- under PPP/C, Dr. Jagdeo tells residents 100,000 acres of farmland to be opened up, other major developments for Berbice
Yellowtail
— Largest Guyana development to date as startup achieved four months ahead of schedule
GUYANA has reached another major milestone in its oil-and-gas journey with the start of production at Yellowtail, the fourth offshore development within
the prolific Stabroek Block.
This announcement was made on Friday morning by the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil.
The project is being produced through the ONE GUYANA Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the largest of its kind to operate offshore the country to date.
With an initial annual average production of 250,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and a storage capacity of two million barrels, ONE GUYANA’s startup pushes the nation’s total daily output to over 900,000 bpd up from the previous combined 677,000 bpd from the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Payara Prosperity FPSOs.
The vessel will develop the Yellowtail and Redtail fields, discovered in 2019 and 2020 respectively, and is equipped with state-of-the-art Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines (SURF) infrastructure, enabling production from 26 production wells and 25 water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection wells.
President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, Dan Ammann, hailed the development as “a significant milestone for ExxonMobil and the people of Guyana,” noting that the project reflects “our deepening roots in the country and our shared commitment to long-term, inclusive growth.”
He highlighted that “Guyanese [now make] up more than 67% of the country’s oil-and-gas workforce and over 2,000 local busi -
nesses [are] engaged.”
Built by SBM Offshore, the ONE GUYANA FPSO is also the first offshore Guyana to feature installed sparing on all gas processing compressors, ensuring uninterrupted gas handling even during planned or unplanned maintenance.
The Ministry of Natural Resources emphasised that the Yellowtail Petroleum Production Licence, approved in 2022, has been a benchmark for future projects.
The licence “embedded stronger environmental and safety requirements, improved decommissioning safeguards and alignment with Guyana’s broader climate commitments.”
By 2030, ExxonMobil Guyana projects total production capacity of 1.7 million oil equivalent barrels per day from eight developments.
The company noted that its deepwater projects here are “the most successful in the world,” having brought four complex offshore mega-projects online in just five years all ahead of schedule and under budget.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited operates the Stabroek Block with a 45% stake, alongside Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. (30%) and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (25%).
The Ministry reaffirmed that it will “continue to work to ensure the prudent management of the petroleum sector to support long-term national benefit and sustainable development.”
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering transformative investments for Wakenaam, highlighting that the planned modern “transport ecosystem” will improve connectivity, lower costs, and improve the livelihoods of residents on the island.
In a special address to hundreds of residents during a community meeting on Friday, the Head of State said his government’s plan will integrate river and road transport, storage facilities and value-added processing to benefit farmers, families, and businesses.
“We’re going to invest in a transport ecosystem that will lower costs, support our pensioners and children, and make life easier for you, the people of Wakenaam,” President Ali stated.
The president outlined a vision that includes direct subsidies, tax relief and the removal of duties on agricultural machinery for farmers.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as land development for crop diversification, improved drainage, and expansion of healthcare and education services, are also
included in his plan.
Targeted financial support will be given to residents, including cash grants, increased pensions, and assistance for homeownership and home improvement.
“We want every family on this island to have the opportunity to own and upgrade their homes, to live with dignity, and to build wealth for future generations,” the President said.
In agriculture, a PPP/C government will help farmers diversify production, expand crop insurance for rice farmers, and make financing more accessible by reducing interest rates through a special development fund.
“We’re going to set up a special incentive, a special development fund, so that our farmers will not borrow at 8% and 9% or 12%, our farmers must borrow at nothing more than 4%,” the President said.
Highlighting the island’s transformation since 2020, President Ali pointed to the significant rise in land value, which he attributed to increased government investment.
“Five years ago, people were selling their land. Today, they are racing to buy it back. That is the confidence we’ve built in our economy and in your future,” he noted.
The president assured residents of Wakenaam
that they will retain more of their income and that they will not be left behind in the country’s development agenda.
“The next phase is about wealth creation at the family and community level. We will remove burdens from your household budget—health, water, and education will be provided so you can keep more money in your pockets,” he said.
The president called for continued unity and support, emphasising that the Government’s investments are aimed at lifting the quality of life for every Guyanese, regardless of where they live.
Since taking office in 2020, the PPP/C Gov -
ernment has channelled significant investments into Wakenaam, transforming key sectors and improving the island’s quality of life.
Residents now enjoy 24-hour access to clean water from the $50 million Nooitgedacht well, with a modern water treatment plant underway to ensure a fully treated supply.
A $460 million solar farm, equipped with battery storage, has been installed to deliver reliable and renewable electricity, supporting agro-processing and other industries.
Road infrastructure has improved significantly, with over $2 billion spent on strong concrete
roads. The aim is to cover the entire island by 2025. Education, public safety, and community facilities have also progressed under the PPP/C Administration.
The $84 million Arthurville Primary School was constructed with modern amenities, while nearly 100 new streetlights have been installed to enhance security and economic activity.
These efforts, along with continued investments in farming, housing, and transport, show the government’s dedication to strengthening resilience by creating opportunities and helping Wakenaam benefit from Guyana’s growth.
ON August 8, 2025, Guyana Standard was served with a formal pre-action letter from the legal representatives of Kesh Nandlall, Team Leader of the Executive Management Committee of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL)
The letter demands a full and unequivocal apology following the publication of allegedly defamatory statements linking him to corrupt dealings with Method4 Engineering.
publication’
With over 15 years of experience in executive roles at Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations in Canada, Nandlall’s lawyer said his career has been marked by professional distinction.
It was noted that he is a family man with two children, including a daughter currently enrolled in medical school in New Jersey, USA, while his wife serves as Director of Finance at a large company in Ontario.
The letter, addressed to Abena Rockcliffe, owner and editor of Guyana Standard, refers to an article published
According to the letter, Nandlall is a respected professional and is also a member of the Association of Chartered Accountants, United Kingdom, a Chartered Certified Public Accountant of Ontario, Canada, and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Athabasca University in Canada.
Kesh Nandlall, Team Leader of the Executive Management Committee of GPL
on August 6, 2025, titled “Govt. mum on Method4 affairs because it was 'bitten by its own'-source”, hosted on the Guyana Standard website. Although the article did not explicitly name Nandlall, the letter said it implied through innuendo that he
was involved in an illicit and corrupt scheme with Method4 Engineering, allegedly aiding the company to secure a US$7 million contract with GPL.
Further compounding the matter, the letter stated that on August 7, 2025, during a press conference hosted by Vice President and People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Rockcliffe questioned the Vice President about the article.
She asked whether the government had information linking Nandlall to the alleged corrupt transaction with Method4 Engineering.
The press conference was streamed live and widely shared on multiple social media platforms, drawing millions of views locally and
internationally. According to the legal letter, the combined effect of the publication and subsequent questioning conveyed the damaging message that Nandlall is corrupt, engaged in criminal offences, breached fiduciary duties to GPL, and is unfit for his professional and official roles.
The letter states these allegations are “clearly defamatory” and have caused significant harm to Nandlall’s professional reputation and standing within society, as well as jeopardised his employment and the trust placed in him by the Government of Guyana.
Beyond the professional ramifications, the letter underscored the personal toll on Nandlall and his family, describing “tremendous
trauma, pain, anguish, public embarrassment and humiliation,” affecting not only Nandlall but also his wife and daughter, with the latter facing distress among her medical school peers.
The letter, penned by attorney-at-law Rajendra Jaigobin, demands that within 72 hours of receipt, Guyana Standard issue a full and unequivocal apology to Nandlall and his family, retract the offending publications from all platforms, and ensure that the apology receives equal or greater prominence than the original content.
Failure to comply, the letter warns, will result in immediate legal action, with noncompliance to be considered an aggravating factor in damages sought.
- under PPP/C, Dr. Jagdeo tells residents - urges citizens not to be misled by ‘wild promises, ‘game’ being played by WIN, APNU
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, in his address to thousands of supporters at a grand public meeting at Corriverton on Friday, stressed that the only party for the country is the PPP/C, as he laid out specific policies to ensure the continued development in Region Six and the country.
Highlighting some of the party’s plans for the next five years, he said they will continue to invest in world-class healthcare and education, open up 100,000 acres of farmland, increase cash grants distributions, construct concrete drains, upgrade infrastructure, among other progressive projects.
He said: “In the next term, we intend to increase the Because We Care grant, we intend to introduce a transportation grant…” so that parents do not have to worry about their children education.
Dr. Jagdeo said too that specialists will be sought to run the hospitals being constructed as well as to work to improve all of the health facilities countrywide.
In the area of housing, he said: “We will ensure who needs a house lot gets a house lot” with assistance to build and improve homes to be offered as well.
Dr. Jagdeo added: “We have heard the people, we are fixing the road and the highways but they want more in their villages.”
As such, he noted that with roads being constructed and improved, concrete drains will be built and more streetlights and security cameras will be installed in every community.
Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo pledged the upgrading of all the community grounds and investment in continuing better garbage collection.
He said: “We have to make sure people have more money in their pockets, old age pension will increase, public
assistance will increase, the part time workers will see an increase, the CIIP workers will see an increase, all those people who work for government will see an increase.”
Dr. Jagdeo then spoke about creating a development bank so businesses can get zero-interest loans to start their businesses and create more jobs.
With 100,000 acres of land to be opened, Dr. Jagdeo said that will be given out to “open up more lands” to get them into agriculture.
He said: “Generating jobs, doing agro processing, maybe building a wharf here to ship right out from the Corentyne; this is about more jobs, better paying jobs.”
Dr. Jagdeo noted that in Region Six, more works will be pursued to improve the infrastructure as he highlighted the upgrade of the road to a four-lane and the new high span Berbice River Bridge which will also be toll free.
“More sporting facilities, more support to agriculture, more support to training”, Jag-
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and VicePresident, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, in his address to thousands of supporters at a grand public meeting at Corriverton on Friday, stressed that the only party for the country is the PPP/C, as he laid out specific policies to ensure the continued development in Region Six and the country
deo pledged to the crowd that erupted in cheers, adding: “We will invest more in people, these are some of the things you should read about, we have a comprehensive plan for the future,” as he encouraged those gathered to read the party’s flyers which are being distributed countrywide.
“You know once the People’s Progressive Party says it will do it, it will be done,” he stressed.
Speaking with confidence,
Jagdeo said that the APNU will “not make much of a difference in Region Six,” as he pointed to their lack of crowd even in their supposed strongholds.
However, he warned that a “clever game” is being played as warned of consequences that follows someone who is sanctioned, turning his attention to WIN’s Presidential Candidate Azruddin Mohamed.
With Berbicians strongly refusing the APNU and AFC, Jagdeo warned that the plot is to have Mohamed bring the misleading messages to the areas.
“So, people have to be careful about that” Jagdeo said, as he questioned whether Guyanese would want to trust the future of the children’s life in the hands of Aubrey Norton and Mohamed.
Further, he said that it is a very different time now, as he recalled that in 2015 he decided to opt out of politics.
However, the PPP/C lost the majority in parliament with APNU+AFC having a one seat majority which they used to block every “progressive” policy that the government sought to do, resulting in the country starting to decline.
He recalled that in Berbice, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan went to a rally in Whim where they said that rumors were being spread that they would close the sugar industry which they denied they would do but eventually did.
Questioning what the lesson is, Jagdeo said, that around election time any political party can say what people want to hear.
He pointed out that currently “wild promises” are being made. He then urged citizens to be clever stressing that the only party that delivers on the promises in the PPP/C.
“From 2020 to now, we ensured that every single promise we made was kept,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
Additionally, Dr. Ashni
Singh, Minister with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, spoke to the tsunami of red in Corriverton, stating that there are “thousands of reasons” why the PPP/C will win with a massive majority.
Touching on “track record,” Dr. Singh said that in 2020, the PPP/C went to the people with a manifesto and were returned to government. Upon their return to office, the party immediately set out to deliver on the promises of the manifesto.
“We wasted no time in starting to deliver our promises”, Singh stressed.
Speaking about agriculture, Singh said, that there have been challenges over the years with flooding, however, the government recognised this and decided to implement a solution, as he highlighted the construction of two Hope-like canals that is currently ongoing in Region Six.
Meanwhile, Reynard Ward, former AFC parliamentarian, also speaking in Corriverton, told those gathered that “the PPP is the only party that can lead Guyana in the 21st century; today, I stand before you not just as a proud citizen of this country but as a proud Berbician and one that will fight for Berbice no matter what.”
As such, he said, that the PPP/C team, is one that he supports, “I once campaigned for the coalition but that is history and so is them, you don’t need to focus on them what you need to focus on is the tangible benefits that the PPP will bring to you in the next five years.”
He said, that he is proud to stand for the PPP/C because of its leadership, “you name it the PPP has done it and with your support it will continue where all of us will benefit.”
“The PPP has not only delivered for a few, the PPP has delivered development to every section of society regardless of where you are from, regardless of your race, no one will be left behind.”
PREPARATIONS continue for the International Building Expo 2025, which is set to take place from August 14 to 17 at the Guyana National Stadium.
On Friday, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, conducted a site visit at the venue during which she told members of the media that works are ongoing to ensure that the location is prepared ahead of next Thursday’s opening.
She said that they are catering for approximately 380 booths for exhibitors, with 365
already occupied, and the remaining spots can be claimed by exhibitors who wish to join soon.
“International Building Expo, we have had overwhelming support this year, just like in the other years, because I believe that this expo has built a reputation. It’s a credible expo, and tens of thousands of people pass through this expo in four days,” she said.
During the Expo, she noted that they will have the Dream Realised programme as usual; however, this year they will fo-
cus mainly on title distribution, with the preparation of some 2,000 titles for distribution for the four-day period.
“I know in the past we focused a lot on the allocation, but we’ve been allocating all the time at the ministry or in the different regions because we had our target to meet of 50,000 and we have surpassed that,” she added.
To this end, she disclosed that the ministry continues to make house lots available for persons who are still waiting and eligible, so they do not have to wait until the expo to
receive their house lots.
Rodrigues said, “This expo, we wanted to focus primarily on the title distribution, because the process is not completed until allottees receive their title, and that is something that we have been pressing on especially in the last year.”
The minister went on to note that they want those 50,000 families who have been allocated lots to have the title in their hands.
Rodrigues said that this is something that takes a little longer, as the agreement of
sale has to be signed and sent to the registry for processing and as such, the registry is currently working overtime to ensure all of those titles are prepared for distribution during the upcoming expo.
This year’s expo, themed “The Road to Success: Guyana 2030 and Beyond,” will feature model homes which attendees will be able to tour, along with companies in the home construction, prefab and modular built sector.
Against this backdrop, persons in receipt of their house lots can engage those con -
tractors to build some of the models that may be on display, as she stated that this is what the expo is about, providing options and helping people to network with the relevant stakeholders.
Further, the expo will also feature exhibitors from India, Barbados, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
Rodrigues noted that the opening ceremony slated for Thursday, August 14, is free for all patrons up until 21:00 hrs after which the entry fee will apply.
LEADER of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Nigel Hughes, on Friday, announced big payouts for members of the Joint Services if his party is to assume office, despite his party previously cutting bonuses and reducing incentives during the coalition’s tenure in office from 2015-2020.
Hughes highlighted these promises during the party’s press conference, on Friday. At the top of the list, he said
that members of the military will have a starting salary of some $250,000 along with “significant” salary increases.
Added to this, he noted that the AFC plans to give, at the end of the year, two months tax-free bonus, while GDF civilian workers will receive a one-month tax-free bonus.
Also among Hughes’ plans is a $50,000 tax-free bonus for persons stationed at Guyana’s borders and a
$100,000 annual cash grant for all members of the Joint Services.
While all of these plans were announced, Hughes made no mention of how these big payouts would be financed.
Further, he stated that his party wants to establish housing developments specifically for the Joint Services, which he said would be placed across the country.
Additionally, he said that if persons are to suffer any
permanent disability while serving in Guyana in any arm of the Joint Services, they will be entitled to compensation to the tune of $5 million.
In 2015, when the AFC entered office as part of APNU+AFC, the tax-free yearend bonus, which members of the Joint Services enjoyed, was discontinued. The annual bonus, which was an initiative of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) in the early 2000s, and was restored by the PPP/C administration when it assumed office in August 2020.
GUYANA has launched what is arguably the most ambitious literacy initiative in the country’s history.
The National Literacy Programmes go beyond simple educational policy; they mark a major shift towards focusing on human development as the foundation of our nation’s success. Minister Priya Manickchand has confidently stated that every child will "leave grade four reading, learning, literate and able to comprehend what they read." This is not just political talk; it is a promise that could transform our society.
With Guyana's literacy rate rising from about 85 per cent to 90 per cent between 2020 and 2022, this initiative comes at a crucial time when progress is building and success is within reach. The scale of these programmes is impressive.
The deployment of 87 National Literacy Officers and hundreds of Regional Literacy Officers, along with the establishment of 161 nursery-level literacy committee members, represents a significant investment in educational resources.
The government understands that achieving literacy requires systematic, re-
search-based methods. This involves using culturally relevant materials designed specifically for Guyanese learners.
What makes this initiative different from past efforts is its thoroughness. Rather than only focusing on primary education, these programmes cover nursery through secondary school, ensuring that no child is left behind.
The introduction of the "Adventure Through Letters and Sounds" teacher-training programme shows a serious commitment to proven teaching methods. Additionally, setting up school librar-
ies in every primary school helps foster a lasting reading culture. Critics may raise concerns about the timing or long-term viability of such an ambitious plan, but the evidence strongly supports this effort.
Guyana has outperformed its Caribbean neighbors in regional exams, with CAPE pass rates at 88%, compared to the regional average of 87 per cent. This success offers a strong basis to build on for even greater achievements. The digital aspect, available through https://nld.gov.gy, makes sure that these resources go beyond the classroom.
This could also help our Caribbean neighbors and position Guyana as a leader in education.
The integration of technology acknowledges modern educational needs while keeping cultural relevance in mind, making learning meaningful for our diverse population. The timing is particularly smart given Guyana's economic changes.
As our oil revenues bring in significant resources, investing in literacy helps ensure that our citizens can take part in the knowledge economy of the future.
A literate population is not just an educational goal;
it is crucial for economic growth. It will determine whether Guyana's wealth benefits everyone or just a select few.
The PPP/C government deserves recognition for understanding that real growth starts with making sure every child can read.
If this literacy effort is successful, it will be one of the most significant achievements of our independence era and will create benefits for generations of Guyanese children. This can establish our nation as a leader in educational excellence in the Caribbean.
Dear Editor,
US AMBASSADOR Nicole
D Theriot raised concerns about a US-sanctioned candidate running for President in Guyana, cautioning it could affect bilateral relations.
Despite criticisms from opposition operatives, she reiterated that the US does not intend to interfere with Guyana’s elections and respects its sovereignty.
“We have absolutely no interest in interfering in your elections. This is a sovereign country. You run your elections as you see fit.”
Election interference in Guyana has a long history, involving mostly local actors. In 2020, for example, some opposition members urged former APNU+AFC
President David Granger to annul the election results, and when that did not happen, they, in collusion with top GECOM officials, attempted
to hijack the elections during an agonising post-election five-month period. Had it not been for the American intervention, Guyana would have been under the dictatorship of APNU+AFC. Thus, the US assisted in preserving Guyana’s democracy and sovereignty.
Professor Narayan Persaud asked: “Do Guyanese citizens, both domestically and internationally, recognise the potential consequences of having a sanctioned individual in government?” He continued, “Are they aware of the effects on diplomacy, international relations, trade and commerce, national security, investments, and representation at UN agencies and international financial institutions?”
If there is such understanding, perspectives regarding foreign intervention may be shaped by pragmatic considerations.
If opposition elements have become so concerned about interference into the country’s internal affairs and sovereignty, why did their parties (APNU and AFC) go to Washington to complain about racial discrimination, extra judicial killings, and corruption allegedly perpetrated by the PPP/C government?
Why were they seeking congressional intervention into Guyana’s internal affairs? Wasn’t that a threat to Guyana’s democracy and sovereignty?
government?
At a 2021 New York rally Minority Congressional Leader Mr. Hakeem Jeffries joined the chorus and called for the firing of former US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah Lynch over perceived pro-government bias. The attempt was unsuccessful.
But wasn’t the spread of false information on racism and discrimination (which is not supported by empirical data) at that Brooklyn rally, an assault on democracy?
And when APNU opposition members invited a 14-member US legislators’ delegation in 2023 to investigate the alleged racism, discrimination, and human rights violation against Afro-Guyanese, wasn’t that an interference in the country’s internal affairs, especially when they arrived without the blessings of the PPP/C
Guyana has faced foreign interventions on several occasions, including British and American support in removing Dr. Jagan’s PPP government in 1953, and in1964 with PNC’s backing. More recently, there are allegations that the US intervened in the 2015 elections and called upon GECOM to declare the election results and not to undertake the recount of Region Eight votes which the PPP/C
lost by just one vote.
However, Guyana has experienced widespread election rigging at the internal (local) level in 1968, 1973, 1980, and 1986 engineered by the PNC and which destroyed democracy and established a dictatorship.
It was a US based organisation, the Carter Centre that assisted in restoring free and fair elections and democracy in 1992.
History has shown that opposition operatives have wavered on the role of foreign intervention. If a particular act or policy works to their advantage, they would accept it; but if it works to their disadvantage, they will condemn it.
Which country will collaborate with Guyana to protect and defend its democracy and territorial integrity, particularly from Venezuelan aggression? At the internal level, if the US
did not intervene in Guyana’s elections’ outcome in 2020, the APNU+AFC coalition might have still been in power through fraud. And why should the US Ambassador not speak out against a potential threat to democracy by a political party whose leader has been sanctioned for gold and drug smuggling and who allegedly defrauded the gov’t of US$50 million in revenue?
Opposition hypocrisy and double standards hinder democracy and sovereignty in Guyana. Polemics alone cannot resolve issues; instead, a sharp vision and decisive positive action are needed. If an allied nation views Guyana's interests as being in jeopardy by sanctioned politicians, their silence is questionable.
Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh
IN an uncertain world we live in where, after a long-sustained period of social stability, societal ease and electoral legitimacy, Guyana was driven close to the precipice for five months in 2020. Since then, Guyana’s democracy has survived but there is relentless political ugliness and moral degeneracy in the society that demands the society be on its guard.
Who threatens democracy in this country and whose instincts make us aware of that danger? If you juxtapose Kit Nascimento with the Stabroek News (SN) where does each fall – safeguarding democracy or undermining democracy? Let’s deconstruct both actors and that will come easily through an exchange between the two in the letter section of SN yesterday (Friday).
Let’s quote Nascimento: “Sadly, even though it (SN) continues to be owned by the DeCaires family, its
reputation for independent and factual reporting and objective editorialising has become questionable. I have searched in vain for a Stabroek News editorial which has not been anti-government and now, in the context of elections, hostile to the PPP/C.
“Certainly, not one in support of anything which the government has or is doing nor, for that matter, the PPP/C. Whether by intent of its owners or the expressed will of its editorial management, the Stabroek News has seriously lost its way as a politically independent and objective newspaper and, unfortunately, has joined all the other newspapers of exercising a political bias in its reporting and editorialising.”
Let’s quote SN’s reply which I rather suspect was dictated by Mrs. DeCaires and written by her daughter Isabelle. I don’t think Mr. Anand Persaud, the Editor-in-Chief and Isabell
DeCaires have that kind of analytical access to the politics of the early Burnham era.
Mrs. DeCaires is a product of that era. Here is SN’ rebuttal to Nascimento:
“Mr Nascimento headed the Guyana Public Communications Agency (GPCA), the then PNC version of the latter-day Department of Public Information, when Stabroek News came under frequent attack from both the PNC and GPCA.
“It should also be noted that Mr Nascimento was then working for a government that had been installed by the grossest rigging of elections in the country’s history. Mr Nascimento eases quite effortlessly from his role in the 1960’s when he targeted the PPP to his new role as one of its trumpeters.”
Here is my response to SN. Where is the relevance of what Mr. Nascimento was 50 years ago? The dialectical question is who changed
(SN and Nascimento) and in what direction. SN’s two founders DeCaires and Miles Fitzpatrick were quasi-Marxist in the early 1950s and throughout the 1960s, with Mr. Fitzpatrick even becoming a member of one of the tiers of the PPP.
By the turn of the 21st century, DeCaires and Fitzpatrick were shameless apologists for capitalism and imperialist penetration of Guyana and were open in their embrace of the Mulatto/ Creole class (MCC).
It is against this background that they sought the help of the MCC to birth the SN. Because of Burnhamite autocracy, where there was no access to independent analysis of the contents of Guyanese society, SN was treated as a god by a depressed country but SN was never the independent forum people thought it was.
I was a columnist for five years for SN and I know how pro-West, anti-Left and conspiratorial that newspa-
per was. I know the endless columns that I had to rewrite because SN was subtly anti-PPP, pro-MCC and hardly interested in independent journalism.
No one in Guyana was surprised when the Kaieteur News (KN) came from very humble beginning and virtually knocked SN off its feet. KN was run by media people who were independent in their thinking and owed no loyalty to class and colour but to the sacred principles of journalism.
Mr. Nascimento from the era SN mentioned has changed considerably. His voice and pen are used in the frenetic attempt by Guyanese society to preserve Guyana’s hard-earned democracy. What has not changed over the years since its birth, is S N. It was always an elitist newspaper owned by the MMC and served the interest of the MCC. Today, Nascimento and SN sit in opposite direction.
Nascimento functions
today as an actor who is involved in democratic sustenance. The physiology of SN in today’s Guyana jeapordises democratic stability. Nascimento is a nationalist that chooses country over party. SN sees party and country as the same; this explains its journalistic degeneracy. It would have been the decent thing for SN to do to simply answer Nascimento’s questions about the non-stop insane anti-government editorials. I will have to continue this discussion because it is important that the Guyanese people understand the subtle dangers to their democracy and where it comes from. It certainly doesn’t come from Kit Nascimento.
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.
offering a straightforward response
Dear Editor, I OF COURSE expected the Stabroek News Editor, Mr. Anand Persaud, to respond to my letter in defence of his newspaper’s, very obvious, to any of its readers, anti-government, anti-PPP/C editorial policy.
Rather, however, than a professional to-the-point response, we got, instead, a lengthy ad-hominem, personal attack, on me which had absolutely nothing to do with the newspaper’s editorial policy. I did not expect that Mr. Persaud would descend to that level.
I am, however, not the issue, as Mr. Persaud has sought to make me out to be. He leaves me no option,
however, but to indulge him.
Yes, it’s public knowledge that I was a member of Mr. Burnham’s Cabinet and, yes, I was the Executive Chairman of the GPCA under President Desmond Hoyte’s government and, yes, though it has never been proved, I acknowledge that both the Burnham and Hoyte governments manipulated the vote to stay in office.
I will defend my position for remaining in the Burnham and Hoyte governments more fully in my Memoirs which I hope will be published before the end of this year. But, suffice it to say now, that, at the time, the choice was clear to me
and many other prominent and respected Guyanese, amongst them, Sir Shridath Ramphal, Rashleigh Jackson and Hubert Jack, either our country descend into a Communist Cuba like dictatorship wedded to the Soviet Union under a Jagan government and ultimately be invaded by Venezuela with the support of the American government or support the Burnham/Hoyte government, both of which, importantly, were supported in office by the US and UK governments. I should, perhaps, remind, that I joined the Burnham government after the PNC/United Force government folded.
Yes, I fully support President Mohamed Ali’s PPP/C
government of today which no longer embraces the Communist Socialist policy of the past PPP and, in any event, Mr. Persaud cannot speak, as he presumes to do, for either Cheddi or Janet Jagan.
The Stabroek News Editor refers to the fact that “the newspaper is defending a lawsuit brought by former President Granger over the contents of a letter by Mr. Nascimento which was published by Stabroek News.”
Dishonestly, he neglects to point out, however, that I am the principal defender in the lawsuit for alleged libel brought by former President David Granger against me, the Stabroek News, the Kaieteur News
and the Guyana Times for publishing not one letter, but many I wrote in defence of our country’s democracy against the APNU government’s attempt to rig the Region Four tabulation of the last election.
Myself and many others have volunteered as witnesses in the current court trial of the GECOM officers accused of rigging those elections but, notably, the Stabroek News Editor is not amongst those who have volunteered to give evidence.
Again, nowhere in my letter have I said that Mr. Ram’s views are those of the Stabroek News. What I did say is that Stabroek News has provided a plat-
form to Mr. Ram as a regular columnist to air his anti-government opinions, and one has to presume that the newspaper endorses the views expressed by its regular columnist unless it specifically states otherwise. No, I do not believe and never suggested that the Stabroek News, or for that matter any newspaper, should be “a cheerleader” for any government, but neither should it be the unapologetic cheerleader for the political opposition, which the Stabroek News has become, that is, if the newspaper wishes to claim to be objective.
Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
- boosting Guyana’s renewable energy drive
CONSTRUCTION of the 3-megawatt peak (MWp)
Hampshire Solar Farm in Berbice, Region Six, is nearing completion, with work advancing rapidly towards finalisation.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, once operational, the facility will supply renewable energy directly to the national grid, strengthening generation
capacity within the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS). This will significantly enhance the reliability and sustainability of electricity supply in the region.
The solar farm is part of a larger national initiative launched in March 2024, when the Government of Guyana signed contracts totalling US$38 million to de-
liver 18 MWp of solar power capacity across Regions Two, Five, and Six. Under the project, eight MWp will be installed at Onderneeming and Charity in Region Two, while 10 MWp will be shared among Trafalgar and Prospect in Region Five, and Hampshire in Region Six.
The initiative also includes the installation of battery energy storage sys-
$708.6M Industry polyclinic
- with advanced diagnostic services, specialty consultations, preventative care, other crucial services
THE sod was turned for a new state-of-the-art $708.6 million polyclinic at Industry, on Friday.
This modern facility, which will eventually replace the existing health centre, represents a significant advancement in specialised medical services for residents of Industry, Cummings Lodge, and surrounding villages.
tems to improve stability and ensure consistent supply.
The Guyana Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), implemented in partnership with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), is spearheading the works.
Funding is sourced from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund, which was established
under the former PPP/C administration led by then-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. The Fund invests proceeds from Guyana’s climate service sales into projects that support the country’s low-carbon transition.
Government officials have underscored that the contracts represent a key
milestone in Guyana’s clean energy agenda, advancing sustainable infrastructure and moving the nation closer to its goal of generating 70 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The Hampshire Solar Farm is expected to be commissioned later this year.
Once completed, the polyclinic will offer residents access to advanced diagnostic services, specialty consultations, and preventive care, which will greatly alleviate pressure on public health facilities. The project com-
An artist’s impression of the new Industry polyclinic
menced on July 21, 2025, with an expected completion date of July 21, 2026.
The construction is being executed by Satar Mohamed and Sons Construction and Hardware Supplies, with Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services acting as the consultancy firm.
During the sod-turning ceremony held at the Industry Health Centre, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony emphasised that the government is investing substantial resources to modernise health facilities in and around Georgetown.
“We have about 30 health centres now on the East Coast. Over the last three years, we have upgraded every single one
of them, providing much better health facilities than we had three to four years ago. That is a remarkable achievement,” the Health Minister said.
Minister Anthony highlighted the modernisation of Guyana’s healthcare system, which now includes modern hospitals, health centres, cutting-edge technology, a larger pool of highly-trained medical professionals, and an improved pharmaceutical supply.
Construction is also underway for a modern Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Goedverwagting, which will offer specialised services to mothers and children nationwide upon completion.
Minister Anthony announced that three additional regional hospitals are set to be commissioned by the end of this month. The first three regional facilities were commissioned at Diamond and Enmore in Region Four and Bath in Region Five.
“This is to ensure that our people receive nothing but the best,” he said. (DPI)
Additionally, a modern polyclinic costing over $831 million is currently under construction in Campbellville, designed to serve the growing population of Kitty and Campbellville. This project is being executed by BM Property Management Inc.
By: Indrawattie Natram
IN just a matter of weeks, a promise made to the people of Lima Sands, Region Two, by President Dr. Irfaan Ali has been fulfilled, bringing new opportunities and improved services to the growing community.
During a recent outreach to Lima Sands, residents appealed for two school buses, an upgrade to the Cheddi Jagan Play Park, and the construction of an ICT hub equipped with computers and bakery equipment to support local enterprise.
On Friday, those requests became reality as Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, officially commissioned the Cheddi Jagan Play Park, delivered the bakery equipment and opened the state-of-theart ICT Centre—now outfitted with 14 computers. Two brand-new school buses were also presented to the community.
Ramraj, joined by Anna Regina Mayor Devin Mohan, Prime Minister’s Representative Arnold Adams, and Regional Executive Officer Susanah Saywack, described the moment as the fulfilment of President Ali’s direct commitment to Lima Sands.
“This $33M investment will benefit hundreds of residents. When parents told us that transportation was a major challenge for their children, the government acted immediately. We are committed to removing the burden
from families and ensuring that education remains free and accessible. Tremendous transformation is happening here—and there is more to come,” Ramraj stated.
He urged residents to care for and protect the new facilities and said the Government will continue to develop Lima Sands.
Headteacher of Lima Sands Primary, Pulmattie Drikpaul, welcomed the buses, noting they will significantly improve school attendance.
“This is a very pos-
itive move. We are extremely grateful to President Ali for this timely intervention,” she said.
Resident and parent Retisha Cummings recalled how different Lima Sands was when she first moved there.
“It wasn’t as developed as it is now,” she reflected. “Thanks to these initiatives, our children will have easier access to school, ICT training, and recreational spaces. We are very thankful for the timely delivery of all these projects.” Cummings said.
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Friday, commissioned the extension of the airstrip located in the Kaieteur National Park.
The 1,000-foot extension was carried out by the four Engineers Battalion of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), with support
from the Ministry of Public Works.
According to information from President Ali’s Facebook page, the extension was dedicated to the late Brigadier Gary Beaton and Ms. Dion Amsterdam, who initially worked on the project. This critical extension will allow for larger carriers, significantly increas-
ing tourist traffic to the iconic Kaieteur Falls, the President said on his page. Specifically, the Kaieteur runway now has a total length of 3000ft.
“Some 120 troops from the GDF worked tirelessly to adapt to the conditions from start to end. Gratitude is also extended to the various stakeholders who were involved in the
- initiative to be replicated at airstrips across
completion of the new 3000ft runway,” the Ministry of Public Works said in a post on its Facebook page.
Minister Edghill reflected on the magnitude of work that was executed by the engineers and soldiers for the successful completion of the extended runway.
Both Brigadier Beaton and Ms. Amsterdam were remembered as hardworking, solution driven individuals.
Further, Minister
Edghill also highlighted the impact this extended runway will have for tourism to one of Guyana’s main attractions.
“I am happy that with 3000ft we can now bring in every other plane right now except the Beechcraft and I think we have to keep working towards that so that we can bring in bigger aircraft and we are going to continue that… pilots who used to come here, they can now see how safer it is, they can see how much more they
can do in terms of bringing costs down because the payload is better, they can manage” He said.
This is the first time, significant work was done since the construction of the initial 2000ft runway in the 1940s. The 1000ft extension will be replicated at a number of other airstrips across the country, through a collaborative approach between the Ministry of Public Works and the Guyana Defence Force.
THE Ministry of Education, under the Government of Guyana, continues to transform the country’s education landscape through long-term planning, enhanced access, and improved quality of teaching and learning.
By rolling out strategic initiatives such as the newly launched National Literacy Programmes, the Ministry aims to ensure that every learner is equipped with the skills needed to excel academically, personally, and professionally.
Launched on Thursday, the National Literacy Programmes focus on building strong foundational reading skills from the earliest years of schooling. Literacy Officers from Regions Nine, Three, and Four, along with education specialists, shared how these initiatives are already making a difference.
Retired Literacy Officer, Ms. Colette Horatio, who played a key role in reviewing the programme’s content, explained that the new resources are designed to systematically develop reading fluency, starting from nursery level and guiding learners toward mastery by Grade Four.
“These resources produce a literacy programme that’s very systematic and ensures that learners progress instrumentally towards the goal of becoming fluent readers,” Ms. Horatio said.
“Teachers are given clear, detailed guidance to deliver meaningful, daily literacy instruction regardless of a learner’s reading level.”
The resources feature step-by-step directions for both teachers and students, as well as activities that progress from simple to complex, ensuring consistent skill development. Recognising that some children may still require additional support, the Ministry has also integrated the Bright Intervention Programme, which targets students reading below grade level.
POSITIVE RECEPTION IN THE REGIONS
Education Officer for Literacy in Region Nine, Jean LaRose, has been training primary and nursery teachers — including Literacy Committee Members — to implement the new framework. She noted that the Literacy Unit’s comprehensive outline covers every component of Language Arts, including phonemic awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension.
“They have welcomed this outline because it spells out everything in detail,” LaRose said, explaining that it aligns with three strands of the curriculum: listening and speaking; reading and viewing; and writing and representing. Region Nine has already begun implementation in Grades One and Two. In Region Three, Nurs-
ery Teacher and Literacy Monitor Shonequa Corbin shared her experience using the newly developed Literacy Timetable in the classroom. While the transition initially required adjustments to established routines, Corbin said the structured timetable soon proved beneficial.
“Once I became familiar with the structure, I found that it provided more guidance and consistency in literacy sessions,” Corbin explained. “It also helped me stay focused on literacy goals and better track my learners’ progress.”
The timetable clearly allocates time for phonics instruction, phonics activities, and group story time, with defined learning outcomes. While some teachers initially resisted the change, Corbin noted that many have come to appreciate its clarity and positive impact on students’ literacy development.
The Ministry’s literacy strategy reflects its broader vision — expanding educational access while improving quality through evidence-based planning and targeted resources. Officials emphasise that the continued rollout of structured literacy initiatives, combined with teacher training and school environment enhancements, will be key to ensuring that every child in Guyana has the opportunity to become a confident, fluent reader.
JAGS Aviation Inc. has expanded its fleet with the addition of two state-of-the-art Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft, which touched down in Guyana on Friday. The move marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and service excellence in the nation’s aviation sector.
Built for short-field performance and regional connectivity, the P2012 is ideally suited for Guyana’s diverse terrain and remote air-
strips. Each aircraft offers seating for more than nine passengers, featuring a spacious
air-conditioned cabin, USB charging ports, and advanced Garmin G1000 NXi avionics—
congratulate those who have placed confidence in moving things and investing their hardearned cash… It is without a doubt an aviation industry that will be the envy of the Caribbean in the next year or two.”
combining comfort with cutting-edge technology.
The new additions are expected to boost access to interior destinations, eco-lodges, and regional islands, directly supporting Guyana’s tourism sector
Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, echoed those sentiments, describing the event as “a great day for aviation” and reflecting on the transformation of Guyana’s air transport sector over the past five years.
He highlighted the Ogle Airport’s growth into one of the busiest in the Caribbean, with over 220 landings daily, and commended the private sector’s role in driving expansion.
“We want greater efficiency, greater predictability—particularly for our hinterland communities—and we want to see an expansion in our tourism potential,” he said.
Looking ahead, the government envisions Guyana as a hub for connecting international and regional carriers, enabling seamless travel throughout South America and the Caribbean. Edghill encouraged more investment in technical capacity, with a focus on developing local engineering capabilities to service aircraft domestically.
and the modernisation of its aviation industry.
Director of Civil Aviation, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Fields, praised the investment, noting that the arrival of new aircraft benefits not only the industry but also the wider economy.
“We are certainly in an era where most of the investment taking place in the air is moving this country leaps and bounds,” Fields said. “We must
With the acquisition of its sixth aircraft in five years, JAGS Aviation has demonstrated consistent growth.
Minister Edghill also announced that he recently signed an order permitting JAGS and BK International to operate at Bartica’s airstrip, with plans to develop it into a modern aerodrome equipped for tourism.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to working with local and international operators:
“You can be assured that you have a partner in a PPP/C administration,” he told industry stakeholders.
The arrival of the new Tecnam aircraft signals continued momentum in Guyana’s aviation sector, which is positioning itself for sustained growth in tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.
The Minister stressed that modernisation will continue in both technology and physical infrastructure, with safety as the top priority.
JOEL Spooner, 24, was, on Friday, sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of his 19-yearold girlfriend, Shenese Walks.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the High Court in Demerara.
Spooner was originally sentenced to 25 years, but with the mandatory onethird deduction for his early guilty plea, the final sentence was reduced to 16 years and eight months.
Time served while on remand will be deducted by the prison authorities. No adjustments were made for mitigating or aggravating factors in the case.
Spooner was initially indicted for the capital offence of murder. The tragic incident occurred between April 12 and 13, 2022, at their Craig Public Road home in East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Walks, a school teacher from Linden, was reportedly involved in a dispute with Spooner during which she armed herself with a knife.
Spooner told police he attempted to disarm her but ended up stabbing her in the left side of her neck. After the stabbing, he secured the house and fled the scene.
Walks’ lifeless body was found by police at their home, with the knife still embedded in her neck. Spooner later confessed to his brother what happened and was escorted to the Grove Police Station, where he was taken into custody.
Walks’ cause of death was given as haemorrhage and shock due to stab wound to neck compounded by bronchoaspiration.
The prosecution was led by State Counsel Nelissa Peterkin, assisted by State Counsel Praneta Seeraj and State Counsel Christopher Belfield.
The prosecution’s statement of aggravating factors outlined several key points to be considered in sentencing. It highlighted the serious nature of the offence, emphasising the escalation from a verbal dispute to a fatal stabbing.
According to the prosecution, Spooner’s actions
directly caused Walks’ unlawful death, constituting a grave breach of legal and moral duties.
The prosecution also noted that after inflicting the injury, Spooner fled the scene—first to the Kitty seawall, then to his brother’s and aunt’s homes—before eventually surrendering to the police.
This behaviour, the prosecutors contended, demonstrated a disregard for the victim’s welfare and an evasion of responsibility, thereby aggravating the severity of the offence.
Furthermore, victim impact statements submitted to the court revealed the profound trauma experienced by Walks’ family.
The prosecution emphasised that her father described the ongoing pain felt by the family, particularly since the deceased’s son was only one year old at the time. Walks’ mother spoke of the emotional hardship she continues to endure, while her sister expressed fear and devastation resulting from the incident.
Lastly, the prosecution stressed that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to violent crime, reflecting society’s condemnation of unlawful killing.
Citing relevant case law, the State urged the court to impose a sentence that carefully balances the aggravating factors with the offender’s degree of culpability.
In sentencing submissions presented to the High Court, defence attorney Madan Kissoon urged the court to consider several mitigating factors in the case of Spooner, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
The defence highlighted Spooner’s status as a first-time offender with
an unblemished criminal record, noting that he had no previous convictions or encounters with the law prior to the incident.
He noted Spooner’s genuine remorse and co-operation, pointing out that he voluntarily surrendered to police in the presence of his brother and expressed sincere apologies to the family of the deceased.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding the offence, the defence described the fatal stabbing as accidental and triggered by a heated moment during a tumultuous and often violent relationship between Spooner and Walks.
The defence lawyer urged the court to consider this history of mutual conflict when determining the sentence.
Further, the defence underscored Spooner’s willingness to engage in rehabilitation programmes, including anger management and vocational training, to improve his behaviour and facilitate his reintegration into society.
Concluding, Kissoon submitted that a custodial sentence on the lower end of the scale, combined with rehabilitative measures, would better serve justice and the public interest than a harsh, lengthy imprisonment with no parole.
In her sentencing remarks, Justice Ally-Seepaul explained that the starting point of 25 years was determined by considering Spooner’s intimate relationship with Walks and the domestic violence nature of the crime, a serious issue widely seen in society.
She emphasised that it was an aggravating factor due to the disturbing frequency with which women in the country are being
killed by their partners.
According to her, the court must send a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. The judge emphasised that individuals need to seek better ways to resolve disputes within their relationships to prevent issues from escalating into violence.
She said that there was no genuine remorse shown, as the convict instead sought to place blame on Walks for her own demise.
Justice Ally-Seepaul highlighted the use of a
deadly weapon, Spooner’s failure to take the victim to the hospital or seek help, and the devastating impact the crime has had on the deceased’s family.
She further noted that the defence’s request for the court to consider provocation as a mitigating factor, as well as the claim of no premeditation, was rejected.
She said that mitigating factors in relation to the offender included his young age, lack of prior convictions, his expressed willingness to participate in rehabilitation programmes, and the favourable probation and prison conduct reports.
TOWN Clerk of Linden, Lennox Gasper, has commended the government for its swift intervention in response to the recent disaster that struck Linden.
On Wednesday, several residents in Silvertown, First, Second and Third Alley and Wismar were adversely affected by a flash flood induced by torrential rainfall.
The Prime Minister’s team distributed relief hampers and sanitation supplies to ensure the affected residents were able to disinfect their living areas.
With the government’s actions, Town Clerk Gasper was happy that township residents got the support they needed from the central government.
During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Gasper thanked the Prime Minister and the Civil Defence Commission, particularly for the speed with which they mobil-
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips sprang to action. Accompanied by a team from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), he visited the affected areas to conduct an initial assessment of the damage caused by the flooding. And, they did not arrive empty-handed.
ised relief efforts in response to the floods.
Gasper is convinced that “This quick response not only brought much-needed assistance but also hope to the people of Linden during a challenging time.”
He further stated that “It is a testament to the commitment of our government to stand by its citizens in times of crisis.”
The response of the prime minister and the CDC underscores the importance that has been placed on providing relief for citizens affected by natural disasters.
By Indrawattie Natram
will represent opportunity, income, and a brighter future.
Chairperson of the Lima Sands Women Development Multipurpose coop society, Urania Success
Among the projects handed over to the community on Friday was a complete set of bakery equipment, which is part of a $33M investment by the Government of Guyana to transform Lima Sands.
The package also included two school buses, the upgraded Cheddi Jagan Play Park and a fully equipped ICT hub. But for many residents, the bakery stands out as a life-changing addition.
Chairperson of the Lima Sands Women Development Multipurpose Co-op Society, Urania Success, said that she is very thankful for the oven, mixer, extractor fan and also the brand-new refrigerator.
She added that the equipment will give them the chance to earn an income without having to travel far.
“Before this, if we wanted to bake in large quantities, we had to find
Director General of the
equipment or rent space elsewhere. Now we can produce right here in our own community,” Success shared.
The bakery is expected to provide bread, pastries and other baked goods for families in Lima Sands and neighbouring areas.
It also opens the door for training young people in baking skills, creating new jobs and reducing dependence on outside suppliers. Success said that the Society is open to membership and anyone who wishes to order items can do so since catering services are provided.
Parent and community member, Leita Kumar, said the bakery will complement the other new facilities perfectly.
“We now have the school buses to get our children to school, the ICT hub to teach them modern skills, and the bakery to create jobs. Everything is connected—it’s like the
Government thought about the whole picture of what we need to grow,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, who officially handed over the bakery equipment, urged residents to take full advantage of it.
“This is about empowering the people of Lima Sands. We want to see you running your own businesses, supplying your own community, and keeping that money right here,” he said.
Soon, the smell of freshly baked bread will greet children heading to school on the new buses and young people logging on at the ICT hub.
“This bakery isn’t just about bread. It’s about feeding our families, our dreams, and our future thanks to the Government and President Irfaan Ali,” one resident said with a smile.
Commander of Police Division 4C, Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram, and his Deputy, Superintendent J. Dufu, on Wednesday, met with over 110 recently promoted officers in a formal engagement aimed at reinforcing the expectations and responsibilities that come with their new ranks.
The promoted ranks include Inspectors, Sergeants, Corporals, and Lance Corporals, who have advanced within the Guyana Police Force following a recent round of elevation exercises.
The meeting, held at the Division's headquarters, served as both a congratulatory and advisory forum.
In his remarks, Assistant Commissioner Pareshram extended heartfelt congratulations to the officers, praising their hard work and dedication. However, he was keen to remind them that promotion is not merely a reward but a call to higher standards.
“With your new roles come greater responsibilities, higher expectations from the public and the organisation, and often the possibility of reassignment or rotation,” Pareshram said.
He emphasised the importance of strict ad -
herence to the Force’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), encouraging ranks to remain guided by the core values of integrity, professionalism, and service that underpin policing in Guyana.
Highlighting the Guyana Police Force’s ongoing shift toward modern and less-lethal policing strategies, Pareshram noted that officers have been trained in the use of tasers and body cameras. He stressed that such tools must be used responsibly, underscoring the need for accountability in every aspect of duty.
The Commander also encouraged ranks to take advantage of online educational opportunities to enhance their qualifications and improve their resumes. He reminded them of the critical role the Appraisal System plays in future promotions and career development.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Dufu echoed these sentiments, urging the officers to maintain discipline, professionalism, and continued learning throughout their careers.
In closing, Assistant Commissioner Pareshram urged ranks to exercise discretion in their use of social media, warning that inappropriate conduct online could reflect poorly on the Force.
He also emphasised
the importance of respectful engagement with the public, reminding officers that trust and co-operation are earned through consistent, fair, and courteous service.
The engagement forms part of the Division’s efforts to maintain high standards of conduct, morale, and operational readiness among its ranks as it continues to serve the communities along the East Coast corridor.
- celebrates contributions of Afro-Guyanese during Emancipation Day celebration
GUYANA’S Ambassador to the United States and former Prime Minister Sam Hinds and the parents of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali were among those in attendance when the Guyana Consulate in Toronto held its Emancipation Day celebration
at its office in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada last Thursday evening.
The evening featured Afro-Guyanese culture,
storytelling, singing and drumming performed by talented Guyanese musician, singer and educator Kenton Wyatt, while Nadine Williams, Caribbean educator, author and poet, recited two appropriate poems, "We Africans" & "The Immigrant Child," relating to the horrific crime of slavery within a Guyanese-Caribbean context and Caribbean migration.
Honorary Consul Mani Singh told the appreciative audience that Afro Guyanese have a long history of struggle and resilience.
He said: “Their fight for freedom wasn’t only a fight for themselves but for the dignity and honour of future generations.”
Singh described the notorious Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery which went on for approximately 400 years, during the European invasion and colonisation of Africa, as the worst form of exploitation and cruelty ever inflicted upon man by his fellow man.
He said: “All other crimes of history that were committed by man against his fellow man pales in comparison.”
According to Singh: “In the One Guyana that we are establishing, Afro Guyanese, like all other groups, will have no reason to fear economic emasculation or political marginalisation. We are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from the progress and development of our nation. All will have greater opportunities for social, political and economic advancement and no one will be left behind.”
Singh, however, cautioned that “we must remain vigilant and mindful of those within our midst who seek to prey on and manipulate ethnic suspicions to promote their own personal interests. These purveyors of fear and insecurity aim to sow division and discord, undermining the unity and harmony that we strive to build. This is why we must reject those who seek to deploy the banner of racism and discrimination to divide our people and stymie national development in our country.”
Singh added that “rest assured, we are unfazed in our commitment to building a Guyana where every citizen, regardless of their background, has a stake in our shared future.”
The Honorary Consul pointed out that “as we celebrate Emancipation Day, let us remember the sacrifices of our forebearers and honour their legacy by continuing to strive for just and equitable society. Let us work together to build a nation where all can prosper. In the spirit of our Afro Guyanese ancestors, we shall remain resolute in our pursuit of One Guyana where every individual is valued and respected.”
The celebration also attracted several leaders and members of the Canadian diaspora while Ambassador Hinds was accompanied by his wife and daughter
The event was chaired by Consulate staff, Lorraine Harry, while Executive Officer, Devina Richmond, gave the Vote of Thanks. (Frederick Halley)
THE Georgetown Film Festival opened its 2025 edition at St Rose’s High School, on Thursday evening.
ACCORDING to a press release, the launch featured an array of Caribbean films supplemented by lively Q&A conversations with filmmakers and producers.
The festival, which was founded in 2022 with a focus on supporting local filmmaking through workshops and developmental programmes, is now in the second year of its multinight festival programme which began in 2024.
Founder Rae Wiltshire opened the evening by contextualising the work
The documentary featured speakers from six countries discussing the environmental crisis affecting the Caribbean region, highlighting the interregional focus of both organisations.
Other films featured on the opening night included “Rhizome” from Guadeloupe/France and “Ring the Bell, Shout Hallelujah!” from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
of the nongovernmental organisation within the changing dynamics of art, filmmaking and creativity regionally.
This year, its sophomore showing features a series of Guyanese and Caribbean filmmakers
exploring social, cultural and interpersonal themes through documentary and narrative films over three nights.
The festival launched with the Guyanese premiere of “Parliament Girls”, directed by St
Vincent filmmaker Akley Olton. The film, a rousing social-justice drama garnered much conversation on the dynamics of violence against women in a post-film discussion moderated by local activist Sherlina Nageer.
The Breadfruit Collective, a local organisation working at the intersection of gender and environmental justice, had the world premiere of its film “Voices of Resistance: Caribbean Environmental Defenders and their fight for Escazú”.
The festival, which continues on Friday and Saturday evenings from 19:30hr to 23:00hr at the St Rose’s High, is sponsored by Reel Guyana, The Breadfruit Collective and Royal Castle Guyana.
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has officially announced that it is now accepting applications for proxy voting for the upcoming General and Regional Elections scheduled for Monday, September 1, 2025.
According to a notice
from GECOM, proxy voting is available to voters who, for specific reasons, will be unable to cast their ballots at their designated polling stations on election day.
Eligible voters who can apply to vote by proxy include rural constables or members of the Disci-
plined Forces engaged in election day duties who missed the designated day for Disciplined Forces balloting.
It also includes election officials such as Returning Officers or other appointed personnel working in districts other than where they are registered to vote.
Additionally, individuals involved in operating vessels for the Transport and Harbours Department on election day, duly appointed candidates performing election-related duties outside their home districts, and voters who are visually impaired or physically incapacitated and unable to attend their polling station qualify for proxy voting.
It is important to note that both the applicant voter and the appointed proxy must be registered on the same List of Electors and at the same polling station in order to participate in proxy voting, GECOM said.
Proxy voting application forms are available for collection and submission at the offices of
the Returning Officer or Supernumerary Returning Officer in the district or sub-district where the voter is registered. All applications must be submitted no later than August 11, 2025.
GECOM encourages eligible voters to take advantage of this provision to ensure their right to vote is preserved even if they cannot be physically present at their polling station on election day.
WITH just over three weeks remaining before Guyana’s General and Regional Elections, the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) is calling on all political parties, stakeholders, and citizens to commit to peace, tolerance, and national unity during this critical period.
In a statement issued Thursday, THAG emphasised that elections often bring heightened emotions and tensions, but it is in these very moments that restraint and maturity are most essential. The Association urged Guyanese to de-escalate potential conflicts in homes, communities, and workplaces, and to focus on maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all.
“Let us work together to ensure that Guyana remains a safe and welcoming destination—for ourselves and for all visitors, whether they are here for business or leisure,” the statement read.
THAG’s appeal comes as the country prepares not only for the polls on September 1, but also looks ahead to a milestone moment in its history. In 2026, Guyana will celebrate 60 years of independence, and planning is already underway for what is expected to be a landmark
year for tourism and national pride.
According to THAG, some hotels are already fully booked and tour operators are planning special experiences in anticipation of the historic occasion. The Association noted that the success of these events— and the tourism industry as a whole—hinges on the nation’s ability to maintain peace and stability during the lead-up to and aftermath of the elections.
“Let peace be our priority. Let unity be our strength. Let 2026 be our celebration,” THAG said, urging all Guyanese to play their part in safeguarding the nation’s progress.
As anticipation builds for both the elections and the 60th anniversary, THAG’s message serves as a reminder that Guyana’s true strength lies in its people’s ability to come together in moments that matter most.
batter Haider Ali is embroiled in a criminal investigation in England. It has now emerged that the player was arrested in connection with an alleged case of sexual molestation. Following the development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has placed the player under immediate suspension. He was later released on bail.
About three days ago (on August 3), Haider (24), who has played two ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan, was reportedly arrested by the Greater Manchester police at Hove. At that time, the right-hand batter was representing Pakistan Shaheens in a one-day match at Beckenheim on August 3.
The PCB said it has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police. “The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” the PCB said in a statement.
“In line with its duty of care and responsibility to ensure the welfare and legal rights of all its players, the PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process.
“The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course. Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” the PCB said. (Cricbuzz)
Saturday, August 9th,
CENTURIES from Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra took New Zealand to their highest total against Zimbabwe, and a 476-run first innings lead in the second Test.
They have not declared, and have plenty of batting to come. With conditions suited to the filling of boots, and with three days left in the game, New Zealand might be eyeing more on a flat surface against a tired opposition.
• (Scores: New Zealand 601 for 3 (Ravindra 165*, Conway 153, Nicholls 150*, Muzarabani 1-101) lead Zimbabwe 125 by 476 runs)
Already, three of New Zealand’s line-up have given them food for thought ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle. Conway brought up 2000 Test runs and his fifth hundred, two-anda-half years and 32 innings since his last - against Pakistan in Karachi in January 2023. Nicholls’ century was his tenth in the format and an important one after he was left out of the XI for all of 2024. And Ravindra’s hundred was his third and fastest, off just 104 balls.
Zimbabwe had three bowlers bring up unwanted triple-figure scores of their own. Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu and Vincent Masekesa all conceded more than a hundred runs. They were also the only bowlers among the seven Zimbabwe used to get themselves among the wickets, though Gwandu’s came on the first day. Zimbabwe have bowled 130 overs in the match so far, including 91 on the second day.
New Zealand resumed their innings in cold conditions on 174 for 1 on the second morning, 49 runs ahead of Zimbabwe. If there was anything to be offered from the overheads, Zimbabwe were unable to make much use of it.
The first ball was short and wide, and Conway cut it for four in a sign of what was to come. To Tanaka Chivanga’s credit, he managed to hurry nightwatcher Jacob Duffy into two pulls - but the first fell short of mid-on, and the second short of midwicket. Duffy, though, got it right off Muzarabani, and his stand with Conway grew to fifty. Their partnership was worth 62 when Conway drove Muzarabani through mid-off to bring up his century off 143 balls.
Duffy batted for 13.2 overs on the second morning, and almost the full first hour, before he pulled Masekesa to short midwicket, where Brian Bennett moved quickly to his right to take a good catch. But Zimbabwe’s joy was short
lived as that wicket brought Nicholls to the crease, and they would go 30 overs without another wicket.
Nicholls took his time to get himself in, with nine runs off the first 25 balls he faced, before he was gifted a full toss from Masekesa and sent it to the square-leg boundary. That set Nicholls on his way, and he was particularly successful against spin, as Zimbabwe turned to their slower bowlers while waiting for the second new ball. In total, Nicholls scored 96 runs off Zimbabwe’s four spinners. New Zealand went to lunch on 306 for 2, with a lead of 181, and with the second new ball nine overs away. Before it arrived, Nicholls got to fifty and then Conway to 150 off the final delivery with the old ball.
Zimbabwe took the second new ball as soon as it became available, and Muzarabani seemed to find some extra bounce. With a zip in his step, Muzarabani thought he had Nicholls lbw with a delivery that angled in and hit him on the pad, but must have been going down leg, and then did get Conway. Bizarrely, Conway shouldered arms to a back-of-a-length ball that he must have thought was going over the stumps but instead hit his body and ricocheted onto off stump. He was dismissed 2.3 overs into the second new ball.
Conway’s dismissal did little to halt Nicholls’ momentum. He hit Chivanga wide of point for four as Ravindra arrived, also slightly circumspect.
AUSTRALIA has confirmed its first-choice T20I openers as preparations begin for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s T20I captain, revealed on Friday that himself and swashbuckling opener and ICC No.2ranked T20I batter, Travis Head, will remain the team’s top two until the marquee ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year.
Fresh off a 5-0 whitewash of West Indies in the T20I series last month, Australia will welcome back a few familiar faces – including Travis Head – for its upcoming three-match series against South Africa, starting Sunday, 10 August.
“It’ll be myself and Heady [Travis Head] up the top for the foreseeable future,” Marsh told reporters.
“Obviously, we’ve played a lot together, (we’ve) got a great relationship, so (we’ll) start there.”
Ravindra scored seven runs off the first 13 balls he faced but then raced to 26 off 24 balls after carving Muzarabani up through extra cover, past gully and over the leg side for three fours in the sixth over of his spell. Zimbabwe were soon back to spin, and though Sikandar Raza occasionally beat the bat with flight, there was very little threat from Zimbabwe. By tea, New Zealand were 302 runs ahead.
The final session was all New Zealand as Nicholls brought up his century when he flicked Gwandu past mid-on and ran three. Ravindra took back-to-back to back boundaries off the rest of the over to race to 75. The boundaries dried up from there on, and Ravindra had to work hard for his next 25 runs. But he got them in 36 balls, and then hammered Raza through extra cover for four for good measure. With milestones up for both batters and 500 up for New Zealand, they played with freedom and scored 88 runs off the last 11 overs in the day.
Nicholls and Ravindra both reached 150, as Conway had done earlier in the day, to make only the third time in Test history that three batters had crossed that landmark in a Test. Neither Nicholls nor Ravindra looks ready to stop just yet - which could mean another long day in the field for a weary Zimbabwe side whose winless streak seems set to continue. (ESPN Cricinfo)
While Marsh and Head are yet to open together in T20Is, they boast an outstanding record as an ODI pairing, pitching in with 282 runs from just five innings at a superb 70.50 average. In total, Marsh and Head’s record as a pair reads 504 runs from 14 innings at a 38.76-run average, with one century and three half-century stands.
Marsh’s shift to No.3 ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup was hailed widely, with the right-hand batter amassing 185 runs from five outings, culminating in a Player of the Final performance as Australia lifted the trophy for the first time.
Marsh was also tasked with leading Australia at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 last year, where Australia was knocked out in the Super Eights, with the batter making 125 runs across seven outings.
Now still at the helm, the 33-year-old has embraced the opening role after doing so in all five matches against the West Indies last month, albeit having a poor outing with only 81 runs coming across five games.
Since David Warner’s retirement following last year’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, Australia has tried and tested multiple openers, including Matt Short, Glenn Maxwell and Jake Fraser-McGurk.
But the Marsh-Head combination now looks set in stone as the team builds towards the flagship Men’s T20I tournament next year.
Marsh also addressed the batting order of big-hitter Tim David, whose 37-ball century in the third T20I against West Indies – the fastest by an Australian – came after an early arrival at the crease.
“We’ve spoken about it. We saw that in the Caribbean, that he came in earlier than he would normally,” Marsh added.
“His skill set is made for that. The more balls he faces, hopefully the more games he wins us.”
• Australia T20I squad to face South Africa: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa (ICC Media)
THE Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh’s (CWAB) convener Selim Shahed said on Tuesday that women cricketers can take part in the forthcoming election, dismissing allegations made by national women cricketers that gender discrimination exists in the association formed for the welfare of the country’s cricketers.
Recently, CWAB announced that they are aiming to hold the next election on September 4. However, former national women’s cricketer Rumana Ahmed took to her social media platform to criticise the organisation.
“While developed cricketing nations are moving far ahead with their women cricketers alongside the men, we don’t even bring our women cricketers into the conversation. Why this discrimination? We, too, bring glory to the country’s cricket. Around the world, women play in franchise leagues such as the WIPL, WBBL, and WPSL, yet here we stall at merely discussing the WBPL. Every year, it’s the same-promises of ‘next year’ that go nowhere. Even our men’s BPL is still struggling to stand firmly. But who is responsible for this?” Rumana wrote on Facebook on Friday.
“Recently, there has been a lot of discussion at the board regarding CWAB. While male cricketers are visibly active there, not a single woman cricketer could be seen. So where do we stand? And where are those who once nurtured women’s cricket? If Tamim, Shakib, and Mahmudullah are always part of discussions, why not Salma, Rumana, and Jahanara?” she said.
“When will we eliminate the gender gap? When will we build a healthy culture? After so many years in cricket, is it too much to expect at least this much respect?” she added.
National skipper Nigar Sultana also made a Facebook post pointing in the same direction.
“There’s a difference between cricketers and women cricketers, my friend,” she wrote, without elaborating further.
“All the former national players (male or female) can be life members by paying the required fees, and whoever is registered with CCDM can be a member of CWAB by paying the required fees. All the national players can be lifetime members by paying the required fees with voting rights,” Shahed told Cricbuzz on Friday.
“Any cricketer earning the voting right can take part in the CWAB election and there is no such hard and fast rule that women cricketers cannot take part in the CWAB election,” he said.
“We would like the women cricketers eligible to earn life membership or permanent membership of CWAB to come forward, be members, and exercise their voting rights. If they wish to contest the election, they are most welcome to do that,” he added.
CWAB membership guidelines
According to the constitution, there will be a Membership Sub-Committee consisting of a minimum of three members to ensure the
membership guidelines are followed for initial verifications. All permanent and life members can exercise their voting rights and compete in the CWAB elections based on the approval of the Membership Sub-Committee and the Election Commission.
I) Life member:
Any former player with CCDM registration can be a life member of the association by paying 100,000 Taka. For former national players, the life membership fee will be 50,000 Taka. There will be no yearly charges for life members, and they will have voting rights.
II) Permanent member:
All cricket players from 1972 onwards who have played for the Bangladesh national team, first-class cricket, List A, or Premier League will be entitled to be permanent members by paying the required fees.
Initial registration fees will be 5,000 Taka for all permanent members.
Yearly subscription:
A) Former national players / first-class players / Premier League players - 5,000 Taka per year.
B) Current national players with BCB contracts - 24,000 Taka per year.
C) Current first-class players with BCB contracts - 6,000 Taka per year.
D) Current Premier League / List A players - 3,000 Taka per year.
E) Current national women players with BCB contracts - 2,400 Taka per year.
The voting rights of permanent members will be limited to all former and current national players and current first-class players of Bangladesh who become members after paying the required fees for the upcoming election scheduled in September 2025.
III) Associate member:
Anyone who has played cricket and has CCDM registration (first division, second division, third division, or represented a District Sports Association team) will be entitled to be an associate member. They can become permanent members as soon as they play for the Bangladesh national team, first-class, List A, or Premier League cricket by paying the required fees. Associate members will have no voting rights. They will pay 2,000 Taka as entrance fees and 1,200 Taka per year as a subscription. (Cricbuzz)
JANE Maguire hit a six from the last ball as Ireland beat Pakistan to clinch the three-match T20 international series for Ireland with a four-wicket victory at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.
The hosts claimed an 11-run win in the first game on Wednesday and brought that momentum into their second game as they wrapped up the series with a game to spare in remarkable fashion.
• (Scores: Ireland 171-6 (20 overs): Prendergast 51, Delany 42; Shamim 3-36 vs Pakistan 168-6 (20 overs): Sulfiqar 33, Pervaiz 31; McBride 2-27
Ireland are now on course to match their impressive 3-0 T20 series win against Zimbabwe last month as they extended their winning streak in this format to nine games.
Lloyd Tennant’s side will face Pakistan in the final game of the series at the same venue on Sunday at 16:00 BST.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, with Shawaal Zulfiqar (27 runs) and Muneeba Ali (33 runs), falling in consecutive overs after being bowled out by Lara McBride and Cara Murray.
McBride and Murray both took second wickets from Eyman Fatima and Natalia Pervaiz after their partnership of 54, as Pakistan eventually set a target of 168 at the
break. Ireland struggled in the early stages of their batting, with Amy Hunter run out for just six.
Captain Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul were both dismissed in the fifth over, before Orla Prendergast steadied the ship.
She ended as Ireland’s top scorer with 51, including two sixes before she was taken out by Rameen Shamim.
Laura Delany with 42 runs and Rebecca Stokell with 34 helped to push Ireland closer to the target, but the defining moment came in the final over.
Maguire produced the goods for Tennant’s side, hitting a six down the ground from the first delivery she faced to give Ireland a dramatic victory. (BBC Sport)
AUSTRALIA skipper Alyssa Healy played her first competitive match in more than six months as she continues her recovery from injury ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year.
Healy turned out for Australia A in T20I contest against India A in Queensland and the experienced keeper-batter showed glimpses of her best in the 13-run victory by scoring 27 from just 18 deliveries.
It was Healy’s first proper hitout since she featured in the one-off Test against England at the MCG at the end of February, with the 35-year-old having battled a knee injury in recent times while trying to get fit for this year’s 50-over World Cup that commences on September 30 in India and Sri Lanka.
Healy hit five boundaries during her brief stay at the crease against India A in Mackay and the right-hander was thrilled to make a successful return to action and contribute towards a victory for her side.
“(I got) off to a good start ... another disappointing dismissal, but that’s OK,” Healy told reporters after the game.
“I’ve done a lot of hitting in the nets, and haven’t really had any time out in the middle for a long period of time, so it was nice to just get back out there, and hopefully the decision making will start kicking back in at some point.”
Healy will continue her return from injury while playing as a batter only in the remaining two T20I matches against India A and will take the gloves as keeper for the ODI portion of the series in Brisbane later this month.
If the recovery goes as planned then
Healy will play a crucial role in trying to help Australia win an eighth 50-over World Cup title later this year, but for the time being the experienced captain is focused on taking small steps and spending some more time in the middle for Australia A.
“Throughout all the injuries and whatnot, I actually was hitting the ball really well,” Healy said.
“I was actually probably batting as well as what I had for a period of time.
“So I didn’t really feel like any technical changes needed to be made, it was just having some time out in the middle.
“Decision making is a big part of the game, and you don’t really know if you’re hitting or missing until you’re out there in the middle.
“So that’s what these games are for and hopefully I can rectify that.” (ICC Media)
FORMER Reggae Boy Ricardo
Gardner, World Championship and Olympic medallist Yohan Blake, and cricketer Rovman Powell are among five Jamaican sportsmen set to receive national honours later this year.
The trio, along with veteran racehorse jockey Shane Ellis and Special Olympian Jefferson Watson Davis, are included in a list of just over 140 Jamaicans to be awarded Orders of the Societies of Honour or Badges of Honour, effective August 6, 2025.
The honours will be formally conferred on National Heroes’ Day, October 20.
Blake, who stunned the world when he became the youngest man to win the 100m at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in 2011 at
SOUTH Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada as urged his teammates to move on from their recent success in the ICC World Test Championship Final and concentrate on winning more major trophies.
The Proteas broke a long drought when defeating the Aussies in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s earlier this year and will renew rivalries with their close rival during six whiteball contests in Australia starting with a three-game T20I series that commences in Darwin on Sunday.
While Rabada has many fond memories from the memorable encounter at the Home of Cricket in June, South Africa’s pace spearhead wants his players to forget about their recent success and target more major victories at upcoming ICC events.
Rabada will be part of South Africa’s title at next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka and is sure to still be a part of the setup when the country co-hosts the 14th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027.
“It was kind of like a relief,” Rabada said in relation to winning the World Test Championship Final over Australia.
“But the show moves on, and moving toward the T20 World Cup, I guess the approach will be a bit different. Now
there’s no fear of anything.”
South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada opens up on what the WTC win means for the Proteas.
Rabada is hoping to use the upcoming matches in Australia as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup at the start of next year and believes taking on the Aussies will provide his side with a stern challenge.
“The rivalry between Australia and South Africa has always been something to behold,” Rabada said.
“It’s always some hard cricket being played ... whenever we play Australia. It always feels like they get the best out of us, because they’re in our faces.
“And I guess we like that.”
“Yeah, I’d like to do that for quite a lot of the players,” Rabada said.
“From my point of view, (I feel) that I’m obliged to almost take them under extra care. But I think he’s going to learn from his own experiences as well and from his own journey. And we’re just there to be a sounding board.”
• T20I squad: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuandre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan
age 21, is being recognised for his contribution to athletics and philanthropy. The sprinter is the second-fastest man in history behind Usain Bolt, with personal bests of 9.69 seconds in the 100m and 19.26 seconds in the 200m.
Gardner, a member of Jamaica’s historic France 1998 FIFA World Cup team and a former national Under-20 head coach, will receive the Order of Distinction (Officer Class), as will Powell, who previously captained the West Indies cricket team.
Davis, who represented Jamaica at the Special Olympics for two decades, will also be conferred with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class), while Ellis will receive the Badge of Honour for his long-standing contribution to horse racing. (Sportsmax)
• ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan
Subrayen
• Series Schedule
First T20I - 10 August, Marrara Stadium, Darwin Second T20I - 12 August, Marrara Stadium, Darwin Third T20I - 16 August, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
First ODI - 19 August, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
Second ODI - 22 August, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay Third ODI - 24 August, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay (ICC Media)
Ashwin and CSK likely to part ways
ARE Ravichandran Ashwin and Chennai Super Kings drifting apart?
WHILE that may not yet be confirmed, the latest developments in the CSK camp seem to suggest that Ashwin - one of the greatest match-winners for India in red-ball cricket - is likely to part ways with the Super Kings franchise.
The exact reason for the inevitable separation is immediately not clear but the veteran off-spinner is believed to have made up his mind and is understood to have conveyed this to the franchise.
Whether he has got any indications of CSK’s future plans is not known but as Cricbuzz reported yesterday, top CSK officials and players, including current and former skippers, MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad, have been meeting in Chennai over the last few days. It is likely that the franchise discussed plans for the coming season.
In what seems like an inevitable step, the veteran spinner is likely to give up his role as the Director of Operations at the CSK Academy - a position he has held for the past year. If he were to join another franchise, continuing in the CSK role could present a situation of a conflict of interest, something he is, it is learnt, keen to avoid.
A veteran of 221 matches with 187 wickets (with a healthy economy rate of 7.29) and 833 runs (with a strike rate of 118), Ashwin will inevitably find takers in the IPL circuit. The point of interest is whether the player will be traded to another franchise or he will go to the auction. Last season he played nine games for the franchise.
Ashwin was an INR 9.75 crore buy for CSK, marking his return to his home franchise after nine years away. Between 2016 and 2024, he turned out for Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. The veteran offspinner began his IPL journey with CSK, spending his first eight seasons (2008-2015) with the MS Dhoni-led side; he made his debut in 2009.
The development comes a day after this website reported that Sanju Samson has requested the Rajasthan Royals franchise to release him. Cricbuzz reached out to CSK officials for a comment. Ashwin was unavailable for immediate response. (Cricbuzz)
CHRIS Woakes says rehabilitation “could be a risk he’s willing to take” to be fit for the Ashes, rather than hav ing surgery on the shoulder injury sustained in England’s fifth Test defeat against India.
The 36-year-old is waiting for the results of a scan after he suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder on day one at The Oval.
England had ruled him out of the rest of the Test, but he still stepped out to bat with his left arm in a sling as they chased what would have been a series-clinching victory on a dramatic final morning.
The first Ashes Test begins in Perth on 21 November.
“I’m waiting to see what the extent of the damage is but I think the options will be to have surgery or to go down a rehab route and try and get it as strong as possible,” Woakes told BBC Sport.
“I suppose naturally with that there will be a chance of a reoccurrence, but I suppose that could be a risk that you’re just willing to take sort of thing.
“From what I’ve heard from physios and specialists is that the rehab of a surgery option would be closer to four months or three to four months. That’s obviously touching on the Ashes and Australia so it makes it tricky.
“From a rehab point of view you can probably get it
Wills, Drakes spur 4A & B to victory over Region 6 in COP Inter Regions T20
A BRILLIANT spell of bowling from Rodwell Wills of Division 4A & B which saw him grabbing five wickets for 16 runs in three overs, spurred his side to an easy four-wicket victory over Region 6 when the Commissioner of Police (COP) Inter Regions T20 tournament continued yesterday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.
Wills’ effort, coupled by Troy Drakes’ three for nine, also from three overs, saw Region 6 being shut out for a paltry 103 in their reduced 15 overs.
In reply, Division 4A & B rushed to the required total in 8.2 overs, with Drakes returning to smash a quick-fire undefeated 67, laced with three fours and six towering sixes off a mere 29 balls. Opener Quacy Kendall added 27 which included three fours. Paul James took four for 18 from two overs, bowling for Region 6.
Earlier, Kareem Mentore who hit a valiant 45, batting at number four, was the only batsman to provide any resistance in the reduced 15-over affair, hitting three fours and three sixes in the process.
The only other batsman to reach double figures was opener Dextroy Williams with 10 as Wills and Drakes made constant inroads in the Region 6 batting.
get it strong again within eight weeks. So that could be an option, but again obviously still waiting to get the full report on it.”
England needed 17 runs when Woakes came out at number 11. He did not face a ball but ran four runs, before Gus Atkinson was bowled to give India a six-run victory and leave the series level at 2-2.
Woakes received widespread praise from the public and across the sporting world for his bravery - something the all-rounder says he found surprising.
“In my eyes it was never a question [of going out to bat]. It was just a matter of ‘I was always going to do that’ and I believed anyone else in that dressing room would have done the same. So it’s not like it was just me making that decision,”
“But yeah, I suppose it’s quite surprising how much people have sent the love, sent the support and said how brave it was. But as I said, in my eyes it was just business as usual.
“When you get the opportunity, you do what’s best for your team. In that moment it was to go out there and try and find a way with Gus at the other end to try and get us over the line.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t happen but I’m grateful and thankful that I put up the fight and tried to do it for the team.”
GUYANA’S campaign in the CONCACAF U15 boy’s football championship came to a halt on Friday after they were thrashed in their playoff outing with Dominican Republic in Aruba on Friday.
The Guyanese lost 6-nil to their Latin American counterparts. After the group stage was played, the teams that do not advance to the semi-finals were ranked based on their final position in their groups to determine the playoff matches of the 2025 CONCACAF Boys’ Under-15 Championship regulations.
While on Thursday Guyana secured a second-place finish in the group with a 2-1 win over Cuba in Group C narrowly missing out on a semifinals spot.
In their clash with Cuba, younger brother
of senior Golden Jaguars star Omari Glasgow, Mark scored the opener in the 22nd minute using his superior pace beating a couple of defenders before smashing a low shot into the net.
The Golden Jaguars then doubled the lead in injury time of the first half 35+2’ off a corner kick which Germine Garrett converted inside the box.
Cuba responded in the 39th minute of the 70 minutes contest as Guyana’s keeper Matthew Gajadar mishandled a free kick which Cuba’s Erick Grotestan made him pay for with his side first goal as they loss 2-1.
Earlier this week Guyana opened their campaign with a loss to Puerto Rico 5-nil before they found their footing with a defeat Cayman Islands 3-1.