–– President Ali says, as he begins formation of new team with swearing in of Prime Minister Phillips, Vice-President
‘Nation’s development being placed in most capable, tried, tested, proven hands’
–– President Ali says, as he begins formation of new team with swearing in of Prime Minister Phillips, Vice-President Jagdeo
BRIGADIER
(Ret’d)
Mark Phillips and Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Monday, were officially appointed as Prime Minister and Vice-President, respectively, by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who hailed them as “exemplary” leaders who have been tried, tested and proven as ideal persons to help take Guyana forward.
Phillips and Dr. Jagdeo’s appointments are the first two major appointments under President Ali’s new administration. These appointments come one day after Dr. Ali was officially sworn in to serve a second term as the ninth President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
The President emphasised that the appointments of Prime Minister and Vice-President were
made in accordance with Articles 101 and 102 of the Constitution.
He said: “These appointments are evidence of placing the reins of our nation’s development in the most capable hands; hands that have been tried, tested and proven in the annals of public service.”
In his address at the ceremony held at the Office of the President, President Ali said: “His [Phillips’] name is synonymous with duty and public service. When called to serve, he has never faltered. He embodies the spirit of discipline, loyalty, and steadfast commitment.”
The Head of State pointed to the decades of selfless service Brigadier Phillips gave to the people of Guyana.
He served as the Chief of Staff of the Guyana De-
fence Force (GDF) from 2013 to 2016.
Phillips has two Post-graduate Diplomas: one in Advanced Defence and Security Studies from the Inter-American Defense College in Washington D.C., and another in Defence Studies from the United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Management from the University of Guyana, and a Master of Science in Public Sector Management from La Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra.
Phillips was first employed as an acting teacher at the Linden Foundation School, then as a Laboratory Analyst with the Bauxite and Alumina Labs of GUYMINE in
1980.
In December 1980, he joined the Guyana Defence Force as an Officer Cadet, and travelled to the United Kingdom for military training on the Standard Military Officers’ Course Number 26 at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in September 1981.
Also trained in Brazil, he served as a Special Forces Officer, and is an accomplished Parachutist and Jumpmaster as well. Thereafter, he held appointments at the tactical and operational levels of the Guyana Defence Force, and retired as Brigadier and Chief of Staff in October 2016, having served for over 36 years. He is a recipient of the Military Service Star (MSS), the highest national military award in Guyana.
Speaking on Dr. Jagdeo’s decades of service to the Guyanese people, President Ali emphasised that the Vice-President stands committed to the country.
Dr. Ali said: “His story is one of unparalleled achievement. As a former Minister of Finance, he stewarded our economy with a keen and brilliant mind. As President of this Republic for 12 remarkable years, he set the stage for the prosperity we are now realising.”
Further, President Ali spoke on the Vice- President’s guidance, which enabled him to ably lead Guyana from 2020 to 2025.
He said that Dr. Jagdeo’s command and knowledge of governance is a resource “we are incredibly blessed to have at our disposal”.
GIFT TO THE NATION
“Dr. Jagdeo, your continued service is a gift to the nation, and we are all beneficiaries of your wisdom and boundless energy,” President Ali said.
Dr. Jagdeo previously held the office of Minister of Finance, before being elected to serve as the President of Guyana from August 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011.
He was the first Head of State to relinquish office in accordance with the two-term limit he signed into law during his presidency.
Dr. Jagdeo also holds a number of global leadership positions in the areas of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Green Energy.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo took their Oaths of Office on Monday (Delano Williams Photos)
Guyana, US continue to deepen long-standing partnership
--President Ali says
GUYANA and the United States of America continue to deepen the long-standing partnership between the two nations, President, Dr Irfaan Ali said on Monday, emphasising that the co-operation is expanding in security and defence.
The President, on Monday, after the swearing in of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, spoke about his meeting with the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, Joseph M. Humire, at State House, earlier in the day.
“The meeting with the US is continuation of our co-operation on defence and security, so it’s nothing new,” he said, adding that the ongoing co-operation has been expanding.
He said that the meeting was reinforcing the collaboration between the two na-
exploring potential areas of expansion, such as training programmes.
President Ali stated that regional security continues to be a discussion, noting: “We have committed ourselves to working with all our partners including the US to ensure we do our part in fighting transnational crime.”
During the meeting, the Head of State emphasised that the sovereignty and defence of Guyana are central priorities for his government.
According to information on his official Facebook page: “The discussion also focused on strengthening and expanding Guyana’s strategic partnership with the United States, with a shared commitment to peace and security across the region.”
Humire was accompanied by his delegation and the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot.
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud; National Security Adviser, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan and Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, Colonel Sheldon Howell, were also part of the meeting.
Since establishing diplomatic ties on August 15, 1966, Guyana and the Unit-
ed States have collaborated across multiple spheres. These include trade, governance, education, immigration, and notably, security and defence.
The partnership remains grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a joint dedication to protecting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Earlier this year, Guyana and the U.S. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing security co-operation between Guyana and the US.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd signed the agreement, which outlines a framework to address security challenges such as narcotics trafficking, transnational organised crime, and broader security.
US Secretary of State Rubio reiterated the shared prosperity of the two nations.
“Why do we want to be a partner? Let’s just to be frank: Why does the United States care about you? We care about it because we think it creates a level of stability in the region which we share.
Not just stability here, stability for your neighbours, because we believe prosperity can become contagious, TURN TO PAGE 5
President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Monday met with the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, Joseph M Humire, at State House (Office of the President) tions and
Gov’t further maps out plan for Wales Industrial Zone
--with
land
designated for
data centre, fertiliser plant, glass factory
THE government has mapped out plans for the Wales Industrial Zone, which will include a data centre, ammonia/urea (fertiliser) plant, and glass factory.
According to information on the President’s official Facebook page: “The President was also briefed on the Wales Industrial Zone, where an updated map outlining existing and proposed energy
infrastructure has been prepared, with land designated for a data centre, ammonia/ urea plant, and glass factory.”
Additionally, in relation to the 20 MCFD of gas to be allocated for a fertiliser plant capable of producing 300 TPY of urea, it was agreed that discussions will be advanced with both international and local firms that have expressed an interest in the project. In a previous
comment, the President had said: “Thousands of jobs will be created,” adding: “It’s not just the first power plant we’re talking about; we’re already discussing a second one. The four-lane road from Wales to Parika, all the bridges, they’ve already gone
to tender and are awaiting award.”
Dr. Ali said that the current wave of development represents far more than progress; it is nothing short of transformational under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government.
“This is the future we’re working towards. This is not progress; this is beyond prog-
ress. That is why we have said this is transformational,” the President said.
Guyana, US continue to deepen long-standing...
just like instability can become contagious,” Rubio said. He pointed out that by deepening security co-operation, the two nations are setting the groundwork for greater progress.
“So, we want to look for every opportunity possible to partner with you, but the basic element of any of this; the basic element of progress and transformation and prosperity, is always security,”
FROM PAGE 4
Secretary Rubio related.
The MoU, he stressed, will prevent elements of transnational crime from taking root in Guyana and the wider region.
“Crime is attracted by prosperity, and targets prosperity,” Rubio said, pointing to the challenges being faced because of organised gangs and narco-traffickers that destabilise societies.
Guyana’s Law School
THE approval of Guyana’s first law school by the Council for Legal Education marks a significant victory for the country’s educational system and economic growth.
President Ali’s announcement during his second-term inauguration was not just political talk; it resulted from decades of advocacy and planning that will fundamentally improve access to legal education in the Caribbean.
For too long, talented legal minds in Guyana have been trapped by an outdated system that forces them to seek education abroad at overwhelming financial costs.
The existing arrangement provides only 25 places each year at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago. This limited access has created a terrible bottleneck, denying many capable individuals the chance to pursue legal careers.
When students face tuition and fees exceeding GY$7 million for a two-year programme, plus living expenses that can total GY$10 million, it becomes evident that legal education has been available mainly to the wealthy, not to those with the ability.
The case for this law school goes beyond equal access to education. As Guyana experiences rapid economic growth fuelled by oil revenues and expanding business opportunities, the need for qualified legal professionals has never been greater.
The current system has hundreds of University of Guyana law graduates competing for a few regional placements, resulting in a serious shortage of legal professionals exactly when the country needs them the most.
This new institution will allow hundreds of individuals to qualify as attorneys-at-law with full CARICOM
practice rights, directly addressing this important skills gap.
The government’s plan to provide land and funding, while allowing the Council for Legal Education to manage operations, shows practical thinking. This partnership will uphold international standards and regional recognition while keeping local control and accessibility.
Critics who question the timing or practicality of this project overlook the bigger strategic aim. This law school is not just about legal education; it signifies Guyana’s growth as a regional educational hub that can serve its own people and attract students from throughout the Caribbean.
The positive impacts will include job creation, increased foreign-currency earnings and the development of a more advanced legal services sector that can support the country’s expanding economy.
The approval process included a thorough feasibility study and evaluation by a distinguished regional legal expert subcommittee. This guarantees that the institution will meet high standards from the start.
While this careful method took time, it has created a strong foundation for success and stands in contrast to rushed educational projects that often fall short. President Ali’s announcement should be seen as a crucial moment in Guyana’s development journey.
This law school will make legal education more accessible, uphold the rule of law, and position Guyana as a leader in Caribbean educational innovation.
The time for small steps and slow progress has gone; Guyana is now stepping forward as a regional centre of excellence in legal education.
2025 polls: The most transparent, free, fair election in Guyana’s history
Dear Editor,
ACROSS the world, we see how fragile democracies can become if their foundations are neglected. It is timely and necessary to reaffirm democratic principles.
I also extend full support and congratulations to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for fulfilling its constitutional duty under the Laws of Guyana and successfully concluding the 2025 elections.
At the heart of any democracy lies a simple but profound truth: legitimate power flows from the consent of the governed — we, the people.
Citizens are not passive subjects; they are the ultimate source of authority. The 2025 general elections reaffirmed this truth with striking clarity; some were punished in ways that many did not expect.
GECOM’s official results, published via the 10 Certificates of District Tabulations as seen in table 1, reflect the ascertained and tabulated results by GECOM staff with party agents, observers, and witnesses present on every occasion. By all measures, these elections were the most transparent in Guyana’s history.
GECOM staff meticulously followed the laws and procedures, ensuring full confidence not only in the certification of the results, but also in their wide publication, including official digital platforms.
For the first time in the history of Guyana, the electorate and citizens had access to the results before the political headquarters.
Many of us in the analyst community had enough evidence to arrive at a conclusive position sourced from these Statements of Poll as early as 23:00hrs
Yesterday’s men: Part One, Aubrey Norton
THE PNC released Aubrey Norton’s address to the party on the recent general election that is a sad reflection on the fading of perhaps one of the longest serving activists in the PNC – Norton himself.
The speech is characterised by so much absurdities that it highlights the inability of Norton to understand the country he lives in and his persistence in insulting the Guyanese nation.
Mr. Norton asserted that the election was not free and fair. He will embarrass himself if he is asked to describe how the configuration of a flawed process resulted in the WIN party taking 16 seats from the PNC.
Surely, if the logistics were faulty then the ruling party should have taken those 16 seats. But the PPP got three more seats from 2020 and WIN got 16 after being just three months in politics.
The esoteric dimension
that Norton will find impossible to explain is why this unfair election did not benefit the ruling party in an excessive way but instead the excesses were in favour of WIN.
Norton is under intense obligation to elaborate on this to his party. Every Guyanese will want to hear how a contorted election allowed WIN to become the main opposition in parliament.
Norton referred to the bloated list which had over 700,000 names. But a bloated list has no relation to voting as we see in Guyana and other CARICOM nations.
Way below 700,000 people voted. Of those numbers on the register of voters, only 438,467 cast ballots down from 460,352 in 2020 when the PNC again cried about a bloated list. In this election 22,000 persons compared to the 2020 did not go into the polling booth.
Mr. Norton belongs to
yesterday’s politics and his divorce from the reality of a changing Guyana makes him treat the Guyanese people with disdain. How can the PNC tell a nation that the general election was not above board using the same linguistics in 2020 that made it look foolish in the eyes of the world and for which it became unpopular and untrustworthy?
The bulk of the African population does not believe the APNU+AFC won the 2020 contest and almost 100 percent of African Guyanese knows that the PNC lost to WIN.
For Norton to tell the Guyanese people that the election was not fair makes him look terrible in the eyes of PNC supporters who are blaming him for the devastation on September 1. Why would you want to look even more pathetic by shouting out that you were cheated and you want fresh elections?
In his address, Norton goes back 60 years in time to quote Burnham to make his continuation as leader look plausible. He referred to the loss of the 1961 election by the PNC when Burnham addressed PNC supporters at Bourda Green and asked his supporters: “Will you not watch with me for another hour.” Norton then asked the current PNC supporters the same question.
Norton is living in the past. The Guyana that saw Burnham lose the 1961 election is a completely different Guyana in 2025. In 1961, Burnham and Jagan were almost neck and neck. The PPP got 93,085 votes against the PNC’s 89,501.
The PPP obtained 42.63 percent of the votes, the PNC received 40.99. Burnham had reason for asking his support-
ers to stay another hour with him because he was saying that he barely lost.
In 2025, the PNC is no powerful giant as it was in 1961. In 1961, the PNC was a strong party with talent leaders. In 2025, the PNC has been degutted and was displaced by an organisation that is just three months old. There is no reason then for PNC supporters to spend one more hour with Norton.
Finally, Norton spoke about the strategy of space which turned out to be ironic. He said the PNC went into the 2025 election to use the political space that is there for the PNC to do what is required of it. But having brought up the factor of space Norton now puts himself in a difficult position to explain.
The space that belonged to the PNC since 1957 and
that was a priceless gem for the PNC and that allowed the PNC to maintain its biology for 68 years has decreased so swiftly that it calls into question if any space will be left by the time the 2030 election comes around.
When a gigantic, historic, electoral party is devastated by a three-month-old rival with no party structure, no party head office no pool of talent and a lackluster leader without any experience whatsoever, then Norton has to explain this to the PNC. He must.
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.
OP-ED: Is India a ‘Tariff King’? Not Really
By Mohan Kumar (Former Indian Ambassador and Director General of Jadeja Motwani Institute for American Studies)
THERE is a widespread but fallacious perception that India's tariffs are inordinately high. There are subjective factors when it comes to a country like livability, public courtesy, or even how foreigners are welcomed. But tariffs are quantifiable and there should really be no place for subjectivity. So, let us consider the facts in the case.
Before we do that, however, it might be useful for the average reader to know as to what function tariffs perform in a low-income developing country like India, as opposed to say, a high-income developed country like the United States of America.
Traditionally, low-income developing countries use tariffs for two reasons: one, to protect their domestic industry and two, to gain revenue from it. Protection of domestic industry is an accepted argument by economists all over the world, especially if the industry is an infant one and the country needs to develop an industrial base. Then, there is the revenue gaining function, which
is illustrative of a country's duties on alcohol or luxury motorcycles, for instance.
India's tariffs, which were high in the 1980s, were brought down significantly since the 1991 reforms were initiated and during the negotiations related to the Uruguay Round, which led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since then, the secular trend in India has been one of gradual reduction of the applicable tariffs year after year.
From a technical point of view, there are two kinds of tariffs that countries have. One is applied tariffs, which as the name indicates is the actual tariff (normally ad valorem) imposed at the border when a foreign good enters a country.
The other one is bound tariffs, which is the maximum tariff that a country can impose on a foreign good from a legal obligation arising from its most-favored-nation (MFN) commitments to the WTO. It goes without saying that the tariff war initiated by the U.S. is in violation of its commitments
under the WTO agreements. But then, the WTO itself has been moribund for a while. It is also worth noting that tariffs cannot be the same for all countries. It is a truism that low-income developing countries will have higher tariffs (for reasons mentioned above) compared to G7 countries.
So, where does India figure in all of this? When India is judged on tariffs, there are two parameters which are used. One is simple average tariffs, and the other is trade-weighted tariffs. If you use the former metric, India's tariff does seem high (15.98 percent).
But this is in many ways academic because for most of the goods that come into the Indian market, it is the trade-weighted applied tariff that matters. And the trade-weighted tariff that India maintains is a very respectable 4.6 percent. This
level of tariff gives the lie to claims that India is somehow a tariff king. Simple averages distort the picture since they treat all products alike regardless of the trade volumes. So, why is there such a big difference between India's simple average tariff and its trade-weighted tariff?
India does maintain relatively high tariffs in agriculture and automobiles. In both these cases, the main purpose of the tariffs is to protect domestic industry. Agriculture in India is sui generis and like no other major country in the world. Around 50 percent of India's mammoth population directly or indirectly depends on agriculture.
Besides, agriculture in India is not mechanised and land holdings are so small that farming is about survival and not about commerce. Asking India to open its farm sector to imports is akin to asking it to commit suicide, which no elected government in India would agree to. This demand is especially egregious since Western farmers are beneficiaries of direct and indirect subsidies.
Given all of this, India does maintain relatively high tariffs for agriculture products, average rates of around 33 percent on meat, dairy,
fruits, and cereals. But this is not surprising if you consider the fact that the European Union's average rate is 37.5 percent on dairy products going up to 205 percent, and up to 261 percent on fruits and vegetables. Compare this with Japan whose rate is 61.3 percent on dairy products, going up to 298 percent, and up to 258 percent on cereals, and 160 percent on meat and vegetables.
Or South Korea, whose average is 54 percent on agricultural goods with 800 percent on vegetables, and 300 percent on fruits. Who is the tariff king in agriculture, you might ask? As for automobiles, this sector creates mass employment and is crucial for that reason. Even India's simple average tariff level at 15.98 percent is in line with global norms for developing economies.
Bangladesh (14.1 percent), Argentina (13.4 percent), and Türkiye (16.2 percent), which are all countries with comparable or higher GDP per capita, maintain similar or higher tariffs.
On the U.S. saying their exports of non-agricultural products face tariff barriers in India, it is worth noting that U.S. exporters often face equal or lower tariffs in India
compared to many Asian peers. In electronics and technology for instance, India has 0 percent tariff on most IT hardware, semiconductors, computers, and associated parts, with average tariffs of 10.9 percent on electronics and 8.3 percent on computing machinery.
In comparison, Vietnam has a tariff of 8.5 percent on electronic equipment, going up to 35 percent. China has a tariff rate of 5.4 percent going up to 20 percent on electronics, and up to 25 percent on computing machinery. And Indonesia has a tariff rate of 6.3 percent on electronic equipment, going up to 20 percent, and up to 30 percent on computing machinery.
It is true that India maintains justifiable tariff protection for its agricultural, dairy, and auto markets for valid reasons. But its trade-weighted applied tariff in other sectors does not justify it being called a "tariff king" at all.
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.
President Ali recommits to slashing Guyana, CARICOM’s food import bill
–– says will advance food production resilience, create new shipping, air links for trade
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has recommitted to accelerating efforts to modernise agriculture and drive trade, with the aim of slashing Guyana’s and by extension the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM)’s food import bill.
Dr. Ali, who took the oath of office for a second term on Sunday, following the September 1 general and regional elections, also returned as the lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet.
“We’ll accelerate food security and logistics, modernising agriculture and agro-processing, opening new shipping and air links, and driving down the region’s import bill so Caribbean tables are fed by Caribbean
farms,” Dr. Ali said during an inaugural address at State House, Georgetown, on Sunday.
Guyana too, he noted, will champion energy security and competitiveness, leveraging its resources.
The President outlined plans to partner with regional neighbours to lower cost, expand manufacturing and build resilient, cleaner energy systems that power jobs and industry across the Caribbean.
“In CARICOM, our purpose is practical and people-centred: to make this single market work for ordinary families with cheaper energy, faster payment and roaming, recognisable skills across borders, and scholarships and apprenticeships that open doors for youth,” he said.
He outlined plans too for climate adaptation, building the region’s sustainability and resilience.
Dr. Ali said: “We’ll strengthen collective resil -
ience through disaster risk financing, shared emergency response, and joint action on climate adaptation, because when the sea rises or the winds rage, we stand or fall together.”
Back in February, the Head of State had revealed a holistic framework, which aims to overhaul the food systems across the Caribbean.
The vision includes plans to strengthen the Caribbean’s food supply with the aim of not only safeguarding food security, but also modernising agricultural infrastructure, integrating technological solutions, and increasing participation from youths and women.
Dr. Ali had said the plan also includes overcoming the challenges posed by climate change, supply chain disruptions, and the shifting global market landscape.
As part of the strategy, the Caribbean will expand its focus to include not only food security but also techno-
logical innovation, increased private sector investment, and greater regional collaboration to tackle common challenges.
President Ali had highlighted six strategic projects developed in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation and Agriculture (IICA) to further enhance the region’s agricultural capacity, these included: capacity building for Caribbean agriculture extension services, enhancing adaptive capacity of coastal communities’ agro-marine systems, establishing a digital fabrication lab (fab lab), diversifying the Caribbean fruit crop industry, bio-economic model in organic waste management and improving water security.
2025 polls: The most transparent, free, fair ...
on elections night.
This process represents the highest standard of disclosure, transparency, and accuracy ever achieved in Guyana for an elections process. So again, congratulations to GECOM.
Since 18:09hrs on September 3, 2025, 100 percent of all the results have been publicly available, awaiting only the Chief Election Officer’s final aggregated national report to be submitted to the commission, as required by law.
Unfortunately, those who have little commitment to democracy saw it fit to delay and attempted to discredit the process. But this is to their own downfall. They are in for a shock come 2030, since any act of obstruction to the release of the final results was closely observed by the population, especially the youth. They will not be forgiving in 2030.
With those numbers produced from the voice of the people, any rational and conscientious political force would have conceded within 24 hours rather than try to peel the same onion in different ways, hoping to get a different outcome. I see it as delusional at best; political backwardness at worst.
The evidence is now etched in the history books and is indisputable. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by its presidential candidate, His Excellency the President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, secured a decisive victory — the strongest mandate in the party’s history since 1992. Importantly, this was achieved in a modern environment defined by social media, real-time citizen reporting, and an unprecedented level of public scrutiny.
Quite a remarkable feat to score such a victory under the spotlight, so full credit goes to the PPP/C led by His Excellency Dr Ali and the General Secretary Dr Bharat Jagdeo. Equally historic was the participation of
young voters. Citizens under 35 years of age engaged in the electoral process in record numbers. In my interactions with them, I found a generation of voters between the ages of 18 -35 years, who are very analytical, independent in their thoughts and deeply committed to substance over rhetoric. They are not blind followers; they will drop you like a hot cake if you cannot represent their interests. They want opportunities, empowerment, and economic upliftment, and they made it clear to me in these conversa-
tions; this is an oil economy and any force that fails to deliver on their needs will be hearing from them in 2030.
This group, between 18 and 35 years old, decisively rejected all appeals to ethnicity and identity politics during the 2025 elections, signalling that the era of mobilisation through “kith and kin” is over.
This shift represents one of the most refreshing developments in our democracy and sets the stage for even more transformative elections in 2030.
The facts — despite a five percent decline in overall voter turnout (compared to the previous general and regional elections in 2020), the PPP/C increased its support base by four percent. APNU’s support fell by 63 percent, relative to its previous result, while the AFC was entirely eliminated from parliament. New forces emerged: the WIN team, Forward Guyana Movement and all other third forces grew from 9,906 votes combined in the previous elections to over 105,000 votes in 2025, an increase of more than 1,000 percent.
These trends highlight a remarkable realignment within the electorate and deserve further study by political analysts and scientists (see data in table 2).
In conclusion, the 2025 General and Regional Elections will be remembered as the most transparent, free, and fair in the history of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. It is now time for all of us — whether victors or not — to put aside division, grow up, and approach the future with humility. It is time to join hands in the patriotic task of building our nation from a policy front.
Those who are still crying sour grapes for personal reasons will be punished in 2030. This is a competitive process; there is no room for whining boys and girls; grow up!
Introspect, get back to the drawing board and start working on your 2030 campaign from now on, and stop complaining.
There is work to do in national development.
Let us work together, as One Guyana, to further transform this country. And there is a President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and his name is Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh
Gas-to-Energy project… Concrete pouring for ‘gas turbine’ foundations to commence tonight
–– additional 100 staff to be engaged, task force
head tells President Ali during update on project
THE pouring of concrete for the first gas turbine foundation will take place tonight, as work progresses on the new Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project.
This was outlined by Head of the GtE Task Force, Winston Brassington during an update to President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday.
In a post on his official Facebook page, President Ali said: “On Phase One, which covers the 300 MW combined cycle plant and the NGL facilities being executed by Lindsayca Guy -
ana Inc., the President was informed that the pouring of the first gas turbine foundation will take place on Tuesday night, September 9, and that over 300 persons are currently employed on the project.”
It was highlighted that within the next 30 days, an additional 100 staff will be engaged, and the concrete pouring of the remaining turbine foundations will be completed.
On Phase II, which envisions a second 300 MW power plant and NGL facility, President
Ali was updated that seven submissions have been received, and discussions are underway to finalise the pre-qualified firms before moving immediately to EPC and financing arrangements.
This highly-anticipated project will see a 200-kilometre pipeline bringing gas from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity Floating Production fields onshore. Upon arrival at this West Coast Demerara facility, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be
constructed in Wales.
After completion, the GtE project will have significant impact on the country’s economy, attracting sustainable investments across various sectors, and creating numerous job opportunities.
“The project will be done, even if it means funding it from our own budget,” Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had said.
The cost of electricity is expected to decrease by 50 per cent, resulting in more affordable and stable electricity for the people of Guyana.
GCOPD congratulates President Ali, PPP/C on reelection to office
THE Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has extended warm congratulations to President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on their reelection at the recently concluded 2025 General and Regional Elections.
According to a press release, the GCOPD said this achievement reflects the trust and confidence that the people of Guyana have placed in their leadership and vision for the country.
“As you move forward in shaping national development, we are optimistic that your government will continue to prioritise inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in collaboration with the disability community,” the Council said.
The GCOPD said: “From 2020 to 2025 under your
leadership, we have seen the positive transformation of the disability landscape in Guyana. Opportunities for empowerment and independence for persons with disabilities is no longer a dream but the reality.”
The Council said it remains committed to working in partnership with the PPP/C administration to advance policies and programmes that promote the rights, independence, and full participation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of national life.
“We look forward to strengthening collaboration in the areas of education, employment, accessibility, healthcare, and sports, ensuring that no citizen is left behind as Guyana continues its journey of progress.
GCOPD would appreciate publication of this release,” GCOPD said.
Reflecting on Guyana’s push toward electric mobility on World Electric Vehicle Day 2025
AS sustainable, low-carbon transportation opportunities expand locally, Guyana is investing in large-scale initiatives that aim to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and to encourage citizens to take advantage of the capacity-building programmes and the widescale socio-economic benefits offered by the country’s fast-growing electric mobility (e-mobility) landscape.
These efforts are integral to a broader national vision, advanced by the Government of Guyana, to deliver clean and renewable-energy solutions and modernise the transportation sector.
Today, on World Electric Vehicle (EV) Day, observed annually on September 9, the nation has an opportune moment to reflect on the rapid progress made over the past five years and the critical role that the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) plays in helping to build a sustainable, modern transportation system.
This robust transport system is characterised by strategic national investments in people-centred development policies and infrastructure that support both environmental goals and sustained economic growth.
It is also designed to
align with the goals of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, to provide clean and renewable energy, as well as promote alternative mobility solutions, and advance a cleaner, greener, low-carbon future for generations to come.
World EV Day aims to highlight the importance of transitioning to electric mobility and raise public awareness of its benefits through a global call to action to #DriveChange, which encourages policymakers, citizens, businesses, and thought leaders worldwide to unite in supporting this transition.
Today, Guyana joins the international community in observing the sixth annual World EV Day, a significant e-mobility campaign that provides an excellent opportunity for the nation to reaffirm its commitment to advancing the adoption of electric vehicles and supporting the shift toward a decarbonised society.
After all, electric vehicles (EVs) represent a sustainable, safe, and modern mode of transportation, one that is not only environmentally responsible, but also socially and economically viable for Guyana’s low-carbon future.
With over 280 electric vehicles now on the country’s roadways, the
Government of Guyana has introduced a range of initiatives and policies aimed at facilitating the rapid shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
Through its implementing agency, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the government is actively supporting the development of EV infrastructure. The GEA is mandated to manage and maintain six publicly accessible EV charging stations in Regions Three, Four, and Six.
These stations are strategically located at: Amazonia Mall, Providence; Giftland Mall, East Coast Demerara; S&R Parking Lot, Parika; the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri; Little Rock Suites; New Amsterdam and outside of the GEA’s Head Office, Georgetown.
For fiscal support, electric vehicles (EVs), regardless of the power rating, attract zero rates of duty and taxes. Additionally, the annual write-down allowance applicable to all electric vehicles (EVs) has been increased to 50 percent, to encourage businesses to invest in eco-friendly vehicles.
To complement the ongoing development of EV infrastructure, the government has also invested in human-resource capacity.
In February 2025, the Just Energy Transition (JET) Seed Funding Initiative was launched in Guyana by the United Nations, with funding from the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Fund.
The initiative is being implemented with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT), focused on enhancing sustainable development by promoting the transition to alternative, clean energy and electric mobility.
As part of the initiative, three solar-powered electric
vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed. Under the initiative, a technical training programme has been launched for electrical and mechanical technicians.
The programme is designed to equip local professionals with the skills needed to support the repair and maintenance of EVs and the expansion of Guyana’s clean and renewable energy infrastructure. Participants will be trained to become certified trainers in Electric Vehicle (EV) Maintenance and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. The application deadline for the programme has been extended to September 19, 2025.
An additional 14 electric vehicle charging stations are being manufactured and will arrive in Guyana by December 2025, bringing the total number of public EV charging stations to 23.
Moreover, in July 2025, 27 auto electricians and mechanical technicians successfully completed the GEA’s fourth training programme for Electric Vehicle (EV) Maintenance and Repairs. The two-week training, held at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre (MTVTC), is also part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance technical-skills development and encourage sustainable transportation.
The training was supported by the European Union (EU), as part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which prioritises investments in renewable energy in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The activity in Guyana was facilitated under the Euroclima Programme, the EU’s flagship initiative to promote sustainable development and climate action.
This programme is co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, as the implementing agency assigned to support this action in Guyana.
With this most recent cohort from the GEA’s training, a total of 77 auto electricians and mechanical technicians have now been trained to repair and maintain electric vehicles (EVs) in Guyana.
To foster private-public collaboration in advancing electromobility in Guyana, several EV ‘Show and Tell’ exhibitions have been held in Georgetown and Berbice.
These events were hosted with the aim to provide an educational and interactive platform for electric vehicle (EV) auto dealers, owners, users, and the public to engage on key de -
velopments in the electric transportation industry.
The exhibitions showcased the latest EV technologies, and highlighted various industry trends encompassing EV capabilities and battery range, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance, as well as the expansion and use of EV charging stations.
The current expansion of Guyana’s electric mobility industry underscores the country’s goal to transform how energy is produced and used, as well as how transportation systems operate across the country. This ensures that clean and renewable energy remains a priority, supporting the gradual shift toward a modern low-carbon transportation system and national progress in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
On this World EV Day, Guyana will continue to invest in national initiatives that encourage people to adopt electric vehicles (EVs).
The country will also create Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities to equip the local workforce to meet the demands of the growing electric mobility landscape, with the goal of fostering a low-carbon future for the benefit of all. (GEA)
President Ali could soon meet Suriname President
–– to advance discussions on key issues of mutual interest, including bridge over the Corentyne River
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that he is set to meet with Surinamese President Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, as early as this weekend, to advance discussions on shared priorities, including the Corentyne River Bridge.
“I think very early, maybe over this weekend, there will be a face-to-face meeting with the President of Suriname, and the ministries are working that out to advance these projects,” President Ali told reporters after swearing in Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President.
Key discussions surrounding the Corentyne River Bridge is a priority, he said, noting: “That is part of what we’re discussing; the financing mechanism, how it will be structured and those kinds of things. That is what has to be finalised.”
The bridge stands to be a transformative link for regional connectivity. Managed jointly through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with a blend of national and international financing, the bridge is expected to strengthen ties between Guyana and Suriname, while expanding access to Brazil and wider South American markets.
President Ali met earlier
on Monday with Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Melvin Bouva at State House to advance development initiatives between the two countries.
“Discussions focused on Guyana’s commitment to the Corentyne River Bridge project; collaboration with Suriname to resolve issues affecting fisherfolk; improving the efficiency of the Guyana–Suriname ferry system; and exploring joint investment opportunities,”
President Ali said in a post on his official Facebook page.
Mr. Bouva was accompanied by Suriname’s Chief of Staff of the Cabinet Sergio Akiemboto, and the Am-
bassador of Suriname to Guyana Liselle Blankendal.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Director of Presidential Affairs Marcia Nadir-Sharma accompanied President Ali to the meeting.
The Guyana-Suriname bridge, once completed, is expected to be a key link in fostering stronger ties among South American and
Caribbean nations, boosting trade flows and unlocking untapped tourism opportunities.
The bridge, which will span approximately 3.1 kilometres, is expected to connect Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing point on Long Island, in the Corentyne River. Plans
are underway to transform Long Island into a vibrant commercial hub and tourist hotspot.
The envisioned duty-free zone will feature significant infrastructural developments, including hotels, recreational parks, shopping malls, farmers’ markets, and a variety of entertainment venues.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melvin Bouva, at State House on Monday to advance development initiatives between the two countries
‘We
will convert ambition into action’
–– President Ali affirms, outlines plan to accelerate existing industries, create new growth polls to unlock wealth, more jobs, opportunities
By Naomi Parris
UNVEILING a bold and expansive vision to propel Guyana into a new era of prosperity, sustainability, and enhanced global rel -
evance, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has declared that the coming years would be among the most pivotal in the nation’s history, as ambitious plans will unfold into action and transformation.
“In the next five years, we will convert ambition into action and action into transformation. We will not speak in half-measures, and we will not hesitate to deliver,” the Head of State said during his
inaugural address shortly after taking the oath of office on Sunday.
He said history has placed in Guyana’s hands, the resources, the leadership, the opportunities, the partnerships and the international goodwill to transform promise into reality.
The President emphasised a collaborative approach to national development, urging citizens, private sector leaders, civil society, and international partners to unite behind a common national vision.
At the heart of this vision is the concept of Guyana as a ‘Rising Frontier’, a nation where oil, agriculture, and mineral recourses will drive prosperity, while innovation, resilience, and environmental stewardship shape a sustainable future.
“This vision will not materialise without a plan, and in our manifesto, together with our broader strategy for Guyana’s development beyond 2025, your government has set out the framework to turn ambition into reality,” President Ali said.
To achieve these goals, President Ali stated that a framework, which will require the structure of government to keep pace with the rapid growth and changing composition of the economy, evolving development priorities and the growing global prominence,
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali
will be needed.
He said that a critical element of the government’s vision will include seamless infrastructure being put in place to bridge the regions across the country as well as connect with other regional partners, like Brazil and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“Critical elements of our plans for Guyana by 2030 include seamless infrastructure between every region, digital infrastructure, advancing our new smart city, Silica City and a shipping and logistics hub, linking Brazil and CARICOM, thereby creating new markets and opening up new opportunities,” the President said.
To achieve these plans, enhanced productivity and effective implementation will be critical, and technology and innovation will play an essential role.
The President said: “Labour must include manpower planning, whilst agriculture must ensure food security. Similarly, managing the forestry sector in a manner that maintains our environmental credentials will be key as we consolidate our position as global leaders in the fight against climate change.”
Oil and gas will remain central to Guyana’s economic engine, but the President asserted the country’s future will not rest on oil alone.
“Our oil and gas sector
will continue to grow, expanding production and revenue for our people. But why stop there? We will press forward with new exploration under a stronger Production Sharing Agreement, ensuring that the benefits are greater, the gains are wider, and the wealth is truly for the people,” he said.
The President pledged to strengthen traditional sectors such as mining, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry while also cultivating new industries to shape the economy of the future.
“We are not a one-sector nation. We are building a diversified economy that will generate jobs, raise incomes, and secure prosperity. As part of our commitment to economic diversification, we will strengthen the traditional pillars of our economy, mining, agriculture, fisheries and forestry,” the President said, noting that the goal is to ensure these sectors continue to provide jobs, wealth, and stability for Guyanese.
“We will not stop there. We will create new growth poles that drive the economy of tomorrow: worldclass tourism, a thriving blue economy, competitive manufacturing, cutting-edge information and communications technology, and dynamic knowledge-based industries,” President Ali added.
Guyana moves to replace 1957 Prison Act with modern, rehabilitation-focused law
ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has confirmed that a comprehensive Draft Prison Bill has been completed, and will soon undergo its final round of consultations before being presented to Cabinet for approval.
The new legislation seeks to replace the Prison Act of 1957, which, for decades, has served as the primary framework governing the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).
Nandlall stressed that the outdated law no longer reflects modern realities and the evolving global approach to prison management.
“We have a draft Prison Bill that is completed,” the Attorney-General stated. “We have to go through one more round of consultation to ensure that the technical people are comfortable with it, then it is for Cabinet’s approval. That is a comprehensive, new, modern legislation that takes into account all the recent developments that have taken place in prison reforms.”
Unlike the existing law, which has long emphasised punitive measures, the new Bill shifts its focus to rehabilitation and reintegration.
According to Nandlall, the draft mandates the implementation of structured rehabilitation programmes aimed at preparing inmates for life after incarceration.
“It shifts the emphasis away from punitive to rehabilitative and reformative; it mandates improvement and
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Anil Nandlall, SC
rehabilitation programmes.
It is a good Bill, and we have accompanying regulations to go with it,” he explained.
Currently, the GPS functions under the Prison Act Cap. 11:01, last amended in 1975.
That legislation established the powers of the Director of Prisons, the overall management structure, and the duties of prison staff. It also placed the Service under the oversight of the Minister of Home Affairs, with a central focus on the safe custody of offenders.
Nandlall underscored that the new Draft Prison Bill is designed not just to modernise the framework, but also to align Guyana’s prison system with international best practices in corrections. With consultations now entering their final phase, the long-awaited
update is expected to provide the legal foundation for a more humane, rehabilitative, and forward-looking prison system in Guyana.
Since 2021, the GPS has benefited from its largest-ever government investment, over $28 billion, under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration.
The funding has modernised facilities, improved
professional standards, and shifted the focus of incarceration from punishment to rehabilitation.
Upgrades at the Lusignan, Mazaruni, and New Amsterdam Prisons have eliminated overcrowding, while inmates now participate in accredited training programmes in carpentry, joinery, masonry, and other trades. These initiatives are designed to provide practical
skills that support reintegration into society.
The GPS is also reviewing its laws, standing orders, and strategic plans as part of a broader effort to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance staff training, and modernise prison operations.
Guyana currently leads the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region with a recidivism rate of 14 per cent, the lowest in the re -
gion. This achievement is attributed to a comprehensive overhaul of the prison system, with emphasis on rehabilitation, vocational training, behavioral programs, and multi-sectoral collaboration with government agencies and community support.
As of July 2025, there are 2,239 inmates in Guyana’s prison system.
China holds massive V-Day parade, pledging peaceful development
BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) China held a massive military parade in central Beijing last Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country’s commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties.
Towering structures shaped like the Great Wall, crowned with giant numerals “1945” and “2025,” stood in Tian’anmen Square, symbolising the Chinese nation’s courage and solidarity in resisting foreign aggression.
Wearing a dark grey, high-collar suit, President Xi Jinping, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, oversaw the parade and reviewed the troops.
Standing beside Xi on Tian’anmen Rostrum were
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, along with more than 20 other foreign leaders, some of whom attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held in the city of Tianjin earlier this week.
Representatives of people who had supported China’s resistance endeavours, or their family members -- from countries such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada -- were invited to the event.
PREVENTING
HISTORICAL T RAGEDIES FROM RECURRING
This was the second time since 2015 that China has held a military parade to mark the hard-won victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, is ready to review troops as a Hongqi limousine carrying him drives out of the Tian’anmen Rostrum during a grand gathering commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. Xi delivered a speech at the gathering and reviewed troops (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The commemorative event began at 9 a.m. with an 80-gun salute, followed by a solemn flag-raising ceremony, and a chorus of the national anthem.
Helicopters flew over the square carrying banners that read “Justice Prevails,” “Peace Prevails,” and “The People Prevail.” The high-morale, well-equipped soldiers marched along the Chang’an (Eternal Peace) Avenue in tight, powerful formations, their faces lit with confidence and pride. Columns of new tanks, artillery and other military equipment rumbled through the square.
Xi delivered a speech before the parade. Highlighting the significance of the victory 80 years ago, Xi said it marks China’s first complete victory against foreign
aggression in modern times.
Xi noted that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilisation and the defence of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war. He called on nations to “eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring.” Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender. China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day.
Xi attended a military parade held in Moscow in May to mark the WWII victory in Europe. China and the Soviet Union served as the mainstay of resistance against Japanese militarism and German Nazism, making pivotal contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.
China was the first country to rise against fascist aggression with the lon -
gest-lasting resistance that began in 1931. The country tied down and struck over half of Japan’s overseas forces, at the cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties -- accounting for around one-third of all WWII casualties worldwide.
Yokichi Kobayashi, son of a Japanese veteran who was a POW-turned soldier in a CPC-led army during the war, watched the parade on site.
“I feel like as long as China stays united and sticks together, it will always be an invincible force,” he said.
Wednesday’s ceremony was presided over by Li Qiang, and attended by Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi -all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee -- as well as Vice President Han Zheng.
International organisation leaders such as UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, and former political leaders, including ex-Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, also attended.
UNSTOPPABLE REJUVENATION
Wednesday’s military parade was the first since Xi led China to embark on “a new journey to pursue Chinese modernization on all fronts.” The country has laid out a roadmap to basically achieve modernisation by 2035.
In his speech, Xi demanded that the People’s
Liberation Army (PLA) provide strategic support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He urged the PLA to build itself into world-class forces and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
The 70-minute military parade demonstrated the transformation of the armed forces from a “millet-and-rifle” army to a modern military. It was attended by more than 10,000 soldiers, over 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments, organised under a wartime command system.
The PLA’s new structure of services and arms made its collective debut, showcasing the outcomes of a sweeping military reform under Xi’s leadership.
Troops from the four services of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Rocket Force, as well as the four arms of the Aerospace Force, the Cyberspace Force, the Information Support Force, and the Joint Logistics Support Force, marched past Tian’anmen Square.
The advanced armaments put on display included unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, hypersonic missiles, directed-energy weapons, and electronic jamming systems.
In Wednesday’s parade, China unveiled its land-, sea-, and air-based strategic forces as the nuclear triad for the first time.
The armaments, hailed as China’s strategic “ace” power to safeguard the
country’s sovereignty and national dignity, included JingLei-1 air-based longrange missile, JuLang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DongFeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and new type DongFeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile.
Televised and livestreamed to a national audience, the event became the top trending topic on Chinese social media as people shared photos and videos of the spectacle.
Yang Jieyu, a student at Peking University and a spectator at the event, said, “The parade showed China’s growing strength and filled me with confidence in national rejuvenation.”
Scholars believe the lifeor-death struggle more than 80 years ago reshaped the national psyche, leaving scars and pride that are still visible today, and marked a historic turning point as the Chinese nation transitioned from decline to rejuvenation.
“The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable,” Xi said in his speech.
He reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development. “Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and winwin outcomes or zero-sum games,” he said.
Kong Peng, a spectator from Beijing, said after watching the parade, “It’s clear who’s right and who’s wrong, who’s really standing for peace and who’s trying to be a bully.”
Chinese soldiers who
The guard of honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. China, last Wednesday, held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua)
have participated in UN peacekeeping operations made their first appearance in a V-Day parade.
China is the largest contributor of troops among the UN Security Council permanent members, having deployed over 5,000 peacekeepers and maintaining a standing force of 8,000 personnel ready for UN missions, making it a key player in UN peacekeeping operations.
“We have the capability to defend the peace
forged with the blood of our forefathers,” said Shao Xiaoguang, a member of the reviewed troops who previously served on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Zhang Zijin, a 7-yearold girl who watched the parade with her parents in the square, said she dreamed of joining the armed forces when she grows up. “I believe if I keep trying, I can make it come true,” she said.
“Eighty years ago, we
were revived. Eighty years later, we are thriving with greater vitality,” said Lyu Shouye, a spectator at the event and a graduate student studying AI.
“Now our country has reached a stage where we need to undertake greater responsibilities,” he said.
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.
GNBS pushes ‘Support Local’ drive with spotlight on Made-in-Guyana products
THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is ramping up its “Support Local” campaign, encouraging consumers to purchase products that are 100 per cent Guyanese-made, while spotlighting companies proudly certified under the Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme.
In recent days, the bureau has been highlighting businesses that bear the certification mark, which not only recognises locally manufactured products, but also
enhances national competitiveness and brand recognition for authentic Guyanese goods.
Among the featured companies is Coconut Grove, owned by Shaunda Yarde, whose Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuits have become a household favourite. Yarde noted that tradition is “baked into each savory bite,” bringing out the authentic taste of Guyana. “We’re proudly made in Guyana, bringing the best crunch of Guyana’s coconuts to you in every bite,”
she said.
Also under the spotlight is KSM Investments Inc., a key player in the local construction industry since 2015.
Chief Executive Officer Mahadeo Panchu stressed that their concrete products — including hollow blocks, venn blocks, foundation blocks, and stone pavers — are not only designed to meet standards, but are [also] “engineered to exceed standards.”
He added, “Our customers trust us because they
Coconut Grove and Fresh Packagers are two local companies that craft and package their products in Guyana
know we deliver exceptional quality… whether for small projects or major development, KSM is reliable.”
Fresh Packagers, another proudly certified manufacturer, is bringing local flavour to kitchens across the country. Owner Radesh Paul explained that their spices and sauces are crafted to add depth and authenticity to meals. “From zesty sauces to traditional spices, Fresh Packagers offer a taste of home with every bite,” he said, pointing to their wide
range of products such as geerah, masala, turmeric, plantain flour, hot sauces and mango achar.
The GNBS recently re-certified Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP), assuring consumers that products such as bathtubs and shower units manufactured by the company continue to meet the required standards. Dunae Trading Company Inc. was also re-certified.
The Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme is voluntary and open to all
local manufacturers who meet the criteria outlined under the GNBS Act No. 11 of 1984. Through certification, businesses gain the right to display the Made in Guyana mark, guaranteeing customers that the products are locally made and meet quality benchmarks. Consumers and manufacturers interested in learning more about the programme or applying for certification can visit the GNBS website at gnbsgy. org
NY authorities arrest Guyanese fugitive wanted for 2015 murder of sex worker
LAW enforcement authorities in Queens, New York, have arrested Kanand Ojha, who is wanted in Guyana for the 2015 murder of Noel “Nephi” Luther.
Ojha was taken into custody on Monday, September 8, 2025, by the New York/ New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, which included U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security officials, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
His arrest was made possible through ongoing collaboration between the Government of Guyana—via the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Attorney General’s Chambers—and U.S. authorities under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters framework.
The partnership between Guyana and U.S. law enforcement has strengthened in recent years, facilitating joint investigations, the pursuit of fugitives, and the execution of extradition proceedings in both countries. Authorities noted that this co-operation will continue to deepen in the future. A wanted bulletin was issued for Ojha in July 2019.
Ojha was wanted in connection with the killing of 20-year-old Noel Luther, a
sex worker who was fatally shot in Georgetown in July 2015. Luther was attacked around 02:35 hours at the corner of Carmichael and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.
Reports indicated that the confrontation stemmed from a dispute with a client who
had earlier engaged Luther for services but was dissatisfied. The client allegedly returned with Ojha, who shot Luther once in the chest before fleeing in a sports utility vehicle.
Luther was later pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Ojha’s accomplice, Ron “Andel” Forde, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2017 after pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter in connection with the killing.
Authorities in both Guyana and the U.S. are expected to move forward with extradition proceedings to have Ojha face trial in Guyana.
Gold miner remanded after being nabbed with cocaine at Ogle Airport
A 44-year-old gold miner was, on Tuesday, remanded to prison after being charged with trafficking a large quantity of cocaine.
Junior Anthony Greaves, of Kitty, Georgetown, and Port Kaituma Waterfront, Region One, was arrested on August 24, 2025, at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Police reported that Greaves was found to be in possession of 26.7 pounds of cocaine during a security
Construction worker remanded on simple larceny charge
A 23-year-old construction worker was, on Monday, remanded to prison after being charged with stealing over half a million dollars’ worth of equipment from a civil contractor on the East Coast Demerara.
The accused, Saydesh Dass, also known as ‘Alex,’ of Lot 99 Block XXX Non Pariel, was arrested on September 4, 2025, by police ranks from the Enmore Police Station. He was later charged on September 7 with the offence of Simple Larceny.
Police allege that between August 31 and September 1, 2025, at Mon Re-
pos, Dass stole from Balram Manickram, a 31-year-old civil contractor of the same community, the following
items: One Ransom cement mixer valued at $423,000, One generator set valued at $85,000, and one submersible water pump with flex hose valued at $35,000. The total value of the stolen items amounted to $543,000.
At about 10:35 hrs on Monday, Dass appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court #1 before His Worship Clive Nurse, where the charge was read to him. The defendant pleaded not guilty. However, bail was refused, and he was remanded to prison. The matter has been adjourned to October 13, 2025 for report and disclosure.
operation at the airport.
Two days later, on August 26, Greaves appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs, where he was formally charged with Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking.
The charge was read to him, and he entered a not guilty plea. However, bail was refused, and he was remanded to prison.
The matter has been adjourned to September 19, 2025, for disclosure.
Junior Anthony Greaves
Saydesh Dass
Ron Forde
Noel Luther
Kanand Ojha
West Indies’ Seales fires his way into ICC award contention
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – West Indies’ exciting young pace sensation, Jayden Seales, has been rewarded for a devastating bowling display by earning a nomination for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for August.
The 23-year-old Trinidadian finds himself in elite company, shortlisted alongside New Zealand’s Matt Henry and India’s Mohammed Siraj for the presti-
while Trinidad and Tobago and Curaçao sit a point behind after playing to a goalless draw.
Despite the dominant result and a recent record that favours the hosts, head coach Steve McClaren, speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, is preaching caution and professionalism.
“I think that was a key thing in the game against Bermuda, the emphasis on respecting the opponent. There are no easy games in the Caribbean, and we have to do the same again. But everybody knows that Trinidad will be a tough opponent.”
McClaren acknowledged the progress of the Soca Warriors under the guidance of former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke, noting he watched their opener. “They should have won that game as they played very well. We know
gious monthly honour. Seales’s nomination comes on the back of a Player of the Series performance in the recent threematch ODI series against Pakistan on home soil.
The fiery pacer was the undisputed standout, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with a total of 10 scalps.
The highlight of his remarkable month was a breathtaking, career-best spell of six wickets for just
and... (From back page)
that they are a dangerous opponent, and we have to be ready.”
The Jamaican squad has been hampered by significant absences, with an estimated nine to ten senior players missing from this camp.
McClaren, however, praised the work of the recruitment department for building a squad capable of weathering the storm. “We’ve introduced one or two people, and everybody came together very well with little time together. We need that again.”
His counterpart, Dwight Yorke, arrived in Kingston with a confident swagger, despite some hiccups with team accommodation. The former striker is, however, insisting his team will not be intimidated by the host’s opening-day flourish.
“We respect Jamaica, but we don’t fear them. I don’t think that they are in a really healthy place themselves, despite their result, and they won’t be really looking forward to playing against us if we perform the way we can perform.”
Yorke’s comments set the stage for a tactical and psychological battle, pitting Jamaica’s potent attack with the likes of Renaldo Cephas and Bailey-Tye Cadarmarteri against a Trinidadian defence that proved stubborn in its clean sheet against Curaçao.
With both history and vital qualifying points on the line, McClaren issued a final call to the Jamaican faithful. “We hope that the supporters will also come out. We need that. We need their energy. That’s key, I’m looking forward to a good atmosphere that the boys can play in.”
18 runs in the series finale.
His demolition job powered the West Indies to a colossal 202-run victory, sealing their first ODI series win against Pakistan in over three decades, since 1991.
The ICC Player of the Month awards recognise the best performances from both men and women across all forms of international cricket throughout the calendar month.
The shortlist is compiled by the ICC, after which the winner is decided by a combined vote from an independent ICC Voting Academy, which includes West Indies past players Daren Ganga and Stacy Ann King, and cricket fans worldwide.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, September 9, 2025)
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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Imran Tahir-5/21 (GAW vs Falcons, North Sound) (2) Nicholas Pooran (TKR)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which wicketkeeper is the first to effect two stumpings in CPL 2025?
(2) How many points Barbados Royals acquired after playing their first four games in this season’s CPL?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
CATTERICK
09:10hrs Stellarmasterpiece
09:40hrs Birkenhead
10:10hrs Looks Likely
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11:10hrs Crocodile Power
11:40hrs Law Degree
12:10hrs Emerald Army
LEICESTER
09:20hrs Spring Chorus
09:50hrs Zanthos
10:20hrs Houdini Miss
10:50hrs Monoceros
11:25hrs Tanjen
11:55hrs Brielle
12:25hrs Holbache
FFOS LAS.
11:20hrs She's Crafty
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14:25hrs Golden Pharaoh
IRISH RACING TIPS
GALWAY
11:05hrs Big Cypress
11:35hrs Genuine Article
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14:05hrs Out On Friday 14:35hrs Dream On Baby
Jayden Seales of the West Indies raises the ball to the crowd after claiming six wickets for just 18 runs, leading his team to victory in the third and final One Day International (ODI) cricket match between West Indies and Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago on August 12, 2025 (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP)
Reggae Boyz
Who has qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
EIGHTEEN of the 48 places at the 2026 World Cup have been decided, with Tunisia becoming the latest team to qualify.
They booked their place on September 8 with a 1-0 win at Equatorial Guineaand more teams could join them in the coming days.
Joint-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States were all granted automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already qualified from Asia.
Oceania's one direct qualification spot has been taken by New Zealand.
Tunisia join Morocco as the two African teams who have so far confirmed qualification.
Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia are the South American nations currently guaranteed a place.
Uzbekistan and Jordan will also be playing at a World Cup finals for the first time.
Teams through to 2026 World Cup
Hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States.
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan.
Oceania: New Zealand.
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia. Africa: Morocco, Tunisia.
How does World Cup qualifying work?
Each of Fifa's six confederations use different methods of qualification to determine which nations out of each continent qualify for the World Cup.
Oceania is currently the only continent to have completed its direct-qualification process for next year's World Cup.
Of the 48 teams at the tournament, three places are given to the host nations and 43 of them are earned via direct qualification from the six confederations.
The other two spots are determined via the results of the intercontinental play-offs.
South America Brazil are the only nation to have featured at every World Cup in the competition's history [Getty Images]
Qualifying places: Six, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already through: Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia
South American qualifying comprises a big group involving all 10 teams, playing 18 games each, and started in
September 2023.
The top six all reach the World Cup, with seventh place going into the intercontinental play-offs.
The automatic spots are all decided with one game to spare - with Venezuela currently in the play-off spot, but only one point above Bolivia.
Asia
Qualifying places: Eight, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already through: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia
Asian qualifying started in October 2023 with the lower-ranked teams in action.
In the third round, the top two teams in three different groups qualified automatically.
Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan,
South Korea, Jordan and Australia have secured their spots.
UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are in a fourth round of qualifying and two of those will also qualify automatically, with one other side progressing into the intercontinental play-offs.
Africa
Qualifying places: Nine, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already through: Morocco, Tunisia
There are nine African groups of World Cup qualifying, each with six teams, which started in November 2023.
The top team in each group go through automatically - with Morocco and Tunisia the first two to guar-
Time is right for Afghanistan's long walk from...
T20 wickets and he sits in the leadership group of every team he represents. And it's not just Rashid anymore. A lot of others have become bonafide stars, their demand sky-high before every auction and draft.
But the highs of franchise cricket have brought with them harsher spotlight and sterner questions: why can't a collection of such performers translate success together in multi-team events at the international level? Afghanistan have had their moments, but they've all been frustratingly fleeting. They soared to new heights at the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, only to deflate when the pressure meter soured.
They now enter Asia Cup 2025 on the back of another bruising defeat in a final. Yet, the time feels right for them to complete the long walk from promise to silverware.
Afghanistan’s squad: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran,
Afghanistan's spin attack will continue to be the threat for oppositions in Asia Cup 2025
Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq
Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Afghanistan head to the Asia Cup with their bowling arsenal at full tilt. Rashid, Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi are three of only seven bowlers with 100-plus T20 wickets since January 2024. After a middling IPL, Rashid rediscovered his zing in The Hundred and the recent tri-series in Sharjah. Add 18-year-old mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, already the toast of leagues worldwide. And the spin catalogue doesn't end there - Mujeeb Ur Rahman's offbreaks and Sharafud-
antee their places.
The other current leaders are Egypt, DR Congo, South Africa, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Ghana.
The best four runners-up go into play-offs... for the chance to compete in the intercontinental play-offs.
North, Central American and Caribbean
Qualifying places: Six (including three hosts), plus two into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already through: None through qualifyingUSA, Canada and Mexico automatically as co-hosts
The Concacaf qualifying takes a different look, with three of their biggest hitters not involved as they have qualified as hosts - but still plenty of spots up for grabs.
Twelve teams are involved in a third round of qualifying which started this week.
The winners of each group go to the World Cup and the two best-ranked runners-up going into the intercontinental play-offs.
Europe
Qualifying places: 16
Teams already through:
None
There are 12 groupswith the winners of each group qualifying for the World Cup and the 12 run-
(From page 26)
din Ashraf's left-arm orthodox add further variety.
Lopsided batting, however, remains Afghanistan's blind spot. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have done most of the heavy lifting in white-ball formats, but a soft middle-order has long been a pain point. After last year's humbling at the hands of South Africa in the T20 World Cup semifinal, head coach Jonathan Trott identified the problem and offered a solution.
"We've perhaps been a bit too reliant on Gurbaz and Ibrahim to get runs. Nobody else has got runs. And we need to find a reason for that. We need to get more batters in who are going to score runs and be more consistent like the openers have been and give us a chance in games. So that's the project for going forward. We've got to find batters who can bat in the middle order in T20 cricket," Trott had said. Azmatullah Omarzai has added some heft outside the
ners-up going into play-offs with the four best-ranked Uefa Nations League group winners that have not already qualified - for four extra places.
Europe is the only continent that does not have a team in the intercontinental play-offs.
Qualifying started in March - with some teams not even playing their first qualifiers until this month because of the Nations League.
The groups end in November, with the play-offs in March 2026.
Oceania
Qualifying places: One, plus one nation into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already through: New Zealand
Oceania qualifying has already ended with New Zealand beating New Caledonia 3-0 in the final.
New Zealand go through to the World Cup automatically, as a result of the expanded World Cup. Oceania usually only gets a play-off spot.
New Caledonia, a French overseas territory, will take place in intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, featuring teams from Africa, Asia, South America and North America -- with two out of six teams going through. (BBC Sport)
top two, but a year since Trott laid out those expectations, the spotlight shines squarely on all of their middle-order batters heading into the first of the two major multi-team tournaments in the next six months.
Keep an eye on:Sediqullah Atal. As the only lefthander in the top-five, Atal brings with him the promise of change. His 154 runs in four innings in the tri-series added weight to the growing belief that the 24-year-old could be the future of Afghanistan's batting, and perhaps the one to spark the revolution that Trott so dearly craves.
Marquee Match: Bangladesh and Afghanistan have often felt like two peas in the same pod. Bangladesh first carried the underdog tag, punching above their weight against bigger sides, until Afghanistan picked it up and did it better. Bangladesh went deep in the 2016 Asia Cup - the first in the T20 format, but by 2022, Afghanistan had eclipsed them in this tourna-
ment too. Both sides are still chasing a first major multi-nation trophy, but Afghanistan appear further along that path. On September 16, Bangladesh might look to push them off course.
Banana peel fixture: Sri Lanka are Asia Cup royalty with six titles. Their most recent triumph came in the 2022 edition (T20 format). Their current form, though, supersedes their glowing reputation. They crashed out of the group stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup and have lost three out of their six bilateral series since. What should have been a giant-killing opportunity for Afghanistan now carries the feel of a banana peel, given the contrasting trajectories of the two sides in this format.
Group stage schedule September 9: vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi
September 16: vs Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi September 19: vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi (Cricbuzz)
Brazil are the only nation to have featured at every World Cup in the competition's history
USA Cricket quietly reverses split with MLC's backer
USA Cricket has quietly pulled back its termination of a long-term commercial agreement with American Cricket Enterprises. The news was first posted on X by podcaster @ kushal_mehra, and has been confirmed to Cricbuzz by sources within USA Cricket. The reversal effectively restores the agreement that underpins Major League Cricket and funding for parts of the national-team programme.
However, neither USA Cricket nor ACE has announced the move, and several stakeholders, including some board members of USA Cricket have not received formal notice.
asked for comment, said, "We cannot comment on any matter related to the USAC & ACE agreement. Nonetheless, we remain fully committed to the growth and development of cricket in America and to serving the best interests of all cricketers from the grassroots to the USA National Teams."
moved to limit collateral damage by affirming that the 2025 Minor League Cricket season would go ahead as "Approved Cricket," arguing the sanction had already been granted before its termination notice.
players in a limbo and in a scenario where they are now so uncertain of their futures. How long does this last for? What does future seasons of Major League or Minor League look like?"
The silence has sown confusion inside the American cricket ecosystem. Plans for near-term activities, including a high-performance camp in Morrisville later this month and a West Indies tour in October, remain unclear to players and staff, people involved said. Players are hopeful that the resolution will get the events back on track, as earlier planned.
The reversal comes less than two weeks after USA Cricket publicly said it had severed ties with ACE, alleging "multiple material breaches" of the 2019 term sheet. That announcement, dated August 21, triggered immediate uncertainty around the domestic structure which relies on funding
Pakistan to host Sri Lanka for ODIs in stacked home season
will be hosting Sri Lanka for a threematch ODI series later this year starting November 11 as part of their stacked home season.
A bilateral ODI series against the island nation adds to what is an already packed home season for the Pakistan men’s side. Also to visit their shores are South Africa for an all-format tour starting October.
Meanwhile, the recently announced ODI series against Sri Lanka will be followed by the two nations featuring in a T20I tri-series which will also include Afghanistan - marking Pakistan’s maiden tri-series at home.
All three-matches will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which also played host to matches at this year’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy.
The ODI series will be Sri Lanka’s first in Pakistan since 2019, which was when the hosts emerged victorious in a three-match series by 2-0.
Their last meeting in the
format was back during the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup when Pakistan clinched a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, who recently clinched a tri-series win over Afghanistan and the UAE, will next feature in the eightteam Asia Cup in the UAE set to begin on September 9.
The continental tournament followed by the shortest format contests during their home season provides them with an opportunity to iron out their side ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Match highlights as Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan propelled Pakistan to a record-breaking run chase at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
ODI series schedule versus Sri Lanka
November 11 - 1st ODI, Rawalpindi
November 13 - 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi
November 15 - 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi (ICC Media)
from ACE to operate. ACE, which organises Major League Cricket and the developmental Minor League Cricket, rejected the allegations and called the termination "unlawful" in statements last month. Neither side has, as of publication, acknowledged the withdrawal of the termination. USA Cricket declined to comment. ACE CEO Johnny Grave, when
The stakes are significant. The 2019 agreement granted ACE long-term commercial rights, including the right to own and operate a top-tier T20 league in the United States and to commercialise certain national-team properties, whilst committing funding for USA Cricket and its initiatives.
That framework is what enabled ACE's launch of Major League Cricket and Minor League Cricket, along with its development of Grand Prairie cricket stadium, used to host MLC matches, as well as matches during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
Even during last month's public rupture, USA Cricket
The governance picture remains a shadow over everything. In July, the ICC delivered a formal "roadmap" for USA Cricket to regain compliance and earn recognition as the U.S. Olympic governing body for cricket ahead of the Los Angeles Games, with the first step recommending a reset of the board. The August termination, and now an unannounced reversal, fit a wider pattern of instability the ICC has pressed USA Cricket to address.
Adding to the uncertainty, Corey Anderson, former New Zealand allrounder and operational director of the US Cricketers' Association, recently voiced the frustration felt among players. He told a news website, "I guess the termination just leaves
Anderson also warned of the potential ripple effect on USA's build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be staged in India and Sri Lanka, with USA as one of the 20 participating teams. He noted that plans had been drawn up for an intensive high-performance camp for the country's top 35 players in Morrisville, including three 50-over games and three T20 trial matches against West Indies ‘A,’ a critical preparation that now hangs in the balance. For now, a deal that was declared dead in August appears to be alive again. Until USA Cricket and ACE clearly say so, coaches, players, and sponsors are left to operate on rumour and inference, rather than a schedule and a budget. (Cricbuzz)
Jamaica’s next generation eyes gold at World Youth Cup
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Jamaica’s Under-21 netball team will depart for Gibraltar on Wednesday, carrying the hopes of a nation and a singular ambition, to capture the gold medal at the Netball World Youth Cup.
Fresh off topping the Americas qualifying region, the squad is brimming with a potent mix of confidence and determination.
The team has been in an intensive residential training camp at the netball house since June, a period of preparation only briefly paused for Independence celebrations and civic duties during the national election.
The leadership is confident in their charge as Head Coach Annett Daley and Assistant Coach Nardia Hanson
Asia Cup 2025
have both praised the squad’s impressive discipline, focus, and relaxed but competitive spirit as they enter the final stages of preparation.
The team’s on-court leadership will be provided by a formidable duo, including Captain Roxonna McLean, who brings valuable experience from her two caps with the senior Sunshine Girls.
She is supported by Vice-Captain Shaqwan Hamilton, who is riding a wave of momentum after recently captaining Holmwood Technical High School to victory at the World High School Championships in England.
The squad boasts a wealth of talent across the court.
The attacking end will be powered by Jada Ricketts, Kaydeen Gordon, and Nickisha Powell.
Jamaica’s Under-21 netballers
The midcourt will be marshalled by Jessica Chaplain, Deandra Edwards, and Fentonian Henry, while defenders Evelyn Smith and Tianna Reid will be tasked with shutting down opposition attacks.
Adding an international flavour to the roster are Jamaica’s first-ever English-born U-21 selections, Tori Akinrinlalo and Azara Wilmot, who have been integrated into the team since the start of camp in June.
Time is right for Afghanistan's long walk from promise to silverware
IT’S been 10 and a half years since Shapoor Zadran ran across the ground in Dunedin, hands and bat aloft in pure delirium. Afghanistan had just beaten Scotland for their first win
on the grandest stage -- an ODI World Cup, a surreal moment for a nation that had made its way to the showpiece event against gargantuan odds.
But a decade is a long
time. Even Afghanistan will attest to it, having travelled far from being the poster boys of a feel-good story.
They have grown with time, shedding their tag of perennial heart-winners and putting themselves in serious conversations in the format. Rashid Khan's IPL arrival in 2017 barely caused a ripple in the league's landscape. Seven years on, no bowler has more
(Turn to page 25)
The reversal effectively restores the agreement that underpins Major League Cricket and funding for parts of the national-team programme
PAKISTAN
Mandolall, Moosaie spur Warriors to maiden OMSCC Legends Over-50 title
By Frederick Halley
IN 2024, they were on the outside looking in. This year, they are the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Legends Over-50 champions.
Led by the experienced Mahendranauth “Bobby” Parsanauth and formed by Rakesh Dyal, who was also a first-time winner with defending champions, GTA Storm last year, Warriors defied the odds to emerge victorious in a lopsided final versus Toronto Blizzards, played last Saturday at the St. Bede ground, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.
Led by a superb fourth-wicket partnership of 130 between former Guyana Under-19 player, Rovendra Mandolall and Ray Moosaie, Warriors reached a challenging 190 for five in their allotted 20 overs before restricting Toronto Blizzards to 136 for five, winning by the wide margin of 54 runs.
The two joined forces in the 11th over with their team on 50 for three and by the time Mandolall was forced to retire out in the
19th over, they had completely changed the complexion of the match in their pulsating partnership.
Known in softball circles as the “GOAT,” the Essequibian Mandolall, plundered four fours and seven huge sixes in his top score of 82 off 48 balls while the unassuming Moosaie was undefeated on 63 off 46, spiced with three fours and five sixes. Fazil Rasool was Toronto Blizzards best bowler with two for 23 from his three overs. Toronto Blizzards, who were playing in their eighth consecutive finals and who lost the previous two to
GTA Storm, were never up to the challenge, moreso with the loss of opener Sunil Dhaniram (seven) in the fourth over.
The experienced Jaimini Singh, who stroked three fours and a six in 35 and Lalchand Shivraj, who was undefeated on 33 with two sixes, added a face-saving 81 for the fourth wicket but Warriors were always in control of the game and duly delivered the “coup de grace.”
Mohamed Azeem Khan claimed two for 13 while there was one wicket each Rakesh Dyal and Rakesh Ramoutar.
At the presentation ceremony, which followed, Warriors copped the winning trophy, sponsored by Roger Sunich of Trophy Stall (Canada) while the two Most Valuable Players (MVP) trophies, awarded to Mandolall and Jaimini Singh, were sponsored by Jas and Terry Mathura of TDMJ Inc. Runner-up Toronto Blizzards were also the recipient of a trophy while players from both teams collected medals.
Warriors skipper Parasnauth, while obviously pleased with the performances of his players, pointed out that cricket was
the winner. He disclosed that despite the struggles during their inaugural season, the players were well focused on the winning the title. Parasnauth also showered praises on the OMSCC for a well-run tournament.
Skipper Mohan Harihar admitted that Toronto Blizzards were completely outplayed by a better team and offered kudos to his opponents and the OMSCC.
The OMSCC, in the
meantime, is in the process of celebrating its 25th year and as part of its celebratory efforts, all the executives – President Azeem Khan, Vice-president Hardatt Ramcharran, Secretary Amit Bacchus, Treasurer Khem Singh, Player Management/Statistician Terry Mathura and Umpires Coordinator Bobby Ramlagan were recipients of medals at the presentation ceremony.
'Unbelievable' Archer primed for Ashes impact, says McCullum
...England coach claims team for Perth undecided after Jacob Bethell pushes case in ODIs
BRENDON McCullum expects Jofra Archer to be a "huge player" for England in Australia this winter and described the upcoming Ashes tour as "the biggest series of all of our lives". England's coach also hinted that Jacob Bethell still has time to force his way into their side for the first Test in Perth after his maiden hundred on Sunday.
Archer set up England's world-record thrashing of South Africa with a new-ball spell of four for 10 in seven overs in Southampton. He made his Test comeback against India in July, taking nine wickets in two appearances, and McCullum said that his injury-free summer has vindicated England's cautious approach with his return.
"That was an unbelievable spell," McCullum said.
"It was box-office bowling… [It's] not just his pace, but his skill, his ability to shift it both ways and to test batters with the steep bounce he gets. He's a proper cricketer, hence why we've taken our time with him to make sure that we give him every chance to be in the biggest series of all of our lives.”
"It's always a delicate balance. Sometimes you need to keep bowling, and you need to keep ticking over. I think a lot of injuries happen when you almost down the tools completely, not that I really understand how that works. But we've just got to make sure we work to the plan.
"We've had a good plan with Jof over the last little while and he's rewarded us
for the type of planning that we've had with performances like tonight. He's going to be a huge player when we get to Australia, as a number of others are. But I don't think we'll wrap him up [in cotton wool] per se. We'll just keep working with him on how he's going and work out
what's best for him."
Bethell is likely to travel to Australia as England's spare batter but was in sparkling form against South Africa, following his 58 at Lord's with 110 off 82 balls in Southampton, and could yet put pressure on incumbent No. 3 Ollie Pope ahead
of November's first Test in Perth. McCullum claimed that he does not yet have a team in his head for the series opener.
"We will work that out when we get to Australia," he said. "We've got a few other fish to fry before we get there. We've said about Jacob since we introduced him that he's got a huge future in front of him. He's very quickly taken to international cricket, and things have come really quickly for him as well.
"He's going to have some life: 21 years of age, and being able to play like he does… I want to celebrate the fact that his first ever professional hundred has been scored in the England jumper at the age of 21. I think [David] Gower's the only other one [to score an ODI hundred for England at 21], and he was a pretty good
player. We'll see where Jacob ends up."
McCullum also said that Mark Wood and Ben Stokes are "progressing well" ahead of the Ashes, with England set to name their squad towards the end of September. Wood is set to play for Durham in the County Championship later this month, while Stokes is unlikely to play competitively before the first Test in Perth.
"Stokesy will be training his arse off as he always does, and making sure he gets as fit as what he possibly can… The last series we saw from Stokesy is probably the best series he's had as captain, so that's a good sign. We know that for us to be competitive down in Australia, a fit, firing and motivated Ben Stokes is going to give us every chance.
(ESPN Cricinfo)
The victorious Warriors players and supporters celebrate their emphatic victory
MVP Rovendra Mandolall, left, receives his award from Terry Mathura of TDMJ Inc.
Jofra Archer claimed eight wickets in three ODIs against South Africa (ECB via Getty Images)
Alcaraz takes US Open crown, No. 1 from Sinner with New York triumph
CARLOS Alcaraz triumphed in the latest chapter of his compelling rivalry with Jannik Sinner, earning a four-set victory to regain the US Open title on Sunday.
Spain's Alcaraz started strongly and weathered a second-set fightback from Italy's Sinner before powering to a 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory in New York.
The men's final was delayed by half an hour because of extra security measures put in place due to US President Donald Trump's presence.
Once under way, the pair produced another engaging contest - albeit short of the drama and quality of their French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier
this year.
Reigning French Open champion Alcaraz's superior serving, an area which let him down against Sinner at the All England Club, ensured he reclaimed the US Open title that he first won in 2022.
The 22-year-old has now won six Grand Slam titles, making him the second youngest man behind Bjorn Borg to reach this tally. Alcaraz's victory ensures an even split between him and Sinner - who won the Australian Open as well as Wimbledon - at the four majors in 2025.
After facing Sinner in a fifth final of the season, Alcaraz said: "I see you more than my family. It's great to share the court with you."
Alcaraz has also wrestled the world number one ranking away from Sinner, who held the position for 65 weeks.
Sinner, who was short of his best throughout most of the match, saved two championship points before Alcaraz reset to take his third opportunity.
Nailing a 131mph ace out wide felt an apt way for Alcaraz to finish, given his supreme serving over the fortnight, before he broke into his familiar grin and celebrated with a now trademark golf swing.
Sinner began confidently but was quickly rocked by Alcaraz's explosive returns and even his ability to soak up pressure could not prevent the early break.
Reggae Boyz and T&T set for Kingston showdown tonight
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Fresh off a commanding start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, the Reggae Boyz are set to host regional rivals Trinidad and Tobago in a highly anticipated Group B clash at the National Stadium here tonight.
The stage is set for a fiery encounter at “The Office,” with Jamaica riding a wave of momentum following a comprehensive 4-0 away victory over Bermuda on Friday.
The win propelled Steve McClaren’s side to the top of the group on three points,
Reggae
Alcaraz continued to keep his opponent guessing, playing with variety and maintaining the strong serving that had ensured he was broken only twice on his way to the final.
Once he claimed the advantage in the first set, Alcaraz was not in the mood to let it slip. Serving with pace and precision, he allowed Sinner to win only three receiving points.
Alcaraz has often shown a propensity to dip more than Sinner and a drop-off in the second set was punished.
Sinner raised the stakes, hitting his trademark ferocious groundstrokes and pushing Alcaraz back with an improved return of serve, ultimately levelling the match after decisively breaking in the fourth game.
The touchpaper had been lit - and thankfully Ashe was now pretty much full to witness it.
Like the Wimbledon final eight weeks earlier, a delicately-poised match after two sets quickly turned one-sided.
Alcaraz broke early in the third by again taking
time away from Sinner, rediscovering his first serve and touch at the net, before cruising a double break ahead as his artistry shone through.
Sinner, who had struggled with an abdominal issue in his semi-final, continued to make uncharacteristic errors in the fourth set.
After losing serve for the fifth time in the match, he did not seriously threaten to break back before Alcaraz served out victory.
"I tried my best today - I couldn't do more," Sinner said. (BBC Sport)
Beckford registers hat-trick as Slingerz maintain flawless record
ON Sunday on the football pitch at the National Track and Field Stadium at Leonora, Slingerz football club showed again why they are clear favourites to earn their second Elite League title with a 5-nil drubbing of fellow ‘west side’ football club, Den Amstel.
It was a one-sided affair from the 13th minute when Kemar Beckford got onto the score sheet with Slingerz’s first strike to hit the back of the net.
Slingerz’s new recruit Solomon Austin then added his name to the score sheet, making it 2-nil in the 22nd .
Derrell Garcia tripled their advantage in the 30th minute and 3-nil the score read thereafter as Slingerz started to strut their goal-scoring prowess.
On the verge of the halftime break, Beckford, who was instrumental in the side’s
second-place finish in season six, returned to register his second in the 45th minute as they went into the break, 4-0 up.
The first 44 minutes of the second half proved uneventful as Den Amstel fought back valiantly without success.
Beckford completed his hat-trick in the last minute of regulation time as Slingerz kept their clean record with the 5-nil victory.
Kemar Beckford, following his clinical showing in front of the uprights which resulted in a triple, collected MVP honours, compliments of turbo energy drink.
Earlier, Mainstay Goldstar suffered yet another loss, this time to Fruta Conquerors 3-1.
Fruta Conquerors’ Maiakai Sealey, opened the scoring 15 minutes into the contest to see them go into
the breakup 1-0. Fruta’s Sealey returned after the resumption to make it 2-0 in the 53rd. Fruta’s Simeon Lovell made it 3-nil in the 88th before Mainstay Goldstar got a consolation goal off the cleats of Akeem Houston a minute later in the 89th minute.
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning the US Open crown, at Flushing Meadows
Boyz are set to host regional rivals Trinidad and Tobago in a highly anticipated Group B clash in Kingston tonight
Slingerz hat-trick hero
Kemar Beckford