says ‘strategic’ investments in infrastructure declares country’s readiness to modernise,
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Sunday, highlighted advances in dental care and infrastructure at the 2025 Dental Convention.The convention is an annual gathering of dental professionals, educators, and health leaders aimed at advancing oral health care and strengthening dental services across Guyana.
Minister says this is proof that Guyana’s economy has expanded Active employed NIS contributors increase by more than 75,000 over 5-year period
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, and Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn visited the historic Round House at the Kingston seawall in Georgetown to strategise on enhancing the site’s appeal.The ministers discussed plans to maximise the potential of the 19th-century Round House for various activities. Proposed enhancements include comprehensive landscaping, the strategic placement of more garbage receptacles, and additional washroom facilities.This initiative forms a major component of the wider Georgetown Beautification Project, a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Public Works and the Office of the First Lady. Joining the ministers were Nigel Hoppie, Head of CH&PA’s Enforcement and Compliance Department; Ravin Singh, Director of Projects, Policy and Public Affairs at the Office of the First Lady, and a CH&PA engineer (Ministry of Housing)
U.S. Grand Jury indicts Azruddin, Nazar Mohamed on fraud, money laundering charges
Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara
River Bridge: Minister Edghill
urges motorists to embrace ‘Five Cs,’ new driving culture
By Feona Morrison
MINISTER of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has urged motorists to adopt a new culture of road use— one grounded in the “Five Cs”: care, caution, consideration, common sense, and courtesy—to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow on the newly commissioned Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Minister Edghill said the opening of the state-of-the-art four-lane bridge marks the end of the old habits associated with the aging Demerara Harbour Bridge, including rushing to cross during “double-lane” hours and early morning bottlenecks.
The minister was joined by Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, several senior traffic
officers, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Wayne Watson, and engineers from the Ministry of Public Works.
The briefing was convened to address the first day of full traffic operations on the new bridge, which was officially commissioned on Sunday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
Minister Edghill emphasised that the new bridge
offers continuous, uninterrupted traffic flow in both directions, eliminating the need for previous practices.
“So, nobody needs to rush out of work or leave
home early in the morning unnecessarily to go and join the line to cross the bridge. The days for that are over, and that is why we built what is now known as the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge. Everybody just needs to practise the Five Cs, and everybody will get where they are going.”
Minister Edghill explained that the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it demands a shift in public behaviour.
“We have moved from a two-lane bridge to a fourlane bridge,” he said. “There will be no stoppages in the morning or afternoon, no priority lanes, and no need for panic. Traffic will flow continuously.”
Reiterating that the “old culture” of bridge traffic is now behind Guyanese motorists, the public works minister appealed for co-operation and patience as the nation adjusts to this landmark development.
He said the new bridge symbolises progress, noting that it is faster, safer, and more efficient. He emphasised that this advancement must be matched by a new driving culture built on patience, discipline, and the Five Cs, adding that the bridge will serve the nation well if everyone plays their part.
He noted that the bridge was built to safely accommodate vehicles travelling at 80 kilometres per hour, following extensive testing by both engineers and police officials.
Minister Edghill said he drove across the bridge at 80 kilometres per hour and found the journey smooth and comfortable. He noted that it took only about two and a half minutes to travel from one end to the other, highlighting the efficiency of the new facility.
He acknowledged that some motorists faced confusion on Monday morning,
leading to congestion on the western approach.
According to him, he along with senior police officers and the Chinese contractors, visited the site to observe and correct the traffic flow issues.
Minister Edghill explained that the congestion on Monday occurred because not all road users had received adequate information about the new traffic arrangements.
He added that by Monday afternoon, traffic movement across both approaches was expected to improve significantly. He thanked the public for its patience and assured that the government and the police are working closely to monitor and refine the traffic management system as commuters adapt to the new bridge.
A key element of this transition, the minister emphasised, is the proper use of roundabouts, especially those located on the bridge’s approach roads. Educational campaigns are being rolled out to guide drivers on how to navigate them effectively.
Minister Edghill explained that roundabouts are intended to keep traffic flowing and that police will no longer be blocking them. However, he cautioned that motorists who misuse the TURN TO PAGE 3
The Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge (Delano Williams photo)
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill
‘Guyana ready to claim its place in the 21st century world economy’ -- President Ali
-says ‘strategic’ investments in infrastructure declares country’s readiness to modernise, industrialise
By Naomi Parris
SIGNALLING Guyana’s ambition to assert itself as a modern, forward-looking player on the global stage, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that this nation is ready to claim its position in a 21st century economy.
The Head of State while addressing thousands of excited Guyanese, government officials and special invitees at the commissioning of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge on Sunday, noted that deliberate and strategic investments in super structures such as the new bridge will propel the country’s economy.
“Infrastructure is not
merely a physical structure. Infrastructure is also a statement. It is a signal to the world that a nation is ready. And this bridge speaks loudly, declaring Guyana is ready! Ready to modernise, ready to industrialise, ready to claim its place in the 21st century world economy,” the President said.
Guyana has been pumping the revenues it has earned from its oil resources, making tangible investments in building new highways, bridges, schools and health facilities.
Aside from the newly commissioned Demerara River crossing, President Ali had announced a few days prior that construction works on a new Berbice
River bridge are expected to commence this year.
In addition to a new Berbice bridge, works on the new Kurupukari Bridge could start soon, and, once completed, it will replace the pontoon crossing for the Kurupukari River along the Linden/Lethem Trail.
Additionally, the President had stated that the ongoing construction of the US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge is just over 72 per cent complete.
The works are being executed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited and include the construction of a four-lane, 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge outfitted with
Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge: Minister Edghill ...
roundabouts will face prosecution, noting that the new system relies on self-regulation through responsibility and respect.
“The roundabouts going to be allowed to flow, but if you misuse the roundabout, the police will be here to prosecute and to ensure that we have responsible usage,” he said.
Minister Edghill also announced that construction crews are working around the clock to complete the elevated approach road connecting the old Demerara Harbour Bridge corridor to the new structure. This section is about 1.5 metres higher and will require careful engineering to ensure a safe link.
“The new approach road is 1.5 metres higher than the old road, which means you just can’t turn off. There’s
going to be a big height—1.5 metres higher. So, everybody just needs to follow the roundabouts, do your thing, get into your two lanes, get on the bridge, discharge, and use the roundabout in a safe way,” he added.
Minister Edghill also indicated that the government is examining plans for a future flyover system to further enhance the efficiency of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge. He explained that while the current roundabout and approach roads are designed to manage existing traffic volumes effectively, the construction of a flyover remains part of the long-term infrastructure vision to accommodate future growth.
The US$262 million bridge, constructed by China Railway Construction Corpo-
FROM PAGE 2
ration Limited, has a lifespan of 100 years and offers tollfree access.
The new bridge features four lanes and stretches 2,798 metres, linking Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD). At its tallest point, the structure reaches 50 metres, allowing Handymax vessels to pass safely beneath it.
Its design features the Cacique Crown. More than 50,000 daily commuters are expected to benefit from the new bridge, resulting in an estimated $3.5 billion in annual savings.
The project adheres to strict international best practices, with materials tested to the highest standards, and processes meeting ISO benchmarks.
essential safety features such as lighting and sidewalks.
The bridge will replace the current structure that spans the Demerara River in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).
In addition to the foregoing projects, several massive highways are under construction to enhance greater inter-regional linkages.
One notable road project is the expansion of the East Coast road along the railway embankment that is now 77 per cent complete.
“Oil revenues, wisely managed, are being converted into structures like this, projects that deliver benefits to every Guyanese. This bridge is proof that our resources are not squandered. They are reinvested into the future, long future of the people of our country,” President Ali said on Sunday.
During his inauguration speech back in September, he said that the first six weeks of his second term in office will see the groundwork being laid for a sweeping range of
infrastructural and economic projects aimed at accelerating national development, job creation and regional integration.
He had stressed then that the country’s economic future depends not only on the ambitions and policies of the government, but also on the private sector, which is ready to drive wealth and job creation. He explained further that collaboration between the private sector and the government will propel shared prosperity.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
U.S. Grand Jury indicts Azruddin, Nazar Mohamed on fraud, money laundering charges
A UNITED STATES federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida has returned a true bill indictment against prominent sanctioned businessmen, Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, charging them with multiple counts of charges including wire fraud, gold smuggling and money laundering.
The case which entered into the court’s record on October 2, 2025, according to documents seen by the Guyana Chronicle, sketches a trail of gold and deceit that began in 2017, during the tenure of the APNU+AFC Coalition government and allegedly ran for seven years flowing from Georgetown to Miami and from Dubai to California, through a system designed to evade taxes and enrich the men behind one of Guyana’s largest gold exporters.
The indictment cites several provisions of U.S. law, including 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349, 1343, 1341, 2, 1956(h), 981(a)(1)(C), and 982(a)(1),
which cover wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and forfeiture of assets linked to unlawful activity.
According to the court filing, Nazar Mohamed, a Guyanese citizen, is identified as the 90% owner of Mohamed’s Enterprise, while his son, Azruddin, held a 10% ownership stake. Mohamed’s Enterprise operated as a gold wholesaler and exporter based in Guyana, selling gold primarily to buyers in Miami and Dubai. Azruddin is the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood party and is also the leader of the Opposition.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the family business, Mohamed’s Enterprise, paid the Guyana Revenue Authority (2% tax) and Guyana Gold Board (5% royalty) the required taxes and royalties on select gold shipments in order to secure official seals. But rather than repeat the process legally, the indictment alleges that the Mohameds reused those seals and customs declarations on
subsequent shipments, tricking the system into believing taxes had been settled when, in fact, they had not.
To make matters worse, the father and son duo are accused of bribing Guyanese customs officials to look the other way as shipments left Georgetown bound for Miami and Dubai.
The result, prosecutors say, was the export of more than 10,000 kilograms of gold without the proper taxes being paid, depriving Guyana of roughly US$50 million between 2017 and 2024.
The conspiracy, the indictment claims, was disguised through a web of freight forwarders, shipping firms and electronic wires that moved payments from bank accounts in Guyana to the Southern District of Florida.
It is alleged that the scheme allegedly went beyond creative bookkeeping. Company 2 in Miami was used to ship empty wooden boxes with intact Guyanese seals from Dubai back to Miami, maintaining the façade of legitimate trade.
Meanwhile, it is alleged that Mohammed’s company 3 in Miami then moved those boxes to Guyana. Prosecutors allege this “shell shipment” system allowed the enterprise to continue exporting gold while avoiding scrutiny.
Emails from Nazar Mohamed allegedly show him arranging multi-ton shipments through Miami, with each consignment packaged to appear legitimate.
But prosecutors say some of those boxes were nothing
to draft an invoice showing the car’s value at just US$75,300.
That paperwork was then presented to GRA, and the car was shipped from Miami to Guyana under false pretences.
The US government’s case now seeks not only conviction but also forfeiture. At stake are shipments and assets linked to the alleged fraud, including a consignment of gold bars worth US$5.3 million seized at Miami International Airport on June 11, 2024.
more than empty containers, sent from Dubai to Miami bearing reused seals from Guyana, only to be shipped back again to bolster the illusion of compliance.
THE LAMBORGHINI TWIST
Even as the gold flowed, prosecutors allege, the money was diverted into personal benefit.
The most striking example comes in Count 11, where Azruddin Mohamed is accused of directing the purchase of a Lamborghini Aventador SV in California at a cost of approximately US$680,000.
To avoid the more than US$1 million in duties owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority, the indictment says he instructed an associate
According to the US, Mohameds enriched themselves by turning Guyana’s gold trade into a shell game, one where official seals were recycled, customs officers were compromised and millions meant for public coffers were diverted into private hands, some of it even parked in the sleek lines of an Italian supercar.
Meanwhile, criminal charges have since been instituted against Azruddin under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, with hearings ongoing before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Mohamed is charged under the Customs Act with knowingly making and subscribing to a false declaration to the GRA on or about December 7, 2020, by declaring the purchase price of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ TURN TO PAGE 11
Nazar Mohamed (left) and his son, Azruddin Mohamed
Major reforms to public assistance system; expanded support for working families to be rolled out
–– Dr Jagdeo says
By Trina Williams
THE government has outlined a new phase in strengthening Guyana’s social safety net, unveiling incoming reforms to modernise the public assistance system and new measures that will see expanded support for working families, including state-funded childcare facilities.
Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo made these announcements last week during a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where he spoke extensively on improving access to benefits for vulnerable and low-income families.
As he continued to explain some of the incoming reforms to Guyana’s public assistance system—including to the Board of Guardians -- he pledged a fairer, faster, and more transparent process for citizens seeking social support.
He said: “In terms of what we fund for the five years in government—social security, people who are eligible for help on public assistance. The complaint has been… through the Board of Guardians… And so clearly, we have to reform the system. And the system is currently being reformed.”
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Public Assistance programme remains a lifeline for thousands of Guyanese, providing temporary relief to persons with disabilities and those experiencing severe financial hardship.
In August, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the public assistance given to vulnerable citizens will be increased to a minimum of $40,000.
This venture, he said, means an additional $19 billion will be spent annually on vulnerable groups.
Currently, public assistance is $22,000 and this has injected an additional $1.4 billion into the pockets of some 40,000 recipients across the country.
Earlier this year, the Government of Guyana demonstrated its commitment to strengthening social safety nets by allocating a substantial $58.5 billion budget to the ministry for 2025.
Further, the Vice President made it clear that if a citizen is in a low-income bracket, then they should be able to qualify for bene-
fits once they meet certain metrics.
“And those metrics would be clearly identified by the Board of Guardians and then implemented. It’s either you meet the metrics or not—you qualify under those metrics. And once that is done, then the people who are implementing the system cannot capriciously say you’re eligible or not eligible based on their own, maybe, prejudices,” Dr Jagdeo said, adding: “If you’re disabled, then automatically you should be on the system…What I’m conveying is that work is being done on improving this system, so that we can roll it out next year, allowing people to get benefits faster, and for those who are eligible to be able to get onto the database swiftly on the basis of existing criteria, through which they would be qualified. I want to say to people, work is being done on that, too, because that was one of the big complaints we had.”
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
Turning his attention to parents, Dr Jagdeo said in the new budget, the government is looking at ways to support daycare centres across Guyana. He said: “We want to see how we can support the creation and establishment of daycare centres in communities to support working mothers, particularly. Whether we do it through a taxation system, co-invest, give a grant, or a voucher—we are still examining which of these methods we’d be using
to support this promise that we made in the elections.”
Earlier this year, President, Dr Irfaan Ali pledged “targeted and serious” investments in childcare infrastructure and services aimed at supporting young professionals, particularly women, who are navigating career aspirations and family life.
The benefits of daycare are well documented. Beyond providing supervision, high-quality daycare supports children’s developmental, social, and emotional growth. Research shows that even children as young as five who attend daycare are more patient and better able to adapt their communication to interact with playmates of varying ages. For parents— especially mothers—daycare enables greater participation in the workforce, supporting career advancement and promoting gender equity in professional spaces.
In August, Guyana’s first Day and Night Care and Early Childhood Centre was officially opened at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.
This facility is part of a broader initiative to establish similar centres across the country. It operates 24 hours a day, providing early childhood development services to support working parents with non-traditional hours. These centres are designed to help parents advance their professional lives, increase their disposable incomes, and expand their economic opportunities.
During the day, the centre cares for children from newborns to three years old, while at night, it accommodates children up to 12
years old.
The second will be built in Region Four at a cost of $94 million.
Since assuming office in 2020, there has been a series of pro-family policies rolled out by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government.
Additionally, each child will now benefit from a $200,000 grant annually.
The newly introduced transportation grant which aims to ease the cost of burden on families, will provide each school child with $100,000. This grant will be used by parents to support transportation needs, especially for those in hinterland and remote communities.
This policy will see a yearly injection of $40 billion being placed back into the pockets of Guyanese parents. This year, each eligible child received a total of GYD $55,000, which included the GYD $50,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant and a GYD $5,000 school uniform and supplies grant. This education programme
benefits learners who attend private and public schools.
Notably, in March of this year, the government introduced a $100,000 cash grant for every child born to a Guyanese mother, a programme hailed as a lifeline for new mothers and a firm commitment to the future of the country’s children.
Digital Governance
IN a landmark move toward modernising public service delivery, Guyana has officially launched its upgraded Immigration Support Services (ISS) eServices Platform.
Announced on Monday, October 6, 2025, by Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, the digital platform now enables citizens, visitors, and businesses to access a wide range of immigration services online, from visa applications and extensions to amendments, cancellations, and transfers.
The significance of this initiative extends far beyond convenience. In an era where digital transformation is no longer optional, Guyana is demonstrating a clear commitment to building a modern, efficient, and accountable public service.
By providing immigration services through a user-friendly online interface
accessible at eservices.iss.gov.gy, the government is reducing bureaucracy, cutting processing times, and eliminating the need for cumbersome in-person visits and paperwork.
Minister Walrond aptly described the platform as a reflection of the government’s vision for a “modern, digital-first economy.”
Indeed, this development aligns with global trends where governments are leveraging technology to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and improve citizens’ access to essential services.
For Guyana, a country rapidly expanding its international footprint through trade, investment, and tourism, a reliable and accessible immigration system is crucial for both national development and international confidence.
The ePlatform also serves as a tangible reminder of the government’s broader digitalisation agenda, which seeks to integrate technology into all facets of governance.
From visitor and employment visas to landing permits and student applications, the digitisation of these services demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that prioritises efficiency, accountability, and user experience.
Beyond convenience, the ISS eServices Platform carries a symbolic weight: it signals that Guyana is serious about embracing innovation to meet the needs of its people and the demands of a modern economy.
By reducing administrative barriers and improving the speed and reliability of public services, the government is empowering both citizens and businesses, while setting a
standard for other sectors to follow.
The launch of the ISS ePlatform is more than a technological upgrade; it is a statement of intent.
Guyana is not merely catching up with the digital age, it is positioning itself as a leader in the Caribbean for efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused public service.
The challenge now lies in maintaining momentum: ensuring that the platform remains accessible, secure, and continuously updated, while expanding the digitalisation drive across other government services.
Ultimately, this step is a win for every Guyanese, at home and abroad.
By making immigration services seamless, transparent, and fast, Guyana is proving that innovation is not just about technology, but about improving lives and strengthening governance.
In defence of truth: Guyana’s Vice President is right to call out fabrication
Dear Editor,
A FREE press is one of democracy’s strongest safeguards, but the legitimacy of that freedom rests on a simple, demanding promise: to tell the truth.
When reporters, editors, and publishers allow fabricated materials to enter the public domain—especially when it is crafted to cause mischief—they do more than mislead: they corrode trust in the very institutions that anchor civic life.
That is why Vice President Jagdeo deserves commendation for using his recent press conference to call out deliberate falsehoods and manipulative narratives masquerading as news.
To defend press freedom is to defend standards. The best journalism is skeptical but not cynical; independent yet accountable; urgent without being careless. It crosschecks, corroborates, and contextualises. It resists the adrenaline of virality in favour of the slower, sturdier work of verification.
In an era where rumours can race around the country in minutes, a newsroom’s first obligation is to keep its footing. When it instead amplifies unverified claims or pack-
ages speculation as fact, the public’s footing gives way with it.
Fabrications carry a tangible cost. They distort public decision-making by clouding the facts citizens rely on to judge policies and leaders. They inflame tensions by playing into outrage and suspicion rather than reason.
They inflict reputational harm that lingers long after any corrections, if they are made, take effect. And they force credible journalists into a defensive crouch, spending resources to rebut claims that should never have cleared the threshold for publication.
The media’s power to inform can quickly become a power to mislead when diligence yields to expedience.
The Vice President’s intervention sets an important tone without undermining the press’s indispensable watchdog role. Public officials should expect—and respect—tough questions and persistent scrutiny; that is the price of power in a democracy.
But there is a bright line between rigorous reporting and the known spread of falsehoods. Calling out fabrication is not an attack on journalism; it is a defence of journalism’s core purpose.
Responsibility in reporting is not a slogan but a craft. It begins with verification: claims should be corroborated with independent sources and documentary evidence, with clarity about what is known, what remains uncertain, and why.
It continues with transparency, both in sourcing and in process, so that readers can understand how conclusions were reached. It extends to fairness, which includes seeking comments from those named and giving their responses due weight. And it demands proportionality, ensuring that headlines and framing reflect the established facts rather than the most sensational angle.
Equally vital is a newsroom culture that treats corrections as a mark of integrity, not embarrassment. When errors occur—as they inevitably will in any human enterprise— swift, prominent, and unambiguous corrections help repair the bond with readers.
Clear distinctions between news and opinion, robust conflict-of-interest policies, and basic digital forensics for images and documents are not optional extras; they are the scaffolding that keeps a publication upright when bad actors push against it. Technology platforms, which increasing-
ly function as de facto distributors of news, must elevate verified reporting and slow the spread of demonstrably false content without blurring the line between moderation and censorship.
Citizens, too, have agency: to pause before sharing, to consult multiple sources, and to reward outlets that choose accuracy over speed.
Guyana’s media landscape is vibrant and essential. Its continued vitality depends on a shared commitment to truth that outlasts any single news cycle. The Vice President’s call was a timely reminder that democratic discourse cannot be built on foundations of fabrication.
Upholding press freedom and rejecting deliberate falsehoods are not competing goals; they are, in fact, the same goal.
Our public life is strongest when facts lead the conversation, when criticism is grounded in evidence and when those who inform the nation embrace the discipline that their power demands.
Sincerely,
The Mohameds will be extradited
ANYONE who did not know that Azruddin Mohamed and his father would have been charged in the US lacked common sense.
I refer to my article of Saturday, August 30, 2025, titled, “The things Guyanese have to know about Mohamed.” I should reproduce that article in full, but I will quote extensively from it because now that father and son have been charged, the August column is pungently relevant.
Here is what I wrote on August 30 this year: “The hidden dimension of the sanctions has been completely obfuscated. The sanctions have taken on a life of their own, and no one is looking for that hidden dimension.
The position that Guyanese have taken is that Mohamed has been exposed by the American Government for evading duties on the export of gold. That cannot be the whole story. The US cannot monitor and will not monitor tax evasion in the 193 countries that make up the United Nations.
“That is a logistical impossibility, and such surveillance of countries’ economies to see the shape of tax evasion in these countries is something the US is not interested in doing. It makes no sense to past and present governments of the US to check to see which business companies in those 193 countries are evading taxes.
“The US will research the exports of those 193 countries into the US to see how those exports are violating US laws if the American Government has information that those exports are not above the law. But it will not put sanctions on that company feeling that it is not the US’ business.
“Why would any human
in Guyana and Guyanese elsewhere think or even believe that the US is so devoted to Guyana that it did a laudable thing and exposed tax evasion by a Guyanese citizen? The Treasury Department found out something about Mohamed’s gold exports to the US and began probing those exports.
“US authorities believe that gold exports by Mohamed were a front for Venezuelan gold. US authorities believe that Maduro was evading sanctions on Venezuela’s gold industry through Mohamed’s exports
“It is this position of the US Treasury Department that led to the harsh treatment of Mohamed. The US is convinced that Mohamed and Maduro are involved in sanction breaking. This is the story of the sanctions against Mohamed. Do not believe or accept the explanation that Mohamed is in trouble because the US found out he was under-invoicing and told the Guyana Government.”
This has been a very long quote, but it was essential to establish the point that the Mohameds were being investigated for breaking US laws not Guyana’s laws. Why did it take the US so long to charge the Mohameds?
Because the US wanted to avoid the Jack Warner mistake in Trinidad where the courts ruled out extradition of Warner based on porous evidence the US presented to the Trinidad courts.
The US waited because it wanted to have solid evidence that would stand up in a Guyana court, and I think logical deduction should make us think that the US has strong evidence against the Mohameds. The next step now will be the Guyana courts’ examination of the extradition papers submitted by
the US Treasury Department.
Guyana and the US have an extradition treaty, so once the Guyana courts rule against the Mohameds then that is the end of the story. What has not been made public so far in the tax evasion case is the failed negotiations between the Mohameds and the Americans in Barbados.
My understanding is that the amount in restitution the US was asking was huge, but that was not the problem for the Mohameds. The US wanted a jail sentence, but that was non-negotiable.
One of the considerations in rejecting imprisonment is the age of the senior Mohamed. He is in his mid-seventies. Unfortunately, it has come to the point where both son and father will now face extradition.
This is going to be one of the most absorbing court cases in the history of both British Guiana and Guyana. There is going to be a battery of foreign based lawyers for
the Mohamed, but not American lawyers because they are not accredited to practise in the Guyana courts.
I think this is going to be a very technical case in which the state will try to match the talent of the overseas attorneys. The complex financial data will be the crucial test for the Americans.
They have to establish with concrete evidence that the Mohameds broke Amer-
ican laws for the purpose of criminal intentions. Both the judge and the local lawyers for the state and the Mohameds will have celebrity status waiting for them.
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.
Active employed NIS contributors increase by more than 75,000 over 5-year period
–– Finance Minister
SENIOR Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has said that the increase in the active employed contributors to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) by some 75,000 persons, is evidence of the expansion in Guyana’s economy.
The minister made this remark during his address at NIS’s 56th Anniversary General Assembly on Monday, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
He noted that the scheme has grown dramatically
says this is proof that Guyana’s economy has expanded
since its inception and has responded to the evolving dynamics in the Guyanese economy, and the same is reflected in the numbers.
“So, for example, if we simply look at the number of active contributors, these are people who are working and contributing, whether as an employed person or as a self-employed person. If you look at the number of active contributors, you see, in fact very dramatic expansion in recent years, consistent with the remarkable expansion and growth that we’ve been seeing in the Guyanese economy,”
he said.
Against this backdrop, looking at the numbers, he noted that when President Dr Irfaan Ali first assumed office in August 2020, the NIS had 184,928 active employed contributors, and by August 2025, that number went up to 253,489 active employed contributors.
This is an increase, he said, of some 68,561 persons accounting for the growth of more than 37 per cent.
“That of course should not come as a surprise to us because we know from other data sources that over
the course of the five years from August 2020 to August 2025, we know that during that period more than 60,000 new jobs were created,” he disclosed.
However, turning to the active self-employed contributors in August 2020, the NIS had some 6,210, and this increased to 13,288 by August 2025, an approximate 113 per cent increase accounting for more than 7,000 persons.
Putting the data together, the finance minister noted that the NIS had more than 75,000 more active contributors in August of 2025 than
the scheme had in August of 2020.
Dr Singh reaffirmed that what these numbers reflect is consistent with that which has been determined by other administrative data that shows there are nearly 70,000 more people who are working today than were working in August 2020.
This, he said, reflects “The growth and expansion of the economy, the expansion in private investment, the opening of new companies, new businesses and new enterprises and the creation of more jobs.”
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh (Japheth Savory photo)
Local private sector must be a partner in climate action
GUYANA’S local private sector has been called upon to play a greater role in climate action and to recognise that their aim should not be centred solely on making profits.
Making an appeal for investments beyond ‘business pumping profits,’ President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a recently held energy insights event hosted by the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), acknowledged the role the local private sector plays in propelling the country’s transformation, while highlighting
“The beating heart of any economy is the business community. Oil is opening doors, yes, but we must not be content with simply walking through those doors; we must build new ones,” the President added.
President Ali also recently reiterated the country’s call for accelerated unified global action to limit global warming at the 80th United Nation’s General Assembly.
He emphasised that Guyana has made significant gains in implementing and pursuing climate action policies and agendas.
investments being made in various industries. However, he noted that there is a need to multiply possibilities.
And one such area that could see greater partnership is climate action.
“The private sector must be a partner in climate action, in community upliftment, in innovation, in nation building. Business is not just about pumping profits. It's about multiplying possibilities. And today I want us to focus in your own discussions on how we multiply the possibilities and opportunities with our investments,” President Ali said.
He reminded his audience that while Guyana is building on its oil wealth, the barrels of oil already pumped is just one part of the equation in building a sustainable and resilient nation. He pointed out that this wealth is a catalyst for true development.
“We continue to match our words with actions, protecting our forests, investing in sea and river defences, improving drainage and irrigation, and restoring mangrove ecosystems to protect our people, our land, and our livelihoods and our planet.”
Reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to climate action, President Ali highlighted the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, its leadership under the REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard, and its success in the carbon credit market.
He underscored that economic growth and environmental responsibility can advance hand in hand, and that “nature has tangible value” which must be rewarded. In addition to environmental leadership, the President stressed the urgent need for renewed financial com-
--President Ali says, highlights need to ‘multiply possibilities’ outside of business investments
mitment to development, including fulfilling Official Development Assistance pledges and addressing unsustainable debt burdens that limit progress in developing nations.
He also drew attention to Guyana’s role in hosting the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in July 2025, which convened over 140 countries and institu -
tions. The resulting Georgetown Declaration called for biodiversity to be treated as a global public good, fully integrated into climate strategies and financial frameworks.
“We call on the international community to deliver predictable, accessible climate finance, to support adaptation and resilience, and to embrace nature-based solutions,” President Ali told
the UN. Building on the global pledge to double protected areas by 2025 and achieve the ’30 by 30′ goal by 2030, President Ali said the summit underscored the importance of innovative financing tools such as biodiversity credits, green bonds, and debt-fornature swaps.
Guyana, he added, is actively pursuing these avenues
to generate sustainable income for forest communities and strengthen biodiversity protection.
A recent partnership with the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change will see the development of a National Biodiversity Information System, enabling more effective, data-driven conservation planning.
Massive hatching-egg production could see Guyana exporting to Caribbean markets
--Mustapha says, spotlights plans for private sector investments, construction of tunnel houses in Pakuri Village
WITH Guyana looking to boost its production of hatching eggs, the country has set its sights on, and is tapping into, Caribbean markets to expand its local reach in not only becoming self-sufficient but meeting the demands of the region.
This was recently disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who, while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, shared that construction works have already begun to clear lands in Pakuri Village
in Region Four (previously known as St Cuthbert's Mission) to facilitate tunnel houses.
“We are now moving to do a massive investment with the private sector with hatching-egg production. The tunnel houses that we will be using, there are on the way to Guyana, and the project will be happening in Pakuri. And land clearing has already started,” Minister Mustapha said.
The project would be one of the largest of its kind in
the country and will satisfy the demands of the local market and the local poultry producers.
“In a very short space of time you will see massive transformation in that sector.
As I am speaking also, we have already continued to expand in terms of hatching eggs that we had before, but as I said, we will be investing in terms of being self-sufficient in Guyana. That is, we are using approximately $53 million hatching eggs annually. I am hoping with this
project that we are about to launch, that we will surpass that and export to the Caribbean markets.”
In 2024 Guyana had tripled its hatching eggs production. Guyana had imported nearly 53 million eggs annually at a cost of over $350 million.
To reduce this dependency, the country launched a hatching egg production programme in 2023 with a private partnership, resulting in the production of 27,000 eggs last year at the broiler
breeder facility on the East Bank corridor. This facility was established to reduce the reliance on imported hatching eggs.
Back in 2022, in response to the large consumption of eggs at the regional level and its constant demand on the market, President Ali had detailed plans for the largescale poultry hatchery and egg production project at Pakuri Village.
Meanwhile, the country is
rapidly increasing its self-sufficiency in producing corn and soya bean, boosting its capability to produce its own livestock feed locally.
Recently, locally-harvested soybeans were recently transported by vessel, for the first time, from the Tacama drying and storage facility, located approximately 90 miles up the Berbice River, to a processing mill where it will be converted into poultry feed.
65-year-old woman dies in Berbice lorry accident
A FATAL accident occurred on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at approximately 09:45 hours on Alness Public Road, Corentyne, leaving a 65-year-old woman dead.
Police reports indicate that the incident involved motor lorry #GAJ 4955, driven by 35-year-old Corentyne resident, Divindranauth Seeram, and pedestrian Donna Punch, a pensioner of Lot 40, Alness Village.
According to investigations, two pedestrians had emerged from a nearby street on the northern side of Alness Public Road and were standing at the roadside. The lorry was travelling west along the southern lane when its two right-side rear wheels became dislodged, striking Donna Punch.
The impact caused Punch to fall onto the grass parapet, sustaining serious injuries to her head and body.
She was transported in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens to the Port Mourant Public Hos -
pital, where a doctor pronounced her dead on arrival. Her body has been transferred to Ramoo’s Funeral Home, pending a post-mortem examination.
The lorry driver remains in police custody and is co-operating with authorities as the investigation continues.
Dead: Donna Punch
Gov’t launches health centre clean-up efforts in Regions One, Four
AS part of its citywide cleanup initiative, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) has begun clearing unwanted and unserviceable items from several health centres along the East Coast of Demerara and in Region One.
The campaign, launched on October 2, 2025, by Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand, alongside Minister within the MLGRD, Pauline Sukhai and other ministry officials, forms part of the Government’s ongoing national beautification project aimed at creating cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environments for citizens.
In Region Four, the Plaisance Health Centre, Beterverwagting Health Centre, and Lusignan Health Centre have already commenced cleaning and removal of junk and debris. Meanwhile, the Port Kaituma District Hospital in Region One also participated, disposing of bulky waste and other unwanted items.
The MLGRD has additionally called on residents
in Newtown, Kitty, and surrounding areas in Georgetown—including Duncan, Da Silva, D’Andrade, Garnett, Lamaha, Republic, De Abreu, Campbell, and Middleton Streets—to participate in a “throw it out” initiative today, October 7, 2025. Residents are urged to place large, bulky items such as old freezers, mattresses, tyres, and other heavy appliances at the front of their yards for collection.
The ministry noted that the pickup will run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, emphasising that all items should be placed outside by 5:00 PM sharp.
Officials stressed that this is a one-time collection effort designed to help residents enjoy a cleaner and more organised space while supporting Georgetown’s broader cleanliness drive.
The cleanup campaign reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining public spaces and health facilities, promoting civic responsibility, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and safety of communities across Guyana.
U.S. Grand Jury indicts Azruddin...
as US$75,300, while the authority contends the actual value of the vehicle was US$695,000.
According to the particulars of another charge, on or about December 7, 2020, at GRA’s Camp Street office, he fraudulently declared the value of the vehicle to be US$75,300 instead of $695, 000, which resulted in taxes in the sum of $383,383,345 being evaded.
FROM PAGE 4
In April 2025, the Full Court of Demerara denied the GRA’s application to overturn the injunction granted by Justice Gino Persaud, leaving the vehicles in the Mohamed family’s possession. GRA has appealed the Full Court’s ruling.
The decision on the Judicial Review proceedings and the GRA’s Notice of Application is expected from Justice Persaud on October 31.
In addition to the Lamborghini, the GRA has alleged that Mohamed and several family members significantly undervalued other luxury vehicles during importation, prompting the Authority to seek payment of approximately $1.2 billion in taxes.
Three Health Centres in Region Four participated in the cleanup campaign initiative led by the MLGRD
Greater Guyana Initiative’s STEM Programme inspires next generation of innovators
THE Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) is driving innovation among young Guyanese through its Regional Accelerator for STEM Students’ Readiness (RASSR), a programme designed to prepare students for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
In partnership with the University of Guyana, RASSR is part of the broader Science and Engineering Education project, which aims to enhance tertiary-level education and promote sustainable STEM learning. Each year, the programme engages around 100 students from every region in Guyana, providing them with unique opportunities to explore STEM fields through hands-on, interactive learning.
The five-year initiative seeks to modernise teaching, research, and applications across various sectors,
including agriculture and aquaculture, engineering and technology, earth sciences and the environment, sustainable tourism, and biodiversity.
The programme also targets university staff, students, visitors, and children and teenagers interested in STEM.
RASSR is conducted annually over two weeks at the University of Guyana campus, where participants live and learn together. During this immersive experience, students tackle real-world problems, engage in innovative STEM applications, and receive guidance from industry professionals from across Guyana. The programme fosters independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, equipping students for future careers.
Participants have shared how the programme has impacted their STEM journeys. Ethan, a four-year
The 4th year of the GGI-sponsored University of Guyana annual RASSR Camp concluded on July 27, 2025. Launched in 2022, this innovative initiative has identified, mentored, and empowered 100 young minds in STEM from across all ten Administrative Regions, preparing them for future STEM-related careers
participant, said the initiative has sparked his curiosity, built confidence, and strengthened his problem-solving skills.
“I've never seen any -
thing like it, where you get to have these experiences with different lecturers and students from the University of Guyana,” he said, adding that the programme
made chemistry concepts like balancing equations easier to understand.
David, another participant, noted that RASSR reinforced his school-level
STEM learning. “Thanks to this camp, I understand the topics more and can apply myself to achieve higher grades,” he said. Meanwhile, Kessiah highlighted the diversity of participants as a key part of the experience. “When we come to this programme, we all have one thing in common, and that is a love for STEM,” she remarked.
The programme also includes a “grand challenge,” a creative exercise where students apply STEM principles to develop solutions using basic materials, which participants have described as both thought-provoking and fun.
The GGI continues to prioritise empowering young minds, nurturing curiosity, and creating opportunities that allow students to turn ideas into actionable solutions, ensuring Guyana’s next generation of innovators is ready to lead.
Speeding, tinted vehicles, and helmet breaches lead last week traffic violations
- traffic department reports 2,392 cases filed
THE Guyana Police Force’s (GPF’s) Traffic Department has recorded a total of 987 traffic-related offences for the period September 28 to October 4, 2025, as part of its ongoing nationwide effort to curb road accidents and promote safer driving habits.
According to the latest report, speeding continues to top the list of violations with 178 cases, followed by failure to wear safety helmets at 210, and tinted motor vehicles at 190.
The report also highlights 90 seatbelt offences, 30 cases of driving under the influence, and 78 instances of pillion riders not wearing helmets. Other breaches included faulty parking (4), unlighted motor vehicles (front – 34; rear – 65), and 108 cases of breach of prescribed fitness conditions.
In total, 2,392 cases were made during the week, reflecting the Force’s steppedup enforcement campaign on major roadways across the country.
Beyond enforcement, the Traffic Department continued its road safety education drive, hosting dozens of lectures and community engagements targeting drivers, riders, pedestrians, and bar patrons.
These sessions were held at over 50 locations nationwide, including Georgetown, Diamond, Bartica, Lethem, Port Kaituma, Suddie, and Mahdia.
Key community areas such as Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Zeelugt, Craig, Mocha, and Bagotstown were also covered.
The Department also extended its awareness efforts
Beyond enforcement, the Traffic Department continued its road safety education drive, hosting dozens of lectures and community engagements targeting drivers, riders, pedestrians, and bar patrons.
to the corporate sector and public agencies, conducting lectures at Trans Guyana Airways, Air Services Limited, Guyana Manganese Inc., Guyana Water Inc., and several hospitals and ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Works.
In addition, the GPF’s Traffic Education Unit visited 10 schools across Regions One, Two, Four, Five, Six, and Eight, including Beterverwagting Secondary, Canadian School of Arts & Science, Mahdia Nursery, and Berbice Educational Institute.
The visits aimed to educate young children on road safety rules, safe crossing practices, and the importance of using helmets and seatbelts.
A senior traffic official noted that these combined efforts—strict enforcement alongside sustained public education—are central to the Force’s ongoing strategy to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities.
“We are seeing a positive shift in compliance in some regions, but consistent public co-operation is vital,” the official said.
The GPF reiterated its commitment to maintaining visible road policing and continuous education initiatives as part of its broader Social Crime Prevention and Road Safety Strategy, urging all road users to exercise caution and adhere to the laws for their safety and that of others.
Guyana launches digital immigration
ePlatform to streamline public services
- visas, extensions, amendments, cancellations, and transfers now accessible online
GUYANA has taken a major step toward digital transformation with the official launch of the upgraded Immigration Support Services (ISS) eServices Platform, a new online system that enables citizens, visitors, and businesses to access immigration services from anywhere.
The announcement was made today, Monday, October 6, 2025, by Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, marking a significant milestone in modernising the country’s public service delivery.
Accessible at eservices. iss.gov.gy, the upgraded digital portal allows users to
easily apply for and manage a range of immigration services — including visas, extensions, amendments, cancellations, and transfers
Victims of Cubana Air Disaster remembered
Minister of Education Sonia Parag and Minister Within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, on Monday attended a commemoration ceremony for the 49th Anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster, which occurred on October 6, 1976, just off Barbados.
The terrorist bombing of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 killed all 73 persons onboard, including 11 Guyanese medical students en route to Cuba.
— all through a user-friendly online interface.
flection of the government’s vision for a “modern, digital-first economy.” She noted, “This is about making life easier for every Guyanese, at home and abroad, while also ensuring efficiency and accountability in our immigration systems.”
The new system supports a variety of service categories, such as: Visitor, Employment, Business, and Student Visas (new applications and extensions); Landing Permits for various purposes; and online tools for amendments, cancellations, and transfers
By digitising these services, the platform aims to reduce paperwork, cut processing times, and enhance transparency across the immigration system.
This latest initiative underscores Guyana’s commitment to harnessing technology for national development, ensuring that the delivery of government services keeps pace with global digital standards.
The Immigration Support Services ePlatform is now live and accessible to the public at eservices.iss. gov.gy
Minister Walrond described the initiative as a re-
Miner sentenced to three months in prison for inflicting grievous bodily harm
A 39-year-old miner from the Upper Mazaruni area has been sentenced to three months in prison after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on another man.
The accused, Darius Manson, of Wax Creek, Upper Mazaruni River, was arrested on October 2, 2025, and charged on October 6, 2025 by a rank from the Kamarang Police Station.
The charge stemmed from an incident in which Manson inflicted injuries on Junior Matthews.
He was charged under Section 50 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act,
Chapter 8:01, and appeared before His Worship Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court via Zoom.
When the charge was read to him, Manson plead-
ed guilty and was sentenced to three months in prison.
Police officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in hinterland regions, noting that swift prosecution in such cases serves as a deterrent against acts of violence within mining communities.
Bartica teen sentenced to one year in prison for larceny offences
A 19-year-old gold miner from Bartica has been sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges of break and enter and larceny.
Aaron Wilson was arrested on October 3, 2025, and formally charged on October 6 with Break and Enter and Larceny, Simple Larceny, and Break and Enter with
Intent to Commit a Felony. The charges were filed under Sections 229(a), 228, and 164 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
Wilson appeared before His Worship Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrates’ Court, where the charges were read to him. He admitted guilt to all three offences and was sentenced to one year in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently.
The offences were committed against three victims — Roy Defreitas, Vashisht Ramillian, and St. John the Baptist Primary School — all located in Bartica.
Police have since confirmed that the swift conclusion of the case followed diligent investigative work, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety and deter property-related crimes in the region.
Charity labourer charged with unlawful wounding - granted $300,000 bail
A 35-year-old labourer from Charity, Essequibo Coast, has been granted bail in the sum of $300,000 after being charged with unlawfully wounding another man during an altercation last week.
The accused, Dewayne Williams, of Charity Squatting Area, appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Williams is accused of unlawfully wounding Nigel Benn, a 30-year-old labourer of Charity, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. When the charge was read to him, Williams entered a plea of not guilty.
is before the court.
The case has been adjourned to October 27, 2025, for the disclosure of statements.
Magistrate Mohabir granted bail with the condition that the defendant must not approach the victim within 100 feet while the
matter
Darius Manson
Jailed: Aaron Wilson
Dewayne Williams
57 criminal cases concluded in June 2025 assizes - DPP
THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has reported that a total of 57 criminal matters were completed during the June 2025 Criminal Assizes across the Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo jurisdictions, marking a notable stride in the administration of justice and case management efficiency.
According to the DPP’s Chambers, the Demerara Assizes alone accounted for 114 listed cases, of which 40 were presented in the High Court and 17 were discontinued through nolle prosequi orders.
These matters included serious offences such as murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, sexual offences, wounding with intent, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of narcotics for trafficking.
CONVICTIONS, GUILTY PLEAS, AND ACQUITTALS
Of the 40 cases presented in Demerara, there were five convictions, 16 guilty pleas, 10 formal verdicts of not guilty, nine not guilty verdicts by jury, and one aborted trial, involving a total of 43 accused persons.
Notably, several defendants received lengthy prison sentences, including life imprisonment for murder and terms ranging from 8 to 25 years for offences such as manslaughter, attempted murder, and rape of a minor.
Six judges presided over the June Assizes in Demerara — Justices Peter Hugh, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, Simone Morris, Damone Young, Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, and Priscilla Chandra-Hanif — with support from a large prosecutorial team led by Senior State Counsel and State Counsel from the DPP’s office.
Justice Simone Morris handled the bulk of cases, including seven murder trials, resulting in convictions, guilty pleas, and sentences up to life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 25 years.
Similarly, Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul presided over seven matters, where several accused opted to plead guilty — two receiving 20-year and 25-year sentences for murder, and others accepting reduced charges of manslaughter.
In the Sexual Offences Court, Justice Damone Young heard five matters; one accused was sentenced to 12 years after pleading guilty to the rape of a minor,
reports major progress in clearing backlog
while others were acquitted or had their cases dismissed after complainants declined to proceed.
Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif completed nine matters, including multiple murder and attempted murder trials. One narcotics trafficking case resulted in a historic conviction — the first in nearly three decades to be determined by a High Court jury since the 1996 case of The State v. Allison St. Hill.
The DPP also entered nolle prosequi in 17 matters, citing reasons such as complainants’ unwillingness to proceed, deaths of witnesses, and untraceable complainants. These included offences of abduction, sexual assault, wounding with intent, and robbery under arms.
In Berbice, where 63 cases were listed, State Counsel Cecilia Corbin completed five trials before Justice Peter Hugh.
Among them, several murder accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter, receiving sentences between 7 and 13 years, while one accused was convicted and sentenced to 23 years. A hung jury in a manslaughter trial means the accused will face retrial in a later session.
The Essequibo Assizes, which began in May with 76 listed cases, saw nine matters completed. Notably, one accused was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years, while others received reduced sentences after pleading guilty or were acquitted following jury deliberation.
Meanwhile, the DPP reported appearances in 14 appeals before the Court of Appeal between June and September 2025.
These involved offences such as murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, felonious wounding, and causing death by dangerous driving.
Of the ten appeals filed against conviction and sentence, three were partially allowed — convictions upheld but sentences varied — while two were fully granted, leading to one new trial and one discharge after over a decade of incarceration.
The October Criminal Assizes are scheduled to begin this week in Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo, with 143, 65, and 65 cases respectively.
Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh and Justices Damone Young, Gino Persaud, and Jacquelin Josiah-Graham are among those listed to
preside over the new session.
The June 2025 Assizes demonstrate incremental progress in judicial throughput, reflecting the ongoing effort by the DPP and the Judiciary to reduce case backlogs.
While the high number of nolle prosequi and complainant withdrawals points to ongoing systemic and social challenges — including witness reluctance and procedural delays — the
rising number of guilty pleas and concluded cases signals greater prosecutorial efficiency and possibly increased confidence in plea negotiations.
With the October Assizes already set to hear more than 270 cases across three counties, Guyana’s justice system continues to balance its commitment to due process with the need for timely justice delivery.
Stand to be named after Mithali Raj at Visakhapatnam
THE Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has announced that two sections of the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam will be dedicated to iconic Indian women cricketers Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana on October 12, coinciding with the India vs Australia ICC Women's Cricket World Cup fixture.
As part of its ongoing efforts to celebrate women's contributions to cricket, the ACA will name a stand after Mithali Raj and a gate after Ravi Kalpana - marking a landmark moment for women's cricket in Andhra Pradesh and across India.
Given out twice, then...
(From page 22)
ern Australia should be given a lot of credit, it's a good display of the spirit of the game. Credit to the officials and well played to Greeny for speaking up on something he didn't believe in."
Western Australia offspinner, Corey Rocchiccioli, was reluctant to bring the spirit of cricket into the incident and said his side could do little except carry on with the game
"I don't actually know what the spirit of the game is," he said. "I was stuck at deep square leg on the hook so I just appealed because everyone else appealed and the rest sort of happened from there. I still don't actually know what happened, all I know he was not out at the end of the day. The umpires and the rest of us just have to get on and do our work.
"We've just got to play the game. Sometimes in cricket it goes your way, sometimes it doesn't. Didn't go our way in that situation but lucky enough to get him out a couple of overs later so just have to suck it up and move on."(ESPN Cricinfo)
Mithali Raj represented India 333 times across formats
"The ACA's tribute to Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana reflects a deep commit-
ment to honouring the trailblazers who have redefined women's cricket in India while inspiring the next generation to dream bigger," the ACA said in a statement.
Mithali is a former India captain and one of the most accomplished batters in the history of women's cricket, whose remarkable career has inspired generations. Kalpana is Andhraborn wicketkeeper-batter whose journey from the state circuit to the Indian team has motivated countless young cricketers in the region. (Cricbuzz)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, October 7, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ramon Simmonds-4/15 (Third T20) (2) Mohammad Aadil Alam-4/24 (Second T20)
Today’s Quiz: (1) How many WI players were involved in the recent T20 series against Nepal? (2) How many Nepal players took part in the series? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
LEICESTER
09:00 hrs Wrydcroft
09:30 hrs Fordhan Flyer
10:00 hrs Thehunnebelllegacy
10:30 hrs OH Yes You Do
11:00 hrs Tamzam
11:30 hrs Smart Vision
12:02 hrs Hopewell Rock
12:35 hrs The Organiser
HUNTINGDON
09:37 hrs Scavengers Reign 10:07 hrs On The Go 10:37 hrs Pep Talking 11:07 hrs Lyness Dancer 11:37 hrs Casting Aspersions 12:07 hrs Bankatary SOUTHWELL
11:57 hrs Haaderr 12:28 hrs Zarinca
13:00 hrs Noel Fox
13:30 hrs After Love
14:00 hrs She Went Whoosh
14:40 hrs Alfie D
15:00 hrs Shamardal Star
15:30 hrs Fire Eyes
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
GREYVILLE
08:15 hrs Fine Wine 08:50 hrs Sign Of Fate 09:25 hrs Mountainsofthemoon 10;05 hrs Ilha Da Orange 10:40 hrs United Nations
IRISH RACING TIPS GALWAY
09:20 hrs Welonlyhavedone 09:50 hrs Torquay
Latiff strikes magnificent century in opening round of BMC
TWO Rounds and 12 matches in the Big Man Cricket (BMC) tournament over the weekend produced a century, seven fifties and hat trick.
Round 1-Saturday, October 4th
Match # 1- Legend Rangers vs Albion Masters at #72 Ground- Legend Rangers took first strike and could only muster 99 all out in 19 overs. Deo Ramdat top scored with 33*, Jermain Reid 32.
Royston Crandon was miserly with 3 for 12, C. France 2 for 13 and K. Mahadeo 2 for 7. Albion hit off the required runs in 16.4 overs. K. Bridgelall scored 34 with the former WI player Sewnarine Chattergoon making 26*. Jaggernauth took 3 for 23 and Victor Pedro 2 for 8.
Match # 2-Jai Hind Jaguars vs GT Royals at Jai Hind Ground.
Jai Hind gained a walk over from GT Royals.
Match # 3-Blairmont Hunters vs Ex Berbice Police at Blairmont Ground. Blairmont Hunters scored a challenging 155 for 4 off their 15 overs. Balram Somwaru hit a top score of 56, while Nashad Gafoor contributed 38; Dillon Persaud 26*. Ex Berbice Police stuttered to 121 all out with Marlon Brutus making 43 and Charles Grimmond 42. Blairmount Hunters won by 34 runs.
Match # 4-Essequibo Masters vs VNS CC at Reliance Ground. VNS took first strike and finished on a formidable 175 for 5 in 20 overs. Essequibo was bundled out for 130 in 18.2 overs.
VNS CC won by 45 runs
Match # 5- Black Hawks vs North Soesdyke Masters at Canal #2 Ground. North Soesdyke batted first and made 165 for 9 in their allotment of 20 overs. N. Rajaram 28. D. Vantull 20, S. Mohammed 26 were the main contributors. Black Hawks made 96 all out in 14.5 overs. S. Herbert took 3 for 13, Assad Fudadin took 2 for 20 and Van Tull 2 for 10. North Soesdyke won by 69 runs.
Match # 6- West Bank Warriors vs Vintage Strikers at Belle Vue Ground.
Royals made 84 all outD.Joseph made 30 and B. Solomon 20 in their full 15 overs. Shabeer Baksh took 5 for 7 inclusive of a hat trick. Blairmont Hunters knocked off the runs without any lossSanjay Khan 50* and Vijai Farhad- 36*.
Blairmont Hunters won by 10 wickets.
Match # 10- Essequibo Masters vs Everest Masters at Reliance Ground. Everest won the toss and elected to bat. They rattled up a formidable 242 for 5 off
Vintage Strikers rattled up the highest score for the weekend with 248 for 5 off 20 overs.
Richard Latif top scored with a massive 166 runs off a mere 68 balls. Troy Benn made 31. West Bank Warriors could only muster 145 for 9 off their 20 overs.
Vintage Strikers won by 103 runs.
Round 2-Sunday, October 5th
Match #7-Legend Rangers vs Ex Berbice Police at #72 Ground. Legend Rangers took first strike and made 114 for 7 off 18 overs. J. Assad made 23 & J. Reid contributed 20. R. Victor took 2 for 14 and S. Paltoo had 2 for 27. Ex Berbice Police in reply fell agonizingly short on 109 for 8 off 18 overs. C. Grimmond contributed 27, R. Kellowan 25. V. Pedro was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 15, L. Latchman 2 for 22.
Legend Rangers won by 5 runs.
Match # 8-Jai Hind Jaguars vs Albion Masters at Jai Hind Ground. In this key match-up Jai Hind won the toss and elected to bat. They scored 129 for 7 off their allotted 20 overs. Imran Khan struck a half century 51 whilst Moonsammy made 21. T. Jagdeo took 4 for 20.
Albion in response motored along to 133 for 4 in 17.1 overs. K. Mahadeo stroked a well accomplished 51 with R. Gajnabi scoring 39 and Royston Crandon 18. J. Garner took 2 for 13.
Albion Masters won by 6 wickets
Match # 9-Blairmont Hunters vs GT Royals at Blairmont Ground. GT
their allotted overs. Sahadeo Hardaiow, Bheem Ramkhellawan cracked half centuries, 80 and 56 respectively Troy Gonsalves scored 27 whilst Windies O40s player, Lawrence Farnum made 36. Essequibo in their turn at the crease could only muster 131 for 8 off their 20 overs. Bhesham Seepersaud top scored with 27 and Fazeer Khan 22. Vic Mahabeer took 3 for 23 and Suraj Ramdeen had 2 for 13.
Everest Masters won by 111 runs.
Match # 11- VNS CC vs Black Hawks at Everest Ground. VNS CC secured a thrilling victory over Black Hawks. VNS CC batted first and scored 115 for 6 in their 20 overs. Mohan Chatram scored an even 50. He was supported by Kennard Lewis with 22. Rakesh Goberdan took 2 for 14.
Black Hawks finished on 113 for 7 off their allotted 20 overs.
VNS CC won by 2 runs.
Match # 12- West Bank Warriors vs North Soes -
dyke Masters at Belle Vue Ground. North Soesdyke took first strike and made 196 for 5 in their 20 overs. Chris Barnwell stroked 86*, Delbert Hicks 35, P. Etwaroo 31 and R. Narine 24*. R. Ramroop returned with 2 for 16. West Bank responded with 143 for 6 off their allotted 20 overs- R. Ramroop 34, K. Singh 35*, C. Ramcharran 32* and R. Takur 23. U. Armstrong claimed 2 for 27.
North Soesdyke won by 53 runs.
Richard Latiff stroked a magnificent 166 for Vintage Strikers at the Belle Vue Ground
India beat Pakistan amid controversy, confusion - and bugs
INDIA maintained their 100% start to the Women's World Cup on Sunday with a comfortable 88-run win over rivals, Pakistan, in Colombo.
Harleen Deol top-scored with 46 and Richa Ghosh smashed an unbeaten 35 from 20 balls late on to lift India up to 247 in an innings that saw numerous batters make starts but fail to kick on.
Seamer Diana Baig took 4-69 as Pakistan bowled India out for the first time in a women's ODI from the last ball of the innings but a first win still eludes them.
(Scores: India 247 (50 overs): Deol 46 (65); Baig 4-69 Pakistan 159 (43 overs): Amin 81 (106); Goud 3-20))
After slipping to 26-3 in
the chase, Pakistan briefly rallied as Sidra Amin - who went on to make 81 from 105 balls after being dropped three times - and Natalia Pervaiz put on 69 for the fourth wicket.
But India, led by Kranti Goud's 3-20, stuck to their task to bowl Pakistan out
for 159 in the 43rd over and move top of the group table.
As is so often the case when India and Pakistan meet, though, there was far more to it, with controversy and confusion peppered throughout the day...
Run-out controversy
Perhaps the biggest
talking point came from an incident early in Pakistan's innings when opener Muneeba Ali was controversially run out.
The left-hander was struck on the pad by Goud and as the India bowler appealed unsuccessfully for lbw, Deepti Sharma collected the loose ball and threw at the stumps.
She hit but replays showed Muneeba had grounded her bat before the ball was even in the picture and a 'not out' decision from the third umpire Kerrin Klaaste went up on the big screen in the ground.
However, before the game restarted, the decision was looked at again and it transpired that when the ball hit the stumps and dislodged
the bails, Muneeba had lifted her bat and was still stood out of her crease.
While the batter had already grounded her bat and was not trying to sneak a single, the third umpire changed her decision to 'out' and despite Pakistan protests, which saw captain Fatima Sana tell
her batter not to leave the field for a short time, Muneeba had to go.
In a further twist, had India simply reviewed the lbw decision, the whole controversy would have been avoided because ball-tracking showed Muneeba was plumb lbw.(BBC Sport)
Given out twice, then reversed: Chris Green's bizarre reprieve
NEW South Wales allrounder, Chris Green, was involved in a bizarre situation against Western Australia at the WACA where he was given out twice before being recalled to the crease.
The incident took place in the 22nd over of NSW's second innings, when Green ducked a bouncer from Matthew Kelly and was given out caught behind as the ball deflected through to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.
Green had finished flat on his back in the crease and began remonstrating while on the ground as umpire Gerard Abood raised the finger.
There was no doubt about the ball hitting something but as Green got to his feet he continued to shake his head. At this point, Abood was talking with squareleg official Michael Graham-Smith, then he raised his finger again. Green started walking off while signalling to the umpires.
Initial front-on and from behind replays were not conclusive but a side-on shot did suggest it came off the helmet, although the gloves remained close. A fourth view from mid-on appeared to confirm it was just helmet.
Green, at this stage, was still on the playing area and Abood then signalled for him to wait as he approached the Western Australia captain Sam Whiteman. Abood then reversed his decision and Green walked back to the crease. He then underwent a concussion test as is the protocol when a player is struck on the helmet.
Former New South Wales and Australia opener Phil Jaques, working the game as a commentator, was taken aback by how it played out.
"It looks like he's got it right in the end, but it opens up a very big Pandora's box," Jaques said. "You can't take a batter's word for it because they're never out, so it's a very strange one.
"I've seen captains call back batters before when umpires have got it wrong, but I've never seen an umpire overturn [their decision] after giving it out. He's overturned it [after giving it out] twice."
While the Sheffield Shield is streamed in high quality there are no third umpires except for the final and replays are not used in the decision-making process.
Law 2.12 allows an umpire to "alter any decision provided that such alteration is made promptly and does not contradict clause 20.6 (Dead ball not to be revoked)."
Green only faced a further 11 balls, scoring eight more runs before toe-ending a pull to Cameron Bancroft at second slip.
Debutant Will Salzmann was at the non-striker's end and was content to let things run their course, but praised Western Australia for the way they accepted the final outcome.
"I didn't have much idea because I guess I didn't get a good look from our [the non-striker's] end, couldn't tell it was off his helmet; the sound wasn't clean as you'd expect from metal," he said.
"Being my first game I sort of kept my mouth shut and let things play out in front of me.
"Think the right decision was made in the end. West-
(Turn to page 20)
India soundly see off rivals Pakistan in eventful clash
Chris Green walks off the field earlier in the match (Getty Images)
Head Coach Angus Eve calls up squad for crucial World Cup qualifying campaign
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Women’s National Team Head Coach Angus Eve has named a strong training squad to begin their final preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers, the first step on the road to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The squad, which sees a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, will assemble for a domestic training camp later this week.
The sessions are designed to build fitness and cohesion ahead of a busy international schedule, starting with a high-profile friendly against
regional rivals Jamaica at home next month.
This friendly falls within the October international window and serves as a vital tune-up before the competitive action begins.
In November, the team will enter the preliminary stage of the 2025-26 Concacaf W Qualifiers.
The expansive qualifying tournament will see 29 member associations compete across the FIFA Women’s International Match Windows of November 2025, February 2026, and April 2026. Trinidad and Tobago has been drawn in Group F alongside Barbados, Honduras, and El Salvador. The group stage format will see each team play two
Kent and Windies all-rounder, Bernard Julien, dies at
FORMER Kent and West Indies all-rounder Bernard Julien - a member of the Windies team that won the inaugural World Cup - has died at the age of 75.
The left-arm swing bowler made 36 appearances across One-Day Internationals and Test matches for his country and scored 26 not out as the Windies won the first World Cup final against Australia at Lord's in 1975. He earned 24 Test caps in which he scored 866 runs at an average of 30.92, hitting two centuries, and claimed 50 wickets at a bowling average of 37.36.
"To the family, friends, and loved ones of Bernard Julien, we extend our deepest condolences," the West Indies Cricket Board said in a statement.
"His passing reminds us that a life devoted to purpose never truly leaves us.
"Cricket West Indies stands with you in this moment of loss, and we hope Bernard knew he was valued and loved by the cricketing family he helped to shape, and that he found peace knowing his contribution will always endure."
Julien made 179 appearances for Kent from 1970 to 1977, taking 336 wickets and
home and two away matches.
The ultimate prize is a place in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship, with only the six group winners advancing.
“The details on the Jamaica friendly during the October international window and the November games will be announced in due course,” a statement from the TT Football Association confirmed.
Coach Eve’s selection features a formidable roster. The experienced Kimika Forbes is expected to provide leadership alongside Keri Myers and Malaika Dedier between the sticks.
The defensive unit boasts names like Victoria Swift, Rhea Belgrave, and Nathifa Hackshaw, who will be
age 75
All-rounder Bernard Julien won 36 West Indies caps across One-Day and Test cricket
scoring 3,296 runs.
He won seven trophies in his seven years at the club, including the Gillette Cup [now the One-Day Cup], two Benson & Hedges Cups and a share of the County Championship title with Middlesex in his final season.
"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Bernard's family and friends at this sad time," a Kent statement added.
"He was an exciting stroke player and one of the most effective left-arm swing bowlers of his generation."(BBC Sport)
tasked with solidifying the backline. The midfield is packed with creative and combative options, including Asha James, Chelcy Ralph, and the versatile Karyn Forbes.
Leading the attack line will be veteran striker Kennya Cordner, supported by the likes of Aaliyah Prince, Tyeisha Griffith, and Afiyah Cornwall, offering a potent mix of pace and power.
CRICKET'S lawmakers have explained why the umpires eventually made the correct decision in deeming Muneeba Ali to have been run out in Pakistan's defeat by India at the Women's World Cup on Sunday.
Pakistan's captain Fatima Sana protested after opener Muneeba was given out by the TV umpire, having lifted her bat from the crease as a throw hit the stumps.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) says although some have cited law 30.1.2 and said Muneeba should have been not out because she had grounded her bat moments earlier, that law is only relevant when a batter is "running or diving".
"This law, which was introduced in 2010 and is sometimes referred to as the 'bouncing bat law', is to protect a batter who inadvertently loses contact with
GDF and Den Amstel edge counterparts...
Jean-Heim McFree scored lone goals.
Monedderlust consolation goal came of the boot of Niron Thom.
Ann’s Grove United defeated Mainstay Goldstar 5-2, Jermaine Samuels led the charge with a brace.
Ann’s Grove United Niron Jerrick scored the opener in the 9th minute which was doubled by Jadon Vangronigen.
Mainstay Gold Star Da-
(From back page)
mion Lynch put them in the contest in the 63rd minute to make it 2-1.
Jamaine Samuels then came to fore with a double in the 71st and 84th minute making it 4-1.
Shuaib Berkshire added to that in the 86th minute to make it 5-1.
Mainstay Gold Star Calvin Richmond would score their second in the 90th minute to see the contest finishing 5-2.
Chase calls for improvement in infrastructure...
(From back page)
we’re faced with in the Caribbean, so that’s why you see guys averaging so low,” Chase explained.
“If you look at the past series that we had against Australia, I think that’s the first time I’ve ever played an international series and a batsman never scored a hundred in three matches.”
the ground as they move towards the stumps, either with their bat bouncing up or just with both their feet being airborne through the natural process of running," the MCC added.
"It does not protect a batter who is turning for another run, overbalancing, or who - as in Muneeba's case - simply lifts their bat into the air.
"The third umpire was entirely correct to give this out."(BBC Sport)
One Guyana Unity Softball Cup set for October month end
FOLLOWING closely on the successful staging of the inaugural Unification softball tournament, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, is leaving no stone unturned to keep the grassroot game alive.
To this end the GSCL will be at it again on the weekend of October 31, November 1 and 2 with the One Guyana Unity Softball Cup taking centre stage.
According to the organisers, this tournament is being used “to bring our people together through sports and by extension the grassroot game.”
This tournament will however be played with a difference with matches scheduled to be played in all three counties – Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice with the Open set for grounds across the ancient county, the Masters Over-40 in Essequibo and the Legends Ove-50 in Demerara.
In addition, the women’s category will be played in Georgetown.
The action culminates at the Police Sports Club ground on the final day with the finals in all four categories.
The winners of all three men’s categories are guaranteed $500,000 and other incentives which will be subsequently announced while the women winners will cart off $300,000.
Registration is ongoing and interested teams are asked to contact 219-041 or 746-0090.
Mariah
later this week
Tazmin Brits brings out bow-and-arrow celebration after century against New Zealand | (CricTracker)
SOUTH AFRICA responded to its crushing defeat by England with an impressive six-wicket victory over New Zealand at the World Cup in Indore.
Having been skittled for 69 and beaten by 10 wickets in their tournament opener on Friday, the Proteas dismissed New Zealand for 231 and cruised to their target in 40.5 overs in a
remarkable turnaround in fortunes.
(Scores: (New Zealand 231 (47.5 overs): Devine 85 (98); Mlaba 4-40 South Africa 234-4 (40.5 overs): Brits 101 (89), Luus 81* (114))
Tazmin Brits, one of the 10 South Africa players to make a single-figure score last week, hit a brilliant 101 - her fourth one-day
Brits’ century helps South Africa respond to England crushing
international century in five innings and fifth this year.
Brits was bowled two balls after reaching her century with 47 runs needed, and Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch also departed chasing a net run-rate boost, but Sune Luus, who put on 159 for the second wicket with Brits, finished 81 not out to seal a commanding victory.
GDF and Den Amstel edge counterparts in GFF Elite League
DEFENDING champions of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League, Guyana Defence Force edge counterparts Santos FC on Sunday when the two sides clashed at the National Training Centre, Providence.
Santos showed fight but were undone by goals from Colin Nelson and Abumchi Opara, who gave GDF the advantage which they never relinquished to walk away winners 2-0.
Meanwhile, Fruta Conquerors horrible season continued as they recorded another loss, this time to Den Amstel.
A lone goal made all the difference as Jomal Robinson scored in the 63rd minute, delivering the decisive goal for the victory.
On Saturday saw another set of clashes with Slingerz and Ann’s Grove grabbing victories.
Slingerz battled Monedderlust FC and mauled them 10-1.
Kemar Beckford and Derrel Garcia scored doubles
with a hat-trick from Darron Niles.
Slingerz’s Nicholi Andrews, Curtez Kellman and
(Turn to page 23)
New Zealand, in contrast, was lacklustre, with bat, ball and in the field.
After choosing to bat rather than inserting South Africa on the back of their England collapse, Suzie Bates was out lbw to the first delivery and they chewed up 48 dot balls in a timid powerplay.
Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday upped the
ante with a partnership of 86 from 75 balls through the middle, but the dismissal of Halliday in the 39th over sparked a collapse of seven wickets for 44 runs in 59 balls from 187-3 as left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba took 4-40.
Devine was bowled for 85 in the 45th over, ending hope of a big finish, while her side later gifted
19 wides and leaked runs with misfields.
It leaves New Zealand, last year's T20 World Cup champions, off the pace set by Australia, India and England early in this competition, with only the top four progressing from the group stage.
South Africa look the far more likely contenders.
Chase calls for improvement in infrastructure, playing conditions in the Caribbean
AHMEDABAD, India, (CMC) – FINANCIAL struggles and inferior playing conditions in the Caribbean are contributing to the West Indies’ poor performances on the cricket pitch, says Test captain Roston Chase.
Chase made the comments following his side’s humiliating loss by an innings and 140 runs to India inside three days in the opening Test match on Saturday.
However, he maintained that he was not looking for an excuse for his side’s recent struggles after they slumped to their fifth Test defeat in six matches this year.
It was also the fourth consecutive Test match that the West Indies had lost inside three days, dating back to the home series against Australia in July.
Speaking in a post-match press conference on Satur-
day, Chase said there was a
The skipper said playing conditions in the region made it difficult for them to be
ular found it challenging to score runs, as was evident in the series against Australia where not a single batsman
West Indies Test captain, Roston Chase, speaks at the post-match press conference following his side’s defeat to India in the opening Test
the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff, but I’m not using that as an excuse or something to hide behind for our poor performances that we’ve been putting out lately. I still think the onus is on the players to find some way to churn out runs and wickets,” Chase said.
“…The pitches in the men friendly, so guys don’t really bat for long periods and score those big scores.
“And the outfields in the Caribbean are really slow so when you hit the ball in the gaps and you think you have four you probably end up with just two, so those are some of the problems that
