The Six Head Lewis Gym located at Callender and Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, was turned into a temporary shelter for those displaced by the James Street, Albouystown fire, which destroyed five houses and damaged several others on Thursday afternoon. Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn; Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill; and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Vindhya Persaud, visited the location to check out the facility and to engage the affected persons (Photo: Ministry of Home Affairs/Facebook)
‘You held the line’
–– President Ali rewards Disciplined Services ranks for bravery, professionalism in maintaining law and order during elections 2025
By Naomi Parris
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has recognised several members of the Disciplined Services for their outstanding bravery, dedication, and professionalism in upholding law and order.
At a special awards ceremony on Thursday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces commended the ranks for their unwavering commitment to duty and their vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the nation during the recently held 2025 general and regional elections.
into disorder. Their vision, their vigilance gave us peace; their discipline gives us stability.”
President Ali recognised the sacrifices made by the services, including long hours and uncertain conditions, and emphasised the importance of domestic peace in national defence and sovereignty.
“Domestic peace is a foundation of national defence. For Guyana, this is not an abstract principle. We live in a region where we face claims that challenge our territorial integrity and threaten our national patrimony.”
ereignty.
President Ali also extended personal gratitude to the leadership of the Joint Services for their foresight, coordination, and ability to act as a united force.
“We must offer the nation’s gratitude, gratitude not only in words, but in deeds, gratitude that will be reflected in our commitment to support and strengthen the Joint Services to provide you with the tools and resources you need to ensure that your welfare is prioritised and that your service is honoured, not just ceremonially, but substantively to the people of Guyana.”
He stressed that it is im-
Meanwhile, the Chief
“You held the line, calm, silent, but decisive in your action, and this, of course, allowed the people’s will to be expressed without disruption,” the Head of State said.
He added: “Elections can be moments of strain. They stir passion by debate. They expose the division. Yet Guyana passed the test, and we passed it because the Joint Services ensured that passion did not become provocation and division did not descend
perative that Guyana is seen as a united nation capable of upholding democracy and order.
“When our elections are peaceful, when our democracy is secure, our case for sovereignty is strengthened,” he added.
He emphasised that maintaining such stability, allow for the men and women in uniform to focus their energies on the twin tasks of maintaining security and sov-
of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, reflected on OPERATION PLEXUS, highlighting the creation of a secure environment for national and regional elections.
The Army Chief commended the professionalism of the officers and ranks across the Joint Services, noting a shooting incident on Elections Day that threatened democracy.
GDF had reported that on August 31, 2025, at approx-
imately 14:30 hours, while escorting GECOM officials and ballot boxes along the Upper Cuyuni River in the vicinity of Bamboo, near the Guyana-Venezuela border, a Joint Services patrol came under fire from the Venezuelan shore.
The escort team, which comprised ranks from the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force, was conducting official duties in support of GECOM’s ballot distribution to remote polling stations in
Region Seven. A total of nine GECOM officials were aboard the vessels at the time.
The patrol immediately returned fire and successfully manoeuvred the escort team out of danger. No injuries were sustained by any personnel, and no election materials were damaged or compromised.
“I have no doubt that in future, such operations or joint operations, we will continue to operate with efficiency and bring the kind of desired Service Se-
curity product to the people of Guyana,” Khan said following the OPERATION PLEXUS After Action Review (ARR).
He noted too that ranks must be commended for their support in disaster relief and humanitarian operations.
The ranks who were recognised were awarded the Joint Services Medal Class A for their meritorious and dedicated service in support of law and order during the operation.
President Ali addresses Discipline Services ranks at the OPERATION PLEXUS After Action Review (ARR) on Thursday (OP photo)
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces pins the Joint Services Medal Class A on a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer as Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan looks on (DPI photo)
President Ali engage a policewoman and her collegues at the OPERATION PLEXUS After Action Review (ARR) held on Thursday (DPI photo)
GPHC Orthopedic Technician arrested for videoing ‘Lola Doll’ receiving emergency care
POLICE announced on Thursday that a 20-year-old male Orthopedic Technician has been detained as part of an investigation into a report of the ‘Publication or Transmission of an Image of the Private Area of a Person’ committed on Lolita Callender, called Lola Doll, which occurred between September 6, 2025, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
“The Orthopedic Technician has since admitted to videoing the victim at the hospital with his cellphone. He, however, claimed that he did not share it on Facebook, but he only sent it to his ex-girlfriend via WhatsApp, and after he saw the video circulating on Social Media he deleted same from his phone,” the police said in a release.
The police said that the man’s cellphone was seized and taken to CID
Headquarters, where it was handed over to the Head of the Cybercrimes Unit to be analysed. The suspect is presently in custody, and checks are presently being made to locate the ex-girlfriend. This update followed calls from the GPHC for police to probe the unauthorised videoing of a patient. While not naming Callender, the hospital said in a press release that
to note that the individual was not scheduled for duty at the time of the incident. The matter has since been handed over to the Guyana Police Force to be pursued under the cybercrime laws,” the release said.
the video was taken while the patient was in “a vulnerable state and receiving emergency medical care”.
According to the hospital, it was taking the matter “extremely seriously” adding that an internal investigation was immediately launched. This resulted in the identification of the staff member.
“Through this process, a suspect who is an orthopaedic technician was identified. It is important
The hospital used the opportunity to remind staff, patients and the general public the video recording and photographing within its facility is strictly prohibited unless authorised by management. Any breach is a violation of patient privacy, it added before apologising to the patient and their relatives.
Meanwhile, the police stated on Thursday that the second suspect, Paul Daby Jr. was released on bail after his time in custody has expired.
“As of today’s date (September 11th, 2025), the 72-hour detention period for detained suspect Paul Daby Jr., called Randell, have elapsed and, as such, he was placed on $1M bail, with strict re -
porting conditions to the police,” the release said.
Police has issued a wanted bulletin for Daby.
The first suspect was released after 72 hours in police custody.
Callender, a 33-yearold resident of Texas Square, East Ruimveldt, was shot on Saturday night at around 23:35 hours.
“Information received
that she was shot in her motorcar, by a male on a motorcycle, in front of her house. Ranks are presently in search of the male, and CCTV cameras are being checked,” police had said. She received gun shots to her neck, face, hands, and right leg. Investigations into the alleged attempted murder are ongoing.
Lolita Callender, popularly known as ‘Lola Doll’
Attempted murder suspect Paul Daby Jr
Albouystown fire destroys five houses, leaves over 30 persons homeless
A MID-AFTERNOON
fire at James Street, Albouystown between Hill and Albouys Streets, on Thursday left behind unimaginable destruction and through an inter-ministerial coordination effort, the more than 30 persons who were left displaced were accommodated for the
houses were destroyed and more than 30 persons were
night.
After word of the fire which destroyed five houses spread, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn; Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill; and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Vindhya Persaud, joined forces to provide relief to the affected residents.
In a Facebook post, the Home Affairs Ministry said that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) had operationalised a shelter at the Six Head Lewis Gym located at Callender and Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, to accommodate those displaced by the fire.
“Accommodations for tonight, as well as personal effects, are being provided,” the post said adding that the three ministers were at the scene engaging the affected persons.
Early reports from the Guyana Fire Service indicated that they actively worked to extinguish the blaze which, in addition to destroying five houses, caused damage to various proportions of neighbour-
ing structures.
Divisional Officer Otis Charles provided an update at the site while firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze.
He said they received a call of the fire and responded with six appliances including two from the Central Fire Station, one from Alberttown, and another from West Ruimveldt.
On arrival, he stated that one building was completely engulfed in flames, while another was “starting to catch”.
“We are right now trying to salvage the other buildings around, other than the building of origin, where we have branches around the entire block. We are accepting water from open source as well as hydrants, and our bowsers. So, we are currently in firefighting mood here, as we speak,” he said.
Subsequent to this, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that firefighters were still on the scene and were working to soak the area to ensure the blaze is completely extinguished.
As a safety measure, the Guyana Power and Light Inc., (GPL) disconnected power in the vicinity to allow emergency crews to operate without risk. The clearing of rubble from the affected section of the street was expected to commence last evening as well.
The ministry noted that preliminary reports indicated that approximately 30 persons have been displaced, and five houses were completely destroyed by the fire.
There were no reports of death or injuries.
The Divisional officer stated, “We’re still to assess, because I believe at the back, there are some houses that are going to suffer some damages as well. But from the front, you can clearly see buildings that are completely gutted.”
Scenes from Thursday’s devastating fire
Five
displaced by a fire at James Street, Albouystown on Thursday (NCN/Nakasia Logan photos)
Digital transformation in banking
PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali’s recent meeting with financial sector stakeholders is a necessary intervention in a banking system that has grown comfortably complacent while the rest of Guyana transforms at breakneck speed.
In six weeks, key stakeholders within the industry will present a report that will capture the needs of the banking sector, and what is required to integrate the system into the digital economy.
The comprehensive digital transformation report isn’t just ambitious timing; it’s a long-overdue wake-up call for an industry that has been sleepwalking through the oil boom while citizens endure archaic banking practices.
The irony is stark. While Guyana rockets towards becoming a regional economic powerhouse, its citizens still queue in endless bank lines, trapped in a predominantly cash-based economy.
This digital disconnect isn’t merely inconvenient, it’s economically damaging and socially regressive. When major businesses still lack electronic payment infrastructure, and petrol stations can’t process card transactions, we’re witnessing institutional failure on a massive scale.
Finance Minister Ashni Singh’s critique of banking sector conservatism cuts to the heart of the problem. Yes, prudent lending protects depositors, but excessive risk aversion strangles entrepreneurial growth.
The government has laid the groundwork with progressive legisla-
tion like the Security Interests in Movable Property Act 2024, which allows SMEs to use equipment, inventory, and receivables as collateral instead of being locked out by land ownership requirements.
Yet banks remain hesitant to embrace these tools, preferring the comfort zone of traditional real estate-backed lending.
The transformation happening at Demerara Bank, which aims to become Guyana’s first fully digital bank with AI-driven processes that reduce loan processing from two weeks to minutes, proves change is possible.
This innovation gap between progressive institutions and laggards creates an uneven playing field that disadvantages consumers and businesses alike.
With government promises of e-payment platforms by year-end, and comprehensive financial system overhauls, banks that fail to adapt risk being left behind by the digital transformation train.
The six-week timeline isn’t unrealistic, it’s appropriately urgent for an economy that can’t afford to wait for institutional inertia to resolve itself. This isn’t about rushing into reckless digitization. It’s about matching banking progress to economic reality in a country where oil revenues have grown credit to the private sector by 73.4 per cent in four years. Guyana’s financial future depends on institutions that serve growth, not hinder it.
Domestic tourism reinforces what’s taught in classrooms
Dear Editor,
IN Guyana, tourism is often spoken of in terms of attracting visitors from abroad, but its greatest nation-building potential may lie within our own borders.
Domestic tourism can serve as civics classrooms in the air, shaping civic consciousness and teaching inclusive citizenship in a society where ethnicity has too often defined identity.
When Guyanese travel to Kaieteur Falls, Shell Beach, Lethem, or the Rupununi, they
enter mobile classrooms where landscapes, heritage sites, and cultural traditions become lessons in belonging. Domestic tourism teaches that our shared treasures do not belong to one group, but to all of us. Phagwah, Diwali, Eid, Mashramani, Emancipation, and Amerindian Heritage Month are not ethnic holidays, but civic celebrations that weave us into a single national fabric.
As Tim Coles argued in his essay, “Telling Tales of Tourism” (2007), tourism is a form of storytelling. The stories we tell about Guyana, whether in guidebooks, festivals, or family
trips, shape how we imagine our country and each other.
Importantly, domestic tourism also reinforces what is taught in classrooms: Guyanese history, geography, major events, and cultural practices come alive when experienced directly, deepening the civic education that young people receive at school.
The PPP/C’s investments in infrastructure, urban renewal, and hinterland connectivity are not only economic achievements, but also civic ones, opening up the country as a shared civics classroom for all citizens.
In this sense, domestic tourism fosters inclusive citizenship, reminding us that being Guyanese is larger than any ethnic affiliation.
If nurtured and expanded, domestic tourism can be one of our most powerful tools for unity, teaching us, in classrooms in the air, that we are, indeed, all part of One Guyana
Sincerely, Dr Walter H Persaud
The President, his Cabinet and practical politics
I KNOW of no political perspective found in any textbook on politics that rejects the format that successful political parties after an election fill their government with people who are the quintessential pillars of the organisation. For the past hundred years, around the world that was the blueprint after elections were won and in the next thousand years that formula will remain valid.
There are two pivotal criteria political parties use to select governments. One is trust. You need people in power whose overriding consideration is the protection of the administration that they serve. Trust comes from years of friendship. The second requirement is the role party loyalists played in electoral success and the factor of legitimate expectation that is encapsulated in that role.
I now quote from yesterday’s (Thursday) editorial in the Stabroek News (SN). “Will party stalwarts, APNU crossovers, and entrenched allies occupy the most powerful posts? Or will President Ali reset the tone by drawing from Guyana’s wide pool of talent?” There are times I think that SN has the most ignorant people in the entire world who write newspaper editorial.
Can SN name one government out of the 193 nations that are in the United Nations whose government does not consist of party stalwart and trusted friends and colleagues within the ruling party. Just identify the country and when you do the research on the ministers, you will see that they are party builders and party architects.
The SN asked President Ali if he will
Dear Editor,
SOMETIMES when things fall apart, they may be falling into place.
The Guyana General and Regional Elections 2025 are over and while some are rejoicing (PPP/C) , some are counting their blessings (WIN), a solitary thank you is being paid to lady luck (FGM), others are nursing their wounds (APNU), and there are those yet to recover after being battered, bruised and beaten (AFC)! Without any surprise, the ALP has quietly and gracefully accepted the hand of fate.
Rishi Sunak, the first Asian Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, lost the 2024 election and immediately resigned as the leader of the Conservatives. The Tories won 121 seats only and the Labour Party won a resounding 410 seats. Mr. Sunak said, “I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”
APNU and AFC were demolished at the elections and disintegrated from 31 seats to a mere 12 seats for APNU and 0 seats for the AFC, having run separately. They had both promised their electorates a rose garden. Will they now beg pardon? Their one-time supporters looked before they leaped and didn’t fall for no sweet talk because they knew still
have a government drawn from a wide pool of talent. That is not the exclusive role of the president or prime minister after any election is won. The government must be drawn from people that made the president or the prime minister successful. It is practical politics.
A prime minister or president does not fall from the skies and become the chief administrator of a nation. He is elected from voters and his colleagues in his party leadership spent millions of hours begging, cajoling and persuading voters to vote for their party colleague to be president or prime ministers because he is a good and better choice.
I don’t want a Guyanese who is the best engineer in the world to become the Minister of Public Works if he didn’t spend at least one minute, just one minute pleading with Guyanese to vote for Mohamed Irfaan Ali because Mohamed Irfaan Ali is an exceptional leader that will provide a great future for Guyana. Why SN thinks because he is the best engineer in the world he can just walk into government and have state power? That is ignorance of what politics is essentially about.
As I write today, the Cabinet has not been named but legitimate expectation, trust and service to the party that won the 2025 elections are indispensible factors in the selection of who gets high office. I have no doubt that President Ali will follow that basic, priceless rule in politics.
What is wrong with party loyalists being assigned leading roles in the government? There is no argument that can be advanced against that. It is successful election victory as what fire is to a cigarette. The point to high-
light about party heroes and party builders is that once in power, they must serve the people and maintain moral and financial straightness. Those are the criteria to be used when appointing a Cabinet but to cynically state that party loyalists should not be made ministers is not only stupid but unadulterated ignorance. I repeat – Presidents and Prime Ministers don’t fall from the skies and parachute themselves into power. Hard-working living humans put them into power by getting people to vote for them. Those hard-working party stalwarts should form the building blocks of government once success is achieved.
I would like to end on a light and factitious note. The SN points out that in the Cabinet there may be a few who should go because of age. I quote SN: “There may also be a few who are ripe for retirement.” I laughed when
on reading the editorial I came to those words. The last people that should talk about age and retirement are the Stabroek News. That newspaper has two persons that most definitely are the newspaper’s two favourite persons in the world – Christopher Ram and Mike Mc Cormack. They have unlimited latitude in the SN. Mr. Ram will be 80 next year. Mr. Mc Cormack is in his middle eighties. Should the SN retire them from its pages and look for younger minds? My answer is no. Age is just a word. But SN is not the people to talk about age and retirement.
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.
waters run deep. Humpty-Dumpty had a great fall and there is a huge vanishing point that’s gone with the wind!
The word is out that Aubrey Norton will not lead APNU in Parliament and will be replaced by Terrence Campbell. A slap in the face for long-time stalwart Ganesh Mahipaul, who was identified as the running candidate for vice president. Will Norton do the honourable thing and resign as leader of the PNCR? Perhaps, there is still hope for Mahipaul to finally rise to the head of the class! After all, isn’t he “kith and kin,” or, not so, through the green eyes of Hinds, Lewis, Benschop, Burke and Kwayana?
Mr. Sunak had immediately congratulated Keir Starmer on a resounding victory and to be his successor. He also apologised to the country and people saying, “To the country I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry.” Congratulatory messages and warm wishes are constantly flowing from world leaders and supporters at home and abroad. Will Norton, Hughes, Azmo, Broomes and Walton-Desir follow suit and congratulate Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali as the elected President and for winning the elections?
Incidentally, Mr. David Lammy, a British politician, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor on
5 September 2025. He is of Guyanese parents, David and Rosalind Lammy. His great grandmother migrated from India as part of the indenture system.
When the dust is settled, the scalpels from those who are voracious and unquenchable will bisect and dissect people, politicians, personalities, places, performances and parties. The insatiable seekers, some hungry, some angry, will also devour and digest popularities, priorities, promises and pronouncements. Will there be any learning lessons for those burnt? Will there be changes?
If anything, Guyana have realised that in this 2025 elections that Guyanese used their eyes to look through the lens of a telescope to find that a melting pot exists in this society; this nation has viewed an unnecessary fragmentation through a microscope; voters have used a periscope to rise to a higher level to see the light from the dark; the people have aided and abetted the help of a magnifying glass to decipher those who are honest and dishonest; with their conscience as a camera, Guyanese were able to capture the reflection of peace, progress and prosperity.
Guyana has looked up and seen a sky of hope and not a cloud of desperation and so, the electorate have placed their safe bet on the PPP/C, who have been tried, tested and re-
The electorate no longer turn their heads and pretend that they don’t see the PNC’s racism and violence, lies and dishonesty. No wonder there are so many who have crossed the line to happily join the PPP/C. Region Four alone is living proof.
The PPP/C and President Ali have used their ears and have heard the cry of the people. The President will climb any mountain and ensure that the aspirations of the people are not washed away by a sea of delusion as illustrated by the AFC. WIN has not walked down the road to be deemed a man as President Ali has been in the trenches with the PPP/C to be determined as man and machine and not a make believe or a mirage.
For those who are reading Red Wedding’s: “Let the dust settle, let them return back home, let them feast thinking everything is fine, once they start believing this, that will be the time to strike;” that day has ridden away in the far horizon without a setting sun.
The PPP/C is here to stay not only for another five years, but for many more years that many elders will be unable to reap and enjoy the fruits that the PPP/C will continue to plant.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
main true to their manifesto.
SSPDU is committed to enhancing communication, breaking barriers for PWDs
SINCE opening its doors in 2023, the Mahaica Learning Lab has become a central point for persons with disabilities to network, interact and engage with each other, learning, growing and overcoming obstacles and challenges.
The first of its kind in Guyana, the Learning Lab was designed with persons with disabilities (PWDs) in mind, providing free training for them in technical and vocational skills, including garment construction, social media management and Job Access and Speech (JAWS) for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and computer studies, among others.
Through the Learning Lab, which falls under the Support Services for Persons with Disabilities Unit (SSPDU) and by extension the Ministry of Human Services
and Social Security, there is a persistent effort to break barriers to communication and improve opportunities for PWDs by offering access to jobs and training opportunities.
In an interview at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s boardroom on Thursday, Coordinator of the SSPDU, Mahendra Budhram, highlighted that one of the things that was found in 2023 was that many persons with disabilities had difficulties in learning, as a result of a lack of access to education.
“There were barriers to access; one being that there were no ramps, so persons with mobility issues could not access the physical building itself. You had visually impaired persons who could not see on the board, so they were not able to follow as
well in any class, and those who are hearing impaired or had speech impairment
have similar issues also,” Mr. Budhram shared. To help in this area, they commenced
literacy and numeracy classes for PWDs.
The aim of these training opportunities, he said, is to give persons with disabilities a skill that will allow them to acquire a job or at least start a business in social media marketing, video and audio editing.
Beyond economic reasons, such opportunities are offered to boost the social interactions between PWDs. Budhram related that for many of the students, “it will be the first time that they are seeing each other, and we encourage them to form WhatsApp groups where they can communicate and keep that sort of friendship that they developed there ongoing,”
Alongside this, he mentioned a socio-economic workshop where PWDs are educated about gender-based violence (GBV) and men -
tal health techniques and are exposed to the basics in business.
A sign-language class, level one to three, is being taught. These classes comprise PWDs who are hearing impaired or speech impaired, public servants, and all other persons who interact with PWDs.
Moreover, the SSPDU is constantly training persons without disabilities how to care for PWDs, ensuring a more inclusive and friendly environment for them.
“So, we try to break down the barrier in terms of language or communication.
We may not do Braille, but we are going to look at sign language and look at other ways and other technology that can be used to break down that communication barrier,” Budhram said.
President Ali, ExxonMobil, Cerebras top brass discuss Guyana’s data centre agenda, AI vision
Coordinator of the Support Services for Persons with Disabilities Unit (SSPDU), Mahendra Budhram (Delano Williams photo)
President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with Alistair Routledge, the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, and Andrew Feldman, the CEO and Co-Founder of Cerebras, a technology company specialising in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and training. Discussions focused on advancing Guyana’s data centre agenda and its vision for data sovereignty (Photo: President Irfaan Ali/Facebook)
GRA seeks stay of judicial review, discharge of injunction on Lamborghini
–– pending determination of criminal charges against Azruddin Mohamed
–– judge set to rule on matters on October 31
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has filed a Notice of Application (NoA) with the Demerara High Court, asking that proceedings in a judicial review (JR) case involving a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ be stayed pending the outcome of criminal charges against importer Azruddin Mohamed, a United States-sanctioned businessman.
The Authority is also seeking to have an existing interlocutory injunction, which bars the GRA from seizing the luxury vehicle, discharged.
Filed through a team of attorneys-at-law, the application argued that it would be neither appropriate nor prudent for the High Court to assume jurisdiction over a claim for judicial review while criminal charges have been preferred against Mohamed based on the same facts.
The GRA contends that the key issues—whether Mohamed made a false declaration of the Lamborghini’s value and whether he knowingly engaged in tax evasion—will arise in both criminal and civil proceedings, creating a serious risk
of inconsistent findings that could bring the administration of justice into disrepute.
Mohamed initiated judicial review proceedings after the GRA demanded payment of the outstanding taxes, and moved to seize the Lamborghini Roadster SVJ.
The Authority further noted that Mohamed’s defence in the criminal proceedings, which hinges on his claim that he purchased the Lamborghini for US$75,000 and paid the correct duties of $48,968,035, forms the crux of the dispute. It would, the GRA contended, constitute an
abuse of process for him to litigate his criminal defence within the judicial review.
In an affidavit in defence filed on Wednesday, Mohamed stated that he is advised by his lawyers and believes there is ample judicial authority allowing a defendant in a criminal case to stay civil proceedings (excluding judicial review proceedings) to avoid being prejudiced by having to disclose their defence prematurely in the civil court, among other considerations.
“However, there is no authority to stay judicial review proceedings in favour of criminal proceedings
in these circumstances as the two concern wholly different subject matters and causes of action,” the embattled businessman submitted.
Mohamed argued that the proceedings in this JR matter are virtually complete, with evidence fully canvassed, written submissions filed, and oral arguments presented, leaving only the court’s ruling outstanding. He further argued that granting a stay at this stage would unfairly prejudice his right to have the alleged unlawful conduct of the GRA in 2025 vindicated.
The matters arose after the GRA reassessed the
declared value of the Lamborghini following receipt of documents from U.S. authorities under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act.
The evidence showed that the actual purchase price was US$695,000, far exceeding the US$75,300 declared at importation, resulting in the evasion of $383,383,345 in taxes.
Criminal charges have since been instituted against him under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, with hearings ongoing before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Mohamed is charged under the Customs Act with knowingly making and subscribing to a false declaration to the GRA on or about December 7, 2020, by declaring the purchase price of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ as US$75,300, while the authority contends the actual value of the vehicle was US$695,000.
According to the particulars of another charge, on or about December 7, 2020, at GRA’s Camp Street office, he fraudulently declared the value of the vehicle to be US$75,300 instead of $695, 000, which resulted in taxes in the sum of $383,383,345 being evaded.
In addition to the Lamborghini, the GRA has alleged that Mohamed and several family members significantly undervalued other luxury vehicles during importation, prompting the Authority to seek payment of approximately $1.2 billion in taxes.
In April 2025, the Full Court of Demerara denied the GRA’s application to overturn the injunction granted by Justice Gino Persaud, leaving the vehicles in the Mohamed family’s possession.
GRA has appealed the Full Court’s ruling.
The decision on the Judicial Review proceedings and the GRA’s Notice of Application is expected from Justice Persaud on October 31.
The Mohameds are represented by Attorneys-at-Law Siand Dhurjon and Damian Da Silva.
The GRA’s legal team is headed by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, former Senator and Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago, and includes Senior Counsel Robin Stoby, along with attorneys Maritha Halley, Judy Stuart-Adonis, Jason Moore, Fiona Hamilton, Ornise Gordon, and Nicklin Belgrave.
MMG announces major upgrades
MOBILE Money Guyana
(MMG) on Thursday announced a major digital upgrade that will deliver stronger security, simpler transactions, and several new features for all users. The upgrade takes effect from October 6, 2025. According to a press release, key upgrades include self-service options including resetting passwords, unlocking accounts, managing trusted devices among other features. MMG is also adding advanced encryption and safeguards to protect user data and passwords; more reliable bill settlements; advanced dashboards, reporting, and payment management for merchants; in-app coaching which will provide step-by step guidance and tips to help users explore features, complete transactions, and resolve common issues on their own.
more control and confidence when managing their money.”
Chief Executive Officer of MMG, Mark Singh explained, “This upgrade represents a new chapter for MMG. We are investing in stronger safeguards, smarter tools, and easier-to-use features that give our users
To prepare for the upgrade, all MMG services, including the current app, will be unavailable on October 4 and 5. Therefore, all users are strongly advised to plan and execute transactions ahead of time to avoid being affected by the 48-hour disruption, the release said.
“This temporary disruption is necessary to complete the system upgrade and to ensure a smooth transition to the new experience. Over the next
few weeks, we will continue to share updates about everything users need to know about the upcoming changes and benefits,”
Singh added.
For further enquiries, reach out to MMG via email mmgcommunication@mmg.gy and for regular updates, visit www.mmg.gy or follow MMG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Azruddin Mohamed
Justice Gino Persaud
GRA’s Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia
Poultry farmer Indira Simon reflects on her successful recovery after the devastating 2005 floods
By Michel Outridge
AS the soft grey light filtered through the tree canopy in St. Cuthbert’s Mission located along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, one would not know that a thriving poultry farm was located behind a cottage. The only sign of its existence was the newly constructed pen.
The owner, Indira Simon recently sat down with this publication to share her experience as a female farmer, a woman of confidence and grit as strong as steel. Her eyes brightened as she related her path to success.
For Simon, now 50 and a mother of two grown daughters, poultry farming is more than a livelihood — it is a testament to resilience, faith, and ingenuity.
FROM 150 BROILERS TO A THRIVING BUSINESS
Her journey began in 2001 with a modest investment of 150 broiler chicks and no formal training. “I knew little about poultry production, but I wanted to earn a little extra to support my family.”
The profits from her first batch were encouraging, sparking dreams of expansion. Yet as her flock grew, so too did the challenges. Then came the floods of 2005 — the kind of disaster that leaves
scares and reshapes ambition.
“During the 2005 floods, I had 450 broilers,” she recalled softly.
“Within a flash, I saw my investment washed away. I was heartbroken. I lost everything — the birds, the pens. But I didn’t give up.”
Like the Mahaica River that runs alongside her community, Simon’s spirit has always found a way to keep flowing.
BUILDING BACK SMARTER
By 2007, she was back in production, this time more determined to improve her methods. Still, recurring losses forced her to reach out to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) for technical support. That decision, she says, changed everything.
“With GLDA’s guidance, I redesigned my pens. Instead of the old V-shaped zinc roof, I now use the offset gable design, what we call the ‘Policeman Cap.’ With zinc sheets and the white plastic covering, the inside stays cooler, and my birds are healthier.”
She also tackled the problems of waterlogging and moisture that once killed her birds, sealing the pen’s foundation with construction plastic and adopting strict sanitation and biosecurity protocols. The results were immedi-
ate: fewer losses, healthier birds, and greater confidence.
“The extension officers, Dr. Nauth, Mr. Bhagwandin, and Mr. Hercules were a lifeline,” Simon said. “They don’t just give advice; they walk with you. We need more of their visits in rural communities like ours.”
DUCKS, EGGS, TRADITIONAL FOODS
Simon didn’t stop at broilers. Today, her small farm has more than 200 Muscovy ducks, which she hatches using traditional brooding methods. She also keeps layers that produce eggs for both family consumption and the market.
“I am proud of my ducks,” she said with a smile. “They are mostly grass-fed, and we avoid too many antibiotics. We produce food that we ourselves eat; safe and natural.”
Beyond poultry, Simon leans into her Indigenous heritage by producing quinches, cassareep, cassava bread, and piwari wine. These products are currently made in small batches, but she dreams of upgrading packaging and labelling so they can one day sit on supermarket shelves.
Her farm now carries an official name — Sky Poultry Farm — chosen in honor of her granddaugh-
ter. “This is my way of empowering her,” Simon said proudly. “I want her to grow up educated, independent, and entrepreneurial.”
CHALLENGES ON THE ROAD TO GROWTH
Like most small farmers in Guyana’s hinterland, Simon continues to battle two persistent hurdles: financing and transportation. Securing credit has been especially difficult.
She recalled a frustrating encounter at a commercial bank. “I went to negotiate a loan to expand, even though I have my account there. But the paperwork wasn’t friendly for a small farmer like me. I walked away with no support.”
That is why she welcomes the government’s recent announcement of an Agricultural Development Bank. “It gives hope to farmers like us who need access to capital but can’t manage the barriers of the traditional system,” she said.
Transportation costs, particularly for feed bought along the East Bank of Demerara, also eat into her profits. “The road network has improved, and that helps, but the cost of getting feed here is still high. It makes us less competitive, but we won’t give up.”
A FARMER’S LEGACY
Looking back on more than two decades of farming, Simon’s journey is one of hardship, learning, and perseverance. From
floods that swept away everything to the careful rebuilding of her pens, she has weathered storms, both literal and figurative, and has managed to come out stronger.
“I want people to know that despite the challenges, farming is a good life,” she said, her hands resting on the wooden gate of her duck pen. “It teaches you patience, discipline, and pride in what you produce. And most of all, it gives you independence.”
For the people of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Simon’s Sky Poultry Farm stands as more than a business. Today Ms. Simon has more than three production pens with a total capacity of 2, 000 birds.
It is a symbol of what happens when resilience meets opportunity, and a reminder that even in the most rural corners of Guyana, women are shaping the future of agriculture one brood, one duck, and one dream at a time.
Muscovy ducks in the citrus orchard
Farmer Indira Simon and her granddaughter, Sky feeding Muscovy ducks
Norton steps aside for Terrence Campbell to be APNU’s lead MP
FOLLOWING a crushing defeat at the polls and being stripped of its opposition status, Aubrey Norton, although remaining leader of the A Partnership of National Unity (APNU) will not be returning to parliament.
APNU’s lead Member of Parliament (MP) will be businessman Terrence Campbell, reliable sources have told this publication.
Campbell is a former member of the A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and is the person who once threatened to “break the hands”
of the APNU leader during coalition negotiations.
Just last year, Campbell publicly lambasted Norton’s leadership and declared the opposition coalition process “untenable.”
Campbell had served as an interlocutor between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and APNU during talks to revive the coalition.
Eventually the coalition talks fell through even with the AFC offering to settle for just 35 per cent of political representation. Now, he’s officially part of the team he once doubted.
Further, the party finalised its list of parliamentarians on Thursday and a number of APNU MPs will be returning.
APNU took a hit at the September 1 General and
Regional Elections as the party only secured 12 seats in parliament, losing its position as the main opposition. Meanwhile, newcomer, embattled businessman Azruddin Mohamed’s political
outfit, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) is set to become the main opposition. It will have 16 seats to fill based on the official results released by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
Based on the results, the WIN party flipped APNU’s strongholds, including Region 10 (Upper-Demerara-Berbice).
In the last parliament, the APNU and AFC held 31 seats in the National Assembly, forming the main parliamentary opposition, with 22 of those seats being held by APNU members.
Meanwhile, former APNU parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir’s party, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), picked up one seat.
Six political parties contested the polls this year, but the PPP/C’s strong showing across the ten administrative regions has solidified its mandate to govern for an additional five years.
Based on the results, the PPP/C will be returning to office with a substantial parliamentary majority having secured 36 of the 65 seats.
Cable vandalism leaves North Georgetown without service
–– One Communications calls for national action
CLEARLY fed up with consistent vandalism which has caused service interruptions to thousands of its customers, One Communications (Guyana) on Thursday pleaded with members of the public to report such acts, describing the situation as a national crisis that requires action from all stakeholders.
The latest incident occurred between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, leaving a major section of North and Central Georgetown without service. The thieves targeted communication cables, in what the company has described as one of the most severe disruptions for the year due to vandalism.
In a press release, the company confirmed that copper vandalism has surged in 2025, being now responsible for nearly half of all service interruptions.
“Alarmingly, vandals have also damaged sections of the fibre network, mistaking them for copper. This reckless destruction has left households and businesses disconnected, highlighting the growing seriousness of the issue,” the release stressed Further, Richard Stanton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Communications, said, “This is not simply theft, it is a direct attack on people’s ability to work, study, stay in touch with loved ones and feel safe in their communities.”
According to the press release, he added, “The vandals who struck in Bourda are part of a troubling national trend that is putting our entire communications network at risk.”
Documented incidents of cable vandalism stretch across Guyana, including in South and North Ruimveldt, Lodge, Werk en Rust, Albouystown, Bourda, South and North Cummingsburg, Subryanville, Kingston and several East Bank communities. Images and videos show cables slashed and poles stripped, sometimes during the daytime.
“One Communications is urging the public to play an active role by reporting any suspicious activity through hotline 0663 and by staying updated via the company’s social media channels.
“To strengthen the national response, One Communications is working in partnership with regulators including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Scrap Metal Unit and the Guyana Police Force to curb the trade in stolen copper and to bring perpetrators to justice,” the release said.
It added that while its emergency teams are working around the clock to restore service, the company is emphasising that a key long-term solution is customer migration to fibre in designated areas.
“These acts of vandalism undermine safety, disrupts
One Communications has been experiencing unprecedented vandalism of copper lines, resulting in major service disruptions in many communities. The company is appealing to the public for help to stop it (One Communications photo)
education, and slows economic growth,” the company added. “This is now a national crisis that requires collective action from all
stakeholders, law enforcement, regulators, businesses, communities, and citizens alike.”
Further, One Communica-
tions reassures its customers that despite these challenges, the company remains fully committed to delivering reliable and secure connectivity, and it used the opportunity to thank all its customers for their patience and co-operation as prevention and restoration efforts continue.
Chinese President sends congratulatory message to President Ali on re-election
ON September 10, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President Dr. Irfaan Ali on his recent re-election as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
According to a state-
friendly co-operation within the framework of high-quality Belt and Road co-operation and continuously promote China-Guyana relations to new heights, so as to bring greater benefits to the people of both countries.
ment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China,President Xi Jinping noted that Guyana was the first country in the Caribbean region to establish diplomatic relations with China.
China reminded of the over the 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. China-Guyana relations have since gained sound and stable development, with fruitful results in pragmatic co-operation across various fields and close coordination on multilateral affairs.
In July 2023, the two presidents met in Chengdu and reached important common understandings on the development of bilateral relations.
President Xi Jinping had expressed his readiness to work with President Ali to deepen mutually beneficial and
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Guyana have grown closer and more dynamic. The Chinese government has dispatched 20 medical
teams to Guyana since 1993, providing healthcare to over 1,310,000 patients, treating more than 30,000 critically ill cases, and performing over 70,000 surgeries. The Confucius Institute at the University of Guy-
ana has played a vital role in cultivating local Chinese language talents and advancing China-Guyana cultural exchanges since its establishment in 2014.
journalists, policemen, and engineers have undertaken professional and technical training in China, emerging as key participants, beneficiaries, and promoters of China-Guyana peopleto-people exchanges.
In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Guyana reached US$1.4 billion, up 14.3 per cent year-on-year and nearly four times higher than in 2019. China’s direct investment in Guyana also surged from US$256 million in 2019 to US$10.6 billion in 2024, representing a fortyfold increase. Signature projects, including the New Demerara River Bridge, six regional hospitals, and the China-aided China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park, will become iconic landmarks of the ever-growing China-Guyana friendship. Chinese enterprises have fulfilled social responsibilities by creating nearly 5,000 jobs for the local community and actively participating in public welfare activities, such as poverty alleviation, educational assistance, and charitable donations.
Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali with Chinese President Xi Jinping back in 2023
Woman acquitted of manslaughter charge 12 years after reputed husband’s death
- judge accepts self-defence claim
AFTER 12 years before the courts, 34-year-old Dacia Bourne has been acquitted of manslaugh-
ter in connection with the death of her reputed husband, 35-year-old Clifford Singh.
According to Bourne’s attorney, Kiswana Jefford of the law firm Hughes, Fields and Stoby, the ac-
quittal was secured after the High Court Judge, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, accepted that Bourne acted in self-defence.
Jefford explained that the trial ended when Justice Barlow directed the jury to return a formal notguilty verdict, bringing the long-running legal matter to a close.
Upon her arraignment, Bourne maintained her innocence by pleading not guilty.
Bourne, then 22, was charged with murder and remanded to prison. The charge was later reduced to manslaughter in the Magistrates’ Court, after which she was granted bail.
During the proceedings, the court heard evidence of a deeply troubled and abusive relationship between Bourne and Singh.
The defence relied on Bourne’s caution statement to police, which consistently asserted that she had acted in self-defence on the night of the incident.
The caution statement detailed that on the evening in question, Bourne left home to purchase something for their baby. During her absence, Singh allegedly placed their newborn on the steps of her
grandmother’s home. After Bourne retrieved the child and returned home, Singh dragged her from her bed, kicking and striking her in the head.
A violent struggle followed, during which Singh sustained injuries and later died.
Jefford emphasised that the prosecution’s own evidence supported Bourne’s account. “The State failed to establish that she acted unlawfully. In fact, the caution statement produced by the prosecuting team, established Bourne’s defence of self-defence,” the attorney said.
With no case left to answer, the jury was directed to acquit Bourne.
Jefford also noted that while Guyana does not recognise battered women’s syndrome (BWS) as a standalone legal defence, the outcome of this case underscored the importance of established legal defences such as self-defence, provocation, or temporary insanity, particularly for women facing prolonged abuse.
Police reported that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Singh, whose body was discovered with suspected
marks of violence at about 02:15 hrs on August 14, 2013, at Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Following the discovery, the couple’s then 10-month-old baby boy was removed from the house by the police.
A neighbour, who requested anonymity, told the Guyana Chronicle that shortly before 02:00 hrs she was awakened by screaming. Looking outside, she said she saw a woman striking a man lying on the ground with what appeared to be a piece of wood.
According to the neighbour, the assault continued with about six more blows before the woman’s cellphone rang. She answered the call and then ran off in the direction of the railway embankment.
The witness said that she and another resident later went onto the road, where they discovered their neighbour, Singh, lying motionless.
He appeared dead, she recalled, describing his body as being on its back with his eyes open, his face disfigured, his teeth missing, and severe head injuries evident.
Dacia Bourne
Clifford Singh
Justice Jo-Ann Barlow
British High Commission hosts open day for prospective Chevening scholars
THE British High Commission in Guyana hosted its annual open day and information session, targetting prospective Chevening Scholarship recipients.
This versed session sought to inform persons age 18 and older about what to expect throughout the application process, interviews, and during their time in the United Kingdom (UK) as a Chevening Scholar.
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme, offering fully funded scholarships to talented individuals with ideas and influence to lead positive change. Chevening provides the education, network, and confidence to support scholars in building a better future.
A set living allowance is provided, allowing students to focus on achieving their professional goals, while also enjoying the experience.
In addition to the living allowance and fully funded tuition fees for a one-year master’s course, scholars are provided with return flights to the UK, access to exclusive networking events, internships, events, and volunteering opportunities, and an international community of global alumni.
During the open day, Chevening Officer for Guyana and Suriname, Keron Hercules explained that the main goal of this reputable scholarship programme is to support information and awareness for persons to know that the opportunity to study in the UK in a one-year master’s programme is possible.
“So, it's very important, because the UK does believe in collaboration, youth development and education is a great
way to promote development.
The UK is always looking to develop future leaders, as you can see throughout the years, especially for persons who have met the High Commissioner. She's always promoting her love for Guyana, and the UK government is no different when it comes to the scholarship programme,” Hercules said.
Through the scholarship programme, Guyanese Maria Fraser, Rae Wiltshire, Deborah Lambert, Naomi Lall, Ga -
and business, among several other areas.
Hercules stated, “So, it's a wide demographic because we're looking to not limit persons' potential, because we see leaders in each and every industry in Guyana. So, this is one of the great things about Chevening.”
He underscored that Chevening has continued to garner interest, not only in Guyana, but globally. Last year, he posited, there were over 100,000 applicants, with over
brielle McKenzie, Johnathan Barakat, and Marissa Foster and Surinamese national Anyely Diaz Felix were selected as this year’s Chevening Scholars. Over the years more, than 200 Guyanese have benefitted from the Chevening Scholarship programme. With over 160 partner universities on board with the programme, scholars can choose any programme to study, whether it’s in education, public health, media and arts studies, fashion
100 persons applying from Guyana. This number continues to grow.
To apply, persons must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, agree to return home for a minimum of two years after completing their degree, must have an undergraduate degree, enabling them to apply for a postgraduate course at a UK University, must have at least two years’ work experience, and must not have previously studied in the UK
through a government-funded scholarship. For the full list of criteria persons are advised to visit Chevening.org/eligibility.
While this was the only open day announced by the British High Commission, Hercules said persons can
contact the High Commission or visit the Chevening website for more information.
Additionally, he mentioned the AI chatbot, which was launched last year, where persons can ask questions and receive answers.
Applications for the Chevening Scholarship is currently open until October 7, 2025. For more details persons can visit Guyana (Chevening Scholarship) | Chevening .
Chevening Officer for Guyana and Suriname, Keron Hercules
Over the years more, than 200 Guyanese have benefitted from the Chevening Scholarship programme (Delano Williams photos)
Angoy’s Avenue to get new boxing gym
Regional
CONSTRUCTION
is set to commence shortly on a new $47 million boxing gym in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Region Six, marking a significant step in the government’s continued efforts to promote youth development and harness local sporting talent.
The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, aims to provide a modern and fully equipped facility dedicated to training young boxers and fostering a culture of discipline, resilience, and athletic excellence. Once completed, the gym is expected to serve aspiring athletes not only from Angoy’s Avenue but from surrounding communities as well.
Regional
Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain, along with officials from the ministry, on Thursday visited the location in the Mount Sinai Commu-
nity Ground, where he emphasised that the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to invest in grassroots sports infrastructure, with the goal of identifying and developing talent from an early age. According to him, the new facility will include training areas, among other sections.
The project is also expected to create short-term employment during the construction phase, and long-term positions for coaches once the gym becomes operational.
Local boxing enthusiasts and community leaders have welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that the facility will produce the next generation of champions and restore the sport’s prominence in the region.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain checks out the section of the Mount Sinai Community Ground where the boxing gym will be built
West Indian among all women’s line up for Women’s ODI WC
CANDACE la Borde and Jacqueline Williams are among a host of all female line up of match officials for the upcoming women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
On Thursday, the ICC announced the panel of four match referees and 14 umpires, featuring women from nine countries for the tournament that runs from September 30 to November 2.
The match referees are Trudy Anderson (New Zealand), Shandre Fritz (South Africa), GS Lakshmi (India) and Michell Pereira (Sri Lanka).
The on-field and TV umpires are Sue Redfern (England), Claire Polosak and Eloise Sheridan (Australia), Candace la Borde and Jacqueline Williams (West Indies), Kim Cotton (New Zealand), Sarah Dambanevana (Zimbabwe), Shathira Jakir Jesy (Bangladesh), Kerrin Klaaste and Lauren Agenbag (South Africa), N Janani, Vrinda Rathi and Gayathri Venugopalan (India) and Nimali Perera (Sri Lanka).
Among them, Polosak, Williams and Redfern will be appearing in their third women's ODI World Cups, while Agenbag and Cotton will be at their second.
Three recent eventsthe 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the two most recent women's T20 World Cups - also featured all-female panels of match officials.
Panel of match officials
Match referees: Trudy Anderson, Shandre Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michelle Pereira
Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Candace la Borde, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Gayathri Venugopalan, Jacquline Williams
"This marks a defining moment in the journey of women's cricket, one that we hope will pave the way for many more trailblazing stories across all facets of the sport," ICC president Jay Shah said in a statement. "The inclusion of an all-women panel of match officials is not only a major milestone but also a powerful reflection of the ICC's unwavering commitment to advancing gender equity across cricket.
"This development goes beyond symbolic value. It is about visibility, opportunity, and the creation of mean-
ingful role models who can inspire future generations. By highlighting excellence in officiating on the global stage, we aim to spark aspiration and reinforce that leadership and impact in cricket know no gender.
"We are honoured to recognise a new chapter in the growth of the women's game. We believe the influence of this initiative will resonate far beyond this tournament, motivating more women worldwide to pursue officiating careers and helping redefine what's
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
SANDOWN
09:00 hrs Schrodinger's Cat
09:35 hrs Lipsink
10:10 hrs Enchanted Queen
10:45 hrs Suspended Sentence
11:15 hrs Crown Board
11:50 hrs Sunlit Uplands
12:25 hrs Beach Point
DONCASTER
08:15 hrs Duraji
08:50 hrs Hankelow
09:25 hrs Lady Iman
10:00 hrs Sweet William
10:40 hrs Cape Flora
11:10 hrs Classic Cuvee
11:45 hrs Art Lover
12:20 hrs Rock Opera
SALISBURY
10:25 hrs Awaken
11:03 hrs Evanesco
11:35 hrs Dublin Bay
12:10 hrs Castrillo
12:45 hrs Under The Twilight
13:15 hrs Silver Wrath 13:45 hrs Palladium
possible within the game."
The 13th women's ODI World Cup begins with hosts India and Sri Lanka facing off on September 30. Defending champions Australia will take on New Zealand on October 1.
Each team will play the other seven teams once with the top four moving into the semi-finals.
The matches will be played in Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai and Colombo with the final scheduled for November 2.
14:15 hrs Relocal
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS FAIRVIEW
08:30 hrs Walkonthewildside
09:05 hrs Green Isle
09:40 hrs Cosmic Cliffs 10:15 hrs Party Girl 10:45 hrs Swiss Walt
IRISH RACING TIPS BALLINROBE
10:55 hrs Walkestone 11:25 hrs Korinthia 12:00 hrs Lord Ffrench
12:30 hrs Ad Caelum
13:00 hrs Mizzies Sister 13:30 hrs My Friend The Wind 14:00 hrs Itsalonglongroad
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Friday September 12, 2025)
United Nations Supports Staging of 2025
WIFA Regional Women’s Football Tournament
THE United Nations Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean congratulate the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA), hosts of the 2025 Regional Women’s Football Tournament slated to take place September 14 – 20, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, we reaffirm the UN’s founding principles of peace, dignity, and equality, anchored in a vision of inclusive development and empowerment.
This is exemplified in women's active participation in sports, where every woman and girl has the right to lead, compete, and thrive.
“The Caribbean is a collection of communities, of which sport is a vital component. This is critical as sport can drive social change through promoting fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for everyone,” said Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
One year after Hurricane Beryl, Caribbean islands have shown extraordinary strength. Sports, and football in particular, have remained a cornerstone of the Caribbean community, bringing people together, lifting spirits, and helping communities heal. The United Nations is pleased to partner with the
WIFA Women’s Tournament, which will also serve as a powerful platform for women and girls to lead, inspire, and play ball!
“This event is more than a competition; it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and recovery," said Isiuwa Iyahen, Head of Office a.i. UN Women Multi-Country OfficeCaribbean.
“As we approach Beijing+30, your dedication on this field reflects how far we have come and reminds us of the journey ahead to secure equal opportunities for women and girls in all arenas, including sports. To each athlete here, your strength and skill are not only breaking barriers in football but also
inspiring a new generation of women leaders, proving that true progress happens when women are visible, valued, and victorious—on and off the pitch."
As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, we are encouraged in the fact that this tournament exemplifies its key priorities.
These include, creating a space where women lead on and off the field, amplifying women’s voices in decision-making, and creating access to equal opportunities
for growth, education, and visibility. The UN team remains committed to supporting member states to further accelerate efforts towards achieving gender equality.
UNESCO’s International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport, also recognises a fundamental right to physical education, physical activity and sport, including at all supervision and decision-making levels. It further specifies that “equal opportunity to participate … is the right of every girl and every woman that must be actively enforced.”
Global evidence shows that sport has the capacity to propel gender equality, mobilise the global community,
and bridge national barriers and cultural differences. It is also a powerful advocacy tool to convey important messages to mass audiences.
To every woman, girl, and supporter involved in this important tournament, your participation goes beyond the scoreboard. It is a bold statement that equality, resilience, and unity will define our future.
Every match played is not only for a trophy, but for a promise of a bright future for every girl in the Caribbean.
As our region rebuilds, investing in women and girls in sports is an investment in stronger, fairer, and more resilient communities.
(PRESS RELEASE)
Motie, King only two west Indians in SA20 auction
Gudakesh Motie will play for the Royals in the 2025/26 SA20
CMC – BRANDON King and Gudakesh Motie were the only two West Indies players picked up in the 2025/26 SA20 auction which took place on Tuesday.
While 28 West Indians submitted their names for the auction, with Season 4 of the T20 tournament set to bowl off on December 26, 2025, only Motie and King were drafted.
Motie, a left-arm spinner, was picked up by the Paarl Royals for R375,000 (US$21, 437.41), while King, an explosive batsman,
was bought by the Joburg Super Kings for R200,000 (US$11, 435.62). They will be joined by several other West Indians, who were picked up prior to the auction.
Nicholas Pooran was a pre-signing for MI Cape Town, while the Super Kings and Pretoria Capitals secured the services of Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford respectively, via pre-signings. Sunil Narine was also a pre-signing for Durban’s Super Giants, while Andre Russell was picked up by the Capitals as a wild card.
Bangladesh put through the rigors in Hong Kong win
BANGLADESH collected the points they came for, but not without a proper workout against Hong Kong in Thursday's Asia Cup clash in Abu Dhabi.
Litton Das led their chase of 144 with 59 while Towhid Hridoy contributed an unbeaten 35. Boundaries dried up through the middle overs, but Bangladesh found a way to win. Once Hong Kong's intensity waned, Litton broke free, going from 26 off 24 to fifty off 33 balls.
Hong Kong's second game in the Asia Cup, though, was far more productive than their first. After being held to 94 for 9 against Afghanistan, they posted a more competitive 143 for 7 thanks to Zeeshan Ali's 30, Nizakat Khan's 42, and a brisk 28 from captain Yasim Murtaza. But the 95run third-wicket stand between Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy ruined Hong Kong's chances of an upset.
Bangladesh's win was their first T20I victory in Abu Dhabi. Hong Kong remain winless in Asia Cup matches.
Litton, Hridoy put on a show.
Bangladesh's chase began with a glimpse of their new hitting intent. Parvez Hossain Emon raced to 19 off 13 before miscuing a slower delivery from Ayush Sharma to deep midwicket in the third over. Tanzid Hasan then fell in the sixth over, when he edged Ateeq Iqbal with Nizakat completing a sharp catch.
Hong Kong, guilty of four dropped chances in their opener against Afghanistan,
held on to their catches on Thursday. But the damage came elsewhere: the extras conceded - 11 at the time and 17 in all - allowed Bangladesh to motor to 51 for 2 in the powerplay.
From there, Litton and Hridoy settled into accumulation. Between overs eight and 12, they failed to clear
shifted gears in the 13th over with two fours, lifting his strike rate from the low 100s to finish at 151.28.
With only two runs needed, he was bowled trying for a big finish, but his job was already done.
Tanzim leads the bowling effort
four overs. Taskin Ahmed, though more expensive, provided timely support by removing Anshy Rath in the powerplay and Aizaz Khan at the death.
The spinners had their moments too. Rishad Hossain was initially not allowed to settle via the sweeps and reverse-sweeps, but he hit
the boundary against spin and medium-pace, yet their urgency between the wickets meant the asking rate never touched eight an over. The pair ran 11 twos, while Bangladesh's total of 16 twos was their second-highest in a T20I.
In the heat, the constant sprinting drained them, but it also squeezed Hong Kong out of the contest. Litton
Tanzim Hasan Sakib set the tone after Bangladesh opted to bowl. Bowling in the early 140kph range, he first produced a late-swinging delivery that snuck past Babar Hayat's defensive push and hit the stumps, before later dismissing Zeeshan with a rising ball that caught the splice and looped tamely to cover. He finished with 2 for 21 in
back strongly in his final over - the 19th over of the first innings - by dismissing Nizakat and trapping Kinchit Shah lbw off successive balls.
Even though their bowling was not perfect, there was enough to give them satisfaction and left them with enough takeaways to improve upon before their next game against Sri Lanka.
Litton Das and his Towhid Hridoy run between the wickets • Sep 11, 2025 • Getty Images
Madrid to host 2027 Champions league final
(BBC) - Madrid will host the 2027 men's Champions League final - with Warsaw to stage the women's final.
Atletico Madrid's 70,000-capacity Estadio Metropolitano has been awarded the men's showpiece after Milan's San Siro was stripped of the honour.
Uefa decided to reopen bidding for the event amid concerns about refurbishment plans at the San Siro
- and the match will now take place in the Spanish capital.
Madrid's Estadio Metropolitano last hosted the Champions League final in 2019, when Liverpool beat Tottenham. The women's final will be staged in Poland's capital, at Warsaw's Stadion Narodowy.
Uefa also announced that the Super Cup match in 2026 will take place in Salzburg, Austria.
Uefa took the decisions at a
meeting of its executive committee in Tirana in Albania where it also discussed requests from Spain and Italy's football associations to play domestic league matches abroad but did not come to a decision on the issue.
"The committee acknowledged it as an important and growing issue but expressed the desire to ensure that it has the views of all stakeholders before coming to a final
decision," said a Uefa statement.
"There are many issues to resolve and as the European governing body, Uefa has a responsibility to take all such factors into account.
"As a result, no decision was taken today but Uefa will undertake a round of consultation with all stakeholders in European footballincluding fans."
The executive committee did approve an amendment to the 2025-
26 Uefa club competitions' regulations that will permit clubs to temporarily replace one outfield player with a long-term injury or illness in their squads during the league phase until matchday six.
Uefa said: "The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure."
Paris Saint-Germain are kings of Europe
CPL releases final batch of tickets for qualifiers
THE Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is delighted to announce that the final batch of tickets has been released for two of the most exciting days of cricket this season. Fans can now purchase tickets online and at the box office for qualifier one and qualifier two on September 17 and 19 respectively.
On Wednesday September 17 from 8pm, the top two teams from the preliminary phase of the tournament will battle for a place directly in the final.
Then, on Friday September 19, the team that did not win in qualifier one will take on the winner of the eliminator. The eventual winner will head to the final which is slated for Sunday September 21.
Tickets are available now online at cplt20.com and at the Amazon Warriors Box Office at 233234 Camp Street, Georgetown.
Fans are encouraged to secure their seats quickly, as demand for these blockbuster matches is expected to be high.
Candace la Borde
Jacqueline Williams
Tickets for the Republic Bank CPL qualifier one and two at the box office are on sale
