- says upcoming elections represent Guyana’s commitment to renewing democratic covenant between its citizens, gov’t
- President Ali says at commissioning ceremony - emphasises government’s commitment to uplifting young people, providing ‘bridges’ to opportunity, avenues for success - Dr. Jagdeo says; rejects Patterson’s claims Ogle-Eccles highway on the cards since 2003
- Dr. Jagdeo says, as he points to thousands of teachers trained, rehabilitation of over 100 schools, free university, and debt write-off
Modern $940.7M Christ Church Secondary brings Guyana closer to universal education
- President Ali says at commissioning ceremony
- emphasises government’s commitment to uplifting young people, providing ‘bridges’ to opportunity, avenues for success
By Naomi Parris
NOW equipped with modern laboratories and a multipurpose indoor facility, the Christ Church Secondary School was on Thursday commissioned
as students and teachers filled the school’s spanking new auditorium with applauses.
Dr. Ali noted that the tragedy had not only damaged the physical infrastructure but also disrupted the daily routines of hundreds of
while there is a heavy push for enhanced infrastructure, simultaneous investments in ensuring that universal education is achieved and educators are well trained to give the nation’s children the best chance of succeeding.
by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
Back in 2023, the school which had stood as a landmark and a testimony to Guyana’s education system had been maliciously set a blaze, destroying the then two storey wooden building.
“A cruel hand was dealt to the school, its students and staff in a matter of hours, de-
students and educators. However, he emphasised that the government was committed to rebuilding the school and ensuring that students could continue their education without further interruption.
“These are not just buildings. They are bridges to opportunity. They are declarations that every child matters,
In fact, he noted that by the end of 2026, Guyana will achieve universal secondary education.
“Secondary education is that bridge between childhood and citizenship. It is a foundation upon which careers are built, and nations are developed. It is the gateway to higher education
cades of memories, tradition and dreams were reduced to ashes… but today, with hearts full of pride and eyes lifted toward promise, we declare without hesitation and without apology, Christ Church is back in business, the business of education, empowerment and enlightenment,” President Ali said
no matter where they are born or what their last name is… every corner of Guyana from the coast to the savannahs, I've been opening doors, doors that will never be again closed to our young people.”
The President further noted that the government is making strategic investments in the education sector and
ensures the development is not a privilege, but a shared national experience.”
Meanwhile Education Minister Priya Manickchand noted that the government’s continued investments in the education system are not simply about erecting new buildings but ensuring that children across the country have access to a solid education.
“Whichever school they
equally important is the training of educators. In Georgetown the percentage of trained teachers in 2020 was 73 per cent and in 2025 it is 98.5 per cent.
Head Teacher of the school, Monet Greene-Pitt stated that the ceremonial commissioning marks not just the opening of a new school building but also the revival of a legacy lost in a past tragedy, which strength-
and upward mobility, entrepreneurship and economic independence,” President Ali said.
He stressed that it is at the secondary level that children are nurtured. “Secondary education drives economic growth. An educated workforce attracts investment, boosts productivity and
get to, because you know that with us training teachers, with us providing the textbooks, with us providing the resources like smart classrooms, your children are going to get a solid education wherever they go, that’s the dream.”
She pointed out that
ened their determination to maintain excellence.
She described the new facility as a modern structure that represents possibilities, pride, and a future filled with dreams and achievements for the students of Christ Church Secondary School.
“Today, as we look at this
beautiful, modern facility, we see more than just breath and martyr. We see possibilities. We see pride. We see a future that will uniquely be created for each student of Christ Church Secondary School.”
On January 23, 2023, Christ Church Secondary School was gutted by a maliciously set fire, affecting 560 students.
After discussions with teachers and parents, students were housed at the Cyril Potter College of Education, while construction of a new building began in March of that same year.
Despite students being displaced, the school recorded an improved matriculation rate from 38 per cent to a 65 per cent.
In September 1964, the then Government of Guyana, in an effort to promote free secondary education, had its first experiment in this regard when it merged the secondary departments of St. Ambrose Anglican, Kingston Methodist and St. George’s Anglican schools with the Secondary Department of Christ Church Anglican to form what is presently known as the Christ Church Secondary School.
The new $940.7 million facility now houses 20 classrooms with the capacity to accommodate 30-40 students in each along with eight laboratories.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Thursday joined the students and teachers of the Christ Church Secondary School for the commissioning of a new building after the old one was destroyed by a maliciously set fire in 2023 (Delano Williams photos)
Mark Phillips to return as PPP/C’s pick for PM candidate - Dr. Jagdeo
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips stands firm as the trusted Prime Minister for Guyana’s future, and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has confirmed that he will return as prime ministerial candidate in the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections.
During a press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Georgetown, he dismissed recent claims from opposition-aligned media suggesting that Phillips will not be chosen.
The baseless rumour that Phillips would be replaced in the Prime Ministerial slot was debunked as “stupidity propagated by the least credible source”.
Dr. Jagdeo reaffirmed that Phillips remains a time-tested, credible, and capable leader.
Dr. Jagdeo said: “Mark Phillips has been a great Prime Minister for this country. Mark Phillips has decency, credibility, headed the army, command -
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali
ed people, and he walks around this country with pride, and we're proud of him. Combined, all of the other candidates on the other side don't have the decency and the skill of Mark Phillips; we're very proud, and he shall be our prime ministerial candidate. In our camp, we don't make decisions one day and change it the other day.”
Phillips was sworn in as the 9th Executive Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana under President Dr. Irfaan
Public Management from the University of Guyana, and a Master of Science in Public Sector Management from La Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic.
Phillips was chosen as the running mate of People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate Dr. Ali in the Guyana 2020 General and Regional Elections.
President Ali signs proclamation dissolving parliament
Ali on August 2, 2020. He served as the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) from 2013 to 2016.
Brigadier Phillips has two Post-graduate Diplomas: One in Advanced Defence and Security Studies from the Inter-American Defence College in Washington D.C., and another in Defence Studies from the United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences in
On August 2, 2020, the PPC/C was officially declared the winner of the 2020 General and Regional Elections in Guyana. On that same day, Dr. Ali was sworn in as the 9th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and as his first official act as President, appointed Phillips as Prime Minister of Guyana.
Following his appointment as Prime Minister, Phillips was assigned the energy sector, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the information sector, and the telecommunications sector.
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday signed the proclamation to dissolve the Parliament of Guyana, making way for the general and regional elections on September 1, 2025.
“Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democratic state. The upcoming elections represent our country’s commitment to renewing the democratic covenant between its citizens and government,” the President said in a live broadcast on his Facebook page.
In accordance with Article 70 (2) of the Constitution, Proclamation No.1 of 2025 officially dissolved the 12th Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
Additionally, the proclamation will also dissolve the Regional Democratic
Councils, in accordance with Article 73 (2) of the Constitution.
The President urged all Guyanese to participate fully in the electoral process, as is their democratic right, emphasising their critical role in the decision-making process of electing a government that represents their interests. Eyes will now be on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in the run-up to September 1 as the elections body will oversee the preparation and execution of the voting process.
The President reiterated his support for GECOM, noting, “I remain confident in its ability to hold, free, fair, and credible elections. I urge all Guyanese to support the work of GECOM.” (DPI)
President Ali signs the proclamation dissolving Parliament
Gov’t secures insurance funding for some 6,000 rice farmers
- President Ali announces
FUNDING has been secured by the Government of Guyana to now provide just about 6,000 rice farmers with insurance, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced.
“We are writing ink on paper, not only ready to give 6,000 rice farmers insurance over the next two years in a phased way, but I got the funding to give them that insurance.”
This comes after rigorous discussions and deliberations with several financial institutions and firms.
According to President Ali, the agreement was not without its challenges. During the discussions, many institutions indicated concerns about climate
vulnerability.
But it is for this exact reason the government has been pushing for a mechanism that can safeguard farmers in the event of a climate crisis.
The government for the past three years has been engaging firms to establish an insurance mechanism.
“When the world doubts us, that is more exciting because we are energised to prove the naysayers wrong,” Dr. Ali added.
Back in 2021, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had declared Guyana to be in a state of disaster by virtue of the ongoing flooding at the time.
In June of that year, a
total of 28,228 households were affected by flooding, some with water entering their homes, domestic animals and livestock in distress, or farmlands inundated.
The floods, caused by heavy rainfall, resulted in some 300 communities being directly affected for a protracted period. An assessment showed that the agriculture sector was most affected, with some 92,000 acres of farmland completely affected, and approximately $23 billion or more in loss of production.
The sugar industry suffered estimated losses of more than $1.5 billion in the fields, while more than 50 per cent of mining
operations were affected.
The rice industry had seen the loss of approximately 50,000 acres of produce with more than 2,000 farmers affected. Some 2,000 livestock farmers were also affected.
The National Assembly subsequently approved a supplemental budgetary allocation of $10 billion to provide immediate interventions to farmers and other citizens who were gravely affected by the floods.
Farmers within the context of a homestead received $100,000 each; those with kitchen gardens received $50,000 each, and households excluding homestead and
kitchen garden received 50,000 each.
Other support in the form of seeds, tools and other incentives was provided to farmers.
The supplementary fund for flooding had also facilitated the exe-
cution of critical emergency repairs to a number of public infrastructure such as roads and bridges that had been destroyed by the unprecedented levels of floodwater.
Students who wrote CXC exams in 2025 to be reimbursed for up to eight subjects - President Ali
STUDENTS who sat this year's Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) will be reimbursed for up to eight subjects, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali disclosed on Thursday.
The Head of State made the announcement while addressing the ceremonial commissioning of the Christ Church Secondary School.
Back in April, President Ali had announced that the government would cover the cost of at least eight CSEC and CAPE subjects.
“These are policies that we are embracing; this is the future that we are cre-
ating. We don’t wait for events for us to invest in the people and their future. We are not a seasonal presence in your lives,” President Ali had said.
In 2024, Guyana excelled at CSEC, securing top positions among candidates across the region.
Guyana proudly ranked in the top ten candidates
per subject for 13 subject areas. The country has also recorded remarkable performances at the CAPE level over the years.
Since 2020, the Ministry of Education has been committed to ensuring equitable access to quality education across the nation.
Key interventions included providing free access to high-quality text -
books, expanding the Learning Channel to reach remote communities, and reintroducing and raising the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant programme to support families.
These initiatives have reduced barriers to educational resources and helped ensure that all students can excel academically.
Rice farmers in Guyana now stand to benefit from access to insurance safeguarding them in the event of a natural disaster
APNU’s Crisis of Credibility
AS the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) prepares for its Sunday campaign launch at the Square of the Revolution, the party faces an unprecedented crisis of credibility that threatens to overshadow any policy pronouncements or electoral promises.
What was meant to be a triumphant beginning to their 2025 electoral campaign has instead become a desperate attempt to salvage what remains of a political movement haemorrhaging its most prominent figures.
The timing of this launch could not be more precarious. With general and regional elections scheduled for September 1, APNU finds itself in the unenviable position of having to present a unified front, while simultaneously dealing with what can only be described as a mass exodus of key party members.
The irony is stark, as a
party that once prided itself on being a coalition of political forces, now struggles to maintain even the appearance of internal cohesion.
The list of defections reads like a political obituary.
Parliamentarian Geeta Chandan-Edmond; Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram; Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy; attorney James Bond, and former APNU+AFC Minister Sydney Allicock have all abandoned ship, endorsing the governing People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) instead. Even more damaging was the revelation by Sandy, who served as APNU+AFC's Campaign Manager-Operations for the East Coast of Demerara in 2020, that he possesses evidence proving the coalition lost the 2020 elections—a fact he claims the party leadership knows but refuses to acknowledge.
This exodus is not merely numerical; it represents a fundamental breakdown in
trust and credibility. When your own campaign manager publicly contradicts your electoral narrative, when respected legal minds like James Bond distance themselves from your leadership, and when regional strongmen like Seeram and Sandy publicly endorse your opponents, the message is clear: the party has lost its way.
Adding to APNU's woes are persistent accusations that the party has resorted to artificial intelligence to generate policy positions, a charge that speaks to deeper concerns about the party's intellectual capacity and authenticity.
This controversy gains particular resonance given President Ali's recent warnings about the dangers of AI-generated content in political discourse, in which he emphasised that "information disseminators are not relying on facts, science, and those things."
The accusation of
AI-generated policies is particularly damaging because it suggests a party devoid of genuine vision or authentic leadership.
When combined with the PPP/C's criticism that APNU and AFC are "focused on negotiating political positions rather than national development," the picture emerges of a political movement more concerned with power-sharing arithmetic than with governing.
Perhaps most embarrassing is the manner in which APNU has attempted to revive its electoral fortunes by poaching members from the very Alliance For Change (AFC) it failed to form a coalition with.
The appointment of Juretha Fernandes as prime ministerial candidate, alongside the defections of Sherod Duncan and Deonarine Ramsaroop, represents a stunning admission of failure. Here is a party that spent months in failed negotiations with the
AFC, only to resort to picking off individual members when those talks collapsed.
The irony is delicious, as APNU's campaign launch will prominently feature faces from the AFC, the very party that told them a Norton-led coalition would lack "national appeal and the likeability necessary for national mobilisation to be victorious at the polls."
When your prime ministerial candidate comes from a party that publicly questioned your electoral viability, what does that say about your own political talent pool?
Also, when your own members describe you as "lost" and having "more factions than under any other leader," the electoral prospects are grim.
As APNU takes the stage at the Square of the Revolution this Sunday, all eyes will indeed be on the party but not in the way they hoped. The launch will be scrutinised not for its policy announcements
or electoral promises, but for what it reveals about a party in terminal decline.
The presence of AFC defectors on stage will serve as a constant reminder of APNU's failure to build meaningful coalitions, while the absence of departed stalwarts will underscore the party's credibility crisis.
The cruel irony is that APNU's campaign launch, meant to project strength and unity, will instead highlight the party's fundamental weaknesses. In politics, as in life, timing is everything and APNU's timing could not be worse.
Launching a campaign while haemorrhaging support, defending against accusations of policy plagiarism and promoting defections from a party you were in negotiations with to form a coalition, is not a recipe for electoral success. Sunday's launch will not be a beginning. It will be a wake.
We will always proudly represent workers’ rights
Dear Editor,
THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union’s (GAWU) attention has been drawn to a letter signed by former Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine, which appeared in the July 03, 2025, Stabroek News and a few social media pages.
In his letter, Pandit Narine held himself out to be a purveyor of truth. Such characterisations come as the former Mayor, on the Freddie Kissoon show of June 30, 2025, flat out disavowed any knowledge that his party – the PNC/R – was involved in rigging the 2020 National and Regional Elections. Tsk tsk Pandit Ji.
The Pandit’s newfound embrace of sugar workers is interesting. We do not recall him adding his voice when the sugar estates were closed, thousands of Guyanese lost their livelihoods, and tens of thousands more were pushed into despair. Instead, the self-righteous religious leader remained mute, as far as we recall.
The former Mayor speaks of deflection and revisionism. Such labels are more appropriately applied to him. Had Pandit Narine been careful, he would have known that very early on, it was said that Wales Estate would not be reopened.
On September 02, 2020, the Newsroom reported that
then newly elected President Irfaan Ali said Wales was pulled to pieces and could not be salvaged.
Of course, we do not need a CoI, a regular outlet of former President David Granger, to tell us who pulled the estate into pieces.
On March 03, 2018, Kaieteur News reported on the expressions to sell Wales’ assets, seemingly under the guise of scrap metal.
Former workers of that estate informed GAWU that many critical operational components were sold off as ‘scrap metal’ to apparently chosen bidders.
Again, deflection is in full force regarding the reopening of Skeldon. The
Guyana Times reported on February 23, 2025, that Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said cane cultivation will be resumed at Skeldon this year.
According to the newspaper report, the minister said it was anticipated that 1,500 hectares would be cultivated by the end of this year. Who is engaged in propaganda now, Pandit?
The former Mayor discusses GuySuCo’s indebtedness to the NIS and the pension scheme. We are not au fait with the quoted numbers and would refrain from commenting.
Nonetheless, we can say, without hesitation, that the union has ensured
that sugar workers, like all union members, benefit from all their conditions of work.
As far as we know, workers have been accessing their NIS benefits and GuySuCo pensions when they become due. Regarding NIS specifically, we know of concerns surrounding workers' NIS contribution records.
As current and former workers approach the union, we continue to represent such issues to the NIS and the GuySuCo as the case may be.
The GAWU finds it disappointing that a religious leader, a position of great reverence and respect, has
chosen to knowingly, from all appearances, mislead and deceive.
We see former Mayor Narine’s attack on the union as a propagandistic ploy intended to dupe Guyanese.
Our union remains proud of its record in defence of all union members and the working-class generally, and we will not be distracted by those who, from all appearances, have too much time on their hands as they attempt to boost their waning political credentials.
Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine President GAWU
Looking at the people who criticise the government
NOTHING shocks me in the realm of politics in this country, but I have to confess that Kit Nascimento’s words about what Chris Ram did him indeed shocked me. You can produce books on Mr Ram’s criticisms of the government because he is a relentless critic of the ruling party.
Here are the words of Mr Nascimento in his published letter: “I have received an e-mail from one of Mr Ram’s Legal Clerk [sic] with an attachment of a filing in the Supreme Court Registry, notifying the Court that Mr Ram has withdrawn as my Attorney as a Defendant in a case against me for defamation from former President, David Arthur Granger. Mr Ram neither had the courage to discuss nor consult with me before so acting.”
If this is true, it comes at an advantageous time for the ruling PPP. We are in an election campaign period and it will dent the credibility of the opposition that berates the government non-stop on lack of accountability.
How can Mr Ram, a perennial preacher against the government, not see that he has to set a standard that is higher than those he criticises?
Are people going to give serious consideration to Mr Ram’s thoughts on government’s flaw in the context of what Mr Nascimento is accusing him off? It is two weeks since Mr Nascimento made that accusation against Ram and we are yet to see a reaction from Ram?
The accountability deficit seems to touch all those who condemn state behaviour, of which the latest sinner cannot be found in three opposition parties.
Ms Amanza Walton-Desir has merged her organisation,
Guyana” with two other small parties. The merger took place in front of the media. Then came a bombshell that should be a warning to voters.
The three parties refused to make the merger document public and refused to field questions from the media. It was after moments of embarrassment and hypocrisy were manifested that the three parties relented. This should be a stark warning to voters.
These people want your vote, but they are not prepared to be accountable to the Guyanese people. The voters got a taste of what these people really are. If they are not in power as yet and they are unaccountable and arrogant, think of how they will behave if they have power.
But the hypocrisy within the political merger was matched by the Stabroek News (SN) that reported on the launching of the coalition of these three parties. The SN devoted almost half a page on the launching, but not a word was printed on the commotion that followed when the leaders of the three parties refused to take questions from the media.
The journalists who were present protested the position of the three parties in refusing to take questions. This is the very newspaper that is more relentless than Christopher Ram in bashing the government every day for all the crimes in the world. But it didn’t see that it was committing the very malignant behaviour that it accuses the government of.
Then there is the new kid on the block – Azruddin Mohamed. When a Trinidadian journalist began to put questions to him about the sanctions against him by the American government, he was
abusive to the man.
So, we have Ram, Walton-Desir and her party colleagues and Azruddin Mohamed lambasting the government on a daily basis, but do they have the credibility to castigate the society?
Ram is not contesting the elections so the burden is less on him to show his obligations to the Guyanese people. But Walton-Desir and her coalition partners and Mohamed are asking people to vote for them so they can govern Guyana. But do they have the leadership qualities to do so?
It was certainly an eye-opener when Walton-Desir and her fellow politicians accepted questions only after the press protested their undemocratic decision. The least said of Mohamed, the better.
I have always argued since I was a very young columnist with the Catholic Standard and the Stabroek News that people cannot criticise the use of power when they are in no moral position to do so. This has been a thread running through my columns the past 36 years.
There are many more accusations to make against those who want to remove the PPP. Two issues call for separate columns which I will shortly compose. One is the illegal expulsion of the three AFC parliamentarians that left the AFC to go over to APNU. The other is Nigel Hughes’ position on David Hinds, should Nigel join Hinds in a coalition with APNU. I close by saying – be careful how you vote.
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.
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Gov’t hired lobbying firm to protect Guyana’s sovereignty, not target Mohamed - Jagdeo says
GUYANA’S Vice-President and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has defended the government’s decision to hire a United States (U.S.) lobbying firm, emphasising that the move is a deliberate, high-level strategy to protect Guyana’s sovereignty.
During a press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Georgetown, the Vice-President responded to questions about the government’s hiring of Continental Strategy, after tweets from U.S. congresspersons raised alarms about US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed’s candidacy in the upcoming elections.
Documents filed by the company show that the Guyana government hired the firm for federal engagements and advocacy in America.
Vice-President Jagdeo made it clear that in the face of aggression from the Venezuelan regime that actively lobbies U.S. policymakers and circulates misinformation, Guyana cannot afford to stand alone on the international stage.
Engaging experts with influence in the U.S., he explained, is essential to maintaining the diplomatic support Guyana needs to safeguard its territorial in-
tegrity.
“We believe that the lobbying firm, because of their connection in the U.S. Government and their presence, this is a major form to help to fight off Venezuelan threat. They see more than what we have seen, they don't share everything with us,” he said.
U.S Congresswoman, Maria Elvira Salazar has issued a firm warning that Guyanese must not allow sanctioned persons to jeopardise Guyana’s vital relationship with her nation.
Salazar, represents Florida’s 27th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and background in journalism, according to reports, have shaped her focus on international relations and national security issues.
Beyond jeopardising Guyana’s relationship with the U.S., Congressman Carlos Gimenez, on Monday, warned that the Bolivarian Republic is attempting to destabilise Guyana’s sovereignty by backing the U.S.-sanctioned businessman.
It is widely known that Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and
Guyana’s Vice-President and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
Team Mohamed’s Racing, on June 11, 2024, were sanctioned by U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which oversees sanctions against individuals and entities tied to illicit activities and hostile foreign governments.
According to a statement from OFAC, this is related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kilogrammes (kg) of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
ic work to guarantee that Guyana’s allies are well-informed on any threats posed by neighbouring Venezuela.
“We have a threat with Venezuela, you know that Venezuela has threatened the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana,” he said.
The President further stated: ““We have the capability that is necessary with our allies to keep our allies informed and to work with us in ensuring that at a diplomatic level, our message and our communication is intact.”
The Vice-President used the opportunity on Thursday to firm state that the government is not involved in shaping the lobbying firm’s day-to-day agenda and has not directed the firm to target any individual.
“We don't tell the lobbyists what to do on a daily basis. We don't tell them what to do on a daily basis,” the Vice-President said in response to claims that the lobbying firm has been instructed to raise concerns about the presidential hopeful with U.S officials.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday had told reporters that the government has been engaged in diplomat-
Global and local stakeholders have consistently cautioned Guyanese about the implications of associating with persons who have been sanctioned for illicit activities.
There are several videos on social media in which Azruddin, who has entered politics under the banner We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), could be heard telling citizens he has been sanctioned by the Government of Guyana, when, in fact, it is the U.S. that has imposed severe sanctions on him.
Both President Ali and Vice-President Jagdeo have outlined the risks involved with being associated with the sanctioned Mohameds.
Dr. Jagdeo, on several occasions, has said that defy-
ing the sanctions by the US Treasury Department would jeopardise the stability of the country.
“We could shut down the entire financial system if the Mohameds had continued owning a Cambio licence. The banks cut all ties. Just imagine if they would continue allowing the Mohameds to do business with them; they could be subjected to US sanctions,” Jagdeo lamented.
The U.S. has been a close ally to Guyana in the areas of defence, the preservation of democracy, trade, social development, and other crucial areas of national importance.
In the face of aggression from Venezuela in the ongoing border controversy, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to Guyana, had issued a stern warning to the Bolivarian, noting: “If they were to attack Guyana or attack ExxonMobil or anything like that, it would be a very bad day; a very bad week for them, and it would not end well.”
He added: “I’m not going to get into the details of what we’ll do. We’re not big on those kinds of threats; I think everybody understands.”
Ogle-Eccles highway on the cards since 2003
- Dr. Jagdeo says, rejects
THE shameless attempt by the opposition of trying to take credit for projects made possible by the economic recovery that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) fought for was highlighted by the party’s General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday.
During a press conference at Freedom House, Georgetown, Dr. Jagdeo responded to Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, David Patterson’s claim that the APNU+AFC conceptualised the recently opened Ogle to Eccles Highway and it was estimated to cost US$208.1 million.
Dr. Jagdeo blasted the Opposition politician’s attempt to take credit for the highway, noting that this was mapped out since under his tenure as President.
He went on to explain that they could not build then, because they were busy saving Guyana.
“Our starting point, according to Carl Greenidge, the outstanding debt was nine times the size of our economy…” he said.
He noted that the PPP inherited a country where 94 per cent of all revenue was going just to pay debt, leaving them with no choice but
Patterson's claims
to rescue the country from its paralysed state that the People’s National Congress (PNC) left it in.
“We had to do the essentials,” he emphasised.
Guyana’s remarkable transformation from drowning in debt and being paralysed by failing infrastructure to one of prosperity did not happen by chance. It was years of financial discipline, strategic planning and long-term vision that paved the way, the General Secretary said.
Key infrastructure projects, including the recently completed Eccles-to-Ogle Highway and the Heroes Highway leading to the aiport were crafted early on by the PPP, he pointed out.
Dr. Jagdeo presented evidence that planning for these projects date back to as early as 2003 under his administration.
“For them to say now they ‘conceptualised’ in 2019 this project... It’s nonsense,” he said.
Dr. Jagdeo, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice-President spoke about the country’s development history and reminded the public that the PPP’s long-term vision was not written yesterday.
The National Development Strategy, Low Carbon Development Strategy and Poverty Reduction Strategy are evidence of the decades of planning and economic repair by the PPP, Dr. Jagdeo explained.
Brimming with economic confidence, Dr. Jagdeo said that Guyana’s public finances are the strongest they have ever been, even with the massive infrastructure rollout that is transforming Guyana country in every area.
The Debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio now has fallen to less than 16 per cent, he said and only five per cent of revenue is being used to service debt.
“A country can only develop if its policy makers have a long-term vision of the country and they match that; they accomplish it based by matching the resources they have to ensure that you don’t damage public finances,” he said.
Based on the PPP’s track record, he said, this is evidence that the PPP captures fiscal discipline and transformational investment hand in hand and is guided by competent, future-focused leadership.
Gov’t opening up 100,000 acres of land for small farmers, miners - Dr. Jagdeo says
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that 100,000 acres of land to small farmers and miners are being opened up.
He made this known during a press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Georgetown.
He told reporters: “We are opening up 100,000 acres of land for small farmers and others, more land for the miners. We are going to allow support for manufacturing and processing through the hubs that we create, the innovation hubs, the support hubs, the development bank to make zero interest loan to small and medium scale business so they can grow. It's all consistent with our plan.
That's why we have re -
fashioned the whole incentive regime, the taxation regime, in that matter. So that's guided again by a philosophy which is enshrined in the competitiveness strategy.”
Once sidelined in national development efforts, the agriculture sector has seen renewed focus under the current government, which, since taking office in 2020, has laid out a clear blueprint for its growth and continues to build on that momentum.
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, last Saturday, told Essequibo rice farmers that the government has already designed the project that will bring two more state-of-the-art- art rice storage facilities.
President Ali also announced plans to establish a rice stabilisation mechanism
aimed at ensuring farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price, along with the creation of business investment funds to support agricultural producers.
Recently, President Ali said that the Government of
ture and knowledge base of GuySuCo could support the production of other crops like rice, corn and cassava, diversifying production to boost income.
In May, hundreds of cash crop and rice farmers turned out to hear President Ali’s plans.
is examining plans to strategically reimagine the mandate of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to become a hub of rural development.
President Ali had said the arable lands, infrastruc-
Central to these plans is the construction of a major canal, similar to the Hope Canal, which will significantly improve drainage and irrigation in the region. Once completed, the project is expected to unlock some 54,000 acres of land for rice, cash crops, and livestock cultivation.
Similar support will be extended to swine, egg, and cash crop production farmers.
A special development fund will also be created to enable co-investment in agricultural projects that promise greater benefits for farmers.
With over 3,000 farmers in Region Five producing vegetables such as celery, the government will also construct climate-smart greenhouses and hydroponic systems for backyard farmers.
These initiatives are expected to boost yields, build climate resilience, and add value to produce, while also encouraging more women and youth to enter the agricultural sector.
To promote livestock diversification, the President announced that the government will provide direct asset transfers to farmers. Each farmer will receive 10 impregnated Black Belly sheep to increase yield and boost production.
Guyana
Unbelievable level of progress recorded in education sector
GUYANA’S Vice-President and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has stated that his government has delivered “unbelievable” progress within the education sector, rolling out free tertiary education, rehabilitating over 100 schools and training thousands of teachers, to name a few.
Speaking ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections, the Vice-President during his Thursday press conference at Freedom House detailed the sweeping list of achievements.
And he used the opportunity to caution the public not to fall prey to distorted facts being peddled by political opponents.
“[In] the education sector, it's unbelievable the level of achievement that we've had with three and a
half years after COVID,” he said.
The government has been able to commence and complete the rehabilitation of over 100 schools, trained or paid for the training for 82,000 Guyanese, 39,000 of those were Guyana Online Learning Academy (GOAL) scholarships, rolled out free university education and currently writing off $19 billion of student loans.
About 3,000 teachers have been trained since the government assumed office in 2020, Dr Jagdeo said. This has resulted in a workforce of about 12,000 strong.
The Vice-President said this means that children will be able to get more personalised attention from teachers, since the student-to-teacher ratio is much lower.
Adding to this, he mentioned the improvements in
the smart classrooms.
Dr Jagdeo also spoke about the government’s digital school that they have started to roll out.
The Guyana Digital School adopts a holistic four-quadrant approach, integrating technology, content, engagement, and hands-on experiences to enhance students’ learning.
“So, it's been three and a half years of major achievements in the sector and the commitment has been there, given the increase in resources to the sector from $53 billion to $185 billion allocated,” he said.
As Dr Jagdeo spoke on the opposition’s pattern of recycling his government’s policies and branding them as their own, he urged Guyanese to take note of this.
“So, when I see now the opposition [is] trying to distort what we have been doing, I hope people pay at-
- Dr Jagdeo says, as he points to thousands of teachers trained, rehabilitation of over 100 schools, free university and debt write off
tention to the facts,” he said. Since 2020, the Ministry of Education has been committed to ensuring equitable access to quality education across the nation.
Key interventions included providing free access to high-quality textbooks, expanding the Learning Channel to reach remote communities and reintro -
ducing and raising the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant programme to support families.
Notably, students who sat this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) will be reimbursed for at least eight subjects.
This complements the earlier announcement in April that the government would cover the cost of at least eight CSEC and CAPE subjects.
These initiatives and others have reduced barriers to educational resources and have helped to ensure that all learners can excel academically.
GlobalTT Guyana unveils breathtaking new ‘Dream Destinations’ for summer 2025
By Faith Greene
GLOBAL Tours and Travel (GlobalTT)
Guyana has officially launched its “Dream Destinations 2025” summer tourism and travel campaign.
During the launch, GlobalTT Guyana unveiled several breathtaking destinations to countries across the Caribbean, North, South and Central America, Europe and Asia.
A highlight of the launch event was the announcement of GloballTT Guyana’s partnership with the Carnival Cruise Line to offer Guyanese special cruise vacations.
In addition to the traditional tour offerings,
GlobalTT is providing Guyanese with the option to travel to two of its new and enchanting destinations: Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Ambassador of Mexico to Guyana, Mauricio Vizcaino Crespo, briefly stated that Mexico is the sixth top destination in the world, and is above China, the United Kingdom and Japan. They have at least 45 million tourists per-year.
Ambassador Crespo stated that they want to focus on a new product that tourists can find when they are in the area of Cancun, Mexico. That, he revealed, is the Mayan Riviera.
The Ambassador painted a vivid picture of activities that can be done when in Mexico, including scuba diving in underground reservoirs of water, visit historical colonial cities, national parks, natural reservations and enjoy the Mexican cuisine.
Diplomat, beyond its natural beauty and cultural richness, the Dominican Republic stands as a regional hub of investment, connectivity and hospitality.
He related that visitors could enjoy world class resorts and boutique accommodations, with lots more to offer in that country.
Just last year, the Dominican Republic saw over 11 million tourists. He said Guyanese do not need a visa to enter that country.
It was revealed that the Dominican Republic has mastered the way in which it offers hospitality to everyone regardless of culture and nationality. With Guyana close by, a similar culture is shared.
He stated that Guyanese nationals do require a visa (Mexican, United States, Canada or Multi-entry visas) to enter Mexico. Visa appointments can be made at the Mexican Embassy and cost approximately US$50.
With the Dominican Republic just two hours and 20 minutes away, diplomat at the Embassy of Dominican Re public in Guyana, Joel Encarnacion Bernabel said with direct flights through Sky High Dominica, tourists can enjoy a trip to Punta Cana. Punta Cana sees around five million tourists per year.
“The Dominican Republic offers a unique blend of experiences for every kind of traveller. From the beaches of Punta Cana to the high of Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Dominican Republic, visitors can explore the sand dunes of Bani, the colonial charms and modern energy of Santo Domingo, the first city in the Americas,” Bernabel said.
He noted that with direct flights from Guyana, Sky High is the airline that will take tourists to paradise. According to the
As an agency, GlobalTT Guyana offers personalised vacations for all occasions. The travel company is working together with Inter-Caribbean, an airline that is seamlessly helping with trips to Grenada, Barbados and other territories around the Caribbean.
Through a video, the Executive Director of GlobalTT-Guyana, Aubrey Mendonca said they are honoured to join the Carnival Cruise Line, bringing the magic of world-class cruising directly to Guyanese travellers.
He stated that the cruise line offers exceptional vacation experiences for families, couples and solo adventurers.
“So, whether your dream is to cruise the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean, or even Antarctica, Carnival offers incredible itineraries and all-inclusive cruise packages. And these include accommodation, you get meals and dining experiences, on-board entertainment, the chance to explore multiple destinations without repacking your bags and packing again. That's the beauty about it. So let Global TT Guyana get you on board,” he expressed.
For more details, persons can visit GlobalTT Guyana on social media or visit them at its 33 Sherriff and Dadanawa Street, Georgetown office.
From left: Ambassador of Mexico to Guyana, Mauricio Vizcaino Crespo, and Diplomat at the Embassy of Dominican Republic in Guyana, Joel Encarnacion Bernabel (Delano Williams photo)
Early childhood professionals tagged as leaders, advocates, champions
DR. Michelle Semple-McBean, an Early Childhood Development Specialist says early childhood development practitioners’ representation at the recently held conference is a testament to the fact that they are not only caregivers, but are facilitators, leaders, advocates and champions of early childhood development locally.
In her keynote address at the inaugural event, she told the professionals that they must remind themselves of who they are, as the notion of them being “less than” any other educator, is one of the most dangerous assumptions that impedes the development of young children.
“The majority who realistically must be in the actual early childhood setting and institutions are placed in a position that assumes we are less than. Less than the others. Less than those operating at the primary and secondary school or at the college and university level,” Semple-McBean said.
She continued, “The workers in our childcare facilities are critical to maintaining the core function of our society, of our economy. We could only sparingly afford to remove a handful,”
The specialist said the prevailing attitude of most in the Guyanese society towards daycare facilities, for example, is that it is merely a place where one leaves their children while they go to work. The narrative, she expressed, is that caregivers are babysitters for parents’ offspring, where nothing happens at daycare except play, and caregivers receive no training or that no training is necessary.
Semple-McBean posited that many parents who were satisfied with this approach were unaware of the damage that could be done to their children in the hands of untrained practitioners/ caregivers.
She recalled that the misconception in her community when she was new in her career, was that qualified people do not teach at the early child-
hood development level of the education sector. Semple-McBean opined that some sections of society still remain opposed to the invaluable contributions made by these professionals.
According to the specialist, this reason, and many others, prompted those responsible for training and developing the early childhood workforce to take immediate action at the local level.
They agreed that the workshop-type training available to caregivers in Guyana, at that time, was not sufficient to provide them with professional skills, qualification, or status, associated with their colleagues trained to operate at the higher educational levels, she said.
In 2010, a certificate programme was launched at the University of Guyana. Key elements of these included methods of stimulating the senses, promoting activities for motor development, behavior management, and laws and regulations governing early care, among others.
Alongside the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) commitment to upholding the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) focus on early childhood development standards by 2028, UNICEF was prompted to commission the development of a professional training programme which gives workers comparable qualification status to those trained at the teacher's training college.
She reminded that with the introduction of public funded education by the Government of Guyana, the certificate programme for the early childhood development practitioner is now offered through the University of Guyana’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).
In closing, Semple-McBean said, “We who serve in early childhood institutions, are more than just caregivers, we are more than just teachers. We are that force that the legendary Maria Montessori described as
gate-keepers of the future when she stated that whoever touches the life of a child, touches the most sensitive point of a whole.”
Early Childhood Development Specialist, Dr. Michelle Semple-McBean (Delano Williams photo)
GNBS records notable surge in certifications
- as gov’t urges standards-driven growth
Some of the many GNBS-approved ‘Made in Guyana’ products manufactured by
A GROWING number of Guyanese businesses are stepping up to meet national standards, and, in line with the Government of Guyana’s call for greater conformance to Standards and Certifica-
Geo-Solutions received GNBS certification earlier this year (GNBS photos)
tion, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recorded a significant increase in business certifications during the second quarter of 2025.
According to the
GNBS, this trend reflects a growing movement towards quality, consistency, and consumer confidence.
Further, certification aligns with the government’s broader goals to strengthen the business sector, im-
prove product and service quality, and enhance Guyana’s competitiveness in both regional and global markets.
Management and staff of newly certified Geo-Solutions proudly pose with the GNBS certificate and plaque
It was noted that be -
tween May and June, three companies earned the prestigious Made in Guyana certification mark, which authenticates the local origin and quality of their products. These proudly certified companies are Heather’s Creation and Products, Pure Aqua, and Treev’s Natural Blends.
The new GNBS-approved ‘Made in Guyana’ businesses join the growing list of local manufacturers who have demonstrated their commitment to meeting GNBS requirements, enabling them to use the official certification mark on their products and packaging. By attaining this permission, these businesses are not only meeting GNBS requirements and government expectations, but they are also creating opportunities for growth and expansion into new markets.
According to the GNBS, the second quarter also saw the certification of three new laboratories; a vital move in ensuring scientific accuracy and operational excellence in the areas of environment, product and medical testing, right here in Guyana. The certified laboratories are Geo-Enviro Support Services, Geo-Solutions Guyana Inc. and Allied Health Medical Laboratory.
“The increased access to reliable testing supports our nation’s drive to improve the quality of con -
structed infrastructures, health and safety, and the preservation of the environment,” the agency said, further stating that adding to the certification momentum during the quarter was Lemmyal Place, a local bed and breakfast facility, which was certified by GNBS as a standard compliant accommodation establishment. This reflects growing attention to hospitality standards, a key pillar of Guyana’s growing tourism sector.
It was explained that certification provides assurance, credibility, and consistency in meeting guidelines and specifications aimed at consumer satisfaction. It builds credibility and trust, provides a competitive advantage for certified products and businesses, provides quality assurance and access to more markets, and helps to mitigate risks by requiring organisations to follow best practices.
“The GNBS commends these businesses for their commitment and encourages others to follow in their footsteps on the path to prosperity.
“Meanwhile, with continued government support and national policy direction, the GNBS will continue to help businesses make standards and certification key pillars for development and economic transformation,” the agency said.
Heather’s Creation and Products
China to write stories of shared success through deep engagement with global economy
By He Yin (People's Daily)
THE 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, was recently held in Tianjin, north China, drawing global attention to China's role in revitalising the global economy.
At the forum, participants expressed strong confidence in China's economic outlook and its continued commitment to openness and cooperation. As one attendee put it, "China's innovation and opening up helps strengthen the resilience of free trade and the multilateral system." Another noted, "China continues to inject strong momentum into global development and remains a land of promise for international investment and cooperation."
At a time when protectionism, unilateralism, and anti-globalisation sentiments are on the rise, the world economy and international trade cooperation are facing new challenges. Global development now finds itself at a critical crossroads.
Many stakeholders are striving to counter mounting uncertainties and instabilities, and there is a strong desire across the international community for solidarity and cooperation to overcome challenges and promote common prosperity.
This year's Summer Davos forum attracted a record number
Robots work in a smart factory in Huzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province. (People’s Daily Online/ Wang Shucheng)
of China's economy has come to the fore. Leading foreign institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and Goldman Sachs have all raised their forecasts for China's economic growth.
Time and again, facts have shown that with clear development goals, consistent planning, firm reform measures, and pragmatic macro policies, China has the confidence and capability to sustain sound economic growth despite external shocks.
As World Economic Forum
President Borge Brende noted, China's recent series of policy
advancing a strategy to expand domestic demand, and launching special initiatives to boost consumption. These efforts aim to transform China from a manufacturing powerhouse into a vast consumption-driven economy, offering even broader market opportunities for global businesses.
Mirek Dusek, managing director of the World Economic Forum, remarked that China's economic scale and vast consumer market play a crucial role in driving the development of new quality productive forces and in shaping the broader eco-
of participants, bringing together political leaders alongside more than 1,700 representatives from over 90 countries and regions. This robust turnout demonstrates a global consensus on safeguarding economic globalisation and the free trade system and sends a strong message of win-win cooperation.
Business leaders at the forum noted that foreign enterprises operating in China have long witnessed the country's sustained economic growth. Amid growing global uncertainty, China's policy stability and long-term planning are particularly valuable.
In recent months, as growth-stabilising policies have been rolled out, the resilience
measures are ensuring the solid advancement of structural reforms. These efforts not only support the realisation of this year's growth target of around 5 per cent but also lay a solid foundation for the next decade.
Through continuous opening-up, China is fostering shared prosperity by further integrating into the global economy. As the world's second-largest consumer and import market, China boasts nearly 50 trillion yuan ($7 trillion) in consumption, over 50 trillion yuan in investment, and 20 trillion yuan in imports, showing immense potential for growth on multiple fronts.
China is proactively opening its market to the world,
system across Asia.
Thanks to China's sustained opening-up, more and more countries are engaging in cooperation with China across fields such as trade and technology, sharing in the dividends of development, creating new growth momentum for the global economy, and contributing to greater certainty worldwide.
One of the highlights of this year's forum was China's scientific and technological innovation. The country has successfully pursued a path where sci-tech innovation drives industrial upgrading and, in turn, industrial transformation fuels sci-tech breakthroughs, drawing global attention. China actively shares original technologies and
innovative application scenarios with the world, supports international joint research and development and technology promotion, and fosters global innovation through open collaboration.
Many participants expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as emerging technologies and industrial transformation, seeking new opportunities for development.
Lee Hee-sup, Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, observed that China's focus on digital technology, artificial intelligence, and green industries is advancing new quality productive forces. This positions China at the forefront of building future growth engines, thereby supporting global economic recovery.
Partnering with China will bring more opportunities. China firmly embraces a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation and upholds free trade and multilateralism. It stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard common interests through mutually beneficial cooperation, contribute to each other's development by generating more growth, and contribute its own development capacity to what the world economy needs most. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Wind power equipment being loaded onto a cargo ship for export in Lianyungang, east China’s Jiangsu province, June 23, 2025. (People’s Daily Online/Wang Chun)
The 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, is held, June 24, 2025. (Photo/Yuan Lin)
Medical outreach brings relief to Karawab, Bat Creek residents
A TEAM of dedicated healthcare professionals from Region Two journeyed deep into the riverine communities of Karawab and Bat Creek on Wednesday as part of the Ministry of Health’s weekly medical outreach programme.
pharmacy assistant, environmental health officer, rehabilitation assistant, dentist, and an audiological practitioner, all working together to deliver comprehensive health services to the remote communities.
Among the patients seen were several in -
A total of 68 patients, including adults, children, and pregnant mothers, received much-needed care and services during the visit.
The visiting team consisted of doctors, a medical laboratory technician,
dividuals identified as needing surgical intervention. They have since been referred to the appropriate facilities for follow-up care.
These proactive interventions are just one example of how the
outreach is bridging the healthcare gap in hinterland and riverine areas.
One resident, Maria Fredericks, a mother of three, expressed her gratitude.
“I am thankful the doctors came. My son was having trouble with his hearing, and we never knew what to do. Now he’s been checked, and we got advice. It means a lot to us.”
Elderly resident George Henry, who received a check-up and medication, said, “It’s hard to travel out from here when you’re sick. When they come in like this, we feel remembered and cared for.”
Meanwhile, Paediatrician Dr. Finola Permansingh, and General Surgeon Dr. Ignacius Wrong were among the frontline providers who worked tirelessly throughout the day. Their commitment and compassion were evident in their patient interactions and follow-up planning.
This marks the first stop in the second cycle of medical outreaches for 2025, which are conducted every Wednesday in different riverine and lake communities in Region Two. The goal remains clear to make
healthcare accessible to all, regardless of where they live.
The next outreach is scheduled for July 9, at
the St. Monica Health Post.
The Regional Health Services in Region Two is actively involved
in medical outreaches reaching out to the most riverine communities and providing the much-needed services.
Doctors who were part of the medical team with a patient during the outreach
The Karawab Health Post where a medical outreach was recently held
UG’s Architecture Department cops first place at Fifth Int’l Lekol Architectural Competition in French Guiana
-‘win signals the expertise the department possesses and the calibre of students in the programme’, dep’t head says
THE University of Guyana’s Architecture Department in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) has once again copped the first prize at the Fifth International Lekol Architectural Competition held in French
Guiana from June 24 to 27, 2025.
The Trades and Qualifications Campus of Excellence in
the field of Wood, Eco-construction and Ecotechnology of French Guiana, organised the international architectural competition for university students with the support of the Territorial Authority of French Guiana (CTG) and the State through the Regional Cooperation Fund (FCR). This year’s participants included the University of Guyana, Anton de Kom State University of Suriname and the Federal University of the State of Amapá, Brazil.
The goal of the annual competition is to enable students in the architectural sector to design an ecological and solidarity-based project that meets the environmental concerns of the decade. The aim of the competition is to encourage students' ability to innovate in the field of architecture by offering local populations an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable alternative.
This year’s architectural project was a proposal for a convention centre to be placed on the campus of the University in French Guiana. The design needed to satisfy the best ratio between production cost and architectural efficiency, decarbonised construction, consider urban planning elements, volume and adaptability, functionality, site suitability, and cultural fitness.
The winning design was nature-inspired by the Cayenne Nightjar – a bird spotted only once in French Guiana in 1970. The building bio-mimicked the bird’s features in terms of colour, wings, flight dynamics, and anatomy. Total square footage was 19,000+ with 30 per cent allotted for green spaces.
The UG contingent comprised Head of the Architecture Department, Dr Anna Perreira; lecturer, Mr Kurt Gonsalves; and final-year BSc. Architecture students
Ms Kiana Persaud, Mr Aditya Mohanlal, and Mr Denish Ram narin. The department held an internal competition with final-year students, which saw an unprecedented 10 groups of three students each from both third and fourth years developing designs.
From January to mid-May 2025, part-time lecturers Mr Godfrey Proctor and Mr Kurt Gonsalves guided the students during their design studio classes with the help of Dr Perreira to develop their designs. The winning team was selected via a jury comprising members of the Architecture Department’s faculty.
The final jury comprised Ms Jenny Sanc hez (Vice Dean of Research & Outreach, Faculty of Arts, National University of Colombia, Bogotá Campus); Architect Ms Caroline Marie-Calixte (Agence Néor Architecture Guyane), who developed the design requirements for the competition; two other local architects; one civil engineer; the Chief of the University of French Guiana; and the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM), France.
The second place of the Lekol Competition went to Brazil, with the third place going to Suriname.
Head of UG’s Architecture Department, Dr Anna Perreira, said: “I feel proud of the success the department has accomplished in this architectural competition as it signals the expertise the
department possesses and the calibre of students in the programme. The opportunity to compete with other universities and win not only brings credibility to the department, but also to the University of Guyana.
“What is unique about how we prepare ourselves for this competition is that the entire cohort first competes internally amongst themselves to then identify the best proposal which will represent the university's submission. The competing universities do not adopt this approach; however, it allows us equal opportunity for the students to prove and apply their knowledge and skills. As HoD, my aim is to continue enhancing the programme through such exposure to competition and academic application,” Dr Perreira said.
This is the second firstplace win for Guyana since first competing in 2023. Last year, Guyana took home the first prize for sustainability in construction for its design of an engineering and architecture faculty for the UG campus by organisers of the competition.
The Department of Architecture expressed its appreciation to the lecturers and students who assisted team UG in successfully representing the University of Guyana, the organisers of the Lekol Architectural Competition and the French Ambassador to Guyana and Suriname, Mr Nicholas de Lacoste.
The students will be making a presentation of their project at this year’s departmental final-year dissertation presentations in the Engineering and Technology boardroom. (UG)
From left to right: Students Kiana Persaud, Aditya Mohanall and Denish Ramnarin; France’s Ambassador to Guyana and Suriname Mr Nicholas de Lacoste, Head of Architecture Department Dr Anna Perreira and lecturer Mr Kurt Gonsalves
75 families in Akawini, surrounding areas receive water tanks
THE livelihoods of 75 families in Akawini Village and surrounding satellite islands in Region Two are now better and improved following the distribution of black water tanks, compliments of the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture.
The initiative, led by Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Ricky Ramraj, who also holds political responsibility for Region Two, demonstrates the PPP/C government’s continued efforts to invest in critical infrastructure and uplift rural and hinterland communities.
The distribution team included Member of Parliament, Dr Tandika Simone Smith; Regional Vice-Chairman, Mr Humace Oodit and other regional officials. The beneficiaries of the water tanks included elderly residents, single parents and persons living with disabilities.
In his remarks, Ramraj said that during a recent meeting, residents requested the black tanks. He emphasised that the distribution of the receptacles are not water tanks, but represent a way to improve lives.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind, and is taking the necessary steps to build climate-resilient villages and empower every citizen.
Ramraj said the intervention is part of a broader effort by the PPP/C administration to improve water access, sanitation and overall living conditions in rural and Indigenous communities across Guyana.
He said that the distribution aligns with the government’s vision of building a more inclusive and sustainable nation, where development reaches every corner of the country.
“I am very thankful for the black tank, I will use it to store water for my household,” Miguel Williams said.
Another resident expressed similar sentiments and said that many times the creek water would be salty and sometimes no fresh water is available for consumption.
Other residents said that they are thankful for the timely intervention, which they described as tangible support. According to them, the initiative represented a meaningful
Essequibo farmer charged for alleged murder of friend
A 23-year-old farmer was on Thursday remanded to prison after being charged with the murder of a fellow villager, following a deadly altercation at Lima Sands over the weekend.
The accused, Saif Majid, of Lot 491, Lima Sands, appeared before Her Worship Tamieka Clarke at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court, where the charge of murder was read to him. He was not required to plead, and was remanded to prison until July 29, 2025, when he will make a second appearance before the magistrate.
Majid is accused of murdering Gary Melville, a 46-yearold labourer, sometime between 20:00hrs on June 27 and 05:30hrs on June 28.
According to reports, the alleged murder stemmed from a confrontation between the two men, who were reportedly friends. On the night in question, they were seen consuming alcohol with others at a shop in the village. Eyewitnesses reported that Majid was drinking High Wine, while Melville consumed several 592-branded beers.
A female shopkeeper told police that during the gathering, Majid accused Melville of burning him with a cigarette. An argument ensued, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation. The shopkeeper recounted seeing Melville on the ground, and Majid bleeding from the head.
The men were separated by another patron, after which
example of the government’s promise to deliver real results for the people.
Many expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that this intervention would significantly ease their daily burdens, particularly when it comes to storing clean water for domestic use during dry periods, or when water sources are limited.
Melville walked away heading north, and Majid departed shortly after on his motorcycle in the same direction.
The following morning, around 05:30hrs, a 48-year-old resident discovered Melville’s lifeless body lying on the eastern side of the Lima Sands Public Road. The police were summoned, and investigators found the body bearing injuries to the face, back of both hands, both feet, and the right knee.
The deceased was transported to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body has since been taken to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is pending.
Majid was later located and taken into custody. He was observed with injuries to his head, left hand, and knee. He was treated at the Oscar Joseph District Hospital and then placed in police custody.
A resident receives a black tank from PPP/C Member of Parliament Dr Tandika Simone Smith as officials and other residents look on
Murder accused Saif Majid
-Trinidad and Tobago leads after four rounds CARICOM Classic 2025 Chess Team Tournament
TRINIDAD and Tobago is currently leading the CARICOM Classic Chess Team Tournament after four rounds. The tournament is being held at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown, Guyana.
The Guyana Chess Federation, in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat, is hosting this second installment of the CARICOM Classic from July 1st to July 6th, 2025. Ten teams from CARICOM nations, including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominica, Suriname, the Cayman Islands, St. Lucia, and host nation Guyana, are competing in the nineround classical round-robin tournament.
Jamaica is in a close second, with Suriname trailing in third place.
Sitting in fourth place is the Guyana A team, with Barbados, the Cayman Islands, and St. Lucia close behind. With five intense rounds still to be played, the tournament will be an exciting and challenging test for the competitors.
Representing Guyana in the tournament are three distinct teams. The Guyana A-Team features CM Taffin Khan, Kyle Couchman, WCM Aditi Joshi, and Ciel Clement.
The Guyana B-Team comprises CM Sachin Pitamber, Keron Sandiford, WCM Sasha Shariff, and Aniyah Couchman.
To ensure continuous play and avoid byes in each round, a third team, the Guyana Junior Team, was added. This team comprises of Ricardo Narine, Kishan Puran, Italy Ton-Chung, and Anaya Lall.
Round one Highlights:
In Round One, Guyana Team A was paired with Jamaica while Team B faced Suriname.
In the encounter with Jamaica, Khan and Joshi of the home team scored two draws, while Clement and Couchman went down to the Jamaicans. Couchman lost a Rook in exchange for a weaker Bishop to his opponent FM Shreyas Smith. Faced with numerous threats to his monarch, and unable to improve his weakened position, Couchman accepted the loss.
Clement put up a stubborn fight with her Jamaican opponent, Kaia Gayle that lasted 54 moves.
The match ended with the fighting Kings and two pawns each per side on the board. Gayle's Advancing King posed a serious threat to eliminating Clement's two pawns, resulting in Clement's loss. In the same round, Keron Sandiford, Aniyah Couchman, WCM Sasha Shariff, and Ciel Clement of Guyana Team B lost their matches to the Surinamese visitors.
Round Two Highlights:
Pitamber lost his match to Gabriel Sixtus of St. Lucia. Almost all of Pitamber's chess pieces were captured, leaving his King and a Bishop on the board. The St. Lucian dominated the board with his King, a Knight, and four pawns unopposed and to be promoted. Pitamber finally gave up the struggle on the 50th move.
Shariff manoeuvred her King and Queen to checkmate her St. Lucian opponent, Kiara Lambert, in a match that ended on move 51.
Round Three Highlights:
In Round Three, Surinamese Jason Yeung went down to Khan in a match that lasted less than 40 moves. Yeung was lured by his opponent to capture material and appeared to
have secured an advantage. However, Khan skilfully maneuvered his active Bishop to support a pawn march, which overwhelmed Yeung's Rook and centralised King in the fight.
Despite his best efforts, Yeung conceded the loss on move 37. The other three Surinamese team members, Ethan Tjin Kon Kiem, Alexandra, and Victoria Kaslan, drew their matches with their Guyanese Team A counterparts, Joshi, Clement, and Couchman.
Meanwhile, Guyana Team B, Pitamber, Sandiford, and female players Aniyah Couchman and Sasha Shariff faced Barbados. Couchman lost to Channon Reifer-Belle after 16 moves in a match that ended in checkmate. Shariff also lost to her Barbadian opponent Lashay Springer, while Pitamber scored a win over Emar Edwards.
In an endgame with only Kings and pawns on the board, Pitamber succeeded in promoting one of his pawns into a powerful Queen, creating havoc and forcing Edwards to resign. Sandiford drew his match with Barbadian Kemp Lynch.
The CARICOM Classic Junior U16 Tournament is also underway, with Mileke Sinckler from Barbados leading the way with 3.5 points after four rounds, followed by Ravish Ramesar and Ky-mani Wijnhard from Suriname with 3.5 points. Aaron Jaikaran and Noah Clarke, both from Barbados, are on 3.5 points, followed by Guyanese Arysh Raghunauth, and Kataleya Sam on 3 points. Suriname’s ThieYen Fung and Guyanese Mahir Rajkumar, and Alek Ubaldo-Singh are also on 3 points.
Round Four High -
lights:
Guyana Team B lost to a seasoned Trinidadian contingent featuring FM Joshua Johnson, FM Kevin Cupid, WCM Zara La Fleur
and WFM Ysvett Hermoso Rodriguez. Johnson checkmated Pitamber's King with a final pawn push in a duel that lasted 43 moves. Sandiford faced Cupid in the same round and tensions mounted during their match. In a precarious position, Sandiford resigned his King on move 29, anticipating a winning Rook, Queen and Bishop combination attack by his Trinidadian opponent. Female players Shariff and Couchman also conceded to their counterparts from the twin-island Republic. Guyana Team A was paired with Barbados and was able to score a win and two draws against the Bajans. Khan and Joshi both drew their matches with Emar Edwards and Chanon Reifer-Belle respectively. However, Kyle Couchman defeated Kemp Lynch, but Clement lost to female player Leshay Springer.
The Guyana Chess Federation wishes to express its profound gratitude to the generous sponsors whose support has been instrumental in the success of the CARICOM Classic Chess Team and the CARICOM Junior U16 Tournaments: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Topco and Savannah Milk, Apan Energy, Industrial Safety Supplies, NTS Amega Global, Movements Family Restaurant, NeuroSpine Services Inc., CB Group of Companies, C&V Shipping, SD&L Accounting, Enet, Guyoil, Queensway Security, Sterling Products Ltd, Power Producers, Marcis and Company, Crown Mining, Nand Persaud and Company, and NK Enterprise Inc. Thanks to the supporters who also donated to the Federation.
A special note of appreciation and gratitude goes to the Pegasus Hotel Guyana, our official hotel and the magnificent venue sponsor for the CARICOM Classic 2025.
Rounds five and six resume today from 10:00 hours and 16:00 hours.
GMRSC Circuit Racing Championships Round 2…
Team CAMS looking for impactful performance
TEAM CAMS, Caribbean American MotorSport will be back in action for this weekend’s second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Circuit Racing championship.
The team which will feature team captain Afraz Allie (Starlet Cup & GP3) also includes Mohan Rangasammy (GP4), Chris Lall (GP2&3), Kemal Rahaman (Gp2&3), Sunil Nauth (GP2&3), Sylvester Carew (Rookie), Aaron Bethune (GP2&3).
According to Allie, “Even though the team is relatively small compared to other runs we normally make, we are still feeling happy and con-
fident based on the position we are in.”
Right now, I am leading the Starlet Cup and Group Three standings and Chris Lall who is in third place for the group three and second place for group two just behind Shan (Seejattan),” He said.
“We also have this guy Sylvester Carew who is going to be coming out in the rookie class in a well-built Toyota Starlet.
“Mohan Rangasammy is also always within the battle; last race meet he picked up a win so there is obviously going to be there. He’s been in Guyana for
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Friday July 04, 2025)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Sam Konstas (AUST) (2) Jayden Seales (WI)
Today’s Quiz: (1) How many ‘ducks’ were recorded in the recent WI/AUST first Test? (2) Who were the players with ‘golden ducks’?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
the past week trying to sort the car out, the last time out he had differential problems,” said Allie.
He is optimistic of a good weekend despite weather conditions, saying, “We’ve
seen a lot of rain over the past few days in Guyana and at the track but it’s not something that I think will really bother us.”
I want to urge fans to come out and witness the
11:35
event. I think there is going to be a lot of wheel-to-wheel action come Sunday and I think that racing fans might be upset if they miss it.”
The second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Circuit Racing Championship is sponsored by GUYOIL, Tropical Shipping, ENET, Shaw Construction, XL Engineering, Prem’s Electrical.
(ESPNCRICNFO) - India's new-ball bowlers picked off England's top order with the same ease that Shub -
man Gill ticked off records during his maiden Test double-hundred to take control of the second Test. This
Gill double hundred, Indian bowlers flay England
was a near-perfect day for India's captain: Gill cruised to 269 before offering his first genuine chance, then snaffled a blinding catch at third slip to prompt England's slump to 25 for 3. Gill made clear at the toss that he supported India's decision to reinforce their lower-order batting after two collapses at Headingley, and it has paid off to date. He added 203 for the sixth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, then 144 more for the seventh wicket with Washington
Sundar, turning 211 for 5 into the highest total that England have conceded in the Stokes-McCullum era.
Gill personified class and composure.
He milked Shoaib Bashir for singles with the ease of a father teaching his son a lesson in the back garden, caressed back-to-back boundaries off Brydon Carse through wide mid-on and cover, and treated Harry Brook's medium pace with utter disdain as he swept landmarks aside. He started England's in-
Webster and Carey rescue Australia after another top-order slump
Webster and Carey rescue Australia after another top-order slump (ESPNCRICINFO) - Australia's top order again failed to inspire on the opening day in Grenada before Beau Webster and Alex Carey performed a familiar rescue act amid another crucial call by the third umpire and further fielding woes for West Indies.
Australia were wobbling t 110 for 5 when Travis Head fell, the TV umpire ruling Shai Hope's brilliant take clean, having earlier been 50 for 3 as a solid base vanished. Webster and Carey then added 112 in 25 overs and the game was threatening to run away from West Indies but they were able to chip away at the lower order and bowl Australia out for 286 inside 67 overs, with Alzarri Joseph claiming four wickets. To the home side's benefit, light prevented Australia from having a brief bowl with the umpires taking the players off just as they returned to the field. Although not on the level of Barbados, there was assistance for the quicks - Roston Chase said he would have bowled had the toss gone his way - and suggestions that uneven bounce could play a part later in the game, particularly with the delivery which scuttled to remove Pat Cummins. So the true value of Australia's first-in-
nings total will only become clearer tomorrow, although it certainly felt competitive.
Webster, who brought up an 87-ball fifty, again played superbly to follow up his vital second-innings performance in Barbados, and the runs he scored in the World Test Championship final. He was assured in defence and picked his moments to attack, including a slog-sweep for six off Chase and one of the shots of the innings when he laced Jayden Seales through the off side. But he was left frustrated when he gambled on a second run to deep point in an attempt to keep the strike and was beaten by Keacy Carty's throw. It meant 300 proved out of reach. Carey lived something of a charmed life. He could have been run out on 10 and 51; was dropped by Shai Hope from an attempted ramp on 46; reached his half-century from 68 deliveries with an edge between the keeper and a wide slip; and edged wide of slip again on 55.
But he was also quick onto anything loose, showing the same counter-punching skills that have been so evident in his game over the last 18 months or so. In all, 46 of his 63 runs came in boundaries, including a swivel-pull for six off Justin Greaves only for him to cloth a long hop from the same
bowler to midwicket when a significant innings appeared for the taking.
Australia's earlier batting performance had been dominated by unconverted starts. Sam Konstas put away a strong early pull shot and played with more urgency than in Barbados, but he was also beaten on multiple occasions, including three times in a row by Seales. There was also a flashing edge over gully against Shamar Joseph, which Roston Chase got a fingertip to, although it would have been a spectacular catch had it been taken. Konstas followed that with a sweetly struck cover drive.
He and Usman Khawaja, who went to 6000 Test runs when he reached 2, had taken Australia to a promising 47 for 0 when the innings took on a very different look. For the second time in the series, Khawaja was lbw to Alzarri Joseph from around the wicket that proved a bail-trimmer when Khawaja went to the DRS. Four balls later, Konstas drove at the recalled Anderson Phillip, who had been preferred to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, and edged behind for an unfulfilled 25.
Australia's slide turned into 3 for 3 when Steven Smith, back in the side after the finger injury he sustained in the World Test Championship final, top-edged a pull
against the lively Alzarri Joseph that flew high to fine leg where Phillip judged it very well. The scoreline read a familiar 50 for 3.
The opening session ended with a dramatic over from Seales. Cameron Green, who had shaped up encouragingly even though he could have been run out on 16 if midon had collected cleanly, drove to cover where John Campbell spilled a regulation catch. But Green could still not make it through to the interval when, four balls later, he went for a big drive to the last delivery of the over and sent a thick edge to gully where Chase held it well.
Head threatened to perform another rescue act but fell early in the afternoon following a brief delay for rain when the TV umpire, this time Nitin Menon, was back in focus as Hope took a brilliant catch low to his left when Head glanced a climbing delivery from Shamar Joseph. Hope was convinced of the catch but it went upstairs; unlike in Barbados, the decision went West Indies' way and Head did not look thrilled as he walked off.
Another quick wicket and Australia could have been bundled out but as they have tended to do, a couple of players found enough runs to give their high-class attack something to work with.
nings off the field after his 387-ball epic, then took a spectacular catch four balls after walking back on.
Akash Deep, India's replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, cramped Ben Duckett for room from around the wicket and induced a thick outside edge; Gill flung himself acrobatically to his left and clung onto the chance, sending last week's fourth-innings centurion crashing back to earth.
Akash struck again with his next ball, a full outswinger which Ollie Pope optimistically tried to whip leg-side. His outside edge flew to KL Rahul at second slip, who parried the chance up to himself and grabbed it at the second attempt; Pope said after his first-innings century in Leeds that he was determined to avoid a familiar tail-off as the series wears on but has now failed twice since.
India were rampant and soon had a third when Mohammed Siraj, who bowled a faultless opening spell, had Zak Crawley edging to first slip.
It was a textbook Crawley dismissal, pushing with hard hands - and no foot movement - at a ball which left him, which left Brook and Joe Root to pick up the pieces: after 151 overs in the field, England were still 362 short of the follow-on mark.
While Root was watchful,
From page 27
individual category, Kaylee Lowe and Emily Fun-a-Fat teamed up for Girls’ Doubles.
The Guyanese performed well and had a 2-0 win against Gia Ghuran and Aaniyah Ramdeen from Trinidad and Tobago. However, the pair lost (10-11, 4-11) to Barbados’ Oliva Watts and Sarrayah Yearwood to capture a Bronze Medal.
In the Boys Doubles, Justin Ten Pow and Shiloh Asregado lost to the hometown pair of Levi Jack and Charlie Makin to win a Bronze.
Earlier, Kaylee Lowe, Louis DaSilva and siblings Alexis and Avery Arjoon all claimed individual gold medals as the Guyanese copped eight individual medals
Brook sensed an opportunity to take the pressure off himself - and to get rid of some close catchers.
After surviving an umpire's call lbw shout - with Sharfuddoula consistent across both innings - Brook charged Siraj, flat-batting him through extra cover before launching him for six down the ground. He made it through to stumps, the deficit still 510.
But a 52-run stand could not take the shine off Gill's day. It is increasingly hard to fathom that he averaged barely 35 in Tests before this tour: he has led by example in his first series as captain and already looks ensconced in his new role at No. 4. Chief among his records were the highest score by an Indian men's captain, and the highest score by any Indian batter in England.
He was brilliantly supported by India's two spin-bowling allrounders. Jadeja was the aggressor at the start of the day, slapping Ben Stokes through the off side for back-to-back boundaries.
The pair exchanged words about Jadeja's habit of taking two strides down the pitch before deciding whether to attempt a run, and both were warned off the danger area by umpires.
While gold eluded them, Zion Hickerson and Ethan Bulkan secured silver medals in their respective finals. Hickerson lost out to Savante’ Padmore of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Boys’ Under-11 final, while Bulkan was defeated by Bermuda’s Mason Smith in the Boys’ Under-13 category. Justin Ten Pow lost to Adriana Vera 2-1 in the Boys U-15 final to win a Silver Medal, while Ella Fernandes lost to Denielle Benn of Barbados in the Girls U-11 final to finish with a Silver Medal. Guyana heads into the team competition, which commenced yesterday and concludes tomorrow with 11 Medals, including five Gold Medals. (Sean Devers)
Shubman Gill walks off to applause from the Edgbaston faithful • Getty Images
Louis DaSilva and...
‘One Guyana’ King and Queen of the Sand Football Semis set for Sunday
FANS are in for a potentially mouthwatering evening of football some Sunday night when the semifinals of the third edition of the ‘One Guyana’ Kings and Queens of the sand football championships are contested at the People’s Progressive Party ground in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden.
While a new male champion team would be crowned in this third-edition of the championship, defending female champions, Speightland will be severely tested in their semifinal against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) which has been very dominant in group matches ending as the top team in Group ‘A’ with three wins from as many matches, their opponent had to settle for the runner-up position in Group ‘B’.
The GDF, whilst con -
ceding one goal more than Speightland, has scored the most goal by any of the four teams contesting the semis, 21. Speightland is next with 15, conceding 2 to the GDF’s 3. This match will be fiercely contested with the winner earning the right to contest the final which has $800,000 as the winner’s prize.
The next clash between Iconic Strikers, winner of Group ‘B’ with an unblemished record of three-wins and Hururu, runner-up in Group ‘A’, will see the former starting as huge favourites to advance to the championship match.
Iconic Strikers has conceded just a single goal in their three matches, scoring 14, while Hururu has conceded the most, 11 whilst only scoring 9 goals. Unless there is a great change in the offen-
sive and defensive fortunes for Hururu, Iconic Strikers certain of advancing.
In the men’s side of the divide, the LA Ballers vs. Hardknocks final match of the night will be a humdinger of a faceoff. LA Ballers will start as the odds-on favourite to win having scored 43 goals in group and quarterfinal matches and conceding just 7 times and is the only undefeated team of the last four male teams, with five out of five, they topped Group ‘A’.
Hardknocks though, cannot be underestimated as they too ended at the top of Group ‘C’ with three wins and a loss, then won their quarterfinal game, for a combined 30 goals and being scored upon 14 times.
They have been hardened from their matches so far and will be fearless in the main
event of the night on Sunday, knowing that a place in the final is at stake and a chance to pocket 1.5 million.
The other semifinal, Spaniards vs. Goal IQ, the main supporting match, is billed to be another action-packed showdown between two teams boasting
Women’s Football in Guyana gets boost with revamped Division One League
GUYANA’S top-flight clubs will all field teams in a revamped Women's Division One League for the first time, in a significant strategic move by the country's football federation to bolster the female game.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced that all ten of its elite league clubs will participate in the upcoming season. The prize fund will be significantly increased to $3.7m.
Players and officials at the launch of the league on Wednesday
The initiative is a crucial step towards preparing a competitive national team for the Concacaf W Championship qualifiers in October and November, which serve as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The league, which commences on August 1, will be played in a 9v9 format over a single round, a change designed to create more intense and competitive matches.
GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph said the new structure is vital for player development.
"This is a crucial part of our preparation framework," Joseph stated. "The current format aims to give local players the necessary exposure and competition to prepare them for international tournaments."
To ensure all ten clubs are competitive, a loan system and a national player draft will be implemented. This
will allow clubs without established female programmes to strengthen their squads.
Defending champions
Guyana Defence Force and rivals Guyana Police Force have already committed to entering players into the draft pool.
The ten competing clubs are Slingerz FC, Western Tigers FC, Guyana Police Force FC, Guyana Defence Force FC, Santos FC, Monedderlust FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Ann’s Grove FC, Den Amstel FC, and Mainstay FC.
The GFF, in partnership with the Guyana Women’s Football Association (GWFA), has substantially increased the financial incentives. The league champions
will receive $1m.
A separate cup competition will also offer a $300,000 winner's prize. Additionally, every participating club will receive a $100,000 grant for training expenses.
GFF Third Vice-President Dion Innis confirmed that FIFA has provided significant financial support for the league, contributing G$9.5m. Innis also credited the FIFA Football For Schools Programme and the Blue Water Shipping Girls U-15 tournament for creating a stronger foundation for women's football in the nation by increasing the number of trained female coaches and nurturing young talent.
three wins, and a loss apiece in the group stage and a quarterfinal win each.
Spaniards have netted 17 times whilst conceding 7, Goal IQ have fired in 15 goals and took 8 which shows the almost neck to neck stats by these two sides. What will make the difference in this
clash will be the defensive fortitude of each team whilst also being clinical in the final third.
The opening match on Sunday night will be a junior queens affair between Mackenzie High School and Multilateral from 18:30 hours.
CASSA Jnr Championships in Cayman Islands
Louis DaSilva and Avery Arjoon win Gold in mixed Doubles
LOUIS DaSilva and Avery Arjoon won Gold in the mixed doubles at the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships in the Cayman Islands on Wednesday Evening.
Playing at South Sound Squash Club, the Guyanese pair who had both taken the Gold Medal in the individual category, teamed up to ease past the Jamaican pair of Ethan Miller and Elle Wilson (11-4, 11-5) in the semi-finals.
Louis and Avery beat Luke Wilson and Eboni Atherley of Barbados in a riveting Mixed Doubles final. Armed with the experience of playing on the recently constructed Doubles Court in Guyana, Louis and Avery, playing excellent Squash, took the opening game 11-8 before the Bajans rebounded to win the second stanza 8-11 and take the
match into a third game.
In an epic third game, both teams traded shots and were engaged in lengthy rallies. The Guyanese executed some clinical drop shots, but the Barbadians fought back well and, with the score on 10-9, seemed set for the Gold Medal.
But Louis and Avery dug deep and levelled the score.
However, Luke Wilson and Eboni Atherley were not giving up and managed to reach ‘match ball’ on two more occasions in a thrilling contest, to have the fans on their feet.
But it would be the Guyanese, despite beginning to tire, who demonstrated the will to fight to the end, as the raucous Guyanese contingent urged them on. They would eventually win the ‘Gold Medal’ match 11-8, 8-11, 11-10. After a strong run in the Turn to page 26
Fans are expected in their numbers on Sunday night
Afraz Allie (GTC Photo)
Shamar Joseph is mobbed by his team-mates•Jul 03, 2025•Associated Press
