Tax incentives, jobs & infrastructure to transform Region
Thousands gathered at Belle’s Square, Bartica, as the PPP/C’s ‘Road to Victory’ rally brought
Tax incentives, jobs & infrastructure to transform Region 7
By Trina Williams
REGION seven (CuyuniMazaruni) stands to benefit from a wave of policies and programmes, which will stimulate business growth and attract investment, and these include tax incentives, continued support to gold miners and the creation of more opportunities for youth.
President Irfaan Ali, during a PPP/C rally in Bartica on Saturday, touted a comprehensive development plan which includes the tourism, education, health and business sectors being transformed.
“This party [PPP/C] is a party for the workers, the farmers, men, women, children, the private sector... We are the party for all of Guyana…They are not embracing us blindly. They have seen the development,” he said to the roaring crowd.
While the region, like other parts of Guyana, faced stagnation under the previous APNU+AFC government, President Ali pointed out that Guyanese are well aware of which government will
‘Do
secure their investments and create more opportunities, including higher-paying jobs, lower taxes, and upgraded infrastructure - the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
“We are going to give you tax incentive to invest in Region Seven. Build your tourism facility, build your hotels, build your restaurant, build your mechanic shop, build your service hub. Build it! Because we will help you and stand with you so you can build it, own it and profit from it,” the Head of State said to the roaring crowd of supporters.
Further, while outlining the other opportunities that will transform the region and the lives of the residents, he pointed to the thousands of jobs that will be created in 2027 when Guyana will be home to two of the largest gold mines in the South American region.
Among the other initiatives is the completion of the Del Conte and Sand Hill Road link. The President said this will “connect you to the rest of Guyana easier, faster, and safer”, and as a result,
thousands of acres of land will open up.
President Ali also said that it is time a food ecosystem and an agriculture ecosystem be opened up within the region. Region Seven, which is known for mining, faced numerous challenges following the coalition administration’s implementation of hundreds of taxes.
Contrasting this with the PPP/C, Ali said his government has empowered the mining and forestry sectors and he pledged continued support.
“We are going to find ways of giving you more and more tax breaks,” he said. He urged residents not to forget the magnitude of development taking place under the PPP/C. The next five years, the President said, are not only about the jobs, mining, forestry, or infrastructure, but it is about the future for young people.
Already, the government has made tertiary education free, and President Ali has now pledged to create an education hub within the region. He urged residents to support the PPP/C in the
–– President Ali touts major development plans for the region
upcoming regional elections, framing the choice as one between “stability and longterm growth” or opposition forces with no plan for Guyana.
Region Seven residents will also see government services being brought to them, reducing the financial burden of having to travel to the capital.
“We are developing a regional action plan,” the President said while pointing to plans to develop the region’s drainage and irrigation system and security.
Recreational facilities, modern community grounds and multi-purpose facilities will also be built and for tourism, there will be further transformation. The President has already touted for Regatta to become a global event.
“You don’t build tourism by empty talk.
You build tourism by investing in infrastructure, facilities, investing in people, investing in events, and building a product. And we will work with you in Region Seven to build your tourism product strong and marketable,” he said.
not put this country at risk’
–– President Ali tells voters not to gamble with their
future
–– VP Jagdeo says Azruddin Mohamed will vanish after losing elections
WHILE positioning his party as the only credible guardian of Guyana’s future, President Dr. Irfaan Ali joined Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo in delivering a stinging rebuke to those “one day” political parties, especially US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN).
Speaking before a roaring crowd at the PPP/C’s rally in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Saturday, President Ali said his party would not insult voters’ dignity by offering them money for their vote or support.
A video surfaced on social media showing Mohamed distributing cash to residents in an indigenous community and making certain promises.
Dr. Ali told residents to ask themselves when that “one day” money finishes, which political party will
stand by their side and work with them. The only party that continues to do that, the President said, is the PPP/C.
“Do not put any community at risk by gambling with the ‘blue clue’ or any other party, the APNU/AFC; they are one and the same. Do not put your communities at risk; do not put this country at risk. Do not put this region at risk,” the President said.
Azruddin, along with his father, Nazar Mohamed and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing, on June 11, 2024, were sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which oversees sanctions against individuals and entities tied to illicit activities and hostile foreign governments.
In a June 2024 statement, the OFAC stated, “Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise
evaded Guyana’s tax on gold exports and defrauded the Guyanese government of tax revenues by under-declaring their gold exports to Guyanese authorities”.
President Ali said that Mohamed could have crippled the entire mining sector. Further, PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President Dr. Jagdeo urged residents not to accept money for their votes.
He told citizens, especially those in Amerindian communities, that when Mohamed loses the elections, he will leave them drifting in the wind.
“They will come to Bartica and to communities across the region; they will promise money if you support them, but after September 2, Azruddin Mohamed will disappear. Who will be there to pay the money? You’re not going to get your money,” he said.
Dr. Jagdeo was referencing the incident involving a
Thousands of PPP supporters at the Bartica rally on Saturday
key organiser of WIN who violently assaulted a woman over alleged payment for attending a WIN event.
“Don’t let your village
on September 2 be considered a pariah village,” he said, adding: “We are the only party that did what we said; we reject those who
divide our people… We’re the only national party in this country, a party that brings together people of every race.”
President Irfaan Ali addressing thousands of supporters at the political rally in Bartica
‘The choice is clear’
Jagdeo positions PPP/C as the only political party to take Guyana forward
GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo left no doubt about which party can take Guyana forward as he framed his party as the only choice, pointing to its transformative tenure in office as evidence.
Speaking to a roaring crowd at the party’s Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) rally, Dr. Jagdeo reminded residents that their future and their children’s future rest in their hands.
With elections looming on September 1, Jagdeo delivered a blistering rallying cry, declaring his party the sole political force capable of safeguarding Guyana’s future and uniting its people.
“So, when you vote on the 1st of September, please ensure that you don’t be misled…the future of our country is in your hands, your children’s future. You have to vote for a party that you can trust, and the only
way you know if you can trust the party is based on track record,” Jagdeo said, positioning the PPP/C as the only choice.
“We reject those who (try to) divide our people,” Jagdeo further stated, while pointing out that the PPP is the only party that brings together people of every race.
Without restraint, Jagdeo ripped into the opposition, branding the parties as unfit to lead. Starting with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Dr. Jagdeo pointed out how the top brass lacks any policy-making abilities.
“How could you ever entrust the future of our country, of your children, in the hands of people who have absolutely no experience? You will not hire them to run a small business you have, much less run our country,” he said.
Embattled businessman Azruddin Mohamed is no exception, the General Sec-
retary noted, highlighting the sanctions from the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), yet continues to parade publicly without offering any plans for Guyana’s development.
He contrasted the PPP’s competitors with the party’s “tried and tested” leadership — from President Dr. Irfaan Ali to Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips — stressing that President Ali commands global respect and has safeguarded Guyana’s territorial integrity.
“The choice is very clear. On September 1, you have to elect the People’s Progressive Party that is tried and tested and that has great leadership,” he said.
The General Secretary then went for the opposition’s track record in office, stating: “In 2015, the miners supported APNU overwhelmingly. What did they promise? They promised to remove all taxes from
mining. They increased the royalty, they increased the tributor’s rate, then put the value-added taxes on machinery and equipment, even to bring gas or to take gas into the interior, you have to get special permission.
“People had to bring out their equipment to get the license for it. Mining practically died. Under the PPP, we promised to reverse all of those. The first thing we did, we remove the tributor’s tax totally. We
removed the taxes on machinery and equipment, and we reduced the royalty rate back. And today, the mining industry is prospering.” Jagdeo also reminded residents of the neglect Amerindian communities faced, citing the termination of thousands of Community Service Officers (CSOs) by the coalition government and recalling an incident in which an APNU+AFC parliamentarian insulted the Indigenous people.
General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo addressing a mammoth crowd at the political rally in Bartica
‘Don’t squander your votes, let progress continue in Bartica’
–– Minister Teixeira
URGING residents of Bartica to lock in another term for the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, told Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) voters not to squander their ballots whilst warning them of those who are attempting to commit bribery ahead of the September 1 polls.
As the countdown to the
September 1 polls intensifies, the political stalwart on Saturday at the party’s Bartica rally told residents to vote wisely to continue the progress that is being executed by the PPP/C administration.
As she addressed the mammoth crowd, she painted a bright picture of transformation taking place in Region Seven under the PPP/C.
“The transformation going on in this country is un-
believable,” she said pointing to the infrastructure upgrades and employment opportunities that residents of the region are reaping.
However, the minister said that there is more to be done, underscoring: “This is where you come in, my friends. We don’t squander our votes. We don’t squander these opportunities.”
She cautioned residents not to be complacent and instead mobilise their community to head out to the polls on September 1. She further called out those opposition
parties that are attempting to seduce the electorate with unrealistic promises and criticised those who have been accused of trying to buy votes.
“The people of Region Seven have awoken. They’re enlightened. They want more of the change they’ve experienced in the last five years.
They want more development, and they want to do it as one people, one Guyana for the next five years, President Ali to lead us,” she said to a roaring crowd.
Miners, Amerindian leaders, former mayor rally behind PPP in Bartica
STAKEHOLDERS from the mining industry, Indigenous communities, and regional leadership have voiced strong support for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), praising the administration’s record of inclusion, progress, and people-first policies ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Addressing a massive rally in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Saturday evening, David Daniels, President of the Small Miners Association and former AFC Chairman, credited the PPP/C with restoring hope and fairness to the mining sector. Reflecting on the previous APNU+AFC administration, he said, “During 2015 to 2020, I have witnessed taxes and burden being placed on the mining industry,” and noted the imposition of VAT on the sector.
He contrasted that period with the current government’s policies, describing a renewed sense of optimism and a genuine commitment to the “One Guyana” vision.
“Many will come and tell you their plans for the mining industry. Many will come and tell you what they will do for the mining industry, but you tell them that under the PPP/C, taxes have been removed from machinery and fuel, and miners have been able to work and work more freely.”
Despite previously being aligned with the AFC, Daniels recalled his first encounter with President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat. He noted that his political background did not matter to the PPP/C leadership. He said, although they knew that he was with the AFC, they still listened to his concerns and assisted the miners.
Speaking as an expecting father, Daniels made an emotional appeal for the future, telling the crowd that come September 1, “You are not only voting for you, but you
are voting for the future.” He added, “You should support and vote solidly for your child, for your future, for your Guyana.”
Meanwhile, former APNU+AFC Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshal, called for national unity and healing as he pledged his support to President Ali and the PPP/C.
“United we stand, divided we fall,” he declared, calling on citizens to rise above political and ethnic division.
Marshal emphasised the importance of working together to ensure continued progress. He said, “Guyana needs us to work together”, and urged citizens to help return “Irfaan Ali for a second term.”
Despite facing criticism for switching his allegiance to the PPP/C, Marshal affirmed his dedication to national development. “I want to assure you that I remain strong, I remain courageous, I will work with President Ali for the better of the region, country…”
Calling for an end to racial and social divisions, he said, “For too long Bartica has struggled with racism, division and divisiveness.”
He challenged Guyanese to rise above the past and unite for progress. “It is time as a country, as a community, as a region, as a town to work together.”
Addressing historical injustices, he added, “My children and your children
should not have to endure the struggle, division and racism we have seen in the past.” He praised Minister Bharrat for fostering dialogue and partnership without demanding political allegiance.
Adding his voice to the call for continued PPP/C leadership, Toshao of Karrau, Shane Cornelius, highlighted the transformative impact of President Irfaan Ali’s policies
on Indigenous communities. “President Irfaan Ali is a man with a vision, a man with a plan”, he said, pointing to the tangible benefits of the carbon credit agreement. He emphasised the empowerment of Amerindian communities in shaping their own future. “Villages are planning their own future, villages are designing their own future under the leader-
ship of PPP/C.”
He criticised the previous administration for abandoning land titling projects and marginalising Indigenous voices. “They were called greedy. We are not greedy, we deserve,” he asserted, referring to Indigenous peoples as “protectors of the forest.”
Furthermore, he said, members of the opposition are going into the villages and are able to broadcast and stream “live” content, but are unaware of how they are able
to do so, as the internet was made available through the current administration.
As the country approaches a critical electoral juncture, voices from across Guyana’s diverse sectors are uniting behind the PPP/C.
With a focus on equity, infrastructure, and longterm planning, other supporters and candidates at the Bartica rally said that the PPP/C’s leadership offers a stable and progressive path forward.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira
President of the Small Miners Association and former Alliance For Change (AFC) Region Seven Chairman, David Daniels
Former Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall
Toshao of Karrau, Shane Cornelius
DR. BHARRAT Jagdeo's sharp critique of the opposition's credibility points to the important question for Guyanese voters: who can be trusted to lead this nation toward lasting prosperity and stability?
His claim that no citizen who has closely examined the APNU+AFC slate would risk their future by voting for them reflects not just political talk, but a tough reality based on historical facts and measurable achievements.
The opposition's performance from 2015 to 2020 highlights a history of broken promises and poor governance. Their commitment to a Commission of Inquiry into extra-judicial killings, a promise carried over from their 2015 campaign, shows their trend of making empty promises.
Our past, present and future Hollow Promises
Dear Editor, TERRY Pratchett once made a memorable and profound statement which has been quoted and echoed by many at different times: "If you don't know where you come from, then you don't know where you are, and if you don't know where you are, then you don't know where you're going.” It emphasises the importance of understanding one's origins and present circumstances to effectively plan for the future.
As a people, we must always be aware of our past, which has shaped our present in terms of resources, challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, a lack of understanding of these will make it difficult to set meaningful goals or chart a course for the future. This interconnect-
There were reports of the coalition's leadership admitting that such an inquiry was impossible due to a lack of evidence and witnesses, revealing their promises as mere political stunts aimed at winning votes without producing real results.
Even worse was their systematic dismantling of Guyana's economic foundation.
They callously closed four sugar estates — Wales, Enmore, Rose Hall, and Skeldon — leaving over 7,000 workers jobless and devastating entire communities. This decision, made against the advice of their own Commission of Inquiry, showed a government more focused on revenge than on managing the economy.
Research from the International Labour Organisation documented
severe social consequences, including more incidents of suicide, alcoholism, and crime in the affected areas.
The difference with the current PPP/C administration's successes is striking. While the APNU+AFC coalition distributed just 7,089 house lots over five years, the PPP/C government has surpassed its ambitious goal of 50,000 house lots in under five years, investing over $244 billion in housing.
This remarkable change has helped thousands of families. Such things, in Dr. Jagdeo's view, would not be achievable under the opposition's "neophytes."
They would be unable to manage complex governance tasks rings true when looking at their proposed policies.
Opposition economic advisors
promise salary increases, cash grants, and subsidies that would drain Guyana's Natural Resource Fund within a year. Such fiscally reckless promises show either a lack of basic economic understanding or a deliberate attempt to mislead voters.
The opposition's internal conflicts further highlight their unpreparedness to govern.
The public breakdown of APNU+AFC coalition discussions with leaders openly arguing about presidential candidates and describing their own agreements as "on life support," highlighted too that they are more concentrated on power struggles than on serving the public.
Guyana stands at a pivotal moment, with oil revenues offering unmatched chances for national
growth. The PPP/C government has proven its ability to turn these opportunities into real benefits for citizens through significant investments in infrastructure, job creation, education improvements, and poverty reduction programmes. In sharp contrast, the opposition offers only recycled promises and unrealistic objectives.
The choice for Guyanese voters is clear: continue to build on a record of real achievement and capable leadership, or risk the country's future with the same failed politicians who caused hardship and stagnation the last time they were in power.
As Dr. Jagdeo rightly pointed out, no sensible citizen would gamble Guyana's promising future on such unreliable leadership.
edness of the past, present and future allows us to make informed decisions and pursue a fulfilling path in life, not only as an individual but as a nation. Many times, we have failed to fully appreciate what has shaped our past and current situation, much to our detriment.
Many of us are fortunate to have lived in the pre-independence era under the PPP, but unfortunately, we had to endure the dark period from 1964 to 1992. Then we were blessed again with the return to progress and democracy from 1992 to 2015, but then the sharp descent once again into severe socio-economic deprivations from 2015 to 2020 under the PNC disguised as the APNU+AFC Coalition.
Fortunately, we have once again enjoyed econom-
ic prosperity from 2020 to the present. This roller coaster effect was difficult to endure but easy to discern. What we have seen is a strong correlation between economic prosperity and the PPP and a strong correlation between economic impoverishment and hardship for the Guyanese people with the APNU in government. This is the stark, undeniable reality.
Guyanese are aware of where we have come from, and some cannot feign ignorance. They are aware of this fact, and twice in the past they experienced the hardship and sufferings which the PNC (APNU+AFC) is capable of unleashing in a most unconscionable manner. It can be verified through evidence that from 1964 to 1992, all the intervening elections were massively rigged
in favour of the Burnham regime, and then Hoyte’s was no respite.
I could recall vividly that apart from the ban and criminalisation of basic food items, the multitudes could not have afforded what was on the shelves. Butter and an oil-type cheese were luxury items and were severely rationed.
You had to have the PNC party card to access basic food items such as rice, powdered milk and cooking oil. How many can remember the KSI and the Co-ops, where the lines were unending and the PNC party card spoke strongly with authority as to who would get and who would not. The barrels from abroad had to be rolling in regularly, so often with food and clothes to cover our backs. Multitudes of young
children ran naked or with rags, not out of fun but poverty and many went to school barefoot.
The suitcase traders did their bit to bring in items which were sold at exorbitant prices to those who could afford them. Pregnant mothers were severely malnourished, and the mortality rate among newborns was astronomical. White mouth affected many children and even adults.
Whilst remittances from abroad kept many families in Guyana alive, criminal activities such as ‘kick down door’ banditry and senseless murders were commonplace, as fear stalked the land and Guyanese fled in numbers to every part of the world. The PNC had wanted to ‘feed, clothe and house’ the nation by 1976, but by then Guyanese could no longer afford
to basically feed, clothe and decently house themselves, and this situation worsened throughout the 28 years of the PNC in government, and Guyanese continued to be fed with slogans as the exodus of Guyanese continued unabatedly.
On October 5th, 1992, the first free and fair elections were held in Guyana since 1964, and the PPP/C won an overwhelming 53.45 % of the votes.
At this point in time, Guyana was the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere (Stabroek News December 2nd 1989), poorer than Haiti and was among the most heavily indebted countries, but with excellent and sound socio-economic policies, by 2015, it had progressed to a middle-income country. In Turn to page 7
The Irfaan Ali factor in the election results
THE rising consensus in Guyana at the moment is that the PPP will be re-elected. What divides opinion is the margin of victory. There are three viewpoints on the numbers. One - there will be a tight race, but the PPP will go beyond its one-seat majority. Secondly, there is the widespread belief that the PPP will pick up many more seats than its present configuration.
The third position of some people, but particularly those in PPP circles, is that a two-thirds majority is possible. The contention of this article is that the largeness of the PPP’ votes will be decided by the Irfaan Ali variable. A myriad of factors explain an election victory.
First, there is the terrible sight of a non-performing government. Two examples should suffice. The Rishi Sunak regime in the UK was simply in tatters. The British people lost respect and hope in the Conservative Government. The Labour Party victory was the result of an atrocious incumbent and nothing else.
In Trinidad, the Rowley
Government had reached the point of no return. Whoever headed the opposition would have won, so no credit should be given to Kamla Bissessar. She is not an exciting politician. Secondly, an incumbent can lose if the president and prime minister have to find a successor and the successor is a terrible, lacklustre choice.
The stupidity of selecting Kamala Harris will become a permanent blot on the face of the American Democratic Party.
Thirdly, an election victory can be secured through the dialectical role of the powerful, penetrating, charismatic, and enigmatic individual. The American electorate voted not for the Republican Party candidate but for the man, Trump himself. It is possible if the Republicans had their own candidate and Trump ran as an independent. He still would have won. Trump’s victory has to be put down to the concept known as the role of the individual in history. In Barbados, it was impossible for Mia Mottley not to be re-elected. Her personality was the decisive factor.
We come now to Irfaan
Our past, present and future
addition, by 1992, Guyana was paying 100% of its GDP to service foreign loans, which amounted to US$2.1 billion, and internal debt increased from GY$53 million in 1981 to GY$4.2 billion in 1991.
In 1993, the former Finance Minister, Mr Asgar Ally, clearly outlined the harsh realities which faced this nation in his Budget Speech.
He stated that scheduled debt service was 100% of revenues to be collected - this is utter bankruptcy and he summed it explicitly when he made a graphic analogy, ‘the task we have inherited can be compared with that of a man who is required to climb a mountain with both his hands and feet tied and a heavy haversack on his back’. But these challenges were resolved successfully through
Ali. The PPP will achieve victory in September because an oil economy has changed the face of Guyana. It is basic political theory that will continue to exist that if a government has the resources to develop a country, voters will be grateful.
reassured of electoral victory if the economy allowed it to spread the national wealth? That is the reality of the world of politics.
The PPP’s achievements and accomplishments (there are subtle differences in the two words) are impressive.
will need ten more seats. However, I am prepared to say that it is a possibility due to the role Irfaan Ali will play, as Trump and Mottley did. I am convinced that the PPP will receive multi-racial votes and votes across demographic fences and ballots
It is an absolutely twisted mind that can look at the transformation of Guyana over the past five years and deny it. The debate will go on forever that the PPP became accepted and popular because it had national wealth to effect a deep transformation of the totality of Guyana. How can one fault a ruling party for becoming popular and
It is hard for the decent, nationalistic mind to reject that reality. This reality will cause it to become the next government. I contend that although it will secure a majority vote, the personality of Irfaan Ali will allow the PPP to go far beyond its one-seat majority.
My deeply held belief is that a two-thirds majority is out of reach because the PPP
that cut across class and gender, and this will be due to the personality of Ali.
People are fascinated by the emergence of Ali and what he has become. One reason is that the present generation in this country has not seen a leader in another country who had an inviting style like Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Ali is well-liked
throughout Guyana, and one of the sustaining factors in this psychological process is that people believe he is a good man who means well for Guyana.
I think the perception of Ali is penetratingly positive in this country, and out of this frame of mind, people want to see him rule for a second term. From the time Ali became a different leader from what the Caribbean produced before, I have argued that he stands a huge chance of eclipsing all previous Caribbean leaders.
Guyanese are going to hand the PPP its biggest majority in the history of electoral competition in Guyana, and that will be solely because of the role of the individual in history. In Guyana’s case, that dialectical role will be played by Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
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.
From page 6
appropriate and sound economic policies. Today, once again under the PPP/C, Guyana has progressed rapidly to be classified as an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank and is rated as the fastest-growing economy in the world.
In conclusion, Guyanese have had the opportunity to witness the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C in and out of government, and the equation is simple: APNU+AFC = Destruction and Deprivation; PPP/C = Progress and Prosperity. Therefore, we know where we have come from, we know where we are, and we know where we want to be tomorrow. Guyanese can no longer afford to make the WRONG TURN.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
The cost of living – PPP’s anti-inflationary policies
A RECENT editorial (August 9, 2025) in one of the local newspapers highlighted concern over rising costs, but it omits that the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government has acted swiftly and decisively to protect Guyanese households from global inflationary pressures as well as economic consequences.
Guyana’s annual inflation stands at roughly 3.6%, well below the Caribbean average of over 10% for food, proving that our cost-of-living increases are in line with, or better than, regional trends. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates the global inflation rate to be approximately 5.9 per cent. Neighbouring countries face significantly higher rates: Suriname at 20 per cent, Venezuela at 100 per cent,
and Jamaica at 7 per cent.In comparison, larger developed economies like the United States project an inflation rate of 2.9 per cent. Thus, Guyana is faring well against these economies.
The PPP/C has pursued a targeted, multi-pronged approach to ease living costs and reduce poverty. In agriculture, the government is opening 100,000 acres of new farmland, expanding agro-processing hubs, and building farm-to-market roads.
These investments reduce dependence on imported goods, enhance food security, and keep prices stable despite rising global demand.
Social protection measures have been equally robust. Pension increases expanded public assistance, and substantial cash grants
to households have put more disposable income directly into the hands of Guyanese.
The removal of tolls, combined with reduced electricity bills, fuel subsidies, and support for cooking gas, will lower transportation and utility costs across the board.
Global factors, soaring transportation costs, worldwide inflation, and an influx of visitors, have put upward pressure on prices in every nation. Yet, the PPP/C’s coherent, funded policies have ensured that Guyana’s inflation remains relatively contained, while poverty is steadily declining.
By contrast, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) offer manifestos heavy on rhetoric but light on specifics, without clear funding mechanisms or
implementation timelines.
In fact, WIN has not put forth a coherent economic policy let alone any monetary and fiscal policies to address inflation.
The PPP/C’s commitments are not mere promises, but they are solid economic policies already being delivered.
Even in a challenging global climate, the PPP/C has done more than any other party to reduce poverty, create economic opportunities, and protect household incomes. These achievements deserve recognition, as they reflect a clear, results-driven vision for a more prosperous and resilient Guyana.
Respectfully, Dr. Tilokie Arnold Depoo, Economist
POLITICS is a dirty game. It's nasty because the end justifies the means. It is particularly dangerous when one does not pay keen attention to the actions of their political rivals and enemies. If one chooses to ignore analysing clear behaviour patterns, then one is prepared to walk into a problem blindsided and wilfully ignorant.
Recently, the main opposition party, the PNCR/APNU, decided it was not going to sign an election code of conduct drafted by the Ethnic Relations Commission. The code of conduct is geared towards making each political party commit to fair, peaceful and lawful campaigning ahead, during and after the elections.
Notably, representatives from Forward Guyana were also absent; however, they are considered inconsequential and unlikely to influence the outcome of this election. APNU stated it has no confidence in the impartiality and independence of the ERC, accusing the PPP government of
deliberately turning the body into a political stooge. While affirming its commitment to fair election campaigning, APNU maintained it would not sign.
It follows, then, that if GECOM were to produce its own code of conduct for elections, APNU would likely express the same concerns and refuse to sign.
One must pay close attention to both historical precedents and present-day political manoeuvrings. The 1997 elections come to mind, and Aubrey Norton is proving he is no fool—he will not be trapped into signing a document, whether from the ERC or GECOM, that he has no intention of upholding or honouring.
Firstly, Norton is laying the groundwork for his narrative that the PPP/C stole the elections and cheated their way into office on September 1—a claim that could not be further from the truth. He has seen the writing on the wall and knows APNU is poised to fail miserably in its bid to form the next government. Even with-
in APNU, no one truly believes they can win, so Norton is simply bluffing and setting the stage for his actions and statements on election day. Secondly, this move is worrying politically because the stakes are high, and when Norton loses the polls, there must be nothing formally barring the display of violence and protesting. This could be a real possibility. In politics, one does not leave things to chance.
The APNU showed their true colours when they sat back and watched the Adriana Younge violence escalate. They played the family carefully in the background, and the public suffered tremendously. They even showed their hands are not clean when they made Dr Dexter Todd a candidate in the party’s fold for the upcoming elections. And, WIN is no different with Amika Lewis, Younge’s so-called aunt, as a candidate.
Norton and WIN could be banking on the so-called ‘scrapes’ to intervene and cause an election
disturbance that will play in their interests when the PPP wins the elections handsomely.
Watch these developments carefully because they would spell trouble for oil-rich Guyana. And Norton and Azruddin Mohamed are not strangers to this sort of violence and disturbance.
Thirdly, refusing to sign the ERC code—regardless of one’s feelings about the commission—is outright wrong. It is both disrespectful and politically tone-deaf to reject such a step, rather than showing maturity by endorsing the document. APNU’s own lengthy statement betrays its awareness that the decision was misguided. If the party truly believed it could win the upcoming elections, it should have had no hesitation in signing.
Many times, the public does not agree with some of the things that occur under the hands of the ERC, but it still respects it. The ERC needs to undergo a transformation internally, but it is still one of the commissions working
to promote harmony and unity. It does still have Guyanese interest at heart. Not signing the code of conduct means that APNU does not have any legitimate reasons to cry about free and fair election campaigning, but is gearing up to cry nonetheless.
After all, its leaders have been attacking the PPP/C leaders personally and individually by dirty name-calling, and the social media cussing out. Untrue stories and tales told at rallies and public meetings by the opposition do not create a very healthy environment for election campaigning. And, now that APNU and the other party have not signed, expect some wild, nasty and insensitive things to be said about the PPP/C leaders on the campaign trail.
Specifically, Ganesh Mahipaul and Norton, who think it is cute and sexy to curse and say things about people personally on the campaign trail. They are part of the immaturity that forms the APNU fold. Let them hear, it is neither nice nor cute.
Guyanese Signals
Finally, the public salutes all political parties that have signed. This is a step forward in the right direction. It was mature to sign. These political parties are demonstrating that gone are the days when we resort to violence and caveman or scrapehead mentality. Gone are the days when we took street protests as a means of voicing dissatisfaction with a process. We could make the same arguments and case intelligently at the table of discussion. 2025 sees Guyana as a modern democratic state, and it is for Guyanese to prove that Norton and other parties are living in the past. The public knows that nothing beats a Jet 2 holiday, but this move apparently has. It is a sign of worrying things to come. Mark my words!
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.
First oil for ‘One Guyana’ marks a pivotal step toward
driving sustained economic growth for
THE start of oil production from the ‘One Guyana’ floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, as announced by the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil, is a massive boost for revenue generation in the country’s oil sector.
The vessel is producing oil as part of ExxonMobil’s Yellowtail development, the fourth offshore project in the Stabroek Block and the largest to date.
With a production capacity of 250,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), ONE
GUYANA will eventually push total output to more than 900,000 b/d once fully ramped up. That makes Guyana not just one of the top oil producers in Latin America but also the world’s largest oil producer per capita.
Equally significant is how quickly this milestone was reached. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told shareholders the Yellowtail development achieved first oil four months ahead of schedule and under budget, continuing a trend seen across prior projects. This early delivery reflects the strength of the
partnership between ExxonMobil and SBM Offshore, the company that built the FPSO.
SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward® program, built on a “design one, build many” standardisation approach, has revolutionised FPSO construction timelines. First applied in Guyana with the Liza Unity FPSO and continued through the Payara and now ONE GUYANA vessels, Fast4Ward has drastically shortened project delivery windows. The result? Earlier production, faster returns for investors, and earlier reve-
nues for Guyana.
This matters because oil revenues are now a key pillar of Guyana’s development agenda. The country has already seen transformative gains from the first three oil projects. Revenues have allowed the government to fund major infrastructure projects, expand social programmes, and create jobs. In recent years, the government has used oil revenues to invest in infrastructure projects, expand access to electricity, improve healthcare and education systems, and improve social services
all
across the country. With ONE GUYANA now online, those investments are expected to allow for the delivery of more long-term benefits for the Guyanese people.
The Local Content Act has guided companies in the sector to work with Guyanese suppliers, enabling local businesses to earn more and reinvest in other sectors, contributing to economic diversification.
With ONE GUYANA coming online, and more work on newer developments, these benefits are expected to expand. Guyanese companies will see more contract opportunities, and workers will benefit from a broader range of jobs in support services and construction. More importantly, the government will have even more resources to invest in its people and to save for the future.
Guyana is projected to earn around US$2.5 billion in revenue from oil sales and
royalties in 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance. The ONE GUYANA ramp-up could help generate revenues that exceed those projections. This possibility is very real. ExxonMobil and SBM Offshore have shown they can not only deliver projects early but also ramp up production faster than expected, which could outperform government estimates that total oil production will be 786,000 bpd in the fourth quarter. In the bigger picture, the success of ONE GUYANA is a continuation of Exxon’s incredible work on efficient execution, more money, and a deeper integration of Guyanese people and businesses into the oil value chain.
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.
Irfaan Ali’s record speaks louder than Norton’s insults
GIVEN the number of times Aubrey Norton has reached for the word “dunce” to describe President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, one might assume he believes himself the embodiment of intellect. The term itself originated from the name of John Duns Scotus, a medieval scholar of formidable influence.
His followers, later mocked as “Duns men” or “dunces,” were accused of opposing learning and progress, a poor fit for a leader who is visibly guilty of neither ignorance nor backwardness. Norton, for the record, earned a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Kent in 1994. But beyond that, his acade mic footprint fades into obscurity—there is no public trace of his thesis or any substantive scholarly contributions. His leadership résumé, if you can call it that, inside or outside government, is equally thin.
His passport, from all appearances, bears stamps from Cuba, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, but little else. For a man seeking to lead a diverse, global-facing nation, his limited exposure stands in sharp contrast to his ambitions. It’s little wonder that many prominent figures
within his own People’s National Congress (PNC) have publicly judged him unfit to lead the party, let alone the nation.
By comparison, Dr. Ali is a giant—not because his party says so, but because the world has said so. In 2024, the University of California, Berkeley, awarded him the Global Leadership Award for Open Innovation. That distinction places him in the company of former President of the United States, Barack Obama, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and Pranab Mukherjee, the former President of India.
Such a company is not kept by accident.
Speaking of India, in 2023, its government conferred upon Dr. Ali the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman—India’s highest honour for overseas Indians. The award recognised his exceptional achievements in politics and community service.
Barbados, that same year, granted him its Order of Freedom. Presenting the award was none other than Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who praised Dr Ali’s efforts in driving regional integration, economic partnership, and especially his leadership on food and nutrition security.
Speaking of food and nutrition security, just three
years into the office of the presidency, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) conferred on him an award in San Jose, Costa Rica, in recognition of his efforts to reduce food imports within CARICOM and position Guyana as a global leader in food production.
And it wasn’t IICA alone, President Ali was awarded the Caribbean Global Leader Award in 2024 and that same year, the Legacy Award from the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies, for nation-building and regional cooperation.
It is next to impossible for a young leader from a humble village in Guyana to fool a selection panel at Berkeley, the Government of India, the Government of Barbados, the Inter-American Institute for
Cooperation on Agriculture, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies and the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., all in succession. And yet, according to the logic of Norton, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Juretha Fernandes, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres must be equally “wrong” for hailing President Ali’s leadership on climate policy.
The absurdity deepens. Are we to believe that climate experts from Yale, Harvard, and Oxford—who have publicly described Ali as “visionary”—have all been duped?
Or that former Colombian President Iván Duque misread him when he said:
“When I met the President, I understood that he not only represented a new generation of leadership for this
AI and Indigenous Peoples
IT is a sad fact that the indigenous people of the world have been sidelined and marginalised for centuries. From the Maoris of New Zealand to the proud tribes of North America and our own Amerindians, indigenous people have been fighting for ownership of land and recognition of their unique cultures.
It was not until this country gained independence from the British that our Amerindians began to enjoy some of the benefits accorded to their fellow Guyanese. Before that, they were termed 'children of the forest', making them somehow akin to Mowgli in The Jungle Book or even the mythical Tarzan - living with animals and swinging through the trees.
The difference in their culture and way of life caused them to be branded 'primitive', with limited intelligence
and little or no rights to the land on which they lived.
On my return to Guyana in the late 1970s, having grown up in the UK, I would hear Amerindians being referred to as 'buck people’ - a clearly derogatory term implying that Amerindians were less than human.
However, in the decades since then, Amerindians in this country have seen sweeping changes, leading to greater understanding and connectivity as well as significant improvement in their living conditions, education, healthcare, economic activities and political representation. Now, Amerindian Heritage Month is celebrated each year in September and features a variety of events and activities showcasing the rich culture and contributions of our indigenous people. And yesterday (August 9), the world celebrated Interna-
tional Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, under the theme ' Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.'
As the world becomes technologically advanced, and with AI (Artificial Intelligence) playing a significant role in this, the United Nations is seeking to ensure that the world's indigenous people have an input in the building of these systems.
The UN notes that throughout history, the rights of Indigenous Peoples have been violated, though they make up six per cent of the world's population - 476 million - and live in 90 countries across the globe.
In addition, they speak 7,000 languages, 40 per cent of which are currently endangered, as many are not taught in schools or spoken publicly. So, the UN also began another initiative - The Decade
of Indigenous Languages (2022 - 2032), in an effort to preserve this aspect of native culture.
"Most AI systems are built without Indigenous input, risking misuse of their data, knowledge and identities," the UN contends. The organisation also points out that AI can often reinforce bias, exclusion and misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples. This year's theme has been devised to place a spotlight on AI and Indigenous Peoples, ensuring that they are actively involved as "rights-holders, co-creators and decision-makers."
Currently in Polynesia, AI is being used to monitor coral reef health, an initiative spearheaded by indigenous people. AI models are also being developed in Inuit territories using indigenous wisdom to help communities adapt to climate change.
high horses to castigate the man who has led the nation from the bankrupt policies of APNU minus AFC now, they are indulging, once again, not surprisingly, in race-baiting.
country, but a person whose personal commitment is to put Guyana in the eyes of the whole planet… He is a model for sustainable, inclusive development.”
In Accra, Ghana, African civil society leaders and the then Prime Minister of Mozambique, Adriano Maleiane, praised Ali’s “unwavering dedication to promoting inclusive development” and “firm dedication to the prosperity and well-being of all Guyanese.” Those sentiments were echoed when he received the Global Africa Leadership Award in 2024— recognising his approach as “transformational” and a model for “unity, prosperity, and shared progress.”
And that’s not even the full roll call of recognition. But when Norton and other PNC speakers get up on their
In just a few short years, President Ali has shifted Guyana’s image from the periphery of the map to the centre of global discussions on a range of pressing issues, including climate, food security, and sustainable development. He has turned the country into a destination for cooperation, investment, and respect. And I haven’t even touched on his vision to transform Guyana into an eco-tourism hub.
Two days ago, he commissioned an extended runway at Kaieteur Falls, built by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the first step in showcasing one of the “wonders of the world” to domestic and foreign visitors alike. By contrast, Norton’s political vocabulary remains limited to personal insults. In doing so, he has unwittingly confirmed the adage: when you have no achievements to point to, you point fingers.
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.
And in New Zealand, an AI language processing tool is being used to help revitalise the Maoris language.
This year's theme seeks to tap into the vast knowledge of the world's indigenous people as it pertains to their unique cultures and relationship with their environment. This information can then be used to guide the way in which AI systems are built and developed, avoiding misuse of data and misrepresentation.
The UN acknowledges
the role Indigenous Peoples must play in the development of such technology, no doubt recognising the veracity of the words of British writer, Jay Griffiths, who says, "If people can't acknowledge the wisdom of indigenous cultures, then that's their loss.”
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.
Billions invested to drive housing, jobs & infrastructure transformation in Region 10
REGION Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is experiencing a surge of development, with thousands of house lots allocated, new jobs created, billions invested in infrastructure, and major upgrades to health and education facilities.
Residents are reaping the benefits of new economic opportunities, with hundreds now earning more as contractors. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted this positive shift, noting that the region had endured severe hardships under the previous government.
At a recent press conference, he contrasted the unprecedented transformation with what he described as years of stagnation under the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration. He recalled that the region once struggled with a dormant housing sector, massive unemployment, and the neglect of traditional industries such as bauxite.
“In two years alone, we've spent $18 billion on roads in that region. And guess who are doing the roads? Like this year alone, 700 contractors from that region, many small people and most Afro-Guyanese who are earning now by becoming a
contractor,” he said. He further pointed to the major infrastructure upgrades in the region. Coupled with the ongoing upgrade of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Region 10 is becoming a hive of economic activity.
The region is also seeing new schools and a $30 million injection to upgrade the regional hospital.
“And we've had really three years to do this because two years we lost to COVID,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
Aside from the policies and programmes, the Vice President pointed out that President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other government officials
have consistently visited the region to engage with the people.
“People will support those who have their best interests at heart, and you can't play the race card every single time,” he said, responding to opposition criticisms of the recent PPP/C rally held in Region 10, adding: “At some point in time, it's not effective anymore, because people see through you. So, this is what their campaign is about. All negative, and then some unrealistic promises that they keep making to people. They have no experience in managing a government, and none of the top leaders. So, that's the main opposition party for you.”
Last Sunday, President Ali pledged development and prosperity to residents of Region 10, when he addressed a massive crowd at Lieu-Ken-
that the
Progressive Party/ Civic
has a plan already in motion to transform the region’s economic and infrastructural landscape.
President Ali unveiled plans for long-overdue improvements to Region
Ten’s drainage and irrigation systems. The initiative, he said, will significantly reduce flooding in vulnerable low-lying areas such as Wismar and Mackenzie.
The planned drainage system overhaul is expected to dramatically reduce flooding in low-lying areas of the region, a persistent challenge for communities in Wismar and Mackenzie.
Additionally, the Linden airstrip will be upgraded and modernised, creating a launchpad for expanded domestic tourism, increased connectivity, and commercial activity. According to the President, this aligns with the broader vision to position the region as a major economic hub.
This will be further complemented with special tourism incentives to generate more opportunities. Ultimately, the aim is to invest extensively in the region’s
productive capacity. The government, he said, will inject billions into community-driven infrastructure by hiring local contractors to build concrete drains, an effort to stimulate both employment and small business growth.
Meanwhile, to enhance the region’s economic prospects, the government will be upgrading the Linden airstrip, making it into a regional hub in tandem with plans to expand tourism, which will rightfully place the region as a hub for massive opportunities.
Crucially, Ali made it clear that the development plan is not limited to Linden’s urban centre. Every village in Region Ten, he said, has been assessed and its priorities identified. From road development to mobile financial services, he affirmed that Region Ten will see the delivery of the commitments being made.
Farmer killed, sister injured in boat collision
THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is investigating a fatal boat collision in the Aruka River, Region One, that occurred on Friday, August 8.
In a press release issued on Saturday, MARAD said the incident claimed the life of 20-year-old Ken Wells, a farmer from Barima River.
His sister, Loraine Wells, remains hospitalised in critical condition.
Preliminary reports from MARAD indicate that the accident involved a 150-horsepower wooden boat captained by 20-year-old Tirisa Allen and a 15-horsepower
balahoo captained by Andrea Albert. The balahoo was carrying seven passengers at the time.
The agency said that at approximately 15:00 hours, Allen was about five minutes steaming time from the Kumaka Waterfront and was heading to Imbitero when heavy rainfall reduced visibility. The balahoo was reportedly spotted about 15 metres away, but attempts to avoid a collision were unsuccessful, resulting in the vessels colliding. According to MARAD, Allen rendered assistance following the crash, retrieving all occupants from the water. They were then transported to the Mabaruma Hospital at around 15:27 hours, where Wells was pronounced dead.
MARAD said further details will be provided as the investigation continues and urged all boat operators to strictly observe regulations when navigating Guyana’s waterways.
Pen Square, Wismar,
People’s
(PPP/C)
Major upgrades on the cards for Stabroek Area, Bourda Market- Minister Parag
THE Government of Guyana is pressing ahead with ambitious plans to upgrade and modernise two of Georgetown’s most iconic commercial hubs, the Stabroek Market area and Bourda Market, as part of a broader vision to enhance the capital’s economic, social, and cultural landscape.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, outlined the developments during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast on Saturday, emphasising that markets are not just commercial spaces but vital social centres that unite communities.
“Markets integrate people; they bring people together,” Minister Parag said.
“They have that common place where they can go and get the things they need. It is a place where they meet, communicate and buy, empowering their fellow residents. It serves as a social and economic benefit for communities.”
The government’s plans for Stabroek Market — a landmark instantly recognisable by its iconic clock tower — are ambitious. Following visits by Minister Parag and President Dr Irfaan Ali, immediate action was taken to improve sanitation facilities, resulting in the completion of 30 modern washrooms for vendors and shoppers.
“Hopefully, the washrooms give relief to the vendors who are there and the consumers,” Parag noted.
However, the roof, described as a “big problem,” remains a pressing concern.
The government’s plans feature a comprehensive, holistic design for the market area, developed in partnership with the King’s Foundation. This collaboration aims to preserve the market’s historic features while creating a cleaner, safer, and more organised environment.
“The King’s Foundation is going to play an integral role in ensuring that our historical sites are restored and that green spaces become part of the city,” Parag explained. “[This is about] promoting healthy lifestyles, providing safe spaces for families, and maintaining the city’s historical features.”
The King’s Foundation works globally to create sustainable communities through our placemaking projects and transform lives through our practical educa-
tion programmes.
Bourda Market, one of Georgetown’s busiest and most historic trading spots, is set for a major transformation. Minister Parag disclosed that following an impromptu visit by President Ali, a commitment was made to rework the Bourda green area.
Consultations were promptly initiated with vendors, and the proposal is now incorporated into this year’s national budget.
The centerpiece of the plan is the construction of a modern two-storey building to accommodate vendors, offering improved facilities, more organised stalls, and better customer experiences.
“This year, we’ve budgeted for it,” Parag confirmed. According to her, consultations with vendors were deemed essential, and further discussions are scheduled within the next month
are part of a larger urban revitalisation plan inspired by the vision of President Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.
The plan sees Georgetown not only as the country’s administrative and economic centre but also as a vibrant, family-friendly city where commerce, heritage, and green spaces co-exist harmoniously.
sentimental, nostalgic part of Georgetown. We are going to transform the space, but we are not [going to erase] its historical features.”
The long-term goal is to ensure the area is consistently clean, well-structured, and able to function as both a commercial and cultural hub.
to ensure their concerns and ideas are fully incorporated into the final design.
The minister stressed that robust engagement with stakeholders is essential for the project’s success.
The improvements to Stabroek and Bourda markets
“What you see from the King’s Foundation is going to be fantastic,” Parag said. “Based on President Ali’s and the Vice President’s vision of what Georgetown should look like, they have come up with an idea that looks really great.”
Crucially, Parag assured that any redesign of Stabroek Market will not compromise its cultural and historical identity. “Everybody knows that when you go around that area, you identify it by the clock. It has become that
According to Parag, these enhancements will be phased in over the next five years, ensuring minimal disruption to current market operations while delivering lasting benefits and involving an investment of billions of dollars.
With ongoing consultations, strategic partnerships such as the collaboration with the King’s Foundation, and strong guidance from the country’s leadership, Minister Parag said the Stabroek and Bourda market upgrades are set to become flagship projects in Guyana’s urban development.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag (far left), with Starting Point hosts Kiana Wilburg and Fareeza Haniff
Stabroek Market area
National Small Business Week highlights
major investments, capacity building for SMEs
--Gov’t outlines new local content reforms, US$200M SME fund, & training initiatives --Over 23,000 start-up grants, $1.2B in loans, & US$62M in training delivered
By Shaniya Harding
SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) once again took centre stage at this year’s National Small Business Week Seminar and Expo. In an address delivered by Communications Manager Cordell McClure on behalf of Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, emphasis was placed on the government’s substantial investments in the business sector, the impactful policies that have fostered SME development, and the next steps planned to ensure continued and sustainable growth.
At the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Saturday, McClure acknowledged that the ministry is well aware of the challenges faced by small businesses and entrepreneurs in areas such as accessing funding, gaining exposure, and obtaining financial advice. He outlined several significant initiatives spearheaded by the ministry to further bolster SMEs, with the most recent being policy reform.
Emphasising that the new local content policies being reviewed and amended are focused on empowerment rather than protectionism,
McClure stated, “As part of our broader vision for business development, we are now working to amend the local content laws, expanding its reach so that even more Guyanese companies across a wider range of sectors can participate in opportunities that may once have seemed beyond their capacity.”
He further explained that the newly drafted policies will seek to build capacity and competitiveness among SMEs. Describing the amended policies as a
“gateway to opportunity,” McClure noted the significant investments already made in the sector by the government.
“You may recall that the Senior Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during the 2025 budget presentation, highlighted a remarkable achievement. In 2024 alone, US$612 million was spent in the 40 service areas reserved for Guyanese companies under the local content provisions,” he said.
As part of efforts to continue what McClure described as “real, measurable, and transformative impact,” the government is also working to improve access to capital for small businesses, a major hurdle many entrepreneurs face in Guyana’s growing business sector.
“Another one of our policy approaches is access to capital for SMEs that can access credit and financial services. You would have heard of the 181 loan agreements and 31 loans to persons with disabilities, with a combined value exceeding $1.2 billion,” he said.
Work in this area is already underway. McClure noted that over the past five years, approximately 4,000 small business grants, valued at $1 billion, have been
disbursed.
“These numbers are significant, but what makes them truly impactful is our commitment to ensuring that recipients have the tools and skills to make their businesses thrive. Twenty-three thousand start-up grants have been disbursed, and 20% of the government’s procurement now supports SMEs.”
McClure also spoke about the Local Content Facilitation Fund, a venture in collaboration with Afrexim-
nounced the establishment of a US$200 million fund to provide easy access to capital and financial services for SMEs through a simplified one-card computerised system. This system will offer low-interest loans and broaden financial inclusion.
SMEs will also be supported through the creation of a development bank, investment grants, and the expansion of social safety nets.
Another overarching theme of the government’s
the potential for greater impact than ever before as the economy grows and markets expand.
“Our vision for SMEs is a long-term national strategy that aims to move small businesses from survival mode to global competitiveness. We see SMEs as central to Guyana's economic transformation. This means embedding their participation into every major development program; from infrastructure to agriculture to energy.”
bank, designed to increase cash flows for local SMEs and support local investment initiatives. He added that the government’s vision for the microeconomic sector extends beyond national borders, aiming to link SMEs to broader development goals.
“Another key feature of the government’s vision is the integration of SMEs with larger objectives like poverty reduction, agri-entrepreneurship, and sustainable national development,” he said.
As part of these plans, President Irfaan Ali has an-
vision is training and capacity building for entrepreneurs.
“Over the last five years, nearly 13,000 small business owners have benefited from training in areas such as small business management, financial management, record-keeping, marketing fundamentals, and business proposal writing. These training sessions were delivered at a cost of approximately US$62 million,” McClure shared. In closing, McClure conveyed the minister’s sentiment that the future of SMEs in Guyana is full of promise, with
The National Small Business Week also saw industry leaders engaging in impactful discussions on Guyana’s economy, the role each business plays, and the opportunities available in the business sector.
The event concluded with the NSBW Expo, where dozens of small and medium-sized businesses showcased their products and services while gaining valuable insights from industry leaders, business experts, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Communications Manager Cordell McClure
Officials officially declare the National Small Business Week Seminar and Expo open (Japheth Savory photos)
The National Small Business Week Expo saw dozens of small and medium-sized businesses showcase their products and services
18,000 employed under pathway workers programme
THE PPP/C government is committed to creating employment opportunities for all Guyanese to improve their livelihoods.
This commitment is reflected in the National Pathway Workers (NPW) programme, which has employed nearly 18,000 people, of whom 12,000 are women. Launched in 2022, the programme represents a monthly investment of $611 million, with part-time workers earning $40,000 monthly after completing 10 days of work.
During an episode of the Starting Point Podcast on Saturday, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, praised the initiative for its
transformative impact on empowering many Guyanese.
The minister noted that the programme not only helps alleviate the rising cost of living but also provides individuals with valuable skills, guiding them towards permanent employment opportunities. “We want to uplift people out of poverty…I think, in another couple of years, it will move from the fact that they are grateful for a part-time job to a permanent job,” she stated.
Minister Parag emphasised the programme’s success in providing opportunities for people to learn and earn simultaneously.
“The opportunities are so abundant in terms of training,
whether it be a technical skill or an academic qualification…We are encouraging people to take these opportunities, because obviously we want our human resources, our most valuable asset, to be able to move forward with our transformation as well,” she explained.
The part-time jobs initiative allows individuals to support the efficient operation of government agencies by filling roles such as clerks, receptionists, and other essential positions. In 2025, a budget of $12.7 billion was allocated for both the Community Enhancement Workers (CEW) and the NPW programmes. (DPI)
National Pathway Workers
APNU to have polling agents at every polling station --Norton confirms
OPPOSITION Leader Aubrey Norton has disclosed that his party, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has mobilised polling agents to be at every polling station across the country.
“We have mobilised polling agents for every polling station. But if you are aware of what happens on polling day, somebody might get sick or something; what we do is we have backup to replace them, but so far, we have prepared polling agents for all the polling stations across the country,” the Opposition Leader told a press conference on Friday last.
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has
polling agents in 2020.
When the APNU+Alliance For Change coalition continued to make unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud in 2020, an official of the party accused their own polling agents of colluding with its biggest competitor – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
When asked by a reporter how the APNU plans to screen its polling agents this year in light of the 2020 accusations, Norton stated: “At no stage did we accuse polling agents of what you are suggesting.”
Further, in June, Norton said that APNU would respect the legitimate results of the elections. “If we lose
sioners — former Chancellor, Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith - made these findings based on evidence from the many witnesses who testified, along with the reports of the international observers.
“…Our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the
not yet announced how many polling stations will be established for the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections.
As part of efforts to safeguard fairness and transparency of electoral proceedings, the presence of polling agents at voting stations has become a practice.
Additionally, Norton also distanced himself from unsubstantiated claims that one of his previous party representatives made against their
an honest election, we will honour it,” Norton noted on a recent political show.
A Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections found that there was collusion and collaboration between senior GECOM officials to divert votes to the APNU+AFC instead of safeguarding and preserving the integrity of the electoral system.
Chairman of the CoI, Stanley John and Commis-
results of that election, and that they did so – to put it in unvarnished language of the ordinary man – for the purpose of stealing the election,” the Commissioners said in their report. The Guyanese electorate, after casting votes on March 2, 2020, endured a five-month wait for the results as they witnessed unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.
At that time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as they observed what were
described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by Caribbe-
an leaders and international observers.
Furthermore, the head of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS),
Bruce Golding, had spoken about the 2020 elections and stated that he had never seen such a “transparent effort to alter the results of an election.”
Leader of the APNU, Aubrey Norton and his running mates for the 2025 general and regional elections
What you need to know about the FPSOs offshore Guyana
EXXONMOBIL runs a string of massive oil projects in an area offshore Guyana called the Stabroek Block. The projects produce oil via floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs).
Each FPSO brings up and stores crude and offloads to tankers. Each FPSO works with an extensive subsea infrastructure of wells, manifolds, umbilicals, flowlines and risers, which required major investments from the oil companies to be developed.
Crude oil produced from these FPSOs is shared between Guyana and the companies ExxonMobil, Hess (recently acquired by Chevron) and CNOOC. So far, they have produced and exported more than 650 million barrels of crude oil. Guyana’s share of sales
revenue, together with royalties paid by the oil producers, is deposited into the Natural Resource Fund. That Fund underpins gov ernment investment in public infrastructure, social development, and economic diversi fication.
Upcoming projects
Two more FPSO‑based developments, namely Uaru and Whiptail, have already been approved and are slated to begin production between 2026 and 2028, each with a design capacity of 250,000 bpd of oil and equipped with approximately 2 million barrels of storage capacity. These will further expand Guyana’s offshore oil production and the gen eration of revenue for the country’s people.
DESTINY (Liza Phase 1)
● First Oil: December 2019
● Oil Production Capacity: ~160,000 bpd
● Storage Capacity: 1.6 million barrels
● Oil Produced to Date: Over 250 million barrels
● Original Resource Base: 450 million barrels
LIZA UNITY (Liza Phase 2)
● First Oil: February 11, 2022
● Oil Production Capacity: ~265,000 bpd
● Storage Capacity: 2 million barrels
● Oil Produced to Date: Over 270 million barrels
● Original Resource Base: 600 million barrels
PROSPERITY (Payara)
● First Oil: November 2023
● Oil Production Capacity: ~265,000 bpd
● Storage Capacity: 2 million barrels
● Oil Produced to Date: Over 136 million barrels
● Original Resource Base: 600 million barrels
ONE GUYANA (Yellowtail)
● First Oil: August 2025
● Oil Production Capacity: 250,000 bpd
● Storage Capacity: 2 million barrels
● Original Resource Base: 925 million barrels
LIZA
Minister Parag urges voters to choose unity, proven leadership in upcoming elections
IN an impassioned message to Guyanese ahead of the September 1 elections, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development
Sonia Parag has called on voters to cast their ballots guided by conscience and unity rather than division.
Appearing on the Starting Point podcast aired on Saturday, she highlighted the achievements of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government over the
She continued, “We are a beautiful country that is multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural. Any narrative that seeks to divide that is not a party/person that has your best interest at heart.”
Minister Parag went on to highlight the PPP/C’s long-standing record, referencing its 75 years of service to the nation. “Whether you want to look at us in the opposition, whether you want to look at us in the government,
past five years, and warned against narratives aimed at fracturing the country’s multi-ethnic fabric.
“When you hit that polling station, and even before that, you have a lot of material and experience in all of the communities of what the PPP/C government has been doing over the past five years,” Parag said. “I don’t even think we need to have a huge comparison from 2015-2020 [under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government] for voters to be able to vote on their conscience.”
The minister stressed the importance of rejecting divisive politics.
“My one message would be to vote for your conscience; do not vote on any narrative that will seek to divide our country, communities, or our ethnicity. Our country is unique; we are proud to be Guyanese outside of this country; anywhere we go, because we are Guyanese, not because we are singly Afro-Guyanese, or Indo-Guyanese or Amerindian.”
the establishment of modern hospitals as clear evidence of progress.
She drew a sharp contrast between the PPP/C and opposition parties, cautioning voters against risking the country’s future on “all talks and zero experience.”
She referred to the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin
Mohamed, a political newcomer with security concerns, and questioned their ability to govern effectively.
She emphasised that it takes hard work and deliberate thinking to develop people-centred policies. “When you head to the polls on September 1, [remember] President Dr. Irfaan Ali has proven himself.”
She went further to praise
President Ali’s leadership during his first term in office.
“His leadership has been phenomenal in the last five years. You know what you are getting in the next five years. You do not know what you will be getting from the other parties. Why gamble with your future? Why risk that? Why risk an entire country for something that you don’t know and for
people who have not proven themselves to you, when they were given an opportunity to do so?”
The minister’s message conveyed confidence in the trajectory of national development under President Ali’s stewardship. She stated that significant progress has been achieved under the leadership of President Ali.
I tell people… there was a time when you didn’t have a health centre in remote areas. It was this government that actually started to place health huts in areas, and then they transitioned into health centres.”
Recalling the economic foundations laid by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, she noted that during his presidency, Guyana carried a significant per capita debt. However, she noted that Jagdeo worked to pull the country out of that debt, and with the limited resources available at the time, steady progress was achieved nationwide.
Parag praised the current administration for its stewardship of the country’s new oil wealth.
She pointed to the use of oil resources to generate wealth, highlighting the construction of roads, the creation of jobs, and advancements in education and health.
Education, she noted, is now free from nursery to tertiary level, while the health sector has seen significant improvements, including
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag
ENGLISH RACING TIPS LEICESTER
09:00 hrs Quadrillion
09:30 hrs First Encounter
10:00 hrs Joycean Way
10:30 hrs Twilight Moon
11:00 hrs Half Sovereign
11:30 hrs Hostelty
12:00 hrs American Style
WOLVERHAMPTON
09:37 hrs Rock N It
10:07 hrs Many A Star
10:37 hrs Sea Cookie
11:07 hrs Bouboule
11:37 hrs Polygram
12:17 hrs Waiting For Love
HAYDOCK
10:35 hrs Titan
11:15 hrs Lil Brother
11:45 hrs No Direction
12:15 hrs Spring Is Sprung
12:45 hrs Bint Mohaather
13:15 hrs Mystety Of The Sands
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
SCOTTSVILLE
08:20 hrs Galaxy Explorer
08:55 hrs Gorgeous Dude
09:35 hrs Happy Analia
10:10 hrs Willan Warrior
10:43 hrs Apex Predator
IRISH RACING TIPS DOWNPATRICK
09:17 hrs Hillhead Runner
09:47 hrs Catena Zapata
10:17 hrs.Park Garve
10:52 hrs Diamond Tipp
11:22 hrs Coded Welder
11:52 hrs Georgia Celena
12:22 hrs Crossbar Getaway
T20I evolution reaches Darwin
THE capital of Northern Territory is called Darwin because John Clements Wickham, the captain of the Beagle - the British ship that turned up at the top bit of Australia in September 1839 - had served as first lieutenant on an earlier voyage of the same vessel.
Also aboard for that trip, which lasted from December 1831 to October 1836, was one Charles Darwin, the naturalist whose research and theories would exert an outsized influence on our understanding of the evolution of humankind.
Doubtless Darwin, if only he had lived to 216, could have given us a detailed theory of the evolution of cricket from the gambling-fuelled mania it was in 19th century England to the global, T20-driven industry it is now. Not that gambling has become extinct in cricket. Quite the contrary. Maybe not a lot has changed.
Once Australia’s men’s T20I series against South Africa starts in Darwin on Sunday, Australians will hope there is change from their team’s five-wicket loss to South Africa in the WTC final at Lord’s in June. Silverware starved South Africans are less ready to let that singular success go, but Shukri Conrad advised them to do exactly that during a press conference on Friday.
“I don’t think the WTC will have much to do with [the T20I series],” Conrad said. “Whether it does for them, I can’t answer to that. But we’ve moved on.”
And so should all concerned. Conrad’s team will play 20 T20Is before the format’s World Cup in Sri Lanka and India in February and March, when all thoughts of what happened at Lord’s in June will be long gone. The Australians, who have won six ODI World Cups and one in the T20 format, are significantly more used to winning trophies than their opponents.
That they have moved on was apparent from their 5-0 thumping of West Indies in a T20I rubber in the Caribbean in June and July. Tim David hammered six fours and 11 sixes in his 37-ball 102 not out in the third match at Basseterre in St Kitts - the tiny ground where Herschelle Gibbs launched Dutch leg spinner Daan van Bunge for six sixes in an over during the 2007 World Cup.
South Africa are fresh from a T20I tri-series in Harare where they lost all three games they played against New Zealand.
A mitigating factor is that they were without Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada. Of those players, only Miller, Maharaj and Jansen are not involved this time.
CWI convenes emergency meeting to address men’s lacklustre performances
• From Page 28
This meeting is CWI’s response to ongoing performance concerns to ensure swift action on critical areas identified during the two-day strategic review.
Implementation of the meeting’s outcomes is expected to begin immediately, and progress updates will be provided as restructuring is deployed across all levels of West Indies cricket.
CWI’s chief executive officer, Chris Dehring also
highlighted the significance of the think tank.
“This emergency strategic meeting is not simply a reaction but a necessary intervention.
“The performance of our senior men’s team has raised legitimate concerns among our fans, stakeholders and partners and we could not afford to continue with business as usual.
“We expect deep, trans-
parent conversations with the people closest to the action such as our players, coaches and selectors and what we hope to emerge is a serious, organisation-wide commitment to change,” Dehring said.
“As administrators, we are determined to support these reforms with the necessary resources, infrastructure and leadership. West Indies cricket deserves no less.”
New Zealand script their biggest Test win
ZAKARY Foulkes picked up the best figures by a New Zealand player on Test debut as New Zealand recorded their biggest Test win. Their innings and 359 run victory over Zimbabwe emphasised the massive gulf between the two sides as Zimbabwe capitulated for their fourth-lowest score against New Zealand to suffer their heaviest defeat in the format.
• (Scores: New Zealand 601 for 3 declared: Ravindra 165*, Conway 153, Nicholls 150*) beat Zimbabwe 125 (Taylor 44, Henry 5-40, Foulkes 4-38) and 117 (Welch 47*, Foulkes 5-37) by an innings and 359 runs)
After New Zealand declared overnight, with a lead of 476, Zimbabwe was bowled out in 28.1 overs in an extended first session. They have now lost their last six Tests and have been dismissed for under 170 in all four innings in this series. New Zealand finished their tour of Zimbabwe unbeaten, after winning all their matches in the T20I tri-series including the final, and both Tests.
Foulkes, who was called into the XI after injuries to Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke, showed the wealth of New Zealand’s bowling depth with an incisive eight-over spell headlined by devastating inswing. He ensured Zimbabwe had no let up after Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy made the opening incisions and that stand-in captain Mitchell Santner was not required at all.
For Zimbabwe, technical questions over their batting remain. Their inability to cope with the moving ball, or genuine pace was exposed, more so when the two are in operation together. As has been the case throughout this series, only one batter made a score of noteNick Welch’s 47 -and there was only one other player who got into double figures
and a highest partnership of just 25.
The damage started as early as the third ball when Brian Bennett walked straight into the trap set for him. After two balls that moved away, Henry brought the ball back into him. Bennett played down the wrong line and his middle stump was uprooted. Brendan Taylor scored the first runs when he guided Duffy’s delivery between point and gully but only lasted until the fifth over as he was caught in the crease to a fuller ball from Henry and edged to second slip.
Duffy, also on debut, found some extra bounce and Sean Williams could only get a leading edge as he tried to turn him leg-side. The ball went high and gave Duffy enough time to take the catch off his own bowling for his first Test wicket.
Welch and Craig Ervine showed some fight against the short ball before Ervine pushed at a full ball from Matthew Fisher and edged to third slip. He was dismissed in almost identical fashion in the first innings which suggests a pattern that Zimbabwe needs to address. Similarly, Sikandar Raza’s glaring problem against the short ball continued. For the fourth time in the series, Raza was
undone by one, this time as he fended off a delivery from Foulkes and was caught at gully. Raza was brought back into the squad after missing the South Africa Tests for the MLC and recorded scores of 2, 5, 5 and 4.
Foulkes had Tafadzwa Tsiga caught behind, playing at a ball that straightened on him and then produced two absolute peaches to bowl Vincent Masekesa and Trevor Gwandu. Both were clueless against deliveries that landed outside off, shaped back in and beat their defences to hit the stumps. It’s difficult to choose between them on quality and both could easily be labelled the best deliveries of the game. Blessing Muzarabani became Foulkes’ fifth when he top-edged him to square leg, where Santner took a comfortable catch. That wicket gave Foulkes match figures of 9 for 75.
The defeat ends a long run of Test cricket for Zimbabwe for now. They have played eight Tests in 2025, and won one against Bangladesh, but have lost all their games at home. They will turn their attention to the T20 World Cup Qualifiers which Zimbabwe will host in September. (ESPN Cricinfo)
‘Outstanding’ Foulkes savours record debut
NEW Zealand standin captain Mitchell Santner was all praise for Zakary Foulkes, who bagged the best figures for a New Zealand bowler on Test debut.
Foulkes, one of three debutants in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, picked up match figures of 9 for 75 as New Zealand eased to a record-breaking innings win on the third afternoon.
“We’ve seen a little bit in the white ball stuff recently, but to do it in a Test match on debut is pretty special,” Santner said of Foulkes’ feat. “He was obviously going for that ten-for, I think he bowled a ten-over spell there, which is credit to him as well to be able to bowl ten overs in a row. But he’s probably loved Zimbabwe more than some others.”
Foulkes was added to the squad after Nathan Smith was ruled out due to an abdominal strain he suffered in the first Test. Foulkes, who has played one ODI and 13 T20Is, can swing the ball away and into the right-handers, which, according to Santner, is a rare quality.
“Someone kind of swinging into the right-hander is, you don’t see that often,” Santner said. “So I guess [he’s] another addition to our attack with the guys moving the ball away. He was outstanding. When the lefties come on, he looks pretty tough to play and to get nine in the game on debut is a pretty good effort.”
Foulkes has mostly been playing white-ball cricket recently, and while his debut felt a “little bit rushed”, he explained how he adapted to the red-ball grind.
“It still hasn’t really kicked in to be honest,” Foulkes said. “It’s all happened pretty quickly. It was awesome to be out there with the guys.
“It was all a little bit rushed. I’ve been on a white ball diet so the prospect of bowling a few more overs and stuff, I definitely felt a bit sore on day two. Thankfully, we didn’t have to bowl on day two, which was nice. It was cool to get back into red-ball cricket.”
While Foulkes was the star of the second Test, fellow debutants Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher also did their bit. Duffy picked two wickets and scored handy runs as a nightwatcher at No. 3 while Fisher steamed in and picked two wickets. The trio complemented Matt Henry well, who picked 7 for 56 for the game and was named Player of the Series.
MANCHESTER UNITED has completed the signing of RB Leipzig striker, Benjamin Sesko, in a move worth £73.7m.
The deal for the Slovenia international, who has joined on a five-year contract, includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3m, with the remainder in addons.
He is United’s third major signing in attack following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and Bryan Mbeumo for £65m with £6m in add-ons, with the trio presented to the club’s fans prior to Saturday’s pre-season home game against Fiorentina.
Sesko, 22, was also a target for
Newcastle United but has chosen to join Ruben Amorim’s side.
United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, while the Magpies were fifth and qualified for the Champions League in a campaign in which they also won the EFL Cup.
“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” said Sesko.
“When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.
“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created.
It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.
“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my teammates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”
Speaking to MUTV, United head coach Amorim said: “He has the characteristics that we needed. Ben is a player that, with all the information that we have, we need to stop the guy from working - it is not the opposite! That is also important.
“He is the right character in this group so we are really, really happy to have him.” (BBC Sport)
Jacob Duffy got his maiden Test wicket • (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Sesko follows Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in joining Manchester United this summer
Zakary Foulkes picked the bestever figures for a New Zealand bowler on Test debut • (Zimbabwe Cricket)
McGrath predicts 5-0 win for Australia in Ashes
GLENN McGrath predicts England will be whitewashed in the 2025-26 Ashes, backing Australia to win the series 5-0.
The former Australia bowler, a six-time Ashes winner, always makes this prediction and did so before the 2023 series, which ended in a 2-2 draw, with the tourists retaining the urn.
England have not won an Ashes series since 2015, drawing two and losing two, and have not won a series - or indeed a Test - in Australia since 2010-11.
“It’s very rare for me to make a prediction, isn’t it? And I can’t make a different one - 5-0,” McGrath told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’m very confident with our team. When you’ve got Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazle-
wood and Nathan Lyon firing in their home conditions, it’s going to be pretty tough.
“Plus, that track record England have had, it’d be interesting to see if they can win a Test.”
Australia won 4-0 when England last toured the country in 2021-22 and Cummins’ side have only lost two of their past 15 Tests on home soil, winning 11 and drawing two.
McGrath conceded there are “issues” with Australia’s batting, particularly their unsettled top three.
Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne are out of form, and opener Sam Konstas is yet to nail down his spot as the retired David Warner’s replacement.
But with England’s bowling attack also needing “to strengthen
a little bit”, McGrath says the key battle will be between the tourists’ top seven and Australia’s bowlers, pinpointing Joe Root and Harry Brook as two players to watch.
“This series will be a big one for Root,” said McGrath. “He’s never really done that well in Australia, he’s not even got a 100 over there, so he’ll be keen to get out there. He’s in fine form.”
Joe Root has scored 892 Test runs in Australia, including nine fifties, but is yet to score a century.
He averages 35.68 down under, compared to his career average of 51.29, with a highest score of 89.
“Brook’s the one that I’ve enjoyed watching,” added McGrath.
“He just goes out there, plays his game, and takes it on. The Australians will need to get on
‘I’ve made it again’ – Nair looks back on ‘up-and-down’
STANDING for the national anthem on the opening day of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley, Karun Nair felt goosebumps run down his arms. Even imagining that moment had felt out of reach three years ago, but to live it again came as close as anything to the feeling of wearing the India cap for the very first time.
“To get that opportunity was one of the best days of my life,” Nair tells ESPNcricinfo. “Just the feeling of, ‘yeah, finally I’ve made it again’. That was the moment for me.”
It’s barely been a week since India’s stunning 2-2 Test series in England ended, but Nair is back on the road. Despite nursing a bruised right index finger - the result of a sharp blow from a Gus Atkinson bouncer in the second innings at The Oval - his focus is shifting to the Maharaja Trophy T20, where he’ll be a key figure in Mysore Warriors’ title defence.
He is not back in the nets just yet. “Maybe in a week, or whenever the Centre of Excellence gives me the go-ahead,” he says. But he’s already keeping a close watch on training. His voice is hoarse, almost a whisper, prompting a laugh when asked if it’s the result of post-series celebrations.
“Not really,” he chuckles. “We didn’t overdo anything.”
The celebrations “weren’t as much as people think”, and the mutual respect ran deep. After wrapping up their post-match revelry, the Indian players made their way to the England dressing room.
“We had a good chat, both teams were respectful of the fact
him pretty early.
“Ben Duckett is such an aggressive opener. Zak Crawley would be keen to score a few more runs than he has previously.
“It’s the top order or top and middle order of England against the Australian fast bowlers and Lyon. That’s going to be a big match-up.”
comeback series
that it was a great series,” Nair says. “Brendon McCullum mentioned it was the greatest Test series to be played in recent memory. As players, we didn’t feel the magnitude of it during the matches, but looking back at how the moments panned out, as a group, we feel we achieved something special.
The series completed a circle of sorts for Nair, who had waited eight years for “another chance” he had pleaded for in a remarkable show of vulnerability on social media during his lowest ebb in 2021.
The journey was paved with resilience, cricket detours in England’s village greens and later in the county circuit, and a mountain of runs in domestic cricket. When the India call finally came, he walked into a dressing room that emphasised a “team-first” attitude.
“Right at the very beginning, Gauti [Gautam Gambhir] bhai said, he doesn’t want us to look at it as a team in transition,” Nair says. “He didn’t want us to feel that way. The first message we got was ‘this isn’t
a young team, this is a gun team and everyone must feel it from within’. The messaging within the group was that everyone plays for the team and supports each other. It’s one thing for the coach or the captain to say it, but to feel it was amazing.”
Nair was particularly effusive in his praise for Shubman Gill’s handling of the team, while also rising to the challenges of filling the void at No. 4 after Virat Kohli’s Test retirement.
“The way Shubman held everyone together and the encouragement he gave was great to see. He was crystal clear with his communication from the beginning. To achieve what he did as a batter, while also leading the team...as a leader, he exemplified the spirit of Gauti bhai.
Nair himself had a far from satisfying series, though. His eight innings brought him 205 runs, and just one half-century, at The Oval. He got starts in nearly every innings but couldn’t make them count.
“I was disappointed at not being able to convert the start at The Oval into a century,” he says. “But looking back, it was quite important to grind my way on that first day with the team in a tricky position. I’d done well there previously; I’d gotten a 150 for Northants against Surrey. The nerves were there, but I was feeling good. I was hoping to convert, which I couldn’t.
“It was an up-and-down series in that sense, and I did reflect a lot. But it’s also important to let go of what has happened and look forward to what I need to do in the next few months. It’s about keeping my focus levels up and making sure I go on and make big scores, irrespective of the level I’m playing at.”
England have won 25 of their 41 Tests under head coach Brendon McCullum but are yet to win a fivematch Test series, most recently drawing 2-2 with India. McGrath, 55, was full of admiration for England’s style under McCullum but challenged them to be more mentally “switched on.” (BBC Sport)
Slingerz FC strengthens squad with addition of four new signings
SLINGERZ Football Club has announced the signings of Trinidadian forward Derrell Garcia and Guyanese midfielder Solomon Austin as they aim to win the GFF Elite League title.
The club, which is currently undefeated and top of the league, made several additions during the recent transfer window to strengthen its squad.
Garcia, an 18-year-old forward from Trinidad and Tobago Pro League side San Juan Jabloteh, has been recognised by Soca Warriors head coach Dwight Yorke for his performances.
He is known for his pace and is scheduled to make his debut against Ann’s Grove United on Sunday at the National Training Centre, Providence. Nineteen-year-old Austin joins from Morvant Caledonia United and previously played in the GFF Elite League for Fruta Conquerors FC. The former national youth team captain is considered a promising talent in Guyana and made his senior national team debut last year.
Slingerz have also signed several other players, including 23-yearold forward Jean-Heim Mc Fee, Brazilian centre-back Kayo De Souza, 17-year-old Neeiaz Baksh, and defender Michael Joseph, a former national U17 international. The team has a nine-game winning streak and is the only unbeaten side in the GFF Elite League this season. Their only recent blip was a 1-1 draw against Western Tigers.
England batters Harry Brook and Joe Root
Karun Nair celebrates his fifty at The Oval • (Getty Images)
From left: Jean-Heim Mc Fee, Michael Joseph, Solomon Austin and Derrell Garcia
Nawaz, Talat carry Pakistan to victory in opening ODI
Windies fall short as visitors chase down target at Brian Lara Stadium
TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC)
– Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat piloted Pakistan to an impressive five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening One Day International here at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium on Friday night.
Debutant Nawaz and Talat, playing in only his second ODI, shared an unbroken 104-run partnership to rescue Pakistan and carry them to 284 for five in 48.5 overs in reply to the West Indies’ total of 280 in 49 overs.
It gave them a 1-0 lead in the threematch series and moved them within one game of extending their 33-year unbeaten run against the Windies in bilateral ODI series.
The visitors suffered an early setback in their run chase when Saim Ayub edged Jayden Seales behind after scoring just five and 16 runs on the board.
Babar Azam joined Abdullah Shafique at the crease and the pair added 47 runs, before the latter was out lbw to Shamar Joseph following a review.
Azam and captain Mohammed Rizwan then added 55 runs to put Pakistan in a comfortable position of 118 for two in the 24th over.
But three runs short of a 20th ODI half century, Azam walked past a delivery from spinner Gudakesh Motie and was stumped for 47. Salman Agha made a quickfire 23 from 26 balls before he was caught and bowled by off spinner Roston Chase to leave Pakistan 158 for four in the 31st over.
His dismissal brought Nawaz to the crease, and he looked uncertain at the start of his innings while mustering two runs from the first 10 balls he faced.
Rizwan though, continued to look positive and brought up his 16th ODI half century off 59 balls with a single to backward point off Chase.
Nawaz finally got going by smashing Chase over square leg for six, but West Indies struck shortly after when Joseph trapped Rizwan lbw for 53 off 69 balls, as Pakistan slid to 180 for five.
Needing 101 runs in 76 balls for victory, Talat joined forces with Nawaz
and completely took the match away from the home side over the course of 11 overs, scoring at over nine runs an over.
Talat started aggressively, hitting Chase for two boundaries in the 39th over, before Joseph delivered a sloppy over that went for 17 runs, including two fours.
Nawaz then drove Seales for two consecutive boundaries in the 42nd over that helped bring the equation down to 59 from 48 balls.
West Indies spurned the perfect opportunity to break the partnership when Motie dropped a simple catch to dismiss Nawaz with the batter on 49 and the score 253 for five in the 47th over.
It allowed Nawaz to scamper a single and score a maiden ODI half century on debut.
Talat then hit Jediah Blades for a four and six off consecutive deliveries in the 48th over that all but sealed the contest, leaving Pakistan requiring 12 runs off 12 balls.They would get those runs in the penultimate over bowled by Joseph, which saw Nawaz clobber him for a six before ending the match with a four over midwicket.
Player-of-the-Match Nawaz finished unbeaten on 63 from 54 balls with five fours and three sixes, while Talat ended on 41 not out off 37 balls with four fours and one six.
n SCORECARD
WEST INDIES
Brandon King c Babar Azam b Shah Afridi 4
Evin Lewis c Shah Afridi b Saim Ayub 60
Keacy Carty c Salman b Muqeem 30
*Shai Hope c Rizwan b Shah Afridi 55
Sherfane Rutherford c Saim Ayub b Salman 10
Roston Chase c Babar Azam b Naseem Shah 53
Romario Shepherd c Shafique b Shah Afridi 4
Gudakesh Motie b Naseem Shah 31
Shamar Joseph b Shah Afridi 8
Jayden Seales not out 1
Jediah Blades b Naseem Shah 0
Extras (b4, lb, 8, nb 2, w10) 24
TOTAL (ten wickets; 49 overs) 280 Bowling: Afridi 8-0-51-4, Shah 8-0-55-3, Ayub 10-1-48-1, Muqeem 10-0-52-1, Agha 10-0-44-1, Asraf 3-0-18-0.
PAKISTAN
Saim Ayub c Hope b Seales 5
Abdullah Shafique lbw Joseph 29
Babar Azam st Hope b Motie 47
Mohammad Rizwan c+ lbw Joseph 53
Salman Agha c&b Chase 23
Hasan Nawaz not out 63
Hussain Talat not out 41
Extras (lb4, nb 2, w17) 23
TOTAL (five wickets; 48.5 overs) 284
DNB: Faheem Asraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqueem
Bowling: Seales 10-1-59-1, Blades 7-0-53-0, Joseph 9.5-1-65-2, Motie 10-0-42-1, Shepherd 4-1-20-0, Chase 8-0-41-1.
Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Player-of-the-Match: Hasan Nawaz
Umpires: Deighton Butler, Allahuddien Paleker
Captain Hope blames loss on tough conditions
TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) –
Indies captain, Shai Hope, believes the challenging conditions at the
Academy coupled with the inability of the
into the
were the main reasons behind their five-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the opening ODI on Friday night.
The home side was sent in to bat after losing the toss in the day/night
contest in what Hope described as tough conditions.
He said the fact that the West Indies then had to bowl under the lights with heavy dew made it even more difficult.
“Tough conditions here to bat first on a hot day where the pitch is spinning a bit more and their threat would have been the spin.
“And it’s always tough as a bowling
Brathwaite vying for spot on BCA board
BRIDGETOWN,
Barbados, (CMC) –FORMER West Indies star and 2016 T20 World Cup hero, Carlos Brathwaite, has officially declared his candidacy for a director position on the Barbados Cricket Association’s (BCA) board, pledging to bring innovation, global insights, and sustainable solutions to the future of Barbadian cricket.
The BCA is scheduled to hold its elections on August 12 at the Kensington Oval, where members will vote for the position of board members, secretary of the board and president of the board.
In a campaign released this week using the tagline “For the Players. For the People. For the Future”, Brathwaite outlined his core objectives under three pillars: Modernising the local game; building talent pipelines and making local cricket more financially viable.
Brathwaite, who played 44 ODIs, 41 T20s and three Test matches for the West Indies, said his goal is to transition “from on the field, to the commentary box and now potentially at the table with decision makers”.
“I am looking forward to a different challenge. I look forward to bringing fresh ideas and trying to get Barbados and West Indies cricket to maximise its resources and eventually improve on-field performances,” Brathwaite said.
The 37-year-old outlined his plans which include developing a digitally connected cricket ecosystem that enhances transparency, attracting new sponsors, and empowering schools, clubs, and players with the infrastructure to compete in the modern era.
On the issue of player development, he envisions global partnerships that provide Barbadian players and coaches access to elite-level opportunities.
The third component of his platform centres around making cricket a financially rewarding path for local players by creating a structure that encourages ambition through fair compensation and career growth.
Brathwaite is calling on stakeholders to support a vision that connects the tradition of Barbados cricket with the demands of a modern sporting world.
“I have played a lot of cricket in all sectors and experienced the good, the bad, and seen some things that I think we can implement locally.
“I want to bring years of knowledge and experience, locally, regionally and internationally, to help Barbados cricket as best as I can,” Brathwaite said.
group to bowl in those types of conditions when the ball is very wet and tough on the spinners to get a good grip on the ball and make that ball turn,” Hope said in a post-match interview.
“It was always challenging for our bowlers in the back end, but as a batting group we probably should have gotten a little bit more runs to give our bowlers some more cushion there with the wet ball.”
WEST
Brian Lara Cricket
team’s batters to bat deep
innings
Former West Indies cricketer turned commentator, Carlos Brathwaite
Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat put up an unbroken century stand • (Randy Brooks/ AFP via Getty Images)
Evin Lewis and Keacy Carty’s 77-run stand got West Indies flowing despite losing an early wicket • (AFP/Getty Images)
WINDIES IN CRISIS HUDDLE
CWI convenes emergency meeting to address men’s lacklustre performances
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Dr Kishore Shallow has called an emergency meeting to address critical challenges facing West Indies cricket and implement immediate structural reforms.
The two-day meeting is slated to be held from August 10 to 11 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, and will bring together the Cricket Strategy & Officiating Committee along with former West Indies players Dr Desmond Haynes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ian Bradshaw, as well as special
invitees Sir Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy along with senior men’s players and coaching staff will also be in attendance. CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe described the meeting as a “turning point” for West Indies cricket.
“This summit represents a critical turning point for West Indies cricket. We hope to engage in frank, honest and solutions-oriented discussions with coaches, former and current players, and administrators.
“What we hope will emerge
Mike Parris’
45th Olympic medal anniversary marked with walk today
GUYANA’S Olympic boxer, Mike Parris, lost in the semi-finals of the 1980 Olympics on a cold night on August 6, in Moscow, Russia.
The Bronze medal remains the only Olympic medal won by Guyana and the lone medal in boxing for the English-speaking Caribbean.
A fitness walk is planned for this morning at 07.00hrs starting at the Bank of Guyana to the Sea Wall Band Stand via Main Street, and the public is invited to the walk.
The next Olympics will be held in Los Angeles 1n 2028, and it will be 48 years since Guyana won a medal at the Olympics. This is a remarkable achievement by the diminutive Parris, a taxi driver and part-time boxing coach.
The 67-year-old Parris fought in 48 Amateur bouts between 1972 and 1982 before turning ‘Pro’.
A bust was erected to honour his 1980 feat at the corner of North Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. But it is hoped that whichever Government assumes office on September 2 will give the pensioner something more tangible in his old age for service to his country as a Sporting Ambassador. (Sean Devers)
is a unified vision and a clearly defined, comprehensive framework designed to correct systemic inadequacies and close the performance gap at the elite level,” Bascombe said.
“This is not about quick fixes, but identifying the structural reforms necessary across our development and high-performance systems, and strategic short and long-term initiatives required to drive the necessary change.”
The first day of talks will focus on “High Performance Strategy and Structural Reform”. Wide-ranging panel discussions will examine cur-
rent team performance challenges and identify immediate improvement strategies.
Meanwhile, the focus on daytwo will shift to “Player-Centered High-Performance Solutions” with direct input from current senior players and coaching staff about performance gaps and team ambitions.
Sammy will lead a coaching staff feedback session to address the team’s brand of cricket as well as any immediate difficulties, while players will be able to speak candidly about their experiences.
• Continues on Page 24
GPF Sports Section receives boost from Regal Stationery and Computer Centre
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Sports Section received a tremendous boost on Friday through the benevolence of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.
The Seaforth Street, Campbellville entity made a significant donation of a variety of gear, aimed at boosting indoor and outdoor sports within the Police Force.
Manager of Regal Sports, Ian John, who handed over the items at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, to Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’, Ravindradat Budhram, highlighted that the donation of the
wide variety of sports gear is aimed at enhancing sports in the Police Force.
According to John, he is positive that the various gear will be utilised efficiently and effectively, given the administration’s focus on improving the quality of all sports in the organisation.
John pointed out that the items include outdoor and indoor gear -‐not only aimed at strengthening sports-but also promoting and encouraging physical fitness in the Police Force.
Deputy Commissioner Budhram, an avid sportsman and cricketer, welcomed the donation by Regal Sports
and Computer Centre, and noted that the gear will be an added boost to the GPF’s effort aimed at supporting and maintaining the various disciplines of sports in the Force.
Budhram also expressed sincere thanks to Regal Sports for the timely donation, adding that the Force’s administration looks forward to continued support --which he acknowledged has been instrumental over the years.
The items included gear for boxing, cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, hockey, table tennis, as well as chess and dominoes sets, amongst other equipment.
Members of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sports along with members of the Guyana Police Force Sports Section pose with the items. On the left of Regal Sports Manager, Ian John is Deputy Commissioner, Administration, Ravindradth Budhram, while John Ramsingh is fourth from left.
Mike Parris wearing his Guyana uniform and displaying Guyana’s only Olympic medal
CWI president, Dr Kishore Shallow