- President Ali says; affirms PPP/C’s commitment to taking Guyana to greater heights - breaking barriers that hinder the achievement of a unified nation
PPP/C set to launch high-energy ‘Forward Together for a Better Guyana’ campaign today
- with broad-based national support
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has stated that preparations for Monday’s Nomination Day at the Umana Yana, Georgetown, are well underway.
A press statement issued by the commission on Saturday noted that this milestone in the electoral calen -
dar marks the official submission of lists of candidates by political parties contesting the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Nomination Day will be from 10:00 hrs-14:00 hrs. GECOM said it is coordinating all logistical and procedural arrangements to ensure
a “smooth, transparent, and inclusive” nomination process in line with the legal framework and established guidelines.
As previously stated in the General Notice on June 22, 2025, GECOM reiterated that all political parties intending to contest the elections are encouraged to submit their lists during the
designated period. According to GECOM, its Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud, will be on-site to receive submissions, verify documents, and provide guidance on any clarifications as required.
The Elections Commission said that upon the successful submission of a complete
nomination package, GECOM will issue an acknowledgement to all parties.
The process will be conducted with strict adherence to electoral procedures, considering order of arrival, document verification, and stakeholder coordination, the press release noted.
“GECOM encourages all parties and supporters to adhere and
respect the established protocols.
GECOM will provide a structured environment conducive to the peaceful and respectful participation of all contesting political entities. GECOM requests respect for the democratic process and contribution to a peaceful and dignified atmosphere throughout the day,” the release concluded.
AS Guyana heads into the September 1 General and Regional Elections, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is not just maintaining its strongholds but also gaining further momentum, drawing unprecedented support across ethnic and geographic lines, as opposition parties scramble to reignite the electorate’s interest and trust.
Today, thousands are expected to gather at the Kitty Market Square
has also delivered proven results.
Since taking office in 2020, the tangible accomplishments of the PPP/C government have begun to take shape. During the critical 2020 elections, the party made a series of pledges to the Guyanese electorate; among them, creating more jobs, eliminating over 300 taxes imposed by the former APNU+AFC administration, restoring the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and advancing the education, housing,
restoration of the Joint Services bonus are also among other key accomplishments for this government.
The implementation of a comprehensive infrastructure plan, the stimulation of non-oil investments, the rollout of a transformative healthcare agenda, including 12 new hospitals, and the advancement of the LCDS 2030 are additional key achievements of the ruling PPP/C. The government has also implemented a range of tax cuts and
in Georgetown as the PPP/C officially launches its campaign under the banner “Forward Together for a Better Guyana.” The official launch will be headlined by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, his running mate, Prime Minister (ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
The launch is expected to kick off from 15:00h and will see a plethora of speakers from the party outlining their vision to continue leading Guyana on its rapid developmental trajectory for the next five years. At his weekly press conferences and community engagements, Dr Jagdeo has consistently highlighted that the party has not only campaigned on promises but
and health sectors.
Today, not only have these promises been fulfilled, but the government has gone even further, implementing additional social and economic programmes that continue to transform the lives of citizens across the country. Additionally, the government has created over 60,000 new jobs, a remarkable achievement when compared to the previous administration’s tenure, which was marked by significant job losses.
Another major accomplishment has been the steady increase in wages for public sector workers. The doubling of the old-age pension, and the restoration and expansion of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for all schoolchildren and the
relief measures aimed at improving citizens’ lives. These include the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on machinery and equipment, water and electricity, data services, hinterland travel, and several other essential goods and services.
There has also been a reduction in personal income tax rates, a doubling of the income tax threshold, tax-free allowances and the corporate tax has been abolished for private health and education providers to spur development. In the construction industry, there has also been the removal of VAT on a range of materials.
Ahead of Nomination Day and the official launch of the party’s campaign, Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that the party is not focused on optics but on making steady progress within all communities.
“Our support is intact in a lot of these communities and they are enthusiastic; the young Amerindian kids, the older folks, because they have seen the changes; in the Afro-Guyanese community, we have a lot of groups everywhere,” he said.
As he spoke further on the multiracial PPP’s unifying campaign, he said, “We're looking forward to the
launch, we're are looking forward to carrying our list on Monday, and we're looking to winning the elections and then resuming work the day after the elections because we have not stopped working from the first day we took office.
“We have not stopped. If you… go back and look at the images, from the first day we took office, August 2nd, 2020, we've been on the road all the time, every single day, high energy; pushing, transforming communities, getting things done, etc.”
Ahead of the PPP/C’s campaign launch today, Jagdeo told reporters: “Our launch will be different… We’re talking about changing this country for all our people.”
Further, he said, “We are not looking to surprise the country on Monday. We’re not dealing with optics politics. So, when they picked their prime ministerial candidate for the APNU, I saw them saying, ‘Oh, it’s diversity.’ Your entire campaign is about racism and exclusion,” he said.
According to Jagdeo, more Guyanese are recognising the PPP/C’s efforts to improve the lives of all, and as a result, more people are approaching party officials to offer their assistance.
--Minister Walrond tells citizens to examine party’s track record; don’t fall for flashy slogans, fantasy economics -- Dean of UG’s Faculty of Engineering & Technology urges young people to stay the course with the PPP/C
WHILE standing firm on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s track record, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, tore into the opposition’s legacy of subpar performance and prioritising self-interests.
At a public meeting in Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, on Friday last, Walrond reminded citizens that the September 1 General and Regional Elections are about which party has truly passed the test, and firmly stated that the PPP has already done so.
Minister Walrond reflected on the country’s history and pointed out how the PPP rescued Guyana after the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) - now the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU)-left Guyana in an economic blackhole.
“There was no kind of development,” Walrond
stated, as she urged young people not to fall for the opposition’s empty promises. Reflecting on the APNU+AFC’s most recent term in office, she did not mince words in criticising their underperformance between 2015 and 2020. Labelling the former administration as “callous,” she reminded citizens that not only did they fail to deliver on their flurry of extravagant promises, but they also revoked critical social benefits that had been implemented by the
PPP. Among these were the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for children, and water and electricity subsidies for pensioners-initiatives, she emphasised, that were stripped away from the most vulnerable.
In addition to what she described as a grave injus-
tice to the people, Walrond reminded the electorate that the APNU+AFC government gave itself a salary increase shortly after taking office.
Since the PPP returned to office in 2020 under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Walrond noted, the country has seen a renewed sense of unity, the breaking down of barriers, and significant development across the nation. She also affirmed that the PPP remains true to the philosophy of its founder, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and continues to work every day to improve the lives of all Guyanese.
“The PPP/C government is a party that has been tried and tested. Tried and trusted. This party is a party that is trustworthy.
We are not a fly-by-night party,” she said.
While stressing that trust is earned, not promised, the minister warned voters against being seduced by flashy slogans and fantasy economics.
“If you're going to vote, you're going to put your life in the hands of a party that makes decisions about your future, it has to be a party with a track record, a sound track record,” she further stated, positioning the PPP/C as the party that checks all the boxes.
The Tourism Minister also pushed back against the opposition’s repeated excuse for their poor performance - the lack of oil revenuesemphasising that the PPP/C had competently managed Guyana’s economy even without the benefit of an oil
windfall.
The numbers back her up, as under the PPP/C’s stewardship, Guyana now boasts one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios in the region.
“Let us not stop this growth, this trajectory upward that we are on, and vote the PPP/C government back in for another term because I believe we'll be robbing ourselves if we don't,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dean of the University of Guyana's Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kofi Dalrymple, told citizens that the PPP/C does not make empty promises and, based on its track record, works assiduously to better the quality of life for all.
Appealing to young people, he pointed to the basket full of opportunities for them under the current government and reminded them how the previous coalition administration had sidelined them.
He said, “It's time to move forward. Let me say this loud and clear: we cannot build a future with a party that is stuck in the past. We have to move forward, and we are going to move forward with the PPP/C.
“So, to the young people here tonight, I say this: this is your time. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow. You are the builders of today. So, take your turn, shape this country, lead it and own it because this government is ready to walk with you, to invest in you and to build with you.”
AS momentum builds toward the official campaign launch, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, has reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) commitment to inclusive representation.
The minister’s remarks come as the party prepares for its highly anticipated campaign launch on Sunday, followed by Nomination Day on Monday, July 14, ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
She shared these comments during a recent appearance on Guyana Dialogue, where she highlighted the enthusiasm, strong organisation, and widespread support seen across various regions as party members and supporters prepared for the key events.
According to Ro -
drigues, the party’s list of candidates for the upcoming elections showcases a broad cross-section of Guyanese society. She said this approach continues to reflect the PPP/C’s belief in creating space for all voices in the democratic process.
“We are very proud of the list of candidates that we will put up for the election,” Rodrigues stated. “The PPP/C slate always has Guyanese from all walks of life — all ethnicities, religions, young people, seniors. The list will be reflective of Guyana.”
The official campaign launch is expected to unveil the party’s plans for the country, with a focus on grassroots development, improved service delivery, and inclusive governance.
Nomination Day, a critical milestone in the electoral process, will see
the formal submission of candidates’ names to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
“We are excited as we are approaching Nomination Day on July 14. Just the day before that, we would be officially launching our campaign. That is usually a massive event, and we anticipate that this year would be no different,” Rodrigues said.
She added: “If it is any different, it will be even more massive than the previous year. We are looking forward to a very large rally, campaign launch. I know that all of our supporters and well-wishers are looking forward to hearing from President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips...”
“We will be on two days of high energy…”
she said, noting that Nomination Day is “very big” for the PPP/C. Minister Rodrigues explained: “Usually tens of thousands of people join us as we take to the streets to walk to GECOM to hand in our list of candidates. It is always lovely to join ordinary Guyanese who come along with us on that journey.”
Endorsements for President Dr. Irfaan Ali to serve another term in office have flooded social media in the days leading up to the party’s campaign launch, alongside images and videos of supporters in red t-shirts, waving flags, and rallying in caravans and community meetings.
As the PPP/C pursues re-election, the party has vowed to advance policies aimed at improving the lives of all Guyanese.
WITH the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections fast approaching, excitement is building, nationwide, for the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s campaign launch at the Kitty Market Square today.
This event is expected to be more than just a political rally. It will celebrate significant achievements, and boldly declare the party's readiness to keep transforming Guyana. The PPP/C enters this campaign season with strong momentum and great success under its belt. They have delivered on over 90% of their commitments from the 2020 Manifesto.
This impressive record sets them apart in a political landscape where other parties struggle to earn voter trust. The party has created around 50,000 to 60,000 new jobs, provided
over 50,000 house lots, funded scholarships for nearly 30,000 Guyanese through the GOAL programme, and doubled the old-age pension.
These numbers reflect real-life changes and dreams realised. The success of the party and its inclusive nature have served as a magnet for Guyanese of all walks of life. While opposition parties deal with internal turmoil, and loss of membership, the PPP/C has seen exciting growth.
The party's youth arm has grown to over 15,000 members, showing the strong appeal of their vision for Guyana's future.
General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that the party has more than doubled its delegate count from when they were in opposition to their 32nd Congress, with more than half of these delegates coming from
regions where they had little presence before.
This growth reflects a clear understanding of modern politics. The PPP/C is not only holding onto its support, but also making significant inroads. The party has built organisational structures in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten, which traditionally lacked a strong PPP/C presence.
This strategic expansion shows the party's dedication to genuinely representing all Guyanese; not just their usual strongholds. The diversity and inclusivity found in the PPP/C sharply contrast with the splintered image of the opposition. As the only truly multiracial party in Guyana, the PPP/C has formed a political organisation that mirrors the nation’s diverse ethnic makeup.
This diversity is not just
for show; it is a core part of the party's identity, and crucial to its vision of "One Guyana", where every citizen benefits from national progress.
The campaign launch will highlight a party that has reformed governance.
Under President Dr. Irfaan Ali's leadership, the PPP/C has removed over 200 heavy taxes imposed by the previous APNU+AFC administration, cut VAT from essential services, and wisely invested oil revenues in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The outcomes are evident: Miles of new highways, 12 new hospitals under construction, and free tertiary education at the University of Guyana, among other things.
Most importantly, the PPP/C has shown that good governance means more than just making promises; it means delivering on
them. They promised to lift the tax burden on working families, and they did.
They said they would create jobs, and they exceeded their goals. They committed to restoring dignity to the public service by raising salaries and providing bonuses that the previous administration had taken away.
The upcoming campaign will further solidify the PPP/C’s status as the natural choice for Guyanese voters. With a detailed Manifesto shaped by public input and proven policies, the party presents real solutions for everyday challenges.
Their investment plans for small investors, support for the sugar industry, and ongoing infrastructural development offer a clear path to prosperity that other parties cannot match.
As the election on September 1 approaches, the choice
for Guyanese voters becomes clearer. On the one hand, there is a party with a solid record of delivery, a diverse and growing membership, and a vision for an inclusive future.
On the other side are opposition parties facing internal struggles, shrinking membership, and a history of unfulfilled promises.
The PPP/C’s campaign launch today will not only officially kick off their election campaign, but also celebrate what effective governance looks like, and preview the continued progress awaiting Guyana.
With their unmatched achievements and steadfast commitment to all Guyanese, the PPP/C is ready for the election, and prepared to keep building a modern, prosperous, and inclusive Guyana that voters truly deserve.
Dear Editor,
AS the PPP/C members proudly wear the colourful red, they have nothing to fear as the election date draws near. Come Sunday, the panoramic Kitty Market Square will be transformed with the kaleidoscopic faces into an impressive Kodak view, outnumbering the poor, porous and petty turnout at the Cuffy Square.
The thrilling turnout at Leonora, Everest, the Arthur Chung Centre and at Albion did send a chill down the spines of promising potential presidential possibilities. But of course, September 1 will decide, dictate and determine who will be the rooster to roost. Will the CCJ enjoy another round of paid, painful and pleasurable belly full of laughs again? The PNC will need 34 seats (their maths) to walk away with the coveted prize. Ask any Guyanese and she or he will tell you that it’s not about getting the first jump in the race or where you are during the race, but how and where you will finish the race. The PNC
(all peas of the same pod) launched their hope, aspiring to accomplish a dream. Looks like they were out at lunch instead. Some 7,000 votes will be required to win a seat.
The crowd fell short of that number, possibly refusing to be associated with the sore sight of a PNC miscreant in the background - Durban Park. That colossal reminder of corruption represents the missing monumental $600 million! The PAC is cringing, figuring out how to hide the PNC’s fingering with figures!
The PNC’s election campaign kicked off with hot air, water balloons and KoolAid. The Executive forgot Haile Selassie’s advice, “A house built on granite and a strong foundation, not even the onslaught of pouring rain, gushing torrents and strong winds will be able to pull it down.”
False hopes, empty promises and elusive dreams are abstracts which will only distract and not attract conscientious Guyanese. A dismembered PNC is in disarray and has lost distin-
guished members who have disassociated themselves from poverty, nakedness and corruption.
The leader has started off on the wrong foot with the other foot in his mouth.
Sugar is very close to Guyanese hearts. It sweetens the tongue and provides food for the stomach. It also swings the head and makes the foot wobbly. The PNC is singing the same tune from 2015, but again this time, Guyanese will not dance to their rhythm and fall for their tongue-twisting tricks. The PNC destroyed some 40,000 lives when it broke the backs of sugar workers between 2015 and 2020. It took a PPP/C Government to repair the damage and provide relief to the sugar industry and the workers. The PNC will never allow the sugar industry to thrive in Guyana, and can never be trusted to secure, sustain or save sugar workers in any form or shape for them to survive.
The envious PNC will always unreservedly grudge the sugar workers, unhesitatingly nurse a callous ven-
detta, and unendingly pursue a programme to punish sugar workers. That is not their puerile, but their promised purpose, simply because the PNC is sour and not sweet news for sugar workers.
The AFC is “dead meat”, and the members are flogging a dead horse. When you have fork-tongued people who speak in a foreign language aloof from Guyanese sacrifices and the struggling way of life of our fore-parents, their ideologies cannot synchronise with the subtleties subjected to the man in the street.
A latrine is aberrant to the person with a silver spoon, and the sweat on the rice farmer’s face goes unnoticed and unappreciated. The AFC’s polished shoes cannot afford to get muddy in the backlands of those pulling the cassava and the eddoes.
The AFC now wants to renegotiate the oil contract, the worst agreement they signed in the history of the industry. Were they “spaced” out when ‘Nassau was calling?’ Who pulled the string, and who authorised the finger to do the dirty work in
Texas? Guyanese will not forget who “colonised” this country for a second time.
It was the AFC’s “Harvard Law School-trained negotiator” who took the wind out of Guyana’s sail when he leashed Guyanese to the chain with his own hand.
According to the PNC Government mouthpiece of December 30, 2017, the then Minister of Natural Resources disclosed in his confession, “What Exxon enjoys, others are not going to enjoy...”, Yes, the AFC led us back into history when we had to slave once again for a new master.
A man sitting on top of a wall with his feet on either side is not grounded, and can never represent Guyanese interests genuinely, except his own.
Guyanese are not getting younger, but growing older in this fast-paced, developing world of technology with advanced interventions and modern applications. When the winds of change shift, Guyana will need to fall back on a mature and experienced versatility that is accustomed to seasonal exposure, essential to anchor its stability.
The answer lies with a tried and tested professional PPP/C to guarantee such a necessary foundation, despite the number of bricks thrown at them.
A free bird, fearless of any foes, come Sunday, the famous PPP/C will firmly flap its wings to soar in the sky to make the other 20 parties “see red”.
Who is having the last laugh? Stuck with the sanctity of the contract, these hypocritical, controversial tongue-twisters now want Guyanese to give them a chance to redeem themselves when they have already syphoned off the hog of the meat. Standing by silently was the legal expert for our new “King and Queen”, who was part and parcel of the ridiculous deal. He is holding Guyanese to ransom. Either make him “King President”, or he crawls back into his comfort zone, and will ensure that Guyanese will never get their true worth from any oil deal.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
- President Ali says; affirms PPP/C’s commitment to taking Guyana to greater heights - breaking barriers that hinder the achievement of a unified nation
TODAY, President Dr. Irfaan Ali will unveil the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s bold blueprint which will guide the continued advancement of Guyana and enhance the lives of every Guyanese.
Speaking at a fundraising gala at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, on the East Bank Demerara, the President told the mammoth audience, with “great clarity”, that the PPP/C will outline how it will position Guyana as a global leader at today’s launch of its election campaign.
“Tomorrow, we'll begin that
the people’s ideas matter, because we want ownership of this plan. We want every Guyanese to own this plan when we launch it; to feel as if you are part of this plan, because our collective destiny is in this plan.”
He also reminded citizens of how the opposition, throughout history, has blocked development, but urged them to stay the course with the PPP/C.
“There's no other choice before us but to put this country first. There is no other choice before us but to put our future first; our collective future. There are many things left to be
The party has prioritised youth involvement, and as a result, the Vice- President said, the youth arm of the PPP, the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) has grown to 15,000 strong.
Last year, Dr. Jagdeo had anticipated a growth of 10,000; today, the current 15,000 membership figure far exceeds his expectation, and cements the party’s commitment to being a national movement.
“We go into these elections with a great deal of momentum and energy, and that is why you see the entire
Since taking office in 2020, the tangible accomplishments of the PPP/C government have begun to take shape.
During the critical 2020 elections, the party made a series of pledges to the Guyanese electorate; among them, creating more jobs, eliminating over 300 taxes imposed by the former APNU+AFC administration, restoring the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and advancing the education, housing, and health sectors.
Today, not only have these
journey of outlining, with great, great clarity, the path to national prosperity; the path to building a unified, strong, resilient, sustainable Guyana.
A Guyana that we'll all be proud of, and a Guyana that is not building on the edges of the cliff; a Guyana that is seeking to be the centre of that cliff in our humble way,” President Ali said, adding:
“The next five years is about positioning this country ahead of our competitors; positioning this country ahead of those who are competing against us.”
Today, thousands are expected to gather at the Kitty Market Square in Georgetown as the PPP/C officially launches its campaign under the banner, “Forward Together for a Better Guyana”.
The official launch will be spearheaded by President Ali, his running mate, Prime Minister (ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips, and PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice- President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
The event is expected to kick off from 15:00 hrs, and will see a plethora of speakers from the party outlining their vision to continue leading Guyana on its rapid developmental trajectory for the next five years.
President Ali spoke extensively on the development that has been taking place throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, and stressed that the PPP/C’s task is not only about development, but breaking every barrier that hinders the achievement of unity.
In that regard, he said that every Guyanese is welcome into the PPP/C family.
He further disclosed that over the past month, the party has been finalising ideas and interacting with wide stakeholder groups.
“Later this week,” President Ali said, “we'll have the grand consultation, because your views matter;
done,” President Ali said.
He went on to say that while he admits that not everything is perfect, the journey towards transformation continues after September 1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
When it was his turn to take to the podium, Dr. Jagdeo began by reminding the mammoth audience of the dark history of economic catastrophe that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), now the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), left the country in.
He noted that it was under the PPP/C’s stewardship that Guyana went from bankruptcy to solvency.
Dr. Jagdeo also pointed to the not-so- distant past, when the APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) held office from 2015-2020.
Of particular note, he said, were the more than 300 burdensome taxes and fees, major job losses, and, overall, the hardships that the economy was forced to endure.
He noted, too, that when the PPP/C assumed office in 2020, not only did it keep its promises, but it also did more for the people.
And, giving a preview of what is to come from the PPP/C on Nomination Day tomorrow, Dr. Jagdeo said that when the party launches its slate, youths will be centred in its vision.
Guyana rallying behind the party,” Dr. Jagdeo said. “And we want to make sure that people understand what is at stake. We have a leadership now that is experienced. If you look at the counterparts of those opposed to us, none of them have ever run even a serious enterprise, much less a country.”
Prime Minister Phillips, on the other hand, positioned the PPP/C as not just a political party, but a broad-based national movement that is driving sustainable development and unity.
As such, he called on citizens to stay the course and stand firm against forces of disruption ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
He said: “Today, the PPP/C is more than a party; more than the PPP and the civic members of the society. It's a movement, and with every movement; every movement that is positive, in any country, and Guyana is no exception, more and more people are drawn to this movement. It's the movement that has resulted in five years of sustainable development.”
Phillips stated that the PPP/C is “stronger today than it has ever been in the history of Guyana”, crediting its resilience to continuous support from citizens.
has been the steady increase in wages for public sector workers. The doubling of the old-age pension, and the restoration and expansion of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for all schoolchildren, and the restoration of the Joint Services’ bonus are also among other key accomplishments for this government.
The implementation of a comprehensive infrastructure plan, the stimulation of non-oil investments, the rollout of a transformative healthcare agenda, including 12 new hospitals, and the advancement of the LCDS 2030 are additional key achievements of the ruling PPP/C.
The government has also implemented a range of tax cuts and
relief measures aimed at improving citizens’ lives.
These include the removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on machinery and equipment, water and electricity, data services, hinterland travel, and several other essential goods and services.
There has also been a reduction in personal income tax rates, a doubling of the income tax threshold, tax-free allowances, and the corporate tax has been abolished for private health and education providers to spur development. In the construction industry, there has also been the removal of VAT on a range of materials.
promises been fulfilled, but the government has gone even further, implementing additional social and economic programmes that continue to transform the lives of citizens across the country.
Additionally, the government has created over 60,000 new jobs, a remarkable achievement when compared to what obtained during the previous administration’s tenure, which was marked by significant job loss.
Another major accomplishment
IN response to a caller last Monday evening on the Freddie Kissoon Show, I made the point that the genius of Brian Lara was not instantly put on display. No one knew Lara was a genius batsman. He was an obscure name in the West Indies cricket team, where he sat out an entire series as 12th man.
Irfaan Ali did not soar to the skies when he was Minister of Housing. He was one of 20 ministers and he served under a president and a prime minister. You can compare Lara’s status as 12th man to Ali’s ministerial status. When Lara was picked as part of the playing eleven, the brilliance manifested itself.
When Ali became president, the uniqueness manifested itself. I have written what I will now pen again; I don’t think Guyana knew him, so when he became president, Guyana just saw him as another president. But like Lara, the opportunity came.
The CARICOM nations will always remember Brian Lara. The name Lara will never be divorced from the
CARICOM nations.
And so will be Ali. What Lara is to West Indian cricket, Ali will be to CARICOM political leadership. It has been five years of the exercise of power by this unusual and unique Caribbean politician, and in those five years, Ali has laid the foundation for a legacy that will put him above the two big names in Guyanese history that will never go away – Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. I have no doubt that he will be re-elected in September, and when he rides away in 2030, there will be Irfaan Ali at the top of the list whenever CARICOM nations discuss the great Caribbean leaders. Well, Guyanese people do not need a
political analyst to describe to them the nature of Irfaan Ali. His style, substance, persona, inner character, humanity, modesty, and most of all, his reach, have been on display for five years. Ali came out of nowhere and took Guyana by storm and catapulted himself onto the CARICOM stage. With Mia Mottley, they are seen as the definitive leaders of the CARICOM nation. In Guyana, he is seen as the definitive politician.
Ali is different from what we have seen in the post-Independence West Indies. Ali humanises the exercise of state power. Ali uses state power to show his fellow Guyanese that power and presidential office do not
have to appear distant from the people. He takes the Office of the President to the people of Guyana.
But taking the presidency to the people does not mean that it is a superb achievement. It can only be a phenomenal feat if, when you go and you meet the nation’s citizens, you deliver. And when he seeks out the people of Guyana and talks to them and listens to them, he delivers.
I don’t think Ali has extinguished the bush fires he confronted over the past five years, and has not delivered to the people whose livelihoods the bush fires threatened.
I don’t think Ali has visited any African district, met
THE issue of mental health reared up again last week during the ongoing Wimbledon Grand Slam tennis tournament. The prestigious event, held on pristine grass courts in England, is perhaps the most revered of the four Grand Slam meets, which include the Australian, French, and US championships. Most players put Wimbledon at the top of the list.
Competing for the coveted trophy places more than the usual stress on players, especially the top seeds (ranked), who have to live up to the expectations of fans, family, friends, their coaching team and, of course, their desire to succeed. Lower-ranked players feel less of this pressure, having nothing to prove and a great deal to gain if they do well and also
manage to knock a top seed out of the competition.
This is exactly what happened to German, Alexander Zverev, ranked number three and considered likely to advance deep into the tournament.
In a first-round match, where he put in a low par performance, far from his usual aggressive, hard-serving style, he suffered a shock defeat at the hands of France's Arthur Rinderknech, ranked number 42 in the world.
In a post-match interview, when asked if his defeat was a result of physical or mental issues, Zverev responded that it was "more mental" and confessed to feeling "very alone" during this tournament. These feelings of isolation have plagued him since earlier in the year, following the Australian Grand Slam. "
I struggle mentally, I've been saying this since after the Australian Open."
He referred to his condition as finding himself “in a hole,” trying to get out and slipping back. "I feel generally speaking, quite alone in life at the moment," the tennis star confessed.
In fact, it was clear during the interview that Zverev found it difficult to even articulate his feelings, punctuating his statements with "I don't know," while declaring he found no joy outside of tennis. "I have never felt this way before. I don't know...I just feel very alone and very lonely, I don't know."
But the tennis star is not alone with this kind of mental health challenge, which stems from the pressure of high-performance sport, particularly of the individu -
with any African organisation and made promises that did not materialise.
This is his impressive track record. You can be cynical and say that he has the resources to give the Guyanese people that he has made promises to; he has oil money. But that is just cynicism and not objective analysis.
A country can have stupendous resources, and its leader does not share the wealth. The story of Europe and the United States is all about not delivering. Those are unimaginably rich countries. But according to perhaps the world’s most brilliant economist, Thomas Piketty, the past 60 years have seen a continuing visibility of the widening gap between the rich and the working people in those countries.
If Guyana has oil money, how can you be cynical when a leader shares the oil wealth? A man named Terrence Campbell, who aspired two months ago to lead the opposition into the 2025 national election as presidential candidate, accused President Ali of the
“diabolical use of resources” when the President goes to African communities and shares Guyana’s resources.
And since we are on the subject of African Guyanese, here are the realms of sociology, culture, politics and economics in which Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will eclipse Jagan and Burnham.
I believe that at the end of his tenure in 2030, Ali would have achieved a colossal reduction in ethnic suspicion and would have been largely responsible for a widening space for racial equality, which eluded both Jagan and Burnham. As the President takes to the podium this afternoon, he should remember these words of Shakespeare
“But be not afraid of greatness
Some men are born great
Some achieve greatness
Some have greatness thrust upon them”
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.
al kind, as in tennis. Three years ago, tennis champ Naomi Osaka spoke of mental health challenges and has only recently returned to the sport after stepping away. World-acclaimed gymnast, Simone Biles, did the same thing, seeking counselling, which Zverev says, for the first time in his life, he may also have to do.
Novak Djokovic, another tennis great, heralded as the G.O.A.T. of the sport, responded with empathy when he heard of Zverev's problems, advising that the German may indeed have to take some time away from the sport. Djokovic, a 24 Grand Slam winner, is familiar with all the pressures of maintaining high-level performances. He has developed, over the years, his own strategy for retaining mental
resilience. He once said in an interview that "conscious breathing" was a part of it, pointing out that remaining strong mentally entails a lot of "hard work." He has invited Zverev to seek him out should he need to talk things over. "He knows he can always count on me," said Djokovic, "I understand what he's going through because I've been in that place more than once... that emptiness, that lack of joy or fulfillment on the court, I've felt it. If he needs me, I'm here."
Other tennis stars have sent words of support, ad -
mitting to their own struggles and Djokovic, who said he admires those who have dared to speak out, is calling for the tennis authorities to pay closer attention to the mental health of players. "Mental health has not received the attention it deserves in tennis," he said, "but it should.”
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.
IN a bold departure from conventional sporting events, Guyana’s latest cricket tournament stands at the intersection of athleticism and national branding. It’s not just cricket, but a strategic push to position Guyana as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.
The ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) is an invitational cricket competition that held its inaugural season in August 2024. This tournament is organised by
Cricket West Indies (CWI) and chaired by the former captain of the West Indies team, Mr. Clive Lloyd.
This year’s GSL will be held from the 10th to the 18th of July, with all matches taking place at the Providence National Stadium. Eleven matches are scheduled this year, with the participation of five powerhouse franchises, namely, Central Stags, Dubai Capitals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hobart Hurricanes and Rangpur Riders, the
defending GSL champions.
What sets this initiative apart from other international leagues is its dual nature. While the tournament delivers thrilling matches and fanfare, it also shines a bright light on Guyana, drawing attention to the country’s rich cultural heritage, ecological wonders, and warm hospitality.
With its continued support for sports in general and cricket in particular, ExxonMobil Guyana is the title sponsor of the Global
Super League. The company has long championed cricket, backing the Guyana Amazon Warriors and youth sports initiatives like the “Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament.” Adding to the vibrancy of GSL, a lineup of special artistes will perform during the games, transforming match days into dynamic cultural showcases. From halftime concerts to postgame celebrations, these performances will spotlight Guyana’s musical talent and create an exciting atmo-
sphere that blends both sport and entertainment. With artistes like Natural Black, Timeka Marshall, and Vanilla among the featured acts, the tournament becomes a stage not only for cricketing excellence but also for Caribbean artistic expression.
This tournament is not a one-off production but is intended to be a strategic investment in Destination Guyana, paving a path for diverse cultural experiences, as it is meticulously designed to blend nature, sport,
and culture into a singular national narrative. Through this tournament, players become ambassadors, communities become hosts, and the sport becomes a shared language.
Go Warriors!
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.
TODAY, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) officially kicks off its election campaign. Thousands will gather at Kitty Market Square later today to celebrate five years of progress, prosperity and patriotism that have not only reshaped Guyana’s development trajectory but have transformed the country into one of the fastest-growing economies in the hemisphere.
And yet, by some strange defiance of logic, all of that is not enough for the people who are apparently supporting Azruddin Mohamed and telling him they’re going to vote for his newly formed party, “We Invest in Nationhood” (WIN).
Deep down in my soul, I believe the majority of Guyanese will make the right choice on September 1 and they’ll send Azruddin and his cast of political moonlighters back into their corners. I believe that Guyanese, whether in the hinterland or on the coast, are capable of distinguishing between a PPP/C that is gen-
uinely committed to public service and a novice who uses politics as a side-hustle.
The people who know him best, who had cuddled him and played with him as a child, watching him grow up, are telling us in plain and simple language, Azruddin should not be trusted, he has no leadership skills and he’s a narcissist who is dabbling in politics for his own personal interests.
We have heard this message from two of Azruddin’s paternal uncles. One of them, Haseeb Yusuf, is an honourable man, a man of integrity and decency. A leader in the Muslim community for decades, Haseeb has sacrificed his health and his wealth to build the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) into a national organisation, launch a successful seminary on the West Coast of Demerara and establish a full-time Islamic school on East Street.
No one in the history of the GIT can equal his contribution to religious literacy in Guyana. When the modern history of Islam and Muslims is written, a chapter
will no doubt be dedicated to Haseeb Yusuf.
And for the record, Haseeb is not a religious fanatic, nor is he an extremist. Based solely on appearances, some social media trolls with evil intent have labelled him a “hardcore salafist Muslim” who believes in implementing “strict shariah laws in Guyana.”
No, he is not. Wrong person. Like the vast majority of Muslims in Guyana who grow a beard and observe conservative Islamic attire, Haseeb is a man of faith who loves his religion, the Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of God be upon him, and the Holy Quran. It is no light affair that Haseeb has publicly endorsed President Irfaan Ali and distanced himself from his nephew. In his video message, Haseeb declared that Azruddin is unfit to lead. He didn’t curse him. He didn’t reveal inner family secrets; he simply stated his opinion based on empirical observations.
The man I’ve known
for most of my life would have measured the cost of stepping forward, guided not by personal ambition but by a quiet commitment to the welfare of all Guyanese. Haseeb’s elder brother and a niece have also stepped forward, urging those swayed by Azruddin’s ego-driven antics to think twice before throwing away their vote. In a Facebook post, Azruddin’s cousin observed that his closest supporters can’t spell or even pronounce his name properly.
That’s neither here nor there, but what is factual is that Azruddin has absolutely no political experience, and he is uneducated, but not stupid. He has enough to import expensive vehicles and is clever enough to avoid pay-
ing the required excise taxes. Over the years, he allegedly arranged for large amounts of gold to be smuggled out of Guyana, but was not smart enough to evade the long arm of U.S. enforcement agencies.
And from the vast sums of wealth he has accumulated over the years, Azruddin is required to distribute some portion of it to the poor and needy. And this reveals something even more sinister in the character of Azruddin that the public would be unwise to ignore.
In the Islamic tradition, charity (Zakah or Sadaqah) is a virtue, but more than that, it is an act of worship for Muslims; a cardinal pillar of faith. Muslims who have wealth above a designat -
ed amount must distribute a portion of it to, among others, the poor, needy, indigent, those in bondage, or a debtor unable to repay their loan.
In a recent video posted online by Team Mohamed, Azruddin engages in an act that every credible Muslim scholar has condemned as reprehensible: using funds earmarked for charity as a prop to seek fame and buy political loyalty. He has transformed generosity, a sacred act of worship for Muslims, into a spectacle of self-promotion and transactional politics. And it is precisely here, in his gamesmanship and showboating, that Azruddin’s leadership ambition must crumble under the weight of its own debris.
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.
TODAY, the largest political party will officially launch its bid for a second term in office. The People’s Progressive Party will put on a high-energy and electrifying launch that Guyanese have never seen before. This launch will place its policies, plans and people at the forefront of the campaign this year.
PPP/C leaders will be having a serious discourse with their supporters about the political climate, and their vision for leading the country. Bold, courageous and talented speakers will mount the stage in Kitty, Georgetown, to speak on their experiences with the PPP/C, and urge the electorate to vote solidly for the party.
From all indications, youth and diversity will be a main theme of the launch, as it will send a strong message to the opposing parties that the PPP/C is the only multi-ethnic party there is in Guyana. The public awaits the political giants who will be delivering featured remarks at the launch. They also await the verbal beating that will be delivered to the opposition camp, responding to all unjustified criticisms of the party.
The assembly there will disperse early, orderly, and quietly to prepare for the next day, which is Nomination Day. This brings us to the focus of the remainder of this column.
Recently, General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo criticised the We Invest in Nationhood (WIIN) party and its leader, Azruddin Mohamed, for playing the victim and trying to influence public support by way of sympathy and money. He criticised WIIN for shielding Mohamed from answering the difficult and unpopular questions which he anticipates the media will ask at a press conference or party launch. He believes that Mohamed is hiding from the scrutiny of the public, only moving through the
cracks in the country.
He then said Nomination Day will expose the WIIN party and all of its backers to the public. He has taken note of the murky and hostile attitudes of some of WIIN’s supporters towards the PPP and its supporters who resist and refuse acknowledgement because they are cognisant of the threats to their safety and security if they associate with the Mohameds.
Dr. Jagdeo masterfully articulated his belief that a vote for Mohamed is a vote for the PNC’s Aubrey Norton and the AFC’s Nigel Hughes, as they are one and the same, even though they are apart.
Firstly, Dr. Jagdeo has hit the nail on the head. Mohamed is part of the opposition’s plan to covertly weaken the PPP/C's chance of getting into office on September 1. The AFC has been having secret meetings with the Mohameds to iron out his involvement in the grand plan. And, while there is no record publicly available that the Mohameds and Norton have met, emissaries say that they are in contact through other people in Norton’s circle.
The opposition camp is trying to get into office through the back door, quietly and easily, through Mohamed. While the PNC is cautious about the threat of the Mohameds, it is still not speaking against them and their many transgressions; transgressions the party has boldly spoken out against in the past.
Mohamed is not only a US-sanctioned businessman facing multiple charges
for tax evasion, but he has also shown himself to be bitter and vengeful towards the PPP/C after its leaders refused to shield him from US authorities. As a result, he’s aligned himself with the AFC and PNCR in an attempt to block the PPP/C from returning to office.
So, the plan is to stay campaigning largely in the hinterland and Amerindian villages of Guyana. Mohamed is trying hard to sway the Amerindian people’s vote with money and sports gifts.
He will fail to make a dent in the PPP/C’s strength in the hinterland, riverine and remote Amerindian communities because he does not comprehend the politics and mood of the people. They will take his money, promises and gifts, and still vote for the PPP/C.
That was the AFC's main reason for frustrating the PNC’s coalition talks. The PNC knew from Day One something was “not right in the buttermilk”, but it still played along until it was clear.
Secondly, the plot has the PNC/APNU and AFC playing politics and campaigning in the urban regions. This is not to say that they are not campaigning in all areas, but they will have a difficult time getting any new supporters and voters. This is because the youth, women, and men are disillusioned, and not impressed with Norton or Hughes, compared with the bright, sharp and electrifying personality of Dr. Irfaan Ali, who has managed to attract many new faces, voters, and people
the polls. As for Nomination Day, the other small parties will fizzle away, as many of them will fail to reach and pass the benchmark.
willing to collaborate with APNU and the AFC, even to the extent of electoral manipulation, if it means unseating the PPP/C.
from their camp.
So, the APNU and AFC are going to end up splitting the votes that the opposition commanded, as opposed to attracting new people. Nomination Day will be a test to see if they can bring a large gathering to rally behind their individual bid for office.
But already, they are splitting the vote. The Move Guyana Forward Party and the Assembly of the People are just wasting their time; they will not have any support, and will matter less at
Thirdly, the political plot will see a possible rush to form alliances and a coalition of convenience to meet GECOM’s deadlines after tomorrow’s proceedings. Whether this happens or not, the PPP/C has to guard the rails and maintain its battle lines, because the desperation of the opposition knows no boundaries. They will cheat and rig the elections in plain sight, arm wrestling their way into office.
The party must remain vigilant and avoid complacency, especially in monitoring any troubling patterns in the opposition’s behaviour. All information, particularly if leaked from Congress Place, should be treated as valuable. The threat posed by Mohamed must not be underestimated; he appears
As such, the party must strengthen its public-relations machinery, and swiftly counter misinformation and lies. This is essential to increasing the party’s chances of continuing its dominance of politics and government.
Finally, in the plot of the opposition, Mohamed is the cheap political prostitute. He will go to anyone who will have him and be associated. He is desperate and dangerous. The AFC and PNCR are using a willing participation to get back at the PPP.
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.
FORMER Mayor of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), under the APNU+AFC coalition government, Gifford Marshall, has thrown his unequivocal support behind President Dr. Irfaan Ali, describing him as the visionary leader best suited to guide Guyana forward.
In his endorsement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, Marshall shared that earlier this year he had the privilege of speaking at length with President Ali.
“What struck me most was his genuine passion for fostering unity among all Guyanese, his commitment to religious tolerance, and his ambitious vision for infrastructure development. His dynamic energy, deep love for our country, and pragmatic approach to governance are truly commendable qualities,” the former Bartica Mayor wrote.
Marshall noted that Guyana’s horizons shine with promise and, together, the nation can blossom into a united one with opportunity and prosperity for all.
Based on his assessment of the nation’s trajectory, Marshall said he believes Guyana needs leadership capable of harnessing its tremendous potential while skillfully navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
“President Ali has consistently demonstrated the vision, and dedication required to guide Guyana through this crucial period in our history,” he said, adding: “I am convinced that given our nation’s bright future and the opportunities before us, he is uniquely qualified and prepared to lead our beautiful country for the next five years.”
President Ali’s distinguished record of public service stands as a testament to his ca-
Former Mayor of Bartica under the former APNU+AFC government, Gifford Marshall
pabilities, Marshall said, while applauding the president’s achievements during his tenure. Marshall extended his best wishes to the PPP/C and President Ali for continued success in the 2025 General and Regional elections and beyond.
“Therefore, I endorse President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for a second term as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” the former Bartica Mayor said.
IN a significant move to enhance technical and vocational education in Guyana, the government has officially broken ground on the highly anticipated Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence (OSHCE), a state-of-the-art facility that promises to revolutionise safety training and workplace readiness across the country.
The ceremonial sod-turning event for the project was held on Friday last at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), where the new training centre will be constructed. This landmark initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), the Ministry of Education, the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), and LearnCorp International, all working together to raise the bar for occupational safety standards in Guyana’s workforce.
Spanning 2,592 square feet, the centre is scheduled to open its doors in January 2026 and is poised to serve as the premier national hub for safety education, training, and certification.
The establishment of the
OSHCE builds upon a foundation laid in 2019, when the Occupational Safety and Health Programme was first introduced in Guyana. Since then, it has contributed meaningfully to the ongoing transformation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
The programme has facilitated critical infrastructure and equipment upgrades, extensive instructor training and mentorship, and the launch of the Basic Industrial Safety Training (BIST) programme across all TVET institutions.
The core aim of these efforts is to embed a “safety-first” mindset within every student who enters the system ensuring that safety protocols become second nature long before they step foot onto an actual job site. By doing so, the programme not only enhances personal safety but also strengthens Guyana’s broader workforce readiness and productivity.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, hailed the OSHCE as a transformative step toward building a new generation of safety-conscious professionals.
“I believe we can all
agree, transforming the safety culture of an entire nation is no small feat. But I am convinced that we have the right people, the right programmes, and the right partnerships to achieve that vision. And importantly, we have already taken the first bold steps.”
Routledge emphasised that the centre will function as the national host for the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health, allowing students to gain internationally recognised certification in the field. This will contribute to a growing pipeline of trained professionals equipped to meet the demands of Guyana’s rapidly expanding industrial and energy sectors, especially as major players like ExxonMobil, SBM Offshore, and other international firms continue to establish a strong presence in the country.
“This facility will serve as the national host for the reintroduction of the CVQ Occupational Safety and Health Level 3 Diploma Programme, creating a pipeline of highly skilled, safety-conscious professionals to support Guyana’s rapidly expanding industrial sector.”
Routledge also announced
Officials turned the sod for the new Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence on Friday last
an ambitious training initiative to extend Basic Industrial Safety Training to every new TVET student at the start of each academic year, with the goal of reaching over 1,000 students per semester.
“With the continued support of our growing team, we will roll out basic industrial safety training to every incoming TVET student at the start of each academic year,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering was Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, who framed the initiative as part of a larger national effort to rethink and re-engineer how business and development are approached in Guyana.
“This is the era for us to do things differently,” Minister Singh declared. “The current era in Guyana is not an era to be met with business as usual.”
He underscored the urgency of elevating standards across all sectors, particularly in health and safety, as Guyana integrates more deeply into the global economy. Whether working with multinational giants like ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, SINAP, or smaller international firms, Singh stressed that compliance with global standards is non-negotiable.
He pointed out that there is no longer room for negligence in workplace safety, stressing that gone are the days when one would walk onto a work site without a
safety vest, helmet and boots. Singh added that an instant quantum leap is needed in how the country does business, especially when it comes to occupational safety and health.
When completed, the Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence is expected to serve not only the students of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute but will act as a national model for similar initiatives countrywide.
The project represents a unified vision of public-private partnership, educational advancement, and workforce development aimed at positioning Guyana as a leader in industrial safety standards across the Caribbean.
- Walton-Desir backpedals after confronted with details of actual timeline for correction of defects - leaders say not interested in what happened in 2020, despite being part of APNU+AFC
AS anticipated by many, the Alliance For Change (AFC), flanked by representatives of small political parties, are now waving the banner of injustice and railing against the very system that they had no issues with in the 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Leader of the AFC and Presidential Candidate, Nigel Hughes; Leader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Simona Broomes; and Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement, Amanza Walton-Desir, among others, held an impromptu press conference in front of the Umana Yana on Saturday, chastising the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for a plethora of issues.
In a move reeking of selective memory, Hughes led the wave of complaints against GECOM after being told that the AFC was third in line to
submit their candidate lists for the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections. Just five years ago, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the AFC administration brazenly bypassed several political parties who were waiting to submit their lists. Back then, there were no outcries from the AFC nor the APNU, of which Broomes and Walton-Desir were prominent figures. Now, confronted with the same procedures—this time not in their favour— they are recasting themselves as victims.
When pressed by the Sunday Chronicle as to why there were no objections to the system in 2020, Hughes deflected and ranted about apartheid.
He also stated: “In relation to attempting to say that events occurred in a particular way and manner in the past, that somehow or the other, we are bound by that. That's why I
was dealing with custom and practice, that can’t be the case.”
Broomes, who was a minister under the APNU+AFC coalition government, distanced herself from the known fact and maintained that she and her colleagues were not responsible for the list.
She also added: “It don't mean that something that happened in 2020 is right to happen now.”
What was more bewildering was Walton-Desir peddling the inaccurate claim that the timeline to rectify defects on the lists has been significantly reduced. In 2020, political parties had two days after the January 10 Nomination Day to rectify defects. The same in 2025, parties have two days after July 14.
Walton-Desir claimed that it was seven days in earlier elections, and it has been reduced to just 24 hours, but
AFC Leader Nigel Hughes flanked by representatives of some small political parties
when put on the spot and reminded that it is the same timeline, she deflected. Instead of standing firm on her inaccurate claim, Walton-Desir shifted to vague grievances about process, conveniently omitting that these same timelines went unchallenged when her coalition benefited from them.
On Nomination Day for Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections, the APNU+AFC was accused of breaching GECOM’s procedures. As political parties prepared to submit their lists of candidates based on the "first come, first served" registration protocol outlined by GECOM, Jonathan Yearwood
had raised the issue, noting that other parties camped out at GECOM but APNU+AFC went first. Yearwood had noted that at no time did the ruling coalition of the APNU+AFC join the campout or join the line of political parties waiting patiently to register with GECOM.
A 36-year-old foreman attached to a major contracting company was tragically killed on Saturday afternoon after he was crushed by an excavator at a construction site in Queenstown, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
The deceased has been identified as Mervin Lochan of Sparta Village, Region Two. The Sunday Chronicle understands that the father of four had reportedly left his home in high spirits to
supervise ongoing road works along Bhagwandas Street in Queenstown. The project is being executed by a contractor who was subcontracted by another company. Lochan was recently promoted to foreman at the site.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred when the excavator operator allegedly reversed the heavy-duty machine, fatally striking Lochan in the head. Workers on-site witnessed the incident and rushed to assist, but found Lo -
chan’s body submerged in sand.
His mother, Yolanda Lochan, is devastated by the loss and is demanding a full police investigation. Speaking to the media, she alleged that foul play may have been involved.
“This is not the first time my son was hit by an excavator bucket. Despite that, he continued to work hard and make progress,” she said. “I believe he was deliberately killed. My son was murdered because of envy and jeal-
ousy. When I saw his face, I couldn’t believe it. My baby was gone.” Lochan was remembered as a loving father, husband, and son.
His wife shared that he was deeply supportive of their family and that the loss has left them shattered.
The excavator op-
erator is currently in police custody as investigations continue. All work at the construction site has been temporarily halted.
A SMALL poultry venture in the rural community of Baracara in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is making big strides, thanks to strategic support from the Ministry of Agriculture. What started as a modest chicken-rearing operation has now blossomed into a flourishing agro-business, dubbed by its owner “Feather to Flavor.”
The initiative, spearheaded by Conroy La Fleur, has grown from a basic poultry-rearing project into a vertically integrated small business. La Fleur told the Sunday Chronicle that he started the business about three years ago.
“I had one year’s bad patch where I had to drop out and I actually get push out from the business because of transportation from Baracara to New Amsterdam, because you only get a small profit from the chicken like $500, so if you don’t mind the chicken on a large scale you can’t get a large amount of money so I had failed in that area.”
Nevertheless, La Fleur said he never gave up. He kept working, eventually re-investing and taking charge of the entire process - raising the chickens, plucking them, seasoning them, and finally making the deliveries himself.
“So on Fridays, they come and uplift their packaged chickens and they can order it online…because
actually each house has their personal internet, so we do better business, better communication and everything like that, so they will order and uplift their seasoned chicken and then just go home to cook.”
commitment to expanding local agro-processing and food security efforts by empowering rural communities. Minister Mustapha praised the project, calling it a model for other hinterland and riverine communities.
And so, the name “Feather to Flavor” was born for La Fleur’s poultry farm. During a recent meeting in Baracara with Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, La Fleur shared his goal of expanding his business from 200 to 500 meat birds in order to increase his profit within the six-week rearing period. In response, Minister Mustapha assured him on the spot that the government would support him by providing the additional 300 birds.
The Baracara initiative reflects the government’s
“We believe in building agricultural entrepreneurs from the ground up,” Mustapha said during his visit to the community, noting that projects like Feather to Flavor prove that with the right support, small farmers can become industry leaders in their own regions. As Guyana seeks to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on food imports, stories like Baracara’s offer a compelling vision of sustainable, grassroots-led agricultural growth.
HEADS of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have reaf -
firmed their unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integ-
rity, strongly condemning Venezuela’s recent attempts to assert authority over the
Essequibo region in defiance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
During the recently concluded 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in Montego Bay, Jamaica, leaders received an update on the ongoing border controversy and expressed deep concern over Venezuela’s claim to have conducted regional elections in the socalled “Guayana Esequiba State” on May 25, 2025.
Despite Venezuela’s public assertions, CARICOM
noted that no such elections were actually held within the Essequibo region, which remains under the control and administration of Guyana.
The move, they noted, was a blatant challenge to the ICJ’s binding order issued on May 1, 2025, which explicitly prohibited Venezuela from holding or preparing to hold any elections in the disputed area.
The ICJ’s directive—adopted by a vote of 12 to 3— expanded on earlier provisional measures from December 1, 2023. It states clearly that, pending a final decision, Venezuela must “refrain from conducting elections, or preparing to conduct elections, in the territory in dispute,” a region which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana currently administers.
The court in its December 1, 2023 order stated: “Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute for which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area; and both parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve.”
The recent decision followed Venezuela’s January 2025 announcement that it intended to include the Essequibo region in its May regional polls by electing a governor and legislative council for what it refers to as “Guayana Esequiba State.”
The planned elections were timed to coincide with the eve of Guyana’s 59th Independence anniversary.
Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the ICJ-led judicial process as the only legitimate and peaceful mechanism for resolving the century-old controversy—one that dates back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between the two
countries.
In line with the ICJ's scheduling order, CARICOM leaders also urged Venezuela to submit its final written pleading, or rejoinder, by August 11, 2025.
Guyana, which initiated the proceedings before the World Court in 2018, is seeking a final and binding ruling that upholds the 1899 Arbitral Award.
The Essequibo region in question comprises nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and has remained under Guyana’s effective control for decades.
Following the May 1 ruling, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, declared, via social media, that the decision was a victory for international law. “Once again, Guyana’s position has prevailed. Once again, it has been demonstrated that Guyana’s position accords with international law,” the Head of State affirmed.
The World Court’s judgement serves as a decisive response to Venezuela’s escalating efforts to alter the status quo of the disputed territory. In both its December 2023 and May 2025 orders, the Court emphasised that Venezuela must not take any steps that could aggravate or extend the dispute or undermine a peaceful resolution.
The Government of Guyana has consistently maintained its commitment to the ICJ process and to the peaceful and lawful settlement of the controversy. It has also urged Venezuela to comply with the Court’s legally binding decisions and to refrain from any action that would undermine peace and security in the region.
The international community, including the Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States (OAS), continues to support Guyana’s stance, recognising that Venezuela’s recent manoeuvres threaten not just Guyana’s sovereignty but the broader stability of Latin America and the Caribbean.
FACED with a visibly lackluster turnout at his party’s campaign launch last Sunday, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) leader Aubrey Norton, in a desperate attempt to spin the underwhelming support, pointed fingers at the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), even claiming that supporters were hiding in their cars.
Despite aerial footage clearly showing the lukewarm turnout at the campaign launch, Norton, during a virtual press conference on Friday last, defensively dismissed the concerns, claim-
people tend not to be involved in the political system as they should…”
However, this has not been the case for the governing PPP/C, as its youth arm, the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), has welcomed a continuous increase in membership. Over 600 new members from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were registered, while in Region One (Barima-Waini), there were over 900 new members.
At the party’s youth conference in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), more than 3,000 youths were in
ing that fear had kept supporters away. When asked by this publication about the noticeable absence of youth support, especially when compared to the party’s 2015 and 2020 campaigns, Norton deflected.
According to him, “There were endless young people. It is true that there were big people, and there were mature people…”, Norton, who has faced mounting pressure over his leadership and the party’s dwindling support, offered a peculiar explanation, that public servants sat hidden in their cars out of fear of the current government.
“There were a lot of young public servants who sat in their cars, because they don't want to be exposed, so that the PPP can go after them,” he said.
Norton also noted: “It is true that in society, young
attendance, and over 5,000 of them were in attendance at Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara)’s event.
PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has emphasised, time and again, that the party isn’t just talking about youth involvement, but is actively demonstrating it. In fact, both President Irfaan Ali and Jagdeo began their political journeys through the PYO. Previously, Jagdeo projected that the PYO’s membership would surpass 10,000.
He had said, “I’ve seen young people come to us with an energy I’ve never seen in my political life. Even in the days when we were fighting the APNU dictatorship, I don’t think we had that energy we’re seeing today. And they are of every race, gender and religion.”
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – When USA-1 and defending champions Barbados meet on Tuesday in a decisive fifth-round clash, it will likely determine the
champions of the 2025 Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over Championships.
Both teams remained unbeaten after four rounds of action with comfortable victories on Saturday, while the Windward Islands and T&T also recorded wins.
At St Paul’s Sports Complex: Barbados’ bowlers dominated Jamaica to secure a four-wicket win, their fourth in a row.
Medium pacer Khomari Griffith starred with 4-14, as Jamaica were bundled out for 124 in 29.3 overs. Brian Barnes top-scored with 42 off 41 balls, but Jamaica crumbled from 83-2, losing their last eight wickets for just 41 runs.
Xaundre Baptiste and R’Jai Gittens each claimed 2-20.
In reply, Barbados were not at their fluent best but still coasted to 126-6 in 28.1 overs.
Zachary Carter led with 37, while Shaquan Belle’s unbeaten 28 guided them home.
Kev’Aundre Virgo (2-28) and Deshawn James (2-34) were the best bowlers for Jamaica.
At Conaree Sports Club:
Half-centuries from Am inder Gill and Utkarsh Srivastava powered USA-1 to an 81-run win over USA-2.
Gill struck 80 off 93 balls with 14 fours, and Srivastava smashed 53 from 39 balls with two sixes and two fours, as USA-1 posted 274 in 49.5 overs. Saharsh Shwethan added 44, while Adnit Jhamb made 27 to boost the total.
USA-2 shared the wickets around with Shaurya Gaur, Ayush Patel, Rahul Basu, and Ritvik Appidi taking two each.
In response, USA-2 were limited to 193 in 44 overs. Amogh Arepally stood out with 85 off 92 balls, but lacked support as no other batter crossed 25.
Shiv Shani led the bowl-
ing for USA-1 with 4-33, while Advaith Krishna (2-12) and Ansh Rai (2-39) kept the pressure on.
At St Mary’s Park: Earsinho Fontaine hammered the tournament’s second century to lead the Windward Islands to a 79-run win over Guyana. Fontaine made an even 100 from 118 balls, guiding Windwards to 262-8 from their 50 overs, with help from skipper Stephan Pascal (41).
Guyana’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Golcharran Chulai, Jonathan van Lange, and Parmeshwar Ram all picking up two each.
In reply, Guyana faltered early and were dismissed for 183 in 49.4 overs.
Sachin Balgobin scored 48 and Riyad Latiff made 32, but regular wickets stalled their chase.
Kirt Murray (3-26), Kirsten Murray (3-33), and Isaiah Jones (3-48) led the Windwards’ bowling effort.
At Elquemedo Willett Park:
Trinidad and Tobago edged the Leeward Islands by nine runs in the closest match of the round.
T&T posted 241-9 from their 50 overs thanks to solid contributions from Cristian Rampersaud (43), Stevon Gomez (32), Riyaad Mohammed and Christiano Ramanan (29 each).
Matthew Miller (3-52) and Tanez Francis (2-50) were the pick of the bowlers for the Leewards.
The Leewards made a strong attempt, finishing on 232-9.
Miller hit a run-a-ball 52, Kunal Tilokani added 45, and Eirette Richards 38.
The chase stumbled at 93-4, but a 75-run partnership between Miller and Richards revived hopes. Once Miller fell at 168-5, the chase lost steam.
For T&T, Aadian Racha, Zachary Madray, Abdul-Raheem Toppin, and Brendan Boodoo took two wickets each.
ITALY’S Jonathan Milan won stage eight of the Tour de France following a bunch sprint.
Lidl Trek’s Milan beat Wout van Aert of Visma-Lease a Bike on the flat 171.4km stage into Laval’s Espace Mayenne.
Milan, 24, waited patiently in the wheels of Mathieu van der Poel and Kaden Groves, both of Alpecin-Deceuninck, in the final 200 metres before using his immense power to launch himself towards the line - with only Van Aert able to cling on behind.
Australian Groves finished third.
It was a quiet stage for the contenders for the overall leader’s yellow jersey, which was retained by defending champion Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, who leads Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel of Soudal-Quick Step by 54 seconds.
26-year-old’s points success in his two stage victories so far.
Last year’s green jersey winner Biniam Girmay of Eritrea is third on 124 points.
“I still don’t understand what we did,” said Milan afterwards. “There were expectations, dreams to bring it home.
“I was confident with the team. It was a bit stressful - I knew I had to wait as long as I could. We really deserve it.”
After what was quiet stage, until the sprint, in 30C (86F) heat, save for a few crashes on the way, the three-week race will finally begin to move south with stage nine’s flat 174km sprint from Chinon to Chateauroux.
The fight for the green points jersey - usually won by a sprinter - now sees Milan taking over the lead with 192 points.
Pogacar is second on 156, after the
Slovenian Pogacar’s main rival for yellow, alongside Evenepoel, is two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike, who currently sits one minute 17 seconds down in fourth in the general classification.
AUSTRALIA has made changes to its 16-member squad to play against West Indies, by bringing in opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and pacer Xavier Bartlett to replace Spencer Johnson and Josh Hazlewood respectively.
Fraser-McGurk, after having missed out on the national contract, will want to put his form behind him and make a comeback in the shortest format of the game in the Caribbean. While Hazlewood will return home to prepare for the South Africa series next month, Johnson is yet to recover from his back injury.
Australia has won 12 out of its last 14 T20Is and will hope to continue the winning run, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.
Australia’s T20I captain Mitchell Marsh, who is in a rich vein of form, will lead the squad as mainstays like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head will return home following the Test series win against the West Indies.
Australia will play five T20Is against West Indies with two of the matches scheduled at Kingston and the rest at Basseterre.
Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Inglis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. (ICC Media)
Chateauroux is unofficially known as ‘Cavendish City’ after Mark Cavendish’s three wins there during his record-breaking career in which the sprinter won 35 Tour de France stages - the final one being last year before retiring.
at Friday’s Monaco Diamond League.
Alfred, St. Lucia’s reigning Olympic champion, rebounded from her loss at last week’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene with 10.79, her third straight sub 10.8 clocking, to comfortably take the 100m ahead of American Jacious Sears (11.02) and New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs (11.12).
The women’s 100m hurdles saw Jamaica’s Tapper, fresh from her fourth Jamaican title, dominate a loaded field in her first Diamond League appearance of the season.
The 2021 Olympic bronze medallist produced a personal best of 12.34 to take top spot ahead of Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji (12.43) and the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser (12.56).
Elsewhere on the track, Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce, who also defended her National title recently, ran a season’s best 49.63 for third in the women’s 400m behind American Aaliyah Butler (49.09) and the Dominican Republic’s reigning World and Olympic champion, Marileidy Paulino (49.06).
In the field, Jordan Scott continued his career-best season with another personal best to claim top spot in the triple jump.
Scott opened his series with 16.79m in the first round before getting out to 17.10m in round two.
He then produced 16.81m in round three before a foul in round four.
In round five, Scott entered a new stratosphere in the event, leaping out to a then-personal best 17.44m to take the lead from Algeria’s Yasser Mohammed Triki.
That mark lasted just a few minutes as Scott, in his sixth and final round effort, produced 17.52m, the second-farthest jump in the world this year, to consolidate the win and confirm his status as a favourite for a medal at the World Championships in Tokyo later this year. (Sportsmax)
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) president Dr. Kishore Shallow has confirmed that Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Anguilla will represent the Caribbean at the 2025 Bolivarian Games but says the regional body is yet to finalise its lineup for the 2027 Pan American Games.
Shallow explained that CWI employed a straightforward and merit-based process to select the four teams for the Bolivarian Games, which will take place from November 22 to December 7 in honour of Latin American liberator Simón Bolívar.
“For the Bolivarian Games in November this year, we will have four teams from the Caribbean.
“The PanAm Games are in 2027, but we
haven’t quite finalised which teams will be present there. The intention would be to have more teams for that tournament,” Shallow said on on WESN TV’s Face of Sports on Thursday.
The chosen four were selected based on their performance in the most recent CG United Super50 Cup, CWI’s premier 50-over competition. While traditional powerhouses Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica were expected picks, Anguilla’s inclusion came through a more unique pathway.
“Anguilla qualified because we picked the top four teams in the last Super50.
“We didn’t have a T20 tournament recently, and the Breakout League wasn’t an option because all of the players weren’t eligible,”
Shallow explained.
“The Leeward Islands were part of that Super50, but they recently hosted a T20 competition, and Anguilla emerged as champions, so we gave them the nod based on that performance,” he added.
The Bolivarian Games, governed by the Bolivarian Sports Organisation, is a multisport regional event involving countries and territories from Latin America.
Along with the invited teams, the Games is expected to feature a diverse array of sports, including both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines.
While the official list of sports has yet to be finalised, previous editions have included athletics, swimming, boxing, and wrestling, among others. (Sportsmax)
• From Page 24
Eighth seed Swiatek drew on all of her greater experience to race through the first set in just 25 minutes.
Anisimova, just three months younger than Swiatek, looked tense from the very start and made a flurry of errors in an opener where she won just nine points.
Despite a sympathetic Centre Court crowd willing her on, things did not improve in the second set for the 13th seed.
A total of 28 unforced errors, plus five double faults, starkly illustrated Anisimova’s struggles.
Fighting back the tears as she addressed the crowd, Anisimova said: “It’s been an incredible fortnight for me - even though I ran out of gas.
“I wish I could have put on a better performance for you today.”
Swiatek becomes an all-court great
If Swiatek had not already proved she should be ranked among the greats of the game, she has certainly done so now.
Mastering a surface considered her weakest - even though she won the Wimbledon junior title in 2018 - has added further credibility to her case.
Swiatek has become the youngest woman since 23-time champion Serena Williams in 2002 to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces.
A sixth major takes her clear of Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis, with only a total of 10 women now having won more in the Open era.
Swiatek became known as the ‘Queen of Clay’ after winning four French Open
titles in five years, while her two-year reign as the world number one - ended by Aryna Sabalenka last year - was underpinned by consistent success on the hard courts.
Grass was the surface she had not cracked.
Before this triumph, Swiatek had made the second week at the All England Club only once, when she reached the quarter-finals in 2023.
Losing in this year’s Roland Garros semi-finals - early by her previous standards - meant she had longer to prepare on the surface, helping her to quickly readjust and improve her confidence and game.
Anisimova’s struggles meant Swiatek was not fully tested. Nevertheless, the weight and depth of the Pole’s ball provided constant pressure which her opponent could not deal with.
Seales 16-3-59-3, S Joseph 17.3-4-33-4, A
7-1-23-0, Greaves 14-2-56-3, Warrican 12-433-0, Chase 4-0-13-0.
WEST
(lb2) 2
TOTAL (one wicket; nine overs) ......................... 16 Yet to bat: Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Alzarri Joseph, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Mikyle Louis, John Campbell. Fall of wickets: 1-11.
Bowling: Starc 4-1-3-1, Hazlewood 2-0-8-0, Cummins 2-0-3-0, Boland 1-1-0-0.
Result: West Indies trail Australia by 209 runs with nine wickets remaining. • Story on Page 24
out;
LEEWARD
WOMEN 126 in 26.5 overs (Sainavi Kambalapalli 27, Katherine Bean
WOMEN 45 in 15.4 overs (Sainavi Kambalapalli 6-8). At Gilbert Park: Barbados Women defeated Guyana Women by 98 runs.
Elecia Bowman 20,
Cumberbatch 12;
2-11,
GUYANA WOMEN 21 in 14 overs (Naijanni Cumberbatch 6-7, Theanny Herbert-Mayers 3-2).
ENGLAND'S tireless efforts were finally rewarded to leave a tetchy third Test against India hanging in the balance after three days at Lord's.
In sweltering conditions, England took the last four India wickets for 11 runs to dismiss the tourists for 387, meaning the scores were level on first innings. The home side looked set to be defied by Ravindra Jadeja, but after he was caught down the leg side by Chris Woakes for 72, England surged. Woakes, so prolific on this ground, ended with three wickets, while Jofra Archer’s pace deserved more than the 2-52 he claimed on his Test comeback.
In the lengthening shadows, Zak Crawley used creative time-wasting tactics to ensure England faced only one over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. Tempers flared; England closed 2-0.
Earlier, KL Rahul completed a controlled 100 and Rishabh Pant made 74, while Jadeja shared vital stands of 72 with Nitish Kumar Reddy and 50 with Washington Sundar.
As usual, England found inspiration from captain Ben Stokes. He produced a stunning direct hit to run out Pant and, in
a tireless spell after tea, found the venom to have Reddy caught behind. Crucially, England had earlier missed three chances to run out Reddy and one to dismiss Jadeja. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir spent a prolonged period off the field with an injury to his left little finger. It’s not his bowling hand, so he should be fit for the fourth innings, when he could be crucial in England’s push for victory.
This has been a curious Test, characterised by a slow pitch, slow scoring, and a slow over-rate. The trench warfare has occasionally been interrupted by flashes of brilliance. On Saturday, those came from Pant, Archer, and Stokes. The closing words exchanged between Crawley and the India fielders added late drama, underlining the high stakes of a tight game and level series.
For long stretches, the day was defined by the innings of Rahul and Jadeja, who separately but similarly ground England down. But once more, the match sprang to life. If Woakes was fortunate to dismiss Jadeja strangled down the leg side, England were ruthless in claiming the final four wickets in six overs.
Just as in their second-Test defeat
Five teams remain in the East Bank Demerara/West Demerara Zone in the third Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, and one will emerge champion today, Sunday, July 13, and head to the National Stadium, Providence on August 3.
The zone finals are being held at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, from 09:30h.
The remaining matches are a quarter-final between Young Steppaz and Trendsetters, followed by the first semi-final featuring Diamond Gunners v The Guard, from 11:00h, and the winner of the quarter-final against Eccles AllStars at 12:45h.
The final will commence at 15:30h.
According to the organisers, FL Sport, they will live stream the two semi-finals and final on the tournament’s social media page, One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.
In addition to joining Montra Jaguars as the first two teams to secure a spot at the National finals, the zone winner will win $300,000 and a specially hand-crafted wooden trophy.
The runners-up will receive $100,000.
Full scores from all matches can be found here: https://flsport.gy/live-score/
Following the completion of the East Bank/West Demerara Zone, the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast will move to the Georgetown/East Coast
at Edgbaston, England now face an examination of their philosophy. Whereas they were unable to bat for a draw in Birmingham, they must now maneuver into a position from which they can push for victory. How they balance setting a target against the time needed to bowl India out will be critical.
In such gruelling conditions, on such a docile pitch, it’s to England’s credit they maintained their intensity. Archer bowled rapid spells, once delivering 15 consecutive balls over 90mph. Stokes matched that hostility. The run-out of Pant came from nothing—Pant looked to give Rahul the strike, but Stokes swooped from cover and hit the bowler’s end off-balance.
England needed more of the same after lunch. Brydon Carse missed a runout chance with Jadeja on three, while Reddy was reprieved three times—twice on nought and once on 18.
Woakes’ wicket of Jadeja was aided by a diving Jamie Smith, who’s had a fine game behind the stumps. Akash Deep edged Carse to Brook at second slip, Bumrah nicked Woakes, and Sundar skied Archer to end the innings.
Zone on July 19 and 20, and the Essequibo Zone on July 26 and 27.
Admission to all venues is free.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast is supported by Kares Engineering Inc., the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Impressions,
Kieron Pollard powers MI New York to victory
Akeal Hosein’s all-round brilliance gave Texas Super Kings a fighting chance, but Kieron Pollard’s vintage fireworks lit up Grand Prairie Stadium on Friday night, powering MI New York into the 2025 MLC final with a commanding seven-wicket win.
• Scores: Texas Super Kings 166-5 (20 overs); MI New York 172-3 (19 overs)
It was a tale of two Trinidadians—both starring for their sides—but only one emerged victorious.
Hosein stepped up when Texas were 85-5, smashing a career-best 55* from 32 balls—his maiden T20 fifty. His knock, which included four fours and four sixes, revived the innings and pushed the Super Kings to a competitive 166-5.
Ironically, one of the bowlers he targeted was Pollard, who went wicketless for 41 runs in his four overs. But the MI New York captain responded in style.
With the chase stumbling at 83-3 in the 13th over and the required rate climbing above 12, Pollard strode in and immediately shifted momentum. His first boundary was a monstrous 100-metre six off Noor Ahmad. From there, he unleashed a brutal counterattack—ending with 47* off just 22 balls, including four fours and three sixes. His assault peaked with a 23-run over off Zia-ul-Haq.
Nicholas Pooran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52 from 36 balls, ensuring MI New York sealed victory with an over to spare.
Earlier, Hosein had impressed with the ball too, taking 1-11 from three overs, including the key wicket of Michael Bracewell. His control briefly stalled MI New York’s top order.
Texas struggled for top-order stability, with only Faf du Plessis (59 off 42) offering resistance before Hosein and Donovan Ferreira (32* off 20) added an unbroken 81 to lift the total.
Tristan Luus (3-35) and Rushil Ugarkar (2-31) were the pick of the bowlers for MI New York, stifling the Super Kings at crucial moments.
Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant and Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor’s Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental and Technical Solutions.
But a target of 166 was never likely to be enough against MI New York’s experienced middle order. Monank Patel laid the platform with 49 off 39 balls, before Pooran and Pollard finished the job in style.
At 38, Pollard’s explosive knock was a timely reminder of his enduring value in franchise cricket. Despite his IPL coaching commitments, he continues to prove he’s a match-winner when it matters most.
Thanks to his late blitz, MI New York—who barely scraped into the playoffs with three league wins—will now face Washington Freedom in the MLC final.
Seam bowling was the dominant factor on day one of the third Test between the West Indies and Australia at Sabina Park on Saturday.
As he did in the first two Tests, Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat first on a grassy pitch set for the first ever Day/Night Test at Sabina Park.
Aussie openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja started slowly, putting on just 28 in the first 16 overs of the innings before Konstas, who survived a drop from debutant Kevlon Anderson in the slips earlier, saw his luck run out when he was trapped in front by Justin Greaves for 17 off 53 balls.
Khawaja added a further 40 with new batsman Cameron Green in 15.2 overs before he fell to a brilliant catch behind the wicket by Shai Hope off the bowling of Shamar Joseph for a 92-ball 23.
Steve Smith, who averages 107 in his career against the West Indies, came in at number four and looked to up the scoring rate alongside Green against a disciplined West Indian pace attack.
The pair added 41 for the third wicket be-
fore Green was bowled by a beauty by Jayden Seales for 46 off 108 balls.
Smith was next to go for 48 off 66 balls, caught by Brandon King at first slip off the bowling of Shamar Joseph.
Just four runs later, Beau Webster edged one through to Hope of Joseph again for one.
Pat Cummins (24), Alex Carey (21) and Travis Head (20) all made valuable contributions towards the end of the innings but the tourists were eventually dismissed for 225 in 70.3 overs.
Joseph finished with 4-33 from 17.3 overs while Greaves and Seales picked up 3-56 off 14 overs and 3-59 off 16 overs, respectively.
The West Indian reply was made more complicated by injuries to openers John Campbell and Mikyle Louis in the field, meaning Brandon King and debutant Kevlon Anderson were thrust into opening roles.
Anderson had a tough time facing Mitchell Starc, who is playing his 100th Test, before eventually falling bowled for three off 14 balls. King (8*) and captain Roston Chase (3*) carried the hosts to 16-1 in nine overs at stumps. (Sportsmax) • See Scoreboard on Page 22
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, met with a number of junior players, including several female rugby players training for international duties.
Discussions focused on the revival of a female rugby team and their preparation for upcoming international tournaments.
President Ali committed to upgrading their practice facility at the National Park, as well as the continued maintenance of the
lighting and grounds.
West Indies player Carrin Carter and former national player Tricia Munroe are supporting the young female athletes in their training.
Gavin McPherson and Nikhil Carter, two Under-19 national players who were awarded scholarships to Thomas College in the United States, were also present.
(Office of the President)
IGA Swiatek ruthlessly took advantage of Amanda Anisimova’s nerves to win her maiden Wimbledon title and inflict the heaviest women’s final defeat at the All England Club in more than a century.
Both players were appearing in their first Wimbledon final but Poland’s Swiatek looked more assured from the very start as she stormed to a 6-0 6-0 victory over the American in just 57 minutes to win a sixth Grand Slam title.
No woman had won a Wimbledon final with a double bagel - the name given to a victory without dropping a game - since Dorothea Lambert Chambers in 1911.
“It seems super surreal,” said 24-year-old Swiatek, whose five previous major titles came on clay or hard courts and who has won every Slam final she has contested.
“I feel like I’m an experienced player, having won other Slams, but I didn’t expect this.”
• Continues on Page 22
“Honestly, I didn’t even dream of winning Wimbledon because it was way too far.