Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-09-2026 by Guyana Chronicle

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Massive investments, housing push, social support for Region 10 No.1081895

–– President Ali PAGE tells residents 03

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has outlined a sweeping programme of infrastructure, housing, social protection and economic initiatives for Linden and the wider Region 10, insisting that his government is fulfilling every commitment made in its Manifesto

gets major Police investigate $1.62M Mohameds extradition 08 Kwakwani electricity boost 02 copper cable theft from proceedings continue today Bharrat Jagdeo Bridge 15 PAGE

PAGE

–– with new 800 kVA generator; another one MW expected by January 2027, PM Phillips says

MV Barima CoI invites Nandlall calls for probe public submissions into City Hall’s multi-billion as probe advances 05 tax write-off for PNCR 15 PAGE

PAGE

Kwakwani gets major electricity boost

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2026

––– with new 800 kVA generator; another one MW expected by January 2027, PM Phillips says

THE government has moved to strengthen electricity generation in Kwakwani, Region Ten, with the addition of a new 800 kVA generator, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, announced Wednesday. The Prime Minister made the announcement during the Government of Guyana Cabinet Outreach at Independence

Square, Kwakwani. Kwakwani’s current generation capacity stands at 2.3 MVA. With the addition of the new generator, which is expected to become operational by the middle of next week, capacity will increase to 3.1 MVA. Prime Minister Phillips said the intervention is intended to further strengthen the reliability of electricity

supply in the community, where demand has recently increased. “The 800 kVA generator will ensure that we have 24 hours electricity in Kwakwani.” A further 1.0 MW generator is expected to be added by January 2027, providing additional generation capacity to support the community’s continued growth and devel-

opment. The Prime Minister said the Cabinet Outreach is aimed at taking the Government directly to communities, allowing residents to raise their concerns and identify priorities for future development. “We live in an interesting time today in Guyana. We are the fastest-growing economy in the world, and defi-

nitely in this hemisphere… But we don’t just want to be the fastest-growing economy; we want to ensure that the people in this fastest-growing economy benefit from all the resources and the revenue that is garnered through the economic activities of this country known as Guyana.” He further added, “We, as a Government, the People’s

Progressive Party/Civic Government, will always put the people of Guyana first, and that goes for every community, every region throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.” Prime Minister Phillips led engagements in Kwakwani and Ituni on Wednesday as part of the wider Cabinet Outreach across Region Ten.

The government has moved to strengthen electricity generation in Kwakwani, Region Ten, with the addition of a new 800 kVA generator, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, announced Wednesday

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, September 3, 2026

Massive investments, housing push, social support for Region 10

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has outlined a sweeping programme of infrastructure, housing, social protection and economic initiatives for Linden and the wider Region 10, insisting that his government is fulfilling every commitment made in its Manifesto. Addressing residents during a community engagement at Coomacka, Region 10, the President framed the interventions as part of a broader, integrated national development agenda in which a “stronger Linden means a stronger Guyana”. He stressed that development “is not disjointed” but “connected seamlessly”, saying that what happens in the national economy inevitably shapes the fortunes of communities like Coomacka and Linden. “We cannot speak about the development in isolation of what is happening in Region 10 and Linden, because development is not disjointed. Development is connect-

that the priority should be making Linden an attractive destination for capital and jobs, particularly for young people and women. “We have to be careful that we don’t step back in time when Guyana is on a trajectory that requires something very much different. We have to maximise every human potential, we have to maximise every land potential, water potential, if we are to realise the fullness of our development,” he said. On infrastructure and basic services, President Ali reported progress on road rehabilitation and pledged that an additional two kilometres of road to Old England would be completed by year-end. He acknowledged persistent water shortages in Coomacka and surrounding communities, revealing that seven boreholes had failed and an eighth yielded poor-quality water. However, he said recent success at Old England has opened a

transmission and bring it into here,” President Ali said. He further pledged that the government would meet 100 per cent of housing needs in Region 10, promising that “every single applicant” will receive a house, and that the administration will go further to help residents actually build their homes by lowering construction costs and easing access to bank financing. Alongside mainstream housing, Dr Ali announced plans for a social housing programme aimed at those under “extreme circumstances”, including persons with severe disabilities, single parents with multiple children, and families in deep poverty. A HUB FOR FOOD PRODUCTION Turning to economic diversification, the President said the Guyana Development Bank is coming into operation and will help finance new investments in

Dr. Ali committed to work personally with local groups to structure these initiatives and to expand the region’s productive capacity, but also cautioned that real transformation demands discipline and effort. “Already, we have spoken to a number of young groups talking about investment in transportation services, investment in tourism, investment in agri-business, and let me tell you some-

vices. These are the conversations we want to have.” MASSIVE INVESTMENTS The Head of State contrasted his administration’s record with that of the previous government, asserting that in its first five years in office, the PPP/C has spent “more than 100 per cent” above what its predecessor invested in Region 10. He presented a number of figures to underscore

of specialist outreaches, significant improvements in medicine availability, more than 2,250 households benefiting from housing investments, over $100 billion in public works, high-speed internet in 51 villages, and extensive business and skills training programmes. In health, Dr Ali pointed to the regional hospital, two district hospitals, 17 health centres, 13 health posts, a dental unit and a regional blood bank now serving about 49,000 people in Region 10. He highlighted the performance of the Linden Hospital Complex in 2026, including more than 206,000 patient visits, over 26,000 admissions, 5,221 surgeries, 5,711 deliveries, nearly 13,000 X-rays, almost 7,000 ultrasounds, and more than 571,000 lab tests. He added that school health assessments now provide baseline data for almost 5,000 nursery and primary pupils, ensuring access to dental care, spectacles and hearing aids where needed. Dr Ali further refer-

ed seamlessly, and whatever happens at the centre affects everything around it,” President Ali said. Dr. Ali used the engagement to rebuke efforts to sow division over the identity and origin of investors in Linden, describing such rhetoric as a “backward step” in a modern, integrated economy. He argued

new path, even though it requires extra investment in transmission infrastructure. “Although it will now cost a lot more money because we’ll have to build one and a half kilometres of transmission to get back here from there, I said to GWI, it is non-negotiable. Let us go there, get the well done, and build the

transportation, tourism and agri-business in Region 10. He outlined plans to make Linden a hub for food production, pointing to a major tunnel house programme, expanded poultry operations, and one of the largest swine production areas in the region, alongside cold storage and other value-added services.

thing. You have a colleague farmer here. We want Linden to be a hub,” he said adding: “We want one of the largest swine production here in Region 10. We want to launch a massive swine production farm area. We want to launch through the development bank, groups together for cold storage, construction, and other ser-

what he described as “transformative” and “inclusive” development, including: more than $6.7 billion in education, over $20 billion in health, nearly $13 billion in social protection, and almost $10 billion in agriculture. He detailed upgrades such as 34 hospitals, health centres and posts, hundreds

enced cash grants, solar home systems, rooftop solar on public buildings, planned replacement of over 20,600 street lights and expanded support for education through school feeding, textbooks, teacher training, and grants across 65 schools in the region.

- President Ali tells residents

The government took its outreach to the ground in Region Ten yesterday, as President Dr. Irfaan Ali and cabinet ministers fanned out across communities to engage directly with residents (Office of the President photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursday, september 3, 2026

Guyana backs UNICEF’s new Caribbean child-development programme

G U YA N A h a s e n dorsed UNICEF’s new M u l t i - C o u n t r y P ro gramme Document (MCPD) for 2027–2031, highlighting its alignment with national priorities aimed at improving the well-being and development of children. Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Trishala Persaud, made the position known on Wednesday during the Second Session of the Executive Board of UNICEF, while welcoming the organisation’s continued support and collaboration with Guyana. Persaud, in brief remarks, indicated that Guyana welcomed the strategic shift in UNICEF’s approach from project-based implementation to evidence-based solutions grounded in reliable data. She noted that the programme document

reflects many of the realities confronting the Caribbean, particularly the region’s high exposure to climate-related shocks and socio-economic pressures. According to Persaud, the emphasis on strengthening data systems and regional co-operation through CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) would help ensure investments reach children who are disproportionately affected by these challenges. Guyana, she said, supports the three programme outcomes outlined in the MCPD, which Persaud said closely align with the country’s national priorities. She identified child-poverty reduction as a key priority, pointing to the government’s investments in education, health and social protection and saying that sustained and targetted efforts were

Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Trishala Persaud yielding positive results for children. Persaud also highlighted UNICEF’s focus on

mental health, malnutrition and learning, noting that these areas complement several initiatives

PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor, Jewuela Caesar, has filed a cybercrime report against a local journalist, alleging that a series of interactions and social media activity involving her had esca-

lated to a point where she felt compelled to make a report. Caesar made the disclosure while speaking in an interview with News Room, where she said the matter stemmed from a comment

already being advanced in Guyana. Among them are the expanded school-feeding programme, strengthened maternal and child-health services and efforts to advance early-childhood development through parenting programmes. She also welcomed the programme’s emphasis on integrating mental health and psychosocial support into primary healthcare, saying this would complement Guyana’s efforts to expand school-based counselling and community mental health outreach. On child protection, Persaud said UNICEF’s focus on digitally enabled child-protection systems, survivor-centred services and scholastic violence

prevention was critical. She added that UNICEF’s support for child-centred disaster risk reduction would strengthen Guyana’s ability to protect children, including those in hinterland and Indigenous communities, and those affected by migration pressures. Persaud further encouraged UNICEF to continue mobilising predictable and flexible financing to support the MCPD’s objectives. She said Guyana looks forward to working with UNICEF and regional partners to ensure that children across Guyana and the Caribbean can enjoy their rights and realise their full potential.

City Councillor files cybercrime report against local journalist

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor, Jewuela Caesar she made on a Facebook post by a news outlet, which she described as “sarcastic” but not disrespectful. She said following the comment, her interactions with the journalist became increasingly uncomfortable, prompting her to seek intervention. Caesar said an incident during political campaigning at East Ruimveldt was among the factors that led her to file the report. She said the journalist approached her while she was campaigning and questioned her on matters relating to the

community, before moving on to other issues which she felt uncomfortable discussing at the time. The councillor said she wants the matter addressed so that the alleged conduct comes to an end, adding that she would continue to report the journalist if the situation persists. She said the situation has affected her personally and professionally, but maintained that she has sought to remain composed while pursuing the matter through the relevant authorities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, September 3, 2026

MV Barima CoI invites public submissions as probe advances

THE Commission of Inquiry (CoI) investigating the capsizing of the MV Barima has issued a formal call for evidence, inviting anyone with knowledge relevant to Guyana's deadliest maritime disaster to come forward as the five-member panel works toward opening public hearings later this month. In a press release issued September 1, the Commission said it is inviting members of the public, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, private and public entities, and the international community who possess relevant knowledge, information or recommendations to contact its Secretariat. Submissions can be made in writing to the Office of the Secretariat at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, by email at presidentialcommissiongy@gmail.com, or via WhatsApp at 592674-7473. The Commission stressed that the invitation carries real weight. Anyone whose information touches on its Terms of Reference may be required to attend and give evidence, and the body is statutorily empowered to summon witnesses and compel the production of documents, plans or other records connected to the inquiry.

The appeal comes as the Commission, chaired by retired Belizean judge and former Attorney General Godfrey P. Smith, gave its first detailed public progress update since being sworn in on July 30 by President Irfaan Ali. The panel said it has completed a preliminary, in-person survey of the accident site, secured its hearing venue at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where proceedings will be held in public, and stood up a Secretariat to provide administrative, research and logistical support. It is also gathering records from the Maritime Administration Department, the Transport and Harbours Division,

the Guyana Coast Guard and the Air Guard, in keeping with international maritime conventions and the Guyana Shipping Act, and has begun preliminary analysis of documentation touching on the vessel's seaworthiness, the conditions under which it sailed, and crew operations during the voyage. A list of potential witnesses has been compiled, a preliminary interview schedule is being prepared, and draft Rules of Procedure to guide the Commission's work have been completed. Guided by international standards for marine casualty investigations, the Commission said its mandate will not be lim-

ited to a safety review alone but will extend to public accountability, institutional performance and reform. It pledged to carry out its work "independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, without fear or favour." The MV Barima capsized and sank on the night of July 18 after being struck by a large wave roughly seven miles off Guyana's Essequibo coast while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a mining community in the Barima-Waini region near the Venezuelan border. Although the vessel's manifest listed 133 people, 116 passengers and 17 crew. authorities later

determined that as many as 179 had been aboard. Guyana observed three days of national mourning in the tragedy's immediate aftermath, and by the time search-and-recovery operations concluded in early August, the disaster had been confirmed as the worst in the country's maritime history, with 73 people confirmed dead, 76 rescued, and 30 others still missing and presumed dead. Questions surrounding the vessel's loading, the accuracy of its passenger manifest, and crew conduct during the voyage are among the matters the inquiry is expected to examine. President Irfaan Ali had named the five-mem-

ber international panel on July 26, drawing on legal, maritime and engineering expertise from across the region. Alongside Justice Smith, the Commission includes Polish forensic naval architect and marine engineer Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski; Jamaican maritime surveyor Captain Hamada Fouda; attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso, who brings a background in maritime law; and retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard, a former Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. Officials have said the panel will trace every stage of the voyage, from the loading of the vessel and boarding of passengers through onboard conditions, the capsizing itself, and the adequacy of the search-and-rescue response, and determine whether negligence, misconduct or regulatory failures played a role, with a view to recommending reforms that strengthen maritime safety nationwide. The government has separately stood up a Safety and Compliance Audit team to review standards across Guyana's marine vessel fleet. With its administrative groundwork largely complete, the Commission says it is working to open substantive hearings before the end of September.

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursday, september 3, 2026

The Way Forward

GUYANA is still counting the lives lost: 73 confirmed, 30 more still missing, presumed lost to the Atlantic waters off the Essequibo coast. It is the worst maritime disaster in the nation’s history, and no editorial, no press release, and no act of government can undo what happened on the night of July 18, when the MV Barima went down carrying far more souls than its manifest ever recorded. That grief is real, it is national, and it deserves to be named plainly before anything else is said. But grief alone does not answer the question a country asks of its government after a catastrophe: did you rise to it? Measured against that question, rather than against the impossible standard of undoing a disaster that has already happened, the record of the past six weeks suggests that Guyana’s government met the moment with more seriousness than it is often given credit for. Start with what happened first. President Irfaan Ali was not behind a desk in Georgetown but at the Charity waterfront, standing with families who had no idea whether their relatives were alive. The Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips coordinated what became the largest search-and-recovery operation in the country’s history, drawing Guyana’s own Coast Guard and Air Corps together with Trinidadian, Brazilian, and French Guianese support — divers, aircraft, and vessels arriving within days of the sinking.

Three days of national mourning followed, flags lowered across the country, a formal acknowledgment that this was not a regional incident but a wound to the whole nation. Then came something governments are rarely quick to deliver: accountability aimed at people, not only processes. Ten days after the sinking, police charged the captain and two crew members, including a loading supervisor drawn from the very department that operates the ferry service, with murder. Whatever a court ultimately decides about guilt, the speed of that action said something worth noting: that institutional affiliation would not function as a shield, and that the state was prepared to point at its own before it pointed anywhere else. The heavier, more consequential accountability now runs through the Commission of Inquiry, and its design deserves real credit. Guyana did not hand this investigation to a panel of domestic appointees with careers to protect. It brought in a Belizean judge and former attorney general to chair it, a Polish forensic naval architect to examine the wreck, a Jamaican maritime surveyor, and two Trinidadian appointees, a retired admiral and a maritime lawyer, none of whom answer to Georgetown. That panel now holds statutory power to summon witnesses and compel documents, has already surveyed the accident site, secured records from the Maritime Administra-

tion Department and the Transport and Harbours Division, and on September 1 issued an open call inviting any citizen, official, or foreign observer with relevant knowledge to come forward. Public hearings, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, are expected to open before the month is out. That is not the architecture of a whitewash. It is the architecture of a government betting that transparency will vindicate it more than silence ever could. Alongside the inquiry sits a second, quieter piece of work: a Safety and Compliance Audit Team, stood up to examine not just the Barima but the standards governing every marine vessel operating in Guyana. Any government can promise that “this will never happen again.” Fewer commit funding and manpower to auditing an entire fleet before the commission has even filed its first finding. That is a government treating the tragedy as a systems failure to be corrected, not only a scandal to be managed. None of this erases what the families of the missing are still owed, and the government has tried, visibly if imperfectly, to answer that too. The HEART Initiative — Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, Trust — was built specifically to put medical, psychological, spiritual, and financial support directly into the hands of survivors and grieving families, channelled through trusted community and religious leaders rather than a distant bureaucracy.

And when Amerindian Heritage Month opened this year, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek did not treat the tragedy as an unwelcome interruption to a scheduled celebration. She folded the two together, telling mourning families “you are in our prayers, and we stand by you every day,” and reframing a month of cultural observance around the unity the country needs most right now. Fairness requires acknowledging what remains unresolved. But this is precisely what the Commission of Inquiry exists to answer; under oath, in public, backed by subpoena power, rather than settled by the loudest voice in Parliament. A government confident in its own conduct invites that scrutiny instead of avoiding it; this one has, repeatedly, since the very week of the disaster. The true measure of Guyana’s response will ultimately be written in whether the commission’s findings, whatever they turn out to be, are acted on in full once the hearings conclude. On the evidence available today, though, a government facing the worst disaster in its maritime history chose transparency over concealment, funded reform before being forced to, and did not flinch from putting even its own personnel in the dock. That is not anything. In the middle of a tragedy this size, it may be the most any nation can reasonably ask of the people who lead it.

FORMER Prime Minister and whom I would consider one of Guyana’s disgraced former politicians whom Guyanese have forgotten about because he erased his legacy, Moses Nagamootoo, made a poetic appearance in Guyana last month, after a long period of hibernation. I always put in a description of Guyana being an amusing place when I pen these columns. After years of invisibility, Moses has resurfaced to make a political statement. But it is an amusing trajectory. It takes the form of a poem titled, “Don’t tell me.” It was published by Village Voice, the Lincoln Lewis-run operation. Some of the lines go like this: Don’t tell me. I told you so Don’t tell me, you didn’t see The growth of the oligarchy Don’t tell me you didn’t see The fast ride of the greedy You wonder why this experienced politician would compose such a poem and give it such a name when in doing so he opens himself to a colossal amount of ridicule. Thousands of Guyanese can compose a similar poem and ridicule, insult, embarrass, humiliate and derogate Moses for his incredible betrayal of the Guyanese people, for which his name should be banished from this land permanently. So here is an attempt to turn around “Don’t Tell Me” and use it against Moses. I wanted to do it in poetic style, but I would have had to take time to complete that format, so I settled for a column-style approach. Here goes: Moses don’t tell me you didn’t know that Guyanese welcomed

you and voted for you, and the PPP government was changed in 2015, but you did absolutely nothing with the power you had. Moses, don’t tell me you threw away all those years of experience in fighting for free and fair elections only to participate in efforts to deny Guyana their right to vote. Moses, don’t tell me you are not ashamed to write those asinine statements in your autobiography on page nine and page 10 that the March 2020 elections were not legitimate. Moses don’t tell me that you don’t know that not one government in the entire world accepted that your formation named APNU+ AFC won the 2020 elections. Moses, don’t tell me you didn’t know the factual results of the March 2020 elections when in April 2020 you wrote in the Guyana Chronicle that your formation, APNU+AFC, had won the elections. Moses, don’t tell me you did not know you had betrayed the sugar workers when they voted for you in 2011 and in 2015 and you turned around and impoverished them by closing the sugar estates. Moses, don’t tell me you don’t know that you cannot enter the terrain of Berbice because sugar workers will hound you down. Moses, don’t me that you didn’t know you had become a little boy when as second in charge of the Government of Guyana, your portfolios were three but the minister of the presidency has 18 portfolios. Moses don’t tell me that you did not feel helpless when those portfolios were published in the gazette in July 2015. Moses, don’t tell me you don’t know you are a former politician who does not

command respect and admiration in this country because Guyanese believe your five-year tenure as Prime Minister was a complete capitulation to the PNC. Moses, don’t tell me that you did not become a creature of historical betrayal when you ran around the corridors of Parliament in support of the Bill to make retroactive, the Hamilton Green Pension Bill which gives Green more than a million dollars a month in pension. Don’t tell me you didn’t know about the decades of violence that Green had perpetrated in this country and didn’t deserve a dollar a month in pension -- much less a million. Moses, don’t tell me you were not lying in the most degenerate ways when you wrote in your autobiography that you had threatened to resign if the sugar workers were not compensated when in fact, they had to file writs in the High Court to get

their severance pay and you did not resign. Moses, don’t tell me that you didn’t know it was not proper in a coalition government for the prime minister to be in the same building with the president. Moses, don’t tell me you cannot remember I brought up that strategic mistake to you and you accepted it was not the right thing to do, yet you stayed within the Office of the President for five years. Moses, don’t tell me that you cannot remember that all the things you criticise the PPP for, you ended up being more badly treated by the PNC and AFC. Moses, don’t tell me you don’t know that you are a forgotten footnote. 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.

Moses, don’t tell me

Farmers confident amidst El Niño season with gov’t support

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2026

–– practicing water conservation, collaboration and early preparation to protect production

Rice farmer, Chateram Jagnarain of Mahiaca Creek

Rice farmer and member of the Cane Grove water users Association, Rajram Bhanedatt

FARMERS, aquaculturists and cattle rearers across Guyana are gearing up for what meteorologists are calling one of the longest El Niño seasons Guyana has ever seen. Thousands of Guyanese in the agriculture sector are reassessing their drainage and irrigation systems, creating new ways to conserve water, and collaborating to combat the dry season. In efforts to help farmers navigate the dry spell, the Ministry of Agriculture recently hosted an El Niño Preparedness forum earlier this week in collaboration with the Hydrometeorological Service of Guyana and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), where officials engaged with hundreds of farmers on the best steps to take to protect crops, cattle and fisheries against the heat.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle following the engagement, many farmers said that while they are beginning to feel the first impacts of the dry season, early engagement by the ministry, coupled with the continued support they have seen, has left them confident that they will be able to weather the season and continue producing amidst the dry spell. Several persons also said that through innovation, conservation and collaboration, Guyana’s agriculture sector and food security will continue to reach new heights in the months ahead. Mahaicony farmer Marcia Morrison shared that the collaborative approach being taken ahead of the El Niño season represents continued support being offered by the government of Guyana for rice farmers. She said: “This government always looks out for the rice farmers, the needs of the

rice farmers, cattle farmers and fish farmers.” Morrison added that while she has seen similar weather patterns in Guyana over the years, the level of preparedness and new conservation measures being taken this year is unprecedented. The farmer related: “We had El Niños previous times before, but this one is very interesting where they capture the water so that farmers can make good uses of it and not waste.” Morrison urged other farmers to note the importance of conserving water, adding, “I do call on farmers to come on board, plant early, and make every good use of the water. Do not waste it. Just care the water management. You just take enough water that will grow the crop. Monitor the water system and you will be able to get your produce fruitful for reaping.” Rice farmer and member of the Cane Grove Water

Users Association, Rajram Bhanedatt, stated that while he and other rice farmers in his region are not currently using large amounts of water, since the crop is in the harvesting stage, when the next crop cycle begins, which normally requires extensive amounts of water, they will better know how to manage it. As he explained, “Presently, we already got rice, we will start reaping from next week. We do not have to use so much water right now because it is harvesting time. But coming up to the other crops now, we got to think now, we got to monitor with the water.” Bhanedatt now aims to return to his community and engage other farmers to ensure they save water and work together when needed. “We could advise to the other farmers, do not waste the water. It is the season coming up. It is going to be

hard, and you got to share the water,” he added, noting “We could show them now that the season is going to be long. It is not a couple of days; it is going to be a couple of months. You got to keep saving your water.” Fellow rice farmer Chateram Jagnarain of Mahaica Creek shared that the importance of collaboration and government support was reinforced earlier this year, when he and a number of other farmers in the area suffered losses from a flood. Through government intervention, he noted that most of the farmers’ crops were saved. “In our area, we had a massive flooding early this year. The government, Ministry of Agriculture, NDIA, MMA intervened, and we saved a lot of the crop. Most of the crop was saved, and some farmers did not get to plant,” he said. Now, Jagnarain is looking

A 16-year-old trainee mechanic resisted an alleged armed-robbery attempt on Tuesday, after a man reportedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun at him and demanded his motorcycle and cellular phone at the La Grange Old Road, West Bank Demerara. The police in Regional

Division #3 said the incident occurred at about 11:30hrs on September 1, 2026. Preliminary investigations revealed that the teenager had advertised his motorcycle for sale on Facebook Marketplace during August. A 20-yearold man subsequently contacted him, inspected the motorcycle and

indicated that he would return on September 1 to complete the purchase. However, when the suspect returned, he allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the teen and demanded the motorcycle keys and cellular phone. The teenager resisted and managed to escape, after which he alerted

nearby residents. The suspect reportedly attempted to flee but was pursued and apprehended. The police said the object allegedly used during the incident was recovered and was later confirmed to be a toy gun. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

The police said the object allegedly used during the incident was recovered and was later confirmed to be a toy gun

Mahaicony farmer Marcia Morrison By Shaniya Harding

Teen resists armed-robbery attempt at La Grange

forward to and confident in that continued collaboration. He said: “Around this time that we are in the El Niño spell, again, Ministry of Agriculture kicked in, and they are doing an excellent job with information, from the minister, from Lionel, from NDIA, and the rest of the agencies. I am looking forward for the support.” Jagnarain noted that communication remains strong, as his local farmers group maintains contact with regional bodies. “We have a farmers group, which we communicate. We communicate with MMA, we communicate with NDIA, we communicate with the regional administration also. We are getting reasonable support when we talk to them. They are looking out for us. They come out and they work with us to get the job done,” he said.

Mohameds extradition proceedings continue today 8

THE extradition case involving US-indicted businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed is set to continue today at the Magistrates’ Court, after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) refused their most recent application to stay the proceedings. The development clears the way for the lower court to proceed with its consideration of the United States’ extradition request. The Tuesday decision was confirmed by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, clearing the way for the committal proceedings to resume on Thursday, September 3, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, in accordance with the recent directions of the Court of Appeal. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the Mohameds had approached the CCJ seeking special leave to appeal the Court of Appeal’s August 27 ruling and a stay of the extradition proceedings. The development follows a series of legal challenges mounted by the father and son since extradition proceedings began in January 2026. The latest challenge arose from their constitu-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2026

tional appeal against aspects of the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act. In February, Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh found Section 8(3)(B) of the legislation unconstitutional while upholding the constitutionality of the other provisions challenged by the Mohameds. The men subsequently appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal and sought to have the extradition proceedings stayed until the constitutional issues were determined. The Court of Appeal, however, declined to bring the committal proceedings to a complete halt. The appellate court, in its August 27 ruling, ordered that the proceedings before Magistrate Latchman continue, while prohibiting her from delivering a final decision until the constitutional appeal is heard and determined. The constitutional appeal has been expedited, with the substantive hearing scheduled for October 13, 2026. The State had opposed the Mohameds’ application for a stay, arguing that the continuation of the committal proceedings would not render their constitutional

appeal ineffective. The State also argued that proceeding with the inquiry would not result in the immediate surrender of the men to the United States and that they would continue to have access to legal safeguards, including bail, habeas corpus and appellate remedies. It further maintained that another interruption would cause additional delays to an already part-heard extradition inquiry. The Court of Appeal accepted that the proceedings should not be completely halted, while putting safeguards in place to preserve the constitutional appeal. Tuesday’s CCJ decision is the latest development in a lengthy series of challenges to the extradition process. Earlier this year, the Mohameds challenged the Authority to Proceed (ATP) issued by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, arguing that it was tainted by actual or apparent political bias. The High Court dismissed that challenge on February 4, 2026, and the Court of Appeal upheld the decision on March 17. The Mohameds then moved to

Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed alongside two members of their legal team the CCJ. On March 25, the regional court granted an interim stay, temporarily suspending the extradition proceedings while it considered their appeal. The stay remained in place until July 29, when the CCJ unanimously dismissed the substantive appeal and discharged the interim stay. The CCJ found no actual or apparent bias in Walrond’s decision to issue the ATP and upheld the lower courts’ decisions. The ruling cleared the way for the extradition proceedings to resume before Latchman. The latest proceedings therefore center on a separate constitutional challenge to the legislation governing the extradition process, rather than the earlier bias challenge.

The extradition case stems from a request by the United States for the surrender of the Mohameds to face an 11-count federal indictment. U.S. prosecutors alleged that the two businessmen participated in a multi-year scheme involving the export of Guyanese gold using falsified customs declarations and reused government export seals, allegedly resulting in the evasion of more than US$50 million in taxes and royalties. The indictment includes allegations of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and customs offences. The Mohameds have denied the allegations. The two men were arrested on October 31, 2025, and each was granted $150,000

bail, with conditions requiring them to surrender their passports and report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday. The committal proceedings commenced on January 6, 2026, but have been repeatedly interrupted by the various legal challenges. One witness has so far testified in the matter—Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, who was being cross-examined when the proceedings were interrupted. The proceedings are scheduled to resume before Magistrate Latchman on Thursday, September 3, with additional full-day hearings set for September 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Coomacka gets new school bus

A SCHOOL bus was officially handed over to the Department of Education to provide transportation for students in Coomacka, Region 10, on Wednesday. The initiative follows earlier discussions with President, Dr Irfaan Ali about the transportation challenges students face when travelling to and from school. The new bus will provide safer, more reliable and convenient transportation, making the daily journey to school easier for students in the community.

A school bus was officially handed over to the Department of Education on Wednesday

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, September 3, 2026

Sod to be turned for Guyana’s own law school today

- ceremony to take place on sidelines of Council of Legal Education’s 57th annual general meeting in Guyana THE sod is expected to be turned today at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen campus to mark the site of Guyana’s proposed law school, a development expected to further expand the country’s capacity for legal education. This was disclosed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal

law schools, heads of judiciaries of CARICOM member states and representatives of regional bar associations. Nandlall said that the Council comprises the leadership of the region’s three existing law schools, the Hugh Wooding Law School, the Norman Manley Law School and the Eugene Dupuch Law School

known once the bids are opened and the procurement process advances. The sod-turning, as such, will mark an important step towards the physical development of the institution, even as regional legal education leaders gather in Guyana for their annual meeting. The CLE AGM, which begins today and concludes on Saturday,

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, during his weekly show Issues in the News during which he stated that the ceremony will take place on the sidelines of the 57th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), which is being hosted in Guyana from today until Saturday. According to Nandlall, members of the Council, along with invited guests, will attend the symbolic sod-turning at the site where the institution is expected to be constructed. T h e C L E ’s 5 7 t h AGM is bringing together senior representatives from across the Caribbean, including principals and administrators of the region’s

in The Bahamas, along with representatives of the Caribbean judiciary and bar associations. The proposed law school at UG Turkeyen represents the Council’s newest law school and is expected to add Guyana to the network of institutions providing professional legal education in the region. Nandlall disclosed that the project has already advanced to the procurement stage, with a tender issued for the design and construction of the facility. Several bids have been received and are currently before the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The Attorney General said the outcome will be

provides the regional setting for the ceremony, with senior figures from the Caribbean’s legal education, judicial and professional communities expected to be present. The CLE granted formal approval in late 2025 for the establishment of the law school and as such, work commenced immediately. The establishment of a law school here has been a topic of discussion over the years, as students have complained bitterly about the limited number of annual intakes and high tuition and living expenses associated with completing their studies abroad. The establishment of a law school in Guyana will address these issues

along with the growing demand for legal education in Guyana and other parts of the regions. As it is currently, Guyanese students

looking to complete their legal education and acquire their Legal Education Certificate (LEC) to practise law must enroll in one of

the three regional law schools in the Caribbean: Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, or The Bahamas.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday,September 3, 2026

Region 10 housing applications backlog to be cleared by end of 2027

MINISTER of Housing, Collin Croal, has announced that the Ministry of Housing–Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is working towards clearing the backlog of house lot applications in Region 10 by the end of 2027. Minister Croal said the next phase of allocations in the region is expected to commence in the coming months, with priority being given to applicants who have acknowledgement letters dated 2025 and prior. The minister made the announcement on Wednesday during a community outreach led by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Coomacka Community Centre Ground. To date, more than 3,000 house lots have been allocated across Region 10, as the government continues to expand access to affordable housing and advance infrastructural de-

velopment throughout the region. Minister Croal also provided an update on the regularisation process of an area in the Coomacka community. He disclosed that 154 lots have been identified and an occupan-

cy survey has already been completed. “We have recognised 154 lots, and we have done the occupancy survey. We now have to redo the plan,” the minister said. He noted that verification and resurveying are

expected to be completed by the end of September. Thereafter, the ministry will commence the necessary legal process to have the plan formally recognised, paving the way for the transfer of the lands and ultimately providing resi-

dents with greater security of tenure. The engagement formed part of the government’s ongoing outreach in Region 10, allowing residents to raise concerns directly with officials and receive updates on housing

and other developmental matters. Also attending the community meeting were the Minister of Public Wo r k s , B i s h o p J u a n Edghill, and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek.

THE Ministry of Housing–Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has reminded the public of its ongoing transition to the new headquarters at Plantation Houston, East Bank Demerara. Several departments, the Housing Ministry said, are now operating from the new location, including the Conveyance Department. As such, allottees wishing to uplift their Certificates of Title/Transports, or seeking assistance with matters relating to these documents, are asked to visit the new headquarters at Pln Houston. The Community Development Department is also now operating from the new Headquarters. All persons with queries or concerns relating to informal settlements (squatting) and Special Projects are therefore asked to visit the Pln Houston office. The Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and Human Resource

Department are also currently operating from the new building. “Other key service de-

partments will relocate from the current Brickdam, Georgetown office to the new headquarters

in the coming days, and the public will be notified as these transitions take place. The Ministry of

Housing–CH&PA thanks the public for its patience and co-operation during this transition as we work

towards improving service delivery and better serving the public,” the ministry said.

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, has announced that the Ministry of Housing–Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is working towards clearing the backlog of house lot applications in Region 10 by the end of 2027

Titles/transports, squatting-related matters now dealt with at Houston

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, September 3, 2026

Bishkek time: The SCO once again addresses the question of global governance (Global Times editorial) Guided systematically by the GGI, the SCO has continued to exert efforts across governance in three major areas – security, economy as well as livelihood and culture – making outstanding contributions to regional stability and prosperity and the improvement of global governance. The 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is taking place in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. As the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, the leaders of member states are gathering for the Bishkek Summit to deepen bilateral and multilateral friendships and inject new momentum into regional stability and global governance. During the SCO Tianjin Summit last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forth the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), pointing out that the SCO “should step up to play a leading role and set an example in carrying out the GGI.” Over the past year, the initiative has won support and responses from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with over 60 countries enthusiastically joining the Group of Friends of Global Governance. The initiative has transformed from a Chinese proposal into international practice, increasingly demonstrating robust vitality. This philosophy shares a high degree of affinity with the Shanghai Spirit. Guided systematically by the GGI,

the SCO has continued to exert efforts across governance in three major areas – security, economy as well as livelihood and culture – making outstanding contributions to regional stability and prosperity and the improvement of global governance. Amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, and the pronounced spillover effects of hot spot issues, Global South countries need a fair and inclusive cooperation platform more than ever. Spanning three continents – Asia, Europe, and Africa – the SCO naturally possesses the geographical advantage of bridging East and West, and coordinating North and South. It does not seek to replace the existing international system; rather, it advocates for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries. It does not preach bloc confrontation; instead, it upholds extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. For many small and medium-sized countries, such a platform signifies greater

strategic autonomy. For major powers, it serves as a touchstone to test whether they can truly respect equality and integrate their own development opportunities with regional common prosperity. Facts have proven that the SCO’s success is a triumph of the right path and philosophy. It rejects a zero-sum, black-andwhite worldview, refuses to rely on hegemonic order, disavows the clash of civilizations, and steers clear of zero-sum games. The SCO offers the world an inspiring possibility: Countries with different political systems, diverse cultural traditions, and varied interests can find the greatest common denominator of cooperation through equal consultation without sacrificing their respective core concerns. Guided by the principles of sovereign equality and the rule of international law, the SCO has constructed a new type of regional security governance system, cementing a security barrier across Eurasia and providing a paradigm of stability for

a volatile and changing world. Firmly opposing unilateral sanctions, trade protectionism and bloc-based fragmentation is not only a shared position of the SCO, but also reflects the broad expectations of the international community. In the face of the resurgence of protectionism, major connectivity projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, cross-border energy pipelines, Eurasian logistics hubs and green energy bases continue to move forward, ensuring the security and smooth functioning of regional industrial and supply chains. The SCO Tianjin Summit made the political decision to establish an SCO Development Bank. Over the past year, all parties have accelerated multilateral consultations on the bank’s charter, capital size and governance structure. The Bishkek Summit is expected to take the establishment of this multilateral financial institution another step forward. At the same time, the SCO has continued to

improve its multilateral cooperation mechanisms and expand the SCO Plus partnership framework, effectively enhancing the voice of developing countries in global economic governance and promoting the evolution of the international economic order toward greater fairness and balance. People-centered governance in the areas of livelihoods and people-to-people ties has also brought the Shanghai Spirit into the daily lives of ordinary people. Educational exchanges, tourism cooperation, youth exchanges, media interaction and local-level cooperation have gained momentum year after year. Cities such as Kyrgyzstan’s Cholpon-Ata have been designated as the tourism and cultural capital of the SCO, further strengthening people-to-people bonds. Since the Tianjin Summit, member states have jointly advanced hundreds of “small and beautiful” projects aimed at improving people’s livelihoods, covering areas such as rural revitalization, smart agriculture, cross-border healthcare, youth skills training as well as poverty reduction and assistance. These initiatives have directly addressed the pressing concerns and practical difficulties facing people at the grassroots level. By advancing cooperation in security, development and people-to-people exchanges within the same framework, the SCO is giving a concrete response to the “people-centered and action-oriented approach.”

As some local media have noted, the SCO “has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to evolve.” Despite facing various challenges and pressures, the SCO has consistently remained problem-oriented and adapted to changing circumstances. Based on the international situation and the needs of its member states, it dynamically adjusts its models of cooperation, improves its rules and enhances the quality of regional governance. What began as a mechanism focused primarily on border confidence-building and security cooperation has gradually evolved into a comprehensive multilateral platform encompassing security, the economy, people’s livelihoods, people-to-people exchanges and global governance. It has continued to renew itself by confronting problems, grow by responding to risks, and improve through practical cooperation, thereby maintaining its vitality. The 25th anniversary marks a new starting point. The world expects the SCO to continue carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit, firmly put into practice the core principles of the GGI, and further translate the initiative into institution and consensus into action. Amid a world marked by growing turbulence and profound changes, the SCO can continue to inject a reliable source of momentum into regional stability and global governance. (Web editor: Liang Jun, Zhang Kaiwei)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday,September 3, 2026

Gov’t continues direct en

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali led a group of ministers and government of officials to Region 10 on day one of a two-day ou

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, September 3, 2026

ngagement with citizens

utreach, which is intended to allow citizens to raise concerns and receive updates on crucial development projects

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday,September 3, 2026

China donates medical supplies, pledges deeper health cooperation with Guyana GUYANA’S health sector has received another boost from China, with a new donation of medical supplies handed over on Wednesday, as the two countries move to deepen more than three decades of health cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, and Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony attended the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Health. The supplies were donated by a visiting delegation from China’s National Health Commission. Ambassador Yang said health cooperation remains an important pillar of Guyana-China relations, pointing to continued Chinese

Guyana’s health sector has received another boost from China, with a new donation of medical supplies handed over, on Wednesday

support through medical supplies, technical exchanges, training and infrastructure develop-

ment. For more than 30 years, Chinese medical teams have served

in Guyana, providing specialist care and sharing expertise with local healthcare professionals.

The Ambassador also highlighted China’s contribution to Guyana’s expanding health infra-

structure, including the construction of several regional hospitals. She said China is prepared to build on the partnership and work with Guyana to improve healthcare delivery and advance what she described as a “Healthy Silk Road” between the two countries. Minister Anthony welcomed the donation and expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding support to Guyana’s health sector. He said Guyana looks forward to expanding cooperation with China to ensure the partnership continues to deliver tangible benefits to citizens and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, September 3, 2026

Nandlall calls for probe into City Hall’s multi-billion tax write-off for PNCR - Attorney General says decision raises concerns over bias, conflict of interest and violation of natural justice

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has called for an investigation into the Georgetown City Council’s decision to substantially reduce a multi-billion-dollar rates and taxes bill associated with Congress Place, the headquarters of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). Nandlall, during his weekly programme Issues in the News, described the decision as “absolutely illegal” and questioned whether the council could lawfully reduce the outstanding debt owed on the property significantly. The Attorney General said the decision raises serious concerns about bias, conflict of interest and natural justice, particularly given the political relationship between

the council and the entity associated with the property. “The decision cannot stand,” Nandlall said. As such, he argued that

the City Council could not use its authority to selectively write off taxes owed by an entity linked to its political leadership.

His comments came following reports that the council has cleared the way for the PNCR to settle the rates and taxes associated with

Congress Place for roughly $30 million, despite the debt reportedly having accumulated to billions of dollars. The property is held by Maikwak Limited, a company associated with the PNCR, and the issue has been the subject of increasing scrutiny following disclosures that the outstanding bill had reached more than $6.7 billion. According to a previous report, Georgetown Mayor, Alfred Mentore has confirmed that approximately $30 million was the sum agreed upon between the party and City Hall, while maintaining that the arrangement was not an exemption from rates and taxes. Mentore had also defended the arrangement as being consistent with past practices at City Hall, pointing to instances where properties

have benefited from reduced or negotiated rates. However, Nandlall rejected the notion that such considerations could justify the decision, arguing that public authorities must exercise their powers impartially. Against this backdrop, he contended that the matter could be taken before the courts, noting that any taxpayer could initiate legal proceedings to challenge the council’s decision. “Any taxpayer can file legal proceedings tomorrow to quash this decision,” Nandlall said. He also linked the issue to recent court proceedings concerning bias in the exercise of public authority, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the City Council’s decision warrant close examination.

Police investigate $1.62M copper cable theft from Bharrat Jagdeo Bridge

POLICE are investigating the alleged theft of approximately 90 feet of copper cable valued at $1.62 million from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge on the East Bank Demerara. The theft reportedly occurred between midnight on August 23 and 9:00 am on September 1, 2026. According to investigators, the bridge is equipped with LED lights mounted on steel poles along its high span. The lights, which are powered by a generator located beneath the bridge, are capable of displaying various colours and were last operated on August 23. At about 6:30 pm on August 31, an electrical maintenance engineer attempted to illuminate the bridge in the colours of Trinidad and Tobago’s national flag in observance of that country’s Independence Anniversary. However, only the lights on the northern side were functioning. The engineer and his team subsequently inspected the southern side of the

The theft reportedly occurred between midnight on August 23 and 9:00 am on September 1, 2026 (Guyana Chronicle file photo) bridge at about 9:00 am on September 1 and discovered that approximately 90 feet of 4/350 KCMIL copper cable

had been cut and removed from a metal trunking box. The matter was reported to the Providence Police

Station at about 9:30 am, following which detectives visited the scene. The area was photo-

graphed and processed as part of the investigation, while CCTV footage is being reviewed to determine how

the cable was removed and identify those responsible. Police said investigations are continuing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday,September 3, 2026

Fenty Beauty launches new Fluid Flex foundation in Guyana

Expertly crafted in Japan, Fluid Flex Foundation Technology is a smooth and breathable polymer blend, engineered to move with you and infused with color-true long wear pigments that resist oxidation FENTY Beauty is set to introduce its new Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Natural Matte Longwear Foundation in Guyana on September 4, offering consumers a new 50-shade range designed to provide flexible, natural-looking coverage across a broad range of skin tones. The foundation, developed over nearly three years, is described as the beauty brand’s latest evolution of its Pro Filt’r line and was

shaped by more than seven years of consumer feedback. According to the company, Rihanna and the Fenty Beauty team revisited the original shade range, refining undertones and introducing more neutral options to make shade matching easier. The product is available in 50 newly developed shades and uses Fluid Flex Foundation Technology, described as a smooth and breathable polymer blend

designed to move with the skin. It provides medium, buildable coverage with a natural matte finish, while its pigments are formulated to resist oxidation. The foundation is also described as waterproof and resistant to sweat, humidity and transfer. It contains starfruit extract for oil and shine control and is designed to provide all-day wear while maintaining a skin-like appearance.

Fenty Beauty said the development process involved approximately 800 hours of work and more than 30 prototypes tested across multiple continents, lighting conditions and video scenarios, with input from industry experts and consumers. The brand has also introduced new virtual shade-matching tools on its website and TikTok, while in-person Fenty Shade Match-Up Events are sched-

uled to begin in stores worldwide on September 5. In Guyana, the Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Natural Matte Longwear Foundation will retail for US$48, while the new Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Foundation Brush 165 will retail for US$36. Both products will be available at Glamour Beauty from September 4. The foundation comes in a frosted-glass faceted bottle with a metallic cap and

pump mechanism, with the shade number and undertone identified on the side of the bottle. Fenty Beauty, founded by Rihanna in partnership with KENDO Brands, launched in 2017 with a focus on making beauty products accessible to people across a wide range of skin tones. The company says its portfolio is guided by its “Beauty For All” mission.

Two arrested after suspected air pistol found at Tuschen TWO males, aged 19 and 17, have been arrested after police reportedly found a suspected air pistol during

an operation at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, on Tuesday. Police in Regional Di-

The men were searched, during which a black-and-silver air pistol was reportedly found on the 17-year-old

vision #3 said the incident occurred at about 5:30 pm on September 1, 2026, after ranks from the Tuschen Police Station acted on information received and proceeded to Sheriff Street,

Tuschen. Upon arrival, the ranks observed the two males allegedly behaving suspiciously in front of a warehouse. The men were searched, during which a black-and-

silver air pistol was reportedly found on the 17-year-old. Police also observed a red-and-black motorcycle bearing registration number JCA 4 at the location. Both men were arrested

and taken to the Tuschen Police Station, along with the motorcycle and suspected air pistol. They remain in police custody as investigations continue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, September 3, 2026

Labour, Manpower Planning Ministry investigates fatal construction site accident

THE Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has launched an investigation into a fatal construction site accident that occurred on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Occupational Safety and Health Officers visited the worksite shortly after the incident to conduct preliminary investigations, the ministry said. The officers also visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where the injured workers were treated. The ministry has confirmed that 36-year-old Cuban national, Yordan Garcia Roland, died in the incident. Two other Cuban nationals, Troy Estriado, 33, and Yusvani Ramirez, 37, were injured and received medical treatment at the GPHC. The ministry’s investigation remains ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether all required occupational safety and health mea-

sures were observed. “As the investigation continues, the ministry remains committed to its broader efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health standards and promote safer workplaces across Guyana. “These efforts are being further reinforced through the ongoing “Putting Safety First” campaign and its targeted awareness initiatives, including the “Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector” seminar series, which engages employers, contractors and workers on safe work practices, compliance with occupational safety and health requirements, and the prevention of workplace accidents,” the ministry said. Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, urged employers, contractors and workers to prioritise workplace safety and take every necessary precaution to prevent accidents and protect lives.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday,September 3, 2026

Police destroy $22.8M in cannabis during Canje Creek eradication exercise

Police destroyed more than $22.8 million worth of cannabis during a joint eradication exercise at Long Savannah, Canje Creek, Berbice River dismantling three farms spanning approximately 10 and a half acres

POLICE destroyed more than $22.8 million worth of cannabis during a joint eradication exercise at Long Savannah,

Canje Creek, Berbice River, on Tuesday, dismantling three farms spanning approximately 10 and a half acres. Ranks from the Guyana Police Force Narcotics Branch and Regional Police Division #6 conducted the operation on September 1, 2026, during which an estimated 53,500 cannabis plants ranging from four inches to six feet in height were discovered. The largest farm covered approximately six acres and contained about 30,000 cannabis plants, a makeshift camp, a drying area and approximately 20 pounds of dried cannabis. A second farm, measuring about four acres, contained an estimated 20,000 cannabis plants, along with two makeshift camps and a nursery with approximately 9,600 cannabis seedlings in 75 trays.

The third farm, covering approximately half an acre, contained an estimated 3,500 cannabis plants. During searches of the area, police also discovered a single-barrel shotgun, four shotgun cartridges and a multicoloured haversack containing three suspected rounds of ammunition — two suspected 9mm rounds and one suspected .32 round. All of the cannabis plants were uprooted and destroyed, along with the makeshift camps, drying area and dried cannabis. Police estimated the total value of the narcotics destroyed at GYD $22,834,696, comprising $13,043,800 in cannabis plants, $1,626,240 in nursery plants and $8,164,656 in dried cannabis. No arrests were made during the exercise. Investigations are continuing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, September 3, 2026

FAO promotes inclusion of local fish in LAC school feeding programmes A TECHNICAL team visited school facilities and production centers in Comayagua and Santa Bárbara, Honduras, to advance the incorporation of local fish and aquaculture products into the country's school menus. In Latin America and the Caribbean, nearly 80 million children receive meals at school every day. With the aim of making these meals more nutritious, locally sourced, and sustainable, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) conducted the first technical field mission for the regional project "Incorporating aquatic foods from local fishers and aquaculture producers into school feeding programs in Latin America and the Caribbean," which launched this year. The mission, carried out from August 26 to 28, 2026, brought together FAO technical staff with fishers, aquaculture producers, school officials, and local communities in Comayagua and Santa Bárbara, Honduras, marking the operational start of the project in one of the three countries where it is being implemented: Belize, Bolivia, and Honduras. The project seeks to strengthen the integration of aquatic foods—fish and aquaculture products—into school feeding programs (SFPs) through two main avenues: local public procurement mechanisms connecting fishers and aquaculture producers with schools, and

food and nutrition education initiatives within communities. “Fish has valuable properties; it greatly aids development and cognitive function. In Honduras, we have significant production volumes, and we can complement the dietary plate with this product,” stated Nasry Asfura, President of Honduras. School feeding programmes have established themselves as key initiatives for social protection and human development in the region. Av a i l a b l e e v i d e n c e shows that these programmes improve school attendance and retention while contributing to student nutrition and health, making it essential to incorporate aquatic products rich in high-quality protein, omega-three fatty acids, and vitamins. “Experiences gathered thus far in the region confirm that when fish is properly incorporated, student acceptance exceeds 80 per cent. Furthermore, it contributes to local sustainable development by generating stable income for agri-food producers through public procurement,” said Daniela Godoy, FAO’s Senior Policy Officer for Food Security and Nutrition for Latin America and the Caribbean. This project is supported by FAO’s Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) mechanism and by the governments of Flanders, Norway, Qatar

(Qatar Fund for Development), the Principality of Monaco, and Sweden.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2026

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2026

Bollers, Gibson and Budram spur MSC to win over GT X1 FIFTIES from Joshua Bollers and Kyle Gibson and 4-12 by offspinner Joshua Budram spearheaded home team Malteenoes to an emphatic 196-run victory over GT X1 over the weekend as the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) U-17 Eline Security logistics 50-over cricket tournament continued. Played with a red ball and white uniforms, Malteenoes were bowled out for 286 in 45.5 overs before skittling out GT X1 for 90 in in 21. 4 overs. Malteenoes elected to bat in scorching heat at the Thomas Road venue and were given a solid foundation from openers Dashawn Ramnauth (24) and Shane Kissoonder (25).

Ajay Kissoon made the breakthrough when he removed Ramnuath. Budram (22) was lbw, Elija Mohamed trapped Kissoondeo lbw and bowled Nathanil Ramkallawars for five. Bollers, a national youth player, and Gibson joined forces and shared in a half-century partnership before Zahid Talkudar got rid of the talented Bollers after he had reached the boundary four times and cleared it once in his entertaining 81. Gibson, just after reaching his first 50 in the tournament, fell to Aaron Perlins for 56 from 38 balls with six boundaries, which included three sixes. Troy Anderson made 31 with four boundaries before

Joshua Bollers (left) made 81 and took 2-22 and while Kyle Gibson hit six fours in 58 for Malteenoes

he was Bowled by Zahid Talkudar, while extras contributed 33 as Elija Mohamed took 2-20. GT X1 began their chase of the big target inauspicious-

ly when both openers departed for ducks and they never recovered despite a fighting 32 from Nathan Clarke. But once Bollers bowled

Clarke, only Talkudar (11) and Adam Mohamed (10) off the other batters, reached double figures as Budram (4-12) and Bollers (2-22) conspired to orchestrate the demise of the GT X1 batters. Meanwhile, in the other U-17 match over the weekend, Transport Sports Club (TSC) beat Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) by one run in a thrilling finish at the TSC ground. Prosper Jacobus hit three fours in a carefully constructed 53 from 72 balls while Emmanuel Lewis (29), Hezekiah Hohenkirk (21), Celeb Bastian (18), Mario Singh (17) and 21 Extras contributed to TSC’s 186 all out in 45.4 overs.

Kaylon Callender (3-27) and Jermane Grover (2-27) bowled well for the Queenstown team who were bowled out for 185 in 38.2 overs; two away from a victory and one away from a tie. Grovsnor led the fight with 53 from 33 balls with three fours, before he was run out. Kaiden Smith (25), Yeshua Hutson (28), Callender (24) and Makai Dowlin (23 not out from 27 balls with two fours and a six) and Aslam Ali for two runs from 44 balls, carried DCC to the brink of victory before Lewis bowled Ali. National female player Nyia Latchman (3-29) and Mikel Johnson (3-36) bowled TSC to victory. (Sean Devers)

Ben Stokes returns to BBL, joins Adelaide Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350* in Bangladesh A game Strikers for entire season ON December 16, 2025, Ben Stokes was at the Adelaide Oval demanding that his Test team “unleash the dog” in them. England were 0-2 behind in the Ashes and it felt as though their captain was carrying the load of the entire world on his shoulders. Exactly a year on, Stokes will be back in Australia, but this time being unleashed in an Adelaide Strikers’ jersey as he makes his long-awaited return to the Big Bash League. And he’ll do so at a time in his career, post international retirement, where he’s playing without seemingly a worry in the world. The former England captain and star all-rounder has officially signed up with the Strikers and will be available for the entire BBL season, starting with the opening encounter against Sydney Thunder in Canberra. He’ll stay with them right through the business end of the tournament in case the Strikers do qualify with the grand final this summer scheduled for January 26, 2027. It’s learnt that the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has been working tirelessly for a while to get Stokes to sign up, ever since he’d expressed his interest in returning to the BBL. Simon Insley, General Manager, Cricket, at SACA, led these

Ben Stokes at the Adelaide Oval

discussions with Stokes But they had to compete against a few of the other teams in the league, Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades in particular, who were also trying to get the 35-year-old into their ranks. According to the SACA, it was Stokes’ love for the Adelaide Oval and the city of Adelaide that played a big role in finally getting the deal over the line. The enigmatic lefthander is expected to have his family over during his monthand-a-half stay in Adelaide. “Ben is fully committed to donning the blue for the Strikers and being a true blue South Australian throughout the upcoming BBL season,” said a source within the SACA. Stokes has had a terrific run with bat and ball for

Durham across formats since his shock exit from international cricket during the Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand a few months earlier. He’s averaged 63.60 with the bat in the County Championship and 41.14 in List A cricket. Stokes last played a BBL game back in early 2015 and hasn’t played any T20 cricket since the 2023 IPL where he was part of the Chennai Super Kings. He did play a handful of games in The Hundred back in 2024. He’d already hung up his boots from white-ball international cricket by the time he quit Test cricket. But his arrival in Australia, apart from the media interest it’ll generate, will be a huge boost for the Strikers and the BBL as a whole. (Cricbuzz)

BANGLADESH ‘A’ skipper Towhid Hridoy became the first Bangladeshi batter to score 350 runs in first-class cricket. Six and a half years after helping Bangladesh make history by winning the Under-19 World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Hridoy returned to the same venue to create another piece of history. Hridoy, who became only the third Bangladeshi batter to score a triple hundred in firstclass cricket and surpassed Tamim Iqbal’s unbeaten 334 and Raqibul Hasan’s unbeaten 313 to register the highest firstclass score by a Bangladeshi batter, is also now the first Bangladeshi to score a firstclass triple century outside Bangladesh. Hridoy, whose 350 is the highest first-class score by an overseas batter in South Africa, is only the second batter to score at least 350 in a first-class innings in South Africa, after Stephen Cook’s 390. Towhid, who resumed on 204 overnight, remained unbeaten on 350 off 481 balls with 27 fours and 10 sixes, to achieve the feat during the fourth and final day of the second four-day match against South Africa ‘A’ at NWC Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. The match ended in a draw as Bangladesh declared their

Towhid Hridoy became the first Bangladeshi to score a first-class triple century outside Bangladesh

first innings at 676 for eight to take a 164-run lead while South Africa ‘A’, who had earlier scored 512 in their first innings, reached 18 without loss before the two teams agreed to a draw. South Africa ‘A’ won the two-match four-day series 1-0 despite the draw after securing

a massive innings-and-413-run victory in the opening game in Pretoria. The two teams will now face each other in a threematch one-day series, with the first match scheduled to take place in Bloemfontein on September 6. (Cricbuzz)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday September 3, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 153 matches (2) 94 wins Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times GAWs and TKR/Red Steel have met in CPL games to date? (2) How many GAWs have won? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2026

Defending champions Headquarters set to defend crown in GPF CoP T20 Cup FOUR-TIME defending champions Headquarters are through to the final of the Guyana Police Force Commissioner of Police (CoP) T20 Cup following a hard-fought 19-run victory over the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Academy at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, yesterday. Set a challenging 178 for victory, after Headquarters had reached 177 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, GPF Academy were left high and dry on 158 for five when their 20 overs expired. Opener Vishaul Williams led the charge for the GPF Academy with a fine 73 before he went via the runout route, his innings decorated with five fours and two sixes off 48 balls, while Jarel

Hemerdin was undefeated on 31, hitting one four and three sixes. Kapil Deo Charandeen was Headquarters’ best bowler with two for 11 from two overs. Earlier, skipper Ameer Mohamed batted responsibly for the defending champions, spanking nine fours in a top score of 49 off 37 balls, while Kanhaiya Ramkaran lashed a quick-fire 36 off 20 balls, spiced with two fours and three sixes and opener Andrew Lyght Jnr., 34 with four fours and four sixes. Joshua Kishundial excelled with the ball for the GPF Academy, bagging an impressive four for 22 from his four overs. Headquarters qualified for the semi-finals after opponents Presidential Guards failed to show up for their

encounter on Tuesday. The other semi-final, featuring the Tactical Services Unit and Region Six were being contested up to press time. Region Six upstaged Region 10 to earn their place in the semi-final, despite another brilliant knock by national wicket-keeper Kemol Savory, who followed up his 137 against Region 4C on Monday with an undefeated 123 on Tuesday. Taking first strike, Region 10 reached a formidable 205 for two in their 20 overs, with Savory, who has been called up to join the St Lucia Kings for the remainder of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), smashing 13 fours and six sixes in his brutal innings. Bevon Braithwaite was un-

defeated on 39 with three fours and three sixes. In reply, Region Six reached 208 for eight in 20 overs after needing 23 in the final over. Rocky Houston led the charge, spanking 10 fours and a six in his 72 while Kenwin Amsterdam, batting at number 10, was the last-over hero, blasting four fours and a six in an undefeated 22 to spark wild celebrations among the Region Six players. The other game, also played on Tuesday, saw the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) sending perennial “bridemaids” Officers packing, inflicting a six-wicket win on their opponents. Set 143 for victory, after restricting Officers to 142 for seven, TSU reached the required target in 13.5 overs

Headquarters skipper Ameer Mohamed hit a top score 49

with opener Eyon Rodrigues hitting a top score of 53 not out, which included six fours and a six while his opening partner Collis Burnett hit 38 (three fours and three sixes). Troy Benn was the

Joshua Kishundial of GPF Academy starred in a losing cause with figures of four for 22

standout for Officers, scoring 58 with six fours and two sixes, while skipper Ravindranauth Budhram supported with 25. Andre Baker claimed two for 32 for the TSU.

ICC confirms India as new ‘It’s just very messy’ – Green and Holder criticise umpiring host for inaugural Women’s after Charles no-ball incident BOTH St Kitts and Nevis There was no no-ball thought it was a no-ball be“In the Caribbean, we Champions Trophy Patriots and Barbados Tri- call on the field, but Charles cause it’s all about the point don’t want to see these THE ICC has confirmed India as the new host of the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, which was originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka. The tournament will take place from February 14 to 28, 2027. Cricbuzz had earlier reported that the tournament has been moved out of Sri Lanka due to government interference. The tournament will now be held at two venues in India: The Cricket Club of India, Mumbai (Brabourne Stadium) and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara. According to an ICC statement, three venues were assessed – Bangladesh, South Africa and India – with India being ratified by the ICC board on September 1. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is currently run by a government-appointed Transformation Committee tasked with overseeing reforms, including changes to its constitutional and governance structure. As per ICC’s policy, politically-appointed interim administration isn’t allowed. Earlier, Sri Lanka also lost hosting rights for the 2024 U19 World Cup, which

had to be moved to South Africa. As per the ICC’s statement, Sri Lanka Cricket “continues to make requisite reforms” as outlined at the ICC Annual Conference in July. The teams set to participate in the event are England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and India. It will be played in a round-robin structure, with the final set to take place on February 28. In a statement, ICC chairman Jay Shah said: “The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 marks an exciting new chapter for women’s cricket. “As the inaugural edition of the tournament, it will bring together the best teams in the world in an intense, high-quality competition, while creating even greater incentive for teams to continue rising through the rankings and competing for a place on the global stage. “With a marquee ICC women’s event now taking place every year, we have a significant opportunity to build greater momentum, provide more consistency and create a stronger rhythm for the women’s game, its players and its fans around the world.” (Cricbuzz)

dents desperately needed a win in their CPL 2026 match in Basseterre on Tuesday night. Patriots got it, but not without a big slice of controversy around their Player of the Match, Johnson Charles. Charles was out caught in the deep swatting a high full-toss; the initial decision was out; Charles trudged off, only to return after the third umpire reviewed his review, and the Tridents players weren’t happy at all. “The umpires tonight, I thought they managed the game poorly,” was Tridents captain Chris Green’s take after the game, which Patriots won by six wickets. What made it worse for the officials was that Jason Holder, the winning captain, was on Green’s side. “It’s probably a wake-up call for the umpires to be a bit firmer and more decisive,” Holder said. It was the fifth ball of the third over of Patriots’ chase of Tridents’ 217 for 4. Ramon Simmonds sent the ball in. It was high and in line with the stumps. Charles, then on 26, swung hard, mistimed it, and Sherfane Rutherford put in a big dive at deep square leg and scooped the ball up.

waited in the middle even as the on-field umpires Chris Wright and Zahid Bassarath asked for a review. After a series of replays, with the commentators on the broadcast concluding it was above the permissible height, the TV umpire Carl Tuckett flashed “OUT” on the giant screen. Charles trudged off, shaking his head. The next batter walked out. Simon Helmot of the Patriots support staff remonstrated with reserve umpire Gregory Brathwaite on the sidelines. There was uproar in the stands – Basseterre is Patriots’ home venue – and, curiously, the replays kept playing, with the Tridents players waiting. Suddenly, the giant screen flashed “NOT OUT”. And Charles was back, with Tuckett having reviewed the incident again and overturned his own decision. That in turn led to Green and Rutherford, among other Tridents players, having a go at the on-field umpires, but the decision had been made. And the free-hit was smashed for a six, rubbing salt in Tridents’ wounds. “From the very get-go, I

of contact, and I thought it was a no-ball right there and then,” Charles said on the broadcast after his 45-ball 78 had given Patriots their second win of the competition. “But you know, some controversies just liven up the game, and it’s all up to the umpires.” Charles might have made light of the situation, but Green was having none of it. “The umpires tonight, I thought they managed the game poorly with that decision in the way that a player goes off the field and then comes back on,” he said. “I think that needs to be looked at, and it’s not a good look for this tournament.” Johnson Charles turned his season around with a match-winning innings, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Barbados Tridents, CPL 2026, Basseterre, September 1, 2026 Green added that there was “no communication” from the umpires on what had happened. “Look, I wasn’t over there [in the middle], so I don’t really have the ground to comment. But for me, it’s just very messy,” Holder said.

things happening. It’s probably a wake-up call for the umpires to be a bit firmer and more decisive in their decision-making. “It doesn’t look good seeing a player go off the field and then have to be called back on.” It seemed to bring the best out of Charles, though, after a pedestrian run in the tournament prior to this outing. His best in five innings before this game was 21, and only twice in those innings had he scored at over a run a ball. Now, he suddenly has an average of 26.16 and a strike rate of 131.93. “Well, yeah, I’m a bit late to the party,” Charles joked after the game. “I must say I’ve been seeing the ball pretty big and I’ve been in good form. Confidence is high, but it was just not coming through, and that’s cricket. You know, that’s how the game goes. But I’m happy I’m back and doing good things for the team. Even if I’m late to the party, I’m just hoping I can put the team in a very good position.” The win took Patriots to the fifth spot on the points table, while Tridents are still at the bottom. (Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2026

calls for establishment of high-level Steve’s Jewellery announced Sands sports commission as Official Jeweller of the IMC Over-40s Cricket World Cup THE Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) yesterday announced Steve’s Jewellery as the Official Jeweller of the IMC Over-40s Cricket World Cup being hosted in Guyana this year. This partnership unites an international tournament hosting 16 teams across 72 matches, with Steve’s Jewellery recognised as one of the most reputable and premier jewellers in Georgetown, Guyana. As the official jeweller, Steve’s Jewellery will serve as the trusted destination for products of this establishment for players, officials, and supporters attending the event. Steve has been well known for its excellence and quality standards and will present a gold chain with a cricket-bat pendant adorned with diamonds to the player of the tournament. Tournament Director of the World Cup, Raj Singh, said Steve’s Jewellery represents Guyanese craftsmanship and enterprise, offering an excellent platform to showcase the quality of our local businesses to an international audience. The collaboration was formally recognised during a presentation at Steve’s

Tournament Director Raj Singh, left, receives the Player-of-the-Tournament prize from Steve Naraine, owner of Steve’s Jewellery

Jewellery in Georgetown, where Singh was presented with a stunning gold chain featuring a cricket-bat pendant adorned with diamonds to commemorate the partnership. This gold-and-diamond chain was individually crafted by the master himself, Steve Naraine. Steve’s Jewellery is located at 301 Church Street, South Cummingsburg,

Georgetown. They offer both local and foreign customers exciting choices from a dazzling array of exquisitely designed gold and diamond Jewellery. Their main materials used are, white and yellow gold ranging from 12, 14, 18 and 22 karats, and Sterling Silver. Diamonds and other gemstones are hand-set. Website: wvvw. steveslewellery.com | Telephone: +592 223-9641

76ers bring in seven-foot-six Tacko Fall, two others THE Philadelphia 76ers signed three players including 7-foot-6 centre Tacko Fall, the team announced on Tuesday. Guard Jameer Nelson Jr and ‌forward Saint Thomas also signed contracts, with the team not disclosing terms. Fall, 30, played last season for the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association. The Senegal native averaged ⁠2.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 6.2 minutes in 37 games (one start) over parts of three seasons with the Boston Celtics (201921) and Cleveland Cavaliers (2021-22). Nelson, 25, averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 25.3 minutes in 25 games last

NASSAU, Bahamas,(CMC) – President of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), Mike Sands has called for CARICOM to consider establishing a high-level sports commission or sub-committee. Speaking on Saturday’s TalkSports programme, Sands contended that political leaders needed more structured and continuous engagement with sport beyond the regional grouping’s existing focus on cricket. “Maybe it’s time for CARICOM to select one of those leaders to be the chair of a sports commission, if they don’t already have one. “There should be a subcommittee probably for sports. That’s the point I make – not just cricket, sport,” Sands maintained. The NACA president said there was an opportunity to build on the recent engagement between CARICOM and regional athletics, particularly as preparations

NACAC President Mike Sands

begin for Guyana to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games. “If we really want to sensitise our heads to the importance of sport, I think they need to be gathered in one place on a more regular basis,” Sands said. “…Politics change the individual, but it should not change some principal things about nation-building.” Sands also stressed that any regional initiative should recognise the wider CARIFTA family and not be confined solely to CAR-

ICOM membership. He noted that while all CARIFTA members may not belong to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), OECS members form part of the CARIFTA structure. Sands said one of the longer-term outcomes should be a stronger relationship between CARICOM and the wider sporting community, creating more regular dialogue on the contribution sport can make to national and regional development.

Prime Minister’s Softball Cup... (From back page) minate on Sunday, October 4, Queen’s College, YMCA, Transport Sports Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club and Gandhi Youth Organisation. GSCL president Ian John pointed out that the launching of this year’s tournament will be held shortly. At a previous launching,

Prime Minister Phillips lauded the strides made by the GSCL, citing the competition as one he hopes will continue to grow from strength to strength with every coming year. The Prime Minister also indicated that he was happy to be associated with the tournament, pointing out

that it was a signature event that people look forward to. He noted that it’s impressive how the fraternity ensures that the tournament grows bigger with each edition and made a special request to have more women on board since it is a huge part of their development too.

Patriots survive de Kock century... (From back page)

Philadelphia 76ers seven-foot-six centre Tacko Fall

season for the Stockton Kings of the ⁠League. He is the son of Jameer Nelson, 44, who played 14 years in the NBA for six different teams from 2004-18. The elder Nelson is ⁠executive vice president of basketball operations for the Sixers. Thomas, 23, averaged

12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists ⁠in 36 games last season for Philadelphia’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. ⁠He played in four games for the 76ers’ 2026 Summer League team and averaged 4.5 points, 4.2 boards and 15.5 minutes. (Reuters)

off the field, the third umpire reviewed the footage once again and overturned the decision, calling the batsman back to the crease. It proved to be a decisive moment in the match, as Johnson and Charles put on a further 77 runs to give the Patriots a blazing start during a partnership of 112 runs in just over 10 overs. During that stand, Charles reached his half century in 29 balls by thumping Mujeeb Ur Rahman through cover point for four. Rutherford got the breakthrough for the Tridents when he had Mayers run out at the non-striker’s end off

his bowling for 29. Charles eventually perished after hitting seven sixes and six fours, but knocks of 36 from Dasun Shanaka, an unbeaten 22 from Andre Fletcher and Wanindu Hasaranga, who finished unbeaten on 18 off four balls carried the Patriots over the line. Earlier, de Kock’s 106 from just 57 balls with 11 fours and six sixes put the Tridents in a strong position. Together with opener Zachary Carter, who smashed 57 off 36 balls and hit seven sixes and one four, they shared a 116-run partnership for the second wicket following the early loss of Brandon

King, who made just four. Hasaranga ended the stand by having Carter caught, but de Kock and Sherfane Rutherford added 70 runs in six overs to see the visitors progress to 189 for three in the 19th over. De Kock reached his second CPL century off 54 balls by hitting Holder for a six and four off successive deliveries in the 18th over. It took an unbelievable diving catch by Navin Bidaisee at deep cover to dismiss de Kock, but captain Chris Green finished the innings in fine style by hitting two sixes in his unbeaten knock of 18 off seven balls.

Prime Minister’s Softball Cup set for first weekend in October

Flashback: Launching of the 2024 tournament at the Muslim Youth Organisation - From left are Inderjeet Persaud (Emcee)), Mahendra Hardyal (owner of Regal teams), John Ramsingh, Ershad Mahamad (Guydrones), Prime Minister Mark Phillps, Telesha Ousman (GSCL Secretary), Dr Jinendra Singh and GSCL Ian John

By Frederick Halley FOLLOWING a one-year hiatus in 2025 to facilitate the staging of the One Guyana Unification Cup, the ninth edition of the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc., in conjunction with the Office of the Prime Minister, is set to return on the weekend of October 2-4. According to the organisers, over $300,000,000

in prize money and other incentive prizes will be up for grabs in the mega threeday extravaganza with Prime Minister Mark Phillips serving as the patron. Matches will be contested in the usual three men’s categories – Open All Class, Masters Over-40, Legends Over-50 and Women with the men contesting the usual 20 overs and the women 12. Registration is already underway and interested teams are asked to contact the GSCL Secretary, Telesha

…Over three million dollars and other incentives up for grabs Ousman at Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville. Registration fee for all three men’s categories is $150,000. Teams competing in the women’s categories are asked to note that the first eight teams to register will be given preference with the registration fee set at $40,000. The winning teams in all three men’s categories are guaranteed $800,000 and the runners-up $200,000, but these prizes are subject to

at least eight teams participating. Winners in the eight-team women’s division will cart off $200,000 and the runners-up $80, 000. The Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in all three men’s categories will ride away with motorcycles while the MVP in the women’s division will be the recipient of an electric air fryer. Players of the match in all four finals will also be awarded with trophies. The winners, runners-up

and all incentive trophies will once again be sponsored by the ever-popular Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall fame. The respective defending champions are: Speedboat – All Stars Open, Ariel Masters – Masters Over-40, Berbice’s Jai Hind – Legends Over-50 and Linden’s Supreme Stars – Women. Among the teams expressing interest to date in the Legends Over-50 category are defending champions Jai Hind, Regal Legends, New York Softball Cricket

League (NYSCL) Legends, Parika Legends, Fisherman Legends, Essequibo and Corriverton Legends. Defending champions Speedboast, Ariel Guyana Knight Riders, Regal All Stars, Hyde Park All Stars, Name Brand/Corriverton and Ephan X1 are the teams already lined up for the open All Stars category. Among the venues slated to be used are Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, where all the finals will cul(Turn to page 23)

Patriots survive de Kock century to extend Tridents’ losing streak From left: Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine during the renaming of a stand in their honour at the Queen’s Park Oval

Stand renamed in honour of Bravo, Narine and Pollard PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC )– Trinidadian trio Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard have been honoured with a stand named after them at the Queen’s Park Oval. The Bravo, Pollard, Narine Stand, formerly known as the Trini Posse Stand, was unveiled on Monday as part of Trinidad & Tobago’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.

The stand joins several sections of the historic venue named after Trinidad & Tobago greats, including the Brian Lara Pavilion, the Deryck Murray Players’ Gallery, the Jeffrey Stollmeyer Stand and the Learie Constantine Stand. The trio has been central to the rise of T20 cricket: Pollard has played 751 T20s and has scored 14,933 runs and picked up 341 wickets, while Bravo finished his

career with 631 wickets and 6970 runs from 582 T20s. Narine recently became only the second bowler to take 650 T20 wickets and is the leading wicket-taker in Caribbean Premier League history, from his 614 T20 games. Narine and Pollard are currently representing the Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, while Bravo is part of the franchise’s coaching staff.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Johnson Charles took full advantage of a controversial decision by the third umpire to power the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to an impressive six-wicket victory over the Barbados Tridents in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here on Tuesday night. Thanks mainly to Quinton de Kock’s superb century, the Tridents would have fancied their chances of ending their two-game skid when they posted a formidable 217 for four in 20 overs at Warner Park after being asked to bat. However, Charles, who was given out and then recalled to the field, returned to blast 78 off 45 balls as the home side pulled off the fourth highest chase in CPL history to get up to 220 for four with five balls remaining. But the talking point of

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Quinton de Kock scored a century in a losing effort for the Barbados Tridents

the night was undoubtedly the decision by TV umpire Carl Tuckett to reverse the ruling by the onfield umpires in giving Charles out. The Patriots got off to a blistering start with Charles and Kyle Mayers putting on 28 runs in the first three overs. After hitting left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds for

six in the second ball of the fourth over, Charles hit a full toss three balls later to deep midwicket where he was spectacularly caught by Sherfane Rutherford when he was 26 and the score 35. Despite Charles arguing that the delivery was a waisthigh no ball, he was initially given out, but as he trudged (Turn to page 23)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026