Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-09-2025

Commonwealth Observer Mission reports peaceful polling day

- commends improvements from 2020 Elections

THE Commonwealth Election Observer mission issued its interim report on Wednesday, noting that Guyana’s General and Regional Election was a smooth and peaceful one.

This was disclosed by Chairperson of the observer group, Former Foreign Affairs Minister of Tonga, Fekitamoeloa Katoa Utoikamanu, during a press conference yesterday.

This election cycle, the observer group deployed teams in seven electoral districts across the country, those being Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten.

Prior to the election day, the mission commended the Guyana Elections Commission for the approval of the appointment of party agents from four political parties on August 30th, despite all those parties missing the statutory deadline for submission of the applications.

They further noted that during the cam -

paign season, the fundamental rights of candidates, political parties and their supporters to assemble and campaign appeared to have been largely observed.

Further to this, Utoikamanu told the news conference that all parties leveraged the use of social media platforms, with newer parties depending heavily on online campaigns.

However, she added that the group heard that misinformation and disinformation, a challenge to democracy, were prevalent in the media and in public discourses during the campaign period.

As such, she said, “We recommend the establishment of an independent fact-checking mechanism to support democratic strengthening in Guyana.

On polling day, the chairperson said that the general environment of the election day was peaceful, with polling generally opening on time.

Against this back-

drop, the group commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for providing information desks, materials and signage in and around polling stations, which were effective in guiding voters.

While noting that GECOM staff and polling staff worked with professionalism and diligence added that the procedures for conducting the count ensured trust in the process.

Moving to the close of polls, it was stated that they were able to observe the counting of ballot papers.

“The new tabulation process for Statements of Poll and District Tabulation forms was followed and was well understood by party agents. The ascertainment of votes, results, tabulation and verification were conducted with transparency and profession -

alism,” the chairperson added

Further to this, the group commended the improvements from the 2020 election which included the uploading of statements of poll to GECOM’s website which can improve the accuracy and transparency of the results.

The observer mission to this end applauded the government’s work on the harmonisation of legislation to update and clar-

ify the legal framework for elections through the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act (RoPA) and the National Registration (Amendment) Act (NRA).

The group is expected to formulate its full report and make the same available within the coming months, which will encompass further detailed observations.

Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Fekitamoeloa Katoa Utoikamanu (second from left) and other members of the group (Delano Williams photo)

President Ali re-elected to office –– Election declarations show

–– Incumbent PPP/C leads by over 133,000 votes

By Shamar Meusa

THE incumbent People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is in line to regain office after capturing a significant victory at the 2025 General and Regional Election.

Six parties contested this year’s election, with three major parties capturing the majority of votes at the polls those being the incumbent PPP/C, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and newcomer We Invest in Nationhood (WIN).

The win by the incumbent PPP/C, according to the data provided in the declarations published by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the General Election, shows that significant gains have been made in several regions which had previously supported the APNU.

The most significant of these regions would be Region Four, which has traditionally supported that party.

The chart in Figure 1 shows that the APNU from 2011 to 2020 had always captured more than 50 per cent of the votes cast for Electoral District Four/Region Four. The percentage of votes captured for that

region peaked in 2015 when the party joined forces at the polls with the Alliance for Change (AFC) as a coalition.

The PPP/C, however, for that Region had stayed consistent, starting at capturing 38 per cent of votes in 2011 and 2015.

This figure moved to 40 per cent at the 2020 election, and this year, according to the declaration, capturing 48.4 per cent of votes, accounting for some 87,536 votes.

Significantly, while the PPP/C was able to capture the lion's share of the votes for Region Four at this year’s polls, newcomer WIN captured 23 per cent of the votes, accounting for 41,607, just two per cent shy of what APNU captured, being 25.97 per cent or 46,965 votes.

Meanwhile, votes received by the threemonth-old newcomer have caused persons to question the strength of the APNU’s base, as the gains made by the WIN party have come from regions that have previously supported APNU.

One such region is Region Ten, where WIN captured 49.7 per cent of all votes cast for that region, with APNU capturing only 25.38 per cent.

However, for Region Ten, the PPP/C was able to capture 20.27 per cent of votes there, an improvement in its performance when compared to previous election cycles, like 2020, where it had gained 13.9 per cent of votes in that region.

Figure 2 shows the aggregation by percentage of the major parties' votes gained at this year’s polls. Further to this, according to the data released in GECOM’s declarations, the PPP/C captured wins in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight and Nine.

With victories in eight regions, the incumbent was able to secure some 55.3 per cent of all valid votes cast in the country, accounting for over 242,000 votes. These votes, tallied using the data gathered from the declaration published, put the PPP/C ahead by 133,432 votes.

Figure 3 shows the breakdown of the votes gained by percentage

for each region in this year’s general election for the three major parties, APNU, PPP/C and WIN, computed using the data provided by GECOM’s declarations for each region made on Wednesday.

While individual district declarations were released on Wednesday, following Election Day

on Monday, no overall declaration has been made by GECOM announcing any party as the victor at the polls.

However, with the information provided through these declarations, it can be clearly determined that the PPP/C has secured another term in office.

Meanwhile, dissatisfied with the outcome, the APNU has called for a recount of votes for sub-district 4 (East Coast Demerara) of Electoral District Four. This recount was granted and will commence today using a total of 25 workstations, according to GECOM.

THAG, BritCham strengthen ties to boost tourism and business collaboration

THE Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham) are exploring new avenues of collaboration following a meeting on Wednesday aimed at deepening ties between the two organisations.

The discussions centred on supporting each other’s flagship events, including

BritCham’s upcoming Business Forum & Networking Event and the World Travel Market (WTM) in November. Both bodies underscored the importance of joint initiatives that can enhance Guyana’s visibility on the global stage while creating more opportunities for local stakeholders.

THAG emphasised its continued commitment to forging meaningful partner-

ships that advance the tourism and hospitality sector, noting that co-operation with organisations like BritCham will help strengthen industry networks and attract greater international interest.

BritCham, for its part, highlighted its mission to encourage trade and commerce between Guyana and the United Kingdom, positioning itself as a key partner in expanding the scope of business opportunities that benefit both countries.

Founded as a private-sec-

tor, non-profit body, THAG represents tourism and hospitality stakeholders across Guyana, advocating for sustainable growth and enhanced visitor experiences. Meanwhile, BritCham Guyana continues to serve as a platform for business support, working to foster stronger economic ties between Guyana and the UK.

With both organisations committed to collaboration, the partnership signals a growing synergy between the tourism and business sectors—one that could pave the way for increased investment, stronger networks, and broader global recognition of Guyana’s offerings.

THAG and BritCham are exploring new avenues of collaboration following a meeting on Wednesday aimed at deepening ties between the two organisations

No evidence of manipulation of voters’ list – Carter Centre

THE Carter Center, in its preliminary report following polling day activities on Monday, stated that there was no evidence indicating any manipulation of Guyana’s official list of electors (OLE).

“We did not find any evidence that the list was manipulated,” Mission leader, Jason Carter, said while responding to questions from the local press at a Wednesday news conference.

Voting took place at 2,790 polling stations across the country. The OLE consisted of 757,690 voters.

“There is, of course, just looking at the numbers, you know that there are people who could come off of that list because they don’t exist,

probably, you know, because they’ve passed away,” Carter said, noting that while there is a need for continuous and robust reforms, no significant irregularities were reported during the casting of ballots.

“Guyana should be very proud of its elections and of its democracy. Guyana is a vibrant democracy, and yes, there are some persistent issues that have undermined trust between the parties at different times, and that lack of trust is very important, but Guyana is a robust democracy, and the people of Guyana truly embrace their democratic values.”

He added, “This is an important moment, and this is an important place, and

EU reports

that’s why we have called for years on Guyana’s leaders in this new government and the new parliament, whoever they may be, to continue crucial discussions around constitutional reform.”

The mission observed 234 polling stations and 17 tabulation centres, finding no significant irregularities.

“97 per cent of the reports that we've received regarding tabulation recorded that tabulation was being conducted in accordance with the law. So that process is cumbersome, but it is ongoing, it is transparent, and when it's complete, I think people will have trust in the results,” he said.

The team will remain in Guyana to observe the ongo-

— says no significant irregularities reported during the polling day

ing tabulation process.

The Carter Center highlighted the need for greater transparency, particularly in relation to public access to information about government contracts and other matters that directly impact citizens’ daily lives. Ensuring equal access to such information, the organisation noted, is vital to building public trust and accountability.

He further underscored that while elections are an important gauge of a country’s democratic health, they are not democracy in its entirety. “Elections are really a report card on a democracy.”

Carter stressed that what happens between elections, including governance, lawmaking, and institutional strengthening, is equally, if not more, important.

The Carter Center also called on Guyanese authorities to continue implementing and upholding the legal framework that governs the electoral process, reinforcing that these laws are central to maintaining democratic integrity and public confidence in political institutions.

‘Peaceful, inclusive, efficient’ polling day in Guyana - recommends further improvements to democratic, legal systems

THE European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EU EUOM) to Guyana’s regional and general elections has reported a ‘peaceful, inclusive, and efficient’ polling day in Guyana, following the hosting of elections on Monday, September 1.

Chief Observer, Robert Biedron, during a Wednesday news briefing, told reporters that polling day was peaceful and orderly despite a highly polarised political landscape.

“Guyana held its general and regional elections in a peaceful and orderly manner; voters queued passionately. Polling stations opened on time and polling staff carried out their duties professionally and effectively. At the same time, the elections took place in the highly polarised and evolving political landscape against the backdrop of extra potential oil revenue growth,” Biedron said.

He stressed that fundamental freedoms were respected as Guyanese cast their ballots.

Biedron noted that while amendments were introduced in 2022, following the country’s last general polls in March 2020, further reform is needed to reduce political

influence and strengthen citizens’ trust and confidence in the electoral process.

“I want to stress that the campaign was peaceful and competitive, with six political parties providing voters with a genuine choice. Fundamental freedoms were generally respected,” he said.

He commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) management of polling, highlighting the professionalism of staff.

The mission deployed 50 observers from EU member states and Norway to over 200 polling stations across the country.

“Polling stations opened

on time, and the polls were efficiently managed. Measures such as restricting mobile phones inside polling stations were implemented to enhance integrity. Polling day activities, including the opening and closing of polls,

were observed. The mission remains on the ground as tabulation of statement of polls (SOPs) from several regions continues,” the chief observer noted.

The European Union Election Observation Mission will remain in Guyana to observe the remaining stages of the electoral process.

“Voters showed dedication and made their electoral choices in a calm and peaceful manner. All observers noted the professionalism of polling staff, mostly women, facilitating the process efficiently across towns and villages of Guyana. Overall, the 2025 general and regional elections in Guyana were peaceful, inclusive, and efficiently organised, offering citizens meaningful choices.”

A final report, including recommendations for strengthening electoral in -

tegrity, will be issued in the coming weeks to contribute to Guyana's democratic reform process.

“Addressing these challenges is crucial. Citizens need to trust their own matters and that the process is fair and transparent. Strong, independent institutions, a vibrant media, civil society, organisations, and clear legal frameworks are essential to safeguard democracy in Guyana,” Biedron said.

The European Union

Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has been present in Guyana since July 23 following an invitation from the government of Guyana. The final evaluation of the elections will partly rely on how the remaining stages of the process are conducted, especially the tabulation of results and the management of any complaints or appeals that may arise after election day.

Jason Carter (Delano Williams)

EU’s Chief Observer, Robert Biedron

Guyana’s Electoral Maturity

THE Carter Center’s clear statement that no evidence of manipulation tainted Guyana’s Official List of Electors means much more than just a technical assessment.

It serves as a strong sign of the country’s democratic growth after the troubling electoral crisis of 2020.

When Mission Leader Jason Carter said, “Guyana should be very proud of its elections and of its democracy,” he recognised not only procedural competence but also the nation’s impressive ability to renew its institutions and remain resilient in democracy.

This validation is especially important, given the Center’s difficult experience in 2020. At the time, it had to declare the Region Four results “not credible”, and ultimately withdrew its mission amid chaos and attempted manipulation.

The difference is striking. While

2020 faced spreadsheet manipulations and blatant efforts to undermine the people’s will, the experience in 2025 highlighted transparency, professionalism, and respect for legal frameworks.

The Online posting of official Statements of Poll, the smooth running of 2,790 polling stations, and the orderly behaviour of both voters and election officials show a democratic system that has truly learned from its darkest moments.

Carter’s point that “there are some persistent issues that have undermined trust between the parties” should not be taken lightly.

The opposition commissioners’ walkout from GECOM meetings earlier this year mirrored the destructive patterns that nearly destroyed Guyana’s democracy in 2020. However, the fact that this obstruction did not disrupt the electoral process shows the

strength of the protections put in place since then.

These include the updated laws from the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act and stricter penalties for electoral wrongdoing.

The 97 per cent compliance rate in tabulation procedures, reported by Carter Center observers, reflects not only technical skill, but also a real change in the institutional culture.

When Justice Claudette Singh said there would be no repeat of the 2020 “saga”, she was offering more than just a promise. She was expressing a new institutional mindset that values democratic legitimacy over party advantage.

Carter’s call for ongoing constitutional reform should not be considered empty rhetoric. Guyana’s oil-driven prosperity makes these reforms urgent, not optional.

As Carter explained, the country

faces an important question: “Whether it will be a rich country full of poor people, or whether it will be a rich country that is based on a democracy that does not leave people out.”

The Constitution Reform Commission set up during the last parliament presents a way to tackle the underlying issues that foster mistrust between parties, such as GECOM’s controversial 3-3-1 structure, and the excessive powers of the Chief Elections Officer.

The successful administration of the 2025 elections, backed by international observers and free from major irregularities, shows that Guyana has the institutional ability for credible democracy.

Now it must show the political determination to carry out the constitutional reforms needed to secure these achievements for the long term.

Congratulations, Mr. President

Dear Editor,

I EXTEND my heartfelt congratulations to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic on its outstanding victory at the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

This renewed mandate is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Guyana continue to place in your leadership, vision and unwavering commit-

ment to national development.

Under the PPP/C’s stewardship, Guyana has experienced transformative growth, enhanced international recognition, and significant strides in economic diversification, infrastructure development and social progress.

The people have spoken clearly — endorsing the progressive policies, inclusive governance and forward-thinking agenda that have come to define the

PPP/C administration.

I particularly commend the exemplary leadership of President Ali and Vice-President Jagdeo, whose combined experience and dedication have positioned Guyana as a rising force in the region, and a beacon of opportunity for its citizens.

As you embark on this new term, I wish you continued success in your efforts to build a more prosperous, unified

and sustainable future for all Guyanese.

Please accept my warmest congratulations once again on this historic achievement.

Yours truly,

Pt. Rajish Kadarnauth

J.P.,

C.OA.

THERE isn’t a human on Planet Earth that would not expect to see in their county’s newspapers a front page reporting on the likely results of the country’s general election.

There isn’t a newspaper in the entire world that would not report on its front page the trends in the election counting.

No decent human would deny that is the reality in the world. No Guyanese would put his/her name to a publication that justifies what the Stabroek News (SN) did on its front page yesterday (Wednesday). Even if that person did so, they would be so ashamed to put their real name, because even their family and relatives would ostracise them.

What the SN did yesterday should cause all Guyanese to boycott this newspaper. The owner of the Kaieteur News hates the PPP, but the front page was on Mr. Jagdeo’s assertion of a likely PPP victory yesterday. The Chronicle and Guyana Times projected a PPP victory yesterday.

The SN had four front-page items yesterday: One on the US attack on a Venezuelan boat, one on a rape conviction, another on the Farnum Playground controversy, and the other being a statement from GECOM about the official declaration.

I have been in the newspaper world in Guyana for 36 years. I know about journalism. No newspaper anywhere in the world would carry a rape conviction of an ordinary, completely unknown, unemployed citizen on its front page. That does not happen in journalism. That is an impossibility in any newspaper or television news. The only way

a rape conviction would find its way on the front page would be if the accused were a hugely known, prominent person.

The SN omitted the projection of a likely loser and winner of one of CARICOM’s most intriguing national elections, and gave frontpage coverage to a rape conviction of a lowlife man. This is the extent of the penetration of evil in this newspaper. Before I speak about the ongoing projection the entire day yesterday so people knew the likely results, a few words on newspapers’ press timing.

I have written for all the major newspapers in Guyana, and I can say with a billion per cent accuracy that no newspaper in this country in the past or at the moment goes to press before 10 PM. I repeat: None of them do that. The pages are normally completed around 10pm to 11pm.

Yesterday, at around 10 AM, Neil Marks of Newsroom asked me to comment on the likely results, given what we both saw with the SOPs. By 10am that morning, the political parties would have known the likely loser and winner. By 4PM yesterday, the projection showed the winner and loser. People in journalism and in social activism knew the results.

At 4pm I was sitting on the balcony of Ignite Television Station and had two conversations at separate times. One was with a huge name in the PPP leadership, and we were discussing the results. The other conversation was with Vice-Chairman of the Alliance For Change, Michael Carrington, who knew how WIN had performed, and the regions that WIN won.

As dusk descended on Guyana yesterday,

the entire country knew the election results. That is easy to know with the new methodology for GEGOM posting SOPs. At 8PM, Vice-President Jagdeo told his supporters there was a PPP victory. That speech was a front-page news item in Kaieteur News. All media houses in every country in the world monitor projections and publish the trends that would shape an election result. The only paper that has not done that is SN.

Why on yesterday’s front page did SN not even carry one small item on the trends the SOPs were showing? The newspaper, overtaken with anti-PPP hate since 2020 and reeling from the handsome victory of the PPP on Monday evening, which it did not believe would happen, chose not to highlight the trends in SOPs.

In a recent column I wrote that the editor-in-chief of SN, Mr. Anand Persaud, and SN itself, have gone mad. Is there a decent hu-

man out there that believes that what SN did yesterday is not horrible, sick and malicious? This is not journalism; this is evil politics. But what is sad is that people who buy the print version of SN and subscribe to its Online edition are entitled to the reporting of news as it unfolds. SN abandoned its obligation to its readers, and informed them about a rape conviction.

I honestly believe that SN no longer serves any purpose in Guyana.

But it will continue to thrive, because a certain Western embassy here will give it money, and it will live on that money with the dozens of millions it collects monthly from State advertisements.

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.

Stabroek News has outlived its usefulness Chandan-Edmond’s

Dear Editor,

THE resignation of former Member of Parliament and legal professional, Geeta Chandan-Edmond from the People’s National Congress (PNC) marked more than just the departure of a single figure; it signaled the beginning of the unraveling of a once-formidable political institution.

Her exit was not an isolated act. It triggered what has since become a domino effect, exposing deep fractures within a party that has stood at the centre of Guyana’s political landscape since 1955.

Chandan-Edmond’s principled decision emboldened others who had long been sidelined or disillusioned.

Her resignation was quickly followed by others, including Amanza Walton-Desir and several well-known members who migrated to the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party.

Their actions reflected what many had been whispering for years: The PNC has

lost its way.

This development is not simply about high-profile names departing; it symbolises the collapse of confidence in the party’s leadership under Aubrey Norton, and the erosion of unity that once gave the PNC its strength. Norton’s inability to hold his team together, compounded by his public spats with veteran members like Amna Ally, only worsened the internal discontent.

Longstanding complaints of being sidelined grew louder, eventually culminating in an exodus that has left the party hollow.

Geeta Chandan-Edmond’s resignation as General Secretary and her subsequent endorsement of President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted the reality that loyalty to country must take precedence over loyalty to a party in disarray.

Her call for dialogue and unity in the national interest resonated far beyond the walls of Congress Place. It inspired others to act; to recognise that partisan loyalty means little

when the party has failed to evolve or present a coherent vision for Guyana’s future.

The impact of these resignations became glaringly evident in the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) dominated the polls with 61.4 per cent of the vote, while the rookie WIN party—benefiting from disaffected PNC supporters—secured an impressive 26.1 per cent. APNU, once the standard bearer of opposition politics, plummeted to an embarrassing 11 per cent.

This collapse was not merely the result of PPP’s electoral machinery but reflected the PNC’s failure to retain its traditional voter base, especially in Georgetown and Region Four. As one former strategist admitted, “The youth are 100 per cent behind the PPP. Region Four? That’s gone red.” He noted that if APNU even managed 70,000 votes in Region 4, “they’ve done well”, a dramatic fall from previous cycles where support soared above

100,000.

It is both melancholic and deeply disconcerting to witness the disintegration of a party that has been part of Guyana’s political fabric for seventy years.

This decline is not owed to external enemies but to internal failures of leadership, vision, and accountability.

Geeta Chandan-Edmond’s resignation may well be remembered as the tipping point; the moment that laid bare the PNC’s inability to reinvent itself and remain relevant.

For all those who left, whether for WIN, independence, or simply to stand on principle, their actions have underscored a sobering truth: A party that fails to adapt, listen, and unify is destined to collapse under the weight of its own shortcomings.

Sincerely, Carl Seeram

PSC Executive endorses SurinameGuyana chamber’s International Business Conference 2025

EXECUTIVE Director of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Nayteram Ramnarine, has thrown his full support behind the upcoming International Business Conference (IBC) 2025, describing it as a vital platform for advancing economic growth and regional collaboration.

The three-day event, hosted by the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), is set to take place from October 14–16 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. It will be the Chamber’s third annual staging of the conference in Guyana, under the theme “Bridging Businesses for Regional Prosperity.”

In a video message shared on SGCC’s Facebook page, Ramnarine said Guyana’s business landscape is at a transformative stage.

“Guyana is on the rise, and there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of our business community,” he stated. “The International Business Conference has become a vital platform for connecting ideas, people and

Diplomatic Officials at last year’s International Business Conference, at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown

opportunities that drive real economic growth.”

Reflecting on the 2024 edition of the IBC, Ramnarine recalled how the event brought together leaders, investors, and partners from across the region and beyond, demonstrating the immense potential of collaboration.

“When businesses and

Government work together, remarkable things can happen,” he remarked.

The PSC, he said, is proud to be part of this journey, noting that over the past year it has strengthened partnerships, supported businesses of all sizes, and positioned Guyana as a hub for sustainable investment and innovation.

According to Ramnarine, IBC 2025 will provide an opportunity to showcase Guyana’s potential, attract investors, and explore growth areas across energy, technology, trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

“At the IBC, ideas transform into partnerships, and partnerships into growth,” he empha-

sised, while inviting business leaders, policymakers, investors, and regional partners to participate.

This year’s conference will feature more than 50 exhibitors in the Marriott Annex, 15 panel discussions covering key sectors such as agriculture, logistics, finance, and digital transformation, over 80 speakers, 750 delegates,

Linden man gets 12 years in jail for child rape

A TWENTY-eight-year-old man pleaded guilty to raping a child a few weeks ago, and on Tuesday, he was given a 12-year prison sentence in the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

Gallard Gill, known as ‘Daddy Boy’ of Linden, appeared before Justice Damone Younge at the Demerara High

Court to answer a charge of raping a child under the age of 16.

Prosecutors Simran Gajraj, Padma Dubraj, and Geneva Wills underscored the child’s young age and the lasting impact of the crime on both the victim and the victim’s family as key aggravating factors. Citing the widespread inci -

dence of child sexual abuse in Guyana, the prosecutors urged the court to hand down a sentence that would deter both Gallard and potential offenders.

In delivering the sentence, Justice Younge weighed both aggravating and mitigating factors and determined that a starting point of 18 years was

appropriate.

However, Gallard received a one-third reduction for his early guilty plea.

As a result, he was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and ordered to participate in all available prison rehabilitation programmes during his incarceration.

and more than 1,500 trade visitors.

One of the highlights of IBC 2025 will be the unveiling of a first-of-itskind beverage—a collaborative creation by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) of Guyana and Suriname Alcoholic Beverages N.V. (SAB). The SGCC has described this new blend as a product that symbolises regional unity, tradition, and innovation.

The conference is being supported by the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), and the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA). Registration is still open for delegates and exhibitors through the conference’s official website.

Ramnarine underscored that the momentum building around the IBC is more than just business.

“Together, we can advance inclusive economic growth, foster innovation and strengthen Guyana’s role as a vibrant, forward-looking business hub in the Caribbean,” he said.

Gallard Gill

GCCI praises ‘peaceful, free and transparent’ elections

THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has lauded Guyana’s electorate for conducting themselves with maturity and stability during the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections, describing the polling day as peaceful, free, fair, and transparent.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chamber praised the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the efficient management of the electoral process, which it noted was carried out without disruptions to voting across the country.

However, while commending the Commission, the GCCI

urged that more attention be given to enhancing inclusivity in future elections. Specifically, the Chamber called for the implementation of systems to ensure persons living with disabilities can comfortably access polling stations and exercise their constitutional right to vote.

The GCCI further

emphasised the need for a stronger and more targeted voter education programme to guarantee that all segments of the population are properly informed on how to cast their ballots.

As the nation awaits the official declaration of results, the Chamber reiterated its appeal for the time-

ly release of credible results and encouraged all stakeholders to work towards

ensuring a peaceful conclusion to the 2025 electoral process.

Thousands of young Guyanese benefit from expanded training opportunities in 2025

POLITICS aside, young people across Guyana continue to access a wide range of opportunities to enhance their professional and personal lives, thanks to several government-backed initiatives.

Through programmes spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT), and the Ministry of Health, thousands of youths have benefitted in 2025 from training in both traditional and emerging fields.

While Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a well-established pathway, an increasing number of Guyanese are also taking advantage of medical train ing opportunities. The Ministry of Health has rolled out a series of health-related programmes, including Nursing (Medex Traditional and Alternative Pathways, Professional Nurse, Nursing Assistant, Public Health Nurse, and Midwifery), as well as Clinical and Technical programmes such as Medical Laboratory Technician, X-ray Technician, Pharmacy Assistant, Rehabilitation Assistant, and Community Health Worker.

tinuing Medical Education, and a range of support roles designed to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

Other specialised training includes Patient Care Assistant (PCA) courses, Con -

Recently, the Ministry of Health highlighted three success stories from its programmes.

From Region Three (Essequibo Islands–

West Demerara), Sarah Ganesh, a trainee in the Pharmacy Assistant programme, described the initiative as a “huge stepping stone” in her career. “I encourage others, especially the young ones, to take advantage of these opportunities, for you to be the best version

of yourselves,” she urged. The nine-month Pharmacy Assistant programme carries a three-year contractual obligation, ensuring graduates contribute meaningfully to the system.

Also from Region Three, Aaliyah Duesbury, one of the first

Patient Care Assistants attached to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, said the experience has been “phenomenal.” Inspired by her grandmother’s service in healthcare, Duesbury expressed gratitude to the Government for creating avenues for career growth. “I’m definitely not going to stop here,” she said, noting her ambition to advance further in the sector. Meanwhile, in Region One at the Port Kaituma Hospital, Martin Fields, a Staff Nurse/Midwife with more than 16 years of experience, welcomed the chance to pursue the traditional Medex programme. “I’m really grateful for this opportunity to be giving back to my community and my country,” he shared.

With these success stories reflecting a broader national trend, the Government continues to stress that the expansion of training opportunities—whether through TVET, BIT, or the healthcare sector, remains central to youth empowerment and national development.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, flanked by PCA programme graduates and other officials in Region Nine last year

Respect the outcome of the 2025 elections — ALP Leader Simona Broomes

LEADER of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Simona Broomes, has urged all stakeholders to respect the outcome of the 2025 general and regional elections.

During a live broadcast on her Facebook page, she told viewers that the Statement of Polls (SOPs) are available on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s website and, therefore, certain parties should not attempt to speak contrary to the facts.

She reminded the public that elections are an exercise of the people’s democratic right and once the ballots are counted, the outcome needs to be respected.

Addressing opposition parties partly, she said: “When election time comes, the public votes for the people of their choice. That is their right. But once the elections are over, you must accept the outcome. There’s a type of representation you need, and you must take it — good or

bad.”

The ALP leader also chastised parties that only mobilise when elections are announced, noting that true campaign groundwork begins long before polling day.

“You think you win an election when the President [is] announced…From since 2020, you got to start to work for an election to win it in 2025,” she said.

She further stated that when she launched her party and campaigned, it was to continue getting her message out there and she will continue doing such.

“Guyanese people vote, and their vote must speak for them, and they better make it work and hold their leaders accountable. We here in the ALP, we going to hold every single man Jack accountable,” she said.

The party leader stated that despite not performing well as the other big players, she respects the choices of the Guyanese electorate.

Leader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Simona Broomes

WIN, APNU now claim irregularities, request recounts after massive defeat at elections

IN separate videos on their respective Facebook pages, both the leaders of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Azruddin Mohamed and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton have claimed that there were irregularities in the 2025 general and regional elections despite witnessing and signing off on the counts.

The declared results of the elections, which were released by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secured 242,498 votes, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), 109,066, and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) secured 77,998 votes.

Subsequent to the release of the declared Region Four results on Wednesday, Leader of WIN, US-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed, said: “Within the past few days, we have had numerous and credible reports of grave irreg-

ularities in the conduct of these 2025 elections.”

Without pointing to or providing any evidence to substantiate his allegations, he claimed that there were reports of Statements of Poll (SoPs) going missing, tampering with ballot boxes, and wholesale victimisation.

The WIN leader also pointed to voting by Commonwealth citizens who, in his view, did not reside in Guyana for the prescribed amount of time.

This claim was echoed by Norton in a video which was posted on the APNU Coalition’s Facebook page just after Mohamed released his.

GECOM, however,

has already responded to similar allegations in an earlier response to the Gu yana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and its partner organisations.

Describing the allegations as “mischievous,” GECOM said that both countries are members of the Commonwealth, and the law provides for Commonwealth citizens 14 years and older, residing legally in Guyana for at least one year, to be registered as electors and, once meeting the age requirement, to vote.

“Every citizen from Commonwealth countries, not limited to the two about which the GHRA is concerned, who meet the

criteria, qualify for registration and, by extension, to vote at elections,” the Commission explained.

Once registered, they are entitled to the same rights as Guyanese citizens.

GECOM also rejected criticisms surrounding the issuance of ID cards, noting that for over two decades, the nationality field on the application form for Commonwealth citizens has been marked with the letter “C.”

“Suddenly, this becomes a problem of the GHRA,” the Commission said

The Commission dismissed claims about “foreign voters” being covert-

R3PSInc congratulates PPP/C on election victory

- hails Government’s development track record

H EAD of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on securing victory at the 2025 General and Regional Elections, noting that the outcome reflects the will of the Guyanese people and their confidence in the government’s transformative vision for the nation

In a statement on Tuesday, Khan commended President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C leadership for their continued commitment to inclusive development, job creation, and the

expansion of opportunities across all regions.

He emphasised that the results stand as a clear endorsement of the government’s policies, which have delivered unprecedented growth and tangible benefits for citizens.

“The people of Guyana have spoken decisively,” Khan said. “Under the PPP/C administration, we have witnessed significant investments in infrastructure, health, education, housing, and agriculture. These efforts have not only improved lives in Region Three but also laid the foundation for a prosperous future. The private sector stands ready to continue

working with the government in advancing the development agenda.”

Khan highlighted several initiatives under the PPP/C government that have benefitted Region Three, including the construction of the new Demerara River Bridge, road expansion projects, housing schemes, and investments in health and education facilities. He noted that these projects have not only boosted economic activity but also created jobs and enhanced the quality of life for families.

He further applauded the government’s approach to public-private partnerships, stressing that

collaboration between the state and the private sector remains vital in ensuring sustainable growth and widespread prosperity.

The R3PSInc head underscored that the PPP/C’s victory carries a message of continuity and progress, as Guyanese look forward to the implementation of additional transformative projects under the government’s manifesto promises.

“On behalf of the private sector in Region Three, I extend best wishes to President Ali and his government. We are confident that the PPP/C will continue to deliver on its commitments, build on the successes achieved, and

“Unfortunately, in these elections, a lot of money played its role and I think Linden might have been the victim of the money that was circulated,” Norton said during a social media interview, on Tuesday.

ly inserted into the OLE as baseless, emphasising that every entry met statutory requirements.

In addition to this issue which has been thoroughly addressed by GECOM, both Norton and WIN requested recounts of the votes in various regions.

Norton is requesting recounts in Regions Four, Seven and Ten, all of which his coalition lost to WIN, which now appears to be an ally.

The APNU leader, while addressing his party’s loss in Region Ten during a previous interview, had suggested that rival forces might have used money to sway voters.

In Region Four, where he said the results seemed “implausible,” APNU got 46,956 votes, WIN secured 41,607 votes, and the PPP/C got 87,536— an increase of just over 6,000 when compared to 2020.

In 2020, APNU, which contested with its coalition partner the Alliance For Change (AFC), secured 116,941 votes.

Considering the low voter turnout, WIN’s major influence on APNU supporters, and the PPP/C’s increased support in Region Four, APNU would have to carefully analyse its performance and how to recover.

Its request for a recount in a sub-district in Region Four, however, has been granted by GECOM and will be done today.

ensure that every Guyanese benefits from the nation’s wealth and opportunities,” Khan stated.

The PPP/C, he noted is widely credited with steering Guyana through an era of rapid development fuelled by the country’s emerging oil and gas industry, while simultaneously

maintaining focus on social services, poverty reduction, and equitable growth.

“With its 2025 electoral mandate reaffirmed, the government is poised to accelerate its vision of modernising Guyana and creating a better life for all citizens,” he added.

R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan

WIN’s presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed APNU’s presidential candidate, Aubrey Norton

Contractor arrested with unlicensed firearm, ammunition in D’Urban backlands

POLICE have arrested a 28-year-old contractor after he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and several rounds of ammunition late Sunday night.

The suspect, identified as Casell Nurse of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was taken into custody around 23:50hrs on September 1, 2025, during a police mobile patrol in the vicinity of D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown.

According to a police report, ranks observed a group of men gathered near a shop when they approached a man wearing a white jersey and blue short pants. As the ranks closed in, they reportedly saw the man retrieve a handgun from his pants waistline and throw it to the ground about three feet away from him.

One of the officers, a Sergeant, picked up the firearm — a 9MM pistol containing 15 live rounds of ammunition. When asked if he was a

licensed firearm holder, the man admitted that he was not. He then identified himself as Nurse.

Police said he was informed of the offence committed, cautioned, and subsequently arrested. He was escorted to the East La Penitence Police Station, where his fingerprints were collected. The firearm was also processed for latent fingerprint comparison.

Checks in the area for spent shells turned up empty. The suspect remains in police custody pending charges.

Security guard remanded over fatal stabbing at National Museum

A THIRTY-eight-year-old security guard accused of fatally stabbing his colleague at the Guyana National Museum has been remanded to prison.

Julian Anthony Lindore appeared on Tuesday before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with the murder of 57-year-old Shawn

Lovell.

He was not required to enter a plea and is scheduled to return to court on September 24. The charge stems from a confrontation on the evening of Saturday, August 30, 2025, which ended in Lovell’s death.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF),

Lovell, of Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, had handed over his shift to Lindore at 17:40 hrs. He reportedly returned about an hour later to the guard hut at the museum, accusing Lindore of stealing his cell phone. The accusation escalated into a heated altercation.

said Lindore retrieved two knives from his haversack and, during the struggle that followed, stabbed Lovell twice in the back, once in the right shoulder, and four times in the right hand.

Lovell attempted to flee but collapsed into a nearby concrete drain east of the museum. He was later pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Police ranks recovered

and a

from the

Several individuals were also interviewed as part of the probe. Lindore was apprehended at the scene, informed of the allegation, and arrested.

The firearm with matching rounds seized by police

Casell Nurse

Investigators

three knives

cutlass

guard hut.

Julian Anthony Lindore

Shawn Lovell

Woman’s house ransacked, valuables stolen after reported threat in Corentyne

POLICE in Berbice

are investigating an incident at No. 19 Village (Reserve), Corentyne, after a woman reported that her home was ransacked and valuables stolen following threats linked to political tensions.

The victim, 54-yearold Helen Kashi, a self-employed resident of the community, told investigators that the ordeal began on the evening of September 2, 2025, while she was visiting her mother’s residence.

Around 19:00 hours, she was allegedly confronted by 28-year-old Rameshwar Ramdat, also known as ‘Kevin,’ who was in the company of several others.

Kashi recounted that the group, dressed in a political party’s colours and engaged in post-election celebrations, hurled verbal abuse at her for supporting the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party. During the confrontation, Ramdat

allegedly threatened to set her home on fire.

Fearing for her safety, Kashi said she spent the night at her mother’s residence. However, when she returned to her home at about 07:00 hours the following morning, she discovered that the house had been broken into and ransacked.

Personal items were thrown outside, while a gold chain valued at $22,000 and $23,000 in cash were missing. She also observed scorch marks on a makeshift table attached to the eastern wall of the building, suggesting an attempt to burn the structure.

The matter was immediately reported, and police ranks subsequently arrested the suspect, who is currently in custody assisting with investigations. According to police, once the probe is complete, the case file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

Authorities have

not yet confirmed whether the incident will be treated as politically motivated but emphasised that all angles are being explored.

The house that was ransacked and valuables stolen

Cummings Lodge woman killed, house set on fire

- suspect dies hours later

POLICE are probing a shocking case of alleged murder and arson that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Lot 22 Second Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is 50-year-old housewife, Paula Abraham, who was reportedly stabbed to death by her reputed husband, Ishwar Singh, a 46-year-old unemployed resident of the same address.

Singh later died while receiving medical treat-

was a habitual drinker who frequently assaulted her mother and often threatened to kill her.

In the early hours of the morning, Preeta was awakened by her moth -

ment for burns he sustained during the incident.

According to investigators, Abraham, Singh, and their 24-year-old daughter, Preeta Singh, a security guard, lived together in the lower flat of a two-storey wooden and concrete house. Preeta told police that her father

er’s screams coming from the bedroom.

She said she quickly realised the house was on fire and fled through the southern door, raising an alarm. Neighbours and relatives rushed to the scene as flames engulfed parts of the building.

Preeta reported seeing a sofa in the hall on fire,

which quickly spread through the structure. Moments later, Singh emerged from the northern door of the lower flat with burns about his body. The Guyana Fire Service was called in and managed to extinguish the blaze.

When the fire was brought under control, Abraham’s body was discovered lying motionless on a sponge mattress in her bedroom, clad in a yellow vest and black short pants. Police said she bore a stab wound to the left side of her neck and blood was visible on her clothing and bedding. Notably, neither her body nor the mattress showed signs of fire damage. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Walcott from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Singh, meanwhile, was rushed to the GPHC by relatives under police guard. However, he succumbed to his injuries at around 10:10 hrs the same day. His body is now at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The fire destroyed the upper flat of the building and partially damaged the lower flat. Several individuals from the neighbourhood have since bee n questioned, as investigations continue.

The couple in happier times

Sikandar Raza takes top spot in ICC Men’s ODI All-rounder rankings

ZIMBABWE’s Sikandar Raza has taken the top spot in the ICC Men's ODI All-Rounder rankings, moving to the summit thanks to back-toback strong performances against Sri Lanka in Harare.

Raza raised his bat with two half-centuries in the week's action, also claiming figures of 1/48 (10) in the first ODI, showing his wares in spite of two defeats for the Chevrons.

The effort helped Raza move past Afghan pair Mohammad Nabi (292 points) and Azmatullah Omarzai (296) to a rating of 302, with his batting performance also moving him up nine spots to 22nd in the ODI Batting Rankings.

It was the Sri Lankans though who enjoyed marked movements in the latest

updates however, having claimed victories in both encounters at the Harare Sports Club.

Pathum Nissanka was the closest to threaten an unchanged Batting Rankings top 10, moving up seven spots to 13th (654 points) thanks to his innings of 122 and 76 in the two-game series.

Janith Liyanage (up 13 spots to 29th) also enjoyed a move, while in the Bowling Rankings, pacers Asitha Fernando (up six spots to 31st) and Dilshan Madushanka (up eight spots to 52nd) were Sri Lankan standouts.

South Africa's rout of England in their first ODI at Headingley also saw movement, headlined by Keshav Maharaj opening up a 31 rating point lead (690 points) at the top of the Bowling Rankings off the back of a

four-wicket haul.

Fellow Protea Lungi Ngidi moved up five spots to equal 23rd, while Jofra Archer climbed into the top 20 (19th, 571 rankings points) in spite of the defeat.

While Mohammad Nabi was shifted down in the ODI all-rounder rankings, the ever-present Afghan made a press for the No.1 T20 all-Rounder spot this week, moving up to second behind India's Hardik Pandya.

Nabi claimed four wickets in three matches across the week in Sharjah, where the Afghans face UAE and Pakistan in a tri-series.

Fellow Afghan Ibrahim Zadran was a noteworthy mover in the T20I batting rankings (up 12 spots to 20th) thanks to scores of 63 (40) and 65 (45), while Pakistan's Sufiyan Muqeem moved 11 spots up to 22nd in the T20I Bowling Rankings. (ICC Media)

D&S Ramdeholl Jewellery, West Side... (From page 22)

of West Side Shipping, located in La Grange, echoed similar sentiments and expressed his thanks to the coordinators for reaching out to his business to be part of the competition. He said that his entity supports the event because it brings back the very game at the grassroot level and also gets the young people involved in positive things.

Ms. Thompson of RS Sports thanked the management of both businesses for their support and promises to make the tournament successful once more.

The competition will be

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

SOUTHWELL

08:50hrs Night Tara

09:20hrs Inside Story

09:50hrs Davorce Nation

10:20hrs Asadjumeirah

10:55hrs Secret Sonata

11:25hrs Thortonledale

Mav

12:00hrs Tiempo Alegro

12:35hrs Beautiful Dawn

HAYDOCK

09:00hrs Pralognan

09:30hrs Commanding Officer

10:00hrs Gaspacho

10:30hrs Demetrius

11:02hrs Alaminos

11:37hrs Albany

12:12hrs Obito

LINGFIELD

10:40hrs Sibling Riverly

11:10hrs Double Meaning

played for two weekends. Week one will see teams battling to get into the regional playoffs, which is slated for 14th September at the Meten-Meer- Zorg Sports Ground. The tournament will be played based on a onegame knock-out format with round arm and wrist bowling, and caters for both male and female categories.

In the inaugural tournament in 2024, Hype Park Outlaw Softball Team of Parika walked away with the male championship, while the GCC Invaders Female Softball Team claimed the female

11:43hrs Sansanetti

12:18hrs Akho Mezzha

12:50hrs Dreamasar

13:20hrs Kinetic Force

13:50hrs Darn Mystery

14:20hrs Dancing Eith Drums

IRISH RACING TIPS

LAYTOWN

11:30hrs American In Paris

12:05hrs Hasiyna

12:40hrs Jered Maddox

13:10hrs Powerful Hook Head

13:40hrs Punk Poet

14:10hrs Come Onn The Lads

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

KENTUVKY DOWNS

Race 1 Mr Punch

Race 2 Weighted Average

Race 3 Move To Gold

Race 4 Common Defence

Race 5 Lotta Alpha Race 6 Love Song

championship. Both teams will be battling to retain their titles in the various categories.

The winning male team is guaranteed $200,000, and the female $100,000, and trophies, while cash incentives and trophies will be given to the runner-up teams, MVPs, players of the finals, best bowlers in an innings, most runs scored in an innings, and trophies will be awarded to the player of the match in each game.

According to the organisers, softball cricket is the grassroots of all cricket, allowing young, local, talented players to showcase and develop their skills in the game, and helping them progress to various levels of cricket.

Softball cricket at the grassroots level not only allows local players to showcase

their talents but also brings people together, regardless of race, religion, social status, or political affiliations.

Supporting the two-day tournament are 3 S Legacy Enterprise, Paint Palace, Rewind Restaurant and Lounge, Zony General Service and Auto Sales, Archie & Son Stone and Sand Supply, Khrishna Mangal & Sons Sawmill and Lumber Yard, and S. Maraj Contracting Services.

Interested teams can register by sending their team’s name and captain's number via WhatsApp to 726-1386 on or before 5th September.

According to the organisers, there will be lots of side attractions for the entire family, and calling on all to support the tournament as it will be bringing people together through sports.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday, September 4, 2025)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ramnaresh Sarwan

(2) 10 captains

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which batsman is the first to reach the 300-run mark in this season’s CPL?

(2) Who is the first batsman to hit a century this season?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza

Championship changes could be delayed or shelved

ANY revamp of the County Championship may not take place until 2027 – if changes are implemented at all.

The 18 first-class counties have been examining the domestic structure throughout this season, with the intention of introducing alterations in 2026.

While a reduction to the T20 Blast was agreed in August, consensus on the future of the Championship has been harder to find.

Various proposals to cut from the current 14 matches to a 12-game programme were supported by the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), but opposed by a number of counties.

As such, a 12-game schedule is off the table.

Now the choice is between 14 matches and 13 matches, options that were discussed by the county chairs on Tuesday.

The prospect of delaying any potential changes until 2027 has also been raised.

That is down to the desire to ensure the best possible decision is made, and also because the end of the current season is drawing near. The final three rounds of matches commence next week.

A 13-game season would involve splitting the 18 counties into a 12-team top tier, with six in the bottom division.

The 12 teams in Division One would be divided into two groups, with each team playing the others in their group twice. The groups would then be split into top and bottom halves, leaving each team to play the three counties in the corresponding half from the other group.

The champions would be the county that ends on most points.

In the six-team second tier, counties would play two

teams twice and three others three times, giving a total of 13 games. The top two teams would be promoted, replacing the two teams that finish bottom of the groups in the top tier.

Supporters of the change point to the one-match reduction, which is favoured

by players. A 12-team top flight gives more counties the opportunity to win the Championship, while a sixteam second tier gives more chance for promotion to those counties that often find themselves languishing.

However, there is also a feeling that the proposals

Kamindu Mendis denies Zimbabwe in Harare

A STUNNING blitz from Kamindu Mendis denied Zimbabwe a famous win in the opening T20I in Harare on Wednesday (September 3). Sri Lanka, at one stage, were cruising in the run chase when their openers put on 96 but the hosts fought back in commendable fashion picking up four wickets in the space of 19 balls.

That brought the equation down to 59 from the final five overs, which is when Mendis took charge and hammered four sixes across the next three overs to help his side cross the finish line.

At one stage, it appeared like Sri Lanka were going to chase down 176 with relative ease. Pathum Nissanka, who scored almost 200 runs in the two ODIs preceding the T20Is, was at it again when he took on Blessing Muzarabani very early for three fours in an over.

A six each in the next two overs followed from the opener as Sri Lanka knocked off 65 in the powerplay. The carnage continued despite

Mendis came up with a stunning cameo in the run chase to turn Sri

Kusal Mendis not looking at his fluent best as Nissanka brought up another half-century. At 96/0 after 10 overs, the result appeared to be a foregone conclusion. However, Nissanka miscued a short delivery to depart for 55 and that triggered a mini collapse. Richard Ngarava then removed Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis in the space of three deliveries

OMSCC 2025 season climaxes...

before Sikandar Raza got rid of the big fish Charith Asalanka to stun the visitors.

Mendis did survive a scare in the following over when he mistimed a pull but Brad Evans couldn't complete the catch despite the dive. Zimbabwe continued to peg Sri Lanka back though with Muzarabani getting into the act this time with the wicket of Nuwanidu Fernando and Evans making amends by sending Dasun Shanaka back.

With the equation coming down to 34 off 18, Sri Lanka were banking heavily on Mendis to lift them especially with just four wickets remaining in the bag. The allrounder didn't disappoint as he took Tinotenda Maposa in a game-changing 18th over in which he cleared the ropes twice and hit a boundary. The bowler ended up conceding 26 runs in that over and despite Ngarava's desperate efforts in the penultimate over, Sri Lanka romped home with five balls to spare.

Earlier in the day, the

(From page 23)

wickets while conceding 28 runs in his two-over spell. Over at St Bede, the adjoining ground, Better-Hope won the toss and invited Masters to take first strike. Masters were restricted to 130 for six in their 20 overs with Better Hope reaching the required target with eight balls to spare, losing five wickets in the process.

game got off to an eventful start when Nuwan Thushara found the outside edge off the first two deliveries, only for the batter to fetch boundaries on both occasions. Brian Bennett grew in confidence though as the powerplay progressed and kept finding the boundary to make sure Zimbabwe were scoring at almost ten an over. He found an able partner in Raza to lay an excellent platform before Dushan Hemantha broke the stand.

The half-centurion continued to score at a brisk pace and was involved in another fruitful stand. At 157/3 after 18 overs, Zimbabwe would have ideally wanted to push towards a score in excess of 180. But Dushmantha Chameera delivered an excellent penultimate over that saw him get rid of Bennett and Ryan Burl, which derailed Zimbabwe's innings right at the death. It meant they could finish with only 175 on board, a competitive total but just not enough to get the job done. (Cricbuzz)

are too convoluted and a 12team top tier does not provide enough 'best v best'.

Any change to the structure would require 12 of the 18 counties to vote in favour.

That is looking increasingly unlikely, given the number of counties that have publicly stated their prefer-

ence for retaining a 14-game season.

That would mean a continuation of the current system: 10 teams in the first division, eight in the second and all teams playing 14 matches.

Discussions between county chairs are due to continue and a vote could take place in the coming days.

The PCA is due to update its members on the situation later on Wednesday. In July, the players' body said a cut to 12 matches was the "only reasonable option".

With that now not being considered, the PCA is in favour of the reduction to 13 matches.

Retaining the current 14-game model would result in frustration among players. While the idea of strikes or boycotts are not likely to be considered, players could look at other ways of protesting against the schedule. (BBC Sport)

Cummins to take rehab 'risks' to be fit for Ashes

AUSTRALIA captain Pat Cummins is willing to be "aggressive" and "take risks" with his rehabilitation from a back injury in order to be fit for the first Ashes Test against England this winter.

Cummins has been ruled out of Australia's upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress in his back.

The 32-year-old said it would be "devastating" if he missed out on the first Ashes Test, which starts on 21 November in Perth, Western Australia.

"I'm never going to go into a Test match unless I think I can finish the Test match," Cummins said.

"But when you're 18 or 19, you're like, 'let's make sure this is the perfect rehab, whether it takes an extra six months'. Whereas, I'm happy to be a bit like, 'well, it's an Ashes series, whatever it takes to play it'.

having played any domestic cricket.

"You're willing to take a few risks and be a little bit aggressive to try and play as many Tests as you can," he added.

"I'm pretty confident even if I don't get a chance to play a [Sheffield] Shield game, I can get up to speed pretty quickly.

"I'm still doing a bit of gym work, but no real running, no bowling. Get that right and then we'll build up to the summer.

"We've got loads of time, there's about 12 weeks until the first Test. We'll see how the next little bit pans out."

Cummins has a history of back injuries, with flareups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.

In 2018, he suffered a recurrence that ruled him out of the Indian Premier League in April and an October tour of Pakistan, although he has stayed relatively free of injury since then.

He received solid support from opener Azam Haniff who scored 28 as Andy Persaud claimed two for 11 from three overs.

Looknauth “Colgate” Ramsuchit was unbeaten on a responsible 37 when victory was achieved.

When Masters batted, they struggled throughout their innings with Yadram ‘Bogh’ Lara showing some resistance with an unbeaten 37 and Sheik Khan hitting 32. (Frederick Halley)

"Then, say, at the end, if you're still not 100 per cent and you need to have a bit of a break next year, there's not another Ashes series."

Cummins has been restricted to light gym work since his last Test appearance against West Indies in July and is prepared to go into the Ashes without

Australia drew 2-2 in England to retain the Ashes in 2023 and Cummins took 18 wickets during the series. Overall, he has taken 91 wickets against England in 19 Tests at an average of 24.10. (BBC Sport)

Surrey won their third consecutive County Championship in 2024

Kamindu

Lanka's fortunes around

Ashwin in talks with Cricket Australia for groundbreaking BBL stint

RAVICHANDRAN

Ashwin could be all set to become the first high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL). And it could happen as early as the upcoming season of Australia's premier T20 league.

Cricbuzz has learnt that Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg is currently in discussions with Ashwin about the possibility of the star Indian spinner showing off his wares in the BBL. Discussions that were kicked off after Greenberg reached out to the star Indian spinner as soon as he'd announced his IPL retirement last week.

Ashwin had hinted at becoming an "explorer of the game around (the) various leagues", and in what will be a significant acquisition for the Australian cricket summer, the BBL could become the 38-year-old's first stop as a freelance T20 explorer.

Greenberg confirmed having made the call to Ashwin and revealed that a potential deal was in the works while expressing his excitement if it were to materialise. He is quietly confident that it will too.

"To get someone with Ashwin's credentials to come over here for the BBL will be great at so many levels. He's a champion cricketer who will bring a lot to the Big Bash and to our cricket summer," Greenberg told Cricbuzz.

The next steps for Greenberg are to have a chat with the clubs and other stakeholders in a bid to orchestrate a proposal that he can then take to Ashwin, who too admitted to this website about the approach being made by CA.

While technically all eight teams have more or

Even if at this stage the ball is in CA's court as to how they could make the deal come through. Along with what it looks like, whether it's in terms of how many matches Ashwin would be available for, or more importantly which of the eight clubs' colours he'll end up donning. Though some sources do believe he might be Melbourne-bound if he does make it this far.

CA CEO reached out to Ashwin for a potential BBL stint as early as in the 2025-26 season

less spent a majority of their salary purse during the draft, CA will potentially have to find an on-the-go solution to get Ashwin into the mix. It does look however like they are keen to explore all options and even come up with a bespoke alternative if needed to give the BBL a sensational fillip.

There have been a couple of examples in the past where Australia's elite players have been paid by the match, with David Warner reportedly having earned

roughly 80,000 AUD for each BBL contest he was a part of two seasons ago. There may even be a scope for more brand or endorsement deals to come into the picture if it comes to that.

It makes sense too. After years of having dealt with the 'BBL doesn't attract the biggest overseas stars' stigma, the involvement of an elite Indian cricketer who's won World Cups and multiple IPLs will be a massive boost for the league. It will also expose it to a greater audience, not just with regards to South Asia, but also possibly its own standing in the larger T20 league universe.

CA under Greenberg have made no qualms in insisting that they want the BBL to be counted amongst the best competitions in the world, right alongside the IPL. And to score an Indian cricketer of Ashwin's credentials could even end up as a monumental pivot point for Australian cricket to finally see private investment enter the system.

As has been recommended of course by an

Van Niekerk misses out as SA names strong WC squad

AS expected, former skipper Dane van Niekerk has missed out on the Women's World Cup squad as Cricket South Africa named a strong 15-member group for the event on Wednesday (September 3). Van Niekerk had recently revoked her international retirement and was picked in a 20-member squad for a camp to prepare for the tournament but has eventually missed the cut. Laura Wolvaardt will lead the squad that has experienced campaigners like Chloe Tyron, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus and Ayabonga Khaka. Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso are the designated wicketkeepers with the latter set for her first senior World Cup having already participated in a couple of Under-19 World Cups.

Young allrounder Miane Smit, who was the travelling reserve for the T20 World Cup last year, has been cho-

sen in the same capacity yet again. The squad will first travel to Pakistan later this month to prepare for the tournament by playing three ODIs. South Africa will kickstart their World Cup campaign on October 3 against England and will go on to face New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,

Pakistan and Australia.

"From the moment I joined this team, and even before my time when the squad went through the qualification phase, it was all about working towards this moment," head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said. "We can look back at the amount of preparation we have put in and know that

independent report which recently urged CA to sell minority stakes in the BBL clubs to start with as part of a larger expansion plan.

A BBL season highlighted by the presence of Ashwin, with his millions of followers, would go a long way in boosting the position the Big Bash for prospective investors.

Though former wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik did pad up for the Paarl Royals as the first Indian to play in the SA20 earlier in the year, Ashwin would still be embarking on a pioneering journey considering his stature in the international game. Especially if it were to start in the rather virgin, from an Indian cricketer sense, climes the BBL. If it does work out for Ashwin, it might become a door that he leaves open for others of his calibre in Indian cricket to at least contemplate once their IPL connection is complete.

Whether it's Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav or even Jasprit Bumrah in the far future. It

we have done our best. We are ready to send a squad to the World Cup that will make South Africa proud.

"I am happy for all the players and management who will be getting on that plane to India, but I am even more excited to see what they can achieve together as a group. We believe we have the squad of players that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it is all about carrying that belief with us every step of the way, along with the support of the entire nation."

Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase. (Cricbuzz)

would be quite the pathway after a decade-and-a-half of monopoly that the IPL has held over the biggest names in Indian cricket.

Ashwin is also learnt to have expressed his desire to Greenberg about pursuing coaching ambitions and using every opportunity he gets to hone his skills as he steps into unchartered waters. It's a role he is keen on adopting in the ILT20 as well early next year, which might dictate how long he is able to spend in Australia for the BBL.

Ashwin, who has created quite the following and reputation, as a content creator on his vodcasts may also be open for broadcast opportunities if he does make it to the BBL, which could in all likelihood enhance his media career, which for many looks like an inevitable route for him to embark upon. As Ashwin the explorer sets sail on a path less or barely travelled, with the BBL set to be a big impending beneficiary. (Cricbuzz)

D&S Ramdeholl Jewellery, West Side Shipping support

the 2nd edition of the Region 3 Softball Cup

Ms. Thompson of RS Sports receiving sponsorship from representative of West Side Shipping, Ms. Simone Moonsammy

THE 2nd edition of the “Region 3 Softball Cricket Cup” which is slated for the 7th and 14th of September, has gained the support of D&S Ramdeholl Jewellery and West Side Shipping. The manager of the Jewellery store, which is located in West Central Mall, Ms. Marisha Singh, said that the entity is very pleased to support the tournament as part of its corporate responsibility and wishes all the teams the very best.

Meanwhile, Mr. La Flur

(Turn to page 20)

Laura Wolvaardt will lead South Africa at the World Cup

Poonai Pharmacy renews cricket sponsorship of RHTYSC Under-13 team

THE popular Poonai Pharmacy of Rose Hall Town recently renewed its cricket sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Under -11 and 13 teams during a simple ceremony at the Area H Ground.

The presentation was done by Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmacy, Poonai Higroog to the club cricket manager, Robby Kissoonlall, in the presence of members of the team and secretary of the club, Hilbert Foster.

The Poonai Pharmacy came on board as the official sponsor of the Under- 13 team in 2020 and later took on the Under- 11 team in 2023. The Under -13 team since then, has won the BCB title four times.

He also proudly announced that the Under -11 won the only tournament for that age group in 2023 when they defeated Albion in the final played at the Chesney ground. The team, Kissoonlall stated has produced over 20 players for Berbice while several has gone on to play for Guyana including Raffel Mckemzie, Tameshwar Deochand, Trishna Hardat and Leon Reddy.

Kissoonlall, noted that the two teams serve as the nursery to the other teams in the club and as such, special emphasis is placed on them. Huge investment has been made in terms of gears and some special developmental projects at the Area H Ground. They include a special batting cage, bowling machine, batting mats,

The team last Saturday defeated arch rivals Albion by 10 runs to lift their fourth title in six years. They defeated Albion twice, Rose Hall Canje and Port Mourant in the finals to become champions while the team were also runner-up twice. Kissoonlall, in his capacity as cricket manager, hailed the support of the pharmacy as one of the main reasons for the success of the Under -13 team.

twelve feet fence around the concrete pitch and the construction of several batting centres in the ground.

The club also invests heavily in the educational career of its junior players and assists as much as possible in providing them with personal gears, cycles, electronic tablets, uniforms and school materials.

Foster, the former threeterm Berbice Cricket Board president expressed gratitude to Bhigroog for his sponsorship over the years and for supporting other programmes as well. He committed the two teams to upholding their high standards in the future.

The veteran cricket administrator also disclosed that management of the team has already started to prepare a team for the 2026 tournament and a captain would be named shortly.

Captain of the current team, Jayden Ganpat informed the sponsor that the team under his leadership had undertaken over three

Trinidad and Tobago’s formidable team announced for World Championships in Tokyo

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – A powerful four-athlete team, headlined by 2024 Olympic finalists Keshorn Walcott and Jereem Richards, is set to carry the nation’s hopes at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The national contingent, announced by the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAATT), will depart on September 6 for the global meet, which runs from September 13 to 21.

The team boasts a blend of seasoned experience and exciting, upward-trending talent, with each member aiming to make a deep run into the finals.

Leading the charge is the formidable duo of Walcott and Richards. Walcott, the iconic javelin thrower, will look to harness his Olympic experience to launch himself onto the podium once again.

Meanwhile, Jereem Richards, a model of power and consistency, enters the Men’s 400m with the singular goal

of converting his top-level speed into a world medal. They are joined by the rapidly improving sprinter Leah Bertrand. Fresh off setting personal bests in both the 100m and 200m this season, the Olympic semi-finalist is poised for a breakthrough. Her ambition is clear: to power her way into her first-ever global final in either event.

Completing the athletic lineup is multi-event specialist Tyra Gittens, who will focus solely on the Women’s Long Jump. Riding high from

dozen community related projects/programmes under the name of the sponsorship. They included food hampers for the less fortunate, honouring mothers and fathers, Republic Bank Summer Camp, school bags project, medical outreach, Christmas Village

and distribution of toys.

Poonai Bhigroog, in a well-received speech, stated that he was very proud to be associated with the teams as they had represented his business brand with pride, passion and commitment.

The popular business-

man urged them to be the best they can be on the cricket field but to also focus on their educational background. He also announced a financial incentive to the entire team for successfully defending their title.

OMSCC 2025 season climaxes on Sunday

…Carr Tec, Better Hope to clash in Over-40 final

THE 2025 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) season climaxes on Sunday at the St Bede ground, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada with the Over-40 final featuring Carr Tec Sports Club and Better Hope in what is expected to be a mouth-watering affair.

Unlike previous years, when the teams were placed in two categories – Divisions One and Two, they were “bunched” together in the 2025 season.

a bronze medal win at the recent NACAC Championships, Gittens brings renewed confidence and sharp form to the pit, targeting a top-eight finish on the world’s biggest stage.

The NAAATT has expressed its full support for the team, extending its best wishes to the athletes and officials as they prepare to represent the red, white, and black with pride and pursuit of excellence in Tokyo. The team is scheduled to return on September 22.

The semi-finals, played over two weekends ago, saw

Carr Tec romping to an impressive seven-wicket victory over Reliance Lions at Littles Field and Better Hope stunning Masters, who captured the season championship, at St Bede.

Led by a brilliant undefeated 134-run fourth-wicket partnership between former Guyana Under-19 players, Eion Katchay (55 not out) and Troy Gobin who was on 54 when victory was achieved, Carr Tec reached the required target of 211 after Reliance Lions made a respectable 210 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Another former

Guyana Under-19 player, Rovendra Mandolall was also among the runs with a fine 43 which contained three fours and four sixes.

Carr Tec were shakily placed at 42 for two before Katchay and Mandolall added 35 for the third wicket. The demise of the latter set the stage for a fine display of sensible batting between Katchay and Gobin who ensured no further alarms.

Katchay slammed three fours and fours sixes while Gobin’s innings was decorated with two fours and fours sixes.

Earlier, Richard Latif, known in softball circles as “Mr. Cricket, lived up to his reputation with a pulsating 88 not out, clobbering three fours and seven sixes in the process. He received valuable support from former Guyana youth player Raja Pooran who hit an undefeated 51, sharing an enterprising 132-run partnership. Pooran’s knock was spiced by a four and six sixes off a mere 15 balls.

Katchay was Carr Tec’s best bowler, picking up two

Poonai Bhigroog hands over cricket sponsorship to RHTYSC Cricket Manager, Robby Kissoonlall, while the team looks on

2024 Olympic finalist Keshorn Walcott

The Carr Tec trio of Eion Katchay, Rovendra Mandolall and Troy Gobin

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago captured the CWI Rising Stars Under-17 Men’s 50-over Championship title by defeating table leaders Barbados in the fifth and final round here on Monday.

T&T emerged victorious over Barbados by 23 runs to hand them their first loss of the tournament and prevent them from doing the double after they lifted the 2-Day title last month.

Meanwhile, the Leeward Islands, who entered the final round in second position, had their hopes of winning the

competition dashed after their contest against the Windward Islands was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Elsewhere, Jamaica defeated Guyana in their bottom-of-the-table clash.

At Gilbert Park: T&T upset pre-tournament favourites Barbados in the final round to jump from third position and lift the trophy.

Entering the fifth and decisive round on 13.8 points, behind the Leeward Islands (14 points) and Barbados (16.2 points), T&T needed a victory to have any shot of finishing in first place. They found themselves

in early trouble at 38 for three after being sent in to bat, but were rescued by a 71-run partnership between Aadi Ramsaran and Darrius Batoosingh.

Batoosingh scored 41 off 62 deliveries before he was bowled by medium pacer Zarell Harding, but Ramsaran found a worthy ally in Christiano Ramanan, with the pair adding 56 runs for the fifth wicket.

Once Ramsaran was eventually trapped lbw by Renaldo Bourne after scoring 65 off 96 balls, inclusive of five sixes, to make the score 174 for six, T&T lost their last four

Yorke’s young T&T squad ready for war: ‘No curry favours, just business’

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) –WITH a fresh, merit-based squad and a steely resolve to break from the past, Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Men’s Team head coach, Dwight Yorke, declared his side ready for business ahead of their crucial CONCACAF World Cup qualifying opener against Curaçao this Friday.

The Soca Warriors will step onto the pitch at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo at 8 PM on September 5 to begin their arduous campaign for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

The match kicks off a demanding schedule that sees Yorke’s troops travel to face Jamaica in Kingston just four days later, followed by October road fixtures against Bermuda and Curaçao, before concluding the group stage at home against the Reggae Boyz on November 13.

Despite fielding a squad with notable inexperience, the former Manchester United superstar expressed unwavering confidence in his selected players.

“I’m very confident that my players, come Friday night, we’ll be ready to perform at the highest level,” Yorke stated.

Addressing concerns about a po -

tential leadership vacuum following the integration of so many new faces, Yorke was clear that leadership would be forged in the fire of competition. He believes the entire team will grow and evolve together with each match experience.

T&T clinches 50-over title with last round win over Barbados

wickets for just 20 runs with Bourne snaring 3-44, Justin Parris 2-30 and Jahidi Hinds 2-33.

Daron Dhanraj and Ra’ed Ali Khan then carved through Barbados’ top order to leave them floundering at 49 for four in the 17th over.

T&T kept taking wickets at crucial stages and Barbados found themselves perilously placed at 100 for seven, before Raphael Lovell, who topscored with 40, led a lower order fightback.

Along with Bourne, who made 17 and Asher Branford, who contributed 13, Barbados got within 23 runs of their tar-

T&T

The coach left no room for ambiguity regarding his selection philosophy, marking a definitive break from what he suggested was a complacent culture of the past.

“I think that there’s been a trend, a trend usually in Trinidad and Tobago football, that the older players tend to pick themselves, and that’s not the case here. There is no curry favours, there is no pat on the back. You’ve got to earn the right to be in this squad.”

He emphasised that his 26-man roster was selected on merit alone, sending a powerful message that reputation holds no weight under his command.

“Whether young or a senior player, you can’t take anything for granted. We don’t have the luxury to entertain that in our sportCaption:

That business, according to Yorke,

has one ultimate objective, and that is winning Group B to secure an automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup.

The first, and most critical, step toward that goal is securing all three points at home against Curaçao.

“The home games are the most important games,” Yorke said, acknowledging the must-win nature of the Friday night clash. “We know that, in this format, you’re going to have to win your home games. Of course, when we play Curaçao at home, we want to win.”

Yet, the debutant coach is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, warning fans that nothing will be handed to them. “By no means is it going to be a walk in the park. You don’t have the luxury of an easy game. Every game is really difficult for us.”

get, until Ali Khan dismissed the latter to end the contest.

Dhanraj ended with figures of 3-12, Ali Khan took 3-15 and Renaldo Fournillier supported with 2-46.

At the National Cricket Centre: Jamaica secured their first win of the tournament, while leaving Guyana winless as they cruised to victory by six wickets via the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method.

In a match that was significantly affected by rain, Guyana could only muster 118 for six in the 21 overs they were allotted.

Shamar Apple hit the top score of 31 from 30 balls, but

Williams' US Open dream ends in last eight

no other batsman made more than 20, with Jamaica’s 29 extras being the next highest contributor.

Leg spinner Ramnaresh Singh was the pick of the bowlers with 3-25.

Behind an unbeaten 57 from Odane Binns, Jamaica comfortably reached 122 for four off 19.5 overs.

Binns faced 58 balls and struck three sixes and one four during his match-winning knock and together with Ryan Littleton, who scored an unbeaten 22, they shared an unbroken stand of 51 for the fifth wicket that took their side to victory.

VENUS Williams' US Open dream is over after she and partner Leylah Fernandez lost to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in the women's doubles quarter-finals.

Williams, 45, and her 22-year-old partner had already eliminated two seeded pairs en route to the last eight and were yet to drop a set in the tournament.

But Townsend and Siniakova, who have won two Grand Slams together, proved too strong for the American-Canadian wildcard pairing, wrapping up a 6-1 6-2 win in 57 minutes.

Williams, who was visibly emotional after exiting the singles competition in the first round, was all smiles as she soaked up the standing ovation from the crowd.

Both Townsend and Siniakova paid tribute to Williams, calling her an "inspiration" and a "legend".

"Growing up watching Venus and Serena, for me and my sister, we wanted to be like them. It was an honour to share the court with her," Townsend said.

"It's a privilege [to play her]," Siniakova added. (BBC Sport)

T&T Under-17 cricketers and staff, winners of the Cricket West Indies Under-17 50-over tournament - Photo courtesy TT Cricket Board

Venus Williams won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside sister Serena

Senior head coach, Dwight Yorke and assistant coach Russell Latapy