President Dr. Irfaan Ali has
spectacle (Delano Williams photos)
New tech-powered programme coming to combat gender-based violence ––President Ali
—says
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that a new, technology-driven initiative aimed at combatting violence against women will be launched in the coming days, as part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment and safety.
Speaking at the third graduation ceremony of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), on Monday, President Ali highlighted the vital role women, particularly mothers, continue to play in shaping society, noting
women remain the ‘bedrock of our society’
that the government is preparing to take bold new steps to support and protect them.
“In the coming days, I’ll be launching a new programme for women… We will be using technology to its fullest… that would help all of us to aggressively deal with violence against women,”
President Ali said during his address.
While details of the initiative were not fully disclosed, the President signalled that it would be part of a broader technological response to one of
the country’s most pressing social issues.
President Ali said that more than 70 per cent of GOAL scholarship recipients are women and called on the audience to celebrate this moment of empowerment.
“Put our hands together for the women here today, and I want all our women graduates to stand for a moment,” he said.
“It is almost the entire room. And I hope we capture this moment. When we speak about empowering women, when we speak about women get -
ting their fair chance to shine and to excel, this is what it looks like. This is what it feels like.”
He also described GOAL’s impact on women as a “powerful force” in helping them gain access to education, professional development, and economic independence.
“This programme has broken down barriers, barriers of distance, of cost, of time, and yes, even barriers of self-doubt…It has opened doors for those who were told, ‘you’re too old,’ or ‘you missed your chance,’ or ‘that is not for
people like you.’ It has killed all of those narratives and introduced only one narrative: can we, do it? And your government is investing to ensure that you can do it,” the President said. “
The Head of State also paid tribute to the sacrifices women, especially mothers, make in pursuit of education and betterment.
“I saw it in my own mother. Waking up in the early morning hours to cook for her family before she leaves to go to school… getting home
back after 10 in the night, doing her assignments. Mothers are the bedrock of our society,” the President said as he shared, reflecting on her years as a university student.
President Ali further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that as women rise, families and entire communities rise with them.
“As you rise, your family rises with you. As you rise, your village rises with you. And as you rise, make no mistake, Guyana rises with you,” he declared.
‘Your gov’t has invested in you so you could enjoy a brighter future’
–– President Ali tells GOAL graduates
–– $12.5B invested in online academy,
By Shamar Meusa
AS the latest batch of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholars were conferred with their degrees, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali affirmed that the government has made this
investment so as to ensure that Guyanese will have a brighter future.
The Head of State was, at the time, delivering the keynote address during GOAL’s third graduation ceremony, during which some 580 persons were conferred with
Dr. Singh says
Master’s Degrees from 10 universities.
“Your government has invested in you so that you will be successful. Your government has invested in you so that you will have a brighter future. Your government has invested in you so that you can have this proud moment today where you will all be earning master’s degrees in different fields, so that you can lift this country up and take this country forward,” President Ali declared.
He said that it was a proud moment for the nation, as it was not only a celebration of personal achievements but also the strengthening of Guyana’s future as the graduates represent a new addition to Guyana’s growing pool of qualified, capable, skilled men and women.
While the Head of State said that it served as a revolution in education, he reminded persons that it was not by accident, but rather it was as a result of leader-
ship that believes in human development and investing in people.
Speaking directly to the graduates, President Ali said that Guyana is not the same country it was a decade ago, and is now one with a rapidly expanding economy and new emerging industries.
“But all that growth, all that opportunity, means nothing if we do not have the people ready to seize it. That is why GOAL matters, that is why you matter… because when we talk about development, we are not just talking about roads and bridges, we are talking about the engineers who can design that.
“When we talk about modern health care, we are talking about nurses and medical technicians who can deliver it. When we talk about digital transformations, we need the coders, the IT specialists, the data analysts,” he said.
Every sector in the country, Dr. Ali said, needs more qualified people, and, to this
end, he told the graduates that they have stepped up to answer that call.
Guyana’s future rests in the human capital, the President said, adding that their skill, voice and passion are needed to build and lead the nation.
Dr Ali indicated that education is power, and is one of the greatest equalisers known to man, and as a result of the investment made by the Government of Guyana, that power is now more accessible than ever through free university education.
“When the noise settles on the outside, always remember on the inside that we invested in you because we believe in you,” President Ali affirmed.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, disclosed that including the incoming 2025 cohort, the government has granted in excess of 39,000 scholarships through the GOAL platform.
This, he noted, rep -
resents almost twice the number of scholarships that they had committed to delivering when entering office in 2020.
Dr. Singh told the gathering that pursuant to President Ali’s instructions, the government has included in successive annual budgets, steadily increasing amounts of budgetary allocations and, in total, has allocated $12.5 billion to GOAL.
“That represents an investment of approximately 312,000 Guyana dollars per student,” he iterated.
This year, some 2,000 persons will be conferred with degrees and certificates at several levels and in various fields.
The Finance Minister told the graduates that they are living in an era of opportunity in Guyana, and as such, the task is now theirs to use the education and skills they have acquired to position themselves appropriately to benefit from these opportunities.
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing the third GOAL graduation ceremony, on Monday (Delano Williams photos)
Some of the GOAL Master’s Degree graduates
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh
Italian citizenship referendum void after low turnout
A REFERENDUM in Italy on easing citizenship rules and enhancing workers’ rights has been declared invalid.
Around 30% of voters participated - well short of the 50% threshold required to make the vote bindingin the poll, which began on Sunday and ran until 15:00 (14:00 BST) on Monday.
The ballot featured five questions covering different issues, including a proposal to halve the length of time an individual has to live in Italy before they can apply for citizenship from 10 to five years.
The referendum was initiated by a citizens’ initiative and supported by civil society groups and trade unions, all of whom campaigned for the Yes vote.
For them, the outcome - which saw turnout levels as low as 22% in regions like Sicily and Calabriawill come as a blow.
Reaching the 50% threshold was always going to be a struggle - not least because the Italian government, led by hardright Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, largely ignored the referendum or
actively discouraged people from voting.
“Whether just above 30% or just below 30%, this is a low figure, below the expectations and targets set by the promoters,” Lorenzo Pregliasco, the founder of political polling company YouTrend, told Italy’s SkyTG24.
Last week, Meloni announced she would boycott the vote, declaring Italy’s existing citizenship law as “excellent” and “very open”. She visited a polling station in Rome on Sunday, but did not cast a vote.
But activists argued that a 10-year wait to apply for citizenship was far too long, and that reducing the requirement to five years would bring Italy in line with many of its European neighbours.
Shortly after polls closed, Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI) party posted an image of opposition leaders on Instagram with the caption: “You’ve lost!”
“The only real objective of this referendum was to topple the Meloni government. In the end though, Italians toppled you,” the post read.
Pina Picierno of the opposition Democratic Party (PD), said the referendum had been a “deep, serious and avoidable defeat,” and called the failure to reach the 50% threshold a “huge gift to Giorgia Meloni and the right”.
Half-a-million signatures are required to call a referendum in Italy. However, there are now calls for that threshold to be increased to reduce the number of votes put to the public.
“We spent a lot of money sending... millions of ballots abroad for Italian [expats] to vote, and they’ve been wasted,” said foreign minister Antonio
Tajani on Monday.
Only about half of the 78 referendums held in Italy since World War Two have attracted enough votes to make them binding.
The first one, held on 2 June 1946, saw 89% of Italians go to the polls and just over half of those vote to replace the monarchy with a republic.
In later years, referendums on abortion and divorce were also held successfully.
The last referendum to reach the required threshold was a 2011 vote against a law privatising water services.
(BBC)
Colombian senator Uribe shows little response to treatment after shooting
BOGOTA, June 9 (Reuters) - Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential contender, remains in critical condition and has shown little response to treatment after being shot in Bogota, the hospital treating him said on Monday.
Uribe, 39, is a member of the opposition right-wing Democratic Center party, and was shot in the head as he was addressing a campaign event on Saturday in a public park in the capital. The shooting, which was caught on video, has shaken Colombia, evoking the political violence of previ-
ous decades.
“His condition is extremely serious,” the Santa Fe Foundation hospital said in a statement. “Therefore, the prognosis remains cautious.”
Colombia has long been embroiled in conflict with leftist rebels and criminal groups descended from right-wing paramilitaries, though the motive for the attack on Uribe remains unclear.
Leftist President Gustavo Petro has vowed to bring peace, negotiating with rebel groups to get them to put down their arms, but with little success.
Uribe comes from a prominent political family. His grandfather, Julio Cesar Turbay, was president from 1978 to 1982 and his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 in a botched rescue attempt after being kidnapped by an armed group led by drug lord Pablo Escobar. He is not related to former President Alvaro Uribe.
Petro said on Sunday he had ordered additional security for government officials and opposition members in response to more threats, though the details of the threats were murky. Ex-President Uribe, who founded the Democratic Center
party, also said he had been informed of plans to attack him.
It is not known why Senator Uribe, who was vying for the candidacy of his party, was attacked. He was polling well behind other party candidates at the time of the shooting.
A young teen found to be carrying a 9-mm pistol was arrested after the shooting. The gun was purchased in Arizona, the head of police said, and authorities were investigating how it reached Colombia.
Authorities had yet to interrogate the boy, as he was receiving medical care, Attorney General Luz
Adriana Camargo said on Monday. However, she said that if the teen were a gun-for-hire, he would likely have little information about the motive.
“There are several hypotheses,” Camargo said.
“It could have been an attack on the opposition, or it could have been an attempt to destabilise the country or the government, or it was armed illegal groups responding to the progress made in the peace process.”
The suspect faces charges of attempted murder and illegal pos-
session of a weapon, she added. But as he is a minor, he faces up to eight years in a rehabilitation center instead of prison.
Petro said the teen had participated for two months in the government-sponsored “Youth for Peace” program, which pays young people to do community work in a bid to deter them from crime. He did not say when the teen was in the program.
“He showed a combative personality, with no ability to establish intersocial connections,” Petro said.
A transformative success story
THE Government of Guyana’s Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme stands as one of the most remarkable educational success stories in the Caribbean, yet the Alliance for Change (AFC) continues its misguided campaign to undermine this transformative initiative through baseless criticisms.
Since its launch in 2021, GOAL has provided a record 39,000 fullly-funded scholarships to Guyanese nationals, almost double the government’s initial target of 20,000 scholarships by 2025.
This in itself should stifle detractors, but the effects of the programme go far deeper than just statistics, marking a sea of changes in the way Guyana thinks about educational access and national progress.
The programme demographics tell a powerful narrative of empowerment and
inclusion. With 21,436 scholarships to women compared to 8,322 to men through 2024, GOAL has been a powerful instrument for gender equality in education.
As Education Minister Priya Manickchand rightly said, most of these women are mothers learning at home with their children, whereas men can advance their qualifications without leaving their places of employment to sustain their families.
This freedom shows the programme’s grasp of actual-day limitations experienced by working Guyanese families.
The geographical distribution throughout all ten administrative regions, ranging from Region One’s 814 to Region Four’s incredible 13,002 (2024 figures), ensures hinterland and rural villages are not disadvantaged in Guyana’s education revolution.
Notably, GOAL’s GROW programme has provided 6,914 persons with a second chance after not completing secondary education, with 80 per cent of graduates of the GED, BFP, and SCQF programmes being able to matriculate into universities successfully.
This is actual social mobility and opportunity creation that the AFC’s political rhetoric ignores. The programme is giving a mind-boggling array of certificates, undergraduate, master’s and PhDs and vocationals under collaborations with established foreign institutions, bridging the skill gap in Guyana’s burgeoning economy.
GOAL’s success is part of a total educational overhaul by the current government.
The granting of free tuition at the University of Guyana in 2025, backed by a $13.1 billion budget allocation, will
benefit over 11,000 students.
Additionally, the government has already cancelled $203.7 million in student loans to 346 University of G uyana graduates, with a step being taken to cancel $11 billion in loans for over 12,000 Guyanese.
These investments are historic levels of commitment towards providing higher education to all.
In place of baseless denunciation, the critics should appreciate the remarkable efforts being taken by GOAL towards democratising learning, and preparing Guyanese for participation in the country’s economic boom.
The programme’s success is a testament to itself thousands of graduates entering the job market with enhanced skills, and a country better suited to sustain its projected 36 per cent economic growth.
Political point-scoring has no place when genuine change is being made.
Apprenticeships are delivering results: now is the time to expand
IN 2024, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) continued to fulfil its mandate of equipping Guyanese with market-ready skills through structured, high-quality apprenticeship programmes. A total of 250 apprentices were placed under the National Apprenticeship Programme at five master plants: GNIC, the Demerara Harbour Bridge, GUYSUCO, BOSAI Minerals, and Kwakwani Utilities Inc., spanning Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. During 2024, BIT proudly welcomed Kwakwani Utilities Inc as a new Master, joining the growing list of training providers committed to empowering youth and promoting economic development in their communities. These apprentices received structured, competency-based training that included both on-the-job experience and off-the-job instruction, a
dual system that continues to yield outstanding results.
Historically, all apprentices under BIT’s programmes have gained employment immediately after completing their training and this success is echoed internationally. Research by the European Commission has shown that 60 to 70 percent and up to 90 percent of apprentices secure employment immediately upon programme completion. Compared to youth with only school-based vocational training, apprentices are more likely to obtain better job matches, experience shorter unemployment periods and enjoy longer tenures in their first jobs.
Moreover, an ILO report covering Latin America and the Caribbean, confirms that most productivity growth differences among countries are not
rooted in formal education, but rather in productive knowledge and skills learned on the job, a hallmark of quality apprenticeships. This concept of “learning by doing” or “know-how” is one of the most effective forms of workforce preparation.
BIT’s record reflects this. From 2009 to 2023, the board registered 1,028 apprentices, with 783 certified during the same period. Of those certified, 97% were male, and 26 females also successfully completed their training. While this data demonstrates BIT’s impact, it also highlights the need for more targeted strategies to improve female participation in apprenticeship opportunities.
Employers benefit significantly from this structured approach. Apprenticeships foster higher productivity, improve innovation and offer a cost-effective method
of onboarding and training new talent. It is a win-win model that bridges education and employment, while supporting national development.
BIT remains committed to expanding access and impact. However, to scale the programme further, more companies must come on board as Masters. Businesses committed to quality, workforce development and nation-building are encouraged to partner with BIT.
Together, Guyana can strengthen its workforce and shape the next generation of skilled professionals. Apprenticeships work and the results speak for themselves.
Richard Maughn Chief Executive Officer Board of Industrial Training (BIT)
It is the people together who constitute the guardrail against hateful political rhetoric, divisiveness, violence
Dear Editor,
IN callous disregard for the formation of Guyanese unity, unethical opposition leaders, utilising various media platforms, hasten to promote Afrocentric racism, principally aimed at instilling hate and generating antagonisms among the ever-advancing harmonious Guyanese people.
Hate - defined as an intense dislike for someone or something - once instilled in the minds of supporters, or gradually implanted in the psyche of gullible, and persuadable racist individuals, can easily be exploited as a convenient instrument for creating instability and inciting violence.
Anyone willing to objectively examine regular, hateful pontifications by Afrocentric politicians and their min ions, would surely unmask the underlying intent to dehumanise and demonise those not pursuable, or susceptible to divisive and destructive racist propaganda that
focuses on promoting hate and hostilities or aimed at inciting overt violence.
This then leads one to ask, whether the overt violence that materialised in the forms of stark aggression,rioting and looting in the aftermath of Adriana Younge’s death, will morph into similar expressions of destructiveness in the coming months before the elections?
Undoubtedly, in recent months, Afro-centrists’ targeted their racist vitriols at those whose social, political, and economic success proved irksome, and resistant to their proselytisation of divisiveness and racism.
The indifference became clearly manifested in the denigration of Afro-Guyanese, whose antipathy towards Afrocentric ethnocentricities resulted in the AFC’s David Hinds condemnation of Afro-Guyanese supporters of the PPP as “lick bottoms” and “lick BT Africans,”-a denigration that gained the support of Henry Jeffrey, who said, “Hinds barbs
Young people given real authority under President Ali
Dear Editor,
THE article published in Stabroek News on June 4, 2025, titled, “Civic engagement in young people,” misses a critical truth: Guyanese youth are not sitting on the sidelines waiting for symbolic roles they are already leading, influencing, and driving national development.
It is inaccurate and frankly unfair to suggest that youth involvement is merely performative. Under President Irfaan Ali’s leadership, young people have been given not just visibility, but real authority.
The Presidential Youth Advisory Council stands as clear evidence of this -- a platform that ensures youth perspectives are not just heard, but acted upon.
This council brings together dynamic young leaders from all across Guyana, representing diverse backgrounds and professions. More than just an advisory group, it is a catalyst for youth-driven solutions to national challenges.
The results speak for themselves. Youth
were instrumental in shaping Vision 2030, the country’s long-term development strategy. Their contributions, bold, innovative and practical are now central to policies on sustainability, education, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
Moreover, youth are not confined to boardrooms. They are on the ground working in partnership with ministries, leading community outreach and delivering critical services to their peers. They are not being spoken for, they are speaking for themselves, with confidence and clarity.
It’s time to acknowledge the reality: Guyana’s young people are not just participating in civic life, they are actively shaping it. To suggest otherwise does a disservice to their efforts and ignores the momentum they’ve already built.
Let’s give credit where it is due and continue to invest in the leadership of our nation’s future.
Sincerely,
Dharshinie Gokarran
are warranted.”
For the economically progressive Guyanese of every race, success did not self-actualise overnight, but resulted from years of persistent, strenuous toil and thrift.
And, within the last four years, under the governance of the PPP/C, the sector of progressive Guyanese grew due to the opportunities provided in areas of employment, education, health, housing, retirement benefits, investments and national development.
Why then, one may ask, do Afrocentric proponents target their hateful vitriol at the government, and especially at President Ali, and Vice President Jagdeo, when, factually, many of them benefitted politically, socially, and economically from the very policies promulgated and articulated by the PPP/C? The answer appears clear. It is the lust for power and control over government.
Hence, it does not require clairvoyant insights to grasp why Afrocentric proponents seem to focus on inculcating in the minds of disenchanted ethnocentric individuals, suspicion and animosity towards successful Guyanese -- and the government.
This is despite the truism, that, more so under the current PPP/C governing
administration, than under PNC, and APNU+AFC regimes, access to opportunities is available to all desirous of socio-economic success.
Given the evidence of accomplishments in plain sight around the country, those influenced and persuaded by Afrocentric proponents’ falsehoods, racism and hate, could benefit by asking: how does participating in violence and other anti-government activities enhance their lives?
With the date for national elections fast approaching, would Afrocentric racists and wannabe politicians expedite their propaganda campaigns of divisiveness, distrust, and hate, while probing opportunities to incite violence?
Time is yet to tell. And, while law-enforcement personnel stand as a buffer to violence, everyone needs to be reminded that it is the people who together constitute the guardrail against hateful political rhetoric, divisiveness, and violence -- all destructive elements -- which the PPP/C, as a political party, fought, and continues to fight against.
With evidence, I stand corrected.
Regards,
Narayan Persaud, PhD
Professor Emeritus
Me, Leonard Craig and Christopher Ram
LEONARD Craig is a personal friend from a long time back.
I taught him the required first-year course in philosophy that all Social Science majors at UG had to undertake.
I did not know that his column and my column would have dealt with the question, does Mr Ram read the books that relate to the issues he raises in his anti-government offerings.
I use the term “anti-government offerings” without it being value-laden. I use the term in an academic context and not as a critical comment, because I think in political discourse and polemical outlines in Guyana, Mr Ram is a consistent anti-government critic. And I believe is so perceived by minds that
keenly observe political happenings in Guyana.
I did not know Leonard would have written something about Mr Ram in his column yesterday (Monday) and I would have penned the identical something about Ram. It turns out that his column and my piece in last Monday’s Chronicle have asked the same thing about Ram.
That thing is, when Ram uses a picture from which his conclusions are drawn, does he examine the portrait from all angles so he could get a comprehensive understanding of what the painter is trying to say?
I cannot believe that at his age, Mr Ram would not be familiar with the
work of the great French philosopher, Jacques Derrida. Derrida has taken his place as one of the great philosophers the past 200 years.
He founded the philosophy of deconstruction. If you are entering politics or you are in politics, or if you are going to intellectually critique political actions of governments, you should study Derrida. Applying Derrida to Europe’s obsession with Russia will reveal to you why Europe wants to see Russia defeated by Ukraine.
It was never about communism. It was always about Russia. There is no communism in Russia but it is the same old story. Deconstructing European history will tell you why the world may drift into a Third World War; but anyway back to the curiosity – does Ram read the texts he uses to offer his adumbrations?
Leonard Craig claims that in quoting from the document – “Revenue Statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean 2025,” Ram in using the document, argues that a low tax ratio to GDP indicates that Guyana’s economy is not being properly managed.
Quoting from the same document that contradicts what Ram wrote, Craig declares that either Ram did not read the document or is a dishonest analyst.
In the very edition of the Chronicle (last Monday) where Craig’s piece appeared, I wrote this about Ram: “It was Christopher Ram who reviewed Odle’s book and chaired the launching at Moray House. Yet Ram is one of the advocates of forced renegotiation of the Exxon contract. So did Ram really read the book?”
Let’s explain. Ram in a lead letter last Sunday (trust Stabroek News to put all anti-government letters as lead letters, including one yesterday (Monday) by GHK Lall praising Ram’s Sunday missive), argues that Dr Ali should be re-elected and one of the factors he cited is the failure to renegotiate the
ExxonMobil contract.
Maurice Odle’s book is his autobiography in which a huge part of this memoir is his experience in working as an economist in the global economy. Odle devotes a sad, pessimistic and shocking chapter on how colonialism transformed itself into the New Imperialism.
The chapter is not good for those who think colonialism and imperialism are sadistic instincts of the past. On the contrary, Odle describes how the West has re-colonised the Third World.
He describes this re-colonisation in graphic terms and gives it the title, the New Imperialism. Reading Odle and listening to emotional calls from certain individuals, including Ram, then you know that Guyana will not be allowed by the West to force ExxonMobil into rewriting the contract.
All the horrible consequences of forced changes to the contract can be understood by reading Odle. When you read how Odle describes his experience of seeing how the West controls the economy of the world and it peripherialises the Global South, you shudder to think what will happen to Guyana if they should force ExxonMobil to return to the negotiation table.
Now Ram reviewed Odle’s memoir, chaired the book-launching ceremony and yet last Sunday published a letter citing President Ali’s refusal to renegotiate the oil contract as one of the reasons he should not be elected.
To use Craig’s perspective, Ram either did not read Odle or did not contextualise what he read, or is simply a dishonest analyst.
I would disagree with Craig on the last description.
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.
‘Elections, politics are not show business’
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has emphasised the significance of political leadership and national development, cautioning against reducing governance to a spectacle.
Speaking at an event at the weekend, the Head of State asserted, “Elections and politics is not show business.”
Reinforcing this sentiment, President Ali said that the achievements and progress seen in Guyana are not the result of chance, but of deliberate and strategic planning.
“These are not accidental things. These are things that required careful planning; visionary thinking,” he said.
The Head of State further called on citizens and stakeholders alike to remain focused on the path of transformation that his administration has embarked upon.
“Let us ensure that we continue to build on this momentum; that we continue to build on this foundation of transformation, and that we all commit ourselves to invest in a Guyana that makes us stronger together,” he urged.
Speaking to the importance of seriousness in addressing the country’s future, the President stressed that development efforts must not be taken lightly.
“We can only do this if you are serious about the future, and serious about what matters; these are not things to be taken for granted,” he said. In an apparent reference to recent discourse in the political space, President Ali reiterated his position: “…elections and policies is not show business.”
He also addressed the complexity behind effective governance, highlight-
ing the sustained effort it requires.
“Sometimes it looks simple, but it’s hard work; consistent work. It is critical thinking; it is understanding the way the world operates...,” President Ali said.
Focusing on one of the key sectors, the President pointed to healthcare as an area of strategic national investment.
“...It is understanding where our competitive
–– President Ali says, underscores PPP/C’s serious nation-building agenda
advantages, and healthcare, and the resources that we’re investing in healthcare is to give us that competitive advantage, so that our private healthcare providers would see a market beyond our borders,” he added.
On Sunday, the government commissioned the new Diamond Regional Hospital, a modern facility President Ali says is among several massive investments that have been made to enhance the delivery of equitable healthcare
across the country.
The new hospital will see residents being able to access world-class healthcare, with specialised services in internal medicine and surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics cardiology, mental health and psychology.
Featuring its own oxygen plant, water-filtration system, advanced diagnostics technology, 75 beds, three operating theatres, and several intensive care units, the new hospital
meets Chinese, British and American standards.
The facility also has wireless connectivity and advanced electronic systems, all of which align with the government’s vision to embrace a digital healthcare system.
Others are being built at Enmore, Lima Sands, Lethem, Bath, Number 75 Village and Kato.
The Diamond facility was constructed under a partnership with China’s Sinopharm International and CAMCE.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
After raising UG fees, VAT on Education, APNU now promises stipend to students
FROM scrapping the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant to taxing education and introducing high facility fees at the University of Guyana between 2015 and 2020, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is now promising a stipend of $50,000 monthly to eligible students.
On the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)’s website, the party is promising to “pay each eligible student a $50,000 per month stipend to help cover the cost of travel, meals, learning material, etc.”
Further, even though the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic
(PPP/C) government has made the University of Guyana (UG) free, the opposition is promising the same.
These promises by the opposition within the education sector have led many to question whether this is the party’s election-time rebranding.
The APNU+AFC, during their 2015 election campaign, pledged to eliminate university fees, yet, upon achieving power, they reneged on this promise.
Under the APNU+AFC coalition’s reign, there was not only a blatant disregard for their promise of free university tuition, but also an active escalation in education-related costs.
They increased UG fees and other education-related expenses. Their imposition of VAT on education, data, and Internet services was seen by many as a direct assault on the academic welfare of students.
The coalition’s decision to revoke the “Because We Care” cash grant, a vital support for schoolchildren, was also met with mass criticism.
Starting with the 2025/26 academic year, tuition at UG is officially free, and applications are now open for all; this is a direct result of the PPP/C’s investment and fulfillment of its campaign promise.
The change, which took effect on January 1, 2025,
means no tuition fees for new or continuing students pursuing Diplomas, Bachelor degrees, Master degrees, or PhDs across UG’s campuses and Online platforms.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a parliamentary address in October 2024, announced that beginning in the January 2025 semester, tuition fees at UG will
be fully abolished.
To facilitate the rollout of free tertiary education, UG received a $13.1 billion allocation in the 2025 National Budget.
Additionally, through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), the government has awarded scholarships to over 39,000 Guyanese, thus enabling them to pursue On-
line studies at various local and international universities. As part of its initiative to provide free tertiary education, the government had also written off approximately $203.7M in student loans for 346 UG graduates as of mid-2024.
The government has also removed tuition fees from all government technical institutions.
Barasina residents to benefit from new water well
MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, has announced that Barasina, Region One, will soon benefit from the drilling of a new water well.
According to information on the ministry’s Facebook page, the contract has been awarded and the contractor has begun mobilisation.
A well will be drilled at Hobo Hill by the contractor, following which drilling will commence at Barasina, Croal said during a recent engagement with residents.
This engagement is one of several being held in the region in keeping with government’s ongoing commitment to community-driven development, as residents are
being encouraged to voice their concerns and contribute to l ocal and national advancement.
The minister was joined by Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Regional Executive Officer, Sewchand, and Director of Hinterland Services at Guyana Water Incorporated, Ramchand Jailal.
“We work every day to uplift the l ives of our citizens,” the minister emphasised.
Residents raised a number of concerns, including issues related to education.
In response, the Regional Chairman committed to dispatching a team to Barasina within the week to begin
addressing the challenges.
Minister Croal noted that over the past four years, approximately $92 million was injected into the community through various grants and development initiatives.
This year, Barasina is also among hinterland villages, benefitting from a new initiative that will provide $3 million to support housing upgrades for vulnerable residents in the community, along with an additional $1 million allocated for the development of the community ground
The universal health voucher distribution was also executed during the engagement.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal has announced that Barasina, Region One, will soon benefit from the drilling of a new water well
Ex-convict gunned down in Agricola
POLICE are investigating the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Nicholas Narine, also known as “Biggs,” a recently released convict who was gunned down Monday morning while cleaning a drain on Titus Street, Agricola.
Narine, who served a 16year sentence for a high-profile 2015 armed robbery at the home of a sitting High Court judge, was killed around 08:15 hrs.
The suspected shooter, identified as 27-year-old Raphael Bollers of Brutus Street, Agricola, remains on the run.
According to a police release, Narine and Bollers were known to each other. On the morning of the shooting, Narine was working with a group cleaning drains in the area when Bollers allegedly emerged near a concrete fence and opened fire. Narine was struck three times and collapsed at the scene.
He was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead. Police recovered one 9mm spent shell from the crime scene and have since taken multiple statements.
In a retaliatory act just minutes later, Nicholas Narine’s younger brother, 22-year-old electrician Keon Narine, allegedly discharged several rounds at the house of 60-year-old Gideon Bollers, Raphael Bollers’ father, located on Brutus Street.
According to police, Keon Narine rode up to the property on a motorcycle around 08:30 hrs and opened fire, striking the house in several places before fleeing north.
He was later arrested at his residence, where police discovered an AR-15 rifle and a magazine with five live 5.56 rounds in his bedroom.
- brother arrested after retaliatory shooting
During questioning at the Ruimveldt Police Station, Keon Narine admitted to shooting at the Bollers’ residence in retaliation, claiming the rifle belonged to his deceased brother Nicholas.
Detectives recovered 18 spent 5.56mm shells at the scene of the second shooting. Keon Narine has since been arrested and remains in custody as investigations
continue.
Keon is no stranger to the police since he was last year charged with three counts of illegal firearm and ammunition possession. He is out on $350,000 bail.
Police are actively pursuing Raphael Bollers, who reportedly fled the scene of the shooting with the weapon in hand.
The body of Nicholas Narine is currently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Narine had only recently completed a 16-year prison sentence stemming from a 2015-armed robbery at the home of a sitting High Court judge and her husband.
In that attack, Narine and
two accomplices were convicted in 2016 and sentenced to 16 years in prison each.
The trio was convicted of stealing over $3.6 million in valuables during a
violent home invasion that involved gunfire and left the couple severely injured.
Nicholas Narine
CCTV footage of Keon Narine during the shooting
Alleged killer, Raphael Bollers
Keon Narine
Bartica’s electricity supply exceeds current demand
–– other developments also benefitting
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Monday conducted a community engagement session with residents of Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), as part of the government’s comprehensive public outreach programme.
During the engagement, the Prime Minister reinforced the government’s consultative and people-centred governance approach, emphasising its dedication to inclusive and equitable national development.
The Prime Minister outlined several transformative
residents, Prime Minister Phillips highlights during community engagement
government-led initiatives, including the allocation of over 50,000 house lots, the construction of new medical facilities, the retrofitting of health centres with telemedicine technology, particularly in hinterland regions, direct cash transfers to citizens, sustained investments in ed-
ucation and the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
Regarding Region Seven specifically, the Prime Minister highlighted the commissioning of a solar farm generating over 1.5 megawatts of power in Bartica, which substantially enhances the town’s energy capacity.
He noted that Bartica now receives an electricity supply exceeding current demand. Additionally, household solar units have been distributed throughout hinterland and riverine communities, with expansion plans underway to reach currently unserved areas.
The Prime Minister addressed various concerns raised by residents during the session, including housing accessibility, energy reliability and infrastructural-development requirements. (Office of the Prime Minister)
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips conducted a community engagement session with residents of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), as part of the government’s comprehensive public outreach programme
GECOM appoints ballot officers for Disciplined Services ahead of early voting
IN preparation for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has appointed ballot officers for members of the Disciplined Services, who are set to cast their votes ahead of the general electorate.
According to a notice published in the Official Gazette dated June 5, 2025, Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud formally appointed three individuals to oversee balloting within the respec-
tive security agencies.
The appointments are in accordance with Section 65I (1) (a) of the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 1:03.
The appointed officers are Areana Britton, who will serve as the Ballot Officer for the Guyana Defence Force, established under the Defence Act, Cap. 15:01; Sharon Jethu, who has been designated for the Guyana Police Force (GPF), established under the Police Act, Cap. 16:01; and Sadhna Boodhanlall, who will be responsible
for the Guyana Prison Service, established under the Prison Act, Cap. 11:01.
Traditionally, members of the Disciplined Services vote prior to the public to allow them to be deployed for election security duties on Election Day.
The early-voting exercise is a key part of GECOM’s electoral planning to ensure seamless participation of essential service members, while upholding the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Flashback: Members of the Guyana Police Force line up to vote on February 21, 2020, ahead of the General and Regional Elections that were held on March 2, 2020
Indigenous communities expanding footprint in mining sector
THE face of Guyana’s mining sector is evolving, with a notable increase in Indigenous participation and ownership.
This was revealed by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who said that more Indigenous communities are actively investing in mining operations and managing their own resources.
Speaking during a recent live interview, Minister Bharrat highlighted that while mining is not new to these communities, the current trend marks a shift in control and investment. “Our Amerindian brothers and sisters are now investing in their own equipment and conducting mining operations within their own villages,” he stated.
He explained that some villages have also opened their lands to outside miners. However, this is done with strict oversight. Before any external miner can operate on Indigenous land, approval must first be granted by the respective Village Council, followed by permission from the Guyana Geolo -
gy and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Citing the example of Batavia, a community near Bartica, Minister Bharrat noted the establishment of a stone quarry that produces aggregate materials. The approval process for the quarry
cation. “It’s good because it speaks to the growth of the community. For years, agriculture was their main activity, but now they’re engaging in mining and other economic ventures,” he said.
The village of Karrau, located along the Lower
involved extensive consultation with residents, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the GGMC, and the investor. “We wanted to make sure the villagers were comfortable with the investment and that the agreement was fair and mutually beneficial,” he said.
Minister Bharrat emphasised that Indigenous involvement in gold mining is not only economically beneficial but also a sign of development and diversifi-
Mazaruni River, was singled out as a model for how mining can uplift Indigenous communities. The Minister said that many of the mining operations there have contributed significantly to village development. “When miners enter the area, they pay royalties to the Village Council, assist with road development, and even help train villagers who work with them,” he shared.
Minister Bharrat further
noted that there have been no restrictions or barriers preventing Indigenous communities from investing in the sector. Villages have acquired dredges and excavators and are carrying out various mining operations independently.
He credited part of this progress to the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the payment of carbon credits to communities. These financial resources have been channelled into mining, logging, ecotourism, honey production, and agroforestry. “Many of them have invested in alternative economic activities beyond agriculture, and we support that,” Minister Bharrat said, noting that the government offers guidance and advice but does not dictate how communities use their funds.
He concluded that Indigenous engagement in the extractive sector represents a “real plus” for both the communities and the mining industry as a whole, helping to create jobs, build infrastructure, and promote sustainable local development.
–– Natural Resources Minister
92 enrolled in new training programmes at Linden Technical Institute
A TOTAL of 92 individuals are poised to gain valuable technical skills through new training programmes launched on Friday at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI). The initiative, spearheaded by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), under the Ministry of Labour, marks another step in the government’s commitment to workforce development in Region 10.
The programmes launched include Heavy Duty Equipment Operation (HDEO)—a six-month intensive course led by Trainer Mr. Kwesi Griffith—as well as two four-month courses in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
The initiative, spearheaded by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), under the Ministry of Labour, marks another step in the government’s commitment to workforce development in Region 10
Service and Repair and Electrical Installation, both facilitated by Trainer Mr. Michael Turner.
Friday’s orientation session was attended by several key stakeholders, reflecting strong institutional support. Among those present were BIT Board Member and Trainer Mr. Michael Turner; Deputy Principal of LTI, Ms. Keisha Luke-Garraway; BIT Staff Member, Ms. Sueann Williams; HDEO Technician, Ms. Ashaki Coppin, and BIT Region 10 Technical Officer, Ms. Rowena DeJonge.
The training is designed to equip participants with marketable, in-demand skills to enhance employability and contribute to local economic development. The courses also align with BIT’s broader mandate to support Guyanese youth and adults in acquiring practical, industry-relevant knowledge.
The initiative was met with enthusiasm by participants and trainers alike, as the region continues to build capacity in critical technical fields.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
President Ali’s leadership delivering historic infrastructure –– says R3PSInc Head
notes Region Three business sector poised for expansion
AS Guyana races toward the August 31 completion of its landmark US$260 million Demerara River Bridge, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, is hailing the project as a transformative game-changer for the country, particularly Region Three, which is poised for a wave of economic development, increased investment, and enhanced connectivity.
The final bridge tower, P-35, was poured and completed on Saturday evening, marking a significant milestone in the construction of what will be the first fixed, four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed bridge of its kind in South America.
Speaking on the milestone, Khan described the achievement as a “turning point” in the infrastructure project and emphasised that it is a clear sign of the PPP/C administration’s capacity to deliver on bold development goals.
“This bridge is testament that the President of this country is the right
leader at the right time, because this is his leadership,”
Khan said, adding, “This project is to show the rest of the world that we can build massive structures right here in our country.”
ECONOMIC ENGINE
Khan, who has long championed private sector expansion in the region, noted that the bridge will be a major driver of new business opportunities on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara.
“With direct access to
the East Bank corridor and reduced traffic congestion, Region Three is now more attractive to investors, manufacturers, and logistics companies. What we’re seeing is the foundation being laid for industrial expansion, residential development, and improved quality of life for our residents,” he said.
The bridge, stretching 2.65 kilometres from Nandy Park on the East Bank to La Grange on the West Bank, is designed with a 23.6-metre-wide driving surface and a 50-metre fixed high-span
From conductor to criminologist: The inspiring journey of Sergeant Troy Van Rossum
FROM the bustling streets of Georgetown where he once called out for passengers as a young minibus conductor, to the distinguished graduate of Liverpool John Moores University in the UK, Sergeant Troy Anthony Van Rossum’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, purpose, and transformation.
At just 13 years old, Van Rossum took on the responsibility of helping his family by becoming a minibus conductor. But unlike many of his peers, his hustle wasn’t just for survival—it was a stepping stone.
He used his earnings to fund his education and, by 2011, earned seven CSEC subjects from St. Mary’s High School, a major feat for a teenager navigating both work and studies.
While waiting to be accepted into the University of Guyana, he returned to the buses, not out of obligation, but with a plan: to save for his tuition. It was during this time that he met Prince
Wilson, the owner of minibus BMM 1679, whose mentorship and encouragement reinforced Troy’s academic ambitions. It’s a number he recalls with pride, one tied to his past, his grit, and the generosity that helped shape his future.
His university journey officially began in January 2013, when he was accepted into the Diploma in Forestry programme at UG. But the path was far from smooth. He failed his first exam in Soil Science, scoring just 27 per cent, a moment that could have easily broken his spirit. Instead, it sparked something greater. What came next was a remarkable show of camaraderie and perseverance. With a support system made up of classmates like Loris Vangenderen, Jermaine Hunte, Devika Singh, Felix Braithwaite, Ronnel Domer, and Terrence Brown, the group lived by a “no man left behind” mantra. Together, they persevered, and together, they all graduated with
to allow uninterrupted marine traffic. It includes a dedicated bicycle lane and eliminates the need for daily openings—a long-standing issue with the existing floating bridge.
Khan noted that the bridge is a flagship promise by President Dr. Irfaan Ali when his administration assumed office in 2020.
“The completion of this bridge shows what is possible when leadership, vision, and execution come together.
This is not just a bridge, it is a bold statement of our country’s progress and confidence in our future,” he asserted.
In addition to its functional benefits, the bridge will feature a monument bearing the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), symbolising national pride and unity.
With the installation of all girders on the western side completed and the eastern side expected to follow by June 15, the next major construction phase includes the completion of 17 cable-stay sections spanning 570 metres across the river channel.
Once open to traffic, Khan underscored that the toll-free crossing will accommodate all vehicle types and weights, reduce travel time across the river, and significantly improve the logistics network connecting Guyana’s heartland to the emerging business corridors on the West Bank.
Khan added, “Region Three is on the rise, and this bridge is central to unlocking its full potential. It’s not just a project—it’s a legacy.”
Bachelor of Science degrees.
Van Rossum had once dreamed of joining the Guyana Defence Force as a Cadet Officer, but a medical issue forced him to pivot. Not one to be defeated, he turned his attention to the Guyana Police Force and successfully enlisted in 2017—the same year he graduated from university. His heart remained committed to service, but now it found a new channel.
In 2022, driven by a passion to understand and reduce crime among youth, Van Rossum applied to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Criminology and Social Policy at Liverpool John Moores University. There, his passion matured into purpose. He studied the deeper issues behind youth crime—peer pressure, broken homes, neglect—and learned to approach policing with empathy and a
Red Hill residents to receive first-time access to clean water
–– as development surges in Region One
FOR the first time in history, residents of the remote riverine community of Red Hill, located along the Barima River in Region One (Barima-Waini), are set to receive access to potable water, a life-changing development that marks a major milestone in the government’s nationwide push to achieve 100 per cent water access.
The project, made possible through the drilling of a new well, will dramatically reduce the community’s dependence on rainwater harvesting and unsafe river water.
Once completed, the new distribution system is expected to serve approximately 95 per cent of households in the central cluster and supply clean water to critical facilities
including the school and health centre.
The announcement was made during a recent ministerial visit to Red Hill by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who was accompanied by Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Sewchand, and Director of Hinterland Services at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr.
Minister Croal confirmed that the well has already demonstrated promising yields and that efforts are now focused on completing the distribution network. He noted that GWI will engage residents in laying the pipelines, providing them with short-term employment and a direct stake in their own development.
Work on the water network is expected to commence by the end of the week, with GWI’s Regional Manager scheduled to return to the community to oversee the process. Residents could begin receiving clean water before the end of June.
This intervention is part of a broader regional transformation. Since 2020, potable water coverage in
Region One has increased from 36% to 89%, with a dozen new wells awarded this year alone across the Mabaruma sub-region, benefitting communities such as Hobo Hill, Barasina, Morawannah, and Five Star, among others.
But the transformation of Red Hill goes beyond water. Minister Croal highlighted that more than $150 million has been invested in the community since 2020 through initiatives such as Presidential Grants and the rollout of ICT hubs via the Office of the Prime Minister.
The broader region has also seen enhanced investment in education, healthcare, transport, and agriculture.
“Development comes in different forms […] development is also about the people,” Minister Croal said during a community engagement. “Governance is about distributing the wealth so everyone sees and feels the transformation.” Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley echoed the sentiment, noting that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has been allocated over $8 billion this year to drive development across multiple sectors. He cited the construction of a new Waruta-to-Red Hill road as one of many infrastructure projects aimed at improving accessibility and connectivity in the hinterland.
With expanded access to clean water, job creation, and continuous investment in essential services, Red Hill is poised for a new chapter of inclusive and sustainable development.
Ramchand Jailal.
Residents of the remote riverine community of Red Hill, in Region One, are set to receive access to potable water, a life-changing development that marks a major milestone in the government’s nationwide push to achieve 100 per cent water access
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal
Micobie families to receive water tanks
SOME 12 families in the remote community of Micobie, Region Eight, currently without access to the main water supply network, are set to receive water tanks for rainwater harvesting.
According to information from the Ministry of Housing
raised issues about a recently commissioned well at the Benab in Micobie, citing poor water quality and, in some instances, low water pressure. These problems are reportedly linked to the challenging soil conditions in the well’s drilling location.
will be conducted in a different section of Micobie, specifically across the creek where approximately 16 residents reside, to ensure their access to essential water services.
Beyond water infrastructure, Minister Rodrigues also
Some 12 families in the remote community of Micobie, Region Eight, currently without access to the main water supply network, are set to receive water tanks for rainwater harvesting
and Water, this initiative, announced by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues during a recent community meeting, aims to provide a short-term solution to the persistent water challenges faced by these geographically isolated households.
Minister Rodrigues assured residents that the delivery of these tanks was imminent, while the Ministry simultaneously worked on expanding the existing water supply network to ultimately connect these families.
The minister’s visit also addressed long-standing concerns regarding the community’s water quality and flow.
Residents had previously
In response, Minister Rodrigues, accompanied by a technical team from Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), pledged an immediate assessment of the current water system. The goal of this assessment is to implement improvements that guarantee access to clean and reliable water for all Micobie residents.
Looking ahead, the minister also outlined plans for the water supply to the upcoming secondary school in Micobie.
She confirmed that the ministry would explore options for a dedicated well or spring to serve the new educational facility. Furthermore, another assessment
provided updates on broader government initiatives benefitting hinterland communities.
She highlighted a significant announcement by President Irfaan Ali during the recent National Toshaos Conference: $3 million will be allocated to each village council to support vulnerable families with routine home maintenance, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving living conditions across the hinterland.
The minister also handed over a keyboard and sporting equipment to the village on behalf of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
From conductor to criminologist: The inspiring journey ...
focus on early intervention.
“Sometimes, a young person doesn’t need punishment—they need help. They need someone who sees beyond the uniform,” Van Rossum shared.
This philosophy now guides his work on the ground. Whether he’s patrolling or mentoring, he believes that building trust between law enforcement and the community is the first step toward safer, more cohesive neighbourhoods.
But his influence extends far beyond his badge.
Sergeant Van Rossum has led major youth outreach initiatives, including two of Guyana’s largest small-goal football tournaments in partnership with the Back Circle Ballers. These events, fully sponsored by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jnr., and Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, have created safe and empowering spaces
Sergeant Troy Anthony
for youth.
As Second Vice President of the Riddim Squad Football Club, he also helps shape the organisation into a centre of opportunity and mentorship for young people.
His early vision for a Police Recruitment Drive has already opened doors for young job-seekers, an initiative backed by club executives
From page 15
and the wider community. But Van Rossum’s ambitions don’t stop there. Looking ahead to 2026, he plans to launch community steelpan clubs and expand youth football and cricket programmes across the country—projects he believes are crucial in preventing crime and building unity.
At the core of his achievements lies a deep sense of gratitude. He thanks God for guiding him, his parents and foster parents for nurturing him, and his wife for standing by him. He is also grateful to the GOAL Scholarship Board, his brothers, extended family, the Guyana Police Force, and close friends who lifted him along the way.
From conductor to criminologist, Troy Van Rossum is living proof that no dream is too big, no start too small, and no challenge too great when you lead with vision, community, and heart.
Van Rossum
West Indies second test against India shifted to New Delhi
(ESPNCRICINFO) - The second Test of the twomatch series between India and West Indies in October, originally scheduled to be held at Eden Gardens
in Kolkata, has been shifted to Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Kolkata will now host the first India vs South Africa Test - which was originally to be played in Delhi - from November 14-18 instead.
The BCCI confirmed the switches in a statement while announcing a slew of changes for the 2024-25 home season.
Chennai will no longer host the three women's ODIs against Australia in September ahead of the women's World Cup as originally
planned. The development came after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association informed the BCCI of its inability to host matches in that window, as they plan to take up relaying of pitches and the outfield over the next few months in preparation for next year's men's T20 World Cup.
Those matches have now been moved to New Chandigarh and Delhi. While the new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh will host the first two ODIs, Delhi's Kotla will host the final game. The
Villages gearing up for two days...
(From page 23)
The venue is the President Youth Choice Ground, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway with a grand march pass of the contesting villages set to ignite the start of action on Saturday, June 14 from 10:00hrs.
Defending champions, Kuru Kururu ‘A’ will be enjoying home advantage this year but will have to bring their A game and more in order to stave off the challenges that are expected from the other villages that will be coming with their eyes focused on the top prize of $700,000.
Second place will be worth $500,000 with third valued at $300,000 whilst fourth place will receive
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
SALISBURY
09:00hrs Artic Wind
09:30hrs King Of Chaos
10:00hrs Strike
10:30hrs Competizione
11:00hrs Mariner
11:30hrs Crepe Suzette
12:05hrs Piranha Rama
WOLVERHAMPTON
09:45hrs Ninth Crusade
10:25hrs Peregrine Falcon
10:45hrs Educate
11:15hrs Anglesey
11:45hrs Huo De La Luna
12:15hrs Anificas Beauty
12:50hrs Yesterday's Gone
FONTWELL
13:20hrs She Is For Me
Boys
13:50hrs Henry Box
$200,000. The top three individual players will also be rewarded.
Some of the best players along this corridor will be suiting up for their respective villages and while the rules allow for three non-village players, many of the villages have already disclosed that they are confident of winning the big prize with their villagers.
Amongst the villages already confirming their participation ahead of Thursday’s deadline are Kuru Kururu ‘A’ and ‘B’, Laluni, Herstelling, Soesdyke, Mocha, Eccles, Swan, Waiakabra, and Airport Ballers from Timehri, and Spaniards from Diamond.
Brown
14:20hrs Lightning McQueen
14:50hrs Onethreefivenotout
15:20hrs Market Housr
15:50hrs Trevor's Lad
IRISH RACING TIPS
SLIGO
12:28hrs Must Meet Cecil
12:58hrs Nashville Notion
13:28hrs Leitzel
14:28hrs Our Zero
14:58hrs She'll Be Kept
15:28hrs Al Arrivee
AMERICAN RACING TIPS FINGER LAKES
Race 1 Conformist
Race
series will be held between September 14 and 20.
ESPNcricinfo understands that New Chandigarh was awarded the games, in part, as compensation for being removed as one of the host venues for the women's World Cup.
There's also a tweak to the 'A' tour programme, with South Africa A's three one-dayers against India A moved from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Bengaluru has been named as
one of the five Indian hosts for the women's World Cup - between late September and early November - and will host the opening game as well as the final, if Pakistan don't qualify for it (the match will be played in Colombo, like all other games involving Pakistan, then).
The BCCI's new facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru, which houses the Centre of Excellence, will make its debut as a first-class venue when it hosts the two 'A' four-dayers from October 30 to November 10.
ESM 2025 EDGE multi-sport series...
(From page 22)
for Guyanese athletes first. We want to celebrate them, challenge them, and most importantly—show them and the country just how valuable their talent is. This is our opportunity to rally behind local sport and move it forward together.”
Events will take place at major venues in Georgetown, including the National Gymnasium and downtown race routes for the night criterium. Full schedules and event details will be available at www. edgesmgy.com.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
June 10, 2025)
CWI thanks Pooran for service
CRICKET West Indies extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nicholas Pooran for his outstanding contribution to West Indies cricket. Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career.
A world-class player and a game changer, Nicholas leaves the game as
the most capped West Indian in T20 Internationals with 106 matches and the leading T20I run scorer with 2,275 runs. His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket.
We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond. We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.
Regal Stationery signs on as major sponsor
REGAL Stationery and Computer Centre, a trusted name in office supplies and a long-time supporter of cricket in Guyana, has officially joined as a major sponsor of the 3rd Annual National Junior Golf Championship which will see young players from all over the country vying to deny Leguan Secondary School from their 3rd consecutive National Title. This partnership marks another significant step in the continued rise of golf as the fastest growing sport in the country.
Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal, Owner and Managing Director of Regal Stationery, praised the efforts of the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf Academy, stating, “I’ve been closely following the devel-
opment of junior golf across the country and am thoroughly impressed with how far it has come. Regal is proud to support a movement that invests in youth development and opens new opportunities for young athletes in Guyana.”
Regal Stationery, a subsidiary of the Regal Business Group, is based on Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown. It has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and long-standing sponsors of cricket in Guyana—both on and off the field. With a celebrated franchise softball team and deep-rooted ties to local and international cricket development, the organisation is now turning its focus to golf, recognising the sport's potential to impact young lives.
Regal Sports, a branch
of the company, provides quality sporting equipment for both amateurs and professionals. This positions the group as an ideal partner in supporting the holistic growth of athletes in Guyana. “We see clear crossover benefits between cricket and golf—discipline, focus, and technique. Our commitment is to help foster those attributes in young players through this exciting new partnership,” Hardyal added.
With its strategic move into golf sponsorship, Regal Stationery reinforces its broader mission of youth empowerment through sport. The GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy welcomed the sponsorship as a boost that will allow them to expand programmes and increase accessibility to golf across Guyana.
CWI announces women’s squad to face South Africa
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming white-ball home series against South Africa Women, set to take place at the iconic 3Ws Oval in Barbados. The series, scheduled for 11 to 23 June, will feature three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals
one change from the England tour, with experienced all-rounder Chinelle Henry coming in for Cherry-Ann Fraser.
Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back:
“After a challenging tour, this home series offers the
(T20Is).
The Maroon Warriors return to the Caribbean after a difficult tour of England, where they were unable to secure a win in the six-match ODI and T20I series. Now back on home soil, the team is focused on regrouping, resetting, and reigniting their campaign in more familiar conditions as they aim to deliver stronger, more consistent performances on the international stage.
Despite the disappointing results in England, the West Indies Women showed glimpses of their potential especially from international debutants Jahzara Claxton, the first woman from St Kitts to play international cricket, and Guyana's Realeanna Grimmond, who scored a half century on her ODI debut. Captain Hayley Matthews emerged as the standout performer with 177 runs and three wickets in the T20I series and was duly named player of the series.
The Proteas Women arrive in the Caribbean ranked higher than the West Indies in both formats, with South Africa positioned 5th in both ODI and T20I rankings while the Maroon Warriors are ranked 9th in the former and 5th in the shortest format.
Matthews will once again lead the squad, which sees
West Indies cricket. It’s also great to welcome back Chinelle Henry. In the last 12 months she has been a world class player, so it's great to have her back in the team, on and off the field.”
“This is going to be wonderful series and a great opportunity for our girls to test their skills and abilities against one of the best teams in the world, so I am looking forward to getting out there putting on a great show for our West Indies supporters. We can't wait to hear and feel their support when we go out to play on Wednesday.”
The team arrived in Barbados on Sunday, 8th June ahead of the first ODI on June 11.
perfect opportunity for the team to regain their footing and re-establish their confidence playing in familiar conditions and in front of West Indian fans. We believe in this group’s talent and resilience, and we look forward to seeing them play purposeful, passionate cricket.”
Head Coach, Shane Deitz, echoed the importance of the upcoming matches:
“Obviously, England's results didn't go how we wanted, but it was a great learning opportunity and a chance to bring some young players into our team and give them their first taste of international cricket."
"We had five players aged 21 and under in our last ODI against England, so it was great to see a young team go out there and mix it up with one of the best teams in the world. All those younger players learned some valuable lessons during that series which we hope they will bring into this series to contribute some more for the team and put in some match-winning performances.”
“It's great that Hayley is now available for this series - her home series in her hometown and she'll be really excited to put on a great show in front of her family, friends and supporters of
The second T20I on Sunday, June 22, will be particularly special as it coincides with the prestigious CWI and West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) Awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements of Caribbean cricket stars across both men's and women's cricket.
Admission to the games is free and all matches will be broadcast live across the Caribbean and internationally on ESPN Caribbean.
West Indies Women’s Squad vs South Africa: Hayley Matthews (Captain), Shemaine Campbelle (Vice-Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Shakiba Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor.
Team Management Unit: Head Coach, Shane Deitz; Team Manager, Sheena Gooding; Assistant Coach, Ryan Austin; Assistant Coach, Damien Wright; Team Analyst, Gary Belle; Physiotherapist, Angelica Holder; Strength & Conditioning Coach, Hector Martinez Charles; Performance Coach, Dr. Nadine Sammy; Media & Content Officer, Nicholas Maitland. Series Schedule: (All matches will be played at the 3W’s Oval).
1st ODI – Wednesday, June 11, 2nd ODI – Saturday, June 14, 3rd ODI –Tuesday, June 17. 1st T20I – Friday, June 20, 2nd T20I – Sunday, June 22, 3rd T20I – Monday, June 23.
The West Indies women’s team will play South Africa in three T20Is and three ODIs
3rd Annual National Junior Golf Championship….
U-23 3x3 players and Coach Cameron in Paraguay for High-Performance Training Camp
THE Guyana Basketball Federation’s representatives, Coach Willon Cameron and U-23 standouts Stephen George, Arren Vanlewin, Anish Ramlall, and Domitre Ranking are currently participating in a 3x3 high-performance training camp in Paraguay.
The camp, hosted in the South American nation’s capital, Asunción, runs until June 13 and is part of a broader initiative aimed at preparing teams for the upcoming Junior Pan American Games.
The opportunity follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, paving the way for deeper sporting collaboration and development.
President of the Guyana Basketball Federation
(GBF), Michael Singh, expressed his gratitude to the GOA for supporting 3x3 basketball, widely regarded as the sport’s fastest-growing discipline.
“3x3 basketball is high on the GBF’s agenda,” Singh said. “This training opportunity in Paraguay plays a critical role in building out our development ecosystem for the format, and we’re thankful to the GOA for making this a reality.”
The Guyanese trio come from diverse basketball backgrounds, with Ramlall playing NCAA Division II basketball at St. Cloud State University in the United States, while Ranking represents Colts Basketball Club, one of the nation’s top teams, under the guidance of Coach Cameron.
George is a dynamic talent for the Amelia’s Ward Jets, and Vanlewin, rep -
resents the Kwakwani Untouchables.
Coach Cameron brings a wealth of experience to the
programme. A physical education teacher at President’s College, Cameron holds a degree in Sports Coach -
ing from the University of the West Indies, along with FIBA Level 2 certification. His résumé includes
leading the Colts Basketball Club to back-to-back national titles as head coach.
Elite kayaking inter-schools, inter-district championships launched
‒ ExxonMobil ‘pumps’ $6.5M as title sponsors
By Joe Chapman
THE 2025 inter-schools and district kayaking competitions were launched on Sunday afternoon at the Watooka Club House, with the importance of corporate social responsibilities being appreciated as ExxonMobil Guyana was announced as the title sponsor.
The company has set aside a $6.5M sponsorship tag for the fourth edition of the event to be staged on Sunday, June 29 and July 20, 2025 on the Demerara River.
ExxonMobil, through its Community Relations Adviser Ryan Hoppie; the Department of Education Of-
ESM
ficer Selwyn Isaacs; Regional Health Officer Dr. Gregory Harris; and a representative from the Guyana Tourism Authority, along with participants from various schools and parents all converged for the launching of this year’s kayaking competitions.
Dr. Deon Anderson, who is owner of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, the organisers of the event, said it was packaged as a tourism product for the region, which, incidentally, has the three main rivers interconnected.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Anderson explained the concept about how the kayaking completion came into vogue. He said it
was due to an argument after members of the team had lunch following a tour, and the discussing about each other schools’ dominance in sports came up. From this kayaking as a novel event emerged with members challenging each other.
It was suggested then, that there be an inter-schools’ championship, and this year the fourth such will be done.
ExxonMobil, which was represented by Ryan Hoppie, lauded the organisers for their steadfastness to make the event one that helps promote youth development through sport.
He said, “We are thrilled to see such a gathering of youth athletes, educators, supporters and parents; it’s such a unique experience…
It’s more than just tourism; it’s a whole new way of wholesome fun. It’s indeed something that we are privileged to be a part of, and I want to say we are thankful for this opportunity to partner on this particular project.”
The Department of Education’s Selwyn Griffith remarked that school is not just about bookwork, noting that “Kayaking, this social event is where you are going to test your will, strength, and your perseverance, and everything to see if you have what it takes.”
Regional Health Officer Dr. Harris spoke about the youths being involved in physical activities and sports, be it cricket, hockey, football, or cycling.
“I am especially proud to
2025 EDGE multi-sport series set for July 12-20
EDGE Sports Management (ESM) is proud to present the 2025 EDGE Series, taking place from July 12–20 in Georgetown, Guyana. This multi-sport event will feature 3x3 Basketball, Table Tennis, and Criterium Cycling, with the goal of highlighting the depth, di-
versity, and excellence of Guyanese athletic talent.
The EDGE Series was created to provide a dedicated platform for local athletes to perform at home in a professionally run, high-profile setting. Too often, Guyanese athletes go unseen on their own soil. This event aims to
change that by giving athletes the stage they deserve and the support they need to grow. Held in collaboration with the Guyana Basketball Federation, the Guyana Table Tennis Association, and the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycling Club, the Series brings together Guyana’s top per-
formers across three distinct sports, while also welcoming regional competitors to test their skills against our nation’s best.
The EDGE Series is about more than competition—it’s about building pride, opportunity, and visibility for Guyanese athletes.
see so many young persons participating in this event,” he said. “This completion is also about health and the community; it’s about building health habits that would lead to lifelong wellness.”
The tourism representative echoed the sentiments of the previous speaker, and noted the high expectation of all involved.
The inter-schools kayaking competition on June 29 will see the participation of all the secondary schools in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the champion district of the National inter-schools’ athletics competitions, along with other guest schools.
This is to create an interesting environment of healthy competition and ri-
From juniors to national representatives, this event offers athletes the exposure, challenge, and encouragement needed to move forward in their sporting journeys.
The EDGE Series aims to spotlight Guyanese athletes on a national stage, providing them with the recognition and competitive opportunities they deserve. It seeks to foster stronger community engagement and build
valry to see which is the best kayaking school in the competition.
This brings the total number of schools to 12.
The inter-district kayaking competition on July 20 will see the participation of secondary students from all 15 Districts countrywide.
Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours will make the necessary arrangements for two practice sessions, and on the competition day, meals on the day of the events.
And, in the case of the Inter-District competition, in collaboration with the Region 10 Education Department, accommodation and security for participants and accompanying teachers from far outlying regions.
a loyal fan base for local sports, while also creating a clear pathway for athletes to progress toward national and international representation. Additionally, the event promotes collaboration across sports federations to enhance the systems of support available to athletes at every level.
Chelsea Edghill, CEO of EDGE Sports Management, said, “The EDGE Series is
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(L-R) Coach Willon Cameron, Stephen George, Domitre Ranking, Arren Vanlewin and Anish Ramlall following their first-day 3x3 session in Paraguay
Adverse weather fails to prevent Precision Sports first training session in Demerara
By Sean Devers
THE recent adverse weather did not prevent Precision Sports from successfully holding its first official training session in Demerara over the last weekend at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.
Female cricketers from Berbice and Essequibo joined their counterparts from Demerara to work on their cricketing skill-sets and physical fitness.
With outdoor training being ruled out due to the heavy rain and waterlogged conditions, the ladies were
determined to ensure that their long journey from Essequibo and Berbice didn't go in vain.
The Basketball Court of the National Gymnasium was used on Saturday, while Sunday’s sessions were conducted indoors.
According to the brainchild of the programme, Trinidadian Nidia Andrews, the lasses had the opportunity to work on their pace and spin bowling during the morning period, while batting drills were conducted after lunch.
Berbice and Guyana off-spinner Plaffiana Millington assisted with the
spin bowling, while coach Rawle Merrel worked with the pacers.
“The training proved to be a success, with the players giving the organisers the assurance that they were willing to attend the sessions despite the distance they had to travel.
“This weekend (Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 June), the sessions will be held in Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast (Region 2) from 1000 – 1500hrs, to give the Essequibo players an equal opportunity to work on their game,” said Andrews, whose first love was football.
“Players of any level are
welcome to come out and be a part of these sessions, which will be conducted at ECB Hostel, which has an outdoor turf pitch under a roof.
“The Essequibo Cricket Board has been very supportive of the initiative, in which Precision Sports is carrying out and has reserved everything that's needed for these sessions to be a success in their county,” added the vibrant Andrews, whose programme has the blessing of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).
“The next destination will be Berbice at the end of June, then there will be
practice games to view the players in action.
“This will help with the selection of the team for the Precision Sports Women's T15 Cricket Tournament that's scheduled to take place from August 9-16, 2025 at LBI Community Centre Ground.
“The primary aim of this tournament, which will include a team from Trinidad, is to create more playing opportunities for the Guyanese Women,” continued the 29-year-old Andrews.
The Women’s Inter-County is the only time when Guyanese females get the opportunity to play in a
tournament locally, which is run for four days of cricket.
“It is refreshing to see that the ladies from the three counties making the effort to attend training in all of the counties despite the long journey.
“Any player interested in being a part of these sessions can contact Precision Sports at 627-1295, or send a direct message via their Instagram page @precisionsports13,” concluded Andrews, who, along with fellow ‘Trini’, Chelsea Latif, were the foreign-born players who played in Guyana’s last Inter-County tournament.
‘B’ for 2025 CFU Club shield
THE Guyana Defence Force FC, winners of last year’s Elite League, have been drawn in group ‘B’ for the 2025 edition of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club shield, set for Trinidad and Tobago.
The Guyanese team joins Moca FC (Dominican Repbulic), SV Britannia (Aruba), St Paul’s United Strikers SC (St. Kits and Nevis), AS Étoile de Matoury (French Guiana) and Paradise FC International (Grenada) following Monday’s draw.
General Secretary Camara David conducted the draw.
Capoise (Haiti), Academia Quintana (Puerto Rico), SV Real Rincon (Bonaire), Academy Eagles FC (Turks and Caicos Islands), La Clery Football League (Saint Lucia) and Rovers SC (US Virgin Islands).
Group ‘C’ has Police FC (Trinidad), SV Transvaal (Suriname), All Saints United FC (Antigua and Barbuda), Weymouth Wales FC (Barbados), SCSA Eagles (Sint Maarten), Wolues FC (British Virgin Islands).
Spain (Trinidad) and Docs United (Anguilla).
Of the 24 teams, the top two will advance to the Concacaf Caribbean cup.
The seventh edition of the competition will take place from July 26 to August 3 in the Twin-Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Swiss-format Group Stage runs from July 26 to 29.
Group ‘A’ has AS
Group ‘D’ has Arnett Gardens FC (Jamaica), Club Franciscain (Martinique), Scholars International SC (Cayman Islands), Dublanc FC (Dominica), AC Port of
The four group winners will advance to the semifinals on August 1. The third-place match and the championship match are on August 3.
Group ‘D’ contenders Arnett Gardens FC are the defending champions. GDF drawn in group
Coach Rawle Merrel takes the ladies through their drills last Saturday on the Basketball Court of the National Gymnasium
Nidia Andrews
VILLAGES along the East Bank, Soesdyke, Timehri and Highway will, this weekend, be locked in in-
battles when the 2025 edition of the People’s Progressive Party East Bank / Soesdyke / Timehri Cluster
place.
Flashback! PPP East Bank/Soesdyke/Timehri Cluster-Inter Village Football 2024 champions, Kuru Kururu ‘A’ Captain, Shervin Henry, receiving the top prize and trophy from Hon. Minister Kwame McKoy in the presence of teammates at the Kuru Kururu Ground
Telesha Ousman, Manager, Regal