate within a framework of national laws and international standards.
The association, in a press release on Saturday, said banks are guided by strict regulatory obligations, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) requirements, as well as global risk management practices.
“These standards are critical to preserving financial system integrity, protecting depositors, and ensuring continued access to international financial markets,” GABI said.
The association said it remains committed to supporting a strong, inclusive, and compliant banking sector that serves the best interests of the Guyanese people and economy.
“We thank the public for its continued confidence in the banking system and reaffirm our dedication to professionalism, transparency, and national development,” GABI said.
gevity.”
He noted that no serious investor wants to commit capital to an economy with short-term potential and long-term uncertainty.
“You don’t want to invest in an environment today and find, a year from now, that the economy has lost its growth potential. But when you look at Guyana over the last five years, what you see is significant potential— and more importantly, that potential has been backed by a government that is aggressively focused on infrastructure and development,” Singh said.
Reflecting on the tenure of the current administration, Singh pointed to tangible results that inspire investor confidence.
Singh believes the government has moved beyond merely making promises, demonstrating a consistent ability to deliver.
He pointed to the 2020 manifesto as a benchmark, noting that when measured against actual achievements, the administration has not only met but surpassed expectations.
One of the prime examples of follow-through, he said, is the new bridge across the Demerara River.
He reminded that between 2015 and 2020, progress on the bridge was limited to a design study. However, he noted that from 2020 onward, the current govern -
ment advanced the project significantly, moving from design to construction, with the bridge now nearing completion.
Singh emphasised: “That’s a remarkable achievement. It sends a message to investors that the government is serious about growth and not just giving lip service. Whatever the government has promised is backed by a proper execution plan. They are also making sure that the private sector is playing a pivotal role in the development.”
According to him, this seriousness is also reflected in large-scale projects like the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) initiative, which is expected to significantly reduce energy costs by 50 per cent and improve competitiveness.
“These are massive projects, and a significant amount of work has already been done. If you listen to the promises now being made by the government about continuing this development, I think from an investor standpoint, there’s confidence those promises will be fulfilled,” he stated.
In Singh’s view, it is not just about infrastructure for infrastructure’s sake—it is about building a foundation for inclusive, sustainable growth.
“All of these projects are strategic,” he noted, adding that they are designed to ensure the people benefit, the
Komal Singh, Managing Director of GAICO Construction
business community benefits, and that a comprehensive ecosystem is created, one that supports sustainable employment, increased production, and expanded manufacturing.
According to him, over the past decade, Guyana’s manufacturing sector struggled to develop despite the country’s abundance of resources, largely due to the high cost of energy.
However, he believes that once the GTE project
becomes operational, the sector will become competitive and experience substantial growth.
Singh acknowledged that it is encouraging to hear the development plans being proposed by opposition parties but cautioned that voters must approach election season with care.
He noted that historically some political leaders become active and visible only a few months before elections, engaging in handshaking and public appearances without a sustained track record.
He expressed confidence, however, that Guyana’s population is well informed, forward thinking and actively investing in the economy. As such, he believes voters will make decisions based on who is most likely to deliver on their promises.
“We have seen lip service in the past. No one wants to go back to lip service. If you’re coming to the table and talking to our Guyanese, our Guyanese want to hear about tangible promises as well as your ability to deliver,” Singh said, addressing political parties.
Asked whether he Turn to page 11
A Costly Risk
THE warning from former ANUG founding member Timothy Jonas, S.C., about local banks maintaining risky ties with persons associated with US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed should alert every Guyanese who cares about our country's economic stability.
Jonas's blunt statement that banks must "cut all ties with anyone connected to US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed or face financial ruin" is not an exaggeration but a harsh reality.
Jonas clearly explains the mechanics of modern banking, showing just how fragile our financial system really is.
When he mentions the familiar Visa and American Express logos
on our cards, he reveals an uncomfortable fact: Our banking system depends heavily on American correspondent banks.
This isn't just about political choices; it's about the basic structure that allows Guyanese to shop on Amazon, send money overseas, or receive remittances from family abroad.
The quick actions by Demerara Bank, GBTI, and Citizens Bank to shut down accounts of WIN candidates show smart decision-making. These banks grasp what Mohamed's political allies seem to miss: OFAC sanctions have serious consequences that go far beyond the individual being sanctioned.
The alleged US$50 million in
tax evasion and 10,000 kilograms of undeclared gold exports that led to Mohamed's sanctions reflect the type of misconduct that poisons international banking relationships.
Jonas' grim prediction that ties to sanctioned individuals could lead to a total banking breakdown, loss of credit card use, and economic isolation mirrors the harsh realities seen in Afghanistan and other affected regions.
US Ambassador Nicole Theriot's statement that American companies might "de-risk or even cut ties" with Guyana if Mohamed gains power should alarm every citizen.
The real tragedy is not with the banks, which are only trying
to protect their existence, but with the "unsuspecting Guyanese" who may suffer financially due to their political connections.
As Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo points out, these individuals, unlike Mohamed’s family members who cleverly avoided the candidate list, will face the consequences of sanctions compliance while their leader stays shielded.
Mohamed's call for boycotts against legitimate financial institutions shows a dangerous disregard for reality. Instead of recognising the seriousness of international sanctions, he lashes out at the institutions that protect Guyana's financial stability.
This tactic risks pulling more innocent Guyanese into the sanc-
tions trap while damaging trust in our banking system.
Guyana faces a clear choice: We can continue our "strong relationship" with the United States and keep access to global financial markets, or we can risk our economic future for the political goals of a sanctioned individual.
The banks have already made their choice. They are looking out for Guyana's financial future. The real question is whether voters will make the same smart choice in September.
Jonas' warning is not solely about banking; it concerns national survival in a connected global economy where following sanctions is not optional; it is vital.
--President Ali announces Financial, banking services to be taken to hinterland
BANKING and financial services will be taken into the hinterland, as President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that the government is currently working with the private sector to ensure that even the most remote areas are not at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing essential services.
President Ali made this announcement on Saturday at a public meeting in Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), where he assured residents that the government is working assiduously to make the lives of all Guyanese better and more comfortable.
“We're now working with the private sector to ensure that you have financial services and banking services available to you
here,” President Ali said.
The banking and financial sector is an important sector, which the government has been placing specific focus on in order to empower citizens to benefit from the massive economic
transformation taking place across the country. Access to financing is a main pillar for the establishment, growth and success of both small- and large-scale businesses, as well as the economic em-
powerment of individuals and households.
Under the stewardship of the PPP/C Government, Guyana’s financial sector has seen significant improvements in recent years in key performance indica-
tors, reflecting a strengthening economy and robust regulatory oversight.
Owing to critical policies implemented by the government, the country’s financial system has been regulated over the past four years, the Head of State said last year, while highlighting a number of indicators, examining the stability and wellness of the country’s financial system.
Additionally, earlier this year, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that with the introduction of new technologies, Guyana’s outdated banking and financial sector is getting a facelift.
The Vice-President is of the belief that the financial sector can become a humbug, and could slow down the massive growth
that Guyana is seeing in the real sector, if it does not expand in complexity and instruments.
“That is why we’re trying to drag it out of the stone ages into an environment that is appropriate to support the expansion in the real sector,” Jagdeo said.
Further, several projects are being executed to aid in the digitisation of Guyana, he related.
He also said that they are issuing secure documents for every citizen to have a national identification card (ID) that would give the biometrics to start deepening the financial services and to broaden the range of instruments that would be available for people to improve payment systems, among other things.
Irfaan Ali’s 13 qualities: A comparative analysis
IT is said by many who are openly anti-PPP that President Ali will be re-elected. I have read twice in the Stabroek News (SN) editorial page that he will win. When SN can write that then you have to ask why. This is a newspaper that appears more politicised in its journalism that even Fox News.
I don’t think Dr. Ali’s assured victory is because there is a paucity of opposing contestants. Even if the PNC had a leader with vision and the field had some formidable personalities whose talent is recognised, Ali would have still beaten them.
To beat Irfaan Ali in an election contest, you have to be more pronounced and match him in the following areas; unique style; ability to be persuasive; capacity to make people feel comfortable with their country’s leader; uncanny ability to lose yourself as leader in the company of the citizenry; the complex endeavour to get into the psychology of others with resulting trust on the part of the recipient; the quality of mixing office and lightness that make people feel you have the common
touch yet they respect you as leader; the willingness to delve into sensitive areas of dispute without fear of embarrassment; the courage to face nationally adverse situations with the inevitable outcome of acceptance; the creation of an esoteric aura that makes people feel that they don’t really know their
I find only Edward Seaga in Jamaica, Eric Gairy in Grenada, Basdeo Panday in Trinidad, Vere Bird Senior in Antigua, Mia Mottley in Barbados, Ralph Gonsalves in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, George Price of Belize and in Guyana, Burnham and Jagan had/have some of the 13 leadership qualities listed
likeable humans.
I would rank Bishop as one of the sincerest post-colonial leaders the Third World has given birth to. I think only a handful of post-colonial leaders were so worshipped by the masses as Bishop was. But I knew Maurice, up close and personal, and he was
leader but they know he is a good person; the ease with which a natural expression comes; the possession of an evocative sense of humour; the identification with social classes that want to see the nation’s leader share the country’s wealth; and finally, the transformative vision that impacts on the society. In doing this comparison,
above.
I have left out PJ. Patterson in Jamaica, Maurice Bishop of Grenada and John Compton of St. Lucia, the reason being that of the 13-character traits listed here, Patterson and Compton just had one. They came across as leaders without any touch of arrogance and appeared to their citizens as
not endowed with half of the leadership qualities I see in Irfaan Ali.
The caveat with this comparison is that of the nine Caribbean leaders enumerated here, none of them had even half of the leadership motifs described in the opening paragraphs and which I believe Irfaan Ali carry with him. Space will be a con -
straint in doing a plausible comparison so I will simply identify which leadership quality each of the nine possessed. I will not use the exact words that I have applied when assigning the qualities to Irfaan Ali.
Mia Mottley: A transformative PM that her citizens believe is made of good intention.
Basdeo Panday: A downto-earth PM that lacked any touch of arrogance.
Edward Seaga: A man of the people that Jamaicans felt that they could have talked to when they wanted to.
Eric Gairy: Possessed the common touch. He had a way with the masses.
Vere Bird Senior: Very similar in style with that of Gairy. Antiguans saw him as a father figure.
Ralph Gonsalves: He is a smart PM that knows the art of persuasion, and that persuasion has not led him into alleyways of distance from the people of St. Vincent.
George Price: He was from the Mulatto/Creole class, but he never wore that badge on his shirt sleeve and the people of then British Honduras saw him as a father figure they could have trusted.
Forbes Burnham: Like him or hate him, he had the innate art of wining the hearts and minds of those that he appealed to. His could wade through his constituencies like if you were peeling an orange.
Cheddi Jagan: The best of the nine Caribbean leaders listed here. Jagan was made of an uncommon fabric that the post-colonial world will take a very long time to see again.
President Irfaan Ali, I believe, is poised to become the definitive Caribbean leader when he receives his second term. I believed all of the nine leaders listed above were of high quality but from my studies I think none of them embodied/embody (Mottley and Gonsalves are still Prime Ministers) the 13 leadership motifs stated above. I wish him well in the future.
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.
Opposition’s lackluster elections campaign
THERE are just 29 days left until Guyana votes for the next government on September 1, and the main opposition party, APNU’s elections campaign for office is lackluster, underwhelming and disastrous to say the least.
Not only is the campaign in shambles but it is worse than its last two campaigns ran in 2015 and 2020.
It is not alone. Misery knows company. The other smaller parties and newcomers are failing in their bid to connect with a large section of right-thinking, sensible and objective Guyanese.
If they do not energise their support base by speaking about issues relative to this year’s campaign, the PPP/C will end up winning an even larger majority than it had before the parliament was dissolved. Let’s examine and analyse this phenomenon.
Firstly, the PNCR party was hemorrhaging long before it was in the business of preparing for elections. It had a political leader, Aubrey Norton who was making several missteps in politics, and was alienating key party supporters.
After all, these party supporters and members knew what was right and not going
to go down well with PNCR supporters and the members. He forced his way and went through the three female general secretaries, and now has a puddle and weakest one in the person of Sherwin Benjamin.
Nonetheless, it activated APNU and started the process of coalition talks with longtime partners, the AFC and WPA. The first could not agree to the terms which the APNU wanted and made its counter proposal.
In the end, it failed and the rest is history. APNU then made a backdoor deal with the sell out and controversial co-leader of the WPA and they joined the partnership. Soon, other paper parties would join the coalition of convenience.
At the same time because PNCR which was the lifeblood of the coalition, was bleeding, its troubles continue as several of its MPS and party members left the coalition and party, a majority to join the PPP family.
APNU then strategically stole Juretha Fernandes from the AFC and told the public that the party members want her to be the PM candidate. But Norton could not see that he took nothing from the AFC and added nothing to his coalition.
All the young people that Norton tried to stack the APNU with and change the dynamics of the PNC/APNU are not managing to resonate with the crowd. Norton himself does not seem to understand the mood of the people, particularly Afro-Guyanese in this time and modern Guyana.
For that reason alone, APNU is not managing to get a large gathering or crowd without having to do much work beforehand. It’s embarrassing to watch and all the speakers, except for seasoned politicians, are delivering cringe worthy and docile elections speeches at the poorly attended public meetings.
The APNU failed miserably to get the support of people in Tiger Bay, Georgetown and many more people in South Ruimveldt. It is a widespread rejection now that the support base is disillusioned about Norton and APNU team.
Maybe, the bid for 2025 should have begun in 2023 by the APNU. Norton acted too hastily. The drama that unfolded in 2020 is still playing in the minds of Guyanese. There was no healing and reconciliation.
Supporters tried to tell Norton to go, but he forced
his way into the presidential candidacy and now the party has one of the most lopsided campaigns.
The PNCR/APNU will gain no new seats in parliament and will not become the next government with this campaign that is seeing the PPP/C outspending it and gaining significant ground.
Maybe, that is why it sold some shares it had in Republic Bank to raise more funds as its fundraising activities - the bingo, fish and chicken sale, did not amass enough.
And Norton is no fool. He already started the whisper campaign by saying that the PPP/C is trying to steal the elections, knowing the claim to be false. He is gearing up his supporters for the inevitable loss come September unless they come up with a remarkable plan to enter the government.
Secondly, the other parties are doing a bad job to try and convince Guyanese that they can lead Guyana.
The AFC is dead meat since being taken over by Nigel Hughes who was saving it from being ‘consumed’ into APNU. But his period to get the party ready to compete in this year’s elections as an independent is proving difficult and stressful.
The attorney may be a
boss in the court room but has not managed so far to connect with ordinary people on the ground despite being there much of the weekends when there is time.
The AFC tagline ‘Better must come’ is not managing to translate into excitement for voting for change despite AFC’s promises. Also, its backroom deal with the WIN party which sees much of the AFC’s formers and resources helping it campaign is proving hurtful to AFC’s chances of extending it seat-count. Its leader has made yet another miscalculation of politics and the PPP/C will school them at the elections.
The crowds at their meetings are almost non-existent and many times their leaders are talking to the empty streets. Not that crowds will translate into votes, but it is a sign that one party has not done enough political work or there is a lack of likeness for the party’s presidential and prime ministerial candidates.
Where did Laura George come from? How did they select her? Surely, the AFC wants to win or get support at the elections but selecting George is desperate and highly questionable. That is why the party will only manage to get a seat or two. The AFC looks uncomfortable and not prepared despite being a soiled third force.
The WIN party deserves a round of applause for trying to kerfuffle the public into believing that it has widespread support. It thinks it is like CN Sharma’s Justice for All Party. Well, it will suffer the same faith as JAF when the results show that support was WIN-d all the time.
Let us be clear, if elections were based solely on popularity, PPP and Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali would still win but it is not that is why JAF did not even get a seat at the table.
It takes political knowledge, service to the people, and bold plan, not just promising the moon and stars.
Azruddin Mohamed does not understand politics or the mood of the people. People, well, Guyanese, would take his money and wear the blue shirts, and still vote seriously for the PPP or the APNU.
His campaign has been having the energy. That is to say when it comes to fake pictures and doctored imag-
es! His party has carefully staged many of the meetings and engagements away from the limelight of any media that will ask the right, critical and objective questions. Mohamed appears to be the running man because the WIN party General Secretary, who is a known comic and comedian, is shielding him. As the public saw, she is using comedy to embarrass those people who truly want to know what are WIN’s policies and plans.
Apart from not studying the art of political communication or anything similar for that matter, she resorts to using comedy to denigrate and criticise the public.
WIN is bluffing their way to see how close they could come to the president. WIN is not serious because the party was dashed together and money is the order of the day. The executive is being held together by a string and once the elections do not yield the results, it will go silently into remission.
Many of the people are now being devastated by association with WIN. All money is not good and clean money! Many more will learn in the lead-up to elections.
Finally, the other parties are not as bright and colourful as the public expected them to be. This is disappointing. Elections deserve time so that the electorate could know the candidates and party. Most of the parties were formed out of convenience and lust for revenge/ powerplay. They will fizzle away.
Sadly, the PPP is the only one in the game and has candidates that people really know and like. They know what Ali stands for. They believe in him and the party. They trust him.
Norton, on the other hand, is not the party choice. He was forced upon the PNC and APNU but some voters will vote for the party. Point blank. They will not abandon in the PNC/R.
The others are not serious. So, let us see who makes up the opposition benches.
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 power of backyard choices in a big election
THE most important things in life are often the small things. They are things we overlook on our way to and from work; the things we can do something about, but never do, and we assume someone else will fix them.
This administration has built schools, supplied textbooks, fed students a nutritious breakfast, and given parents cash for uniforms, but even if the tireless Priya Manickchand sent every staff member of hers to get children to school, they’d still face hurdles, because it's the job of parents and guardians.
The Ministry of Housing and Water can distribute thousands of house lots, invest billions more in cementand-steel vouchers, and lower mortgage rates to help families build, but only mothers and fathers, not Collin Croal or Susan Rodrigues, can turn a house into a home.
The success and failure of a society require more than just government policies and initiatives.
It requires “the people”, civil society, broadly speaking, to work hand-in-glove with elected officials to bring about change.
This type of engagement requires a vision of what our
society ought to look like at the end of the next five years. There is no magic wand. In 2020, voters would have had to imagine what Guyana would be like now, at this very moment.
When Prime Minister Mark Phillips takes the time to remind Guyanese of the suite of accomplishments in just three years, minus the first two due to the ‘COVID’ pandemic, he is not bragging, although his party has earned it.
When VP Bharrat Jagdeo spells out the litany of flops and foibles of the APNU+AFC’s time in office, even with oil and no pandemic to worry about, they didn’t even come close to what the PPP/C has delivered in halfa-year.
To prove the VP wrong, Aubrey Norton and Juretha Fernandes, the PNC’s prime ministerial candidate who is still trying to introduce herself to their party’s constituency, are unable to point to a single feat of real accomplishment between 2015 and 2020.
And when VP Jagdeo labels the PNC-led APNU and Nigel Hughes’ AFC ‘do-nothing’ parties, Norton, Sherod Duncan and others get so ruffled they resort to petty
name-calling.
They conveniently ignore the fact that the PPP/C built well over five thousand kilometres of road, from major roadways to the little side streets in our villages, the opposition points to a few cracks in the Schoonord to Crane Highway, labelling it ‘incompetence’.
Road repairs are a fact of life, whether in Guyana, Canada or the United States. I believe the majority of people can distinguish campaign noise from substantial accomplishments.
When VP Jagdeo boldly declared, repeatedly, I might add, that “every single promise the PPP/C made in its 2020 Manifesto has been fulfilled”, it gave me pause.
I’ve read that Manifesto
and reported extensively on the government’s policies, programmes, and initiatives. Still, I wondered, what if something had slipped through?
Could Norton or Hughes point to an unfulfilled pledge? But once you cut through the opposition’s noise, you soon realise that there isn’t a single promise they made and failed to deliver; not one!
There is no doubt in my mind that the noise will get louder in the coming weeks of this election campaign.
Later today, President Irfaan Ali will be in Linden for the Party’s fourth major rally.
There will be six more opportunities after today’s rally. Instead of letting meme-makers and TikTok
War and violence across the world
"War in the east, War in the west, War up north, War down south, Everywhere is war!"
Never has this extract from Bob Marley's iconic song, War, been truer than today.
Inspired by Emperor Haile Selassie's address to the United Nations in 1963, these lyrics, in particular, accurately describe the state of affairs in our world today.
According to the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, there are more than 110 armed conflicts taking place currently, and the most affected region is the Middle East and North Africa.
The majority are termed “non-international”, involving "a multitude of non-state actors and foreign interven-
tion by Western powers..."
One such conflict has been ongoing in Yemen for over a decade now, with various factions fighting for control. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis is appalling, as the groups involved, at one time or another, have prevented aid from reaching those desperately in need.
A similar situation exists in the Sudan, with widespread death and destruction, many succumbing to starvation and preventable diseases, as the World Food Programme (WFP) struggles to distribute aid to a suffering population.
Recently, the Israel-Palestine War has been claiming media attention, as the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) continues to bombard Palestine, dropping bombs at will and causing massive destruction and mounting deaths.
The war, which is raging on, has seen the IDF systematically decimate the Gaza Strip in an attempt to wipe out the terrorist group, Hamas, which launched the initial offensive against Israel back in 2023.
Ironically, as Israel claims Hamas members are hiding everywhere, they have resorted to bombing schools and hospitals. This action directly contravenes the Geneva Conventions, expressly established to protect civilians and those not directly involved in a war.
The suffering and loss of life are incalculable, and the pictures coming out of the region, showing dying and injured children, are horrendous.
In Europe, the Russia-Ukraine War, which began three years ago, marks a major escalation in a conflict
which began back in 2014. Over a million are now injured or dead, and there has been major destruction in both countries.
And as these and other conflicts rage on, the death toll continues to rise, but what cannot be calculated is the mental health cost to those who survive.
Many have witnessed partners, parents, children, siblings, and relatives die. They live with the sound of bombs and guns, and the constant specter of death, not knowing whether the next incendiary device or bullet will cause their own death.
Hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes and countries, living in refugee camps, where insanitary conditions lead to rampant infections, illnesses and eventual death.
In a review, the Stastisa
political choices come down to the small things in our own backyard; legal ownership of the land and the home I am building on it, my safety and personal security, my job and is it secure, the integrity of the single-lane street in front of my home that gives me access to the main road, proper drainage to mitigate against flooding, garbage removal, clean water access and the general health of my children.
skits hijack our ability to think for ourselves, take the time to listen to what the president will say to the people of a city with a rich history that has long been a PNC stronghold.
Tune out the noise and ask: What is the PPP/C and the party that I would normally support, promising me that Guyana, for me and my children and grandchildren, will look like in 2030?
If you are an undecided voter and can’t make up your mind which box will get your mark on September 1, ask yourself which party - the PPP/C or the party that might otherwise get your vote - can be expected to deliver on its promises to make my life and the life of my children better.
When all is said and done,
You can see this election as a contest between parties, or the moment we all decide what kind of society we, the people of Guyana, want and deserve. We can make that decision for ourselves or allow others to make it for us. Whatever choice we make on September 1, let it be one rooted in hope, grounded in facts, and inspired by the conviction that we and our neighbours and members of our communities are the real agents of Guyana’s future.
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.
Research Department declared, "Recent years have seen a series of high-intensity and far-reaching conflicts dominate global affairs... the largest impacts are felt in terms of human loss, suffering and destruction - hundreds of thousands have been directly killed in the conflicts of the 2020s... high levels of destruction mean some regions may never fully recover".
It is small wonder then that within nations, vio -
lence is also becoming more widespread. For, as Carl von Clausewitz, a military leader of the former Kingdom of Prussia, put it: "War is an act of violence pushed to its utmost limits".
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.
Gas-to-energy project enters new phase of implementation
--LNDCH4 says, announces official name change
LNDCH4 Guyana has formally announced that, effective immediately, the company will operate under the name Lindsayca Guyana Inc (LND).
lished timelines,” LND said.
workforce.
GMSA condemns WIN’s call to boycott major local businesses
--points to Guyana’s judicial system as solution for parties that feel aggrieved
According to a press release, this decision follows a corporate consolidation process aimed at aligning the company’s identity with its long-term strategic vision and the ongoing advancement of the Gas-to-Energy project into its next phase of implementation.
As the lead Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, Lindsayca Guyana Inc (LND) said it is proud to spearhead one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in the modern history of Guyana—one with far-reaching implications for economic growth, energy security, and national development.
The rebranding follows an internal restructuring that
The dedication, talent, and professionalism of local personnel continue to serve as a cornerstone for the successful delivery of this nationally significant initiative.
“This name change marks a new institutional chapter for our organisation, but our mission remains unchanged. We are here to deliver a project that improves lives and creates long-term opportunities for the people
This name change does not alter the company’s core mission, scope, or objectives, the company said.
It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Guyana’s energy development by delivering solutions that are affordable, reliable, and sustainable for both present and future generations.
“The Gas-to-Energy project continues to progress steadily, with construction activities, equipment delivery, and logistics advancing in accordance with estab -
has strengthened the company’s technical and operational capabilities through the onboarding of highly qualified professionals.
This organisational evolution, the company said, enhances Lindsayca’s ability to deliver the project with the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance, without impacting the established schedule.
Lindsayca Guyana Inc (LND) also related that it remains fully committed to Guyana’s local content framework, recognising the essential role of its Guyanese
of Guyana,” stated Nelson Drake, Director, Chairman of the Board Lindsayca Guyana. As Lindsayca Guyana Inc (LND) moves forward with project execution, the company said remains committed to transparent and collaborative engagement with its strategic partners, government authorities, and the wider community.
“The objective remains clear: to lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable energy future for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” LND said.
THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has strongly condemned a recent call by the political party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) to boycott several longstanding Guyanese businesses.
WIN, led by United States-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, urged the public to boycott legitimate private sector companies.
In a statement, the GMSA warned that such political manoeuvres amount to economic sabotage and pose a serious threat to national development.
“Political competition must never come at the cost of economic sabotage,” the GMSA said, stressing that the private sector must not be weaponised for partisan agendas.
The association said: “Our business community must not be politicised. Attempts to do so are destructive to national progress.”
The GMSA stated that it has consistently championed efforts to build and maintain a credible Guyanese business environment, and warned that statements like these only serve to create uncertainty.
The association noted that the targeted businesses are among Guyana’s largest manufacturers, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to national revenue.
It said that many of them provide essential goods and services and are publicly traded, with a responsibility to protect the interests of shareholders—many of whom are ordinary Guyanese.
The GMSA further underscored the obligations of commercial banks, noting that they must comply with international standards, including Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions and anti-money laundering regulations.
These institutions, it said, are duty-bound to protect the financial system and depositors alike.
“If any party feels aggrieved by the actions of a private business, Guyana’s judicial system remains the appropriate and available forum for resolution,” the association added.
Standing in solidarity with the affected companies, the GMSA called on all political actors to act with restraint and responsibility.
“Let us not undermine the private sector, the very engine of Guyana’s economic future,” the statement concluded.
It was reported recently that the Demerara Bank, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), and Citizens Bank have started closing the accounts of WIN candidates after conducting various risk assessments.
Despite the widely reported risks of
association with sanctioned individuals, Mohamed, through his party, has chastised two of those institutions for their move, which involves taking precautions and safeguarding their operations.
In a statement on the Team Mohamed Facebook page, he labelled the reputable institutions as corporate footstools of the PPP/C and warned them, specifically Demerara Bank and GBTI: “This atrocity will not go unanswered.”
The statement noted: “As a first step, we call on all Guyanese to boycott: Demerara Bank, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and all their goods and services, The Beharry Group and all its subsidiaries, goods, and services, KFC, and Pizza Hut.”
Lieutenant Colonel
Castello first GDF officer to complete prestigious military, academic training in France
THE Chief of Defence Staff, officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) extended congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello, who became the first GDF officer to successfully complete a suite of advanced military and academic programmes in France.
According to information from the GDF, Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated from the esteemed École de Guerre (War College) in Paris, having completed the Brevet d’études militaires supérieures (BEMS), a senior officer programme reserved for individuals demonstrating exceptional command
capabilities, leadership, and strategic thinking in complex military environments.
In addition to the BEMS, he earned the RNCP Level Eight Certification, issued by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, confirming his mastery in strategic leadership, management, and command.
Further broadening his skillset, he also completed the Cours élémentaire de Langue française 2025, attaining DELF A1 level proficiency in French, a reflection of his commitment to cultural and linguistic adaptability in modern defence diplomacy.
Crowning these accomplishments, Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated with distinction from Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas, earning the Diplôme National de Master (master’s degree) in Law, Economics, and Management with a specialisation in International Relations.
His achievement marks a historic first for the GDF, as no other officer has previously undertaken or completed this combination of French military and academic training.
“It underscores the Force’s commitment to building a globally competent Officer Corps capable of navigating complex strategic environments,” GDF said.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, praised Lieutenant Colonel Castello’s performance, stating that it is also a proud moment for the GDF.
“Lt Col Castello’s success at one of the world’s most respected military institutions reflects the high standards we expect within our Officer Corps. He has flown the flag of Guyana with distinction, and we look forward to the valuable expertise and global perspective he brings to the continued advancement of our Force,” he said.
This milestone stands as a symbol of the GDF’s deepening international military partnerships and unwavering investment in excellence through education and leadership development.
Tangible results, long-term vision:
Key indicators of a strong gov’t
From page 5 believes the economy would regress if the opposition were to return to office, Singh indicated that based on the country’s past experiences and the level of competence previously demonstrated, a decline would be very likely.
While acknowledging that it is every citizen’s constitutional right to support the political party of their choice, Singh encouraged voters to back the party that has a proven record of delivering on its promises.
According to Singh, the government has demonstrat-
ed over the past five years its ability to fulfil its promises.
He emphasised that Guyana is at a critical point in its development and cannot afford to revert to the conditions of the past.
“The entire economy and financial system are moving at high speed.
Almost every single Guyanese has a stake in what is happening today. If this economy slows down tomorrow morning, you will see a lot of businesses going into bankruptcy.
It is very important that we have continuity in where
New Lima Regional Hospital to open soon
--boost healthcare delivery in Region Two
By Indrawattie Natram RESIDENTS of Region
Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are eagerly awaiting the commissioning of the state-of-the-art Lima Regional Hospital, which is now in its final stages of construction.
The facility, a landmark development for the region’s healthcare sector, promises to provide modern and comprehensive medical services to thousands of citizens.
Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Friday, visited the construction site to inspect the progress and expressed satisfaction with the quality of work.
He noted that the hospital’s completion marks a major step forward in delivering quality healthcare closer to home for residents along the Essequibo Coast and its surrounding communities.
Equipped with advanced medical technology, the new facility will feature in-patient and out-patient departments, diagnostic services, an operating theatre, emergency care, and specialised clinics.
This development aims to reduce the need for patients to travel to Georgetown for critical services, significantly improving response times and convenience for families in the region.
“The Lima Regional Hospital will transform healthcare delivery in Region Two,” Dr. Anthony said, adding: “Our goal is to ensure that every Guyanese has access to reliable, high-quality medical services without the burden of long-distance travel. This facility is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of our people.”
The hospital is expected
to be commissioned in the coming weeks and will serve as a regional hub for healthcare, supplementing existing health centres and providing vital support to the hinterland and riverine communities.
For residents of Region Two, the near completion of the Lima Regional Hospital is more than a construction milestone—it is a promise of better health, faster care, and a brighter future.
“We are happy for such facility and it will produce positive change in our region, our government is doing well and we are happy for this intervention by President Irfaan Ali administration,” Melvin Henry said.
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, said that the hospital will be a significant boost to the region in delivering advance treatment.
we are heading. Within the next five years, you will see massive transformation,” he said.
Singh urged political parties to set aside their differences when it comes to national projects, stressing the importance of unity in advancing initiatives like the new bridge across the Demerara River, the GTE project, the Lethem Road, the regional road network, and the proposed rail service between Lethem and Georgetown to facilitate access to the Brazilian market.
Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello
Another section of the new hospital
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony engages staff
Building Expo 2025…
Distribution of 2,000 land titles for new areas
--other activities planned; over 95 percent of the booths already booked
THE International Building Expo is set to open its doors in grand style at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from August 14 to 17.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Thursday, conducted a site visit, expressing satisfaction with the advanced preparations for what promises to be a transformative event for the country's housing and construction sectors.
According to information from the ministry, Minister Croal highlighted the efforts of the teams working day and night to ensure everything is ready for the expo.
Despite the challenge of
coordinating with ongoing cricket events at the stadium, progress has been swift.
"The tents are going up, the various pavilions, etc.," he noted, confirming that the venue will be prepared on time. The demand for exhibition space has been exceptionally high, with 95 per cent of booths already booked. This leaves a small window of opportunity for a few remaining smaller booths.
This year's expo will place a significant emphasis on Guyana's ongoing transformation and its commitment to biodiversity. Following the nation's recent hosting of a Global Biodiversity Con-
ference, attendees can expect to see a dedicated focus on environmental sustainability upon entering the expo.
The event will also leverage digital technology, featuring large monitors displaying Guyana's evolving landscape and the significant transformation occurring across the country. These displays will highlight the path to "Guyana 2030," showcasing the ripple effect of the housing and construction sector on national development. Minister Croal emphasised that the networking opportunities will be a primary highlight of the expo. Visitors will be able to connect with new and experi-
enced players in the industry, gaining insights into the rapid changes taking place in Guyana's infrastructure.
A cornerstone of the expo will be the "Dream Realised" initiative, focusing on land ownership and title distribution. Over 2,000 land titles for new areas, including East Coast of Demerara developments.
The signing of Agreements of Sale and the processing of titles will take place simultaneously throughout the event, specifically from August 15 to 17.
The International Building Expo aims to be a family-friendly event. Beyond serious business engage -
ments with institutions like banks, insurance companies, construction firms, and consultancy services, there will be increased entertainment options.
While the opening night on August 14 will be formal, subsequent evenings will feature diverse entertainment from 18:00 hours onwards, with a different focus each night. For families with children, additional space has been allocated on the southern side, including food courts.
Addressing past concerns, Minister Croal confirmed that significant improvements have been made to traffic management and parking
facilities. Attendees will have more space for parking, and a smoother flow of traffic is expected.
Additionally, exhibitors are being encouraged to adhere to high standards in their presentations, ensuring a valuable experience for all visitors. The opening ceremony will commence at 17:00 hours. on Thursday, August 14. The expo will then be open to the public until 23:00 hours on subsequent days, offering time for persons to explore and interact.
International Building Expo 2025 is being held under the theme "The Road to Success, Guyana 2030 and Beyond".
A commitment to local content, suppliers in the oil-and-gas industry
THE 2025 Guyana Supplier Forum, held in late July, is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at expanding the role of Guyanese businesses in the oil-and-gas sector.
Organised by the Centre for Local Business Development – an institution established by ExxonMobil Guyana to promote local content – the forum connected hundreds of local and international companies. It was a networking opportunity that reflected a continued industry shift toward deliberate and sustained inclusion of Guyanese suppliers.
Since Guyana began producing oil in late 2019, for-
eign companies have operated in an environment where local content is encouraged and expected. That expectation has been formalised in law.
The Local Content Act, passed in 2021, requires oil companies and their contractors to meet minimum targets for using Guyanese suppliers across various categories of goods and services. These requirements are enforceable, and that has given greater certainty to Guyanese companies that they will be included.
Many Guyanese businesses entered this space with limited experience, capital, and technical knowledge compared to international competitors. To help, many of
those international companies have made substantial investments in training and capacity building for Guyanese talent, and it has shown real results.
According to ExxonMobil Guyana, it and its prime contractors have spent more than US$2.5 billion with 2,000 unique Guyanese suppliers since 2015. This is a notable figure, not only because of its scale, but because it speaks to the depth of participation being cultivated in the local economy.
Many oil companies and their sub-contractors, including ExxonMobil, Saipem, CNOOC, and SBM Offshore, have worked to close knowledge gaps.
In addition to major events like the Supplier Forum, they host in-person and virtual meetings with vendors to explain procurement processes, clarify expectations, and prepare local firms to meet industry standards. These engagements often target specific areas of service or procurement, allowing companies to provide more detailed guidance and support. They are part of a broader effort to streamline procurement systems and foster a more accessible supply chain. One particular concern raised by Guyanese businesses in the past was the issue of slow payment. For smaller firms, delayed
payments can pose a serious threat to their ability to operate. In response, ExxonMobil Guyana and other companies have worked with the government to address this problem. They successfully reduced payment timelines and made cash flow more predictable for local suppliers.
Another mechanism supporting this transition is the Social Performance Network, a collaboration between ExxonMobil Guyana and 11 of its prime contractors. It is designed to identify and share procurement opportunities with Guyanese businesses.
And, of course, the Centre for Local Business Development continues to serve
as a central hub for training, mentoring, and certification. Each of these initiatives, from spending commitments to forums and vendor workshops, supports a single reality: increased local participation. It is becoming embedded in the way the industry operates in Guyana. The focus has grown beyond meeting quotas, to building the capacity of local firms to compete and grow.
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 International Building Expo is set to open its doors in grand style at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from August 14 to 17
Survey spotlights Caribbean food resilience
--paving the way for bold regional
THE CARICOM Secretariat, in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP) and regional partners, officially launched the results of the Eight Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods Survey during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday.
The event featured remarks by Ambassador David Prendergast, Director of Sectoral Programmes, who emphasised the survey’s critical role in shaping evidence-based policy across the Region.
In his address, Ambassador Prendergast highlighted the survey’s evolution since its inception in 2020, noting its value in capturing the lived experiences of Caribbean citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
“With each successive round, we’ve deepened our understanding of the structural and emerging challenges
affecting livelihoods, food access, and resilience,” he stated. The director noted that the latest findings underscore the ongoing impacts of climate shocks, economic uncertainty, and the rising cost of living on food security and livelihoods.
He also revealed that the data indicated a powerful narrative of community resilience, with households turning to home gardening, income diversification, and local support systems in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, he called for bold, targeted action to build on this resilience. The Director also outlined key priorities for CARICOM, including: strengthening shock-responsive social protection systems, investing in climate-smart agriculture and regional value chains, supporting youth, women, and micro-entrepreneurs and enhancing regional food sys-
action
tems integration, including logistics and digital access.
“The data from Round eight is not an endpoint; it is a catalyst for region-wide recovery, reform, and resilience,” Ambassador Prendergast concluded, urging stakeholders to translate insights into impactful policy and programming. (CARICOM)
Traffic Chief reaffirms commitment to road safety through education, smart enforcement
IN an ongoing effort to make Guyana’s roads safer for all citizens, Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, has reaffirmed the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to reducing road accidents through a balanced approach of intensified education and smarter enforcement.
According to Singh, while the Traffic Depart -
ment’s programmes have long been in place, changing driver behaviour remains a challenge.
“The activities have been ongoing but with few changes to driver behaviour. It is now evident, as in the past, that a mix of enforcement with education will yield positive results,” he noted.
To strengthen enforcement and encourage safer driving habits, the depart -
ment has been rolling out new technology and modern strategies.
The automated e-ticketing system, which is being rapidly deployed across the country, aims to hold errant drivers accountable more efficiently.
Additionally, the installation of radar speed signs along major roadways reminds drivers to keep their speed within legal limits,
promoting instant awareness and self-regulation.
Assistant Commissioner Singh also reminded motorists of the importance of practising the ‘5 Cs’ of defensive driving — Care, Caution, Consideration, Common Sense, and Courtesy — which are critical for saving lives and preventing accidents.
Particular attention is also being paid to unsafe practices
by motor lorry and minibus drivers, who are often at the centre of major road safety concerns.
Faulty loading of cargo and reckless driving pose significant risks not only to the drivers themselves but also to other road users. Singh emphasised that these areas are a top priority for traffic officers countrywide.
Regional Traffic Officers, working in collaboration with their local Road Safety Councils and other stakeholders, have been directed to address both persistent and emerging traffic issues through targeted work plans.
“Road safety is not just a matter of enforcement. It is a matter of education, engineering, engagement, and empathy,” Singh underscored. “Every accident we prevent, every life we save, and every unsafe behaviour we change is a step toward building a safer Guyana.”
The Traffic Department is urging all road users to do their part by obeying traffic laws, practising defensive driving, and making the roads safer for everyone.
Over $67B invested in Region One, fueling...
From page 2
is reaching all communities, even Port Kaituma.
From the sale of carbon credits alone, Guyana secured US$750 million, part of which is being disbursed directly to Amerindian villages to fund projects of their choice.
“Many of the Amerindian villages collected their money last year, the year before, this year and every year they will be collecting money to ensure that development and development of your choice is decided on and managed by you in your villages.”
Added to the perks of receiving carbon credit support, Amerindian villages, like coastland communities, are benefitting from the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant initiative and various medical assistance programmes,
such as the spectacles voucher, $10,000 medical examination voucher, among others.
Importantly, PM Phillips said that the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant was introduced before Guyana’s oil production, but was discontinued between 2015 and 2020. He noted that the PPP/C government restored it shortly after returning to office in August 2020.
Speaking of promises, the Prime Minister stated that the PPP/C Administration promised to increase the old age pension when they resumed office in 2020, and now it has doubled.
“This is a government that delivers, not just promises. When you vote for the PPP/C, you vote for continued growth, you vote for the development of Guyana,” he said. (DPI)
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh
Continued investments in the next term --Minister
Croal tells Port Kaituma residents
COMMUNITIES in Region One (Barima-Waini), especially in the Matarkai sub-district, are receiving attention as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has invested billions of dollars to enhance basic services during the last five years.
The Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, spoke at a public meeting on Saturday at Port Kaituma’s Fitzburg Recreational Ground, sharing the stage with President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and enthusiastic young candidates.
Minister Croal said residents of the Matarkai sub-district have a lot to be proud about, from improved road infrastructure to enhanced potable water access and quality healthcare.
“You said to him (President Irfaan Ali) we want you to fast-track for us to have permanent roads… [to go to] Matthew’s Ridge now and you will see construction work ongoing for concrete roads,” the minister said in his remarks.
Access to water has seen improvement as the government has invested over $5 billion to drill more than 100
wells in the hinterland region since 2020, delivering clean and safe water to thousands of residents in remote villages, including thousands in Region One.
This year, the ministry plans to drill 51 new wells in Region One to provide potable water to residents.
“In under four years, over 21 wells have been drilled here in Baramita, Matthew’s Ridge …Sibai…Canal Bank [etc],” he said while announcing that the Fitzburg Community Development Council (CDC) will benefit from a new water well.
In healthcare, communities across the region are benefitting from the telemedicine initiative, a transformative network that allows remote communities to access reliable, quality healthcare.
With all this transformation, Minister Croal urged the audience to share the message of progress with their fellow residents, so that development can continue beyond September 1.
“We have less than one month,” the minister declared, urging residents to “look around, look at the villages right here and around Matarkai,” and see the progress we have achieved to date. (DPI)
Investments: Communities in Region One (Barima-Waini), especially in the Matarkai sub-district, are receiving attention as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has invested billions of dollars to enhance basic services during the last five years
From the U.S. to Argentina
--leaders highlight IICA’s experience, work in the fields of science, health and co-operation
A DOZEN business, political, diplomatic, academic and social leaders from the Americas signed a letter highlighting the efforts undertaken by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to drive agricultural production and trade, support farmers and guarantee food security in the region.
The letter underscores the importance and achievements of IICA’s actions. It also describes the Institute’s history promoting scientific and technological advancements since its creation at the Inter-American Conference of Agriculture, held in 1942 in Maryland, United States, to discuss the repercussions of World War II on trade and production.
“After World War II, IICA supported the scientific and technological innovations of the ‘Green Revolution’, which largely emerged in the Americas.
Senator Tereza Cristina, former Minister of Agriculture of Brazil; Ambassador Kip Tom, agricultural producer and Vice Chair of Rural Policy at the America First Policy Institute; Ambassador Kevin Edward Moley, former Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of International Organization Affairs of the U.S. Department of State; Roberto Perosa, President of the Brazilian Meat Exporters’ Association; Gustavo Idígoras, President of CIARA-CEC and the Argentinian Agroindustrial Chamber; Hipólito Mejía, former President of the Dominican Republic; Susana Balbo, Argentinian businesswoman and oenologist; Jack Bobo, Executive Director of the Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles; Chelston Brathwaite, Director General Emeritus of IICA and former Senator of the Parliament of Barbados; Rattan Lal, professor at The Ohio State University and World Food Prize laureate; Mari Llorens, livestock businesswoman from Paraguay; and Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa, Executive Director of Helen’s Daughters Inc
in the Americas
tion among different sectors. In a context where agricultural and food challenges increasingly require coordination among the public sector, farmers, private enterprises, academia, civil society, and international organizations, IICA is uniquely positioned to provide a neutral and credible institutional space for substantive dialogue”, adds the letter.
The letter goes on to note that IICA has consistently advocated for science-based trade practices to counter non-tariff barriers that limit agricultural exports from the Americas.
The letter was signed, among others, by Senator Tereza Cristina, former Minister of Agriculture of Brazil; Ambassador Kip Tom, Vice Chair of Rural Policy at the
Those technological advances led to remarkable declines in hunger worldwide and were the foundation for the emergence of the continent as the leading net food exporting region, becoming a crucial anchor for global food security”, states the letter.
America First Policy Institute (AFPI); Ambassador Kevin Edward Moley, former Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of International Organization Affairs of the U.S. Department of State; and Roberto Perosa, President of
the Brazilian Meat Exporters’ Association (ABIEC).
Gustavo Idígoras, President of CIARA-CEC and the Argentinian Agro-industrial Chamber; Hipólito Mejía, former President of the Dominican Republic; Susana
Balbo, Argentinian businesswoman and oenologist; Jack Bobo, Executive Director of the Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); Chelston Brathwaite, Director General Emeritus of IICA and former Senator of the Parliament of Barbados; Rattan Lal, professor at The Ohio State University and World Food Prize laureate; Mari Llorens, livestock businesswoman from Paraguay; and Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa, Executive Director of Helen’s Daughters Inc., also signed the letter.
“One of the Institute’s distinctive strengths is its ability to facilitate co-opera-
It explains that the Institute also supports countries in implementing scientifically grounded standards and systems to combat animal and plant diseases in the Americas, as exemplified by its efforts to mitigate the transboundary movement of the New World screwworm (NWS) between Mexico and the United States. In the letter, the signatories state that “Strengthening the role of IICA is a strategic decision. It involves investing in integrated technical solutions, promoting science as an ally of agricultural production, and reinforcing the Americas’ capacity to respond to global challenges with innovation, improving animal and plant health, while promoting policies that facilitate production, diversified and fair agricultural trade, the private sector and markets, and the well-being of rural populations on our continent”.
(IICA)
Gov’t pursuing national financial literacy programme to empower Guyanese
A NATIONAL financial literacy programme forms part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C)’s vision to empower Guyanese by promoting safe and prudent investment practices.
Statistics show that citizens make better-informed decisions about their finances and when educated, their savings behaviour, access to credit and business outcomes - especially for women and youths - can significantly improve.
People’s Progressive Party General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice President, Dr.
middle class or upper class. This is for everyone… we want that done there, too. So, that's what we're pushing.”
Many young Guyanese are becoming 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 mission to foster entrepre -
Bharrat Jagdeo, last Thursday, spoke about plans to conduct a nationwide financial literacy programme.
Floyd Haynes, Founder and Chairman of New Hayven Merchant Bank has offered his decades of experience in finance, the Vice-President said, noting that Haynes has already put forth a course outline.
Dr. Jagdeo said that this will be done on a large scale, it will reach Amerindian communities, target rice farmers, policemen and women, nurses and other professionals in both the public and private sectors.
The Vice President said: “This is the sort of thing we're looking to the future for. Serious business, talking to our people about investing their money because they're going to get more money. They're going to earn more; they're going to save more. We want them to earn the maximum amount from their savings now.
“How to invest their savings so they can make more money. And this is not for the
neurship, 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 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.
Man sentenced to 24 years for 1998 murder of wife
MORE than two decades after evading justice, 57-year-old Philbert Thomas was on Thursday sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for the 1998 murder of his wife, Viola Thomas.
He entered the guilty plea, with explanation, before Justice Simone Morris at the High Court in Demerara.
The convict will become eligible for parole only after serving a minimum of 20 years.
To support his rehabilitation, the court ordered that he participate in prison programmes focused on literacy, alcohol management, and domestic violence.
The brutal killing occurred on September 5, 1998, at a fun day event in Waini, North West District, Essequibo, where 23-year-old Viola was reportedly attacked and stabbed multiple times by Thomas.
Following the incident, Thomas went into hiding, and successfully evaded law enforcement for more than 20 years.
His long run from justice came to an end in 2019, when he was arrested in Region Ten in connection with another stabbing. That arrest triggered renewed investigations into Viola’s murder, and led to his prosecution.
According to a police press release, Thomas was in 2019 remanded to prison on two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm fol -
lowing a stabbing incident at Hururu Mission, Berbice.
In that case, he reportedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend and her reputed partner during an argument on August 14, 2019.
A breakthrough in the cold case came when Alina, Viola’s mother and a resident of the North West District, saw a photo of Philbert Thomas in a daily newspaper.
Recognising the man as her daughter’s killer, she immediately went to the Acquero Police Station and made a report, which further aided in confirming his identity and linking him to the decades-old crime.
Police stated that during his detention for the recent attack, Thomas confessed to the 1998 murder of his wife.
Philbert Thomas
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Sunday August 03, 2025)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
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Today’s Quiz:
(2) Ben Dwarshuis & Adam Zampa-8 wickets
(1) Which WI bowler had the best figures in a single game in the recent T2O series versus AUST?
(2) Which AUST bowler had the best figures in a single game?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue.
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Former Guyana and Pele FC player contributing to healthcare advancement in Guyana
FORMER Guyana international standout, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton (1973 –1978) has continued to shine and touch the lives of many even beyond the field of play.
Familiarly referred to as ‘Labba’, Patrick was also one of many Pele players back in the 1970s who migrated to the USA and attended college and worked his way to the top by beingcommitted, disciplined and focused.
Now, way past his playing days, Patrick has taken on a new role in the health industry in his adopted homeland of the USA and has been scoring many goals as he continues to give back to the land of his birth in the health industry whilst also remaining grounded in football.
He holds the distinguished position of Executive Director at Cedars-Sinai Health System, and this ca-
reer manifests his dedication as a leader whilst underlining his steadfast commitment to improving global healthcare. Among his most notable achievements in recent years is his philanthropic contribution to the healthcare system in his beloved Guyana - a country with ongoing needs for modern medical infrastructure.
In collaboration with Guyana Medical Relief and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Mr. Barton has spearheaded vital donations of advanced hospital equipment to improve patient care and operational capacity in the region.
According to Mr. Barton, “Healthcare systems in developing nations like Guyana often face some limitations in medical infrastructure and patient care equipment. Recognising this gap, I decided to address some of these
challenges, guided by a belief that access to quality healthcare should not be dictated by geography or economic status.”
Partnering with Guyana Medical Relief, a nonprofit organisation focused on improving healthcare delivery in Guyana, Barton mobilised support, leveraged relationships, and ensured that valuable, functional medical equipment reached hospitals in need.
In recent years, Mr. Barton facilitated the donation of a range of essential hospital equipment, including: crash carts, hospital beds, mattresses, medical monitors, and mobility aids. Thesecontributions addressed urgent needs in emergency preparedness and general inpatient care.
One of Mr. Barton’s most impactful initiatives came in 2025, when he arranged the donation of fifty (50) modern
hospital beds to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Guyana’s largest tertiary care institution. These beds included advanced functionality such as:
* Patient-controlled elevation (head and leg); * Adjustable support for improved mobility; *
High-quality therapeutic mattresses to reduce bedsores and enhance comfort.
This donation significantly elevated the standard of inpatient care and are directly benefitting dozens of patients daily enhancing recovery, safety, and dignity.
A key to the success of this initiative is the collaboration with Mr. Robbie Rambarran, CEO ofGeorgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Working together, Barton and Rambarran ensured smooth coordination of logistics, customs clearance, and installation of the donated equip-
‘I’m just useless’, says Hamilton after
LEWIS Hamilton said he was "just useless" after qualifying 12th for the Hungarian Grand Prix while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc took pole position. Hamilton failed to progress beyond the second qualifying session after struggling for pace compared to Leclerc all weekend.
Leclerc took Ferrari's first grand prix pole position of the year, although Hamilton won the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race from pole at the second event of the season.
A downcast Hamilton said: "I drove terribly. It is what it is."
He added: "I'm just useless," and said his lack of pace was "nothing to do with the car".
In Hungary, Hamilton was 0.247 seconds slower than Leclerc in the second part of qualifying, in which he was knocked out and the Monegasque was sixth
fastest.
Hamilton is 12-5 down to Leclerc on their qualifying head-to-head this year, at an average pace difference of 0.146secs.
His form on Saturdays in 2025 continues the struggles in qualifying Hamilton had against George Russell in his final year at Mercedes last season.
Even so, his result in Hungary bucks a trend in which he has generally been much closer to Leclerc since the seventh race of the season.
Belgium last weekend, in which he was knocked out in the first session in qualifying for both the sprint and the grand prix after making mistakes, had been an exception to that run.
Although clearly frustrated by his own performance, Hamilton congratulated Leclerc on his pole.
"It's amazing for the team that the car is capable of being on pole," the seven-time
champion said, "so big congrats to Charles."
Leclerc came into the weekend talking about how he had never gelled with the Hungaroring during his career, but he ends Saturday with arguably the most surprising and unexpected pole position of the year.
Leclerc had been third fastest behind the McLarens in all three practice sessions, but the world champions appeared out of reach.
However, a change in
wind direction between the second and final parts of qualifying threw McLaren off their game and opened the door for Leclerc, who beat championship leader Oscar Piastri to pole with Lando Norris third.
Leclerc said he "didn't understand" because the car felt bad throughout qualifying. But he and the McLaren drivers put the shift in competitiveness down to a change in weather conditions, when not only did the
ment, maximising the speed and impact of deployment.
Patrick Barton’s efforts are more than a one-time gesture—they form part of a larger vision to build sustainable international partnerships in healthcare. His legacy lives on in the strengthened capacity of Guyanese hospitals, in healthier patients, and in the model, he sets for future healthcare leaders.
His partnership with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has paved the way for continued collaboration between U.S. institutions and Caribbean healthcare systems.
The medical equipment donations, especially the 2025 hospital bed initiative, stand as tangible symbols of what can be accomplished when experienced leadership, nonprofit coordination, and local engagement come together with a shared mission.
Gratitude is extended to Patrick Barton, for his enduring service to global healthcare, the Guyana Medical Relief, for logistical support and commitment, and Mr. Robbie Rambarran and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for their continued partnership.
Patrick Barton’s professional journey culminates not just in a legacy of excellence at Cedars-Sinai, but in a deeply human story of global healthcare advocacy. His work in Guyana reflects the highest values of medical leadership: compassion, equity, and action.
team-mate’s pole
wind change direction by 180 degrees, but the strength of the wind, the temperature and humidity level all changed.
"In Q3, the conditions changed for everybody," Leclerc said. "I basically just did a clean lap, which was a really good lap because those conditions were really difficult to get everything right, and I was really happy about the lap.
"It is probably the most surprising pole position I have ever done, so I'm very happy."
Leclerc said that revisions to the car at the last race in Belgium had helped his confidence when pushing to the limit over one qualifying lap.
Ferrari introduced a new rear suspension which in addition to being aimed at allowing them to run the car lower without risking damaging the floor to the extent that car failed its post-race legality tests was also intended
to improve driveability when combined with a new floor introduced three races ago in Austria.
Leclerc said: "The upgrade in Spa definitely helped me to extract a little bit more.
"Before Spa, I had to set up the car in a very, very extreme way early on in the season to try and extract something out of this car in qualifying.
"It was making the car very, very unpredictable and very difficult whenever you go for the 0.1-0.15secs in Q3. It was extremely difficult to get it right. And if you just overstepped a little bit the limits of that previous car, then you will pay the price a lot.
"Whereas with this car, you can play a little bit more with the limits, and if you go over the limits a little bit, you just don't lose as much. So, the car is more predictable, which is a good thing.” (BBC Sport)
Lewis Hamilton has won the Hungarian Grand Prix a record eight times
Former Guyana and Pele FC footballer, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton
ENGLAND should consider making Harry Brook captain if Ben Stokes endures further time on the sidelines, according to former skipper Michael Vaughan.
All-rounder Stokes is missing the final Test against India at The Oval because of a shoulder injury, with vice-captain Ollie Pope deputising.
The 34-year-old's recovery is likely to take around eight weeks, before the Ashes series in Australia beginning in November.
"Harry Brook, to me, looks a leader. He looks a born leader," Vaughan told the Test Match Special podcast.
"If Ben Stokes is injured
‘England should consider Brook when Stokes is out’-Vaughan Warner fires Ashes jibe at England’s Root
DAVID Warner says Joe Root will need to "take the surfboard off his front leg" if he and England are to succeed in Australia this winter.
Warner, 38, is in England for a stint with London Spirit in The Hundred and while he is looking forward to calling Lord's home for a month, he could not resist a gentle dig at former Ashes rivals.
England face Australia in the Ashes from late November, when they will attempt to win back the urn for the first time in 10 years.
"The big anchor there is Rooty [England batter Joe Root], who is yet to score a hundred in Australia," Warner told BBC Sport.
In reference to a perception that Root gets out lbw a lot, Warner said: "Josh Hazlewood tends to have his number quite
in the future can't Pope stay as vice-captain and Harry Brook gets the leadership role?"
Vaughan is regarded as one of the finest captains to have led England, masterminding the famous 2005 Ashes series win. He won 26 of his 51 Tests in charge between 2003 and 2008.
He added: "I look at someone like Ollie Pope, who looks a fantastic vice-captain. He is a brilliant person to have next to the captain to come up with ideas. Sometimes vice-captains aren't brilliant captains. "Marcus Trescothick was a magnificent vice-captain for me but you wouldn't want to give him the captaincy."
Pope, 27, is leading England in a Test for the fifth time. He previously stood in when Stokes had a hamstring injury last year.
Under Pope, the home side face an uphill task to win the decisive fifth Test. After being set 374 to beat India, a target that would represent their second-highest successful chase in a Test, they closed the third day on 50-1.
On Saturday, without the injured Chris Woakes, England were left relying on the trio of seamers Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton.
Though they were eventually able to dismiss India for 396 in their second innings, England were
hampered by six dropped catches.
"It is not Ollie Pope's fault England are in this position. It is the dropped catches," said Vaughan.
"There were a couple of times he nipped off the field. It might have been for a
a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg."
Warner, who retired from international cricket last year, is set to make his Hundred debut in the tournament opener against Oval Invincibles on Tuesday - a game that is live on BBC Two and iPlayer from 18:30 BST. He could face Root's Trent Rockets at Lord's on 14 August.
Root is the number one Test batter in the world and crucial to En-
gland's hopes of winning the Ashes but has never scored a century in Australia.
He has been dismissed 10 times in 18 Tests by Australia seamer Hazlewood - one fewer than the 11 times he has been dismissed by Australia captain Pat Cummins and India bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
"It all comes down to the bowlers," Warner said.
"If the English bowlers can put a dent in the
Australia top order, then they will come into the contest."
Warner could also face another former Ashes rival in The Hundred this year in veteran bowler James Anderson. Anderson was a late pick for Manchester Originals, who the Spirit play on 11 August.
Asked about the prospect of facing England's record wicket-taker again, Warner said: "They are 2025 white cricket balls not 2018 red Dukes.
"It is going to be a bit different."
England asked for the 2018 batch of Dukes balls to be used for the 2019 Ashes because they expected them to move more for Anderson and the hosts' other seamers.
Anderson was injured four overs into the series, which was drawn 2-2, yet Warner has not forgotten.
comfort break, but it looked like he was going off for tactical advice.
"I don't know well enough and am not in the dressing room. I just want the best captain who is the best leader leading the England side. I don't think a
good vice-captain will necessarily be a good captain.”
England's highest run chase of 378 came against India three years ago at Edgbaston. They also successfully overhauled 371 against the same opponents to win the first Test of this series at Headingley.
"We're pretty chilled," said Tongue. "There won't be any over-thinking about it.
"I got asked the same question at Headingley. I don't see why we can't chase down these runs.
"How we play is very positive and exciting. With the batting line-up we've got, I can't see why we can't give it a good go."(BBC Sport)
"He probably won't be able to seam it around corners like they normally do," Warner said.
When Warner plays on Tuesday it will be the first time he has taken to the field on English soil since the final day of the Ashes in 2023.
That day, before the ball changes, bail swaps and Stuart Broad's finale, Warner was applauded off by the crowd at The Oval, despite his troubled history with the England-supporting public.
"I was touched by that," Warner said.
"It is a credit to the supporters of cricket in England, who love the game.
"We have always had our challenges and battles as nations but what English supporters do is appreciate players who have played for a long time. That did mean a lot."
The Spirit reached
the Hundred eliminator 2022 but have finished seventh or eighth in the tournament's other three seasons.
This year Warner will be reunited with another Australian, the former coach and opener Justin Langer who has replaced Trevor Bayliss as coach.
"I know Spirit haven't gone too well in the past few years," Warner said.
"For myself to bring some energy and intensity to the group and project that on the field would be awesome.
"It is about the fans and the young kids that are coming out to see us, not about the player and whether there has been a bit of history or not.
"It is about supporting the game, making sure we are the ones putting bums on seats and are there for the right reasons."(BBC Sport)
England batter Harry Brook
David Warner played 33 Tests against England, averaging 36.83
Cropper Primary storms to champion of champions title in Future Warriors Tapeball
CROPPER Primary
School delivered a commanding performance to emerge as the Champion of Champions in the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament, which concluded on Saturday at the National Stadium in Providence.
ExxonMobil Guyana powers the tournament.
Saturday's national finals saw the three county champions—Cropper Primary (Berbice), Grove Primary (Demerara), and C.V. Nunes Primary (Essequibo)—battle for national supremacy.
The display of budding talent from all three teams was a pleasing sight, showcasing the depth of youth cricket in Guyana. Cropper Primary was the dominant force, winning
both matches to claim the title deservedly.
In their opening encounter, Cropper Primary posted a formidable 117 for no loss in eight overs against C.V. Nunes Primary. The innings was spearheaded by Jayden Garner, who hammered an eye-catching 66 not out off just 22 balls, including six maximums and five fours.
He was ably supported by Anthony Fagelal, who contributed an unbeaten 37 off 23 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes. In response, C.V. Nunes struggled to keep pace, reaching 53 for 4 from their allotted eight overs, with Kaysean Doodnauth top-scoring with 19. Khusal Seepaul was the pick of the Crop-
per bowlers, claiming 3 for 6 from his two overs.
Against Grove Primary, Cropper continued their aggressive batting, racking up another imposing total of 93 for 3.
Fagelal was once again a key contributor, making 48 off 35 balls, while Tejpaul Persaud added a quickfire 24 off 11 deliveries.
Roles Melville bowled well for Grove, taking 2 for 8, but his team's batting faltered in the chase. Despite a spirited 32 off 17 balls from Joshua Ramotar, Grove could not reach the target.
In the other match of the day, C.V. Nunes Primary posted a strong 122 for no loss against Grove Primary, with Zach Madholall (41*) and Vidal
Narine (39*) leading the charge.
Grove gave a spirited effort in response but fell short at 75 for 6, with Wayne Green (26), Sherwin Bunbury (15), and Daniel France (14*) mak-
ing contributions. Kavroy Garraway took 2 for 9 and Madholall returned to claim 2 for 15 for C.V. Nunes.
As champions, Cropper Primary has earned a unique opportunity:
they will now face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a novelty match during the home leg of the Caribbean Premier League, scheduled from September 6-14.
23rd edition of Albion Community Centre Cricket Club Academy bowls off tomorrow
THE 23rd edition of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club’s Cricket Academy is set to commence tomorrow at the Albion Community Centre. Over 60 young cricketers between the ages of eight and 17 are expected to participate in the six-day academy, which is sponsored by Connecticut, USA’s Businessman Nizul Hussain of Northeast Connecticut Renovation and Retailers Property Management.
Hussain, a hard-hitting opening batsman who represented the Club at all levels over the years, prior to his migrating to the United States of America (USA), has sponsored the academy for the fourth straight year to the value of over G$330,000. At a simple launching ceremony held recently at the Albion Community Centre’s Main Hall, Hussain addressing the gathering via telephone from the USA, expressed his continued delight to be associated with the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, a Club which he stated had played a vital role in his development, not
just as a cricketer but generally as an individual.
“I am delighted to be afforded the opportunity to continue to support my Club. This Club has not just played
a vital role in my development as a cricketer but generally as an individual.”
He further stated: “I am a product of the Albion Cricket Academy and I am aware of the benefits that this Cricket Academy brings and will continue to bring towards Albion’s cricket and the development of young people as a whole”.
President of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Vemen Walter, thanked Hussain for his continued support to Albion’s cricket, stating that Hussain, like many other former Albion cricketers, continues to remember his roots.
“I want to thank Mr. Hussain for his continued support toward Albion’s cricket. Like many other former Albion cricketers, he continues to remember his roots and as such, he must be applauded. This Albion Cricket Academy is a calendar event on the Club’s cricket development
programme and has contributed tremendously towards the development of Club’s young talents over the years and I am certain that the 2025 Academy will be no different.”
Sessions will be held daily from 08:30h to 15:00h.
The morning sessions will comprise of lectures/ discussions of topics such as the importance of education, discipline, public speaking, substance abuse, health and safety, motivation, the laws of cricket, among others.
In the afternoon, participants will be exposed to fundamentals of the game of cricket.
Former West Indies opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon, the Club’s Head Coach and one of six Test cricketers produced by Albion, leads the academy’s coaching staff, which also includes two other Albion and West Indies cricketers, Devendra Bishoo and
Several prominent national coaches are also expected to conduct specialised sessions.
Meanwhile, apart from sponsorship from Hussain’s Northeast Connecticut Renovation and Retailers Property Management, former Albion Test Cricketers Devendra Bishoo and Sewnarine Chattergoon have also made financial contributions towards the academy. Additionally, former Albion, Berbice Senior Inter-County and Guyana Under-19 off-spinner, Orvin Mangru of Orvin Mangru Contracting Services has donated 30 cricket balls.
The Club’s Administrative Officer, Simon Naidu, is the Chief Coordinator of the Academy.
Veerasammy Permaul, along with Zameer Khan and the experienced Fabian Naiken, who travelled from Canada to join the coaching team.
Former West Indies leg-spinner, Devendra Bishoo (third left), hands over the sponsorship cheque on behalf of Nizul Hussain to Secretary Naieem Khan in the presence of President Vemen Walter (right) and other executives of the club and young cricketers
The victorious Cropper Primary, along with officials from ExxonMobil Guyana and FL Sport
Crawley falls late as India take upper hand to win fifth Test
…Jaiswal hits second century of the series
ZAK Crawley was dismissed from the penultimate ball of day three after England had started to make steady progress in pursuit of an imposing 374 to win the fifth Test against India at The Oval.
The opener was bowled by Mohammed Siraj for 14 as the hosts reached 50-1 at the close, needing a further 324 runs to win, with Ben Duckett unbeaten on 34 to conclude another gripping day.
(Scores: England 247 and 50 for 1 (Duckett 34*) need 324 more runs to beat India 224 and 396 (Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66, Jadeja 53, Washington 53, Tongue 5-125, Atkinson 3-127)
Despite Crawley's departure, England will be boosted by the much-improved batting conditions after they spent most of the day in the field as India racked up 396 under brighter skies.
The pitch flattened and offered far less seam movement, with Yashasvi Jaiswal's sublime 118 the highlight for the tourists.
There was also a surprising maiden Test fifty for Akash Deep, who added 107 for the third wicket with Jaiswal as England started poorly, unable
to take the wicket of the nightwatchman until the final 10 minutes before lunch.
Deep was put down on 21, one of six dropped catches in the innings for England as their makeshift bowling lineup - without the injured Chris Woakes - toiled admirably but were again let down in the field.
Gus Atkinson pinned captain Shubman Gill lbw for 12 with the first ball after lunch as England improved, but Ravindra Jadeja continued his fine form with 53 and Washington Sundar, with India nine down, blitzed four sixes in a 39-ball fifty to give India the upper hand.
Josh Tongue claimed the final three wickets, having also dismissed Jaiswal earlier, to finish with 5-125 for his wholehearted efforts.
It feels fitting that England chased 371 to beat India in the opening match at Headingley to ignite a fiery series, though there is rain forecast for Sunday which could impact their aim of comfortably completing the highest Test chase at The Oval, which is currently England's 263-9 against Australia in 1902.
Deep and Jaiswal punish
England's sloppy morning
India started the day with a lead of 52 and there was an immediate sense of trepidation regarding England's depleted bowling attack and the sun shining for the best batting conditions of the Test so far.
Jaiswal, who was put down on 20 and 40 late on day three, took the back seat early on as Deep was England's unlikely nemesis.
Crawley dropped the chance in the slips, but Deep's half-century was a well-deserved punishment for England bowling far too short in the opening hour.
Overton got the breakthrough shortly before lunch, with Deep caught in the covers for 66, and Atkinson's wicket of
Gill saw hopes of a fightback glimmer.
But the imperious Jaiswal remained, reaching his second century of the series from 127 balls as he expertly punished England's inconsistency. Collectively, they bowled far too short and wide to him, exemplified by 72 runs of his first 100 runs being scored behind square on the off side.
England's six drops – others being Brook's spill of Karun Nair at slip on 12 and a much tougher chance for Duckett at leg-slip when Jaiswal had 110 – were their most in an innings since 2006 and India's prodigious opener ensured they paid the price.
Tongue toils but weary bowlers struggle
England responded well after lunch as they tightened their lines and were rewarded with the three wickets of Gill, Nair and Jaiswal, but once again it was Jadeja who was the second-innings thorn in their side.
The all-rounder reached his fifth fifty of the series, sharing stands of 44 with Jaiswal and 50 with Dhruv Jurel, to end the series with 516 runs at an average of 86.
Brook eventually held on at slip as Jadeja nicked off to Tongue for 53 which was the first time he had been dismissed in the second innings all series, and at that time India's lead was 334 – still a significant challenge, but achievable for an England batting line-up renowned for embracing such chases.
Tongue pinned Siraj lbw two balls later as they looked to wrap things up at a canter
but Washington, on 17 from 23 balls when the ninth wicket fell, had other ideas.
England curiously reverted to bowling short as he whacked four enormous sixes to reach a half-century, expertly protecting Prasidh Krishna from the strike in a potentially match-winning partnership.
Stand-in captain Ollie Pope had little choice but to work his seamers relentlessly with little turn on offer for part-time spinners Joe Root and Jacob Bethell, and already being a bowler down after Woakes' shoulder injury on day one.
Tongue toiled for 30 overs, Atkinson bowled 27 and added three wickets to his first-innings five-for but Overton was again ineffective and heaped the pressure on the pair, finishing with 2-98. (BBC Sport)
Big names set to light up Providence Stadium for Kares T10 national finals
THE third edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast reaches its crescendo today as the national finals will be staged at the National Stadium, Providence. The action-packed day is set to crown a new champion from four formidable teams, each boasting the quality to lift the coveted trophy.
The intensity of the competition is palpable. All four remaining sides have navigated a path through approximately 80 teams across Guyana to reach this ultimate stage.
The zone champions –Mahdia (Movements Family) from Essequibo, Titans AllStars from East Coast Demerara/Georgetown, Montra Jaguars from Berbice, and Eccles All-Stars from East Bank/West Demerara – are all vying for national supremacy.
The cricketing spectacle begins with the first semi-final at 15:30h, pitting defending champions Titans All-Stars against Mahdia (Movements Family).
This will be followed at 17:00h by Montra Jaguars taking on the 2023 champions, Eccles All-Stars.
The grand finale, which will determine the ultimate champion of the Kares One
Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, will commence at 19:30h.
Adding to the day's excitement, a female exhibition match will take place at 13:30h, showcasing the growing talent in women's tapeball cricket.
Later, at 18:30h, a star-studded exhibition match will feature prominent figures, including Minister Charles Ramson Jr., Kerwin Bollers,
son, and WR Reaz.
The stakes are considerably higher in the national final, with teams vying for a massive $1.7 million grand prize in addition to the $300,000 zone prize they have already collected.
The national runner-up won’t go home empty-handed, pocketing $700,000 with a trophy and medals, while even the losing semi-finalists will be rewarded $300,000 each.
Individual brilliance won’t go unnoticed either, with a host of prizes up for grabs, including MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000)
While admission is free, the organisers have indicated that coolers, firearms, and glass bottles are not allowed into the stands.
The main seating area will be the Green Stand, overflowing into the Red Stand.
Parking is also free, and patrons are asked to access gate two for parking.
Titans All-Stars: Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell (vice-captain), Kemol Savory, Keemo Paul, Jonathan Van Lange, Nkosi Barker, Paul Wintz, Trevor Benn, Daniel Ross, Quentin Sampson, Sachin Singh, Shemroy Barrington, Clinton Pestano, Ronaldo Alimohamed Mahdia (Movements Family): Raydon Austin (captain), Ricardo Adams, Ershaad Ali, Suresh Dhani, Deonarine Seegobin, Ryan Adams, Gavin Moriah, Nizam Khan, Andy
Lall, Floy Joseph, Andre Gibson, Mark Gonsalves, Martin Singh, Tyrone Narine Montra Jaguars: Jonathan Foo (captain), Anthony Bramble (vice-captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, James Kimai Jr., Nial Smith, Raymond Perez, Devendra Latchman, Kevlon Anderson, Parmesh Parsotam, Gavin Singh, Kevin Warner, Joshua Persaud, Rivaldo Philips, Sachin Singh, Imtiaz Ghanie
Eccles All-Stars: Keshan Persaud (captain), Akeim Vieira (vice-captain), Jonte Thomas, Kevon Joseph, Deion Thomas, Quazim Yusuf, Ayodha Joseph, Rajendra Dhanraj, Troy Gonsalves, Devon Paul, Nandkumar, Ramanan, Oscar Joseph, Damion Vantull, Dhaniram Ramkhlawan, Anthony Antonio
West Indies player Tevin Imlach, DJ Stress, Rawle Fergu-
Zak Crawley reacts to being dismissed from the last ball of the day • ( Getty Images)
Sealed with a kiss! Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his sixth Test ton•(Getty Images)
Representatives from the semi-finalists at the pre-match press conference held at Giftland Mall