Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-07-2025-NEW

at the Guyana National Stadium, on Monday

Justice Winston Anderson sworn in as fourth CCJ President

THE Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson was formally sworn in as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) during a ceremonial event Sunday held in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The swearing in was conducted by His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, and preceded the official opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government.

Justice Anderson, a Jamaican, made history as the first Jamaican appointed to the CCJ bench and now becomes the first to ascend to its highest office. His appointment was witnessed by an esteemed gathering of CARICOM Heads of Government, regional judicial leaders, government ministers, former CCJ Presidents, and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett.

In his inaugural remarks, President Anderson emphasised the broader mission of the court, pledging to serve in alignment with the values of justice, human rights, and

sustainable development

“As I assume the office of President of the Court, I do so not in isolation, Justice Anderson said, but as part of a broader regional movement of national judiciaries dedicated to delivering accessible justice, ensuring respect for and advancing the rule of law, protecting and promoting human rights and supporting sustainable development in our countries.”

Justice Anderson was appointed to the CCJ in 2010 and has since been a central figure in the court’s jurisprudence. Before his judicial career, he served for over a decade as a lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, where he held various senior academic posts, including Deputy Dean and Head of the Teaching Department of Law. He also served as General Counsel of CARICOM, on secondment from UWI. His scholarly background and commitment to Caribbean legal development were widely acknowledged during the ceremony.

TRIBUTES FROM REGIONAL LEADERS

In delivering her remarks,

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett reflected on the symbolic and practical weight of the presidency.

“The Office of the President carries not only the highest responsibility within the judicial system, but

also embodies the trust and confidence of the people,” Dr Barnett said. “This leadership will be crucial as we navigate complex legal issues in an era defined by technological change, social transformation and global

interconnectedness.” Outgoing CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, praised his successor’s work ethic and legal contributions over the past decade and a half.

“Justice Anderson has sat on every case involving the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and more than 200 appeals. He has written or co-authored some 32 opinions, often delivering the leading judgment of the court,” Justice Saunders noted. Jamaica’s Prime Minister and current Chairman of CARICOM, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, described the appointment as a proud regional milestone.

“To the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson, I extend warm and sincere congratulations. Your appointment is a moment of pride not only for Jamaica, but for the entire region,” Prime Minister Holness said. “You bring to this office a distinguished legal mind, profound commitment to Caribbean jurisprudence and decades of service grounded in scholarship and vision.”

Justice Anderson will serve as President for a stat-

utory term not exceeding seven years.

He replaces Justice Adrian Saunders, whose term was marked by expanded outreach and deepened respect for regional jurisprudence.

The Caribbean Court of Justice, headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, was established in 2005 and serves two primary roles: interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas under its original jurisdiction, and acting as the final appellate court for member states that have opted in. Currently, only five CARICOM countries—Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, and St. Lucia—use the CCJ as their final court of appeal, though calls continue for wider regional adoption.

As the new President, Justice Anderson takes the helm at a time when the Caribbean grapples with evolving legal challenges—from digital transformation to human rights and climate justice. His swearing in marks both a continuation of excellence and a renewed opportunity for deeper regional legal integration.

PPP/C has always ensured equitable distribution of Guyana’s resources

– AG Nandlall

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs,

Anil Nandlall, SC, has reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s long-standing commitment to the equitable distribution of Guyana’s resources.

He noted that the administration has consistently pursued policies that promote inclusive national development and that benefit citizens across all regions and social backgrounds. Nandlall made the remarks during the recent commissioning of the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

“Successive governments of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have always ensured that, in our developmental plans and

programmes, there is always an equitable distribution of resources. We did not always have the number of resources which we are blessed with now. Since 1992, the PPP/C has always ensured that whatever little resources we had were spent across the country, wherever our population resides,” Nandlall said.

The Attorney General said the government has always operated on the principle that areas with larger population concentrations receive a greater share of resources, regardless of ethnicity or location. He cited a number of developmental programmes and policy decisions that, he said, are rooted in equity and geared towards reducing disparities.

Among these are investments in health and education.

To illustrate his point, he pointed to the Anna Regina Secondary School, which he said continues to produce top performers at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC)

assessments and remains one of the leading secondary institutions in both Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

“Thirty to 40 years ago, it was a school designed to accommodate students who were less academically endowed, and it was primarily a technical and vocational institution.

He noted that, in the past, only students from certain urban schools achieved good results, adding, “I give you that example to illustrate the benefits our government’s policies have brought across the length and breadth of our country,” he added.

Minister Nandlall highlighted the state-of-the-art hospital currently under construction in Lima, Essequibo Coast, noting that 12 similar hospitals are planned across the country.

“That hospital is being constructed to European stan-

dards. It will perform all major surgeries and complex, sophisticated medical procedures that are currently available in Georgetown— you can do them right there on the Essequibo Coast.”

He added that a few have already been commissioned, including ones at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

As part of its commitment to improving the lives of citizens and ensuring equitable access to national resources, the government has implemented a wide range of social-support initiatives. These include the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant programme for schoolchildren; the school feeding programme; health vouchers; the part-time job initiative and the roll out of various cash grants and social-assistance measures aimed at supporting

vulnerable families across the country.

Looking ahead, the Legal Affairs Minister assured citizens that the government will continue to implement policies that promote equitable resource distribution, even as Guyana’s economy grows on the back of its expanding oil and gas sector. According to him, the agenda is tailored to meet the country’s evolving needs, ensuring that all sectors benefit from significant investments.

The Attorney General’s remarks come as the government continues to roll out a wide range of major initiatives in infrastructure, housing, health, agriculture, tourism, education, and social services—many of which are being financed through national revenues and collaborations with international financial institutions.

Justice Winston Anderson was on Sunday officially sworn in as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC

‘Vigorous, urgent need’ to strengthen regional collaboration, trade

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has underscored the urgent need to boost intra-regional trade as a driver of economic stability and growth within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

In a commemoratory message to celebrate CARICOM Day, the president called on member states to harness the re -

gion’s collective potential, noting that stronger economic linkages will fortify the region’s resilience amid rising external pressures.

“We must vigorously strengthen and strategically expand intra-regional trade, aggressively advance our efforts toward long-term food security, and ensure resilient energy systems and sustainable environmental protections.,” the President

urged, emphasising the need for collective action to overcome shared vulnerabilities and unlock the full potential of the Single Market and Economy. He stressed that enhanced trade within the region is essential not only for economic resilience but also for advancing food security, energy sustainability, and regional self-sufficiency.

President Ali pointed to Guyana’s role in helping drive this agenda, citing the country’s growing food production capacity and emerging energy resources. He noted that Guyana stands ready to contribute meaningfully to regional food security initiatives, and to support energy diversification across the Community.

“Regional integration is no longer a lofty as -

piration; it is an urgent necessity, and one that is now more critical and compelling than ever,” he stated, adding that his government remains “unequivocally committed” to this cause.

Beyond trade, President Ali called for deeper collaboration in several key areas, including climate change adaptation,

describing CARICOM as “our collective shield and moral compass”.

President Ali also underscored the importance of preserving the region as a “zone of peace”, free from territorial aggression and internal instability, and reaffirmed Guyana’s support for mechanisms that promote democratic governance, and protect

my (CSME).

Meanwhile, Barbados

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, during her address at the opening ceremony of the CARICOM summit, reported that at least two CARICOM member states are in the process of acquiring cargo planes to address the challenging issue of moving goods within the region.

responsible for regional ferry service among Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago was officially incorporated.

The initiative also aligns with the Caribbean Development Bank’s commitment to enhancing food security and regional cooperation by financing consultancy services to explore options for estab-

regional security, and diplomacy. He highlighted the need for CARICOM to act as a united front in global affairs, particularly as the region faces mounting threats from climate change, transnational crime, and external economic shocks.

“The daunting headwinds that confront our fragile region compel us to boldly and collaboratively deepen our multifaceted partnerships,” he said,

the sovereignty of small states.

President Ali is currently in Kingston for high-level talks with regional leaders at the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, where key issues on the agenda include regional trade, energy cooperation, food systems transformation, climate resilience, and advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Econo-

Additionally, leaders are expected to hear from the regional private sector on plans for a proposal for a regional ferry system.

“At this point, it is up to us to determine whether we have the political will to finally ensure that we can democratize. rates travel through ships, yet again, in this region,”

Prime Minister Mottley said.

Back in 2024, CARI Cargo Inc., the company

lishing a Maritime Cargo Service among Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, primarily for the transportation of agricultural products.

The Trinidad’s Galleons Passage was recommended as the vessel to ply the route.

The vessel boasts a capacity for 400 passengers and 60 cars, along with on-board amenities including a cafeteria, bar, and VIP lounge.

President Ali is currently in Kingston for high-level talks with regional leaders at the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM

Record-breaking GrowthCLUB session empowers over 100 local entrepreneurs with strategic planning tools

MORE than 100 local entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders came together for the 40th session of GrowthCLUB, a quarterly planning forum hosted by ActionCOACH Guyana, marking the largest event in the initiative’s 10-year history.

Held at the Pegasus Exhibition Centre for the first time due to rising demand, the one-day session provided participants with the tools to build 90-day action plans focused on clarity, structure, and accountability. The event emphasised that in Guyana’s rapidly growing economy, intentional planning is vital for business success.

“GrowthCLUB is more than a workshop; it’s a discipline,” said Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Founder of ActionCOACH Guyana. “In this economy, you either drive the opportunity or get left behind. The entrepreneurs who are showing up each quarter are actively shaping their businesses to meet the moment.”

The milestone event was made possible through the support of corporate sponsors such as Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), One Communications, NSBOmega Guyana Inc., Fusion Hospitality, and Dave’s Promotional Products, thus enabling more entrepreneurs

to access critical planning resources.

GBTI’s CEO, Shawn Gurcharran, praised the initiative, stating: “GrowthCLUB has once again shown that structured, quarterly planning is not merely a business exercise, it’s a blueprint for capitalis-

ing on our thriving economy. At GBTI, we’re proud to help turn plans into performance.”

Representing One Communications, Hilton Wong, General Manager of Brava, underscored the importance of technology in scaling operations. “Our services

“GrowthCLUB delivers the kind of business structure that allows for stronger human resource management and fewer disruptions,” she said.

Attendees from a diverse range of industries, including Floor It, Caribbean Medical Supplies, Guyana Port Inc., Target Customs Brokerage, ELGAWA Guyana, and Heliwrench Maintenance Solutions Inc., reported overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants rated the session’s speakers, content, and overall experience at more than 4.5 out of 5, noting the event’s relevance and real-time applicability to their business challenges.

ensure that companies here have the digital infrastructure to execute their strategies efficiently, effectively, and securely,” he said.

NSBOmega Guyana Inc.’s HR Manager, Safia Ally highlighted the link between strategic planning and workforce efficiency.

Dr. Doerga noted that the forum continues to serve as a space for reflection and recalibration amid the pressures of daily operations, giving businesses a tangible advantage in a competitive environment.

The next GrowthCLUB session is already scheduled for September 27, 2025, with expectations high for another impactful turnout.

Held at the Pegasus Exhibition Centre for the first time because of rising demand, the one-day session provided participants with the tools to build 90-day action plans focused on clarity, structure, and accountability

APNU has no track record in housing – Min Croal

… Housing Minister dismantles Norton’s lies at rally

THE President Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Government, through its progressive and substantive housing programme, has allocated more than 50,000 house lots between 2020 to 2025.

This figure exceeds the government’s 2020 campaign promise, marking a milestone in Guyana’s history that is unprecedented and unrivalled under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), whose main aim is to make homeownership accessible to all Guyanese.

In a bizarre tirade at Sunday’s rally of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton attempted to downplay the government’s achievements in the housing sector, even as the record shows the APNU has done little to nothing for the housing sector.

Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said that the opposition leader has “buried his head in the sand” and indicated “they [APNU] have no track record to speak

about in housing”. He further stated that the government has met its quota within its manifesto, surpassing the house lots promised.

The government has consistently allocated house lots since assuming office in 2020 and continues to do so.

More recently, on Friday, July 4, the Housing Ministry was in Linden, Region 10, a known opposition stronghold, and unveiled new housing developments (new phases) in Wismar and Amelia’s Ward.

These new developments are a direct response to applications that amounted to over 4,000 by the end of 2024.

“The target is to bring it to current, and make more land available for every single person who has applied for house lots in these regions,” Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues told residents present at Friday’s outreach.

With an ever-growing demand, the government continues to push its progressive housing agenda to communities across the country.

This includes proactive steps in land regularisation, which gives families security, backed by law, that were backlogged for years.

During the Ministry’s 2024 year-end press conference, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said, “We have processed over 14,710 Certificates of Title; close to 2,500 Certificates of Title will be processed, which are at the Land Registry awaiting to be signed off.”

He also drew attention

to the APNU’s tenure in office, which was fraught with negligence in the sector, revealing that only 7,730 titles were processed between 2015 and 2020.

ACHIEVABLE AND AFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIP

The housing drive goes beyond land allocation and has incorporated assistance in the form of construction subsidies, where families can apply for assistance in

building their homes.

This was the case in Linden on Friday, where over 40 families received vouchers of $225,000 to assist in purchasing steel and cement in constructing their homes.

The government continues to roll out additional measures, including removing Value Added Tax (VAT) on building materials. Working along with the banks, the government was able to secure low-income mortgages that significantly impacted lower and middle-income households. Families are able to secure loans with interest rates from as low as 3 per cent.

The Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP) has constructed core homes that target vulnerable groups, and ensure all Guyanese have equal access to home ownership.

EQUITY IN HOMEOWNERSHIP

Statistics from the Ministry of Housing and Water showed that 47% of house lots allocated were given to

women, while 90% went to low-income families.

Minister Susan Rodrigues lauded this achievement and said, “The target is to bring it to current and make more land available for every single person who has applied for house lots in these regions.”

There has been a comprehensive rollout of house lot allocations in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9, reaching communities that were ignored by the APNU administration. Programmes like the Lethem Housing Support Programme and the Hinterland Housing Programme were established with the primary objective of ensuring Hinterland communities benefit equally and equitably.

The President Ali-led government continues to focus on meeting demands and providing affordable housing. The activities of the government are clear and supported by evidence that progression in the housing sector remains vibrant and historic, and impactful. (DPI)

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal

Cornerstone of Development

IN a country where homeownership is not just a goal but a life-changing milestone, the Irfaan Ali-led administration has written a remarkable chapter in Guyana’s development story.

Surpassing its 2020 campaign promise of allocating 50,000 house lots by 2025, the government has delivered not only on its word, but also on a vision of inclusive, equitable, and affordable housing for all Guyanese.

This achievement is not just about numbers—it marks a transformational shift in public-policy execution. The scale, reach, and depth of the government’s housing drive are unmatched in Guyana’s post-independence history.

From urban centres to remote hinterland communities, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has made homeownership a tangible reality for tens of thousands, particularly for low-income families, single parents and first-time homeowners.

In stark contrast, the opposition’s track record tells a different story. During its time in office from 2015 to 2020, the APNU+AFC coalition processed fewer than 8,000 land titles—a figure that pales in

comparison to the more than 14,700 processed under the current government, with another 2,500 already pending completion.

And yet, in what can only be described as political theatre, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton at a recent APNU rally attempted to discredit these monumental strides.

Rather than presenting viable alternatives or meaningful critiques, Norton offered deflection and denial, a strategy that Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal rightfully described as “burying his head in the sand.” His remarks did not go unnoticed—and certainly not unchallenged. The facts speak louder than any rally rhetoric: APNU’s time in office was marked by a stagnation in housing development, while under the PPP/C, there has been an aggressive and effective push to empower citizens through property ownership.

Just days ago, the Housing Ministry returned to Linden, Region 10, a traditional APNU stronghold, unveiling new phases of housing development in Wismar and Amelia’s Ward. This was not symbolic politics; it was a direct response to over 4,000 pending applications in the region, affirming the government’s commitment to equity

in delivery, regardless of political leaning.

Equally commendable is the administration’s attention to affordability and construction support. More than 40 families in Linden received $225,000 steel and cement vouchers to begin building their homes, a policy model that combines dignity with development.

In addition, the removal of VAT on building materials and low-interest mortgages made possible through partnerships with local banks demonstrate a government that understands the socioeconomic barriers to homeownership and is actively dismantling them.

Perhaps most striking are the equity metrics: 47% of all house lots allocated have gone to women, and 90 per cent to low-income earners. These are not accidental outcomes. They reflect a deliberate policy orientation that seeks to reverse decades of structural exclusion and make housing a right, not a privilege.

Initiatives such as the Lethem Housing Support Programme and the Hinterland Housing Programme are prime examples of a government decentralising development and including remote and Indigenous communities in the national transformation.

These programmes were not conceptualised under APNU, nor were they executed. The PPP/C, on the other hand, has not only created them but has also delivered results that are visible, verifiable and valued by citizens.

This is what visionary governance looks like. President Ali and his administration have made housing the backbone of Guyana’s post-oil era social development agenda. While the critics continue their political contortions, the government is building communities—literally and figuratively— through bricks, mortar, and bold policy.

At a time when Guyana is undergoing rapid transformation, it is critical that the narrative not be hijacked by naysayers whose only currency is political discontent. The public deserves substance, not soundbites.

The housing achievements of this administration must be viewed not in isolation, but as part of a broader architecture of inclusive governance.

Indeed, when future historians write of this era, they will note not just the 50,000 house lots—but the lives changed, the communities uplifted and the hope restored across Guyana.

Success of GOAL programme outweighs APNU’s mischievous criticisms

THOUSANDS of Guyanese who have benefitted from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) came in for criticism from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), while the Government programme under the People’s Progressive Party Government has been widely praised as a success.

Leader of the People’s National Congress and Presidential candidate of the APNU, Aubrey Norton took aim at Guyanese who are enrolled in the GOAL programme, calling it “goalless” and questioning the efficacy of the programme, even as Guyanese students toiled and studied to achieve higher education.

Norton scoffed at the number of candidates who graduated with PhDs through the GOAL programme, effectively trivialising the hard work of Guyanese students.

More than 30,000 Guyanese have also received fully funded online scholarships through GOAL, with over 70 per cent of them being women. The programme is giving people, both young and old, the chance to earn degrees, master’s, and

even PhDs from international universities, without leaving their homes. From communities in Region One to

those in Region 10, thousands of Guyanese have been and are being equipped with the qualifications and skills needed

for the country’s growth. The numbers show the scale of a G$12.5 billion investment so far, or about G$312,000 per student.

The PPP/C’s record of delivery is a sharp contrast to the APNU and the Alliance for Change (AFC) opposition, who are now promising free education, despite failing to implement it during their time in office.

In fact, under the former coalition government, tuition fees increased, and VAT was placed on private education.

The government continues to invest where it matters, and this includes incorporating every segment of the population.

In some ways, Norton sought to insinuate that Guyanese are illiterate as a result of the current government.

However, the numbers and facts tell a different story.

The Ministry of Education has indicated that reading literacy indicates that 98% of young women (aged 15-24)

David Hinds and Roysdale Forde at the PNC campaign launch

DON’T take my word for it, go to the Freddie Kissoon Show and listen to what Roydale Forde said about the conspiratorial PNC congress last year.

Don’t take my word for it, Google what Annette Ferguson said about elections in the PNC when she lost the contest for chairman of the Georgetown PNC group two years ago. You listen to these two high-level PNC persons and the first thing that strikes you is whether the PNC allows for internal free and fair elections at any level. The answer is that this party cannot break out of its congenital instinct of rigged elections, and by election is meant any form of election in which the PNC is present, be it for the domino club; the Chinese checkers club; regional party positions; central party positions or the highest election—to form the national government.

So why does any human on planet earth believe that on September 2, 2025, if the PNC wins, we will ever have free and fair elections again? This country will be devastated and its economy will be ruined and it will die a natural death after 2030 when the next election is due. There will be no free and fair election in 2030.

The PNC is a genetic, hopeless slave to rigged voting. The PNC simply cannot understand a world where people vote for their choices. They do not understand that world and believe that the election is something that must be fixed and nothing is wrong with fixing an election.

I do not think that any human, anywhere

in the world, anticipated that the 2020 election would have been deliberately tampered with. When the PPP lost in 2011 and 2015, Guyana had joined the world in changing governments no matter how long they were in power. It shocked the world when for five months a bizarre, degenerate form of politics was unfolding in this country. For five months, desperate, insanely driven attempts were made to keep the incumbent in power.

It is impossible for the PNC to get anywhere near 20 seats much less 33 to win a majority on September 2 (Nigel Hughes would say that it needs 34 seats to win) so one can embrace the flowing breeze of optimism throughout the country on September 25, when the results show a humiliating defeat for the PNC and their friends.

So Forde was on the platform last Sunday for the PNC campaign launch, and one wonders as a prominent lawyer what he was doing there when he or Amanda Walton-Desir could have been the leader of the PNC at the last congress. So why has Forde become active again with the PNC? Look out for my column explaining why and you see that Forde has an ace up his sleeve.

The platform last Sunday was a pathetic sight in a multi-racial country where no ethnic community is not even near 40 percent, much less 52 percent. There wasn’t even one Indian newcomer among the faces of those who came across to the PNC. Only one Indian personality was featured and that was Ganesh Mahipal, the man who hopes to succeed Nor-

ton after Norton is forced out due to a pathetic showing on September 2.

The PPP’s leaders must have been overjoyed to see not only the presence of David Hinds at the launching, but also that he actually spoke at the rally. This election is going to be dubbed the social media election because of one man—David Hinds. Here is what the PPP is going to do. And as night follows day, it will happen.

The PPP is going to play David Hinds clips at its public meetings in which an African Guyanese man is going to be seen saying the most incredibly nauseating racist things that no mainstream White extremist in the US or Europe or no Indian Guyanese politician has ever uttered. There are White extremist racists in the US but they do not ask for votes so they can govern the US.

No politician in sensitive multi-racial

countries has so crossed the line as David Hinds’ condemnations of Indian people and insane preoccupation with racist diatribes. When the attendees at PPP meetings listen to Hinds, they would have made up their minds at the first sighting of a Hinds video. Is this the man that Guyanese will put in government? I am waiting to hear from all those mediocre preachers that have told us from the 1960s onwards that the PPP and PNC encourage racial thinking and that have shaped the society into what it is. That is not true. Where is the PPP’s version of David Hinds in the 2025 election campaign?

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

Success of GOAL programme outweighs APNU’s mischievous ...

and 97.7% of men, respectively, are literate. Based on statistics recorded by the education ministry and the MICS 2014 Report.

The Education sector has consistently rolled out plans to promote literacy and develop reading among children, like the Primary School Libraries Programme.

Additionally, the Education Sector Plan (2021-2025) is another example of a policy document that outlines comprehensive goals that focus on teacher training, early reading interventions, and multilingual education programming.

REMOVAL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA’S TUITION

Thousands of students across the country are now accessing tertiary education without incurring any tuition fees. This was a result of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) delivering on one of its boldest campaign promises: free tertiary education for all Guyanese.

This promise, first made in the PPP/C’s 2015-2020 manifesto, has been rolled out in phases. In 2024, the government announced a student loan debt write-off for over 13,000 current and former students of Guyana’s premier tertiary institution: the University of Guyana (UG). By waiving the monies owed by students, the government would have invested $18 billion to help young Guyanese.

Shortly after, during a special sitting of the National Assembly, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that tuition fees at UG and all public technical institutions, including the Carnegie School of Home Economics and the Guyana School of Agriculture, would be fully removed in 2025.

“This will continue the advancement of our human capital

for a more prosperous future for our country, and for all of the young people who will benefit from this initiative and their families. This measure will benefit over 11,000 current students immediately, and, of course, all the new entrants in the future,” the president had said.

The change took effect on January 1, 2025, which means: no tuition fees for new or continuing students pursuing Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, or PhDs across UG’s campuses and Online platforms.

This commitment, like many others, has been fulfilled well before the end of the government’s term in office. The reality remains that education is a high priority, with the matching investments to show the government’s dedication.

The education sector is being built on good governance, strong policy and respect for Guyanese, not punchlines and trivialities. (DPI)

Caribbean region must strengthen institutions, ties with global partners

–– incoming CARICOM chairman says

FOR the Caribbean region to be competitive in the emerging world and achieve its goals, the region must strengthen its institutions and its ties with global partners.

This is according to the newly appointed chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, who made this known during his address at the opening of the 49th Regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay.

“As we enter upon the new order which seems to be emerging in the world, that we must be strategic, we must strengthen our institutions. We must take responsibility for our own destiny because that is the only way we are going to only really get it if we really want it,” he said.

This, he said, means there must be a focus on people, as human development must be the centre of the integration mission, and centre of the integration mission.

He added that human development must be the centre of the development mission, ensuring food security, access to decent work, climate protection, along with opportunities for the youth that make up 60 per cent of the population.

“We must focus on people; we must also focus on partnerships, because global progress is built on networks of trust. We need stronger ties within CARICOM and with strategic global partners in Africa, North and

South America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East… In the new dispensation which is emerging, it is clear that the world is not unipolar, and that there are opportunities that we must explore,” the Jamaican Prime Minister stated.

Against this backdrop, Holness disclosed that there are gains that have been left unexplored as a community, and further noted that trade cooperation with Africa, internal cooperation and SouthSouth cooperation must be strengthened.

He said, “The resources in CARICOM are sufficient for us to provide for the needs of our people. Guy -

ana, with energy and land, Suriname, with energy and land, Trinidad, Jamaica with incredible human resources.”

With this, the chairman indicated that the time to achieve prosperity for the people of the Caribbean region is now, and as such, this prosperity must be inclusive.

To this end, he added that it must be resilient and sustainable, and this must be seen in the policies that are pursued.

“Whether it is the institutional structures that we will have to re-examine, the trade policies that we will have to pursue, the security policies that we will have to pursue, they must be pursued through

the prism, through the lens of sustainability and resilience,” he said.

As chairman of the regional body, Holness disclosed that he will continue to champion initiatives that will make the pillars of people, partnership and prosperity more than just operational.

As such, he noted that there is intense global confidence in CARICOM and in the shared agenda and in the months ahead, the regional body will engage the world through various mediums like the second CARICOM-Africa summit and during the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Man pleads guilty to 1998 murder of wife

MORE than two decades after evading justice, Philbert Thomas has pleaded guilty to the 1998 murder of his wife, Viola Thomas.

He entered the guilty plea, with explanation, before Justice Simone Morris at the High Court in Demerara, and is now awaiting sentencing, which is set for July 24, 2025.

The brutal killing occurred on September 5, 1998, at a fun day event in Waini, North West District, Essequibo, where 23-year-old Viola was reportedly attacked and stabbed multiple times by Thomas.

Following the incident, Thomas went into hiding and successfully evaded law enforcement for more than 20 years. His long run from justice came to an end in 2019, when he was arrested in Region Ten (Upper Demer-

ara-Berbice) in connection with another stabbing. That arrest triggered renewed investigations into Viola’s murder, and led to his prosecution.

According to a police press release, Thomas was in 2019 remanded to prison on two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm following a stabbing incident at Hururu Mission, Berbice.

In that case, he reportedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend and her current partner during an argument on August 14, 2019.

A breakthrough in the cold case came when Alina, Viola’s mother and a resident of the North West District, saw a photo of Philbert Thomas in a daily newspaper.

Recognising the man as her daughter’s killer, she immediately went to the Acquero Police Station and

made a report, which further aided in confirming his identity and linking him to the decades-old crime.

Police stated that during his detention for the recent attack, Thomas confessed to the 1998 murder of his wife. Thomas remains in custody as the court prepares to hand down sentencing later this month.

Newly appointed CARICOM chairman, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness (CARICOM photo)

Philbert Thomas

‘Frameperfect Lite’ wins top prize at Innovation Challenge 2025

- PM Phillips hails youth-driven tech for HSSE solutions

THE Innovation Challenge, now in its fifth edition, concluded on a high note this week, with three standout teams—Frameperfect Lite, Logiq, and G-Stack— emerging as the top innovators.

The national tech competition, hosted by the Industry and Innovation Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), focused this year on Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) solutions.

Frameperfect Lite secured first place, followed by Logiq in second, and G-Stack in third. The event attracted young innovators from Regions Three, Four, and Six, who were challenged to design digital systems that enhance HSSE reporting and oversight, a theme that resonates with national development and ethical governance priorities.

Delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips lauded the participants for their creativity, resilience, and civic spirit, describing the event as a bold testament to the capacity of Guyanese youth to drive meaningful technological change.

participants, PM Phillips praised their contributions as going far beyond competition. “You have sparked ideas that may one day save lives,” he said. “You have reminded us all that innovation is about people. Keep building, learning, and challenging the status quo.”

He also thanked the mentors, judges, and organizers

whose behind-the-scenes work helped bring the event to life, urging continued collaboration to tap into Guyana’s vast creative and technological potential.

“Innovation is not a moment—it is a mindset,” the Prime Minister declared.

“And the 2025 Innovation Challenge has proven that Guyana has both the bril -

liance and the bravery to lead.”

As the curtains fall on this year’s challenge, the spotlight now turns to what comes next. With empowered youth and growing public-private partnerships, the Innovation Challenge continues to pave the way for tech-driven national development in Guyana.

Over the three-day competition, teams worked intensively to craft user-driven digital solutions that tackle real-world HSSE challenges. Their efforts, the Prime Minister noted, not only addressed current gaps in reporting and enforcement systems but also offered pathways to “future-proofing” the nation through technology.

“Innovation must be inclusive, yes, but it must also be collaborative,” PM Phillips emphasised. “This is what innovation looks like when youths are included and empowered in decision-making. The Innovation Chal -

“HSSE is more than a workplace requirement,” the Prime Minister said. “It is a public good, a foundation for sustainable growth, safe development, and ethical governance.”

lenge is built on the belief that young people should not be on the margins of national development, but at its centre.”

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to SBM Offshore Guyana, the primary sponsor of the Innovation Challenge, for its continued support. He encouraged other private sector stakeholders to follow suit, noting that collaboration between public and private entities is essential for sustained innovation and national progress.

ENCOURAGEMENT

AND VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Speaking directly to the

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

Reviving a Legacy: Educational workshop reimagines Masquerade tradition in Guyana

IN a thoughtful fusion of academia and cultural preservation, Edwin Mansook, a Ph.D. candidate at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, on Monday hosted a dynamic educational research workshop at Queen’s College, focusing on the revitalisation of the masquerade tradition in Guyana.

Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the workshop brought together a unique blend of cultural stakeholders, including University of Guyana students specialising in Early Childhood Education, dance instructors, and a practicing masquerade traditionist, to explore how this vibrant art form can be sus-

tained and promoted through education.

Mansook, a Guyanese-born researcher with a deep passion for traditional performing arts, emphasised the need to recognize teachers and cultural facilitators as “traditional knowledge holders” who are constantly shaping and reshaping the curriculum.

His goal: to move the masquerade tradition beyond mere performance and into the realm of lived, reciprocal, cultural education.

“As you think of embracing this art form,” Mansook urged the attendees, “always think of it in the perspective of not just lecturing, but in the way in which it is reciprocal. Because, as you will

see, culture is not static.”

He stressed that culture is alive, it moves, breathes, produces, and reproduces itself. According to him, much of the knowledge discussed during the workshop would not have been captured in the same way just two decades ago, illustrating how traditions evolve with time.

Delving deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of cultural identity, Mansook’s presentation examined Caribbean dance, music, and poetry as “performative manifestations of historical resistance and conflict,” especially in the context of the region’s ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality.

He highlighted that these art forms also serve as pow-

erful expressions of spiritual awakening and cultural identity, particularly for communities historically marginalized by both colonial and post-colonial systems.

Referencing the work of renowned cultural theorist Stuart Hall, Mansook explained that identity is never singular or fixed. Rather, it is constantly being formed through a process of transformation, diversity, and cultural blending, or syncretism.

“In the following presentation,” Mansook said, “I will discuss how Stuart Hall’s analysis of diaspora presents a nuanced understanding of the process of identity formation, constantly being produced through transformation, diversity, and syncretism.”

Although there are currently no plans to hold a follow-up workshop, Mansook intends to share his research findings with the wider academic and cultural community. He announced plans to archive his documented work on the Caribbean Research Library’s platform, a move

Researcher, Edwin Mansook (Japheth Savory photo)

aimed at inspiring further exploration, scholarship, and education around Guyana’s rich masquerade heritage. This workshop served not just as a moment of reflection, but as a call to action — urging educators, cultural practitioners, and policymakers to engage in the active preservation of a tradition that continues to dance at the heart of Guyana’s identity.

Environmental protection at the core of development

— PM Phillips

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips underscored the Government of Guyana’s continued commitment to strengthening the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Sunday evening, as he delivered the feature address at the agency’s 29th

scribing the institution as a critical pillar of Guyana’s sustainable development agenda and a “guardian of our shared future”.

He praised the staff of the EPA for their dedication to protecting the country’s natural resources, noting that effective environmental

challenges are constant.”

The EPA’s vital role in balancing environmental stewardship with economic development—and its work in licensing, monitoring, pollution control, and public education—was also highlighted. “Your mandate is crucial to our country’s fu-

Anniversary Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held at the Royal International Hotel.

The Prime Minister congratulated the EPA on nearly three decades of regulatory and stewardship work, de-

governance relies on skilled, principled, and mission-driven personnel.

“Recognition transforms a job into a mission, and nowhere is that more important than in environmental protection, where the stakes are high and the

ture: to manage the environment in a way that safeguards human health and preserves the ecosystems on which we depend, without stifling the economic development our people deserve.”

Prime Minister Phillips

-

lauds EPA’s role in advancing sustainable development at 29th anniversary observance

also reaffirmed the Government’s support for the agency, as he pointed to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as the guiding framework for ensuring sustainable growth while empowering communities and enhancing climate resilience.

“Our gold, bauxite, oil, and timber sectors can and must contribute to national prosperity, but we will not allow short-term gain to destroy long-term potential.”

He commended the EPA’s efforts to address critical issues such as plastic pollution through public awareness, policy enforcement, and collaborative partnerships, reiterating that these actions are

fundamental to protecting public health and supporting economic opportunity.

“Ending plastic pollution is a health imperative, an economic opportunity, and a moral responsibility.”

Prime Minister Phillips further recognised the EPA’s dual role as both a teacher and an enforcer, applauding its efforts to reach communities, educate youth, and share data that supports behavioural change and environmental responsibility.

“Every Guyanese, regardless of income, background, or location, deserves to live in a clean, safe, healthy environment. This is a dream we must work towards together:

government, private sector, civil society, and, above all, dedicated institutions like the EPA.”

The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the EPA’s staff—from scientists and technicians to administrators and officers—for their dedication to protecting Guyana’s environment and preserving the nation’s resources for future generations.

“Your work matters. Let us continue to move forward together to safeguard the environment. Happy 29th Anniversary to the Environmental Protection Agency, and may your next 29 years be even more impactful than the last.”

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips hands out one of the many awards at the 29th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held at the Royal International Hotel

Amerindians represent 60 per cent of Nursing, Nursing Assistant trainees

AMERINDIANS are seizing all the training opportunities being offered, especially in the health sector.

This is reflected in more than half of the persons enrolling in the Nursing and Nursing Assistant training programmes being Amerindians. The training is being offered to all Guyanese.

This disclosure was made on Saturday by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, whilst speaking to hundreds of residents in Moraikobai, Region Five.

“Today, more than 60 per cent of our nursing and nursing assistants’ intake are from our Amerindian brothers and sisters,” President Ali said.

This has been made possible because of the opportunities being presented to Amerindians, in riverine, far-flung and remote areas.

One of the participants of the Professional Nursing training programme is Anastasia Bonaparte, who will be graduating in 2026.

She is making the most of the opportunity presented.

“I’m so grateful that the government has given us the

Earlier this year, the largest batch of Nursing Assistants (734) graduated from government’s hybrid training programme

scholarship, the Amerindian people. You know we are the first people. To be placed in such a nursing programme is really, really inspiring. I am grateful and willing to serve Moraikobai,” the young woman said.

Back in April 2023, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony announced a major plan to have scores of trained nurses in the local health system by 2026.

“I can assure you that everyone interested in doing this now, we will have a space for you on this programme…Over a three-year period, we are hoping to attract at least 3,000 persons to come and do nursing with

us,” the Health Minister stated. Over 1,000 persons have already registered for the professional nursing training programme with hundreds to join this year.

At the same time, more than 900 persons are entering their final year in the Ministry of Health’s hybrid training programme. These opportunities in the health sector folds directly into the wider plan of the government to improve healthcare services across the country.

When these trainees graduate, they will support the major health infrastructure projects that are being built.

Only on Friday, one of six state-of-the-art hospitals was

commissioned in Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara. That marked the completion of the second of six regional hospitals being erected. The first that was commissioned a few weeks back was the Diamond Regional Hospital.

President Ali announced on Friday that before the end of August, the government will commission “the regional hospitals at Bath, De Kindren, Number 75 Village and Lima.”

The government aims to increase the complement of healthcare workers with the requisite infrastructure and has been executing it well. (DPI)

Maternal deaths on the decline contrary to opposition leader’s campaign claim

--gov’t highlights major healthcare gains

AT the launch of the APNU's 2025 campaign at the Square of the Revolution, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton made a troubling and inaccurate claim, alleging that maternal deaths in Guyana are on the rise.

The assertion, made on a national platform, has since been firmly refuted by the Ministry of Health and healthcare officials, who describe the statement as not only factually wrong but dangerously misleading.

Contrary to Norton’s remarks, Guyana has recorded significant improvements in maternal and neonatal health over the past several years.

According to the Ministry of Health, maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality, fell from 23 cases in 2019 to just 14 in 2024. Neonatal deaths have also seen a sharp 60 per cent decline in the first nine months of 2024, dropping from 68 in 2023 to 28 during the same period this year.

“These are not coincidental numbers,” Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony stated. “They reflect the results of bold reforms, systemic investments, and unwavering commitment to healthcare access and equity.”

TARGETTED INTERVENTIONS

YIELDING RESULTS

Guyana’s maternal health improvements are rooted in several landmark initiatives under the PPP/C Administration, including: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs): Now operational in nine hospitals nationwide, these facilities are equipped with modern life-saving equipment including ventilators, incubators, and cardiac monitors; Maternal Waiting Homes: Strategically placed at hospitals, particularly in remote regions, these facilities provide safe accommodation for high-risk expectant mothers, ensuring timely medical care when it matters most; Telemedicine Hubs: A total of 81 hubs have been launched, allowing rural health workers to connect directly with obstetricians and gynecologists. The initiative also enables ultrasound diagnostics

without patients needing to leave their communities; and Newborn Cash Grant: A transformative social policy, this grant provides $100,000 to every newborn, benefiting over 2,000 families so far.

The initiative aims to ease financial pressure on new parents and encourage early and regular antenatal care.

A FLAGSHIP HOSPITAL FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN

The government’s most ambitious maternal health project to date—the $12.4 billion Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle—is on track for completion in 2025.

Once operational, the hospital will serve as a level-five regional referral centre and is expected to elevate Guyana’s maternal and paediatric care capacity to world-class standards.

The facility will feature: 256 beds within a 24,000 square meter space; CT and MRI diagnostic tools, modern X-ray units, and a hightech laboratory; and Specialized services for maternal emergencies and high-risk pregnancies.

President Irfaan Ali has described the hospital as a critical piece of national infrastructure, not just for treatment, but also for strengthening surveillance and enabling rapid response to maternal health concerns.

“It allows for the timely identification, notification, and determination of potential causes of maternal deaths,” the President affirmed.

HEALTHCARE ABOVE POLITICS

Health officials and government representatives have strongly criticized the use of maternal mortality as a political talking point, especially when data and lived outcomes show measurable progress.

“Maternal health is not a campaign slogan. It is about real lives and real families,”

Minister Anthony emphasized. “We are building systems that empower our doctors, protect our mothers, and give every child the best possible start in life.”

As Guyana moves closer toward achieving its 2030

Sustainable Development Goals, the country is standing out in a region where many nations remain off track. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 300,000 women die globally each year from pregnancy-related complications. Yet, in Guyana, those numbers are steadily falling, thanks to sound policy, inclusive leadership, and an unwavering focus on healthcare for all.

In the face of misinformation, the government has reiterated its commitment to transparency, evidence-based policymaking, and protecting the health of every mother and child in Guyana. The data is clear: maternal deaths are decreasing, and Guyana’s healthcare system is growing stronger with each step forward. (DPI modified)

The modern Maternal and Paediatric hospital being constructed at Ogle, East Coast Demerara

CMO highlights Guyana’s advances in eye health at Courts Optical relaunch

CHIEF Medical Officer

(CMO) Dr. Narine Singh has sounded a call for increased attention to eye health, noting that conditions such as uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, and diabetic eye diseases continue to be leading causes of visual impairment in Guyana.

Dr. Singh was at the time addressing attendees at the relaunch of the Courts Optical Store on Main Street, Georgetown. He used the opportunity to reaffirm the Government of Guyana’s commitment to improving national healthcare delivery,

particularly in the area of vision care.

“Eye health is something that is often overlooked,” Dr. Singh emphasized, “but it is critical to our well-being and productivity as a society.”

He highlighted the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts through the Nation-

al Eye Health Programme, which he said has made significant progress in recent years. The programme, he noted, takes a multifaceted approach involving public funding, voucher systems, school screenings, rural outreach, and the upgrading of clinical services.

Dr. Singh revealed that billions of dollars have been invested to support eye care services, targeting children, seniors, diabetics, and rural populations.

Outreach efforts to remote areas such as Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine have brought mobile vision testing units and vouchers for examinations and spectacles to more than 70,000 beneficiaries so far.

Additionally, free school screenings have been reintroduced and expanded. Between 2023 and 2024, over 36,000 nursery and primary school students were screened for vision issues as part of the Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme. Beginning this year, screenings have been extended to secondary schools, now encompassing dental and hearing checks alongside vision examinations.

SPECIAL FOCUS ON DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Dr. Singh also drew attention to the expanded availability of diabetic retinal examinations, with services now offered at around 82 health facilities across Guyana. Facilities such as the Lusignan Diabetic Centre provide free retinal imaging and treatment to reduce the risk of blindness associated with diabetic retinopathy. He pointed to ongoing efforts to train more optometrists and ophthalmologists,

especially for deployment to hinterland and underserved regions. The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and regional hospitals have also scaled up services to include cataract surgeries, diabetic retinopathy screening, and glaucoma management.

The Ministry is collaborating with regional and international partners to introduce advanced eye care solutions in Guyana, including corneal transplants and laser treatments for diabetic eye disease. These partnerships aim to further strengthen the country’s capacity for modern ophthalmic care.

PRIVATE SECTOR ROLE IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Dr. Singh welcomed the relaunch of the Courts Optical Store as an important step in bridging the gap between public healthcare and private sector support.

“Today’s relaunch is not just welcomed—it is essential,” he declared. “The goal is simple but ambitious: to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure that every citizen—regardless of income or geography—can access quality eye care.”

He commended Courts for offering affordable vision care and quality eyewear, aligning with the Ministry’s broader mission to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and equitable for all Guyanese.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh

Minister Bharrat engages Bartica youths on development, opportunities in Guyana

THE Ministry of Natural Resources over the weekend hosted a vibrant youth engagement forum in Bartica, Region Seven, bringing together young professionals and students for a meaningful exchange on national development, career planning, and the role of youth in shaping Guyana’s future.

The event, an initiative of the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, was designed to boost youth morale and foster greater awareness of the opportunities available to young people across the country, particularly in the natural resources sector.

In his address, Minister Bharrat encouraged the youth to stay disciplined in their studies, career pursuits, and extra-curricular activities, while also embracing national pride in the progress Guyana has made.

“You are living in a time of unprecedented opportunity in Guyana.

There are vast possibilities in education and careers—not just in natural resources, but in every sector of our economy. The challenge is for you to remain focused, disciplined, and proud of your role in this journey of national development,” the Minister told the audience.

The interactive forum allowed young residents to

raise their concerns, pose questions, and offer suggestions for enhancing youth participation in the country’s development. Several officials who were present also offered motivational messages, urging the attendees to seize available opportunities and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

Participants welcomed the open and engaging format of the session, which served as a platform for constructive dialogue and practical recommendations.

The initiative forms part of a wider government commitment to youth empowerment and inclusion, particularly in communities across Guyana’s hinterland and riverine regions.

Minister Bharrat reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth development through targeted outreach, investments in education, and inclusive policymaking that addresses the needs and aspirations of young Guyanese.

The event, an initiative of Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, was designed to boost youth morale and foster greater awareness of the opportunities available to young people across the country, particularly in the natural resources sector.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat in discussion with one of the many residents on practical recommendations

ANUG Chairman faces further challenge to his credibility --as new document surfaces

CHAIRMAN of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Dr. Mark DeFrance has been exposed for professional misconduct, which led to his suspension from practising medicine for two years.

The damning revelation poses a further challenge to upend the credibility of Dr. DeFrance’s political ambitions, with United States (U.S.) sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed’s party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN).

A newly surfaced official document from the Institutional Registration Workbook, indicates that Dr. DeFrance was suspended from

practising medicine for two years after forging medical records.

The document includes infractions like falsifying rotation times and forging

the signatures of several supervisors.

The document, stamped by the Industry Health Centre, entails the extent of the misconduct that led to his suspension. In 2024, Dr. DeFrance acknowledged his involvement in a case of medical malpractice that led to a two-year suspension from practising medicine.

This revelation came during his party’s press conference on Friday, when questioned about his culpability in a 2016 medical misconduct case.

He confirmed: “That is what I am saying. It was misconduct.” However, he refrained from providing specific details about the incident.

Dr. DeFrance disclosed that the Medical Council found him responsible for the misconduct, resulting in his inability to practise

medicine from 2016 to 2018. He mentioned that Justice Jo Ann Barlow presided over the case.

Attempting to minimise the significance of the issue, Dr. DeFrance stated, “It is a matter that has been laid to rest. The issue was left in the past.”

He emphasised that the matter had been resolved. However, an anonymous source familiar with the situation suggested that the case was more severe than portrayed.

More troubling still is DeFrance’s recent political alignment with U.S. sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed’s WIN party.

The pairing of a U.S. sanctioned figurehead with a leader tainted by document forgery drew much criticism especially for its impact on public confidence.

Chairman of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Dr. Mark DeFrance

Guyana’s economic expansion a product of visionary planning

- says Senior Minister Singh - promises more jobs, higher incomes, stronger businesses under continued PPP leadership

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, has described the current era as the most economically fortunate period in Guyana’s history, attributing the country’s rapid development to strategic policy decisions by the government.

accidental but the result of a clear and focused vision.

“We are living through an unprecedented economic transformation—one that is the direct result of deliberate policies and forward-looking strategies,” Dr. Singh said.

A section of the gathering at the Econome Business Conference and Mixer, held recently at the Guyana Marriott Hotel

Dr. Singh delivered the keynote address recently at the ‘Econome’ Business Conference and Mixer, held recently at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

In his remarks, he outlined the government’s proactive role in shaping the country’s economic trajectory, stressing that the transformation underway is not

“This generation of Guyanese is undoubtedly the most fortunate that has ever lived, and it is our responsibility to ensure this prosperity continues and reaches every corner of our society.”

construction and manufacturing to services and agriculture. This is no coincidence, but the outcome of policies aimed at building a globally competitive non-oil economy.”

Addressing a room filled with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing a pro-business environment that supports both emerging and established enterprises.

He further stated that if re-elected, the administration would continue on this trajectory, ensuring astronomical economic growth, job creation, and rising incomes.

“We are committed to seeing more businesses established, more Guyanese employed, and an overall increase in disposable income. Our goal is to maintain an environment where business can thrive, innovation is rewarded, and prosperity is widely shared.”

Dr. Singh noted that while the oil and gas sector has garnered international attention, economic growth is not limited to a single industry.

“The expansion we are seeing is pervasive across the entire economy, from

The conference brought together key stakeholders in Guyana’s business community, highlighting opportunities for investment and collaboration as the country continues its ascent as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh

Kwakwani capture U16, U18 and Girls titles

THE Kwakwani Secondary School’s basketball teams showed their pedigree and skills on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to once again capture three of the four titles on offer in the Youth Basketball Guyana KFC’s National Schools Basketball Festival.

Kwakwani’s only blemish on the day was in the U-14 category when they clashed with St Rose’s High for the crown.

St Rose’s made an impressive start only losing the lead a couples of times but managing to stay on track to clinch a three-point victory

38-35.

St Rose’s had Cayden Marks with his 13 points and 10 rebounds to thank for leading them with Brad Cush also supporting well with seven points and five rebounds in the win.

Kwakwani’s Crandon Beckles kept his team in the fight with a solid 16 points and 10 rebounds, but it still proved not enough as they went down in a nail-biting finish.

In the U-16 final, Kwakwani stopped President’s College 39-33 to take the title.

Kwakwani’s player of the match was Marlon Mendonca as he played well for his 10 points.

Simeon Sinclair also backed up well with his 10 points and 5 steals in the

performance.

President’s College’s best scorer was Mattaniah Fordyce with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

On the distaff side, Kwakwani Secondary’s girls’ team edged President’s College (PC) 26-22 points

Kwakwani’s Sherse Leacock led the charge with 10 points, while Brianna Benjamin contributed with 7 Points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals.

PC’s best player, Junelly Paddy, showed her worth with 12 buckets and 10 rebounds in a losing cause.

Finally in the Senior Boys U-18 category, it was another slam dunk for Kwakwani Secondary who thrashed the Government Technical Institute (GTI) 64-45.

Tyreek Sampson was Kwakwani’s star player with 22 points as they steamrolled their opponents by 19 points.

Lenrick Seaford and Simeon Sinclair backed their star player up with 10 points each in the win.

GTI’s Kadeem Beckles dropped 10 points and Demitri Crandon 11 points, despite the loss.

Kwakwani’s Dallas Thomas for his effort copped the Best Coach accolade, while Hururu Secondary collected the best sportsmanship award and the award for best emerging team.

The National Schools Basketball Festival was sponsored by KFC Guyana, Edward B. Beharry Ltd. G-Boats Guyana, Banks DIH, and National Sports Commission.

Fletcher's blazing 118 ends...

(From page 26)

The assault hit a peak in the 18th over when Fletcher, batting on 79, smashed Brody Couch for three sixes and a four to surge past three figures. He continued the onslaught with two more sixes in the final over from Hassan Khan before falling off the last ball of the innings for a spectacular 118. His innings was the bedrock of what became the highest team total at Lauderhill in the tournament — a venue where 188 had previously been the ceiling.

In response, the Unicorns

(2) Which AUST keeper has effected most Test dismissals against the WI to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue frequency.

launched a spirited chase. Sanjay Krishnamurthi was sensational at the top, hammering 92 off just 40 balls with seven fours and seven sixes to give the Unicorns a real shot at the massive target. His blitz had the Unicorns needing 68 from the final five overs, but Jason Holder struck a crucial blow, removing Krishnamurthi with the first ball of the 15th over to turn the tide.

Despite Xavier Bartlett’s fireworks in the 16th over — including three sixes and a four off Corne Dry — the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday, July 8, 2025)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Clive Lloyd-12 (22 Tests) (2) Steve Waugh-9 (12 Tests)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI keeper has effected most Test dismissals against AUST to date?

Unicorns fell short, ending on 233. The absence of Romario Shepherd, who injured his ankle early while attempting a boundary catch, proved costly as the batting effort ran out of steam in the closing stages. Karthik Gattepalli was the standout with the ball for Knight Riders on his MLC debut, taking 3 for 31 and breaking the back of the Unicorns' top order. He removed Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk in a pivotal second over after Dominic Drakes had earlier dismissed Finn Allen.

For the Unicorns, it was a bitter end to the league phase. The loss sees them slip to third on the table and into a do-or-die eliminator clash against MI New York. Meanwhile, Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings, who finished in the top two, will contest Qualifier 1, with a direct spot in the final on the line.

As for Fletcher and the Knight Riders, their campaign may be over, but the Grenadian power-hitter ensured it ended on a note to remember — one that reshaped the playoff landscape in the process. (Sportsmax)

KFC National Schools Basketball Festival

Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over Championships

Defending champs Barbados, USA, Windward Islands remain unbeaten

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Defending champions Barbados remain unbeaten in the Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50over Championships, after recording a dominant 144run win over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday in the second round of matches.

USA-1 also continued their impressive start to the tournament, notching their second successive win with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Guyana, while the Windward Islands also remained unbeaten by registering a tense four-run win over Jamaica.

Meanwhile, the Leeward Islands secured their first win against USA-2.

At Conaree Sports Club: Captain Joshua Dorne and Zachary Carter both scored their second consecutive half centuries as Barbados piled up 295 for eight from their 50 overs.

Dorne led the way with 79 off 100 balls, Carter made 78 from 62 balls and Xaundre Baptiste faced 54

balls during his knock of 57, to propel Barbados to the biggest total of the tournament so far.

Barbados was given a good start during an opening partnership of 72 in just under 10 overs between Carter and Micah Greenidge, who made 22.

They then suffered a middle order collapse that saw them slide from 129 for one to 186 for six, thanks mainly to the efforts of leg spinner Aneal Rooplal, who grabbed three wickets.

However, Baptiste and Dorne shared a 90-run partnership that revived the innings and helped them post a formidable total.

Rooplal finished with 3-56, while Abdul-Raheem Toppin took 2-68.

Despite the early loss of opener Luke Ali for two, T&T recovered and were 40 for one at one stage until fast bowler R’Jai Gittens orchestrated a collapse that saw them crumble to 77 for six.

Despite a valiant effort by the lower order, T&T

were eventually dismissed for 151 in 34 overs.

Gittens ended with 4-63, while Jakeem Pollard (2-13) and Zachary Carter (2-17) provided good support.

At St Paul’s Sports Complex: USA-1 handed Guyana their second straight loss to prove their opening round win over Jamaica was no fluke.

Sahir Bhatia (3-14) and Supransh Kumar (3-23), strangled Guyana’s batsmen with stingy spells to dismiss them for 150 in 44.2 overs.

Only Romario Ramdehol, who hit the top score of 48 and Afraz Budhoo, who made 43, provided any form of resistance.

The pair added 84 for the fifth wicket after Guyana had slipped to 39 for four in the 12th over.

Fresh off a half century in the opening round, Saharsh Shwethan then hit an unbeaten 45, while Utkarsh Srivastava hit 41, and USA1 easily overhauled their target to finish on 151 for three in 34.5 overs.

‘Hendy’ Wallace enters race for BCA presidency ‒ as battle for top job heats up

HENDERSON “Hendy”

Wallace has confirmed his intention to contest the presidency of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), setting the stage for a keenly-contested election later this month.

Wallace, who currently serves as a director on the BCA board and previously chaired the national selection panel from 2012 to 2019, becomes the fourth confirmed candidate vying to succeed Conde Riley, who, according to reports, is unlikely to seek re-election.

Wallace joins current vice-president Calvin Hope, former vice-president Jeff Broomes, and ex-West Indies opener Philo Wallace in the race for the top post.

A former Barbados Under-19 representative from 1981 to 1983, Wallace brings a wealth of cricketing and administrative experience to the table. He played professionally in Australia, and enjoyed

a prolific 21-season stint in Ireland, where he also contributed to youth development programmes, and served as part of the Ireland "A" side’s coaching staff for the 2002 European Championships.

Back home, Wallace was the assistant coach of the Barbados senior men’s team that lifted the regional title in 2004. He has also coached teams at the developmental level, including the West Indies "B" and Combined Campuses and

At Elquemedo Willett Park: The Windward Islands escaped with a thrilling four-run win over Jamaica to make it two wins out of two.

The winners were propped up by Kirt Murray’s knock of 52 off 55 balls, before being bowled out for

196 in 44 overs.

Earsinho Fontaine and Theo Edward also chipped in with valuable contributions of 26 and 25 respectively, but the Windward Islands lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to build any momentum.

For Jamaica, Roshawn McKenzie (2-13), Tamarie Redwood (2-33) and Demarco Scott (2-44), each took two wickets.

Jamaica seemed on course for victory with the score 154 for five and David Dewar, who scored 72 from 77 balls, at the crease.

But once Dewar was dismissed by pacer Edmund Morancie, it went downhill for Jamaica and they were dismissed for 192 with one over remaining.

Darvin Forde (2-26), Kirsten Murray (2-31) and Morancie (2-34) were the main destroyers for the Windward Islands.

At St Mary’s Park: In the clash of two winless teams, the Leeward Islands got the better of USA-2 by three

wickets in a competitive affair.

USA-2 would have been disappointed with their batting display after being dismissed for 141 in 31.1 overs.

Ansh Bhoje (28), Adit Kappa (22) and Rahul Basu (21) all got starts but failed to carry on.

Matthew Miller, who tore through USA’s middle order, finished with 4-23 from six overs and Isra-el Morton snared 3-34.

The Leeward Islands then found themselves in a spot of bother at 62 for five, before Miller, who scored an unbeaten half century, guided them out of trouble and to victory.

Miller finished on 52 not out off 71 balls and forged useful partnerships with Lawshorn Bergan, De-Antre Drew and Morton, to propel the Leeward Islands to 145 for seven in 40.3 overs.

For the USA, Rahul Basu took 3-24, Ritvik Appidi 2-24 and Rayaan Taj 2-37

Joshua Jones takes third 5-for in England

Colleges outfits, and served as a physical education teacher and cricket coach at Coleridge and Parry School.

His contributions to the sport extend beyond coaching and administration. Wallace has worked extensively as a cricket analyst and commentator with CBC, CMC, Line & Length, and ESPN, and continues to lend his voice to cricket broadcasts from time to time.

With nominations for the presidency opening on July 15 and closing on July 22, the BCA electorate will have until July 29 to decide who will lead the organisation into its next chapter.

Wallace's entry into the race adds a respected cricketing mind with grassroots, international, and governance-level experience, ensuring that the contest to lead one of the region’s most storied cricketing bodies will be one to watch. (Sportsmax)

GUYANESE fast bowling all-rounder Joshua Jones is making waves in English First Division cricket playing for Bilston Cricket Club in Leicestershire County.

The twenty-five-yearold Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal, captured 5-45 against Bharrat Cricket Club over the weekend for his third 5-for to take his wicket-tally to 39 from 11 matches.

The powerfully built Jones, who represents Essequibo in the Guyana Cricket

Board (GCB) Inter-County tournaments, also has a couple of pugnacious half-centuries.

Playing in murky conditions, Jones’ impressive performance with the ball helped his team to sink Bharrat CC to 146 in 27 overs after the in-form Tom Miles had hammered 84 with six fours and six sixes and Chris Elliott’s 41 with seven boundaries had earlier lifted Bilston to 223-8 when their 45 overs expired. Jones told the Chronicle Sport that he has fully adapted and adjusted to playing in En-

glish conditions and learning quickly that fuller you bowl more the ball will swing.

He also explained that now that he is being paid to only play cricket and coach kids on Thursdays, he has more time to focus on his training and is much fitter.

It is understood that he was looked at as one of the fast bowlers likely to break into the Guyana First-Class team, but his lack of fitness was one of the reasons he was not selected. (Sean Devers)

Romario Ramdehol topscored for Guyana with 48

Henderson ‘Hendy’ Wallace

Joshua Jones bowls with lively pace in last match to grab 5-45

England have 'got to' pick Archer, says Anderson

ENGLAND have "got to" play Jofra Archer in the third Test against India at Lord's, says James Anderson.

The pace bowler is in line to play his first Test for more than four years after a string of injuries.

The 30-year-old's route back to fitness has been almost exclusively in whiteball cricket.

He made his red-ball comeback for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship two weeks ago, bowling 18 overs.

Anderson, England's alltime leading wicket-taker, told the Tailenders podcast: "You could keep trying to build his overs up and play

him later in the series, but it could be too late by then."

Anderson was part of the England team when Archer last played a Test against India in Ahmedabad in 2021.

The 42-year-old has since retired from Test cricket and spent time on the England coaching staff as a fast-bowling consultant.

Archer returned to the England squad for the second Test at Edgbaston, which India won by 336 runs to level the series at 1-1. The third Test begins on Thursday.

"I think he will play," said Anderson.

"He's played one game for Sussex, he was around the team at Edgbaston and

Devastated Dimitrov retires injured while leading Sinner

A DEVASTATED Grigor

Dimitrov left Wimbledon in tears after being forced to retire injured when two sets up on world number one Jannik Sinner.

Bulgaria's Dimitrov led an enthralling contest 6-3 7-5 2-2 before he fell to the floor holding his right pectoral after serving an ace.

He appeared to be in serious discomfort following the incident and Sinner immediately rushed over to help.

Dimitrov received medical treatment after returning to his chair and then briefly left the court, before returning in tears to shake Sinner's hand.

He left Centre Court to a standing ovation but was barely able to lift his right arm to wave in appreciation, with Sinner accompanying him off court.

It is the latest in a string of injury struggles for the 34-year-old, who retired injured from his first-round matches at the Australian Open and French Open.

It means Italian top seed Sinner is into the quarter-finals at SW19 for a second time - but the three-time major winner said afterwards it was "not the way we wanted it to end".

In a cruel twist of irony, Sinner had also taken a medical timeout midway through the second set for an apparent elbow injury.

He had looked uncomfortable following a fall in the opening game but seemed to be rediscovering some

bowled a bit. I just feel like you've got to play him. It's too crucial a game not to."

England head coach

sharpness when Dimitrov's injury occurred.

More injury heartbreak for Dimitrov

The latter stages of Dimitrov's career have been plagued by injury.

No other player has been forced to retire injured from ATP Tour matches more often than Dimitrov, who has now quit 12 matches.

Remarkably, he has retired injured on each of his past five Grand Slam appearances, including at this year's French and Australian Opens.

It is an unfortunate run for the man once nicknamed 'baby Fed' because of the similarity of his game to eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, who watched on from the Royal Box on Monday.(BBC Sport)

Dimitrov was emotional from the moment he felt the injury and did not do a news conference afterwards as he had his injury assessed. (BBC Sport)

Brendon McCullum said Archer is "ready to go" and will "come into calculations".

Archer's return could come as part of a refresh of an England attack that looked weary in conceding scores of 587 and 427-6 declared at Edgbaston.

India's match total of 1,014 was the fourth-highest amount of runs scored by one team in a single Test.

Chris Woakes could be retained, partly because of an excellent record at Lord's, where he has taken 32 wickets at an average of 12.90.

If Woakes is omitted, Sam Cook would be the most like-for-like replacement in the England squad.

Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue seem more likely to be rested, especially as the Durham bowler has been

struggling with foot problems.

Archer would take one spot, leaving another for Gus Atkinson or Jamie Overton.

Atkinson is back in the squad after suffering a hamstring injury against Zimbabwe in May but may not be ready for this Test, leaving Surrey team-mate Overton in line for his second Test cap, three years after his first.

"Whatever England go with, it's a huge risk," said former England captain Michael Vaughan.

"I would have loved to see Archer play a bit more cricket. England believe he has done enough in terms of workload."(BBC Sport)

CWI pays tribute to the late former Leeward Islands player Jim Allen

ST JOHN’S, AntiguaCricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday paid tribute to Jim Allen, the former Montserrat and Leeward Islands cricketer who recently passed away at the age of 73.

He was widely regarded as Montserrat’s greatest cricketer, having represented the island from 1969 to 1984. Allen became the first professional Montserratian sportsperson when he began playing in England during the northern summer, turning out for teams in the Lancashire and Cheshire Leagues.

An attacking right-handed batsman with an unorthodox, open-chest, wide-leg batting stance,

Allen was soon considered an exciting and dynamic player.

Allen’s best season was 1976/77, where he scored 559 first-class runs with his

Fletcher's blazing 118 ends

highest score of 150.

This form led to a lucrative offer to join the World Series Cricket competition when it commenced in Australia in late 1977. Following the end of World Series Cricket, Allen returned to the West Indies for the 1978/79 season, where he scored his highest firstclass score, a heartwarming 161 against Jamaica.

Upon his retirement, Allen had scored 3,067 first-class runs at an average of 34.07.

Chris Dehring, CEO of Cricket West Indies, reflected on Allen’s impact on the regional game.

“In addition to being a former first-class cricketer, Jim Allen was a mentor,

and father figure to several young players. He had this amazing ability to simplify cricket and made the game a spectacle to his peers and fans across the region.

Jim was a gifted player with great hand-eye coordination, and a hard-hitting middle-order batsman who terrorised bowlers throughout the region. He loved the game of cricket and always played with a smile on his face.” said Dehring

“We are forever indebted to pioneers like him who paved the way with distinction and pride.” CWI extends deepest condolences to the family of this Caribbean cricketing pioneer and hero.

Knight Riders' campaign on a high and derails Unicorns' top-two bid

ANDRE Fletcher signed off Major League Cricket 2025 in style, cracking a scintillating 118 to lead Los Angeles Knight Riders to a thrilling 11-run (DLS) victory over San Francisco Unicorns in the final league game at Lauderhill on Sunday.

It was only Knight Riders' second win of the tournament, but it proved to be a decisive blow to the Unicorns' hopes of a top-two finish, condemning them to third place and a spot in the eliminator.

Fletcher, who brought up his second century of the tournament, was at his brutal best, smashing his way to 118

off just 58 balls, laced with an array of punishing strokes that included multiple sixes and boundaries. He shared two vital partnerships — 94 runs with Alex Hales (58

off 26) and 97 with Sherfane Rutherford (49 off 28) — as the Knight Riders piled up a mammoth 243 for 3 in a rain-shortened 19-over innings.

The carnage began early, with Knight Riders racing to 76 in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Hales, finding form at last after a lean stretch, was the early aggressor before Fletcher took full command. Once Hales departed, Fletcher and Rutherford maintained the pressure on the Unicorns’ attack, punishing anything loose and finding the boundary with relentless

(Turn to page 24)

James Anderson was in the England team the last time Jofra Archer played a Test, in 2021

Grigor Dimitrov has retired injured from the past five Grand Slams

The late Leeward Islands batter Jim Allen

Andre Fletcher celebrating the milestone

West Indies coach urges patience and accountability after Australia defeat

WEST

Indies head coach

Darren Sammy has admitted that senior opener and former captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s place in the Test side is under serious discussion following his poor form in the ongoing series against Australia.

Brathwaite, who played his 100th Test in Grenada, has looked out-of-sorts with the bat, and could be dropped for the final Test at Sabina Park, with Sammy confirming that “all options are on the table” after Sunday’s 133run defeat handed Australia a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

“Kraigg hasn’t looked good this series,” Sammy said of the former captain who has produced scores of 4,4, 0 and 7 in the two Tests against Australia this series. “In a team where you're searching for performances, you get very close to saying, okay, do we give somebody else a chance? We’ll have a good discussion — myself, the selection group, and the captain — about that particular situation.”

Set 277 to win, the West Indies collapsed for 143 on Day 4 in Grenada, continuing a worrying trend of fourth-in-

nings capitulations. It was the second time in as many Tests that the team failed to last beyond two sessions when chasing. “Not good enough, for sure,” Sammy said. “Yes, we all know we're playing against the Number One team in the world — four quality bowlers in the top 10 — but the display… we've just not shown, when it is tough, a way to absorb pressure.”

Sammy pointed to the lack of application and technical discipline in the top order as a recurring issue. “The glimpse where we looked like we could compete was when we had the intent to score, balanced off with proper technique,” he explained. “If you look at the pitch, it was more challenging on the stumps, so you needed to have proper technique. Look at Steve Smith; how he played very leg-side-ish, but when the ball was on the stumps, he respected it.”

He added, “We had a lot of LBWs, probably from being too aggressive on a good length. And these guys [Australia] were relentless on that length. So, a little bit of mindset; a little bit of technical work has to be done.”

The head coach was also

a rare achievement against one of the top sides in the world. “Our bowling; we can’t fault it. They've gotten 40 wickets. I don't know when last we did that against a top-three team in two Test matches," he said, adding: "Yes, there could be more improvement in discipline, but they’re doing their jobs. It’s just that our batting has not been up to par against a really good attack.”

nical deficiencies that carry from the Under-19 level up to the senior side.”

critical of his team’s performances after the lunch interval. In both matches, the post-lunch sessions proved pivotal. “When you break down the game in both matches, that second session after lunch changed the game,” Sammy said. “In Barbados, we had them four down, then Carey, Webster, and Travis Head steadied them. But for some reason, after lunch, we just lose momentum — whether we’re batting or bowling.”

Despite the defeats, Sammy praised his bowlers, who claimed all 40 Australian wickets across the two Tests;

He acknowledged that many of the problems with West Indies batting are systemic, and linked to regional infrastructure and player development. “It’s hard to produce the quality of batsmen we want to compete when you look at the surfaces we play on. We barely have guys averaging over 40 in regional cricket. That makes it hard to develop technically-sound players. There’s always doubt.”

“We’ve looked at it very closely — myself, the Director of Cricket, the franchise system. We’re trying to change that — sending the head groundsman around, trying to get the sort of wickets that allow batsmen to trust their technique,” he said. “We also have some tech -

ICC announces Sanjog Gupta as new Chief Executive Officer

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Sanjog is a highly respected figure in global media and entertainment and sports ecosystems and joins the ICC with more than two decades of cross-functional experience.

He becomes the seventh CEO of the ICC and joins from JioStar where he was CEO – Sports & Live Experiences.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah welcomed the news of Sanjog's appointment and is looking forward to working alongside him.

“I am pleased to announce that Sanjog Gupta has been appointed as the CEO of the ICC. Sanjog brings extensive experience in sports strategy and commercialisation, which will be invaluable for the ICC," Shah said.

“His deep understanding

of the global sports as well as M&E landscape combined with his continued curiosity about the cricket fan’s perspective and passion for technology will prove essential in our ambition to grow the game in the coming years.

Our goal is to move beyond traditional boundaries and establish cricket as a regular sport in the Olympics, growing its expanse across the

world and deepening its roots in its core markets.

“We considered several exceptional candidates for this position, but the Nominations Committee unanimously recommended Sanjog. The ICC Board Directors look forward to working closely with him, and I would like to welcome him on behalf of everyone at the ICC.”

Sanjog will commence his new role on July 7 and is keen to continue the recent growth of cricket around the world.

“It is a privilege to have this opportunity, especially at a time when cricket is poised for unprecedented growth and enjoys the passionate support of almost two billion fans worldwide," he said.

"These are exciting times for the sport as marquee events grow in stature, commercial avenues widen and opportunities such as the women’s game scale in popularity. Cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028

Olympic Games and the rapid acceleration of technology deployment/adoption could act as force-multipliers for the Cricket movement around the world.

“I look forward to contributing to the next phase of cricket’s evolution, expanding its global footprint, enhancing the fan experience, and working closely with ICC Member Boards to build on our strong foundations.”

Sanjog began his career as a journalist and joined Star India (now JioStar) in 2010 and over the years, held multiple leadership roles across content, programming and strategy.

He became Head of Sports at Disney and Star India in 2020, playing a key role in scaling the Sports portfolio, including multi-language, digital-first and women-focused coverage.

He was appointed CEO of JioStar Sports in November 2024. (ICC Media)

Still, Sammy believes his team has had enough opportunities to compete, even against elite opposition like Australia, but has lacked the fight and mental toughness to seize key moments. “In spite of everything — the surfaces, the technical issues — we still find ourselves in positions to win and compete,” he said.

“That’s where we need more mental toughness, more discipline. You can’t be batting 60 overs while your opponent bats 80 and scores at nearly four an over. You’re always 150 behind. We need to strike a balance — score quicker, yes, but also bat longer.”

He also reaffirmed his support for assistant coach Floyd Reifer, who he said has been working tirelessly with the batters behind the scenes. “Poor Floyd; he's been working really hard with the guys. Hopefully all the stuff I see him do in training, they’ll have the confidence to execute that out there in the middle.”

Sammy confirmed that the final Test at Sabina Park

will be a historic day-night pink-ball match — the first of its kind to be played in Jamaica. “Yes, I’ve been told that there will be a pink-ball Test in Jamaica — a historic event,” he said. “So when we get to Jamaica, we’ll get the pink balls and start training. I haven’t had my phone all day — maybe you've heard more than me — but as far as I know, it’s a day-night Test.”

Though the defeats have been heavy, Sammy says he remains fully committed to the process of rebuilding West Indies cricket, even in the face of what he described as a “baptism of fire.”

“I enjoy my job. I understand the mission — what the Director of Cricket and I are trying to do. I’ve always blocked out the outside noise. I trust in my ability, I trust in my staff,” he said. “I looked at the schedule and saw Australia, India, and New Zealand and I was like, wow — that’s a baptism of fire. But I’ve enjoyed it.”

“The results haven’t shown yet, but some of the attitudes are changing. The players are buying into what we’re building, and that gives me hope.” (Sportsmax)

Dr Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira honoured by CWI in Barbados

Reds Perreira is greeted by Barbados Prime Minister, The Hon. Mia Mottley

THE venerable and legendary sportscaster Dr Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira was recently honoured by Cricket West Indies (CWI) along with many iconic cricketing luminaries at the 1975 World Cup winning anniversary celebrations. At the gala affair, Perreira

was honoured for his radio commentary of all the West Indies matches during the inaugural tournament, along with the late Tony Cozier. Accompanying him was his wife, Zandra.

Guests stayed at the iconic Sam Lord’s Castle (now Barbados Wyndham).

WI head coach Darren Sammy speaking at the press conference

Sanjog Gupta appointed new ICC Chief Executive Officer

'Legend' Lara should keep Test record - Mulder

SOUTH Africa's Wiaan Mulder said it is "exactly the way it should be" for Brian Lara to hold on to his record for the highest individual score in a Test innings.

Mulder, leading the Proteas for the first time, declared on himself at lunch on day two of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and finished with 367 not out.

He was 33 runs behind the 400 not out West Indies legend Lara made against England in Antigua in 2004.

The 27-year-old opted against a shot at one of Test cricket's most iconic records, instead declaring South Africa's first innings on 626-5 and said it was in the team's best interests, but also to respect Lara's legendary status in the game.

"First things first, I

thought we'd got enough, and we need to bowl," Mulder told South African broadcaster SuperSport.

"And secondly Brian Lara is a legend, let's be real. He got 400 against England and for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special.

"If I get the chance again I'd probably do the same thing. I was speaking to our coach Shukri Conrad and he kind of said to me, 'Listen, let the legends keep the really big scores'.

"And you never know what my fate or whatever you want to call it, or what's destined for me, but I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be."

Mulder instead ended with the fifth-highest individual score, and best by a South African.

Lara's effort in Antigua 21 years ago was the second time he broke the record.

He made 375, also against England, in 1994, before Australia's Matthew Hayden passed that with 380 against Zimbabwe in Perth in 2003.

The other score ahead of Mulder is the 374 by Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in 2006.

Mulder is South Africa's third different captain in as many Tests following injuries to Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj.

The all-rounder was batting at number three, a position he was only promoted to at the end of last year after much of his 21-Test career was spent in the lower-middle order.

This was only his third time reaching three figures in Test cricket and followed a 147 in the second innings

of the first Test against Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe were all out for 170 in response and finished 51-1 at the close of play after Mulder enforced the follow-on.

Highest individual scores in Test cricket

400* - Brian Lara for West Indies v England, Antigua 2004

380 - Matthew Hayden for Australia v Zimbabwe, Perth 2003

375 - Brian Lara for West Indies v England, Antigua 1994

374 - Mahela Jayawardene for Sri Lanka v South Africa, Colombo 2006

367* - Wiaan Mulder for South Africa v Zimbabwe, Bulawayo 2025 Mulder began the day on 264 out of South Africa's overnight 465-4. On the

opening day, he was bowled on 247 by Zimbabwe's Tanaka Chivanga, only for replays to show Chivanga had over-stepped for a no-ball.

His triple-century was only the second by a South African, after Hashim Amla's 311 not out against England at The Oval in 2012. Mulder reached 300 from 297 balls, the second-fastest in Test cricket after the 278 taken by India's Virender Sehwag against South Africa in 2008.

In reaching 367 at the interval and with almost four full days remaining in the Test, Mulder had enough time to attempt to break Lara's record without negatively impacting South Africa's chances of victory.

Yet he opted against batting on, possibly out of respect for the legendary Lara.

Overall, this was the 33rd individual score in excess of 300 in Test cricket.

Mulder also passed up the opportunity to notch only the 12th quadruple century in first-class cricket.

The record for the highest first-class score is also held by Lara for his 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994.

Coincidentally, Mulder was on the field for the last quadruple-century in firstclass cricket - he was in the Leicestershire side against whom Glamorgan's Sam Northeast amassed 410 not out in 2022.

The move has echoes of then Australia captain Mark Taylor declaring on himself 334 not out against Pakistan in 1998, having equalled the great Don Bradman's highest score by an Australian. That record then went to Hayden five years later.

Wiaan Mulder's 367 not out is the fifth-highest individual score in Test history

KFC National Schools Basketball Festival

Kwakwani capture U16, U18 and Girls titles

Kwakwani Secondary Boys’ U-18 Title winners with officials and Trophy

Kwakwani Secondary Girls’ title winners

Kwakwani U-16 Boys’ NDBF Champions with officials after collecting their trophy