President, Dr. Irfaan Ali participated in Jummah (Friday prayers) at the Eccles Sunnatul Jamaat, in observance of Youman Nabi (Office of the President photo)
A sunset view from the new Demerara Harbour Bridge (Ameer Sattaur photo)
‘Resist the forces that divide and weaken us’
–– President Ali, Prime Minister Phillips say in Youman Nabi messages
REFLECTING on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad to commemorate the celebration of Youman Nabi, President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted the importance of harmony in Guyana’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic fabric, urging citizens to reject division and embrace unity.
“If you’re to build a just, harmonious and pros-
perous society, you must resist the forces that divide and weaken us. You must strive to put things into perspective, to avoid any act that seeks to undercut the unity,” the President said,
emphasising that building a just, harmonious, and prosperous society requires standing firm against forces that divide and weaken.
He reminded citizens that Youman Nabi is a sa-
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
cred occasion of reflection, reverence, and renewal, offering a timely opportunity to look inward and draw from the Prophet’s life as a source of enduring light.
“His teachings instruct us that true greatness lies not in wealth or power, but in mercy, unity and service to others. His mission was not only to convey the message of Allah, but also to embody it through kindness to the poor, fairness to the marginalised, and respect for all of humanity,” he added.
The Head of State said that these teachings should be seen as a reminder, and a personal note to Guyana, as national unity should remain a cornerstone of Guyana’s ongoing development and social progress.
He related: “For us in Guyana, it is a timely reminder that division weakens us, but unity that spans faith, ethnicities and communities strengthens the bond that binds our people together. We are to live as brothers and sisters in our multi-religious and multiethnic Guyana.”
The true test of devotion is seen in actions towards others, especially the vulnerable, and the President called for the embodiment of the Prophet’s compassion and unity to enrich the nation.
“The true test of our devotion is seen in the way we treat each other, including the most vulnerable and the forgotten. It is about how we show empathy; it’s
about how we show love,” President Ali said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips also delivered a message in observance of Youman Nabi, underscoring the continued relevance of the Prophet’s life and teachings.
“Today, as we observe Youman Nabi, we pause to honour the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon Him. This is a moment of profound significance for our Muslim brothers and sisters, and for all of us as a nation that values faith, peace, and the ties that bind us together,” the PM said.
He noted that the Prophet’s life was one of service to his followers and all of humanity.
“He lived with humility, he led with compassion, he stood for justice, even when it was difficult, and he reminded us that true dignity lies in how we treat each other rather than in status and wealth,” he added.
These lessons Phillips opined speak across time, faiths and borders.
“They speak to us now, as Guyanese, as we work together to build a more just, more caring society,” he said, adding: “Here in Guyana, we are blessed with something rare and powerful: The freedom to believe, worship, and live together in mutual respect.
Our diversity is part of who we are but it is also the strength that carries us forward.”
Declaration stalled
after Opposition-nominated commissioners fail to attend crucial meeting set to certify election results
A CRUCIAL meeting scheduled for 11:00pm/23:00hrs to culminate the electoral process, had to be adjourned after the opposition-nominated Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioners failed to show up.
People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj, in a post on his Facebook page, said that the meeting was duly summoned but no Opposition Commissioner showed up. The meeting was adjourned as a result of this action.
The results of election show a clear victory for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), cementing a second term for President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.
All local and international observer missions have concluded that elections were free and fair in Guyana.
In keeping with Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, the CEO will compile the official results using the declara-
tions provided by the Returning Officers, while also factoring in the verified outcomes of the recounts.
This report will then be presented to the Elections Commission, paving the way for a final declaration of the results.
“It was reported to us by the Chairman that the notification of the meeting was sent via email, it was sent via WhatsApp, and calls were made to all Commissioners.
“But we have turned up this evening, and there has been a no-show by the three commissioners,” Gunraj told reporters outside the GECOM office in Kingston, Georgetown, on Friday night.
As catered for in the constitution, the Chairman of GECOM can summon another meeting within 24 hours, and once four commissioners are present (the chairman is counted as a commissioner), the commission can certify the election results and pave the way for a declaration to be made.
Brazil’s Lula congratulates President Ali on his reelection
THE Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil has formally conveyed a message of congratulations from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva to President Dr. Irfaan Ali on his reelection as Head of State of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
In a diplomatic note issued on Friday, the Embassy enclosed a digitised copy of President Lula’s letter to President Ali.
It said the original letter will be delivered to Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation once received.
In an official letter transmitted through the Embassy of Brazil in Georgetown, President ‘Lula’ wrote: “Mr. President, my dear friend, in my own name and on behalf of the Brazilian people, I
wish to extend my sincere and warm congratulations to Your Excellency on your reelection as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.”
He praised the conduct of Guyana’s recent general and regional elections, noting that “the broad and peaceful participation of the Guyanese people in the elections reflects the maturity and strength of your country’s institutions, as well as the consolidation of a plural and democratic society, with growing international relevance and promising economic prospects”.
President ‘Lula’ reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to advancing ties with Guyana, emphasising: “I would like to reaffirm Brazil’s determination to broaden and deepen its
partnership with Guyana.
Please rest assured, Mr. President, of my readiness to work with Your Excellency to strengthen initiatives of common interest for the benefit of our nations and our region.”
“The friendship between our countries is vital to preserving Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace and to promoting the sustainable development of the Amazon in an autonomous and sovereign manner,” he added, underscoring the strategic importance of bilateral relations.
President Lula concluded his letter by extending his personal best wishes to Dr. Ali:
“In conveying my fraternal greetings to Your Excellency, I extend my best wishes for success in the
fulfillment of your duties and for a prosperous and harmonious future for the people of Guyana,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Embassy said it “avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation the assurances of its highest consideration”, reflecting the importance Brazil attaches to its partnership with Guyana.
Brazil and Guyana have long-standing cooperation agreements in areas such as trade, energy, infrastructure, and security.
The two countries established diplomatic relations on August 26, 1968. President Ali’s reelection has already drawn congratulatory messages from several regional and international leaders.
From left: Opposition-nominated Commissioners Desmond Trotman, Charles Corbin and Vincent Alexaner
PPP-nominated Commissioner, Sase Gunraj
President Dr. Irfaan Ali and President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva
Lammy made Deputy PM, Cooper
Foreign Secretary after Rayner’s exit
DAVID Lammy has been made deputy prime minister and Yvette Cooper has taken over as foreign secretary as Keir Starmer embarked on a massive reshuffle sparked by the forced departure of Angela Rayner from government.
Immediate changes were required due to Rayner’s resignation as deputy PM and housing secretary after the prime minister’s ethics adviser found she had breached the ministerial code over her underpayment of stamp duty on a seaside flat.
But the extent of the changes, with only a handful of cabinet ministers staying in the same job, indicated concern inside Downing Street that the government is faltering, and the need for a reset.
Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, has taken over from Cooper at the
Home Office, with Lammy becoming justice secretary as well as his deputy prime minister role.
Pat McFadden, the chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, has been made work and pensions secretary, overseeing an enhanced department, which will take over Angela Rayner’s housing and communities brief.
The department has been tasked with focusing on the government’s growth plans, and is also taking in the skills remit formerly held by the Department for Education.
One official described its remit as “jobs, jobs, jobs”, and McFadden will also have to take on the hugely tricky task of overseeing welfare changes, all but abandoned in July after a major pushback from MPs.
In what was largely a shuffling round of jobs be-
tween existing ministers, Liz Kendall, who was the work and pensions secretary, has taken over as science and technology secretary from Peter Kyle, who becomes trade secretary. He replaces Jonathan Reynolds, who becomes chief whip.
Steve Reed, the environment secretary, has been moved to cover Rayner’s housing portfolio, a role he held in opposition. Emma Reynolds, formerly a junior treasury minister who was out of parliament from 2019 to 2024, is promoted to the cabinet to fill Reed’s old job.
There is also a return to the cabinet for Douglas Alexander, who becomes Scottish secretary – a role he held under Tony Blair’s government.
Darren Jones, recently appointed chief secretary to the prime minister, will also become chancellor of
the duchy of Lancaster. Wes Streeting, the health secretary, and Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, stay in their posts.
Lucy Powell was sacked as Commons leader, replaced by the former chief whip Sir Alan Campbell. Ian Murray, removed as Scottish secretary, also left government.
As the prime minister began reshaping his cabinet team, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, was confirmed as staying in place early on, as Downing Street sought to reassure the markets that the economy was in safe hands.
The moves by Cooper and Mahmood mean that for the first time ever, the three great offices of state beyond the prime minister – home secretary, foreign secretary and chancellor –are held by women.
Starmer had been
widely expected to carry out a reshuffle, with the timetable forced by Rayner’s resignation after the prime minister’s ethics adviser found she had breached the ministerial code over her underpayment of stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat.
The first confirmed departure from cabinet was Powell. “This has not been an easy time for the government. People want to see change and improvement to their difficult lives,” she said. The senior Labour MP was swiftly followed out of the door by Murray.
Posting on X, Murray said he was “hugely disappointed” to be leaving government and warned Starmer that he risked “furthering division and despair” by failing to make a strong enough argument for “progressive change”.
The changes come after a shake-up of the No. 10 operation earlier in the week.
Another of the ministers to stay, Lisa Nandy, was unexpected. When the reshuffle had been anticipated, hers was often one of the main names tipped as being likely to lose her role.
The number of changes suggests the extent of worry within No. 10 as Labour struggles in the polls, while Reform UK spent much of the summer dominating headlines with policies about migration. Mahmood, who is very highly rated by Downing Street, will be expected to take a grip of immigration, notably what to do about the arrival of asylum seekers on small boats, and where they are accommodated as their claims are processed.
Overall, the changes cement the positions of ministers close to Starmer, while bringing in new people such as Alexander and Reynolds, who had been tipped for promotion. (The Guardian)
FAO Food Price Index virtually unchanged in August
–– new forecasts point to growth in global cereal output, utilisation, stocks and trade
THE benchmark of world food commodity prices remained largely unchanged in August, as increases in meat, sugar and vegetable oil prices offset declines in cereal and dairy quotations, according to the new report released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Friday.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 130.1 points in August, marginally up from the revised July level of 130.0 points and 6.9 per cent higher than a year earlier.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased by 1.4 per cent in August from July, reaching its highest level in over three years. Palm, sunflower and rapeseed oil quotations all increased, partly influenced by Indonesia’s intention to further raise its biodiesel blending mandate next year, while world soy oil prices edged lower amid prospects of ample global soybean supplies in the marketing year ahead.
The FAO Cereal Price Index declined by 0.8 per cent from July. International wheat prices dropped, driven by larger harvests in the European Union and the Russian Federation, while world maize prices rose, due partly to increased demand for feed use and ethanol production in the United States of America. The FAO All Rice Price Index eased, weighed down by lower Indica prices amid continued fierce competition among exporters.
The FAO Meat Price Index increased by 0.6 percent in August, reaching a new all-time high, led by rising international bovine
meat prices, underpinned by strong demand in the United States of America and robust import demand from China, which respectively boosted Australian and Brazilian export quotations. Ovine prices also rose, pig meat prices remained broadly stable, while poultry meat quotations declined amid ample exportable supplies from Brazil.
The FAO Dairy Price Index declined by 1.3 per cent from July, with butter, cheese and whole milk powder quotations down amid subdued import demand from key Asian markets.
The FAO Sugar Price Index rose slightly, by 0.2 per cent from July after five consecutive monthly declines, driven primarily by concerns over sugarcane
production and yields in Brazil, as well as stronger global import demand. Prospects for larger crops in India and Thailand contained the price increase.
Abundant maize output forecast for the year ahead FAO also released on Friday its new forecast for global cereal production in 2025, now pegged at 2 961 million tonnes – a new record high and 3.5 per cent
above last year’s level.
The new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief attributed the upward revisions to significant increases in the maize output forecasts for Brazil and the United States of America. Global production of coarse grains, which includes maize, is now expected to reach 1 601 million tonnes, a 5.9 increase from 2024, including a notable rise in sorghum
record high of 555.5 million tonnes, with expansions in Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, and most notably Indonesia expected to more than offset anticipated declines in Madagascar, Nepal, the United States of America and Thailand.
World cereal total utilisation in 2025/26 is now forecast to rise to 2 922 million tonnes, up 1.6 per cent from the previous year, led in part by expected increased uses of maize and wheat for animal and aquaculture feed.
Global cereal stocks are forecast to expand by 3.7 per cent by the end of 2026 to reach a record high of 898.7 million tonnes. Based on the new forecasts, the global cereal stocks-to-use ratio in 2025/26 is expected to reach 30.6 per cent, nearly one percentage point higher than the previous season, confirming a comfortable supply outlook globally.
output.
Meanwhile, FAO trimmed its forecast for world wheat output to 804.9 million tonnes, still up around 0.8 per cent from last year. The new forecast includes weather-driven lower yield prospects in China and higher yields in the European Union. World rice production, on the other hand, is expected to increase by 1.0 per cent to a
FAO’s new forecasts also include a 1.4 per cent annual increase in international cereal trade, now predicted to reach 493.4 million tonnes. The growth is supported by expectations of abundant exportable supplies of maize, strong demand for wheat from China, Pakistan, Syrian Arabic Republic and Türkiye, and upwardly revised import forecasts for rice for Bangladesh, Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. (FAO)
Kudos to the CEO, GECOM team for exemplary professionalism they displayed Democracy Prevails
THE long wait is finally coming to an end. After days of recounts, walkouts, and political theatrics, the re-election of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and President Dr. Irfaan Ali is in clear view.
Attempts to frustrate and delay the will of the Guyanese people have failed. The inauguration is expected tomorrow, a symbolic and practical reminder that democracy in Guyana, though often tested, remains unbroken.
After the results of the different districts were declared and showed a clear victory for the PPP/C, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), led by Aubrey Norton, demanded a recount of Subdistrict Four (East Coast Demerara), which included 391 ballot boxes, alongside 77 boxes from District Five.
Yet, remarkably, APNU’s own
agents abandoned many of the recount stations on Saturday morning, leaving the process to proceed without their presence. And, ironically, the process ended with less votes for APNU.
Local observers said that while the process remained fair and transparent, it was also marred by sporadic hostility, misinformation, and absences from the very agents who insisted on it, all linking to opposition parties.
The contrast was stark: The rules of democracy were being upheld, but one side was playing political games in a bid to undermine public confidence.
In the end, the numbers spoke for themselves. The PPP/C won decisively, securing eight of Guyana’s ten electoral districts: Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight and Nine.
APNU, once the dominant opposi-
tion force, failed to even become the main opposition, a stunning collapse that has sparked internal reckoning within the Norton-led camp.
In its place, the fledgling We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by billionaire Azruddin Mohamed, emerged as the official opposition, capturing Regions Seven and 10.
This result represents more than just another electoral cycle. It signals a realignment of Guyana’s political landscape, where traditional opposition forces are being overtaken by new entrants, and where the electorate has reaffirmed its confidence in the PPP/C to guide the country through a time of rapid economic and social transformation.
That is why tomorrow’s inauguration is so significant. It is not just the formal swearing-in of President Ali
and his government, but a testament to resilience, to the patience of a people who endured yet another attempt to destabilise their democratic choice.
The lessons are clear: Delaying tactics cannot stop the march of democracy. Political credibility cannot be won through obstruction, only through the trust of the people.
And in this election, the people of Guyana have spoken loudly and clearly; their mandate belongs to the PPP/C.
As the nation turns towards the next five years, the government must honour that mandate with humility, inclusion, and action.
At the same time, the new opposition must find its footing, proving that it can offer serious, responsible oversight rather than partisan distraction.
Dear Editor,
DEMOCRACY does not sustain itself; it rests upon foundations that must be respected, safeguarded, and practiced each day.
I wish to place on record my sincere congratulations to Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Vishnu Persaud, and his team at GECOM for the exemplary professionalism they displayed, their devotion to the country, and their steadfast commitment to upholding the Constitution of Guyana during these 2025 elections.
To the Presiding Officers at every polling station, the 10 Returning Officers, and their respective staff, I extend my deepest gratitude. You represent the very best of Guyana. You also embody our shared Caribbean commitment to the bedrock principle of “One Person – One Vote.”
My greatest takeaway from these elections is the remarkable maturity of our people. They have accepted the outcome with dignity and are determined to move forward—building Guyana for themselves, their families, their communities, and their fellow citizens.
The fact remains that Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Presidential Candidate of the PPP/C, has secured a decisive victory. Yet, it is concerning that some who did not prevail, are struggling to embrace the rule of law. This principle is essential to safeguarding our freedoms.
This moment, however, is not one of celebration alone; it is time for introspection. It is also historic for the WIN Team.
They have risen in just three short months from having no parliamentary presence to now holding the position of Leader of the Opposition. That achievement is significant
and deserves recognition. Importantly, there is no credible empirical evidence to suggest that these elections were anything other than free and fair.
In such circumstances, true statesmanship requires the humility and grace that we recently witnessed in Jamaica. Mr. Mark Golding, Leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), narrowly lost the 2025 general elections.
Yet, within hours of the polls closing, he conceded with grace and honour. In one of the finest concession speeches in recent memory, he stated: “It is my duty as a believer in democracy to acknowledge and concede the result, and to congratulate our opponents in the Jamaica Labour Party for their victory tonight.”
He went on to affirm: “Jamaica’s democracy is important, and we must cherish it. Some-
times it brings bitter disappointments, but it is very, very important that we put democracy ahead of our personal feelings.”
Even in defeat, he expressed gratitude to the Jamaican people for their support and pledged that the PNP would continue as a strong, competitive force in the country’s political life. His message to his party comrades was clear: “The work begins right away to prepare ourselves for the next opportunity to serve the nation in government.”
As a son of the Caribbean, I remain hopeful that this same spirit of democratic maturity and respect will resonate across all the lands that are touched by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Yours sincerely, Sasenarine Singh
2025 election: A limited class analysis
FOR the coming week, I will devote this page to the analysis of the 2025 election results, but I will not do it sequentially to bore readers.
I break tomorrow to look at the future legacy of President Ali, and resume on Monday, but delve into another topic for Tuesday.
Today, I want to look at the impossible task of assessing how a particular social class voted in the recent election. In Guyana, because of the Proportional Representation system, you can only assess how ethnic groups voted, but not how social classes balloted.
This is not so in the United States, where it has the First-Past-The-Post System (FPTP). Under this mode of election, you can tell who the bourgeoisie voted for among competing parties, because there are untold numbers of suburbs in the US where the super-rich are concentrated.
In Guyana, the Statements of Poll can detect racially-motivated voting, because, in this country, there are entire districts in which 95 per cent of the population is of one particular racial grouping.
This is almost impossible in terms of class voting. In Guyana, working-class districts and middle-class areas fall into the same polling division. So, in Turkeyen where I live and where you have working class, lower middle-class and upper middle-class folks, it is difficult to tell how social classes voted.
What I have done for this article here is look at the class composition of the parties to glean who the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC) chose. I think there were four parties that did not attract the interest of the middle classes, only – PPP, PNC, WIN and the ALP of Simo-
na Broomes. Those four parties received the votes of the proletariat, lower peasantry, and lumpen proletariat. I would think that the PPP did secure the votes of middle-class Indians.
And the PNC would have secured the votes of some lower middle-class Africans who, because of dark complexion are not part of the MCC. Even though Terrance Campbell is a quintessential member of the MCC, I think the MCC did not vote for him because he gravitated to Aubrey Norton days before the election.
Any amateur analyst would know that the MCC parted company with the PNC after Norton became its leader, and wanted nothing to do with Norton and the PNC leadership. This explains that when the MCC resurrected the Alliance For Change (AFC) under Nigel Hughes, it openly rejected a Norton leadership in an APNU+AFC alliance.
The two entities that appeared to have the MCC’s favour were the Nigel Hughes-led AFC and Amanza Walton-Desir’s Forward Guyana. Both were led by middle-class politicians whose parties the Guyanese people perceived as middle-class outfits.
The AFC got 3,610 ballots, and 4,326 Xs went to Forward Guyana. The amount was 8,000 ballots. I doubt the 1,000 Xs that Broomes got came from even the lower middle-class. Ms. Desir has won a seat and is going to parliament.
With 22,000 less citizens voting this year when compared to 2020, you have to include a significant amount in that absentee group as belonging to the MCC. It is difficult to come up with an exact figure of how much MCC folks are in that 22,000-absentee school.
But I believe the exodus of Ms. Desir, and the failure of an APNU+AFC marriage induced pessimism among the MCC about the election, and they figured that the two MCC parties would not have a good showing, and they stayed home.
MCC folks also stayed home because the huge voices in the MCC in Guyana did not go vocal for the AFC and Forward Guyana.
The Stabroek News, Red Thread, SASOD, Alissa Trotz, Isabelle DeCaires, Nigel Westmaas, Transparency Institute -Guyana and the Guyana Human Rights Association were silent with the Stabroek News doing serious injury to Nigel Hughes and Ms. Desir by subtly supporting WIN.
If you look at the way GECOM did its calculation to give Ms. Desir a parliamentary seat, if the MCC had turned up in large numbers, maybe the AFC could have received a
seat at the expense of the PNC. But what the 2025 election results show is that the MCC is not a peripheral social stratum in Guyana. It has status, money and numbers, but as a social class, its politics has been a failure even when it attained office in 2015.
Where this class goes from here-on is unpredictable. The AFC will not survive beyond 2026. The MCC would not touch Forward Guyana, because the MCC would find people like Dorwin Bess and Nigel London politically unpalatable. It could form another party for 2030, or the MCC may quit politics altogether.
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.
Guyana and Jamaica elections offer big lessons in Caribbean politics
TWO elections in three days only happen every blue moon in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), so the results from Guyana’s September 1, 2025, and Jamaica’s September 3, elections have naturally bred much discussion and debate, analysis and arguments, across the regional grouping’s long island-chain and in its South and Central American member-states.
Both elections commanded attention beyond the borders of Latin America and the Caribbean, with Jamaica’s ruling Labour Party (JLP) seeking a rare third term and Guyana’s People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its Civic alliance (PPP/Civic) seeking a vital second.
Each poll returned the ruling parties, but in circumstances that reflect new changes in elections landscapes at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century -- and both offered many lessons for other CARICOM nations approaching national elections possibly in the next year (including Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines).
Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali secured a second term and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness his third, in elections held under different electoral systems -- Jamaica under the Westminster ‘First past the post’ system that dominates in most former British colonies and Guyana with its homegrown Proportional Representation (PR) system.
Like most of CARICOM’s 14 member-states, Jamaica’s race to the finish line was between candidates contesting to represent constituencies in parliament, while in Guyana, the parties battled over ten administrative regions spread over 83,000 square-miles (616,000 square-kilometres) in CARICOM’s biggest member-state.
The JLP won in 34 of Jamaica’s 63 constituencies and the PNP won 29 – the latter increasing its parliamentary presence, but falling short of the final glory.
Guyana’s poll, however, was for ten regions, with the PPP/C winning eight and retaining its majority in the National Assembly, while the other two were won by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) -- a three-month-old party that absolutely
obliterated the 61-year-old People’s National Congress (PNC) and it’s A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) alliance.
Both elections featured lower turnouts than five years ago (Guyana under 50% and Jamaica at 39%).
But while Jamaica’s victory margin was a very-close call (JLP 50.55% and PNP 49.95%), Guyana’s PPP/C is projected to win by 10.6% this year, bettering-by-far the 0.3% it won by in 2020 (with 50.7% versus 49.3% for the combined opposition).
This year, the PPP/C won 242,498 votes more-than-twice the 109,066 won by WIN, while the APNU won 77,998, according to the declared results from the various districts which were shared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The PPP/C won 46,530 more votes than all the opposition parties combined, and now expected to win 55.32% of Guyana’s ballots, versus the combined opposition’s 44.68%.
In Guyana, the PPP/C and WIN each and both are deeply into PNC and APNU’s traditional strongholds, the ruling alliance surprisingly winning Region Four and the WIN equally-surprisingly taking Regions Seven and 10, both previously held by APNU.
The opposition parties also reacted differently to the official results: Jamaica’s PNP accepting it came five-seats-short of the glory in its latest two-party electoral horse-race, while the two major Guyana opposition parties differ on levels of acceptance and rejection.
APNU and WIN were both crying foul days before and after the poll, and before the final results were officially declared, but while APNU is questioning the entire results (and especially its loss of Region Four), WIN is celebrating its parliamentary-lucrative wins in Regions Two and 10.
WIN’s win has sparked as-much regional and national debate as the PNP’s loss, each generating much debate and discussion, but in Guyana’s case including loud and expletive-loaded levels of intense online verbal warfare between rival social media influencers.
A major question in Guyana today is how the
US will react to the WIN leader possibly being the next parliamentary Opposition Leader, with US sanctions on his head.
Washington signalled it might be uncomfortable with the sanctioned businessman being elected to lead the nation, but the US Ambassador to Georgetown now says it will only ‘cooperate’ with him on ‘non-financial’ parliamentary matters, while maintaining the sanctions.
Mohammed, his father and their gold-plated family dynasty business (Mohammed’s Enterprise) were sanctioned after the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) –which administers and enforces US trade and economic sanctions -- said they’d not declared US$50 million worth of gold exported from Guyana to the USA.
Voters generally praised the smooth voting process, but APNU – the biggest loser — is bitterly complaining about everything from ‘foreigners voting’ to allegedly-irregular Statements of Poll and Voters’ lists containing ‘names of dead persons.’
But Guyana’s constitution allows ‘any Commonwealth citizen’ living there for over one year to vote in elections – including CARICOM nationals -- and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has explained that ‘dead persons’ names cannot be officially extracted except on submission by objectors of official death certificates.
APNU and WIN, supported by other small
parties decimated by the results, have been suggestiAugustic protests -- even though it was an APNU administration that was effectively found by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to have hijacked the government for five months (March to August, 2020), in the process visibly delaying the tabulation processes in Region Four after having lost the presidential and regional elections.
Another pointing lesson from both elections has to do with timing and content of manifestos: Guyana’s parties released theirs early enough, but the PNP released its own just days before the Jamaica poll.
Yet, even without a manifesto or public policy document on its policies and plans for governance, the WIN outfit attracted over 30% more than the APNU – and took two regions from it. The roles of international election observer groups are also under discussion and scrutiny, some using European and American yardsticks to question the natural advantages of ruling parties everywhere being able to initiate national projects that will attract public support.
But, all-in-all, the two polls earlier this week each have lessons for all Caribbean political observers, bar-none.
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.
APNU votes decrease in both Region Four, Five
–– following the recount requested by the coalition
WITH the recount and tabulation completed for Sub-District Four of District Four and District Five, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which requested the recounts, have come out with fewer votes than originally declared.
Just two days after declarations were made for all 10 electoral districts, the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led coalition had requested a recount in sub-district four (East Coast Demerara) after the declarations showed that the party suffered a substantial loss at the elections.
The original declaration for District Four, made just two days after the September 1 election, put the APNU at 46,956 votes. However, the recount, which concluded on
APNU leader, Aubrey Norton
Friday, showed that they received 46,949 votes, seven votes shy of the original declaration.
In that region, the APNU came in second behind the PPP/C following the first declaration, and at that time had secured just
25.9 per cent of the votes cast for that region.
Region Four, Guyana’s largest and most politically influential district, delivered a historic outcome in these elections.
For the first time in the country’s political histo-
ry, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secured victory in the stronghold long dominated by the People’s National Congress (PNC) and its successor coalition, APNU.
That recount also showed that the votes had decreased for the Alliance For Change (AFC) while votes increased for the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) and the PPP/C.
Meanwhile, for Region Five, in the General election, the APNU’s votes
also decreased. The original declaration had put the coalition at 6,480 votes, but the recount showed that they had received 6,477 votes, decreasing by three votes.
During the recount, votes in a total of 468 ballot boxes were recounted, some 391 from Sub-district Four of District Four and 77 from District Five. The process, which began on September 4 at 8:00 hrs concluded around 22:30 hrs on Friday night.
After requesting a recount, just as the process
was coming to an end, APNU’s leader, Aubrey Norton, had written to the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, asking for a forensic audit and the aborting of the 2025 electoral process.
GECOM Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh reminded that Guyana’s constitution stipulates that the High Court holds jurisdiction and added that the claims made would fall under the purview of the same by way of an election petition.
‘They are playing with the lives of citizens’ –– President Ali on Opposition ‘delay tactics’
–– Vice-President Jagdeo describes them as ‘sore losers’
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has branded the opposition’s call for fresh elections as “utter nonsense,” describing it as playing “games” with the nation’s stability and development.
The President’s emphasised this in an invited comment to the media outside of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on Friday.
Dr. Ali was responding to the actions taken by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which, in a letter to the Chair of GECOM Claudette Singh, demanded a forensic audit of the electoral data or fresh elections.
“It’s absolutely ridicu -
lous,” President Ali said. He also highlighted that the opposition parties lost the election and subsequently demanded a recount; this process ended in less votes for APNU.
The tactics, which have been labelled as an attempt to “delay the inevitable”, show the Guyanese people who is for them and who is not, the President stated.
The Head of State said: “The life of this country is important, and if people continue to see who plays with the life of this country, who plays with the life of the citizens, who don’t care about the citizens and the development of this country.
“We have to keep this country intact and safe. We have to ensure that our international investors are ready to invest, and that we demonstrate to the world that we are a democracy
that is credible, which is demonstrated in these elections, but more importantly, that investors’ confidence is always high… and this is just playing games with the country’s life,” President Ali said.
The President further noted that all observer missions, both international and local, have stated that the elections were free and fair.
General and Regional Elections were held on Monday and after polls closed, GECOM publicly uploaded the Statements of Polls (SOPs) for the general public to see, a stark difference to what happened in 2020.
The results of the elections show a resounding victory for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), and a second term for President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.
The process was further delayed on Friday evening
after Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners failed to show up for a meeting to certify the results of the elections.
Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo in a comment on Friday said the democratic process had been conducted transparently and fairly. He described the opposition’s attempts to derail the process as baseless and a reflection of “sore losers.”
He also stressed that both local and international stakeholders had already verified the credibility of the elections.
“Why would anyone and GECOM pay attention to such a stupid call? The elections are over. Every international observer group pronounced that the election was free and fair. The whole country has all the SoPs [Statements of Poll]. They asked for a recount; they got the recount,” Jagdeo asserted.
“We are not Granger, rushing to swearing-in before a declaration,” he added, in a clear reference to former President David Granger’s actions during the 2020 elections.
Asked whether arrangements are already underway for the President’s inauguration, Jagdeo said: “Of course, the swearing-in is being planned. We will be stupid not to plan the swearing-in.”
Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, has already said that election disputes must go to Guyana’s Supreme Court.
President, Dr. Irfana Ali speaks to the media at GECOM, High Street
Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Official documents prove Norton’s claims of unsigned SoPs false
IN a last-ditch effort to seek to invalidate the recently concluded electoral process, the leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, in a letter, claimed that several Statements of Poll (SoPs) were not signed by presiding officers.
Norton made this allegation in a letter to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in which he asked for the 2025 electoral process to be aborted or a forensic audit to be conducted.
The letter said that the SoPs for ballot boxes nos.
40711, 407268, 40729, 41003 and 41005, among others, were not signed by the presiding officers at polling stations contrary to the Representation of the People Act.
However, a quick check of these SoPs, which were posted to GECOM’s website, showed that the alle-
gations made were untrue as they were all signed by the respective Presiding Officers.
GECOM, as stipulated by law, ensured that the SoPs were immediately uploaded to the website by the Returning Officers in a bid to improve accuracy and transparency.
Election disputes must go to the High Court – GECOM Chair tells Norton
CHAIRPERSON of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh has said that election disputes must go to Guyana’s Supreme Court.
Justice Singh made this known in a letter addressed to Presidential Candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Norton in
response to a correspondence he dispatched on Friday.
This was done prior to the conclusion of a recount process initiated by APNU, which eventually
ended in the coalition having less votes than initially declared.
On Friday, Norton wrote a letter to the chairperson seeking a forensic audit of the election, and
demanded that the entire 2025 elections be aborted, though his party was the one that requested recounts following declarations being made for all ten electoral districts just two days after the September 1 election.
The Chairperson, in her correspondence on Friday evening, noted that the Commission was awaiting the outcome of the recounts in sub-district four of District Four, and the 77 ballot boxes in District Five, as requested by his party.
Regarding his request for ‘a forensic audit’ of the elections, or the complete annulment of the current electoral process, Justice Singh referred Norton to Guyana’s constitutional framework governing electoral disputes.
“Article 163 of the Constitution of Guyana explicitly stipulates that the High Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether any question, whether generally or in any particular place, the election was lawfully conducted, or the result thereof has been or may have been affected by any unlawful act or omission. This article clearly outlines the legal procedure for addressing concerns about the lawfulness of the election or its results,” she said in the letter.
She said, therefore, that any claims of widespread irregularities necessitating a forensic audit
or the annulment of the elections beyond the scope of the recounts would fall under the purview of the High Court by way of an election petition.
Justice Singh reminded Mr. Norton that GECOM’s primary responsibility is to conduct elections in a free, fair and transparent manner, while adhering strictly to the laws of Guyana.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that the will of the people, as expressed through their votes, is accurately reflected in the final results. We urge all stakeholders to allow the established legal and procedural mechanisms to run their course,” she said in the letter.
The Chairperson said that once the final results are presented to the Commission, any party aggrieved by the outcome will have the right to file an election petition to the High Court, in accordance with Article 163 of the Constitution.
“This is the constitutionally prescribed method for challenging election results, and seeking redress for alleged irregularities that may have affected the outcome,” the letter said.
Justice Singh added that as the Chairperson, she remains committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and will continue to operate within the confines of the law.
GECOM Chairperson Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh
Amerindian Affairs Ministry says Surama group still scheduled to perform
–– situation completely misrepresented, politicised by Mohamed
THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, on Friday, clarified a recent situation that it said is being misrepresented and politicised by the Team Mohamed.
The clarification came in a press release in which the ministry noted that the Surama Culture Group is scheduled to perform on
ticipate in the planned activity. However, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the ministry’s control, a decision was made to postpone the launch of these events to the following week,” the release added.
Against this backdrop, it was stated that the decision was taken in good
Friday, 12th, and Saturday, 13th of September at the Culture Night celebration set to be held at the Amerindian Village at Sophia exhibition centre compound.
“The Group was formally invited, sponsored, and fully accommodated by the ministry to par -
faith and with full consideration of the group’s prior engagement in the inter-faith service, which the group was also invited to attend.
It was noted that the group returned to Surama and will return to Georgetown to participate in the rescheduled activities.
The ministry added: “It is deeply unfortunate that this matter is being distorted and used as a political tool to gain cheap political points by Mr. Azruddin Mohamed. The ministry strongly condemns the gross mischaracterisation
and the blatant disrespect shown by Mr. Mohamed and his party in its public commentary on this issue.”
The ministry said it remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural
heritage and traditional way of life of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples.
The release added that the heritage month celebrations continue to be a national priority and a platform for unity, pride and cultural expression.
“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs stands by its actions and will not allow political opportunism to undermine its dedication to the Indigenous Peoples,” the release added.
GECOM rejects allegations of ballot box tampering
–– condemns Kaieteur News’ irresponsible reporting
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has noted a headline in the Friday, 5 September 2025 edition of the Kaieteur News under the caption, “Ballot boxes from Regions Four, Eight allegedly arrived at GECOM without seals – WIN officials.”
“Although GECOM issued a statement last evening condemning those false allegations of tampered ballot boxes, Kaieteur News did not find it necessary to publish a headline that is reflective
of fairness and balance in accordance with proper journalistic principles,” the commission said in a press statement.
While information from the GECOM’s press release was published in the body of the article, the headline is misleading and carries the same weight of the said disinformation spewed by the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) officials, GECOM said.
The commission emphasised: “These actions are irresponsible from
the Kaieteur News since the framing of a headline grabs attention and a large percentage of readers only look at a headline.
In this regard, GECOM takes this opportunity to further reiterate its position that there are no tampered ballot boxes.
“All the ballot boxes are intact with the official seals issued by GECOM and the seals of political parties.”
GECOM further added: “These allegations are blatantly false and GECOM completely re -
jects this deliberate mischief that is designed to obstruct the recount of the ballots cast in Sub-District Four of District Four and District Five and cause confusion.”
Importantly, the recount exercise went smoothly with the involvement of all accredited election agents from all the political parties and the presence of local and international observers.
“The Guyana Elections Commission is once again urging all stakeholders, including
the media to act responsibly and only use verified information from authentic source before publication,” the commission said.
Life in prison for Favourite in 2020 Kitty murder
DERRYCK Favourite, who was found guilty of the December 2020 murder of 60-year-old Peter Gonsalves during a robbery, was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years.
Justice Simone Morris handed down the sentence at the High Court in Demerara after hearing submissions from prosecutors Padma Dubraj and Taneisha Saygon, who pointed to several aggravating factors and urged the court to impose a stiff penalty.
Daniel Parris, called “Black Boy,” had earlier pleaded guilty to the murder of Peter Gonsalves and was sentenced in June to life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 21 years.
Favourite, known as “Rastaman,” and Parris were jointly charged in February 2021 for Gonsalves’ murder, which occurred on December 7, 2020, at Garnett Street, Kitty, Georgetown.
The charge alleged that they killed the Kitty contractor in the course or furtherance of a robbery under arms. Initially, another man, Kacey Heyliger,
was the first to be charged on December 11, 2020, just days after the killing. However, two months later, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) withdrew the charge against him. According to police reports, Gonsalves and a co-worker were at a bar on Garnett Street around 21:00 hours when two armed men opened fire. Gonsalves was struck multiple times, while his co-worker escaped unharmed. The attackers fled the scene on Gonsalves’ XR motorcycle, CJ600. Investigators later retrieved
was taken into custody, but following the police probe, both men were committed to stand trial.
CCTV footage from the bar. Parris was allegedly nabbed with the stolen motorcycle, leading to his arrest. It is unclear when Favourite
Derryck Favourite
Daniel Parris
Peter Gonsalves
Senior GDF officers conferred with Brazilian Army Medal
Three officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have recently been decorated with the Brazilian Army Medal in recognition of their distinguished service and contribution to fostering stronger defence cooperation between Guyana and Brazil
THREE officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have recently been decorated with the Brazilian Army Medal in recognition of their distinguished service and contribution to fostering stronger defence cooperation between Guyana and Brazil.
According to information from the GDF, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM and Colonel Sheldon Howell, MSM, were conferred with the honour during a formal ceremony held at the Brazilian Embassy in Georgetown.
The medals were presented by the Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Ms.
Maria Cristina de Castro Martins, in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS. Also in attendance were the Brazilian Military Attaché to Guyana, Colonel Luciano Melo de Oliveira Jr., along with senior officers of the GDF and representatives of the Brazilian Armed Forces, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Earlier, on August 21, 2025, Captain (Coast Guard) Vernon Burnette, MSM, received the same medal in Brasília during the Brazilian Army Day Parade. His medal was presented by Army General Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva, Commander
of the Brazilian Army.
The Brazilian Army Medal is awarded to officers and personnel, both national and foreign, who have distinguished themselves through professional excellence, dedication, and contributions to advancing military cooperation.
The recognition of Colonels Roberts, Howell, and Captain Burnette stands as a testament not only to their exemplary careers but also to the deep and enduring bonds of friendship between Guyana and Brazil, GDF said.
The defence force added: “This honour further reflects the spirit of partnership that continues to guide mili -
ERC urges caution as 2020 post resurfaces during elections
THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has issued a clarification regarding a social media post that has resurfaced during the current election period, warning that its re-circulation appears intended to stir racial tensions in the country.
In a statement, the ERC explained that the matter in question originated in 2020 and was promptly addressed at the time in accordance with its constitutional mandate. Following an inquiry, the Commission treated the post as part of its wider campaign against racial incitement, publishing public notices that identified several “persons of interest” for inflammatory and racially divisive remarks.
The ERC noted with concern that the post has re-emerged at a sensitive moment, saying it views the
renewed circulation as an attempt “to excite and stoke racial tensions and hostility among the people of Guyana.” Such actions, the body stressed, undermine national unity and risk fuelling ethnic mistrust at a time when cohesion is particularly important.
The Commission reminded the public that under Article 212D of the Constitution of Guyana, it is mandated to promote harmony and good relations among the country’s ethnic groups. It therefore urged citizens to act responsibly on social media and other platforms, and to avoid sharing content that could incite hostility or deepen divisions.
“The Commission remains committed to monitoring and addressing all incidents
of racial incitement or ethnic hostility, regardless of the period in which they occur,” the statement said.
The ERC further encouraged members of the public to report any such incidents directly to the Commission for appropriate action.
tary collaboration between the two countries, which includes joint training, operational exchanges, and sustained efforts to enhance
security and stability within the region.”
The GDF extended congratulations to its decorated officers on this achieve-
ment, which brings pride to the Force and reinforces the value of Guyana’s defence diplomacy with Brazil.
PSC condemns mischaracterisation of EU’s report
–– PSC says; reaffirms elections were free, fair, credible and efficiently managed, with professional polling staff and transparent procedures. Voting and counting were assessed positively, with Statements of Poll displayed publicly, in full compliance with the law.”
THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed that the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections were free, fair and credible.
“We are concerned by attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the process through the selective and misleading use of the European Union Election Observation Mission’s (EU
EOM) preliminary report,” the PSC said in a press statement, on Friday.
The commission added: “The EU’s own findings are unambiguous: Election Day was peaceful, orderly,
As with all observer groups, according to the PSC, the EU highlighted areas for future reform including campaign finance, media balance, and the structure of GECOM.
“These are recommendations to strengthen our democracy. They do not amount to evidence of fraud, nor do they challenge the legitimacy of the outcome,” the commission said.
The commission emphasised that election day was peaceful and the process was credible Such was also the general conclusion of the Carter Center, the Commonwealth Observer Group and CARICOM.
“None of these respected institutions disputed the integrity of the process or the legitimacy of the results,” the PSC said.
The commission emphasised that the 2025 elections faithfully reflected the will of the Guyanese people. Any mischaracterisation of the EU’s report
as suggesting otherwise is both misleading and untrue.
“We remain committed to working with our local and international partners to advance electoral reform and to safeguard public confidence in Guyana’s democracy,” the PSC said.
Concerned PNCR youth calls for ‘renewal at the top’ after massive elections defeat
–– says APNU must confront
A CRIPPLING defeat at the 2025 general and regional elections has left the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) searching for hope and new leadership, as the party looks ahead.
For the first time since its formation in the 1950s, the PNCR will not play a major role as either the government or the main opposition, as the party, under the leadership of Aubrey Norton, has lost crucial support in its traditional strongholds, and failed to
duct a forensic audit of the results.
There, however, seems to be a lack of consensus on this new position of APNU, as some party members and supporters have started making public calls for the acceptance of the results, and for the country to move forward.
In a letter to the editor, concerned PNCR youth, wrote: “We, the youth of the People’s National Congress Reform, a proud pillar of the APNU, extend our gratitude to all Guyanese who supported us during the recent elections.
make grounds in unfamiliar areas.
Based on the results declared for the various districts which were shared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is leading by over 133,000 votes, while political newcomer, We Invest in Nationhood— led by US-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed— is well ahead of APNU.
Notably, the PPP/C, for the first time in history, has secured a victory in Region Four, which is traditionally a PNCR/APNU stronghold.
A recount initiated by APNU has not produced any significant changes or revealed any discrepancies, but Norton, who is facing mounting pressure to step down, wrote GECOM to quash the elections or con-
reality or risk losing future elections, remaining supporters
allow for the process of realignment within the party/ coalition.
“Renewal at the top is not a rejection of our history, it is the only path to rebuild trust, unite our base
“Your trust and commitment remind us of the PNCR’s enduring role, both within the coalition and in the life of our nation. Young people across this nation, including those who have traditionally supported APNU, have sent a powerful message: they are looking for younger leadership and a different approach.”
The youth went on to say: “We hear them and their voices must guide the renewal of our party and coalition. The election results have made it clear: our coalition must confront reality and act boldly. If we continue as we are, we risk losing not only future elections but the confidence of the people and the credibility of the PNCR and APNU as a force for national progress.”
In their view, the leadership must step aside and
and restore the coalition’s relevance.
“The PNCR, and by extension APNU, must regroup, reset and rise again with vision, courage and purpose. As young members of our great party, we stand ready to help chart that future. APNU and the PNCR are not relics of yesterday, we are the promise of tomorrow and it is time to act decisively to secure that promise for our country,” the PNCR youth said. Norton, even prior to the elections, had criticisms about his electability from within his party and from external allies.
AAG to attend World Athletics Congress
THE President of the Athletics Association of Guyana Amanda Hermonstyne along with General Secretary James Cole and Second Vice President Mayfield Taylor will be the officials representing Guyana at the World Athletics Congress.
The congress will be held on the sidelines of the World Athletics Championship set for Tokyo City from the 13th to the 21st of September at the Japan National Stadium.
General Secretary Cole, speaking to Guyana Chronicle says they have begun preparation to represent the country well at the congress.
“Within the past week also, the President, General Secretary and the first and Second Vice President were attending two weeks of online courses that deal with AI sessions and governance,” Cole said.
Meanwhile on the track, Guyana will be represented by lone athlete Olympian Emmanuel
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday September 06, 2025)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 40 balls
(2) Jack Russell (JT vs TKR, PoS, 2018)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Who is the first player to hit 20 sixes in CPL 2025?
(2) How many sixes Tim Seifert struck in his 40-ball hundred?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
AAG President Amanda Hermonstyne
Archibald.
Archibald has made in the finals of the long jump at the several events including the Pan American, South American and Commonwealth games.
His previous success has been in the 100 metre where he holds the national record of 10.09
General Secretary James Cole
seconds and has amassed 2 silver medals, one Pan American Games bronze and one South American Championship bronze.
Archibald also represented Guyana at the World Championship in 100-metre dash in 2022 and 2023 reaching as far as the semifinals.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS ASCOT
08:40 hrs River Card
09:10 hrs Crown Of Oaks
09:40 hrs Native Warrior
10:15 hrs Tenability
10:50 hrs Noche Clasica
11:25 hrs
RACING TIPS
RACING TIPS
Afghanistan hold their nerve, UAE go down fighting in nail-biting finish
(ESPNCRICINFO) - AF -
GHANISTAN had the game sewn up.
They were playing a second-string side with even their captain Rashid Khan among six players sitting out. But Asif Khan threatened to rip it wide open. A dead rubber had burst to life. Fareed Ahmad started the final over with 16 to defend and was bashed for 4 and 6 off the first two deliveries. An upset was looming and the leftarm quick felt it. Asif felt it, batting on 40 off 25. It never came to be.
nically correct that even the shots in anger carried a stamp of class.
There was one moment when he looked totally out of place though. He was utterly deceived by left-arm spinner Haider Ali’s change of pace and trajectory - the flatter ball making the batter think he should play back when the length was fairly full.
He hit the only boundary during this spell too - a six, which are sometimes easier to pull off in these conditions especially against a bowling attack that didn’t camp in the good length spot for long enough. Often, they were too full or too short and that allowed Janat and the rest of his team-mates down the order to get underneath the ball.
So it didn’t matter that overs 13, 14 and 15 went for only 16 runs.
Eye-catching Ibrahim Ibrahim Zadran was cap-
Fareed had three chances to influence the outcome and he came up with the perfect option each time to close out the match: 4, 6, 2, dot, dot, wicket. And so, UAE ended the tri-series winless but they came so very close. The emotions at the end were excruciating, particularly for Asif and the captain Muhammad Waseem. They’re going to make the Asia Cup very interesting.
taining Afghanistan for the 10th time in his career. Four of those games were against UAE. It is easy to see why he
Lando says Monza field
‘too close for
(BBC) - Lando Norris said the Formula 1 field was “a bit close for my liking” after setting the pace in Friday practice at the Italian Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver needs to make inroads into team-mate Oscar Piastri’s championship lead after dropping to 34 points behind the Australian with nine races remaining following a retirement in last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, the first race after Formula 1’s summer break.
Norris was 0.083 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in second place, ahead of Williams’ Carlos Sainz, Piastri, the second Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
The Briton said: “I just need to make the gap a bit bigger to make things a bit more comfortable.”
Norris and Piastri were among several drivers to have moments as they tested the limits at the high-speed and historic Monza circuit.
liking’
Norris had a big slide at the second chicane, known as Roggia, and Piastri had his own moment, running a little wide and kicking up the gravel at the second Lesmo.
The biggest incident involved Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who brought out a red flag when he had a spin at the second Lesmo.
High-speed Monza is a different style of track from Zandvoort last weekend.
“This is the complete opposite downforce to Zandvoort,” Norris said. “Zandvoort, we were easily quickest and it felt pretty amazing. Here is quite the opposite.
“Not a surprise, probably what we were expecting, but we don’t perform quite to the same level in these low-downforce conditions as when we are at high-downforce.
“The competitors catch up and it looks a bit close and makes our life a bit trickier. But we’re still in a reasonable place.”
Piastri had an impressive day considering he missed first practice after handing his car
was the stand-in. He was cool when the runs didn’t come - 5 off 9 - and resplendent when they did. He looks so tech-
Ibrahim lost his stumps for 48 off 34. He might feel a lot better about his contributions in the pointy end of the chase, where soon after he went up to have an arm around Fareed, the bowler switched from bowling over the wicket to round the wicket and gave away no more runs.
Afghanistan slow down, Janat ramps up It was a slow pitch and it showed when Afghanistan lost three wickets in 3.1 overs after a 98-run opening partnership. Karim Janat was 10 off seven balls at the time.
The next three yielded 36. Afghanistan finished on a healthy 170 for 4. Haider (2 for 23) and Simranjeet Singh (1 for 24) were the pick of the bowlers. Leftarm quick Muhammad Rohid was desperately unlucky with both of UAE’s dropped catches coming off his bowling.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz enjoyed his second life going from 14 off 16 to 40 off 38.
to Irish
Australian Piastri was just 0.181secs slower than Norris despite setting his best time on his second lap on the soft tyres, when they would be past their best, after making a small error and running slightly wide on his first attempt.
“Today has been a good day,” Piastri said. “Not doing P1, I had a bit of catching up to do in P2. I feel like I hit the ground running.
“The car felt pretty good. I maybe got the set-up wrong on the softs and the second lap was pretty decent considering it was the second lap on the tyres.”
Sharafuddin Ashraf conceded 20 runs in four overs and took a wicket • Emirates Cricket Board
over
McLaren protege Alex Dunne.
Lando Norris finished second in the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, behind then McLaren team-mate Daniel Ricciardo
Guyana’s Persaud-McKinnon elected to World Archery Committee
ARCHERY Guyana is proud to announce that its President, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, has been elected to serve on the Gender Equity and Inclusion Committee of World Archery at the 56th World Archery Congress held in Gwangju, Korea.
This milestone coincided with the election of Greg Easton (USA) as the new President of World Archery, succeeding Prof. Dr. Ugur Erdener after two decades of transformative leadership.
Vidushi’s election is a historic achievement for Guyana, marking the first time the nation has secured a seat on one of World Archery’s permanent governance committees. The Gender Equity and Inclusion Committee plays a critical role in shaping international policies to ensure fairness, diversity, and equal opportunity across the sport.
“This moment is a proud one for Guyana,” said Persaud-McKinnon. “As World Archery enters a new era under President Greg Easton, I am honoured to contribute to advancing inclusion and equity worldwide.
It is a privilege to represent Guyana, the Caribbean and the Americas on the international stage, ensuring that voices from small nations are part of the global conversation.”
Easton’s election continues a legacy of leadership within the sport, as he is the son of former president James Easton. His decisive win underscores the confidence the global archery community has placed in his vision for the future. His presidency and the strengthened representation of women and small nations like Guyana signal a new era of governance that embraces excellence, inclusivity, and global reach.
With this achievement, Archery Guyana reinforces its commitment to inclusivity, youth development, and international representation. Vidushi’s appointment ensures that Guyana will not only participate but also help shape the global direction of archery, while Easton’s presidency ushers in renewed vision and leadership at the helm of World Archery.
Bravo appointed Trinidad Sport Ambassador
CMC – RETIRED West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo has been appointed as a Sports Ambassador by the Trinidad and Tobago government.
Minister of Sport, Phillip Watts, who made the announcement while speaking at a post-Cabinet meeting on Thursday, said the 41-year-old Bravo, a former Test captain and two-time World Cup winner had distinguished himself as one of T&T’s most celebrated sportsmen.
“He is internationally recognised as a premier cricketer, captain and all-rounder, having represented the West Indies cricket team with distinction.
“In addition to his cricketing accomplishments, Mr Bravo has also made sig-
nificant cultural contributions to music and ambassadorship in promoting Trinidad and Tobago worldwide,” Watts said.
“Currently, Mr Bravo is the head coach of the TKR [Trinbago Knight Riders] team and Mr Bravo has also proven to be an international businessman, who will bring much benefits to Trinidad and Tobago in this new role.”
Bravo represented the West Indies between 2004 and 2021, playing 164 One Day Internationals, 91 T20Is and 40 Test matches.
He was a key member of the West Indies team that won the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2016 ICC World Twenty20.
Guyana Amazon Warriors return home with focus on securing top-two spot
THE Guyana Amazon Warriors have returned home with renewed confidence and their sights set firmly on a top-two finish in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025.
After a successful road trip that saw them win three of their five matches, the team is looking to capitalise on their home advantage at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.
Currently sitting in fourth place with six points, the Warriors have five crucial matches ahead of them. Upon arriving on Friday afternoon at the Eugene F. Corriea Airport, captain Imran Tahir expressed the team’s enthusiasm to be back on familiar ground.
“We’re very happy to be home,” Tahir told reporters. “The boys are in good
spirits. We played some good cricket on the road, and now we need to build on that momentum. Our goal is to make the most of our home conditions and climb the points table to secure a spot in the playoffs, preferably in the top two.”
The team’s performance has been bolstered by the impressive debut of all-rounder Quentin Sampson, who has quickly become a key player.
Sampson shared his excitement about his success, emphasising his commitment to contributing to the team’s winning efforts.
The Warriors’ home leg kicks off on September 6 against the Trinbago Knight Riders at 19:00 hours, a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter and a perfect start to their quest for the top two.
Greg Easton on left and Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon on right
Dwayne Bravo
One Guyana Stand offering luxury at CPL 2025 in Guyana
THE Star Rentals/One Guyana Stand is set to provide a luxury experience for fans attending the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches this year, as the stand will feature a premium viewing area
promising a unique atmosphere for supporters at the National Stadium, Providence.
The stand, spearheaded by former national cricketer Lennox Cush and supported by businessman Fazil Mirza, is strategically located
between the orange stand and grass mound.
This prime position is designed to offer a unique “Guyanese vibe” to the CPL experience.
Tickets for the Star Rentals/One Guyana Stand are US$175 for League
Matches, US$250 for the playoffs, and US$300 for the final.
Each ticket includes unlimited fine cuisine and drinks, ensuring patrons can focus entirely on the on-field action without any distractions.
Cush, drawing from his own years on the field, explained the vision behind the initiative. “Entertainment should not only be what happens on the field but what happens beyond,” he stated.
The stand also caters to corporate groups, offering
private boxes that can accommodate up to 20 people.
Guyana will host both men’s and women’s CPL 2025 matches from September 6 to September 21. Tickets are available at the Box Office on Camp Street or online.
Massey Women’s CPL bowls off today
MASSY Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2025 is set to bowl off on Saturday September 6 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, with the first of seven epic clashes.
The tournament which is now in the fourth season will feature three franchise teams: Barbados Royals, Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors. In the inaugural season in 2022, Trinbago Knight Riders took the title while in 2023 and 2024 Barbados Royals walked away as champions.
The team that is yet to get their hands on the trophy, Guyana Amazon Warriors, will be fancying their chances as the tour-
nament will be played in familiar territory at Providence.
Shemaine Campbelle, who played in the three previous editions of the tournament, is confident of doing well and going all the way. “WCPL playing in Guyana for the first time is a big move especially to bring out the young girls to the game and encourage them to get involved.
“This year will be a good year for GAW, the squad is balanced, and we just want to go out there and showcase our talent with the brand of cricket we play. Playing at Providence, a venue we know pretty well, gives us the advantage and it
will be great to give the fans something to cheer about.”
Meanwhile, rising star, Ashmini Munisar who made her WCPL debut in 2024 said, “It’s really exciting to know that for the first time the WCPL is being played in Guyana.
As a Guyanese player it’s really something special to be playing at home and in conditions I’m familiar with, definitely looking forward to making use of that. Playing in front of my home crowd with family and friends looking on would be an unforgettable experience and hopefully the support from the fans brings out even more energy and excitement.”
“It is good to start at home in such a big tournament where we are familiar with the conditions. I am looking forward to support from family and friends and to playing against good opposition players too. I am excited,” says 20-year-old newcomer, Realeanna Grimmond.
The home side will get into action on the opening day when they battle Trinbago Knight Riders from 2pm.
Two-time defending champions, Barbados Royals will begin their title defence the next day with a clash against the Guyana Amazon Warriors from 3pm. All matches are being played at Providence.
A section of the stand in 2024
Guyana Amazon Warriors return home with focus on securing top-two spot
Massey Women’s CPL
Skipper Imran Tahir (left) and Assistant Coach Ryan Hercules at the airport on Friday