President Dr. Irfaan Ali participated in a roundtable discussion focused on
Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The session was chaired by
Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. [ Office of the President Photo]
‘Behind every road fatality is a family shattered’
— Minister Walrond urges ‘shared responsibility’ for safer roads as Road Safety Month launched
MINISTER of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has called on all Guyanese to take personal responsibility for road safety, emphasising that careful and responsible driving must become a national habit if the country is to reduce road accidents and fatalities.
She was speaking on Friday at the launch of National
Road Safety Month 2025, held under the theme, “Careful Driving Saves Lives.”
Minister Walrond reminded citizens that the loss of life on the country’s roadways extends far beyond statistics, touching families, communities, and the nation’s future.
“Road safety is not just a matter of law; it is a matter of life,” Walrond said. “Every
year, too many of our brothers and sisters leave home full of plans and purpose, only for their journeys to end in tragedy. Behind every road fatality is a family shattered, a child left without a parent, a community robbed of potential.”
The minister underscored that road safety must be viewed through multiple
lenses, not only as a transport concern, but as a public health, economic, and human issue.
“As a nation, we must continue to act with urgency, compassion, and shared responsibility to protect lives on our roadways,” she stated.
CHANGING
ATTITUDES, SAVING LIVES
The minister said this year’s theme captures the core of Guyana’s national road-safety campaign, noting that careful driving requires alertness, patience, and discipline, not only for one’s own safety but also for the protection of all who share the road.
According to Walrond, responsible driving extends beyond simply following the law. It involves conscious, everyday choices that prevent tragedies.
“Responsible driving is more than obeying laws; it means putting down your phone, wearing your helmet, never driving under the influence, and respecting speed limits. These small actions can mean the difference between life and death. A single moment of carelessness can end a life and alter many more forever,” she explained.
The minister noted that Guyana has made significant strides in improving enforcement and road-safety systems in recent years.
The Guyana Police Force has expanded the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and digital monitoring, enhancing traffic management and enforcement through initiatives such as Operation Road Sentinel and Safe Corridors, which have already helped reduce traffic offences and fatalities in key regions.
Still, Walrond stressed that the next phase of Guyana’s road-safety strategy is focused on changing attitudes and behaviours.
“While enforcement continues to be strong, our focus this year is on changing attitudes, because true safety begins in the mind before it reaches the road,” she said.
She explained that the
Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force remain steadfast in advancing a strategy built on “enforcement, education, and engineering.”
Plans for the coming year include the continued use of smart technology to detect traffic violations in real time, expanded driver education and training for public and commercial operators, and greater collaboration with the Ministry of Education to strengthen road-safety education in schools.
The minister also urged all citizens, including passengers and pedestrians, to play an active role.
“If you are a passenger, speak up when a driver is reckless. Be alert, use pedestrian crossings, and follow road-safety rules. Let us make careful driving a national habit, a reflection of who we are as a people: responsible and caring for one another,” she appealed.
Walrond reaffirmed that the government’s goal remains clear and unwavering: “To make Guyana’s roads safer for all users.”
‘THE DEVIL IS LOOSE ON OUR ROADWAYS’ Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh described road safety as one of the most pressing issues facing the nation. He warned that reckless behaviour on the roads is causing serious harm to families and communities.
“It seems as though the devil is loose on our roadways, taking lives and leaving behind grief,” he said, while adding that recklessness on the road has resulted in families losing loved ones and facing immense sorrow.
He stressed that personal responsibility on the
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond
Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh
Balanced, fair energy transition must not protect the wealthy
— President Ali says most expensive, highest carbon footprint productions should be phased out first in just transition
REAFFIRMING the need to balance climate ambitions with economic realities, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has made a case for fossil fuels to remain integral to meet the current energy demands, particularly in developing nations, while the world simultaneously builds the financing mechanisms needed for sustainability.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil on Friday, Dr. Ali noted that the global energy demand has risen by seven per cent over the past three years, with fossil fuels accounting for 60 per cent of that growth.
He stressed that while the world agrees on the need to transition away from fossil fuels, the real question is how to manage that fairly and realistically.
GUYANA’S
BALANCED PATH
“The real question is, how, how do we manage this transition in a way that is just, rules-based and equitable… Simple calls for new producers to leave it in the ground are, in reality, a form of protectionism. It is a form of protectionism protecting those who are already wealthy as incumbents,” Dr. Ali asserted.
He suggested that a new transition must instead phase out the highest carbon footprints and most expensive productions and allow for the low-carbon and responsibly managed productions to meet the demand.
Though now an oil-producing nation, Guyana equally boasts a carbon sink, having maintained its standing forest for decades.
The country hopes to conserve its forest while pursuing its economic targets, as one of the largest per capita oil-producing nations, with targets set to increase daily
production to more than one million barrels.
The country has been using its oil revenues to transform its landscape, making investments in health, education, infrastructure and social initiatives.
“We must have a viable plan. We must have the least efficient, phased out first and that is the way we will get to the targets that all of us want to so badly achieve,”
President Ali said, noting that this will require global rules, carbon prices that reflect real costs, the removal of fossil fuel subsidies and competition based on carbon intensity and not legacy.
“If we can balance these two tracks, investing in increasing the energy of the future while managing fairly the decline of the energy sources of today, then the transition will be science-based, predictable and fair,” he said.
He reminded that fossil fuels still provide more than
‘Behind every road fatality ...
From page 2 road cannot be transferred and must be exercised with humility and respect for others. According to him, every road user has a vital role to play in ensuring safety.
“Road safety is everyone’s business. Each of us must practise responsibility and the five Cs of defensive driving,” he added.
Singh urged citizens to treat road safety with the same importance as major economic activities, comparing it to the value of national resources.
“Promote road safety as if it were the next champion of economic earnings—just like oil. When you are alive, you can enjoy the benefits.”
The Traffic Chief also highlighted the human cost of road accidents in 2025, noting that 108 persons have lost their lives so far this year.
80 per cent of the world’s energy and referenced the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) projection that even in a net-zero scenario, oil demand will decline only gradually — from 100 million barrels per day today to 72 million by 2030, and 24 million by 2050.
“None of this is easy and it does not fit neatly into the narratives peddled by some, but it is only by grafting
these difficult challenges together that we will get there. We have to get there together. We have to bring all the stakeholders around this table. We cannot get there by extreme position. We have to get there through a balanced approach,” Dr. Ali said passionately, making a clarion call for greater collaboration among leaders.
President Ali urged leaders to move beyond slogans and work together on a science-based, equitable, and practical plan for achieving net zero.
“This COP gives us the chance to move beyond simplistic slogans that imply the transition is easy or that there is only one path forward. It allows us to focus on how to make it work, grounded in science, economic reality and fairness to succeed,” he added.
Gov’t successfully recovers over $1B in overpayments - AG Report
THE 2024 report from the Audit Office of Guyana has revealed that ministries and regional administrations have successfully recovered 100 per cent of all overpayments on contracts, marking a significant milestone in public financial accountability.
According to the report, a total of 829 contracts valued at $48.19 billion were examined for the year under review. The audit found that overpayments amounting to $1.011 billion were made under 86 contracts administered by various ministries and regional bodies.
Of that amount, $902 million in overpayments were identified under 37 contracts executed through the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and several key ministries including Foreign Affairs, Local Government, Amerindian Affairs, Agriculture, Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Public Works, Human Services and Social
Security, Education, Culture Youth and Sport, Health and Home Affairs, as well as the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.
The remaining $109.99 million in overpayments were recorded under 49 contracts administered by nine of the 10 Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).
The Audit Office noted that Region Five was the only RDC where no overpayments were discovered for the 2024 period.
Crucially, the report confirmed that all instances of overpayment were addressed
promptly.
“All amounts overpaid were recovered by way of repayments and by contractors revisiting the respective projects and completing the unfinished or outstanding works for which the payments had already been received,” the Audit Office stated.
The report commended the ministries and regions for their responsiveness and accountability, describing the recovery as “a crucial step towards ensuring fiscal discipline and integrity in public spending.”
President Dr. Irfaan Alli
Scenes from the launch of National Road Safety Month, 2025
‘Don’t call me, let the police do their job’
—PM Phillips urges
PRIME
MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President, has issued a firm call for integrity and accountability in public office, declaring that those in leadership must lead by example and allow the police to enforce the law without political interference.
“People know how I operate — don’t call me for that. If you break the law, face the consequence,” the Prime Minister stated during the official launch of Road Safety Month 2025 at the Bush Lot Community Centre on Friday.
“When we, in positions, do not get involved and allow the police to do the work, that also contributes to safety on our streets,” he warned.
Phillips revealed that he has personally rejected requests from individuals seeking to intervene in traffic-related matters, even from within his own family.
“I get the calls, but I tell them no. The police have their job to do,” he said, adding that such discipline among leaders sends “the
leaders to set the example, allow law enforcement to act independently
right signal” to the public and strengthens confidence in law enforcement.
“We cannot expect discipline in our streets if we keep undermining the people enforcing the law,” he cautioned, urging officials across sectors to respect the independence of the police and uphold the rule of law.
The Prime Minister linked accountability in leadership to broader efforts to curb road accidents, describing road safety as “everybody’s business.”
Between 2020 and 2024, Guyana recorded 642 deaths from 574 fatal accidents, including 24 children.
“As a Government, we recognise that road safety is a shared responsibility that demands collaboration between ministries, enforcement agencies, the private sector and every citizen. Our commitment remains steadfast,” he affirmed.
Phillips outlined several government-led interventions, including the Smart Road Initiative, which employs automated radar, speed limit and seatbelt detection systems and a comprehensive
education drive targeting schools and communities.
He stressed that the administration’s approach is data-driven, focusing on identifying accident hotspots and behavioural risks to improve infrastructure, lighting and signage in high-risk areas.
“Education is the first step, enforcement ensures adherence and empathy makes it lasting,” the Prime Minister said, calling on parents, teachers and students to make traffic safety part of daily learning.
Reiterating his appeal for behavioural change, Phillips reminded motorists that vehicles are “a privilege, not a weapon.” He urged all road users to practise the five Cs of safe driving — care, caution, courtesy, consideration and common sense.
“Our roads should not be places of fear. They should link communities, carry families safely and support our national development. Careful driving truly saves lives,” he underscored.
The month-long observance, themed “Careful Driving Saves Lives,” is spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs in partnership with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC).
Man acquitted of murder, attempted murder following Chief Justice ruling
SHAWN George, who had been indicted for the murder of Michael Scott and the attempted murder of Jimmy Thomas, was acquitted and released after appearing before Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara on Thursday.
The accused, represented by defence attorney Glendon Greenidge, had pleaded not guilty to both charges upon arraignment.
Prosecutors Christopher Belfield, Simran Gajraj, and
Geneva Wills had alleged that George, along with others, shot and chopped Scott to death between May 24 and 29, 2023, in Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
They also alleged that he later attempted to kill Thomas, who was reportedly shot once in the stomach following the shooting of Scott.
At the hearing, the Chief Justice upheld a no-case submission submitted by Greenidge, ruling that the prosecution had failed to meet the required burden of proof.
Consequently, the 12-member jury was directed to return a formal not-guilty verdict, clearing George of all charges.
Speaking after his re -
lease, George expressed his joy and relief at finally regaining his freedom following an extended period in prison.
“I am just so thankful to be home and free after all this time,” he said, visibly elated. Greenidge, George’s attorney, explained that the accused had faced serious charges.
“Mr. George was indicted for the murder of Michael Scott and the attempted murder of Jimmy Thomas around the same time. The Chief Justice upheld the no-case submission, ruling that the burden of proof was not discharged by the State,” he said.
With the ruling, George is now a free man.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President, delivers remarks at the launch of Road Safety Month 2025 held at the Bush Lot Community Centre, Region Five
Shawn George (left) and his attorney, Glendon Greenidge, were pictured at the High Court on Thursday
1,345 graduate as trained teachers
––
Minister
GUYANA continues to inch closer to achieving the goal of having all teachers across the country fully trained, as some 1,345 new teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) on Friday.
The college held its 92nd graduation exercise on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium, during which Minister of Education Sonia Parag congratulated the cohort for their perseverance and for completing the journey to become trained teachers.
It was against this backdrop that she underscored that as Guyana continues its rapid transformation; the country’s human capital must also transform with it.
“The country cannot
Parag
announces new programmes, expansion of CPCE
physically transform without our human capital, which is our most valuable asset, transforming with it,” she said while adding that teachers are an integral part of that process.
The minister went on to describe the teaching profession as one of the highest forms of service to humanity and urged the newly trained teachers to uphold the integrity, compassion and lifelong learning as they enter classrooms across the nation.
Speaking on the strides made towards achieving the goal of having 100 per cent trained teachers across the country, Parag noted that with this new cohort, the country’s trained teacher
population moves to approximately 68 per cent, even as the number of trained teachers in the hinterland regions will rise to nearly 92 per cent.
The positive strides made are part of the government’s vision, which was championed by President Dr Irfaan Ali to ensure that every teacher across all administrative regions receives training.
Giving a breakdown of the numbers of the 2025 cohort by region, Parag stated that Region One produced 135 graduates, Region Two 164, Region Three 169, Region Four 304, Region Five 119, Region Seven 35, Region Eight 23, and Region Nine 76.
These figures, she not -
ed, add to the 6,083 trained graduate teachers who have successfully completed the programme between 2020 and 2025.
Over that period, the number of graduates steadily increased from 509 in 2020 to 845 in 2021, 1,046 in 2022, 1,837 in 2023, and 1,501 in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Minister announced an expansion of the offerings at CPCE, noting that the college will now provide specialisation programmes for secondary trainees in Geography, History, Chemistry, Physics, French and Portuguese.
Added to this, they will now offer a one-year training course for Guidance and
Counselling officers and a six-week programme designed for parents of children with special needs, which she noted was a stride toward inclusive education.
“We are most certainly moving as if we are working towards world-class education,” Parag said. “You, the teachers, will contribute to ensuring that we achieve universal secondary education.”
Meanwhile, the education minister reminded the graduates that their work will influence generations and urged them to remain focused despite the everyday pressures of the profession.
Further to this, Parag used her personal words as a charge to the graduating class, telling them, “Teach with passion, lead with kindness and aim to inspire every day. You are changing lives, one lesion at a time.”
The Minister further noted, “You are the future nurturers of Guyana.”
National Economic Survey to begin November 10 across four regions
THE Bureau of Statistics has announced that it will commence the National Economic Survey on November 10, 2025, targeting businesses across Regions Two, Three, Four, and Six.
The exercise aims to gather vital data from a wide range of industries to strengthen Guyana’s economic planning and development strategies.
According to the Bureau, “some businesses in key sectors and broad geographic areas have been randomly selected for the survey sample.”
The initiative forms part of the agency’s legal responsibility under the Statistics Act, Chapter 19:09, to collect
national economic data.
The Bureau emphasised that “it is the legal responsibility of all business owners selected as part of the sample to participate in this exercise,” noting that areas of focus include “business performance, outputs and intermediate costs.”
To ensure smooth operations, trained enumerators from the Bureau will visit the selected businesses during regular operating hours. These enumerators “will be equipped with an official agency badge, a Tablet computer, and an introduction letter confirming their authorisation to conduct the survey.”
Businesses will have two
A Bureau of Statistics enumerator engages a business owner using a tablet-based questionnaire as part of the National Economic Survey, which begins November 10 across Regions Two, Three, Four, and Six
options to participate — either through “tablet-based interviews, which the enumerator will conduct,” or via
“self-enumeration through a secure web link or QR code that the enumerator will share.”
The Bureau explained that data collected will help “analyse growth patterns across industries such as retail trade, construction, manufacturing, transport, finance, hospitality, health and education,” and will play a key role in improving the computation of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Accurate, timely data helps businesses identify new market opportunities, assess industry performance, and align with national trends,” the Bureau noted, adding that the findings will also inform government policies in areas such as “job creation, wage levels, infrastructure investment, and public services.”
The release further as -
sured the public that all responses will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
“Staff of the Bureau of Statistics are bound by the Statistics Act to ensure the confidentiality of all information collected,” it stated. “No information about businesses’ finances will be made public or provided to any other agency for taxation or any other purpose.”
The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to producing reliable and comprehensive socio-economic data, which will be “provided to the public in an aggregated format, at the regional and industry levels.”
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag (DPI photo)
1,345 persons on Friday graduated as trained teachers
Forests, finance, and the future we share
AT the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, President Dr. Irfaan Ali delivered a message that should echo far beyond the conference halls.
His call for collaboration over confrontation, and for action over rhetoric, came at a time when the world can no longer afford the paralysis of indecision.
For too long, global climate summits have been high on speeches but low on delivery.
As President Ali rightly pointed out, “Our challenge is not to dismiss COPs but to fix the machinery of co-operation.” It is a sober truth.
The developing world, often the first to feel the brunt of the climate crisis, continues to bear a disproportionate share of its consequences.
The devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, which recently tore through Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas, is a stark reminder that the climate emergency is neither theoretical nor distant.
Dr. Ali’s intervention stood out for its realism. He did not seek to divide the world
into villains and victims, nor did he resort to simplistic blame games.
Instead, he advanced a vision of shared responsibility rooted in pragmatism and equity.
His appeal, to accelerate the global energy transition, expand adaptation financing, and anchor forest conservation as a permanent fixture on the global climate agenda, spoke directly to the practical work that must now be done.
President Ali’s insistence on a dual approach, expanding renewable energy while ensuring energy security, reflects the complexity of the global transition.
In a world increasingly powered by artificial intelligence and data systems, energy demand is surging even as the imperative to decarbonise intensifies.
The President’s point that “responsible producers must be included in the source for solutions” underscores a reality that too many policymakers ignore: fossil fuel producers, particularly those pursuing low-carbon pathways, must be partners in the transition, not pariahs.
Equally compelling was Dr. Ali’s de-
mand that forest conservation move from the margins to the mainstream of climate policy.
Forests currently absorb about one-third of global carbon emissions and remain the most cost-effective mitigation tool available.
Yet, year after year, they struggle for attention amid debates dominated by energy transition narratives. Guyana’s own Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 is a model for how countries can leverage forest resources sustainably, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Perhaps the most urgent aspect of President Ali’s address was his call for greater adaptation financing.
While the world debates net-zero targets decades into the future, millions in vulnerable nations are already living, and dying, with the consequences of climate change.
For them, adaptation is not policy, it is survival. Investing in resilience protects lives, stabilises economies, and prevents displacement and conflict.
Yet, global financing for adaptation remains paltry compared to mitigation spending.
President Ali’s argument is therefore both moral and practical: it is in the world’s collective interest to fortify the most exposed regions against the storms, droughts, and floods that are already inevitable.
In a polarised world where environmental debates often degenerate into ideological battles, Dr. Ali’s closing appeal to “shun extremism and instead promote collaboration” was both timely and profound.
Climate change, he reminded leaders, will not be solved by division — only by co-operation grounded in fairness, science, and shared commitment.
As COP30 continues in Belém, President Ali’s message should resonate as a guiding principle: that the climate crisis demands not new slogans, but new solidarity. From the rainforests of the Amazon to the coastal plains of the Caribbean, the time has come to turn promises into progress, not next year, not at the next COP, but now.
Buxton vendors to relocate to facilitate road-construction project
VENDORS who conduct business along the Railway Embankment in Buxton along the East Coast of Demerara will soon be relocated to allow the completion of the ongoing road works.
Minister of Public Works
Bishop Juan Edghill, along with his technical team, inspected the area on Friday, which will be constructed into a market tarmac. The vendors will still be able to continue their 24-hour operations.
He made it clear that the property is the government’s and falls under the Bux -
ton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
With 42 vendors already identified for relocation, the minister has asked the NDC to select representatives from among them to advocate for their collective interests.
The market tarmac will be upgraded to create a more attractive and comfortable environment for vendors, with newly designed stalls. It will include modern amenities such as washroom facilities and adequate lighting. The work is anticipated to be completed within three weeks.
“You’re going to continue to vend until the tarmac is completed, and then we’ll transition. I’ll come back within three weeks, which will take us to the end of November, and you will have your facility for Christmas,” the minister noted.
Minister Edghill also spoke with residents whose properties are in the alignment of the ongoing road-widening project.
He informed them that the structures must be removed in the coming week to allow the works to proceed. [DPI]
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill with residents and vendors of the Buxton community (DPI photos)
Asgar Ali’s naïve understanding of international relations
FORMER Finance Minister in the 1992 Cheddi Jagan presidency rightly argues that Guyana needs American military assistance to deter the insane aggression of President Maduro of Venezuela.
I think 100 per cent of the Guyanese nation, in and out of Guyana, embraces the perspective that Guyana needs an enduring closeness with the US because of Maduro.
Those whose field is international relations would be inclined to lecture Ali in the study of international relations theories, because in his letter of October 29, 2025, in the Stabroek News. Ali displayed some misplaced notions about the history of world politics that come close to dangerous ignorance.
I pen this column in the hope of stopping younger minds from being influenced by some of the positions Mr Ali took regarding the sweeping remarks he made about dictators versus democrats. Before I do so, just a brief, valuable note to all Guyanese to reflect on.
No politician in Venezuela has denounced the illegal Venezuelan claim on Guyana and that includes the current opposition leader. What Guyanese need to think hard about is what happens in the future if a Venezuelan president comes to power and becomes a strategic ally of the US and continues Venezuelan aggression against Guyana. Can one safely predict what the US position will be?
Let’s return to some unacceptable misconceptions of Ali. For a man who was once close to one of the world’s leading protectors of the Third World, Cheddi Jagan, Mr Ali proves that he may have learnt nothing about the relations between small, poor states and big imperialist powers.
First, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is not an action that has simple interpretations, as Ali puts it. Countries that Ali thinks have “democratic” governments played a huge part in what occurred in Ukraine. Space would not allow me to educate Ali on that global item.
Next, Ali finds time to eulogise “democratic” countries for their role in supporting Ukraine, but strangely enough his pen failed him when he chose not to mention how those
very countries continue to send military hardware to a country whose government is one of the most brutal in history and whose prime minister is more terrible that Adolph Hitler and has created one of history’s most sadistic examples of genocide. I am referring to Israel, Netanyahu and Gaza.
Next, let’s quote Ali: “Small states simply cannot go it alone in an anarchic international system.” Scholarly research on the history of the pulverisation of small states in an anarchic international system by bigger powers would reveal that such pulverisation came more from big powers that had democratically elected leaders. I hope Ali remembers what happened to a man in the early 1970s, who Ali considers his hero – Cheddi Jagan.
Let’s educate Ali despite his long years in public service in Jamaica and Guyana. The concepts used to study international relations are not the same when it comes to domestic politics. The paradigms, perspectives and methodologies are different. Theorists of international relations based their findings on the behaviour of states in the international system.
The behaviour of states in international politics has nothing (absolutely) to do with their domestic political system. Someone needs to tell Ali that more small states have had their sovereignty violated by leaders of large countries who were democratically elected. Just to remind Ali that the longest war in the past 200 years, in which an invading army stayed in the invaded country, was the US in Afghanistan. President Biden pulled out of Afghanistan, saying that the US will not fight a forever war. The US presence lasted 20 years.
Next, Ali wrote that South Korea and Taiwan are threatened by dictators in the region. Obviously, he is referring to China. My reading of world politics does not inform me that South Korea is threatened by China. Most countries in the world have not granted recognition of sovereignty to Taiwan.
But let us focus on who is a dictator and who supports whom in the world. Why did Ali mention China and not the European
Union countries that support genocide in Israel? For countries that are threatened, South Korea and Taiwan live very happily and are top economies. No dictator has invaded them. But look at Gaza today; the entire place is demolished.
What I would like to know is, if Ali is telling small nations which country has a dictatorship and which has a democracy and they should line up with the democratic ones, even though they do not provide aid and investment.
Should small, developing countries care about which countries have dictators and which have democrats? Is that the business of small states? Or is their business to secure aid, trade and investments from countries that offer them such? I hope so.
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.
22 new Community Health Workers graduate in Region Seven
THE Ministry of Health has achieved another milestone in its mission to strengthen Guyana’s primary healthcare system with the graduation of 22 Community Health Workers (CHWs) from Region Seven (Cuyuni - Mazaruni).
The new graduates completed a six-month training programme under the Health Sciences Division’s decentralised training initiative. They hail from communities across Cashew Island, Upper and Middle Mazaruni, and will now return to serve within their own villages—bringing essential health services closer to residents in remote hinterland areas.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Bartica Centre Ground, was attended by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, and Director General of the Ministry, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, along with regional officials, residents, and other stakeholders.
In his address, Minister Anthony underscored the importance of training community members to serve their own populations.
“We decided to work with communities to identify and train local people who will return home to serve their own areas. This approach has proven far more effective,”
Dr Anthony stated. The Minister said the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s wider goal to ensure that every health facility across Guyana is staffed with
at least one or two trained Community Health Workers.
Encouraging the graduates to see their achievement as a stepping stone, Dr Anthony said, “Don’t see this as the end of the road. We want to provide opportunities for you to advance, from Community Health Worker to Nursing Assistant, Registered Nurse, and even
into specialised areas such as Midwifery and Medical Extension (Medex).”
overcoming the challenges of training in a remote region. “It was challenging sometimes, like waking up early and crossing the river every day, but I am very proud of myself today,” she said.
The Ministry of Health’s decentralised training initiative continues to expand access to healthcare in hinterland and riverine communities by ensuring residents are cared for by qualified personnel who understand their unique needs and challenges.
The graduation ceremony also saw the attendance of Bartica Mayor Anthony Murray, Regional Health Officer Dr Edward Sagala, Senior Operations Manager, Michael Gouveia and other regional representatives.
Among the graduates was Raius Leonard, who expressed joy and pride at completing the programme.
“I feel very honoured to be graduating now that all the hard work has paid off,” Leonard said.
Another graduate, Lucia Kalika, shared her experience
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to continuous professional development, noting that the Ministry has expanded training opportunities through hybrid and online models that allow health workers in far-flung regions to upgrade their skills without leaving their communities.
This latest batch of Community Health Workers represents the third cohort trained under the Region Seven programme, reinforcing the government’s longterm vision of universal, equitable, and community-driven healthcare delivery across Guyana.
Indigenous excellence shines as more than 200 hinterland teachers graduate
A TOTAL of 269 newly trained teachers from various hinterland regions have graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), bringing the percentage of hinterland-trained teachers now to an impressive 92 per cent.
Minister of Education Sonia Parag made the revelation during CPCE’s 92nd graduation ceremony at the National Stadium in Providence on Friday, where a total of 1,345 students graduated.
This number is significant since only 43 per cent of hinterland teachers were trained in 2020.
Eight received an additional 23 graduates.
“That should be applauded because Region Eight is a very difficult region in terms of its geography,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Region Nine has produced 76 graduates, underscoring the government’s ongoing investment in teacher training and education delivery in every corner of Guyana.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) interacted with some graduates from the hinterland to understand why they pursued the teaching profession.
Region Seven now has 35 new trained teachers, while Region
Region One now boasts 135 graduates, a significant increase from previous years.
“There weren’t many Mathematics teachers back at my school in Paramakatoi Secondary,” Chevy Edwin said.
This motivated the young educator to study at CPCE, and she is now qualified to deliver a high standard of teaching to her students back home.
Monkey Mountain’s Natalie King said she wanted to become a role model in her community, and so she made the bold step of pursuing an education at the CPCE. But her journey was not easy. “I am very proud of myself,” she said while speaking with the DPI.
The PPP/C Government has committed to having all hinterland teachers trained by 2026. [DPI]
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony (centre), Director General Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo and regional officials pose with the 22 newly graduated Community Health Workers from Region Seven during the ceremony held at the Bartica Centre Ground
Minister of Education
Sonia Parag speaking at Friday’s graduation ceremony
Proud siblings set to walk UG’s graduation stage
—Detail stories of collective triumphs in face of adversities
AS the University of Guyana (UG) prepares to host its 2025 graduation ceremonies, the spotlight will shine on three sets of siblings whose shared achievements embody the power of family, resilience and faith.
Among the 3,600 graduands set to cross the stage this November are the Jarvis brothers, the Bakhsh siblings and the Baljit sisters, each representing a story of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The university said the siblings’ accomplishments are “not merely personal milestones, but [are also] collective triumphs that speak to the strength of family, community, and determination in the face of challenges.”
THE JARVIS BROTHERS: TURNING LOSS INTO LEGACY
For the Jarvis brothers of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, this graduation is deeply emo-
hopes to pursue a career in family medicine, guided by compassion and purpose.
Andrew, 33, an auto electrician and athletics coach, credited faith and perseverance for his success.
“It was hard juggling everything, especially after losing our mother, but with God’s mercy, he pulled me through,” he said.
Together, the Jarvis brothers embody perseverance through pain, proof that with faith as their compass, even the darkest storms can lead to brighter days.
THE
BAKHSH SIBLINGS: STRENGTH IN UNITY
Siblings Julio and Amelia Bakhsh will graduate with degrees in Applied and Exploration Geology and General Psychology, respectively.
Growing up on the East Coast of Demerara, they endured long commutes, financial hardships and late-
while An-
tional. Jerron Jarvis will graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), while his brother Andrew will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Health and Safety.
“At the end of my first year, my youngest sibling died. By second year, I lost a close friend to cancer, and later, my mother suffered a major stroke. It broke me completely, but it was then I found God. He gave me peace when nothing else could,” Jerron shared.
“She always told me I’d be a doctor one day. I wanted to work alongside her…doctor and nurse, mother and son, and though she isn’t here, I know she’s proud,” he said with much pride.
Despite the unimaginable loss, Jerron persevered, crediting his faith, supportive friends, and siblings for helping him through. “God carried me. Even when I felt empty, He gave me strength.” He now
grees, and it means so much, given where we came from and where we are now,” Amelia said.
After completing a diploma in Geological Engineering in 2016, Julio began working at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to support his family. “It was difficult because I recently had a child, and most classes were in the evening, but my wife played a crucial role in my success, and I’m graduating top of my programme with a 3.8 GPA.”
Amelia’s path was equally challenging. Financial struggles initially delayed her degree, but she seized the opportunity to acquire a government scholarship in 2022.
Working full-time as a teacher while studying, Amelia often attended late classes and prepared lesson plans deep into the night. Her efforts have paid off; she will graduate with a 3.7 GPA and plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology.
Their success, the university noted, is “a powerful reminder that no obstacle is too great when determination leads the way.”
THE BALJIT SISTERS: FIRST IN THE FAMILY TO GRADUATE
From Betsy Ground Village, East Canje, Berbice, sisters Devika and Nandani Baljit will graduate with degrees in Medical Laboratory Science and Accountancy, becoming the first in their
“My parents made countless sacrifices and this achievement belongs to all of us. It reflects our hard work and determination, but also serves as inspiration for others to build a brighter future,” Nandani added.
Their journey began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when all classes were online. Frequent power outages and poor internet connectivity tested their patience, but the sisters refused to give up.
As in-person classes resumed, Devika moved to the university dorms in Georgetown, while Nandani continued studying from Berbice. The physical separation was difficult, but it taught them independence and perseverance.
“Being away from family was the hardest part. I had to learn to manage everything on my own while keeping up with my studies,” Devika shared. Yet, through the challenges, they remained each other’s motivation, sharing a Google Calendar to track assignments and check on each
other’s progress.
Despite the distance, the sisters supported each other closely, sharing schedules, motivation and faith. Devika hopes to serve at the New Amsterdam Hospital Laboratory, while Nandani plans to pursue certification as a professional accountant.
Across all three families, the stories share one unifying theme -- resilience. The university observed that “as they
cross the graduation stage this November, their caps may fly individually, but their success rise [sic] together.”
UG’s 2025 graduation ceremonies celebrate not only the achievements of its students, but also the spirit of unity and perseverance that defines its 62year legacy of educating over 71,000 alumni across Guyana and the wider region
“It’s
family to earn university qualifications.
“This moment feels like a dream we all shared,” Devika said.
study sessions to reach this milestone.
Jerron Jarvis will be graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS),
drew Jarvis will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Health and Safety
Siblings Amelia and Julio Bakhsh will be graduating with Bachelor of Science in General Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Applied and Exploration Geology, respectively.
Sisters Devika and Nandani Baljit will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, respectively.
Dr Mahadeo engages Region Six officials as patient advocate training programme is launched
DIRECTOR GENERAL
of the Ministry of Health and newly-appointed Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, on Thursday, met with key regional officials to discuss health system improvements and oversee preparations for the commencement of the Patient Advocate Training Programme in Region Six.
The meeting, which brought together Regional Chairman, Junior Basant; Vice Chairman, Wajid Khan; Regional Executive
Officer, Narendra Persaud; CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr Bobb, and Regional Health Officer, Dr Vinashri Kadar, focused primarily on enhancing the quality of patient care and reducing waiting times at health facilities across the region.
Following the high-level discussions, Dr Mahadeo and the team met with a group of individuals selected to participate in the new Patient Advocate Training, which officially began on Friday.
The initiative aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to improve patient interaction, triage emergencies efficiently, and strengthen overall service delivery at hospitals.
Dr Mahadeo outlined that the training will be continuous and competency-based, designed to ensure constant professional growth.
“The training will be ongoing. You will have an exam after two days, then work, and later return for additional training. This will be a continuous process to upgrade your skills. You will be trained to identify persons who are emergencies and those who can wait,” he explained.
He encouraged trainees to take advantage of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme to further their education in health-related disciplines such as Professional Nursing, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Assistant, Patient Care Assistant, and Laboratory Technician courses.
“Out of 5,000 people, you were chosen, and I’m confident each one of you will do well. I hope you will serve as patient advocates for a while and then move up into the nursing
programmes so we can continue building our health workforce,” Dr Mahadeo urged.
Also addressing the trainees was Liaison to the President, Mr. David Armogan, who underscored the importance of professionalism and empathy in patient advocacy.
“This is a different job from the ten-day work you might have done before. Here, you’ll represent patients — ensuring they are treated with respect and receive the attention they deserve. That’s the purpose of this programme,” Armogan said.
The Patient Advocate Programme is part of the Ministry of Health’s broader effort to enhance patient experience and accountability within the healthcare system. It will operate on a 24-hour, seven-day shift system, ensuring that advocates are always available to assist patients at hospitals throughout Region Six.
This initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare delivery across Guyana, ensuring that services are not only accessible but also delivered with compassion, efficiency, and dignity.
Pilot suspended as GCAA launches probe after aircraft mistakenly lands near Region Nine school
THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched its investigation into an incident involving an Air Services Limited Cessna 208 Grand Caravan, registration 8R-THR, which occurred near Lumidpau Primary School in Region Nine.
According to a statement issued on Friday, the authority said the incident
took place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, when “the pilot landed the aircraft in a non-designated area and subsequently took off from the said area.”
The release noted that the aircraft has since been grounded and “the pilot has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.” Air Services Limited has been officially notified
of the commencement of the inquiry.
The GCAA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stringent oversight of the aviation sector, stating that it “is dedicated to ensuring thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety.”
Former MP Devin Sears granted $400,000 bail
FORMER APNU+AFC
Parliamentarian Devin Sears was on Friday granted bail in the sum of $400,000 by Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh in connection with a narcotics trafficking charge.
Sears, 39, was previously remanded to prison last month after appearing before Magistrate Rushell Liverpool, charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge, while his co-accused, Albert Sandy, a 69-year-old farmer of Tacama Waterfront, Upper Berbice River, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.
Although Sandy took full responsibility for the 310.71 kilogrammes of marijuana
discovered in the vehicle, Magistrate Liverpool had nonetheless remanded Sears pending further investigation.
The matter has been adjourned to November 11, 2025, before the Linden Magistrates’ Court for report and disclosure.
Sears is being represented by Attorneys-at-Law Bernard Da Silva and Nigel Hughes. The charges stem from a major drug ‘bust’ that occurred on Monday, October 20, in the vicinity of the old Bamia Police Checkpoint in Linden.
The police on mobile patrol stopped a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus bearing registration number BAJ 4486, which is registered to the Region 10 Tourism Committee Inc.
According to the police
report, Sears, who was driving the vehicle, began acting suspiciously and started “sweating profusely.”
When questioned, he allegedly told the officers he was transporting “tourism plants.”
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 22 bulky black plastic bags and four large brown canvas bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
The narcotics, when weighed, amounted to 310.71 kilogrammes. Both men were arrested and cautioned. The police said Sandy admitted that the drugs belonged to him and that he had paid Sears to transport him to Parika.
Following the incident, Sears, who also served as
an educator and political activist, tendered his resignation to the Region 10 Tourism Committee.
An Air Services Limited Cessna 208 Grand Caravan, registration 8R-THR, moments after landing near Lumidpau Primary School in Region Nine. The incident prompted an investigation by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
Former APNU+AFC Parliamentarian Devin Sears
– Minister Vickram Bharrat tells Essequibo miners, loggers ‘I am here to listen to you’
— National Geophysical Survey and new forest concessions among projects, mining lottery to boost sustainable resource management and economic empowerment
By Indrawattie Natram
MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, has called on miners and loggers to unite and innovate to strengthen their industries, urging greater collaboration and a shift toward value-added production.
Addressing a gathering of miners and loggers during an outreach in Region Two, Minister Bharrat stressed that Guyana’s transformation has opened the door for local
entrepreneurs to compete on the global stage.
“I am here to listen to you,” Minister Bharrat told the audience, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting small and medium-scale operators in both the mining and forestry sectors.
He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioners Tasreef Khan of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and Jacques Foster of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission
(GGMC), among other senior officials.
PRIDE AND PARTNERSHIPS
Minister Bharrat reminded attendees that Guyana has made major strides despite being a small country, and he encouraged citizens to take pride in their nation’s progress.
“You need to be proud of your country — we have so much to be proud of,” he said.
Touching on the oil and
gas industry, the Minister clarified that no single company owns the Stabroek Block outright.
Rather, he said, joint ventures and partnerships are at the heart of the industry’s success. Encouraging Essequibo business owners to adopt a similar model, he advised:
“Together, you have more collateral and a stronger foundation for growth,” he said.
Turning to forestry, the Minister said there are vast
opportunities for investors to move beyond raw exports. He urged local entrepreneurs to explore furniture manufacturing and other downstream industries.
“Italy is known for quality furniture — why can’t we in Guyana move toward value-added products like this? There’s a big market locally and regionally,” he pointed out.
He disclosed that new forest concessions will be advertised in February 2026, and applicants will be re -
assuring that successful miners will have the chance to expand once they demonstrate progress and discipline.
Minister Bharrat reiterated his ministry’s dedication to helping small miners thrive. “Mining is an exciting and profitable venture,” he said, “but it also requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to learn.”
Minister Bharrat reported that Guyana’s oil output now stands at approximately 932,000 barrels per day. Under the revised Production
quired to propose at least one value-added project as part of their application.
Highlighting the mining sector’s potential, Minister Bharrat announced the National Airborne Geophysics Survey, launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources in collaboration with Global Venture Consulting.
The US$3 million initiative involves mapping more than 14,000 km² of the country using two specialised aircraft to collect modern geophysical data. This, he said, will update Guyana’s mineral inventory and support sustainable development under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
He further revealed that the GGMC will soon conduct a mining lottery in Region Two, allocating 30 small mining blocks exclusively to Essequibo residents. Each block will measure roughly 1,200 acres, though some may be subdivided to benefit more applicants.
“You don’t need a large piece of land to find gold — you just need a rich piece of land,” the Minister remarked,
Sharing Agreement (PSA), royalties have increased from 2 per cent to 10 per cent, and oil companies are now required to pay taxes, a major shift from the previous framework.
Before concluding, Minister Bharrat extended congratulations to the newly elected Regional Chairman, Devin Mohan, commending his leadership and vision for Region Two.
Chairman Mohan, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s outreach and encouraged participants to speak openly about the challenges they face, assuring that the Regional Administration will continue working with the Ministry to address them.
Among those contributing to the discussion were miner and logger Rupan Ramotar, who thanked the Minister for the engagement and requested better access roads to mining areas, and Toshao David Wilson of Akawini, who proposed establishing a joiner shop in his community
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, speaks at the meeting with miners and loggers in Region Two
A miner and logger raises his concerns during the engagement with the Minister
Guyana tops global ranking in women’s health and survival — WEF report
ACCORDING to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, Guyana ranks first globally in women’s health and survival and continues to excel in female educational attainment and literacy.
Guyana climbed to 31st place overall out of 148 nations, advancing four spots from last year’s ratings, and solidifying its position among the world’s leaders in gender equality.
This achievement reflects the government’s targeted investments in women’s health, education, and empowerment.
Over the past five years, Guyana has rolled out extensive policies and programmes to remove barriers for women and girls while creating equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and leadership.
Among these initiatives is the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), which has trained over 90,000 women in areas such as entrepreneurship, information and communication technology (ICT), garment construction, and hospitality, helping women gain financial independence
President
and enter the formal economy.
The government has also advanced economic empowerment through land and housing distribution, with over 60 per cent of housing titles now registered in women’s names, strengthening their financial security and asset ownership.
In addition, support for female farmers through the Women Agri-Entrepreneurs programme has increased women’s participation in food production and agri-business across all regions.
Health and safety also remain central to Guyana’s
gender policy framework.
The passage of the Family Violence Act (2024) and the operationalisation of the Hope and Justice Centres have improved protection for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Complementing these reforms are 24-hour national hotlines and the Safe Space App, providing confidential, real-time access to emergency and counselling services.
Guyana’s rise in educational attainment is anchored in universal access to schooling, free tertiary education at the University of Guyana (UG) and other technical institutions, and
Women’s Night Market brings vibrancy, opportunity to Umana Yana
—Over 50 women showcase local products in celebration of female entrepreneurship, agro-processing
THE Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) hosted a Women’s Night Market on Friday at the historic Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, an event that saw more than 50 local women showcasing farm-fresh produce, handmade goods and agro-processed delicacies to a lively crowd.
According to the commission’s Chairperson, Indranie Chandarpal, about 50 women participated in this year’s market, which she described as a success. The initiative, now in its third year, celebrates women farmers and agro-processors and was designed to foster community spirit while promoting women’s economic empowerment.
Chandarpal said the event provided an ideal place for marketing, making connections and also to buy farm-fresh vegetables, fruits and other products, some of which are hand-made.
She added that following the recent observance of Women’s Day, the night market was part of ongoing efforts to honour women and showcase their contributions
to local production.
The atmosphere at the Umana Yana was lively yet relaxed, with a steady flow of visitors browsing stalls and sampling a wide variety of goods.
From farm-fresh produce, green seasonings, coconut water, fruit juices and honey-based products, to pastries, cheesecakes, wines, pickles and handmade crafts, the event reflected the diversity and ingenuity of local women entrepreneurs.
There were also food trucks offering freshly prepared meals, adding to the festive experience. Security was visible, ensuring a safe and family-friendly environment.
First-time vendor Nekeshia Roberts, of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, showcased her brand Mursia Preservable Products, which included grated ginger, peeled garlic, mixed garlic, cucumber, carilla pepper sauce, and green seasoning.
Having previously participated in other expos, Roberts said the Women’s Night Market gave her a new platform to engage directly with customers and introduce her
high literacy rates, particularly among girls. Government investments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and scholarship programmes have enabled more young women to pursue careers in major fields once dominated by men.
During the National Conference on the Beijing Declaration and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda on Wednesday at the Royal International Hotel in Georgetown, Minister Gail Teixeira praised the achievements, stating that Guyana’s improving position in the
global gender index shows the government’s commitment to creating an equal society.
“Our investments in women’s education, safety, and economic inclusion are transforming lives and accelerating national development,” she said. (DPI)
unique line of products.
Sisters Tanya and Tonya Cuttom, of North-East La Penitence, also made their debut with their small-business Blissful Bites, offering milk-powder fudge, milk custard, and cheesecakes.
They expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the support they received throughout the evening.
Among the many attendees was 93-year-old Alan Allicock, who described the event as a delightful experience.
Laden with a bag of sweets, he praised the women for their creativity and reasonable prices, noting the “good atmosphere” and the enjoyable interaction with vendors.
The Women’s Night Market ran from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., transforming the Umana Yana into a vibrant hub of small-business activity. Featuring farm-fresh produce, artisanal goods, and culinary treats, the event once again highlighted the growing role of women in shaping Guyana’s agro-processing and creative sectors.
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and several pupils listened to a brief lecture at the St George’s School of Sciences, commissioned in July 2025
Windies meet Afghanistan ahead of World Cup
CMC – Afghanistan is set to host the West Indies for a T20I series just before the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Friday that the two teams will play three T20Is between January 19 and 22 in the United Arab Emirates, as part of their build up to the World Cup.
The Men’s T20 World Cup will take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and is being co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.
Following their 3-0 series sweep against Bangladesh last month, the West Indies are currently in the midst of a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is tied 1-1.
They will also face South Africa soon after the series against Afghanistan in January.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s next T20I outing will see them feature in a three-match T20I series against Qatar, beginning Saturday.
Chief executive officer of the ACB, Naseeb Khan said the series presents an important opportunity for Afghanistan to fine-tune their preparations for the global event set to be hosted in February-March.
“Competing against the West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup and enhance their preparations for the upcoming mega event in India and Sri
Saturday, November 8th, 2025
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 1) Tie (2) Dwayne Smith (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has scored most T20 runs for NZ against the WI to date? (2) Which WI has scored most T20 runs versus NZ to date?
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Lanka,” Khan said.
Director of Cricket at Cricket West Indies, Miles Bascombe also welcomed the opportunity for the regional side to get additional practice ahead of the World Cup.
“Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, and it also gives our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka,” Bascombe said.
• Series schedule: 1st T20I – January 19, UAE
2nd T20I – January 21, UAE
3rd T20I – January 22, UAE
West Indies will take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series next year
Banks Beer Cup tees off Sunday on Lusignan greens
THE Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will once again host one of Guyana’s most exciting and anticipated tournaments, the Banks Beer Cup Golf Tournament, on Sunday from at 8:00hrs.
The competition will be played under the Medal Play format over 18 holes, challenging golfers to demonstrate both skill and precision on Guyana’s premier golf course.
With a strong turnout of local and regional players expected, the stage is set for a day of high-calibre golfing action and fellowship.
Players will compete for prizes in sev-
eral major categories, including Best Net –1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, Overall Best Gross, Ladies Best Net, Nearest to the Flag – Hole No. 4 and Longest Drive – Hole No. 5.
The Banks Beer Cup is more than just a golf competition, it is a celebration of tradition, excellence, and corporate partnership.
Over the years, Banks DIH Limited has established itself as one of Guyana’s most influential corporate entities, supporting not only golf but numerous sporting disciplines across the nation.
Founded in the 1840s, Banks DIH has evolved from its origins as a small rum
and beverage operation into a diversified conglomerate, producing and distributing some of Guyana’s most beloved brands, including the world-renowned Banks Beer.
The company’s enduring commitment to community development and sport has made it a key supporter of national growth and recreation.
Through sponsorships such as the Banks Beer Cup, Banks DIH continues to demonstrate its belief in the unifying power of sport, bringing people together in friendly competition, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering national pride.
National Sports Awards to shine in first-ever ‘Black Tie’ affair at Pegasus
THE National Sports Commission (NSC) will tonight host its first-ever blacktie edition of the National Sports Awards, a landmark event that promises to elevate the prestige and presentation of Guyana’s top sporting honour.
The gala takes place from 7:00 pm at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, celebrating athletes, coaches, officials, and associations for their outstanding achievements throughout 2024.
According to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, the event signals a new era for the National Sports Awards, which date back to 1970. Ninvalle described this year’s ceremony as a reflection of the government’s growing investment and appreciation for local sportsmen and women.
“This new approach adds to the many changes introduced under the leadership of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., and demonstrates our commitment to raising the standards of sport in every possible way,” Ninvalle said.
The NSC’s selection committee recently completed its deliberations following a detailed review of submissions from national federations.
Ninvalle commended the panel for what he called a “transparent and merit-based selection process”, ensuring that the most deserving individuals and organisations receive recognition.
“The committee has done an exceptional job in ensuring fairness and transparency. Their work guarantees that tonight’s winners truly represent the best of Guyana’s sporting
talent,” Ninvalle added.
Leading this year’s lineup of honourees is national footballer Omari Glasgow, Guyana’s all-time leading goal scorer and a strong contender for Sportsman of the Year.
Glasgow’s stellar run in the CONCACAF Nations League earned him both the Best Young Player Award and Top Scorer Award, as he propelled the Golden Jaguars to a historic promotion to League A.
The 21-year-old striker, who has notched 21 goals in 33 international appearances, is joined on the shortlist by bodybuilder Nicholas Albert, who earned his IFBB Pro Card in 2024, Olympian Emanuel Archibald, and national cricketer Ashmead Nedd.
The Junior Sportsman of the Year category features four rising stars — track athletes Kaidon Persaud and Malachi Austin, swimmer Raekwon Noel, and chess prodigy Sachin Pitamber — each having achieved remarkable feats on both regional and international stages.
Among the women, the Sportswoman of the Year award will see a strong contest between squash stars Nicholette Fernandes and Ashley Khalil, Taekwondo standout Ceili Peterson, and bodybuilding sensation Rosanna Fung, whose performances continue to elevate Guyana’s reputation on the world fitness stage.
For the Junior Sportswoman of the Year, Athaleyah Hinckson is among the favourites after making history by winning Guyana’s first-ever gold medal in the CARIFTA Games U17 women’s 100m, then following up with gold at the South
American U20 Championships.
She will face tough competition from Tianna Springer, the CARIFTA 400m champion, and other young talents.
The Coach of the Year field includes Julian Edmonds of the Running Brave Track Club, who guided both Austin and Hinckson to success, alongside Ryan Hercules (cricket) and Joseph “Bill” Wilson (GDF Football Club), whose leadership shaped their teams’ winning performances.
Meanwhile, four associations — the Guyana Basketball Federation, Guyana Chess Association, Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, and Guyana Golf Association — are vying for the Association of the Year title, recognising excellence in administration and development.
In the Sports Official of the Year category, GBF President Michael Singh, FIFA referee Shavin Greene, Vidish Sookram (bodybuilding), and Kerwyn Johnson headline the male nominees, while Natasha George, Denisha Isaacs, and Aileen Bowman-Joseph lead the female shortlist.
The Media Awards will see a tussle between top sports journalists Rawle Toney (Kaieteur News), Michaelangelo Jacobis (Stabroek News), Jemima Holmes (Guyana Times), Akeem Greene (Newsroom), and Eric Collymore (NCN).
Additionally, NAMILCO, Ansa McAl, Enet, Bluewater Shipping, MVP Sports, ExxonMobil, Trophy Stall, and Sublime Security have been shortlisted for Corporate Sponsor of the Year, acknowledging their consistent support and investment in local sport.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
DONCASTER
08:15hrs Invincible Boy
08:50hrs Leonetto
09:25hrs Montassib
10:00hrs The Resdev Scholar
10:35hrs Duran
11:10hrs Danielle 11:45hrs Master Vintner
AINTREE
08:20hrs On Deadly Ground
08:55hrs Kyntara
09:30hrs Andy Amo
10:05hrs Mambonumberfive
10:40hrs Excello
11:15hrs Paddys Policy
11:50hrs Garrincha
WOLVERHAMPTON
10:18hrs Exotic Baby
10:50hrs Ziamond Bay
11:25hrs Zighy
12:00hrs Automic Force
12:30hrs Qarreeb
13:00hrs Patontheback
13:30hrs Rainwater
14:00hrs Beaumadier
14:30hrs Invited
IRISH RACING TIPS
GOWAN PARK
08:28hrs Brucejack
09:03hrs The King Of Prs
08:38hrs Maverick Mack
10:13hrs Tim Toe
10:45hrs The Passing Wife
11:20hrs Los Blanco 11:55hrs Cousin Kate
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
AQUEDUCT
Race 1 Collect The Data
Race 2 Cyclonite
Race 3 Disco Time
Race 4 Weigh The Risk
Race 5 A Moment A Love
Race 6 Chileno
Race 7 Stars And Strides
Race 8 Royal Riddle
Race 9 Drexel Hill
THE Petra Organisation has scheduled four clashes for Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground as action continues in the Republic Bank Limited Schools U-18 League.
Three-mile Secondary School will open the battle against Abram Zuil Secondary from 12:00hrs after which President’s College will clash with Charlestown Secondary at 13:30hrs in the second contest.
Next, South Ruimveldt Secondary School will play Dolphin Secondary followed by the defending champion Chase Academy tackling West Ruimveldt Secondary.
At the completion of the league, the winning team along with the second-place side will earn the right to face teams from Suriname, Brazil, Jamaica and Trinidad
in the KFC Goodwill International football series set for December. The competition serves to ready the top teams with ample practice for the December KFC showpiece. The league teams are vying for $300,000, $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 along with trophies and medals for places 1st - 4th with all monies going to a school programme.
Shepherd, Chase and Holder make moves in ICC T20 rankings
CMC – WEST Indies all-rounders
Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder have made some of the biggest moves in the latest ICC bowling and all-rounders rankings, following their team’s success in the recent series against Bangladesh.
Chase is now the third best T20I all-rounder in the world on 227 points, jumping six spots from ninth in the most recent rankings, which were updated on November 2.
His rise comes on the back of his impressive performance in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh which the West Indies swept 3-0.
Chase scored 67 runs in two innings at an average of 67 and picked up a solitary wicket from his seven overs.
Shepherd remains as the 11th ranked all-rounder in T20Is, while Holder, who ended the series tied with Shepherd for the most wickets (7), moved up one place to 14th.
However, the most progress was made in the bowling rankings, with the trio once again taking centre stage.
Holder climbed nine places and is now ranked 23rd, Chase rose 13 spots to 38th and Shepherd moved up 10 places to 63rd on the list.
Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein maintains his spot as the second ranked T20I bowler in the world.
Among the batters, Ackeem Auguste leapt
an incredible 102 spots and is now ranked 83rd among T20I batsmen in the world, Alick Athanaze rose 32 spots to 84th and Amir Jangoo moved up 27 places to 87th.
Chase was also a big mover once again, jumping 28 spots to 78th, with captain Shai Hope moving up two places to 12th.
Rovman Powell dropped four places to 34th, Brandon King is now 35th after moving down seven places and Sherfane Rutherford dropped five spots to 75th.
Action in the RBL Secondary School Football League
Hikers, Old Fort stay hot on day three
Pepsi Hiker and Old Fort claimed comfortable wins on Thursday when action continued in the Bounty Supermarket National Indoor Hockey Championship at the National Gymnasium.
Playing in the men’s first division class, Hiker came up against Saint’s Hockey Club ‘S’ team captured a 5-1 victory.
Trumaine Cole had a pair of goals within the first 10 minute of play with Jamarj Assanah scoring the other to put them up 3-nil.
Second half goals followed off the stick of Deheron Wilkinson and Michael Payne as they eased to an unassailable advantage 5-nil.
Jonathan Liverpool registered a consolation goal for Saint as the clash ended 5-1.
Old Fort also got pass Masters narrowly 4-3 in the men’s first division category.
Simeon Moore scored a double within a
Trophy
minute of each other to give them the lead 2-0 but Masters followed up with goals from Orland Semple and Randy Hope to level the scores.
Old Fort’s Yonnick Norton scored a crucial field goal to give them the edge before Masters Shane Samuels again equalised 3-3.
Norton was not done breaking the deadlock again to make it 4-3 which hey held onto for the victory.
In the men’s second division, Old Fort edged GCC spare parts 6-3 and GCC Outlaws defeated Hikers Cadets 3-1.
The women’s open category saw Old Fort Inferno beat the national over 40 side 2-nil with goals from Julia Gouveia and Carolyn Deane.
In the over 40 mixed doubles Hikers defeated GCC Vintage 5-2.
Stall Junior Skill Level 2025 Tournament
Fernandes impressed with improvement of beginners
By Sean Devers
ACTION in the Trophy Stall Junior Skill Level Squash tournament continued on Thursday night at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, with competitive action.
Among the better matches of the night was the clash between Tiana Gomes and Kristian Viapree.
Viapree displayed excellent squash and won most of the rallies in a close game to win 12-10. But Gomes would win the next three games in a row to take the match 3-1.
This tournament included 17 students from Queen’s College, and plans are in place to add another 26 students from Mae’s Academy in an aim to widen the pool of squash players in Guyana.
The squash parents did the coaching, including Caribbean Squash Queen and World Masters Women’s Champion, Nicolette Fernandes.
The 42-year-old has been present every night so far, teaching the basics to beginners. She disclosed that this was not an age tournament but a skills level competition,
which she hopes could be a ‘feeder’ for the national junior teams.
“This is a great initiative to open the tournament to schools. We are already seeing the diversity this brings. I am very impressed with the improvement shown from Tuesday
to now from many of the beginners,” posited Fernandes.
The tournament was set to shift to the Georgetown Club on Camp Street from last evening, where matches will also be played today and tomorrow.
6-11, 9-11, 11-4, 3-11
A Joshua Verwey vs. Egan Bulkan 3 - 1 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-2 F Kataleya Sam vs. Nikisha Allen 3 - 1 3-11 , 11-8 , 11-5 , 11-8
A Jason van Dijk vs. Brenno Da Silva 3 – 1 11-6, 11-6, 12-14, 13-11
F Emma Singh vs. Nyela Glasgow 0 - 3 4-11, 7-11, 6-11
C Tiana Gomes vs. Kristian Viapree 3 - 1 10-12, 11-7, 11-6, 11-7
A Ethan Bulkan vs. Justin Goberdhan 3 - 0 11-5, 11-3, 11-9
C Zoey McDonald vs. Giovanni Grant 3 - 0 11-3, 11-5, 11-9
F Ana DaSilva vs. Aries Sukhnandan 12-14, 11-7, 3-11, 11-8, 11-7
D Azaria Proffit vs. John Thomas 0 - 3 8-11, 3-11, 5-11
E Lester Thomas vs. Paul George 3 - 1 11-9, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8
A Miguel Wong vs. Kaylee Lowe 3 - 0 11-8, 11-1, 11-4
D Mandisa Munroe vs. Javon Daziel 3 - 2 5-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7
F Omar Shariff vs. Gabrielle Jeune 3 - 0 11-9, 11-4, 13-11
E Jude Gobin vs. Zain Alli 3 -
11-3, 11-9, 11-5 F Omar Shariff vs. Nikisha Allen 3 -
11-6, 11-8, 11-6
Three rising stars in Lucas Sargeant and Grant Fernandes from GCC Outlaws, and Michael Payne from Hikers, chase the free ball
Ethan Bulkan (left) beat Justin Goberdhan 3-0 on Thursday night at NRC (Sean Devers photo)
Tiana Gomes (right) defeated Kristian Viapree 3-1 on Thursday (Sean Devers photo)
Caribbean Squash Queen and World Women’s Masters Champion Nicolette Fernandes teaches Emma Singh the basic skills of squash (Sean Devers photo)
WINDIES TRIO RISE
SHEPHERD, CHASE AND HOLDER MAKE MOVES IN ICC T20 RANKINGS
HIKERS, OLD FORT STAY HOT
IN NATIONAL INDOOR HOCKEY
BANKS BEER CUP TEES OFF
SUNDAY ON LUSIGNAN GREENS
Brian ChooHen, Banks Beer Brand Manager hands over the sponsorship to LGC’s Joaan Deo. Basant Ramsarup, Banks Beer Brand Supervisor looks on
Over-40 striker, Shebiki Baptiste, carves her way through the Old Fort defense