of GNNL congratulate Mr. Haley, a member of our proofreading team, on his admission to the Bar
‘We have to invest in digitisation, AI to remain competitive’
President Ali says, as Guyana eyes becoming regional data hub with establishment of a hyper-scale data centre
By Trina Williams
GUYANA could soon play a pivotal role in the global digital economy, as President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has touted plans to establish a hyper-scale data centre that could power Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital services across the Caribbean.
The President made these remarks on Saturday at the opening of the modern SOMA Hotel and Restaurant, which is located at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The President told the gathering that his government is actively advancing opportunities that would position Guyana with the technological evolution of the world, especially in the areas of AI, digitisation and data infrastructure.
“There is no slowing down, by the grace of God, for us in the next 10 to 15 years, because what we are doing is placing the ideas and the opportunities that will be accelerated in the world by 2035, today,” he said.
While 10 years ago, the global conversation was immersed in the energy dynam-
ics, particularly that of fossil fuels, President Ali pointed to the significant shift that is happening today, which surrounds finding the energy to power AI.
“So, from that thought to today, where we don’t have the energy to power the future, because the data centres that must be built out because of the direction the world is going into to survive AI, digitisation and computing, requires scales of energy at unbelievable scale, and you have to achieve that scale of energy whilst you still have, for example, 50 per cent of the people in Africa without energy and energy poverty around the world,” he said, adding:
“Every country around the world knows that we have to invest in digitisation and in AI if we are to remain competitive.”
Speaking on the value creation of data centres, the Head of State painted the picture of Guyana having a hyper-scale data centre that can bring all of the innovation to Guyana; that can create the computing space for the entire region right in the country, that can be the
sovereign storage space for the entire region.
The President added:
“We’re talking about the build out of FinTech and all of these things. All of it is dependent; the entire modernisation and digitisation of the entire region is dependent on these investments.”
The projected cost of a data centre in Guyana that could serve the rest of the Caribbean, at a minimum could be US$2 billion to US$3 billion, the President disclosed.
“We can take the simple route to decide we just pay for these investments or make the sacrifice now;
make the investment, have the investment, because these are not cheap investment,” Dr. Ali stated.
ELECTRONIC ID CARD
Just recently, President Ali announced that Guyana will begin the large-scale implementation and distribution of the electronic identification system.
The President also assured citizens that there will be public awareness and education as the government looks to roll out the initiative. Dr. Ali was the first to receive his E-ID back in August.
The biometric cards will not only offer citizens preferential treatment in certain areas, but will also strengthen border control by monitoring who is entering the country.
The cards will be important for daily transactions, including opening bank accounts, and are a critical part of Guyana’s wider digital transformation agenda.
In January, the border control and engagement system went live, and has since seen improved security at the airports and border crossings, and assured accuracy and reliability in the verification
of travel using state-of-theart technology and rigorous processes aligned with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
The government, too, is creating service centres in every region, where citizens can visit, conduct their businesses, and have queries handled within their home regions, eliminating the need to travel to Georgetown for government services.
Already, the government has begun the rollout of several innovative technology initiatives aimed at improving access to basic services, which has seen the country heading into a new era with several digital and artificial intelligence-led platforms aimed at improving access to government services and enhancing security.
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the country’s immigration support services have moved to a new digitised system.
This will reduce the need for in-person visits to offices, cutting and eventually eliminating long wait times, and streamlining a process that was done manually.
Gov't set to soon roll out new investment initiatives
–– with aim to expand avenues for long-term, sustainable revenue generation, President Ali announces
By Trina Williams
WITHIN the next three months, the Government of Guyana will unveil a suite of strategic investment projects designed to further promote collaboration between the government, the private sector, as well as Guyanese in the Diaspora, according to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
The President made these remarks on Saturday at the opening of the SOMA Hotel and Restaurant at Houston, East Bank Demerara.
The upcoming projects are poised to form part of a broader effort to strengthen economic resilience, and bolster long-term sustainable growth.
President Ali said: “In another three months or less, we’ll be defining a number
of projects that we will come to the private sector with our diaspora and say, ‘Here is it. We are presenting the fertiliser plant, opportunity in the gas to shore,’ and then bringing all our truckers together to understand that the new form of trucking will be transporting liquids from the gas project, and accepting a realistic path to long-term sustainable revenue generation.”
Additionally, the President outlined a co-investment model in which the government partners with the private sector, with the possibility of deferring its equity contribution.
“A path in which the government co-invests with the private sector. Government equity could be deferred equity and the private sector accept maybe a 10 per cent return, whereas safe vehicle, safe investment, safe
return, sovereign in that it is national in nature,” he said, adding: “That is what we want to create.”
A key component of this strategy is the interest-free development bank, which the government is currently
working to establish.
The bank will aim to provide accessible financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thereby reducing reliance on traditional commercial banks, and their often restrictive
collateral and interest requirements.
Most recently, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that the government is moving to set up the zero-interest development bank.
About US$200 million in seed funding will be used in this venture. Dr. Jagdeo said the funds will be disbursed in tranches. Work on the concept has started, he said, and it could be operational by the end of 2026.
The bank will advance credit for small businesses at zero interest, and with fewer collateral requirements.
To hasten this commitment, an expert committee has been entrusted with formulating the model of the SME Development Bank.
They will need to study global experiences, delineate the legal and institutional framework, and identify the financial structures required
to operationalise the bank.
Last month, the President announced a list of initiatives aimed at improving Guyana’s financial sector, making access to banking and lending services easier for citizens and businesses.
President Ali has since tasked a team comprising the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Guyana, and commercial banks with identifying loopholes in the sector.
Dr. Ali said that this action plan will focus on relaxing documentary conditions for borrowing and opening bank accounts, especially for new businesses, while encouraging banks to lend more based on movable assets as collateral.
The President also directed measures to be undertaken towards operationalising the movable assets registry in support of this effort.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
GCAA launches digital portal for aircraft landing permits
By Shamar Meusa
THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Monday launched its new e-services portal for the provision of aircraft landing permits here.
The portal, which forms part of a larger project of digitising services at the aviation authority, was launched at its High Street, Kingston office, where it was noted that it also directly aligns with the vision of President Dr. Irfaan Ali for the digitalisation of sectors of the country.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar stated that the platform will revolutionise interactions with the aviation sector, making processes smoother.
“This Online platform will revolutionise the way we interact with the aviation sector, making it easier and faster for all stakeholders involved,” he said, adding:
“By moving to a digital platform, we are achieving significant savings in resources and time. With improved processes and more accessible services, we can
A view of the digital platform for aircraft landing permits
ensure that no matter where you live in the world, you can come to Guyana and access our products and services.”
During the ceremony, Director General of the GCAA, Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field stated, “We are thrilled to introduce this platform to the public. This project not only aligns with his [Excellency’s] vision, but also embodies the unwavering commitment to ensure that the public service is both accessible and
our previous processes,” he added.
efficient for all stakeholders.”
He noted that the landing permit online application system also represents a paradigm shift in how applications are handled.
This, he said, was an extensive process that currently sees over 500 applicants, and with the move to a digital platform, there is an expectation that same will increase.
“Transitioning to this e-services platform, we are addressing the challenges of
The platform, which was a collaborative effort between the GCAA and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), saw the development and design of the same by a fully Guyanese team.
Against this backdrop, the government’s National
ICT Adviser Darryl Akeung stated that together, the agencies worked tirelessly to develop a system that ensures that aviation services are brought closer to airline operators while improving safety, transparency and efficiency.
“The Online landing platform transforms a process that was once manual and time-consuming into a fully digital experience,” Akeung said.
He noted that it allows airline operators to apply online from anywhere in the world, and as such, the platform provides real-time status updates while ensuring secure and faster processing times.
October Demerara Criminal Assizes open with 143 cases
THE Demerara October 2025 Criminal Assizes officially commenced on Tuesday, October 7 at the High Court in Georgetown.
This year’s sittings will see the hearing of 143 criminal cases, including matters related to murder, sexual offences, manslaughter, and other serious crimes.
The list of cases scheduled for trial at the October
the single largest category before the court.
In addition to these, there are over 20 cases of rape involving adult victims.
Beyond sexual offences, the list also includes a significant number of murder and manslaughter cases. More than 40 individuals are charged with murder, with a few facing retrials or multiple indictments, while
2025 criminal session paints a sobering picture of the country’s criminal landscape.
A review of the document reveals that sexual offences, particularly against children, dominate the docket. There are at least 55 cases of rape of a child under 16, many involving multiple counts, and about10 cases of sexual activity with a child family member.
Together, this amounts to about 65 child-related sexual offence cases, making up
at least nine persons are charged with manslaughter.
Other matters on the docket include charges of attempted murder, wounding with intent, robbery under-arms, narcotics trafficking, and accessory after the fact of murder.
The Demerara Criminal Assizes are held four times a year: On the second Tuesday in January, the first Tuesday in April, the first Tuesday in June, and the first Tuesday in October.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar (Japheth Savory photos)
GCAA Director General Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field Government’s Chief Technology Adviser Darryl Akeung
ExxonMobil Ogle HQ now ‘fully operational’ –Routledge
EXXONMOBIL Guyana’s new headquarters at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, is officially fully operational, as the company continues to expand its local footprint and long-term commitment to Guyana.
One of the buildings, which is called the Kanuku Complex, draws its name from the Kanuku Mountain Range in Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo), symbolising strength and endurance, while the second one, the Pakaraimas, is named after the mountains of southwestern Guyana.
Speaking during the company’s first media briefing at the new site on Monday, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge confirmed that more than 560 employees have already moved into the facility, along with about 150 workers from prime contractor, SBM Offshore.
“The Ogle office is fully operational. We’ve moved in some 560 people, and you’ll see there are a lot of people here, not just ExxonMobil employees, but also our key contractors,” Routledge said.
He said that the headquarters is now “fully functional in all aspects”, serving as a central hub for the company’s growing operations.
“From an operational point of view, we’re in the process of moving the offshore panel operator positions from the FPSO,” he disclosed. The Kanuku Complex is equipped with advanced technology designed to support ExxonMobil’s offshore oil production.
The first floor is dedicated to offshore operations, housing three control rooms that will be manned 24/7. This setup enables the company to reduce the number of personnel working directly
offshore, while ensuring real-time oversight of production activities.
The control rooms are linked via fiber optic cable to ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels, including Unity, Prosperity, and One Guyana, allowing for seamless remote man -
agement, process monitoring, and inspection.
The same fiber optic network runs parallel to the Gas-to-Energy project’s pipeline, providing added capability to detect leaks or unauthorised access along the route.
Routledge, however, pointed out that this transition
Allottees for new Mabaruma housing scheme to access lands by mid-December
--Minister Croal says
The government’s aggressive push to expand housing access in hinterland regions continues to advance, with infrastructural works on the new Tract ‘A’ Housing Scheme in Mabaruma, Region One, now 45 per cent complete
THE government’s aggressive push to expand housing access in hinterland regions continues to advance, with infrastructural works on the new Tract ‘A’ Housing Scheme in Mabaruma, Region One, now 45 per cent complete.
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, said that the 17-acre development is on schedule to allow allottees to begin accessing their plots by mid-December, 2025.
The minister made these remarks during a recent site visit with Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Vice-Chairman, Paul Pierre; and Mayor of Mabaruma, Trevi Leung.
The government’s $110 million investment in the scheme covers critical firstphase infrastructural works
adjustments, Routledge noted that final figures are still being reconciled.
is being done methodically to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained.
“We do that very methodically in order that it’s a safe operation,” he said.
Regarding project costs associated with the headquarters and related operational
“It will probably take several months to reach that point. As in any major project, there are always contractual questions and matters that have to be worked through in order to align the final numbers between contractor, subcontractors and ourselves,” he explained.
including land clearing, the construction of access roads and drainage systems.
The project is being executed in two lots, one of which is being managed by a local contractor, creating employment opportunities within the region.
Minister Croal emphasised that the works are essential to prepare the area for construction by the allottees.
“Before the year is finished, all the persons who have been allocated here will be able to commence construction for their own new home,” the minister stated.
Allottees in the new housing scheme will also qualify for assistance under the ministry’s Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme, which provides TURN TO PAGE 9
ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge
ExxonMobil’s new state-of-the-art headquarters at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (AXIS Surveying- Construction photo)
A Necessary Call for Accountability
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali’s meeting with East Bank Demerara road contractors on Sunday showcases the strong leadership Guyana needs as it faces significant development challenges in the oil era.
The sight of travellers leaving their vehicles at Land of Canaan to walk to the airport illustrates the severe mismanagement that led to the President’s intervention. When Guyanese citizens have to walk miles with luggage due to contractors failing to manage basic traffic flow, it shows that gentle reminders have not worked.
Ali’s meeting with the China Road & Bridge Corporation and Sheladia Associates Inc was not an overreach,
it was a necessary call for accountability.
The President’s midnight inspection revealed serious contractor negligence. Finding only a few workers at 02:30hrs on a project that should operate around the clock exposes the complacency surrounding this US$75.8 million Inter-American Development Bank-funded project.
Ali’s demand for liquidated damages from all parties indicates that the time of cost overruns and timeline extensions without consequences is over.
With oil revenues changing the economy, the East Bank corridor plays a vital role in connecting the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to George-
town, making traffic issues not just a hassle, but also economically harmful.
The President’s call for 24/7 drone surveillance and containerised traffic control systems shows that he understands modern problems need modern solutions.
Establishing emergency boat transport to the airport, while it may seem dramatic, reflects practical planning that previous administrations would not have considered. This strong backup plan ensures that international travellers, key to Guyana’s growing tourism and business sectors, can trust the country’s infrastructure.
Most importantly, Ali’s demand for updated work plans within 24 hours
sends a clear message to international contractors: Guyana will no longer accept poor execution on high-quality projects. As the nation uses oil wealth to build top-tier infrastructures, the President’s firm approach sets standards that will benefit future development projects.
This confrontation ultimately shows Ali as a hands-on leader willing to address failures directly rather than hiding behind bureaucratic barriers.
At a time when Guyana must quickly modernise its infrastructure to meet its economic goals, this kind of presidential assertiveness is not just welcome; it is crucial for the country’s progress.
Drastic measures are needed to curb reckless use of our roadways
Dear Editor,
THE disaster that occurred a few days ago on the road to Timehri, prompting His Excellency’s intervention, need not have happened.
I’m not gloating, but have been mentioning the unacceptability of the delays on the completion of this essential corridor, to and from the main airport of Guyana, for more than a year to my comrades I “hang out” with.
I’ve commented on the absolute disregard for the five “C’s” resulting in bullies who have taken over the roads, creating severe traffic congestion, not only on this corridor, but on ALL the major arteries, and again, not only in and out of Georgetown,
but in other heavily-trafficked areas.
I’m hoping that bringing a halt to this unacceptable behaviour, which maybe is better described as madness, would NOT require ANOTHER presidential intervention.
I’ve always been one to commend the traffic chief and his ranks for doing a good job, taking into consideration the phenomenal increase in motor vehicles in the country.
However, like all situations, more can be done.
I’m convinced that the “mini bus and hire cars” culture has been taken over by the operation of “private hire cars” (PH) in the country. These vehicles operate with impunity and are apparently above the law,
since I’ve seen them operating even outside police stations.
Someone told me that no action is taken against them as many are owned by members of the police force, some stationed in the stations they operate outside of.
But these PH vehicles also ply their trade at almost every other location where they have a ready clientele, outside hospitals, markets and stores on Regent, Water, Camp, Robb streets, just to name a few.
These PH vehicles are “rented” to drivers, who have to pay the owners a certain amount per day, so naturally, like the mini buses and TRUCKS (another new phenomenon) break almost every traffic law to make to make their payments, PLUS something for themselves and their families.
My suggestion, which I’ve made in the past, is that the vehicles committing these blockages, as occurred in the recent East Bank situation, which prompted the President to summon the contractors and others, MUST be dealt with CONDIGNLY.
Drivers committing these breaches MUST have their vehicles IMPOUNDED, for three to five days in the first instance, and increased with frequency of infractions. UNLESS and UNTIL something drastic is done, His Excellency would have to have many more meetings to remedy the unacceptable situation/ behaviour being allowed to take over our roads.
Yours sincerely, Harry Nawbatt
Guyana leveraging Qatar’s medical expertise for more local advancements
–– President Ali says, talks up potential for long-term interventions, training, knowledge exchange
LEVERAGING medical expertise from Qatar, Guyana is seeking to further build its capacity to offer specialised healthcare services both locally and regionally.
This was revealed by President, Dr Irfaan Ali during a dinner on Sunday evening for the Qatar Red Crescent Medical team.
“We are willing to partner from an administrative perspective and also from a technical perspective, with the skills that we will be developing, because we know we live in a region that is susceptible to natural disasters, and we want to be able to also build our capacity to help our brothers and sisters in the region in time of needs,” the President said.
He related that the medical convoy has already signalled plans to return to spearheading long-term interventions.
The Qatari Red Crescent’s (QRCS) medical convoy provided specialised surgeries and training to local doctors, focusing on paediatric, gynaecological and cardiac cases.
With funding from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) last week launched a seven-day multi-specialisation medical convoy at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) (Photo credit: QRCS)
Notable successes included saving a one-day-old baby with tricuspid atresia and treating oncological cases. Future collaborations include observerships and fellowships for local doctors.
“Qatar has been leading in many areas of global development, and Qatar has also been leading in all efforts to enhance humanity and build stronger global citizens today, because of your work with us in transferring technology and knowledge and building
partnership, we have advanced one step closer in our bilateral relationship,”
President Ali said adding: “We have advanced in a more dignified way, because when you save your life or when you have these interventions, it is not only about the people who benefit, it’s about the nation and the country that will benefit from human assets, that will continue to live a healthy and fulfilling life.”
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony shared his optimism to
further strengthen the relationship and build on the positive experiences shared by the local team.
“We are building on this relationship, and I’m sure that with the kind of friendships that we have developed over the last couple of days, that this can only grow stronger,” Dr Anthony had said Established in March 1978 as Qatar’s first volunteering charitable organisation, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) works to help and empower vulnera-
ble individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.
With funding from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), QRCS had last week, launched a seven-day multi-specialisation medical convoy at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The medical delegation comprised nine specialists, including paediatric interventional cardiologists, paediatric urologists, obstetricians and gynaecologists, and catheterisation laboratory technicians.
This mission is part of QRCS’s year-round medical convoys programme, which involves the deployment of volunteering doctors to several countries to provide medical care, perform surgeries, and build the capacity of medical facilities and personnel with supplies, training, and expertise.
The QRCS commended Guyana for its efforts in modernising its healthcare systems to better deliver services to the populace.
Most recently, the government commissioned several new regional hospitals and health-care facilities across the country. These have been supplemented by efforts to digitise health records and enhance training for healthcare professionals.
Under the project, a volunteering medical delegation from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Sidra Medicine was deployed to Guyana to perform 120 cardiac catheterisation, colectomy, paediatric urology, and breast-cancer surgeries.
Mohamed, WIN failed supporters after first real test
Dear Editor,
THE first real political test for Azruddin Mohamed and WIN came with the swearing-in of councillors for the 10 Regional Demographic Councils and the elections for Chair and Vice-Chair (VC) for the 10 geographic regions.
By all indications and by any standard, Mohamed and WIN failed miserably. The PPP won elections for chair of eight of the 10 regions – Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, and Nine. The PPP also won elections for seven of the 10 Vice-Chairs - Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Nine. WIN won elections for the Chair and ViceChair of Region Seven. The election for Chair in Region 10 ended in a deadlock between the candidate nominated by the PNC-led APNU and the candidate nominated by WIN.
When there is a deadlock between candidates, the person who ends up as Chair depends on a casting vote by the Minister of Local Government. Unless there is a negotiation between parties to end the deadlock, Minister Priya Manickchand will now have to cast a vote to determine whether the Regional Chairman will be the PNC-led APNU candidate or the WIN candidate.
The reality was for WIN to offer APNU the VC position in Region 10. But that would not be enough to win APNU’s support since the PPP’s offer to APNU was the Chair’s position and to take the VC position. Clearly, for WIN, the challenge was to make their offer more attractive than the PPP’s offer, and there were varied ways to do so. WIN showed they lacked the experience to manage this situation. They failed.
As in Regions Four and Eight, none of the political parties had a clear majority of seats to determine the Chair and Vice-Chair for Regions Four, Eight, and 10. It means that negotiation between the parties had to take
place to determine who would be the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of these regions. We know that the PNC-led APNU and WIN parties had negotiations.
The PNC-led APNU issued a statement confirming those negotiations took place. WIN has not denied that negotiations took place.
The PNC-led APNU stated unequivocally that the negotiations collapsed without any agreements.
In Region Four, therefore, the voting for Chair and Vice-Chair ended up with at least one member from the PNC-led APNU, FGM or WIN voting for the candidate nominated by the PPP.
We cannot know which opposition councillor voted for the PPP candidate because it was a secret ballot. From public statements by various councillors, it appears that the person from the opposition that voted for the PPP was an APNU councillor.
Since WIN candidates indicated they had left their ballots blank, the 17 PPP votes for VC in Region Four were more than enough to give the PPP the VC position also.
Given that there were negotiations that took place between WIN and APNU, in their first big political test, WIN failed. Even though the PPP had by far the largest number of seats in the Region Four council, WIN had a chance to make a deal with the PNC and FGM to block the PPP. WIN failed.
Given that the PPP controls central government, WIN, APNU and FGM, as responsible opposition parties, had an obligation and an opportunity to ensure that the largest RDC did not end up in the hands of the PPP.
This, in particular, was a test for WIN, as the party that would lead the opposition in parliament, to demonstrate it had the ability to rattle the PPP. It failed miserably.
Region Eight elections ended with the PPP candidate for Chair and the APNU candidate for VC elected. Clearly, this meant that the
PPP and the PNC-led APNU succeeded in negotiating an outcome.
The PPP and WIN were in the exact position in Region Eight, and clearly the PPP successfully did the necessary work to secure chairmanship, while conceding the VC position to APNU. This was a loss for WIN, as it allowed the PPP to control another Region that WIN could have denied them.
In Region 10, another important region for any political party that is determined to play an effective role in the next five years, the opportunity to lock out the PPP exists.
The fact that the election for Chair ended up in a deadlock between the APNU and WIN candidates when WIN only needed one vote to covet the Chair’s position, signals the inability of WIN to effectively negotiate.
It appears likely, therefore, that the PNCled candidate would end up as Chair of Region 10, with a likely PPP-nominated candidate as the VC. The WIN leadership showed they lack political agility and political pragmatism to effectively represent their supporters.
In their very first test, Mohamed and WIN failed.
Now they are crying, bemoaning the fact that APNU did not support them and shedding crocodile tears that the PPP now has prominence in nine of the 10 RDCs, with the possibility of having eight of the 10 Chair and VC positions, with WIN and the PNC-led APNU, each, having one Chair and VC positions.
The failure in their first political test has ramifications for WIN’s role in parliament. Parliament is not merely about debates and “pamposetting”. Almost daily and almost in every sitting, there must be negotiations.
While WIN definitely will have the leader of the opposition role, the question is whether they can rely on the support of the MPs from APNU and FGM. Can WIN effectively prevent the PPP from getting its way when there is need for a two-thirds majority votes
in parliament?
For example, there is the need for twothirds majorities during the work of the Appointments Committee. Wherever there is need for more than majority support, can WIN effectively align the opposition votes?
Parliament’s convening will take place in a matter of days – at least, before November 2. The first major votes will be for the speaker and the deputy speaker.
The PPP will nominate its candidate for the speaker’s position and will win that vote, with or without any support from the opposition WIN, APNU or FGM MPs. The PPP is likely to not oppose a candidate for the deputy speaker from amongst the opposition MPs.
This is where a second test for WIN will emerge. Will they negotiate a consensus opposition candidate or will they allow multiple candidates with WIN, APNU and FGM nominating their own candidates? Will they allow the PPP to pick and choose?
WIN’s failure in the RDC elections for Chairs and VCs raises serious doubts as to whether they would be able to mobilise and align the opposition’s strength in parliament to oppose the PPP. WIN’s leader has reverted to crying and moaning over the results of the elections for Chair and VC in the RDCs.
Instead, he needs to recognise that the voters have crafted, intentionally or unintentionally, the reality that mature, practical and pragmatic negotiations must take place. What WIN clearly demonstrated in this first test is that their approach so far lacks practicality, pragmatism and maturity. Crying like a spoilt brat is not the answer. Representing their supporters is their obligation, a responsibility that they have so far spectacularly failed to deliver.
Yours sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy
The Guyanese people must demand this of Terrence Campbell
TERRENCE Campbell has started his political entry in a safe mode. He only gives interviews to safe interviewers.
People do not know but about two and a half years ago, I invited Campbell on the Freddie Kissoon Show but he declined. Now that he is the parliamentary leader of ANPU, he has a standing invitation.
I hope he appears and stops hiding behind safe interviewers. The most senior PNC person at the moment in the PNC executive outside of Aubrey Norton himself is Ganesh Mahipaul. Campbell needs to take a leaf of Mahipaul’s book. Mahipaul does not shy away from hard interviews. He told me recently that he is coming on the Freddie Kissoon Show once again to clarify a few things.
The person who needs to clarify more than a few things is Campbell. I start with the handshake scandal. I have a taped interview with Jermaine Figueira which Campbell must watch. It has not been aired so I cannot hand Campbell the entire tape. I am only going to disclose two items on that tape so Campbell could see what type of political leader Norton is.
Figueira explained that he got a call from Norton after it was made public that he (Figueira) shook the President’s hand.
Figueira said Norton told him, “Yuh know how I feel about this handshake thing.” Norton then went to tell Figueira: “You know I could move you as parliamentarian.”
Figueira answered in the affirmative when asked if he was removed by Norton as a shadow minister because of the handshake.
The second disclosure is Figueira’s psychological portrait of Norton of which only a part of that disclosure will be disclosed here.
Figueira when asked that as things began to deteriorate badly inside the PNC why he and Norton couldn’t meet and talk about the issues, replied: “Norton does not listen to anyone.”
All Guyanese must demand that Terrence Campbell answer this question. If he will not, then we must persist. In every column on Campbell, I will demand he answer that absorbing question. Will Campbell tell the nation if his policy is not to shake the hand of the President when they meet.
And meet they will next year when there are the Emancipation festivities in the National Park; when there is Phagwah next there; when there are Independence celebrations next year. When the two men are in the same space and the President extends his hand, will Campbell respond and shake the President’s hand?
That space is coming up soon when Parliament is convened. President Ali will be there to greet the newly sworn in parliamentarians and then is when we will know what Campbell is made of.
I don’t suppose Campbell will respond to me. But others who think that with Campbell’s new leadership role in parliament, the PNC is on a new embarkation as spelt out by Campbell himself, must ask him to answer the question. I repeat it here for emphasis. When they meet, will Campbell shake the President’s hand?
I believe every Guyanese, in and out of the land, is curious to know what is Campbell’s position on the shake-hand thing. Here is my take. Campbell is living between the Devil and the raging tides of the mighty Atlantic. If he accepts that the policy of the PNC under
his parliamentary role is not to shake the President’s hand, then Campbell’s career is over.
The refusal of any parliamentarian from the opposition not to shake the President’s hand is an asinine blunder that the people of Guyana find too stupid and infantile and lacking in decorum.
Norton lost the respect of untold thousands when he declined to shake the President’s hand on two occasions and victimised Figueira for so doing.
If Campbell shakes the president’s hand at the opening of parliament and any other national occasion coming up, then Norton is going to remonstrate with him and there is going to be recriminations.
I suggest Campbell, a newcomer to politics, needs to listen to Figueira’s analysis of the psychology and politics of Norton of an
unreleased edition of the Freddie Kissoon Show. It will be an experience for Campbell. Campbell hasn’t got a scintilla of knowledge of who Norton is. I don’t think he knows the man.
I am putting it to Campbell that if he shakes the President’s hand, Norton will interpret that as a personal affront and there is going to be a battle for survival, but then again, Campbell may follow the example of Sharma Solomon who obeyed Norton’s edict and did not shake the President’s hand. Campbell may “follow de leadah” an old anthem of the PNC.
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.
Effective landfill management central to maintaining clean, healthy communities
–– Minister Manickchand tells staff at Haags Bosch as gov’t continues efforts to strengthen waste management systems
AS part of efforts to enhance overall waste-management systems, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, emphasised that effective landfill management is central to maintaining clean, healthy communities and supports the overall goals of the government’s National Beautification and Waste Management Plan.
She stressed this point during an engagement with site managers and technical officers at the Haags Bosch Landfill Site, East Bank Demerara, on Monday.
The minister’s visit was part of a follow-up exercise to assess ongoing operations and ensure that key measures are being implemented to strengthen the facility’s management systems. The visit also forms part of the ministry’s broader efforts to enhance national solid-waste management and ensure that landfill opera-
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, conducted a follow-up visit to the Haags Bosch Landfill Site, East Bank of Demerara, to assess ongoing operations and ensure that key measures are being implemented to strengthen the facility’s management systems
tions align with environmental best practices.
During the visit, Minister Manickchand engaged staff and reviewed progress on infrastructural maintenance, waste segregation, and the implementation of improved disposal methods.
The minister also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to continuous oversight and collaboration with local authorities to ensure that facilities such as Haags Bosch remain functional,
sustainable, and responsive to the country’s growing waste-management needs. Additionally, there are plans to establish landfill facilities in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine, and 10, further reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to expanding sustainable waste-management infrastructures nationwide and improving environmental conditions across all regions of Guyana.
ExxonMobil Guyana producing approximately 740,000
— closing in on year-end target
By Clestine Juan
EXXONMOBIL Guyana has reached a significant production milestone, recording approximately 740,000 barrels of oil per day in September.
This was according to President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge during a press briefing at the company’s Ogle, East Coast Demerara office.
Routledge highlighted the rapid progress of ExxonMobil’s offshore projects, noting that the September figure marks a major step toward ExxonMobil’s ambitious target of producing 900,000 barrels per day by the end of the year.
Routledge noted that current production has already surpassed 770,000 barrels per day, highlighting the compa-
ny’s industry-leading project execution and operational reliability.
A key driver of this growth is the Yellowtail project, which began operations on August 8, four months ahead of schedule.
Within 30 days, the project achieved gas injection on the reservoir, reflecting ExxonMobil’s commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient resource management.
The Yellowtail project is being produced through the ONE GUYANA Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the largest of its kind to operate offshore the country to date.
The vessel will develop the Yellowtail and Redtail fields, discovered in 2019 and 2020 respectively, and is equipped with state-of-the-art
Allottees for new Mabaruma housing scheme to access...
building materials to support affordable home construction. The establishment of the Tract ‘A’ housing scheme in the Mabaruma sub-district required land acquisition through the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), a necessary step given the limited availability of state lands within Mabaruma’s central area.
“Getting land within the Mabaruma central area is very difficult because the lands are owned by various persons and mostly private individuals, and so this was a portion we were able to get through the state,” Minister Croal explained.
Looking ahead, the min-
Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines (SURF) infrastructure, enabling production from 26 production wells and 25 water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection wells.
By 2030, ExxonMobil Guyana projects total production capacity of 1.7 million oil equivalent barrels per day from eight developments.
The company had previously noted that its deepwater projects here are “the most successful in the world,” having brought four complex offshore mega-projects online in just five years all ahead of schedule and under budget.
ExxonMobil operates the block with a 44 per cent stake, alongside Hess (30 per cent) — now under Chevron — and CNOOC (25 per cent).
The Ministry of Natural Resources is expected to re-
FROM PAGE 5
istry is set to continue its expansion across Region One in the Matarkai sub-district.
“Within another month, we’ll be on an outreach in Port Kaituma to commence the allocation exercise for the development of a new housing scheme there,” Minister Croal shared.
Apart from the establishment of these schemes, Region One also benefits from the government’s Hinterland Housing Programme, which sees the construction of homes for vulnerable Amerindian families across Guyana’s hinterland regions. (Central Housing and Planning Authority)
barrels per day
lease the official September production data soon, but Routledge confirmed that Guyana’s oil sector continues to expand at a remarkable pace. The increased output
is contributing significant revenues to the country’s Natural Resource Fund and supporting local economic development.
ExxonMobil’s ongoing investments, including the recently approved Hammerhead project and the upcoming Long Tail development, are set to further boost Guyana’s oil production capacity in the coming years.
Human Services Ministry introduces ‘Girls to Women Mentorship Network’
TO empower young females with guidance and support as they navigate life’s journey, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security officially introduced the “Girls to Women Mentorship Network” on Monday at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.
The initiative, led by subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, was unveiled during the ministry’s observance of International Day of the Girl Child, hosted by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA).
Minister Persaud highlighted that the network is designed to connect young
girls with experienced women who can mentor, inspire, and help them unlock their full potential.
She emphasised that the platform would create meaningful opportunities for growth and help prepare girls for the transition into womanhood with confidence and purpose.
“We must focus on empowering our girls, focus on ensuring that they're included in every aspect of development, and focus on making sure that they access all the programmes and supporting mechanisms through the Child Care Protection Agency, the Ministry of Hu-
man Services and Social Security, and the Government at large,” Minister Persaud stressed.
She noted that the programme will be rolled out across the country, where it will see a closer relationship being built between women mentors and young girls.
To kick-start the initiative, the first set of mentors who were present at the event included Justice Roxane George, Chancellor of the Judiciary; President of the Guyana Bar Association, Pauline Chase; President of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith; Woman Superintendent, Nicola
Kendall; Environmental Enthusiast, Anette Arjoon and Environmental Economist at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Pradeepa Bholanath, among others.
The minister emphasised the importance of giving young girls the opportunity to hear directly from exceptional women, to learn about their challenges, their journeys, and their triumphs.
She noted that by engaging with these inspiring role models, young girls can begin to see themselves reflected in their stories, envisioning their own paths to success, and even surpassing the achievements of the trailblazing women who came
before them.
“We’re trying, in our own way, to play a part in shaping the woman you will become tomorrow, while helping the girl you are today understand that there is support for everything you aspire to do and all that you can be,” Minister Persaud told the girls.
The programme marks a significant step in the ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and youth empowerment as it ensures that every girl is equipped to become a strong, capable, and empowered woman of tomorrow. (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security)
To empower young females with guidance and support as they navigate life’s journey, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security officially introduced the ‘Girls to Women Mentorship Network’ on Monday at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown
THAG launches Tapas, Rum & Wine 2025 -
a celebration of Guyana’s culinary artistry
–– event set for October 19 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Ballroom
THE Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has officially launched Tapas, Rum & Wine 2025, a premier culinary and beverage experience set for October 19, 2025, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Ballroom.
The event is being hosted with the support of the Guyana Marriott Hotel and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Now in its second year, Tapas, Rum & Wine has already established itself as one of THAG’s signature events, showcasing Guyana’s top chefs, restaurants, caterers, and beverage experts.
The evening will feature an array of innovative tapas creations, premium rum and wine pairings, and signature cocktails, highlighting the creativity and diversity of the country’s evolving food and beverage scene.
This year’s lineup includes some of Guyana’s most recognised culinary and beverage brands — Banks DIH Limited, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Lehr Inc., Gemini Cocktails, The Wine Vault, and a selection of restaurants and private chefs such as Grand Coastal Hotel, Bistro Café & Bar, Fresh, Guyana Marriott Hotel, Nikkei Guyana, Cara Lodge, Le Chef Catering, and Sushi by Selena.
From 5 PM to 10 PM, patrons can look forward to an evening of fine dining, expertly paired drinks and an atmosphere of sophistication and local flair.
According to THAG, the goal of Tapas, Rum & Wine is to encourage innovation and excellence among local
chefs and beverage professionals, inspiring them to push boundaries while inviting patrons to appreciate the craftsmanship, creativity, and thought that go into every dish and pour.
“It’s about inspiring people to see and experience food and drink differently,” a THAG representative noted, “and to appreciate the value and artistry within Guyana’s hospitality industry.”
During the launch event, THAG President Mitra Ramkumar expressed pride in what Tapas, Rum & Wine represents for the sector.
“I don’t believe we have another event in Guyana that brings all these restaurants, top chefs, and promotes their skill and talent in one room at the Marriott Hotel,” Ramkumar stated. “This is not just a THAG event—it is a Guyana event.”
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, in her remarks, commended THAG for its
continued efforts to promote Guyana’s tourism and hospitality industries, while emphasising the importance of collaboration beyond such events.
“Collaborations between MTIC and THAG have to go beyond events such as Tapas, Rum & Wine and continue in capacity building through training,” she said.
Minister Rodrigues acknowledged that building a strong tourism and hospitality sector in a country that has traditionally not been service-based presents challenges, but emphasised Government’s commitment to that goal.
“We know we can get it done,” she said. “We have
great partners in THAG and other associations within the sector, and I’ve seen that hunger to work towards building out a more thriving tourism and hospitality industry.”
She further noted the responsiveness of tourism
stakeholders—including hoteliers, restaurateurs, mixologists, and chefs—in collaborating with the government to enhance the visitor experience and ensure that tourism remains accessible and affordable for both locals and visitors.
“When government sees this type of response from stakeholders, we are encouraged to continue supporting events like Tapas, Rum & Wine, which give them a platform to showcase their talent and elevate Guyana’s culinary experience, using local ingredients,” she affirmed.
Minister Rodrigues also highlighted the government’s broader role in ensuring a stable economy, high investor confidence, and increased visitor arrivals.
“Our responsibility as government is to ensure that people continue to invest in Guyana, that investor confidence is high, and that we grow the number of visitors coming to experience all that our country has to offer—our tours, our food, and our drink,” she said.
Tickets for Tapas, Rum & Wine 2025 are available at the THAG Secretariat (157 Waterloo
Street, Georgetown – ground floor, PSC Building) and Bistro Café & Bar (176 Middle and Waterloo Streets, King’s Hotel and Residences). Tickets cost $12,000, inclusive of entry and tapas chits, while beverages will be sold separately.
With excitement already building, Tapas, Rum & Wine 2025 promises an evening of refined taste, creativity, and cultural celebration—spotlighting Guyana’s growing reputation as a destination for exceptional culinary and hospitality experiences.
THAG is hosting its second annual Tapas, Rum and Wine, an event that is quickly becoming one of the association’s signature events, a celebration of the evolving local culinary and beverage scene (Sachin Persaud photo)
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce
Susan Rodrigues
President of THAG Mitra Ramkumar
Farmers showcase Guyana’s thriving ruminant sub-sector at GLDA exhibition
—Minister
By Faith Greene
Mustapha commends turnout, encourages greater participation next year
SCORES of farmers from Regions Three, Four, Five,
and Six gathered on Sunday to celebrate Guyana’s growing livestock industry at the inaugural ruminant
exhibition hosted by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).
The event, which formed
part of Agriculture Month 2025 activities, provided an opportunity for farmers to showcase their animals and highlight the importance of livestock farming to the nation’s food security and economy.
The day’s activities included a fireside curry-cooking competition, featuring participants from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), and representatives from Regions Three and Five. Be -
hind the scenes, the event brought together many of the hardworking individuals who have dedicated years to strengthening Guyana’s livestock sub-sector and supplying the country with quality meats.
Among the participants was Colin Griffith, a cattle farmer from Golden Fleece, West Coast Berbice (Region Five), who has been in the livestock industry for approximately 30 years. Speaking at the exhibition, Griffith said it was his first time attending such an event and described the experience as both enjoyable and inspiring.
“I never go to an exhibition, but today I feel nice and I like the get together and so on about what’s going on. When I look at the sheep and the goat and the cows and everything, it’s nice, it isn’t bad,” Griffith said with a smile.
In addition to rearing cattle, Griffith also tends to sheep, ducks, fowls, and other animals on his farm.
Another exhibitor, Ricordo Bhagnauth from Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), has been a livestock farmer for the past 20 years. He said farming has been a life-long passion, one he inherited through family tradition. Bhagnauth explained that Agriculture Month is a time he eagerly looks forward to each year.
“Like people got car race and car show — when the time reach, they’re ready to go. Me ready to come exhibition with me animals,” he said enthusiastically.
He added that while he hopes for more support for farmers in the future, he remains proud to contribute to Guyana’s agricultural development.
“I glad to get a little help. So later on, time to come, I maybe might get my help.
Everybody have their day,” Bhagnauth shared, noting that he currently rears blackhead dorper, white dorper, and bull goats, among other breeds.
Describing the exhibition as an important opportunity for farmers to showcase their livelihoods, he said,
“I always turn out to exhibition. As I said, this is me sports. So, when this time meet, I preparing and I coming out. I is a farmer. So this is my livelihood.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, praised the initiative and expressed optimism that next year’s exhibition will attract even more participants from across the country.
“A lot of people who are here today are very impressed, and many of them told me that they never knew we have all these types of animals in the country,” the Minister said.
Minister Mustapha also announced that on October 16, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, will host a Farmers’ Market and other attractions at the Esplanade, Seawall Bandstand, followed by a World Food Day celebration on October 17 at the Albion Sports Complex.
The inaugural ruminant exhibition underscored the resilience, pride, and dedication of Guyanese farmers — men and women who continue to play a vital role in sustaining the country’s livestock sub-sector and advancing its agricultural future.
Ricordo Bhagnauth with Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha
Colin Griffith with Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha
---Minister Persaud warns youth about dangers of sharing intimate images ‘Think before you share’
MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, is urging young people to think carefully before sharing intimate photos or videos, warning that the consequences of such actions can be emotionally devastating and long lasting.
Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Dr Persaud said the ministry continues to highlight the risks associated with sharing nude photographs, particularly among young people who may not fully grasp the potential repercussions.
“We always talk about sharing nude photos in all programmes dealing with young people,” the minister emphasised.
“People don’t think beyond the moment when they do those things. What could be the repercussions—the consequences—later on, when those things have the potential to be released?”
She explained that while some individuals may share intimate images as part of personal relationships, they often fail to consider how quickly circumstances can change.
“A relationship can be wonderful this week, and next week it is not,” Dr Persaud said. “The thing is, everything can go on the internet… and it does… and it doesn’t disappear.”
According to the minister, the emotional and psychological toll of having private images leaked online can be severe. “We’ve seen a lot of young people become mentally unhinged because of those things. They go into depression, all kinds of things
happen,” she said.
Dr Persaud noted that while individuals have the personal choice to engage in such actions, they must also take responsibility for understanding the potential risks.
“It’s a personal choice to do that, but you have to think. If I do this, then what?” she cautioned.
At the same time, she made it clear that those who share or distribute such images without consent are not absolved of responsibility.
“Not that I am saying to the person who releases it… you get a free pass.
Absolutely not,” the minister asserted.
“Because you may have had a discussion about it, you may have agreed, but the reality is, we are living in a world where things change quickly.”
Dr Persaud stressed that once private material is uploaded or circulated, the damage is often irreversible. “The effects of that are devastating to a person when their photos are out there like that,” she said, noting that victims frequently experience trauma, humiliation, and social stigma.
In Guyana, the Cybercrime Act 2018 is the main piece of legislation that deals with the sharing of nude or intimate images/videos online and related offences.
Specifically, Section 19 of the Cybercrime Act 2018 makes it an offence to distribute intimate images of another person without their consent — often referred to as “revenge porn.”
A person convicted under this section is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of
$5 million and imprisonment for three years. Upon conviction on indictment, the penalty increases to a fine of $10 million and imprisonment for five years.
The Cybercrime Act 2018
also covers related offences such as: Cyber harassment and bullying, unauthorised access to personal data, use of electronic communication to cause emotional distress.
In addition to the Cy-
bercrime Act, some cases involving minors may also fall under the Sexual Offences Act, if the sharing or possession of such images involves individuals under 18.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security
Dr Vindhya Persaud
Faith, Family, and Perseverance: Murtland Haley officially joins legal fraternity
LEGAL scholar Murtland Haley was formally admitted to the Bar of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on Monday, marking the culmination of a journey defined by perseverance, faith, and family support.
The admission ceremony was held before Madame Justice Nicola Pierre at the High Court in Georgetown on Monday.
Haley’s admission follows the filing of an Urgent Fixed Date Application through Attorneys-at-Law C.V. Satram and Priya Manickchand, with the latter appearing on his behalf.
The application included the requisite Affidavit in Support, a Statutory Declaration of Identity, and a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) issued by the Council of Legal Education of the Commonwealth Caribbean on September 5, 2025.
In her statutory declaration, Priya Manickchand, Attorney-at-Law and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, who presented Haley’s applica -
- after successful Bar admission
tion to the Court, affirmed her personal knowledge of the applicant and attested that there was no reason he should not be admitted to practise law in Guyana.
Delivering his first ad -
dress before the Honourable Court, the newly-admitted attorney expressed deep gratitude to Justice Pierre, his presenters, and his family. He began his remarks by thanking Almighty God, noting that his journey to the legal profession was one of endurance and divine timing.
Reflecting on his early years, Haley recounted that his decision to pursue law was made while a student at
The Bishops’ High School, even though his initial passion was in Agricultural Science.
“Law became my first career choice, and in retirement, I still intend to pursue my love for farming,” he said, recalling his plan to one day own a ranch.
He went on to express heartfelt appreciation to his parents — Keith Haley, a minister of religion, and Gillian Carter-Haley, a retired teacher — and to his two brothers, noting that his family’s sacrifices were instrumental in his success.
“They made a promise that we would each earn a bachelor’s degree without having to work to sustain ourselves through school — a promise they kept despite their modest income,” Haley said. “Their sacrifices will never be forgotten; they keep me grounded.”
After completing his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Guyana in 2016, Haley’s path to professional qualification was delayed due to financial challenges.
However, after leaving university, he entered the world of work as a journalist at Kaieteur News, then later moved to the Ministry of Education as its Public Relations Officer and then became the Ministry’s Legal Officer. In 2023, he was of-
fered a place at the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas, where he successfully completed his studies for the LEC.
SUPPORT AND GRATITUDE
Haley also acknowledged his fiancée and fellow Attorney-at-Law, Ms. Tevera Franklin, for her unwavering support, especially during his transition back to student life. He further extended special thanks to Ms. Priya Manickchand, whom he credited for encouraging him to seize the opportunity to attend law school.
Recalling her words of motivation, he said, “She told me, ‘Say yes. We will figure it out later,’ and the rest is history.”
In closing his address, Haley pledged to uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of his duties as an Attorney-at-Law.
“I commit to serving my country and this Court with professionalism in accordance with the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap. 4:01,” he stated. “I will represent my clients fearlessly, uphold the rule of law, and maintain integrity in all dealings with the Courts, the public, and my colleagues.”
Expressing optimism about his new role, Haley concluded, “While I stand TURN TO PAGE 16
Newly-minted Attorney-at-Law Murtland Haley and his Fiancee, Tevera Franklin who supported him along his journey (Delano Willaims photo)
Attorney-at-Law Murtland Haley and his relatives who were present at yesterday’s admission (Delano Willaims photo)
Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge redefines connectivity and
daily life for thousands
— a symbol of progress, modern engineering, and national transformation
WHEN the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge was officially commissioned on October 5, 2025, it signalled more than the completion of a long-awaited infrastructural project — it marked a new chapter in how Guyanese live, work, and connect. The US$262 million fixed, four-lane bridge is not just a structure linking the East and West Banks of Demerara; it is already transforming the rhythm of daily life for thousands who depend on the route.
Stretching over 2.6 kilometres and equipped with modern lighting, pedestrian walkways, and wider lanes, the bridge replaces the ageing Demerara Harbour Bridge, which for decades served as a lifeline — and a source of frustration — for commuters. Unlike its predecessor, the new bridge’s elevated design allows marine vessels to pass freely beneath it, eliminating the frequent retractions that once halted traffic for hours and disrupted work and school routines.
For residents of Region Three in particular, the change has been immediate. “I’m excited that it’s actually completed and we can finally utilise it,” said commuter Melanie Alphonso, her tone reflecting relief and optimism.
“I guess we have to have a breaking-in period, but after that, it is excellent.” Her sentiment mirrors that of thousands who spent years waiting in long lines or adjusting their schedules around the unpredictable openings of the old floating bridge.
For others, the bridge represents a strategic leap toward Guyana’s broader vision for national development. “The bridge is working well and it’s perfect for the future,” noted Kenrick Jetto, who described it as a longterm investment in both the
Melanie Alphonso said she’s excited to finally see the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge completed and in use
economy and people’s quality of life.
Indeed, the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge is part of a much wider transformation effort led by the Government of Guyana — one focused on modernising transport networks, easing inter-regional connectivity, and supporting the growth of housing schemes, manufacturing zones, and other industries on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara.
For Arvinda Narine, the new bridge symbolises a milestone achievement that will benefit generations. “It will benefit a lot of Guyanese. Thanks to our President for doing such a great job,” he said, echoing national pride in what has been described as one of Guyana’s most significant infrastructural investments in decades.
Constructed in partnership with the China Railway Construction Corporation, the project underscores Guyana’s deepening collaboration with international partners to build lasting, future-ready infrastructure.
But beyond the engineering marvel and economic potential, the bridge’s impact is perhaps best measured in minutes — the time saved by
Kenrick Jetto described the new Bharrat Jagdeo Bridge as ‘perfect for the future,’ calling it a major step for national development
thousands each day.
For Quissieana Odle, who balances work and evening
Leon Stanford said the new crossing makes for a faster and smoother drive between the East and West Banks of Demerara
classes, the difference is life-changing. “I feel great, I am reaching to work way earlier. I got home so fast
Quissieana Odle said the new bridge has helped her get to work earlier and return home faster for her evening classes
yesterday, which is a plus because I have classes at night,” she said. Since its opening, commuters have reported
travel times reduced by 30 to 40 minutes during rush hour.
“I think it is a great improvement, it’s a faster drive over to me now,” added Leon Stanford, summarising the sentiment of many who now cross the bridge daily with ease and comfort that once seemed impossible.
As the bridge settles into its early weeks of operation, it has already begun to redefine the flow of traffic and the pace of life between Regions Three and Four.
No longer just a means of crossing the river, the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge stands as a testament to Guyana’s progress — a structure that connects more than just roads, but people, opportunities, and the promise of a modern nation in motion.
Police engage schools, bars, and communities amid rising road safety breaches
THE Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Traffic Department has reported 2,418 traffic offences recorded nationwide between October 5 and October 11, 2025, underscoring persistent challenges in road safety compliance despite ongoing educational and enforcement efforts.
According to the Department’s weekly summary, the most prevalent offences included: Exceeding the speed limit – 195 cases; Front windscreen tint violations –247 cases; Failure to wear safety helmets – 239 cases; Carrying a pillion rider without a helmet – 67 cases; and Driving under the influence (DUI) – 31 cases.
Helmet-related infractions alone amounted to 306 violations, reflecting continued disregard for one of the most critical road safety requirements, particularly among motorcyclists.
The report also recorded 81 cases of motorists failing to wear seatbelts, 53 instances of unlighted rear motor vehicles, and 73 breaches
of prescribed vehicle fitness conditions.
NATIONWIDE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES
Complementing enforcement activities, the Traffic Department carried out a wide-reaching road safety education campaign across 19 schools and 27 commu-
nity locations during the same period. Schools visited included Mahdia Secondary, Zeelugt Primary, Brickdam Secondary, Lusignan Primary, and Queenstown Secondary, among others, spanning Regions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. The lectures focused on pedestrian safety, the importance of wearing helmets and seatbelts, and the dangers of speeding and drunk driving.
- over 2,400 traffic offences recorded in last week as police step up efforts
Additionally, officers conducted awareness sessions at bars, police stations, and public gathering points, including Port Kaituma Waterfront, Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, Plaisance Bus Park, the University of Guyana Bus Park, and the Lamaha and Irving Street intersection in Georgetown. These sessions targeted drivers, riders, and patrons, promoting responsible behaviour on and off the road.
Radio outreach continued on NCN 102.5 FM, ensuring
that the Department’s safety messages reached a wider national audience.
ONGOING EFFORTS TO REDUCE ROAD FATALITIES
The GPF has been intensifying its enforcement and education initiatives under the broader national effort to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities.
Recent months have seen the introduction of more speed monitoring exercises, random breathalyzer test -
ing, and public sensitisation drives in collaboration with regional and community stakeholders. Despite these efforts, the persistent number of infractions highlights the need for greater public co-operation and behavioral change among road users.
The Traffic Department reiterated its commitment to continued patrols, public engagement, and stricter penalties for repeat offenders as Guyana works toward improving road discipline and saving lives.
Faith, Family, and Perseverance: Murtland Haley officially ...
tain, I know that God will be at my side every step of the climb.” Murtland Haley, a resident of Granville Park, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, holds Guyanese citizenship and has fulfilled all statutory requirements for admission to the Bar. His application was filed on October 1, 2025, by Satram & Satram Attorneys-at-Law, and supported by the necessary affidavits and declarations as required under the Legal Practitioners Act. With his admission to practise before the courts of
Haley now joins the ranks of the nation’s legal fraternity, where he has pledged to serve with diligence and integrity.
Newly-minted Attorney-at-Law Murtland Haley flanked by Madame Justice Nicola Pierre and Priya Manickchand Attorney-at-Law and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, who presented Haley’s application to the Court only at the foot of the moun-
Guyana,
Traffic ranks conducted awareness sessions
Housing Ministry intensifies relocation of squatters from Ogle Airport flight path
THE Ministry of Housing, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has intensified efforts to remove persons illegally occupying lands within the Cummings Park reserve, an area situated directly under the Eugene F. Correia/Ogle International Airport’s flight path.
During a recent visit to the area, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, accompanied by CH&PA’s Director of Community Development, Mr.
asserted, stressing that the illegal settlements pose serious safety hazards to both aviation activities and the occupants themselves.
The removal of squatters from the Ogle flight path has been a longstanding issue tied to national safety regulations and Guyana’s wider urban development strategy. The area has been earmarked as part of the airport’s expansion and modernisation project, a key component of the country’s infrastructural growth and
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal and his team emphasised that the area falls within a zero-tolerance squatting zone because of its proximity to critical aviation operations
Gladwin Charles, emphasised that the area falls within a zero-tolerance squatting zone due to its proximity to critical aviation operations.
“This is an area that, under no circumstance, we can have persons squatting or occupying the land. It’s within the buffer zone for the Ogle authority, and so we have to act immediately,” Minister Croal
economic transformation.
Minister Croal noted that the Housing Ministry has been working collaboratively with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Ogle Airport management to ensure that the relocation process is conducted humanely and with due consideration for affected residents.
To date, approximately
40 individuals who had applied for house lots through CH&PA are in various stages of being relocated to legally allocated residential areas.
The Ministry continues to engage the remaining occupants to finalise their relocation.
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR NEW SQUATTING
Formal removal notices have already been served to
remaining illegal occupants.
Those who fail to comply or refuse relocation will face immediate enforcement actions, the Ministry warned.
“No new squatting will be tolerated,” Minister Croal reaffirmed, underscoring that the Ministry’s policy prioritises public safety, lawful land use, and sustainable community development.
COMMITMENT TO ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT
The Housing Ministry’s continued relocation drive aligns with the Government’s broader commitment to regularising communities, improving housing accessibility, and upholding urban planning standards across the country.
By removing settlements that obstruct aviation safety and development projects,
the Ministry aims to strike a balance between economic progress and the well-being of citizens, ensuring that every relocation is conducted transparently and with fairness.
“The Ministry remains resolute in protecting lives, enforcing the law, and ensuring that land is utilised in ways that contribute to Guyana’s sustainable development,” Minister Croal concluded.
The Central Housing and Planning Authority has intensified efforts to remove persons illegally occupying lands within the Cummings Park reserve
Project Flow brings purified water and sustainability to schools nationwide
—141 secondary schools, 10 TVET institutions, and four special needs schools to benefit from solar-powered water purification systems
A transformative initiative dubbed Project Flow has been launched by Recover Guyana, in collaboration with the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), to provide clean, purified water to students across Guyana while promoting environmental sustainability.
Described as a “national movement for health and
stability”, Project Flow will equip 141 secondary schools, ten technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions, and four special needs schools with solar-powered water purification systems. The initiative aims to create a cleaner, healthier school environment while reducing plastic pollution and advancing innovation through education.
According to Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for Secondary, Sherwyn Blackman, the project represents the power of innovation and perseverance.
“This is a simple testimony of having an idea, noting it, and working towards ensuring it is advocated for, for it to blossom,” he said.
Blackman recalled that the idea for the water purification system was conceptualised by former Queen’s College student, Vasanna Persaud, who won the inaugural Shout Initiative by Recover Guyana in March 2023. The pilot began at Queen’s College, expanded to the West Demerara Secondary School, and has now evolved into a nationwide movement that will benefit students across all regions.
The project’s primary goal is to reduce plastic waste by encouraging students to use refillable bottles, with the target of eliminating approximately 25 million plastic bottles by 2030. Using data-driven solutions and sustainable designs, the initiative promotes a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation among students.
Blackman noted that the project also brings a range of benefits to the Ministry of Education.
“It stands in the pillar of health and environment. We all know, as we say, water is life. It helps us to maintain our structure, our daily lives, by just having an opportunity to have pure water—and pure water for free,” he emphasised.
In addition to promoting health and sustainability, Project Flow will support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning, as well as TVET programmes such as home economics. It also complements the Ministry’s national physical education initiative held on Friday afternoons by ensuring students stay hydrated during sports and physical activities.
Moreover, the initiative seeks to foster volunteerism and community engagement among students. Blackman explained that the project encourages young people to take what they learn in schools and apply it within their communities.
“Rooted in this project
In March this year, Recover Guyana, with support from the Education Ministry and the GGI commissioned the pilot water purification system at the West Demerara Secondary School, a project that, within two months of opening, eliminated the use of 10,000 single-use plastic bottles.
MoE’s ACEO-Secondary, Sherwyn Blackman
Two men now jointly charged over East Street acid attack on women
TWO men have now been jointly charged in connection with last month’s acid attack at Middle and East Streets, Georgetown, which left one of the two victims with life-altering injuries.
Businessman Keron Daniels, 32, a father of four from Lot 67 Uitvlugt Pasture, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was initially arraigned for the crime last month. However, that charge has since been withdrawn, and he is now jointly charged with Ivor Billingy.
It is alleged that, on September 3, 2025, at Middle and East Streets, Georgetown, Daniels and Billingy threw a corrosive substance on 25-year-old Jelicia Leitch and Nirmala Sukraj, 26, with the intent to disfigure, disable them or cause them grievous bodily harm. At the time of the incident both women were employed as
plained that Daniels had previously been granted $500,000 bail by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty and had been complying with all court conditions, including reporting to the police station every two weeks.
cashiers at the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital.
Only Daniels appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday. He was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge.
This publication understands that Billingy, who was recently released from prison in connection with an armed robbery case, will have to be summoned to attend court.
Daniels’ attorney informed the court that his client was only made aware of the new charge on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The attorney further ex-
Project
The lawyer argued that the prosecution did not have sufficient evidence to justify a remand. He contended that it would be unfair to require the accused to post a new bail for the same incident.
According to the lawyer, Daniels operates a meat centre and a wash bay. He lives with his common-law spouse and their four children, the youngest being one year old.
The attorney noted that Daniels’ presence near Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital on the day of the alleged incident was due to a procedure he wanted to undergo.
The prosecutor objected to bail, citing the seriousness
Flow brings purified water ...
From page 18
are opportunities for children to develop their skills in volunteerism—finding ways to move the water purification system from schools into their communities, as they continue to benefit,” he said.
Through Project Flow,
of the offence, and requested time to obtain the full report.
After listening to both sides, Magistrate Azore transferred the bail previ-
education, innovation, and environmental responsibility are being seamlessly connected—creating a generation of Guyanese students who are not only healthier, but also more aware of their role in building a sustainable future.
ously granted to Daniels on the initial charge to the new joint allegation. The matter was adjourned until October 27, 2025,
for the disclosure of statements.
The police had stated that Daniels and Leitch were in a relationship prior to the acid
throwing incident. Both women have been released from the hospital, but Leitch’s face is severely disfigured.
Keron Daniels
Jelicia Leitch (left) and Nirmala Sukraj
India on verge of series sweep despite...
done by a ball from Kuldeep Yadav that kept extremely low and trapped him plumb in front for 12, Chase was caught off the bowling of Yadav for 40, and two balls later he had Khary Pierre caught at cover for a duck as he attempted a slog sweep, to see the Windies slip to 298 for seven.
Jomel Warrican then
inside edged Jasprit Bumrah onto his stumps, with the pacer also accounting for the wicket of Anderson Phillip, whose thin edge was taken by the wicketkeeper.
Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales then combined for 79 runs, the second highest West Indies partnership for the 10th wicket in a Test against India.
It helped to add some respectability to the final total, with Greaves finishing unbeaten on an even 50, before Bumrah returned to dismiss Seales for a well-played 32.
Bumrah was India’s best bowler with 3-44, Yadav took 3-104 and Siraj 2-43.
(From back page)
SCOREBOARD
INDIA 1st innings 518-5 dec’d WEST INDIES 1st innings 248 WEST INDIES 2nd innings (overnight 173 for two)
John Campbell lbw b Jadeja 115
Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Gill b Siraj 10
Alick Athanaze b Sundar 7
Shai Hope b Siraj 103
*Roston Chase c sub Padikkal b Yadav 40
+Tevin Imlach lbw b Yadav 12
Justin Greaves not out 50
Khary Pierre c Reddy b Yadav 0
Jomel Warrican b Bumrah 3
Anderson Phillip c +Jurel b Bumrah 2
Jayden Seales c Sundar b Bumrah 32
Extras (b7, lb7, nb2) 16
TOTAL (all out; 118.5 overs) 390
Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-35, 3-212, 4-271, 5-293, 6-298, 7-298, 8-307, 9-311, 10-390.
INDIA 2nd innings
Yashasvi Jaiswal c Phillip b Warrican 8 KL Rahul not out 25 Sai Sudharsan not out 30
Extras 0
TOTAL (one wicket; 18 overs) 63 Yet to bat: Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. Fall of wickets: 1-8.
Bowling: Seales 3-0-14-0, Warrican 7-115-1, Pierre 6-0-24-0, Chase 2-0-10-0. Position: India require 58 more runs with nine wickets remaining.
In their run chase, India’s first innings centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught on the long on boundary off the bowling of Warrican as he tried to pick up quick runs and possibly end the contest in the final session.
Bowling: Siraj 15-3-43-2, Jadeja 33-10102-1, Sundar 23-3-80-1, Yadav 29-4-1043, Bumrah 17.5-5-44-3, Jaiswal 1-0-3-0.
However, following his dismissal, Sai Sudharson,
who is unbeaten on 30 and KL Rahul, who is 25 not out, navigated the final few overs to put them in prime position to complete the win early on the last day.
No 72 Cut and Load retain Price is...
standing performance received the Most Valuable player and best bowler and collected a trophy a cricket
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
LEICESTER
08:41 hrs Supreme Dancer
09:14 hrs Storm Esme
09:44 hrs Figjam
10:14 hrs Good Banter
10:44 hrs Song N Dance
11:14 hrs Susie Sioux
11:44 hrs Aurora Majesty
12:15 hrs Mystical March
NARKET RASEN
08:51 hrs Un Sebs A La Vie
09:21 hrs Stumps Or Slips
09:51 hrs Chaos Control
10:21 hrs Ruler Of The River
10:51 hrs Nickel Force
11:21 hrs I Am Rocco
11:55 hrs Indiza
NEWCASTLE
11:50 hrs Alobayyah
12:25 hrs Jack Sparowe
13:00 hrs Star Made
13:30 hrs Taaklam
14:00 hrs Rain Cap
14:30 hrs Ravishing
boots and $10,000. Jamal Assad received the best batsmen award and was presented with a bat.
Beauty
15:00 hrs The Actor
15:30 hrs Second Fiddle
SOUTH AFRICA
RACING TIPS
VAAL
08:15 hrs Rondebosch
08:50 hrs Curtiss Condor
09:25 hrs Accross The Pond
10:05 hrs Mamlambo
10:40 hrs Cartagena
IRISH RACING TIPS
PUNCHESTOWN
09:05 hrs Cinammon
Coco
09:35 hrs Eastmore
10:05 hrs Smooth Tom
10:35 hrs You're A Dream Girl
11:05 hrs Mellem
11:35 hrs Rising Dust
12:10 hrs Easter Bonnet
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
FINGER LAKES
Race 1 Olazabal
Race 2 Shenanan
Race 3 Nilruc
Race 4 Break The Fall
Race 5 Seattle Causeway
Race 6 Ace Up Her Sleeve
Race 7 Billy At The Gate
(From page 24)
The tournament’s MVP award went to Davenend Chaterpaul of Cut and Load. He received a helmet and a pair of batting pads. The batsmen with the most runs award went to Charles France of No 64 Fighting Marines. He received a pair of batting pads and Batting gloves. Vickash Singh of the No 72 All Stars received pair of cricket booths for being the best bowling in the tournament.
The top wicketkeeper award of a pair of wicket keeping gloves went to K Dhup of No 72 All Stars. In the female final No 69 Vikings beat Line Path Raptors. Both teams were presented with $25,000 and a Trophy while medals were presented to all the players in
the final.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony president of the UCCA Juniour Blair praised the sponsor Danesh Roopnarine (Boyco) of the Price Is Right Supermarket.
Blair told the large gathering of Roopnarine’s love for sports and community activities. Adding that Roopnarine’s commitment and selflessness, passion and genuine support is an example for other business to follow.
The competition was sponsored to the tune of over $4.5M cricket which makes it arguably the largest Second Division cricket sponsorship in Guyana. President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Dr Beharry also commended the sponsor.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, October 14, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Andy Roberts-12/121 (Chennai, 1974/75) (2) Narendra Hireani-16/136, Chennai, 1987-88)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in Tests against India to date?
(2) Which IND keeper effected most dismissals in Tests against the WI to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Cummins provides update on sore back ahead of Ashes series
AUSTRALIA’s captain, Pat Cummins, is not giving up on being fit for the first Test of the upcoming Ashes series against England.
Cummins has been battling a back problem in recent times and is yet to return to the bowling crease at training ahead of the opening Test of the summer that commences in Perth on November 21.
And while Cummins knows he is facing a race against time to feature in that first ICC World Test Championship contest against England, he is still giving
himself an outside chance of being fit.
"I'd say probably less likely than likely, but we've still got a bit of time," Cummins said in Sydney on Monday.
"I'm running today and running kind of every second day, and each runs a little bit longer, and then we get into bowling prep next week. So I'm probably a couple of weeks away before actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on the turf. But it's been a good couple of weeks. Each session feels
De Bruyne double helps Belgium sink Wales in thriller
WALES' hopes of qualifying automatically for the World Cup were effectively ended as they lost 4-2 at home to Belgium in an absorbing contest that left the play-offs as their only realistic remaining route to next summer's finals.
Craig Bellamy's side started brilliantly and took a seventh-minute lead as Joe Rodon headed in from a corner, only for Kevin De Bruyne's controversial penalty to puncture the joyous atmosphere after Ethan Ampadu was harshly penalised for handball following a video assistant referee (VAR) check.
Belgium ruthlessly seized control from that point, cutting Wales to shreds on the break as Jeremy Doku - electrifying all game as he has been for Manchester City this season - sped clear and pulled the ball back for Thomas Meunier to hammer the visitors ahead.
De Bruyne, Doku, Leandro Trossard and others missed chances to add a third goal for the visitors, who eventually put the result beyond doubt when De Bruyne scored his second spot-kick after a much less contentious, clear-cut handball from Jordan James.
Substitute Nathan Broadhead fired in powerfully to raise the faint prospect of a Welsh comeback, which was swiftly extinguished when Trossard restored Belgium's two-goal advantage moments lat
Belgium overtake North Macedonia at the top of Group J, and they are now four points ahead of thirdplace Wales with games against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein to come.
In order for Wales to finish top and qualify automatically, the Belgians would need to lose both those matches – unlikely in the extreme – and Bellamy's men would have to win both their remaining games for a turnaround of miraculous proportions.
Wales may well keep their side of the bargain but it is unthinkable that Belgium would surrender their lead –to Wales at least – from this position of strength.
Therefore, Wales are all but certain to be in the playoffs in March. They will have home advantage for the play-off semi-final if they finish second in their group and, failing that, they will still have a play-off place – albeit away for the semi-final – if they finish third, thanks to their Nations League success. Their final group position will likely come down to their final game against North Macedonia in November.
As comforting as it might be to know that they qualified for the 2022 World Cup via the play-offs, Wales will need to pick themselves up from the floor after seeing their dreams of qualifying automatically ended by another high-scoring and high-octane defeat against Belgium. (BBC Sport)
better and better."
Cummins knows that he will need to make a swift return to bowling at training if he is to play the series opener in Perth.
"You'd want probably at least a month in the nets," Cummins admitted.
"If you are to play in a Test match, you want to make sure you are right to bowl 20 overs in a day and you don't have to think about it. Four weeks is pretty tight, but I think somewhere around that mark."
Cummins believes his back injury won't be much
of a concern in the long-term and he still plans to feature during as many Ashes Tests as possible and lead Australia at next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
"It's a back injury that I haven't had for about seven or eight years, and I've played a lot of cricket between that," Cummins said.
"So, if anything, looking back when I was, say, 20 years old and I had this injury, I was a bit worried about what my body could actually handle. But I know in myself that if I get it right, do it
properly, when I come back I shouldn't have to worry about it all. And hopefully I can play as much, even more cricket than I had previously in the last few years."
Series schedule:
First Test: November 21-25, Perth
Second Test: December 4-8, Brisbane
Third Test: December 17-21, Adelaide
Fourth Test: December 25-29, Melbourne
Fifth Test: January 3-7, 2026, Sydney (ICC Media)
Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins
The Jamaican stadium-seeker on a Test cricket pilgrimage
HE could well pass for an explorer, a stadium-hopper, a journeyman, an adventurer, or a passionate cricket devotee. In fact, he fits every label with ease. Yet, there's more to Rohan Chambers, the Jamaican cricketer of yore. In many ways, he is also a historian and a chronicler of the game.
Chambers once captained the Under-19 team of the Caribbean island and played against the likes of Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, among other West Indian greats of the past. But his current passion lies not in playing the game, but in exploring its playstations - the stadiums.
"There are 124 (123) Test grounds in the world. I'm at about 104 right now," he says with a sense of pride. A few of those no longer exist and that leaves him with roughly a dozen venues to complete his global cricket journey.
At every venue, Chambers meets people associated with the ground, takes note of its iconic moments, and records what makes it unique. Sometimes, he even catches a game in progress. He was at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad recently and was blown away by its sheer scale, size and facilities.
"It's so big," he exclaimed in a recent conversation with Cricbuzz. "I got tired just walking around the stadium. It's the largest in the world. When you look at pictures, it seems as though the people in the stands are far from the centre of play. But when you're actually there, you realise you're much closer to the field than you'd imagine from watching on television. It feels surprisingly intimate."
During his recent visit to India, he covered three grounds - Hyderabad and Lucknow besides Ahmedabad - in almost 24 hours.
His exploration of the stadiums delves into aspects that television cameras never capture - and commentators do not normally mention on air. "I talk to the groundsmen or anyone who can tell me things you'd never hear from anybody else," he says. "That's what I appreciate the most. Sometimes I converse with the ground staff - no one really talks to them - and I find them more than willing to share whatever knowledge they have."
His favourite grounds around the world include the Adelaide Oval, Newlands in Cape Town, the Chepauk in Chennai, the Sydney Cricket Ground, Lord's in London, and the Kensington Oval in Barbados. "The view from the Madras Cricket Club is fantastic," he says of his favourite Indian venue. He is yet to visit the stadiums in Bangladesh, though a trip there is already on his itinerary for the year.
He regularly posts stadium pictures on his Instagram and Facebook pages, but his ambitions extend beyond social media. A book may be in the works, and an all-encompassing website of cricket stadiums in the world is also a possibility. "I'm not a hundred per cent sure yet what the final product will be or what format it will take," he says. "It might be a website where everyone can explore everything about every ground. I also intend to publish a book once the journey is complete."
Like any passionate cricket fan, his heart beats for West Indies cricket. "Multiple factors," he notes, have
No
contributed to the declining standards of cricket in the Caribbean. He lists them: the lure of IPL money leading talented batters to give up red-ball cricket; insufficient finances to offer competitive contracts; the closure of local clubs that once functioned as academies; and the fading motivation that used to drive players in the past.
"In these times of getrich-quick opportunities, Test cricket is a long grind, and some just don't have the patience anymore," he signs off. (Cricbuzz)
72 Cut and Load retain Price is Right Supermarket Trophy to take home over $425,000
No 72 Cut and Load celebrate their successful title defence with the sponsor at the presentation ceremony on Sunday
DEFENDING Champions
No 72 Cut and Load defeated rivals No 72 All Stars in a low scoring encounter to lift the Price Is Right Supermarket Upper Corentyne Cricket Association T20 Blast 2025 first place prize and trophy on at the No 69 Vikings ground on Sunday.
Batting first on a tricky pitch, No 72 Cut N Load reached 105-6 in their 20 overs.
Jamal Assad 32, Dav -
eanand Chatterpaul 29, Seirra Chatterpaul 13 not out and Kadil Ajib 10 were their principal scorers.
Bowling for No 72 All Stars Vikash Singh picked up two wickets for All Stars who could only reach 93-8 when their 20 overs expired.
Cut and Load bowlers to end on Kameshwar Chaterpal led the way with 24 while Kheraj Dhup made 19 and Gavin Chaterpal scored 15 as Calvern Beresford captured
4-16. At the presentation ceremony which included a fireworks display No 72 Cut N Load collected $425,000 and the beautiful Price Is Right Trophy. No 72 ALL Stars was presented with $225,000 and trophy. Losing semi-finalists No 64 Fight Marines and Crabwood Creek took away $50,000 each and trophy. Beresford for his out -
(Turn to page 22)
Rohan Chambers at the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad
De Zorzi, Rickelton shine but Noman
Ali keeps Pakistan ahead in first Test
LED by Noman Ali, Pakistan claimed a position of strength after reducing South Africa to 216/6 at stumps on Day 2 in the first Test at Lahore. After restricting the visitors to 378, South Africa started strongly with the bat but lost their footing in the final session.
South Africa, who toiled hard on the first day, made light work of Pakistan's lower order and picked up the five remaining wickets in just 10.4 overs with the hosts managing to add 65 runs to their overnight tally. Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan continued to look solid to start the day and scored with freedom but the tide turned in the 102nd over in which Senuran Muthusamy saw the back of three Pakistani batters.
He managed to extract vicious turn and bounce to first dismiss Rizwan caught behind.
He then dismissed Noman Ali and Sajid Khan
off successive deliveries to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.
With the surface having dried out, there was considerably more assistance for the spinners. Even as Shaheen Afridi hung around briefly with Salman, it was only a matter of time before South Africa wrapped the innings up with the ball misbehaving and beating the bat regularly.
Muthusamy claimed his sixth when Afridi holed out and Salman fell similarly, seven short of his century, in the following over to Prenelan Subrayen. The South African openers safely negotiated four overs before heading into lunch.
Pakistan attacked with spin from both ends straightaway after lunch as the South African openers remained watchful while also seizing opportunities to score as they came along. Aiden Markram, who reviewed successfully after being given out caught behind, ended up falling in the same fashion just two
balls later to Noman Ali in the 12th over.
Pakistan continued to probe but the South Africans kept the scoreboard ticking - employing sweeps and reverse-sweeps to great effect. Just as a partnership was developing, however, Noman managed to dismiss Wiaan
Ryan Rickelton, who played with a great mix of caution and aggression, raised his maiden Test fifty with a boundary in the third over after tea. Pakistan missed a couple of chances
Former Pakistan batter Wazir Mohammad dies at 95
WAZIR Mohammad, the eldest of Pakistan's famous Mohammad brothers, has died. He was 95 years old.
Wazir played 20 Tests for Pakistan in the earliest years of their international cricket history, the least of Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq. Raees, now the eldest of the brothers, didn't play a Test for Pakistan. Hanif passed away in 2016.
As a lower-middle order batter, Wazir's average of 27.62 does little justice to his impact in some of Pakistan's most celebrated performances in the 1950s, when they arrived as a Test-playing nation in such style. His career first-class average of 40 was much more reflective of his value, though Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Wazir's Test captain, was long an admirer.
The most seminal contribution came in the Oval Test win of 1954, when Pakistan became the first side to win
a Test on their first tour of England (and drew the series 1-1). Though Fazal Mahmood was the hero with 12 wickets, he would not have had a total to defend had it not been for Wazir's resistance in the second innings. Pakistan were only 85 runs ahead, with two wickets in hand, when Wazir (in at No. 8) put on 58 with Zulfiqar Ahmed and then another 24 for the last wicket with Mahmood Hussain. Wazir ended unbeaten on a four-hour 42, having doubled Pakistan's score with the last two wickets. Pakistan won ultimately by 24 runs.
A couple of years later in Karachi, he put on 104 with captain Abdul Hafeez Kardar with Pakistan 70 for 5 against Australia. His 67 was the game's second-highest score as Pakistan won by nine wickets.
His finest individual performance came, however, in the Caribbean in 1957-58.
least one match on each of their first three tours in Test cricket, inside their first decade of playing.
He would only play four more Tests after that one as, at the turn of the decade, a new crop of talent began to push for spots. One of those was his own younger brother Mushtaq, whom he played alongside on the latter's debut (Hanif, otherwise a regular, missed that match while Mushtaq became the youngest ever Test player).
That series is better remembered for Garry Sobers' then world-record 365, as well as Hanif's own epic rearguard 337 (in which he had a century stand with Wazir). But Wazir made 440 runs, with two hundreds and an unbeaten 97.
The first of the hundreds was, until 1967, Pakistan's fastest Test hundred. His more sedate 189 in the final Test at Port of Spain secured Pakistan a win, which meant that they had won at
Wazir, affectionately known as 'Wisden' for his encyclopaedic knowledge of cricket stats and trivia, continued playing first-class cricket until 1964.
In his last innings, in that season's Quaide-Azam trophy final, he made 23 as Karachi Whites fell 18 runs short of chasing down 333. Like Mushtaq, he had long ago settled near Birmingham in England. (ESPN Cricinfo)
early in the third sessionfirst a difficult catch at shortleg and then an opportunity to run Tony de Zorzi out with a direct-hit.
They then ended up burning a review in the hopes of overturning an LBW decision against Rickelton. Meanwhile, de Zor -
zi marched on confidently, using the crease to not just score but to also put the Pakistani spinners off their lengths. He notched up his half-century off just 63 deliveries and South Africa began to assert control.
As the partnership approached the three-figure mark, however, Babar Azam produced a sensational one-handed grab at first slip to send Rickelton on his way.
South Africa then slipped as they lost both Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis in successive overs. Noman Ali then struck for a fourth time as he trapped Kyle Verreynne LBW in the 61st over. Eager to extend their advantage, Pakistan then burned their only remaining review in the following over while challenging an LBW decision against de Zorzi. No further wickets would fall as de Zorzi and nightwatchman Muthusamy took South Africa to 216/6 at stumps. (Cricbuzz)
Haynes and Ramdhani still Senior...
(From page 26)
2 nd Place Xiamara
Benn/Emma Ramsaran
3 rd Place Ava Ching-aSue & Kathalina Havercome
Chelsea Harrison & Lucy Leo
UNDER 13 MIXED
DOUBLES
1 st Place Anjaynesa Godette/ Joel Rambiriche
2 nd Place Vaibhav Nataranjan/ Vaishnavi Natarajan
3 rd Place Ethan & Emma Ramsarran
Liam Brumell & Skylar Gurcharan
UNDER 13 BOYS
DOUBLES
1 st Place Joel Rambiriche / Caleb Tan
2 nd Place Ethan Bulkan/ Zion Hickerson
3 rd Place Vibhav Natarajan & Joshua Tan
Liam Brumell and Nathan Mohanlall
UNDER 13 GIRL’S SINGLES
1 st Place Anjaynesa Godette
2 nd Place Vaishnavi Natarajan
3 rd Place Emma Ramsarran Lucy Leo
UNDER 13 GIRL’S DOUBLE
1 st Place Anjaneysa Godette & Vaishnavi Natarajan
2 nd Place Xiamara Benn/Emma Ramsaran
3 rd Place Ava Ching-aSue & Kathalina Havercome Chelsea Harrison & Lucy Leo
UNDER 13 MIXED DOUBLES
1 st Place Anjaynesa Godette/ Joel Rambiriche
2 nd Place Vaibhav Nataranjan/ Vaishnavi Natarajan
3 rd Place Ethan & Emma Ramsarran
Liam Brumell & Skylar Gurcharan
Mulder in the 25th over and South Africa headed to tea on 112/2.
Pakistan struck at regular intervals after getting bowled out for 378
Wazir Mohammad, the eldest of Pakistan's famous Mohammad brothers
Haynes and Ramdhani still Senior Badminton Champions
...Godette and Beharry take Triple Champions in Junior Categories
The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) on Sunday successfully concluded its National Senior and Junior Championships on Sunday evening at the Guyana National Gymnasium.
In the Senior Division, defending champions Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani continued their impressive dominance, retaining their titles as Men’s and Women’s Singles Senior Champions, respectively.
In the Junior Division, young talents lit up the courts with stellar performances. Anjaynesa Godette emerged as a triple champion, sweeping titles in both the Under-13 and Under-15 categories. Mishka Beharry mirrored this achievement, capturing three championship titles in the Under-19 division.
Speaking after the tournament, a GBA representative stated:
“We are extremely proud of all our athletes for their commitment and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The level of play and enthusiasm displayed over the past four days show that badminton in Guyana continues to grow from strength to strength.”
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission — for their invaluable support of this major event on the GBA’s annual calendar.
Special appreciation was also extended to all participants, including those who traveled from as far as Berbice, to the parents who provided unwavering support throughout the tournament, and to those who volunteered their time to assist with the smooth running of the event. Their dedication and enthusiasm greatly contributed to the tournament’s success.
The GBA congratulates all winners and participants and looks forward to an even more competitive and exciting championship in the coming year.
Results:
U13 Boy Singles Final: Ethan Bulkan vs. Caleb Tan 21-16, 16-21, 21-16
U13 Girls Singles Fi -
nal: Anjaneysa Godette vs. Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-12, 21-10
U19 Girl Doubles Final: Mishka Beharry/Leshaunte Berkley vs. Gabrielle Felix/ Harshini Muralidharan 21-8, 21-19
U17 Boy Singles Final: Ruel Rambiriche vs. Hassani Robinson 21-10, 21-12
U15 Girl Doubles Final: Anjaneysa Godette/Vaishnavi Natarajan vs. Chelsea Harrison/Kashish Chainani. 21-6, 21-4
U15 Boy Doubles Final: Egan Bulkan/Ethan Bulkan vs. Joel Rambiriche/Caleb Tan 21-23, 21-18, 21--17
U17 Girl Doubles Final: Gabrielle Felix/Harshini Muralidharan vs. Anisha Bacchus/Xaty Bennett 214, 21-5
U19 Boy Doubles Final: Joanathan Debidin/Ruel Rambiriche vs. Kunal Alert/ Darean Thomas 21-10, 21-5
U17 Mixed Doubles Final: Ruel Rambiriche/Gabrielle Felix vs. Alleyia Grant/ Eon Williams 21-12, 21-7
U17 Girls Singles Final: Gabrielle Felix vs. Harshini Muralidharan 21-9, 21-9
U15 Mixed Doubles Final: Joel Rambirche/Anjaneysa Godette vs. Vaibhav Natarajan/Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-7, 21-9
U15 Girl Singles Final: Anjaynesa Godette vs. Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-12, 21-10
U15 Boy Singles Final: Caleb Tan vs. Ethan Bulkan 21-14, 21-11
U13 Mixed Doubles Final: Joel Rambiriche/Anjaneysa Godette vs. Vaibhav Natarajan/Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-7, 21-9
U19 Girl Singles Final: Mishka Beharry vs. Leshaunte Berkley 21-5, 21-12
U13 Boy Doubles Final: Joel Rambiriche/Caleb Tan
dhani continued their impressive dominance, retaining their titles as Men’s and Women’s Singles Senior Champions, respectively.
vs. Ethan Bulkan/Zion Hickerson 22-20, 21-10
U13 Girl Doubles Final: Anjaneysa Godette/Vaishnavi Natarajan vs. Emma Ramsaran/Xiamara Benn 21-4, 21-4
U19 Mixed Doubles Final: Ruel Rambiriche/Mishka Beharry vs. Joanathan Debidin/Leshaunte Berkley 21-17, 21-16
Men Singles Final: Akili Haynes vs. Tyrese Jeffrey 21-17, 21-14
Women Singles Final: Priyanna Ramdhani vs. Mishka Beharry 21-15, 21-9
U19 Boy Singles Final: Joanathan Debidin vs. Ruel Rambiriche 21-18, 21-15
3 rd Place Galianna Frank and Sakina Klass Rafiqah Chichester & Aria Blair
UNDER 15 MIXED DOUBLES
1 st Place Anjaynesa Godette/ Joel Rambiriche
2 nd Place Vaibhav Nataranjan/ Vaishnavi Natarajan
3 rd Place Ethan & Emma Ramsarran
Nitin & Kashish Chainani
UNDER 13 BOYS SINGLES
1 st Place Ethan Bulkan
2 nd Place Caleb Tan
3 rd Place Joel RambiricheHaynes and Ramdhani still Senior Champions
Godette and Beharry takes Triple Champions in Junior Categories
The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) on Sunday successfully concluded its National Senior and Junior Championships on Sunday evening at the Guyana National Gymnasium.
In the Senior Division, defending champions Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ram-
In the Junior Division, young talents lit up the courts with stellar performances. Anjaynesa Godette emerged as a triple champion, sweeping titles in both the Under-13 and Under-15 categories. Mishka Beharry mirrored this achievement, capturing three championship titles in the Under-19 division.
Speaking after the tournament, a GBA representative stated:
“We are extremely proud of all our athletes for their commitment and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The level of play and enthusiasm displayed over the past four days show that badminton in Guyana continues to grow from strength to strength.”
The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) extended sincere thanks to its sponsors — the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission — for their invaluable support of this major event on the GBA’s annual calendar.
Special appreciation was also extended to all participants, including those who traveled from as far as Berbice, to the parents who provided unwavering support throughout the tournament, and to those who volunteered their time to assist with the smooth running of the event. Their dedication and enthusiasm greatly contributed to the tournament’s success.
The GBA congratulates all winners and participants and looks forward to an even more competitive and exciting championship in the coming year.
Results:
U13 Boy Singles Final: Ethan Bulkan vs. Caleb Tan 21-16, 16-21, 21-16
U13 Girls Singles Final: Anjaneysa Godette vs. Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-12,
21-10
U19 Girl Doubles Final: Mishka Beharry/Leshaunte Berkley vs. Gabrielle Felix/ Harshini Muralidharan 218, 21-19
U17 Boy Singles Final: Ruel Rambiriche vs. Hassani Robinson 21-10, 21-12
U15 Girl Doubles Final: Anjaneysa Godette/Vaishnavi Natarajan vs. Chelsea Harrison/Kashish Chainani. 21-6, 21-4
2
U15 Boy Doubles Final: Egan Bulkan/Ethan Bulkan vs. Joel Rambiriche/Caleb Tan 21-23, 21-18, 21-17
U17 Girl Doubles Final: Gabrielle Felix/Harshini Muralidharan vs. Anisha Bacchus/Xaty Bennett 21-4, 21-5
U19 Boy Doubles Final: Joanathan Debidin/Ruel Rambiriche vs. Kunal Alert/ Darean Thomas 21-10, 21-5
U17 Mixed Doubles Final: Ruel Rambiriche/Gabrielle Felix vs. Alleyia Grant/ Eon Williams 21-12, 21-7
U17 Girls Singles Final: Gabrielle Felix vs. Harshini Muralidharan 21-9, 21-9
U15 Mixed Doubles Final: Joel Rambirche/Anjaneysa Godette vs. Vaibhav Natarajan/Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-7, 21-9
U15 Girl Singles Final: Anjaynesa Godette vs. Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-12, 21-10
U15 Boy Singles Final: Caleb Tan vs. Ethan Bulkan 21-14, 21-11
U13 Mixed Doubles Final: Joel Rambiriche/Anjaneysa Godette vs. Vaibhav Natarajan/Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-7, 21-9
U19 Girl Singles Final: Mishka Beharry vs. Leshaunte Berkley 21-5, 21-12
U13 Boy Doubles Final: Joel Rambiriche/Caleb Tan vs. Ethan Bulkan/Zion Hickerson 22-20, 21-10
U13 Girl Doubles Final: Anjaneysa Godette/Vaishnavi Natarajan vs. Emma Ramsaran/Xiamara Benn 21-4, 21-4
U19 Mixed Doubles Fi-
nal: Ruel Rambiriche/Mishka Beharry vs. Joanathan Debidin/Leshaunte Berkley 21-17, 21-16
Men Singles Final: Akili Haynes vs. Tyrese Jeffrey 21-17, 21-14
Women Singles Final: Priyanna Ramdhani vs. Mishka Beharry 21-15, 21-9
U19 Boy Singles Final: Joanathan Debidin vs. Ruel Rambiriche 21-18, 21-15
3 rd Place Galianna Frank & Sakina Klass Rafiqah Chichester & Aria Blair
UNDER 15 MIXED DOUBLES
1 st Place Anjaynesa Godette/ Joel Rambiriche
2 nd Place Vaibhav Nataranjan/ Vaishnavi Natarajan
3 rd Place Ethan & Emma Ramsarran Nitin & Kashish Chainani
UNDER 13 BOYS SINGLES
1 st Place Ethan Bulkan
2 nd Place Caleb Tan
3 rd Place Joel Rambiriche Zion Hickerson
UNDER 13 BOYS DOUBLES
1 st Place Joel Rambiriche / Caleb Tan
2 nd Place Ethan Bulkan/ Zion Hickerson
3 rd Place Vibhav Natarajan & Joshua Tan Liam Brumell & Nathan Mohanlall
UNDER 13 GIRL’S SINGLES
1 st Place Anjaynesa Godette
2 nd Place Vaishnavi Natarajan
3 rd Place Emma Ramsarran Lucy Leo
UNDER 13 GIRL’S DOUBLES
1 st Place Anjaneysa Godette & Vaishnavi Natarajan
(Turn to page 25)
Priyanna Ramdhani won the national women’s title
Akili Haynes took the Men’s title
The winners show off their hardware
South Africa survives scare to beat Bangladesh at Women’s World Cup
Nadine de Klerk got South Africa over the line again as they recovered from another top-order collapse to beat Bangladesh by three wickets at the Women's World Cup.
Having been set 233 to win in Visakhapatnam, the Proteas slipped to 78-5 before half-centuries from Chloe Tryon, who made 62 from 69 balls, and Marizanne Kapp, 56 from 71 balls, brought them back into contention.
(Scores) South Africa 235 for 7 (Tryon 62, Kapp 56, de Klerk 37*, Nahida 2-44) beat Bangladesh 232 for 6 (Shorna 51*, Sharmin 50, Mlaba 2-42) by three wickets
Kapp fell with 70 still needed to bring De Klerkfresh from her heroics against India - to the middle, and for a time it seemed that she and Tryon would get South Afri-
ca home comfortably.
Instead, Tryon was run out with 35 required and there were more uncomfortable moments to come as De Klerk twice miscued in the penultimate over with match in the balance.
While the first skied shot landed safely, the second went straight to long-off but Shorna Akter dropped the catch - a particularly cruel moment given it was the 18-year-old's superb 34-ball fifty that had earlier taken Bangladesh up to a competitive total.
But having been given that life, De Klerk - who ended unbeaten on 37 from 29 balls - made sure she finished the job and a mighty six over the leg side sealed the victory with three balls to spare. While South Africa can celebrate a third straight win, and a second in a row in which they have battled
back from a losing position, Bangladesh are left to rue a number of crucial dropped catches.
Rabeya Khan put down a simple chance off her own bowling to give Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt a chance early on.
Sub fielder Soumya Akter then dropped Tryon on 46 off Rabeya's bowling in the 44th over, allowing the ball to run away for four, with the next ball disappearing for six before Shorna's drop late on.
Proteas dig in again as Bangladesh come up short Bangladesh will surely feel that defeats do not come much more painful than this.
Nigar Sultana Joty's side executed their plan near-perfectly for 75 overs of the match and even as South Africa hit back in the last 25 - the difference between victory and defeat came down to a couple of moments.
Top Ranking rules the roost at Demerara Turf Club race meet
IT was a million-dollar finish for Top Ranking on Sunday, as the champion horse claimed victory in the feature match race at the Demerara Turf Club Gymkhana.
Racing fans gathered at the Perseverance track witnessed an impressive performance, as Top Ranking stormed to the finish line, securing both bragging rights and the lucrative top prize.
After top thoroughbred Risky Affair was forced to withdraw from the finals, following a breakdown just a day earlier, the purse was reduced from $1.5 million to $1 million.
With Risky Affair out of the running, the stage was set for a head-to-head showdown between World Boss and Top Ranking.
Following the call to the post, both horses approached the starting gate for what would be a dramatic twohorse match race.
When the gates opened, World Boss burst out with speed and fury, taking the lead into the first turn. Between the first and second turns, Top Ranking launched an attempt to overtake, but World Boss held strong.
However, at the second turn, World Boss slipped when his left leg gave way, causing the jockey to be unseated. Although the horse quickly regained balance and continued running, the jockey was accidentally dismounted and fell to the ground.
This mishap cleared the
With the bat, it quickly became apparent that keeping wickets in hand took priority above all else as they crawled through the powerplay.
It was all about giving themselves a chance to go hard late on and thanks to a maiden international fifty - Bangladesh's quickest in a women's ODI - from the
talented Shorna, they did just that.
They had a total to bowl at and a strong bowling attack soon got to work. South Africa opener Tazmin Brits gone first ball and Wolvaardt should have followed a couple of overs later.
A winning combination of discipline and guile from the spinners put Bangladesh
in a great position as, for the third time in four World Cup matches, South Africa's top-order crumbled.
But there is an inner belief within this Proteas group that previous sides have lacked and with the experienced duo of Kapp and Tryon, they gradually rebuilt.
More luck was required than against India but the scares they suffered as the finishing line got closer did not shake them, good fortune was accepted and it was onto the next ball.
The top-order will have to come to the party at some stage but, at this stage of the tournament, the fighting spirit they have shown in finding ways to win can only be a good thing.
It is a lesson Bangladesh must hope their young team can take from such a gut-wrenching lost. (BBC Sport)
Lennox Mark fires Regal Masters to easy win over Success
REGAL Masters tuned up for the upcoming Unity Softball Cup with an easy seven-wicket victory over Success in their feature softball encounter, played at the LBI ground, East Coast Demerara, on Sunday.
way for Top Ranking, who took full advantage and cruised to an easy victory, capturing the million-dollar prize on offer.
In Race 1, L2 competitor Rude Boy secured a commanding victory, followed closely by Spice in second and Secret Death finishing third.
Race 2, featuring horses in L3 and lower classes, saw Damage Control assert dominance, edging out strong challengers Hardel and Magnum.
Race 4 showcased a thrilling finish as Kiss overtook Monica Time to claim the top spot.
The meet was organised by the Demerara Turf Club, delivering an exciting day of racing action.
Led by a scintillating 51 (retired) from opener Lennox Mark, Regal Masters strode to the required 161 for victory with just over three overs to spare in the 20-over affair.
Mark, who retired with a mere seven runs needed for victory, spanked four fours and three sixes in his delightful knock.
Asif Ali, who batted at number three, chipped in with 39, which included five fours and a six while Fazal Rafiek was unbeaten on 32 when victory was achieved. He struck five fours.
Earlier, Success was given a rousing start, rushing to 71 for one in the first 10 overs but they were restricted by some fine bowling in the second half of their innings.
Ramanad “Rocky” Singh led the charge with
38 which included three fours and two sixes while Anand Rooplall struck five fours in 35 and Latchman Chinapen two fours in 31 as Success reached 160 for six when their 20 overs expired.
Meanwhile, interested teams are reminded that registration for the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. Unity Softball Cup, set for October 30, 31 and November 1, is ongoing.
The tournament is being played with a difference with matches scheduled for all three counties – Demer-
ara, Essequibo and Berbice with the Open set for grounds across the ancient county, the Masters Over40 in Essequibo and the Legends Ove-50 in Demerara.
In addition, the women’s category will be played in Georgetown.
The action culminates at the Police Sports Club ground on the final day with the finals in all four categories.
The winners of all three men’s categories are guaranteed $500,000 while the runners-up will take home $100,000. Other incentives will also be up for grabs, with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in each category, including the women, riding off with a motorcycle.
The winners of the women’s category will be awarded $200,000 and the losers $100,000.
Teams are asked to contact 219-041 or 746-0090. Teams in Berbice are asked to contact Ganesh Balgobin on 642-9893 and for Essequibo, Patrick Rooplall on 671-5697.
Nadine de Klerk came clutch for South Africa again
(ICC/Getty Images)
Top ranking crossing the finish line unchallenged
Lennox Mark
THE New Amsterdam Track and Field Stadium is now 85% complete, with the critical installation of the synthetic track set to begin next Monday.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., confirmed the progress, following a site inspection in Berbice.
The Minister met with the representative from the German company Regupol, which will oversee the track laying.
The new synthetic surface, which marks the final stage of the facility's construction, is expected to take between five and six weeks to complete.
Provided the weather
New Amsterdam synthetic track on schedule for 2025 opening
remains favourable, the track and field and football stadium is on schedule to be fully operational and ready for use in 2025.
The New Amsterdam stadium is part of an infrastructural drive across the region.
Minister Ramson Jr. and Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry, toured four other development sites in Berbice, including the D’Edward Ground, Palmyra Stadium, the Albion Sports Complex, and Bath.
The high-level inspections underscore a commitment to delivering modern, fit-for-purpose sporting amenities outside the capital city.
Guyanese officials upskilled ahead of IGG
India on verge of series sweep despite centuries from Campbell, Hope
DELHI, India (CMC) –Despite fighting centuries by John Campbell and Shai Hope, India are on the brink of a series winning victory over the West Indies at the end of day four in the second Test match here on Monday.
Campbell scored his maiden Test century, while Hope ended an eight-year wait for his third Test century, but their hard work was undone by a middle order collapse that saw them eventually being dismissed for 390.
Needing a paltry 121 for victory, India ended the day on 63 for one, requiring just 58 more runs on Tuesday’s fifth and final day to seal a 2-0 series win over the visitors.
However, India’s target could have been more sizeable had the West Indies not collapsed from a comfortable position of 271 for
three to 311 for nine in the space of 11 overs.
Resuming the day on 173 for two, still trailing India by 97 runs with Campbell and Hope at the crease, there would have been high hopes for the Windies.
Campbell, who was on 87, didn’t take long to register his first-ever Test century in his 25th Test, doing so in emphatic fashion by clobbering left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja over long on for six.
He also became the first West Indian to score a Test century in India since Wavell Hinds in 2002.
Campbell then brought up the 200 for the Windies by cutting pacer Mohammed Siraj behind point for four. However, Jadeja finally broke the 177-run partnership between the two when Campbell missed his reverse sweep and was trapped lbw for 115 to leave the score
212 for three.
In all, his innings lasted 199 balls and he struck 12 fours and three sixes in his almost four and a half hour stay at the crease.
Hope and skipper Roston Chase then carried the West Indies to lunch at 252 for three, with Hope unbeaten on 90 and eyeing his first Test century since 2017.
It didn’t take him long to reach the landmark after the resumption, guiding Siraj to third man for a boundary to reach three figures.
Together with Chase, they added 69 runs for the fourth wicket and looked well poised to carry their side to a mammoth total until spectacularly collapsing.
Siraj triggered the meltdown by bowling Hope off the inside edge for 103 from 214 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes.
Tevin Imlach was un -
(Turn to page 22)
WITH the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) set to commence in December, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) are promoting integrity and precision, putting officials through an intensive training camp this Sunday.
Guyana will host IGG from December 5-7.
The training programme, held at the National Racquet Centre, focused entirely on ensuring that every call aligns with World Athletics’ rule book, elevating the standards of the local game.
NSC Commission -
er Cristy Campbell pulled no punches in her opening address, stressing that the officials’ performance is crucial to the success of the tripartite IGG.
“There could be controversy during the games,” Campbell cautioned the participants. “As officials, you ought to be familiar with the principles of integrity in sport to avert actions that could discredit the quality of the games.
The collaboration, which includes the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, is designed to give officials the technical edge needed for high-stakes competition.
AAG President, Sheryl Hermonstine, called the timing critical.
“I believe it’s timely and well overdue,” Hermonstine stated. “Our officials are better equipped for IGG now.”
The exhaustive curriculum covered crucial technical areas like starts, throws, jumps, and detailed manual time-keeping. It also included specific training on track umpiring and managing competition integrity via the Call Room Meet Manager System, signalling a commitment to modernising the sport ahead of the IGG showdown.
Minister Charles Ramson Jr. (centre) and Minister Steven Jacobs (far left) lead the inspection team at the synthetic track
John Campbell (right) celebrates after scoring his maiden Test century, while Shai Hope looks on
Seated from left: Chairperson of the AAG’s Development Committee, Mark Scott, President of the AAG, Sheryl Hermonstine, Cristy Campbell along with officials of the AAG