Guyana championing nature-based solutions, sustainable housing and building partnerships -PresidentAlisays
GUYANA is positioning itself as a model of sustainable development, with President, Dr Irfaan Ali recently unveiling a vision that integrates nature-based solutions into climate action, especially as it relates to the need for sustainable housing.
President Ali, in a recent televised interview on the sidelines of COP30, noted that Guyana’s development strategy goes beyond traditional climate targets, as the nation seeks to integrate biodiversity protection and economic progress into a single framework.
As he highlighted the fast-paced development the world is undergoing, the President firmly stated: “It’s not only about climate change, carbon credit; it’s about nature-based solutions for every single problem that we have,
and this is where Guyana is leading and that is what the LCDS is designed to do. It’s designed to look at a development model that incorporates nature, that incorporates climate consideration in the results that we want to achieve, whether it’s housing, the use of natural gas...”
The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 remains a cornerstone for national development and it has mapped the path of a new growth trajectory in a non-polluting way and as President Ali has consistently highlighted, Guyana is leading the way in finding solutions
to global challenges including climate security, food security and energy security.
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT
President Ali explained how Guyana aims to promote affordable and resilient livelihoods, while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of the forests.
As part of this agenda, the President disclosed that there are ongoing discussions with Habitat For Humanity to develop sustainable housing that has a component of nature-based solutions.
Additionally, the Ministry of Housing has already underscored its commitment to exceed the ministry’s delivery goals while incorporating environmental responsibility, including plans to integrate climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and fire-safety infrastructure into future housing schemes.
This direction aims to set new standards for sustainable development.
The Government of Guyana earlier this year announced a ground-breaking collaboration with The King’s Foundation and Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future. This partnership aims to further President Ali’s vision for sustainable urban development as outlined in Guyana’s LCDS.
As part of this initiative, a signature-building will be constructed in Georgetown, utilising local materials, techniques, and expertise, alongside international best practices.
This building will serve as a model for how cultural and environmental heritage can inform modern practices in urban planning.
It will provide a crucial template for sustainable urban development
See page 4
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
Guyana championing nature-based ...
and locally led construction in Guyana. Insights gained from this collaboration will be shared with other countries facing similar challenges, including Qatar, fostering a global network of knowledge exchange and learning.
The two-year collaboration is a key element of Guyana’s partnership with The King’s Foundation, focusing on the LCDS 2030 priority of Sustainable Cities and Towns.
This initiative emerged from discussions initiated by President Ali during his visit to Scotland in October 2024.
FORESTS, BIODIVERSITY AND CARBON FINANCE
Beyond energy and housing, Guyana continues to uphold its long-standing commitment to climate action and sustainability, and President Ali’s remarks on Guyana’s leadership in nature-based devel -
opment can be backed by the nation’s achievements.
Through the LCDS, indigenous communities are allocated billions from carbon-credit revenue for development.
In the first year 2023, the funds were distributed to indigenous communities. A total of US$22.7 million was distributed to more than 200 Indigenous communities that year. Last year, the sum was US$23.27 million.
Meanwhile, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had stated earlier this year at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference that the communities will receive US$23.27 million again this year. This means that indigenous communities will continue to be able to develop and implement projects for their economic and social development.
Notably, Guyana has entered into a US $750 million agreement with the Hess Corporation to purchase at least $750
million worth of credits from Guyana between 2022 and 2032 to support the conservation of Guyana’s forests.
Earlier this year, technology giant Apple, undertook a new step in its sustainability efforts by purchasing 100,000 jurisdictional carbon credits, sourced from Guyana’s vast forest.
Since the relaunch of LCDS 2030 in 2022, Guyana has achieved world-leading milestones, including becoming the first country to receive jurisdictional forest carbon credits under the ARTTREES framework and completing a large-scale carbon-credit sale valued at up to US$750 million through 2030. Carbon revenue, expected to reach
US$200 million this year, has already surpassed US$400 million over three years, exceeding the achievements of any other nation.
President Ali had also expressed hope that Guyana will unveil new forest-carbon agreements by the end of the year, aimed at further strengthening the country’s position as a global leader in forest conservation and low-carbon development.
Guyana continues to stay steadfast on the path to ensuring its forests continue to stand as a vital global asset, while delivering one of the most ambitious energy transitions in the world, creating thousands of jobs in sustainable forest use and in low-carbon
sectors and investing in the infrastructure to protect against climate change and biodiversity loss.
CREATING VALUE CHAINS
President Ali had also said that Guyana has been championing incorporating nature and creating a value chain.
He said: “You cannot tell a community that we want to protect your ecosystem without telling them how we want to develop your infrastructure, how we are going to give you better health care, better education…”
It was on this note that the President expounded on the ongoing initiatives that are not only converting ecosystems into val-
ue-chains, but are also reducing carbon emissions while boosting local industries such as eco-tourism.
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide and a significant source of income for many countries. It provides employment, revitalises local economies, and connects people across cultures.
Yet, like other forms of development, tourism can also bring problems, including social displacement, loss of cultural heritage, economic dependence, and environmental degradation.
For Guyana, the way forward is through sustainable tourism, with eco-lodges leading the charge.
DPP discontinues tax case against U.S.-indicted Azruddin Mohamed to facilitate U.S. extradition request
THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has discontinued the criminal charges filed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) against U.S.-indicted Azruddin Mohamed to facilitate the formal extradition request made
by the U.S. government.
A release from the DPP’s Chamber noted that the charges were discontinued pursuant to Article 187(1)(c) of the Constitution of Guyana.
The offences Mohamed was facing were: Caused to be made and
U.S.-indicted
subscribed to a false declaration to the Revenue Authority, contrary to Section 217 (1) (a) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 and knowingly concerned in fraudulent evasion, con-
trary to Section 218 (e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.
These charges were filed by the GRA before the receipt of a request from the Government of the United States of America to the Government of Guyana for the extradition of Azruddin Mohamed.
“In light of this extradition request and the hearing of the said extradition request, and taking into account all relevant legal principles, including international comity, appropriateness, and fairness to the defendant, these charges were discontinued,” the release said.
‘We are going to deliver on our commitments faster, better, greater’
–– President Ali affirms government’s intention to deliver on cash grants, other pledges
By Naomi Parris
FIRMLY reassuring Guyanese of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s (PPP/C’s) commitment to delivering on its promises, President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday evening addressed recent criticism levelled at his administration, while underscoring the government’s ambitious development agenda.
Speaking at the opening of this year’s GuyExpo, the President dismissed critics who have accused the administration of failing to deliver on its promises. “You don’t need to remind us about our commitments,” he declared, emphasising that whether it
involves grants, incentives or subsidies, his government intends to fulfil “every one of them, faster, better, greater.”
Taking aim at those who he said lacked the capacity to understand the scale and seriousness of governing, Dr. Ali said: “Stay in your lane. Don’t get beside yourself. Understand what level you’re boxing at…this is not the simplistic architect of beating a system. This is not the simplistic journey of stealing from the system. This is hard work that required technical competence, that require brain power.”
The government, he reassured his audience, is committed to building prosperity, ensuring that citizens benefit
from real policies to improve their livelihoods.
Drawing a sharp line between leadership and political commentary, the President argued that those attacking his government ought not to underestimate the complexity of managing a rapidly transforming economy.
Guyana’s economy, he noted, continues to thrive, fuelled by unprecedented growth, expanding privatesector confidence and a wave of new investments across multiple industries.
President Ali cautioned that such momentum requires more than slogans and simplistic assumptions.
“Our economy is not a toy,” he said, adding, “This
is real business that demands technical competence and brain power.”
He criticised what he described as misguided narratives about “beating” or “stealing from” the system, insisting instead that sustainable development is achieved through expertise, discipline and hard work.
To this end, he urged Guyanese to be wary and not be influenced by slogans being pushed on social media.
President Ali had last week announced that his government will unveil a
comprehensive package of measures before the end of the year aimed at empowering all categories of Guyanese, including persons living with disabilities, the elderly, women, children, farmers and small-business owners.
The President said the forthcoming initiatives will not only provide direct cash transfers to families, but would also focus on broader programmes designed to strengthen social and economic empowerment across the country.
He emphasised that the administration is pursuing a holistic approach that goes beyond immediate financial relief to address the diverse needs of citizens.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise public services, the President noted that the entire system is being digitised to ensure efficiency and transparency in the distribution of benefits.
To this end, he encouraged the public to open bank accounts in preparation for electronic transfers.
Opinion without evidence is not accountability Guyana’s petrochemical pivot
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali’s outline of Guyana’s petrochemical potential at the Berbice Development Summit this week was a timely reminder that the country’s energy future must extend far beyond crude production.
According to the Head of State, if the nation is serious about long-term economic transformation, then the conversation must now shift from extraction to value creation, from exporting raw resources to building industrial capacity at home.
The President’s presentation was grounded in a central premise: Guyana can no longer afford to leave value on the table. With rising production, now at an unprecedented 900,000 barrels per
day and expanding gas resources, the country has both the momentum and the leverage to chart a different developmental trajectory.
The scenarios outlined are not speculative wish lists; they reflect real, achievable industrial pathways. The first, a high-value export model, demonstrates how gas fractions can be transformed into ammonia, urea, methanol, fuels and plastics products that anchor global petrochemical markets. The inclusion of a gas-powered data centre campus adds a modern economic layer that aligns with Guyana’s broader digital strategy.
The second scenario, centred on mass employment and widespread inclusion, presents a more diversified industrial
ecosystem. Here, mid-scale industries such as fertiliser production, steelmaking, cement, glass, aluminium, cold storage and agro-processing could create thousands of jobs and meaningful local participation. It is a model designed not just to grow the economy but to broaden who benefits from it.
The third scenario offers perhaps the most immediate advantage using cheaper, more reliable gas energy to upgrade the country’s raw materials into finished goods. This would strengthen domestic industries while reducing import dependency and stimulating sectors such as construction, mining and agriculture.
The President’s mega-complex vision, an integrated facility that monetises every
gas fraction and reuses all CO₂ reflects the scale of thinking required in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape. Such a project would place Guyana firmly on the petrochemical map and attract a generation of downstream investment.
The recent PSA with TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and PETRONAS, carrying a record US$15 million signing bonus, signals growing confidence in the country’s direction.
The opportunity before Guyana is profound and government is currently moving full steam ahead to making sure all the required discipline, policy, strong institutions and a national commitment are there to move from potential to performance.
Dear Editor,
I HUMBLY request space in the letter column of your highly regarded publication to express my views on commentators to the “letters page.”
There is a certain type of commentator in Guyana who believes that loud talk and long words automatically translate into credibility.
Week after week they unleash dramatic columns attacking the government — and especially the Vice President — yet when you sift through all the noise, you find nothing but empty assertions. Plenty storytelling, lil’ proof. That is the trademark.
These writers fling accusations like they in a confetti parade: corruption, conspiracy, secret deals, destruction of democracy — everything under the sun. But when you ask them to produce one solid fact, one document, one piece of evidence that stands up to scrutiny, the
whole show collapses.
Instead of supporting their claims, they shift the goalposts, twist the narrative, and pretend that their imagination is the same as truth. That is not public accountability; that is political mischief with a thesaurus. They also lean heavily on overblown imagery and dramatic comparisons. A routine decision becomes a national crisis.
A disagreement becomes a dictatorship. A budget line turns into an apocalypse. Every critique is dressed in exaggerated language designed to stir panic.
As we say in Guyana, ‘some people love to bruk down a lil’ fence and call it the fall of Rome’. This kind of melodrama attracts attention, yes — but it destroys credibility.
Another convenient tactic is the selective morality. Many of these critics once served in public institutions, benefitted from them, or stayed silent during issues they now pretend to care deeply about.
Yet they present themselves as solitary heroes battling corruption from on top a moral mountain. But if you want to preach purity, you must first clean your own doorstep. Guyanese people are not foolish; they know when someone trying to play clean after years of dipping their cups.
Most telling is how these commentators treat any legitimate government response. The moment the government corrects false claims or calls out inaccuracies, these critics start hollering about “harassment of the press” and “attacks on press freedom.” So, in their world, they can say anything — no matter how baseless — but the government must remain silent? Accountability suddenly becomes “intimidation,” simply because their narrative cannot survive factual correction.
That is not press freedom, that is press immunity, and no democracy functions like that. And predictably, they ignore every measurable success the country is
experiencing. Roads, hospitals, jobs, investments, growth numbers envied across the region — all dismissed or twisted to maintain a permanent gloom-and-doom storyline. Their obsession with attacking the Vice President — always without proof — says more about their political agenda than about national interest.
Guyana deserves serious commentary grounded in facts, fairness, and genuine patriotism.
What we often get instead are inflated ego, recycled bitterness and a kind of performative outrage that crumbles the second you ask: “Boss, where is your evidence?”
Until that question can be answered honestly, their commentary remains exactly what it is -- noise, not nation-building.
Transparency is the nemesis of anti-government activists
HERE is what I wrote in my column yesterday (Thursday): “What drives my anger is that the people who want explanations, accountability and apologies are hardened in their refusal to offer same to society.”
As I write there is a big quarrel or maybe a huge fight taking place between the coalition units in the political party named the Forward Guyana Movement, whose presidential candidate was Amanza Walton-Desir. She now sits as the lone parliamentarian from that grouping. More on this below.
Darren Wade, who was on the PNC’s election list, used the word demand on his Facebook page. Here are his words: “We must demand transparency. What exact process was used to retain these lawyers [sic].” Wade demanded transparency in relation to the Jamaican lawyers, arguing the case for extradition of the Mohameds (who cares; they are CARICOM people anyway).
Wade is on slippery ground here because the Attorney-General cites the law that says the extradition treaty between the UK and Guyana and the US and Guyana requires the facilitating country (in this case, Guyana) to bear the court cost. Wade is on stronger ground if he calls on his party leader, Aubrey Norton, to be transparent.
There are more reasons and moral grounds for Wade to demand transparency from Norton than the Attorney-General. The issue with Norton directly relates to the political life of Wade. The deputy leader of the PNC, Shurwayne Holder, resigned as Chairman from the PNC citing absolute input from the leadership of the PNC in the selection of the 12 APNU parliamentarians. Holder told the Guyana Chronicle that after he learned that Norton alone was making the decision on the selection, he wrote to him asking him to desist. In that interview Holder was unambiguous – Norton made the decision.
Elson Lowe, another executive committee member of the PNC and the elected treasurer, used similar, unambiguous language. He told the Freddie Kissoon Show that Norton alone selected the PNC’s 12 parliamentarians. Now why Wade, a dyed-in-the-wool PNCite would not be concerned with transparency in his party? In which country of the world, the party leader makes all the decisions by himself? In the face of this tragedy in the PNC, Wade wants Guyanese to demand transparency from the government.
The transparency spectre is haunting another anti-government activist, Amanza Walton-Desir.
The General Secretary of VPAC, Francis Bailey, has flooded social media with his acerbic condemnations of Ms Desir. In a
telephonic conversation with me yesterday (Thursday), Mr. Bailey was in an accusatory mode, the contents of which I cannot repeat here, but his words of chastisement against Ms Desir centre on the lack of transparency and accountability.
Then there is the new kid on the block, Azruddin Mohamed. Dr Mark France, former chairman of ANUG that merged with Mohamed’s party WIN, told me that it was the WIN leader who selected who would represent ANUG and not him, Dr France, the then leader of ANUG. A key person in ANUG told me that the date of the application for membership of the ANUG person who was selected to go to parliament was very controversial.
Where does all of this leave the precious value of transparency, accountability and obligation in politics? Azruddin has never answered the accusation of Dr Mark France about lack of transparency. Aubrey Norton quite openly said that the 12 APNU parliamentarians were transparently selected, contrary to what Holder and Lowe said. Ms Desir simply does not answer the open public accusations VPAC is making against her. Of course, Darren Wade will not demand transparency from Aubrey Norton.
But check the Facebook pages of Wade and Ms Desir tomorrow and the next week, and the next month, and the next year. There will be the usual lyrics from them – the government lacks transparency and the people of Guyana demand it. They will not tell you what the people of Guyana demand of them.
We should not close without a mention of the former chairman of ANUG, attorney Timothy Jonas. When he was chairman of ANUG, I asked him who the members of the board of Stabroek News were since he was a member of that very board. Much to my amazement, the man told me he couldn’t remember who they were. This was the leader of an opposition party that couldn’t remember who he sits with in that particular forum.
I then asked the editor-in-chief of the Stabroek News, Anand Persaud, who the board members were.
He rudely declined to offer the information. Read the Stabroek News editorial tomorrow, the next day, the next month, the next year.
You will see calls demanding transparency from the government. Come on, man; charity begins at home!
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
From the heart of Port Kaituma to the Halls of Justice
FORMER Port Kaituma Community High School student, Aleria Aliya Heywood, was, on November 5, 2025, admitted to the Bar of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
Her petition for admission was graciously presented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Senior Counsel Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, before the Honourable Chief Justice Mr. Navindra Singh.
Standing before the court surrounded by her family, friends, and mentors, Heywood described the occasion as “the longest anticipated day of her life.”
She emerges from humble beginnings and proudly becomes the first attorney-at-law in her family, the first from her village, and notably, the first Indigenous person from her community to practise at the Criminal Bar.
In her address to the court, Heywood paid tribute to her hometown, highlighting that its true wealth lies in its people- those who have shaped her academic success through their steadfast encouragement and prayers.
She reflected on her upbringing, noting that although she lacked the op-
portunities available to city children, she made the most of what she had.
Viewing each day with optimism, she believed that she could achieve anything through determination and faith irrespective of where she was raised. From walking miles to attend extra lessons to studying with little to no electricity, these experiences, she said, have grounded her and taught her that even the most distant dreams can be realised.
Education has always been central to Heywood’s life. She credited her parents for instilling in her and her siblings the value of
–– Former Port Kaituma learner becomes first attorney from her village
The
Bar
academic excellence.
After completing her primary education at Port Kaituma Primary School, she attended Port Kaituma Community High School, where she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, earning four Grade One and six Grade Twos. Given her academic success, she was named the school’s top performer and graduated as the valedictorian in 2017.
Added to her academic excellence, she represented her school at the Annual Youth Parliament in Georgetown in 2016.
Heywood’s academic journey was not without its challenges. She recalled with humility, her family’s sacrifices which included carrying their kitchen stove to school to facilitate her Home Economics assessments, measuring her Agricultural Science poultry pen with a piece of wood due to resource constraints, and handwriting her SchoolBased Assessments (SBAs) since printing facilities were unavailable.
Heywood was persistent in studying long hours despite the limited access to electricity in her community. During periods of no electricity, she would continue her studies in the dim light emanating from kerosene oil lamps.
She also remembers that she was without a business teacher for nearly two years, forcing her to teach herself from the CSEC syllabus and preparing independently for the examinations as they drew near.
DESTINED FOR SUCESS
Following her success at the CSEC examinations, Heywood attended the Nations School of
Sixth Form Studies from 2017 to 2019, where she successfully completed the Sixth Form curriculum and was awarded a diploma.
Heywood then enrolled at the University of Guyana, where she commenced studies in the Bachelor of Social Science (International Relations) Programme. She obtained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.8 and thereafter, she was granted entry into the university’s Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme
In September 2020, Heywood commenced reading for the LLB and in October 2023, she was awarded the Bachelor of Laws Degree (distinction), with a GPA of 3.66, the fifth highest for the graduating cohort that year.
Determined to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney-at-law and despite financial constraints, Heywood was accepted to the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2023, However, she faced the immense challenge of financing her studies.
She recalled fearing that her dreams might be deferred. However, just two days before she was due to leave for Trinidad, she received news that she had been awarded a Government of Guyana scholarship - a moment she described as a testament to God’s divine timing.
Her resilience was again tested when she faced health challenges which required urgent surgery during her final examinations. Nonetheless, she persevered in faith and successfully completed her studies.
While at the law school, she served as Arts Coordinator of the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) and was also a
member of the school’s choir.
Heywood credited her success to her hardworking parents, whose sacrifices and encouragement made her achievement possible. She emphasised that although her mother did not complete secondary school, she constantly underscored the value of education and encouraged her to pursue every opportunity. Her father, she said, taught her that her life’s purpose is to serve others—an ethos that continues to guide her professional path. Motivated by her passion for public service, Heywood now practises at the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she aims to contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of justice.
In closing her address, Heywood expressed deep gratitude to God, her parents, family, and friends. She vowed to uphold the integrity and honour of the legal profession, stating:
“As I embark on this noble profession, I am guided by the provisions encompassed in the Legal Practitioner’s Act, Chapter 4:01 and the Code of Conduct for Attorneys-at-Law. I am guided by the words of its preamble which states that the underlying aim is that an attorney-at-law should at all times conduct himself in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the legal system and the legal profession. I am also guided that integrity and judicial independence are the twin pillars of justice, and I vow to honour that process of justice.
I vow to uphold my indispensable duty to the court, and to my clients and I vow to remain humble and to serve with excellence.”
new attorney with her proud relatives and the DPP following her admission to the Guyana
Attorney Aleria Aliya Heywood flanked by the Honourable Chief Justice Mr. Navindra Singh and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Senior Counsel Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack
AG moves to strike out FGM’s
‘fatally flawed’ election petition
-cites multiple constitutional breaches, defects
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has said that he has moved to court to strike out an election petition filed by the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), noting that it is riddled with procedural defects and constitutional breaches.
Speaking during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ the AG outlined a series of legal missteps committed by the FGM, which he said render the petition “a nullity.”
“We have filed a summons to strike out that election petition… on a number of grounds. One, that they did not obtain leave of the High Court to file the petition as is required by Article 163(3) of the Constitution. And if you don’t apply and obtain leave, the entire proceedings are a nullity, so the case is going to start from the beginning,” Nandlall said.
He went on to add that other serious procedural errors were made by the party. “In addition to that, we are also contending that they didn’t name all the parties. They didn’t serve the petition properly, and within the time required for that to be done. The petition itself is not in the prescribed form, and other statutory documents that are required to support a petition of that type are not in their prescribed form or have not been filed.”
The Attorney-General added that the FGM’s case represents a continuation of what he described as a pattern of flawed litigation initiated by the party against both the State and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
“Forward Guyana Movement, because they have broiled the Attorney General in a series of litigation… days before the elections,
[they] filed a challenge in the High Court, claiming that GECOM wrongly excluded their name from ballot papers, and that case was heard and determined by the current Acting Chief Justice, Mr Justice Navindra Singh.”
Nandlall recalled that during that earlier case, both he and GECOM’s attorneys had argued that the challenge was based on a complete misinterpretation of the law.
“I made submissions, as did the GECOM lawyers, to the effect that there was a complete and utter misunderstanding of the relevant provisions of the Constitution and of the Representation of the People Act. I said publicly and in court that I have never seen such misapplication and misunderstanding of clear English language,” he said.
That case, he reminded, was dismissed by Justice Singh, who described the matter as “hopeless, completely without merit, ridiculous,” and further imposed a $1 million cost order against the Forward Guyana Movement. The party then filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal, he said.
“The judges said that the case was ludicrous, was wholly without merit, was an abuse of the process of the court, and accused the FGM party and lawyers of not being candid with the court and withholding information. It was a tongue-lashing of the highest order. Another million-dollar cost was imposed by that court when it dismissed the case.”
The AG disclosed that the appellate court also ruled it had no jurisdiction to hear the matter, stating that such proceedings should have been filed as an election petition. “That ruling was handed down on the second of October… Now they have filed for leave to appeal to the CCJ (Caribbean Court
of Justice) … but at the same time, they have filed an election petition in the High Court.”
Even though FGM has since followed the appellate court’s advice and filed a petition, he went on to note that it still fails to meet constitutional and procedural standards.
“Though they have followed the advice, they are now appealing the Court of Appeal’s decision to the CCJ… but they still have an election petition which they filed in the High Court that has to be heard.”
The Attorney General stressed that the election petition law is peculiar and unique and further minor procedural errors can be fatal. “Any procedural error is normally fatal. The PNC learned that the bitter way with the two petitions that they filed after the 2020 elections, both were dismissed within six months of the filing because of errors that were made by Roysdale Forde and the group of lawyers who were representing them… Well, this one is ten times worse.”
Meanwhile, he stated that the courts ordered costs in the previous matter involving the FGM, which are still outstanding.
“You have owing to the Attorney General a million-dollar cost for the High Court action that Justice Navindra Singh dismissed, and another million dollars which the Court of Appeal granted when they dismissed the appeal… We have written to Vivian Williams and to Ms. Fisher… and we are requesting the $2 million costs to be paid, which the court said must be paid by November the 14th.”
Against this backdrop, he added that if the sums are not paid by the deadline, steps will promptly be taken to ensure the money is paid.
Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, SC
From Haiti to Ethiopia: Voices of climate displacement at COP30
FLOODS, heatwaves, droughts and storms are forcing millions from their homes every year. Most never cross a border; they remain internally displaced yet uprooted all the same. But experts warn that in the not-so-distant future, entire nations could disappear beneath rising seas or become uninhabitable through drought.
At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) is pressing negotiators to make climate mobility a core part of adaptation plans.
“People and communities who choose to stay must be safe, and those who decide to move must have the option to do so with dignity,” Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director General said on
Thursday.
Across 80 countries, IOM runs projects that put local communities in charge of solutions. Ms. Daniels hopes COP30 will be “a turning point to place human mobility as a key area of climate action,” especially in national adaptation plans and financing for loss and damage.
‘TEN SECONDS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER’
For Robert Montinard from Haiti, this debate is personal. The 2010 earthquake lasted just 10 seconds, but shattered lives for generations. Seeking safety, he fled to Brazil as a refugee. Today, he leads the Mawon Association, helping others rebuild far
from home.
At COP30, Robert insists on one thing: refugee voices must be heard.
“We want to be part of the solution. We want migrants and refugees to be heard. Those affected by the consequences of climate change – refugees, Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, women – have the solutions,” he said.
This week, Robert handed a proposal to Brazil’s First Lady, Rosângela Janja da Silva, and Environment Minister Marina Silva. It calls for municipal climate councils, action against environmental racism, and community brigades to respond to disasters.
He calls Haiti’s plight “climate injustice.”
The same hurricanes that strike Florida, he said,
leave destruction behind in his homeland – but while the US rebuilds swiftly, buildings ruined in Haiti’s 2010 quake still lie in rubble.
A CRISIS FEEDING CONFLICT IN ETHIOPIA
From another corner of the Global South, Makebib Tadesse sees the same pattern in Ethiopia, where climate pressures are intensifying conflicts over land and resources.
He described a “continuous cycle of violence and displacement” as food and water grow scarce. In northern Ethiopia, where he was born, the impact of climate change now rivals – or even surpasses – the devastation of the civil war from 1974 to 1991.
“Climate change is pushing people out of Ethiopia in ways we’ve never,” he said.
Both Robert and Makebib are part of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) delegation at COP30, alongside Venezuelan Indigenous leader Gardenia Warao.
‘BRAZIL’S OPENNESS TO REFUGEES SHOULD BE CELEBRATED’
Giving voice to their message is Alfonso Herrera, Mexican actor and Latin America Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, formally known as the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
“The voices of refugees have been silenced — and they must be heard,” he told UN News.
Mr. Herrera has travelled across the region – from Mexico to Venezuela, Honduras and El Salvador -witnessing the human cost of climate displacement and the UN’s efforts to restore hope through education and legal support.
He believes Brazil’s openness to welcome refugees deserves recognition, especially “when so many other countries take the completely opposite attitude.”
As COP30 debates how to adapt to a changing planet, displaced people remind the world that climate action is not just about saving ecosystems –it’s about protecting lives, preserving dignity, and ensuring no one is left behind by the rising tide. (UN News)
WPO distributes cash to Leguan cancer patients
Natural disasters trigger the displacement of millions of people each year (IOM/ Muse Mohammed)
Decision must be made on gas monetisation before 2030
–– President Ali says
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has set a firm deadline for the monetisation of Guyana’s gas reserves, declaring that the country must make a definitive decision before 2030.
Speaking during his feature address at the Berbice Development Summit, the President said that the issue of how Guyana will utilise its natural-gas resources cannot be delayed or passed on to another administration.
“I am telling you that before 2030, we have to make a decision on gas monetisation, and I am not leaving this decision for anyone after,” Dr Ali stated.
He noted that the government is currently assessing several models for gas use and export, with the aim of maximising national benefits, while balancing sustainability, job creation and industrial transformation.
According to the President, the government’s objective is to ensure that ‘every molecule of gas’ contributes to the country’s economic diversification. He noted that the ongoing
industrial transformation, one that will determine the pace and depth of economic diversification.
“This is not about politics,” he said. “It’s about the legacy we leave behind, a legacy
of making tough decisions now, so that our children and grandchildren inherit a stronger, more resilient Guyana.”
Currently, work is underway in relation to
the construction of the gas-to-energy project, which is set to transport offshore natural gas to the onshore facility at Wales.
The project aims to reduce the cost of elec-
tricity by 50 per cent. Additional parts of the plan further along include plans to sell cooking gas, fertiliser and other natural gas by-products domestically and regionally.
infrastructural developments, including pipelines, industrial parks and downstream facilities, will serve as the backbone of this longterm plan.
“This is about positioning Guyana to extract the highest possible value from every resource we have,” Dr Ali said.
He went on to add that the country’s development trajectory must be anchored by sound economic choices made within the coming decade.
He cautioned that indecision could cost Guyana valuable time in capturing the benefits of the global energy transition, which increasingly favours countries that can demonstrate stable, sustainable, and integrated energy systems.
“We are not just producing oil and gas. We are shaping how those resources transform our economy,” he added.
“The decisions we make now will define what Guyana looks like in the next 50 years.”
President Ali underscored that while oil has dominated early production, natural gas represents a crucial phase in Guyana’s
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
FAO Food Outlook points to broad-based increase in global food commodity production
–– report also analyses olive oil market, fertiliser trends, and the global food import bill
CURRENT conditions point to broad-based increases in global food commodity production, alongside strong consumption growth and a recovery in inventories, although weather variability and a clouded trade outlook could pose risks, according to a new report published on Thursday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
the new FAO Food Outlook.
Global wheat and coarse grain outputs are on track to set new records, with the same applying to rice production in Asia and the Latin America and Caribbean region. Stocks-to-use ratios for these key staples are also forecast to rise, according to
The biannual publication provides updated market assessments and forecasts for the production, utilisation, trade, and stocks of major food commodities including cereals, oil crops, sugar, meat, dairy products, and fisheries. The new edition offers additional insights into olive oil, fertiliser markets,
and the global food import bill.
“The rebound in global food production marks a positive turning point for market stability. But behind these numbers lie persistent risks, from extreme weather to fragile trade relations, that can quickly reshape global supply and access. Building resilience across the agrifood
system remains our greatest challenge,” said FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero.
Wheat, maize and rice markets are marked by abundant exportable supplies, which have exerted downward pressure on international prices. Meanwhile, utilisations of wheat and especially rice are expected to increase significantly, led by faster consumption growth in Low-Income Food Deficit Countries (LIFDCs).
Salient takeaways from the commodity analyses include:
--Global wheat inventories are expected to expand by 3.6 percent in the year ahead to reach their highest-ever level by the end of seasons in 2026, while world rice stocks are forecast to increase by 2.2 percent to a new record high.
--World meat production is expected to rise by 1.4 percent, led by poultry, while bovine meat output will likely contract due largely to reduced cattle inventories in Brazil and the United States of America.
--Global sugar stocks are anticipated to increase as bumper harvests in Brazil, along with strong outturns in India and Thailand, are foreseen to drive production up much faster than consumption.
--Global vegetable oil consumption, by contrast, is forecast to outpace production, influenced by reduced soybean outputs, resulting mainly from reduced planting areas in Argentina, India, Ukraine and the United States of America.
--Global fisheries and aquaculture production is forecast to increase by 1.7 percent, with expectations of a 2.5 percent increase in per capita food consumption of aquaculture products offsetting a decline in consumption from capture fisheries.
SPECIAL CHAPTERS ON OLIVE OIL TRENDS AND FERTILISER MARKETS
The FAO Food Outlook offers a detailed assessment of the olive oil market, predicting a recovery from recent drought conditions that curtailed output and drove up prices.
Wholesale prices in Spain, the world’s leading producer, and Greece have dropped by more than half
since early 2024, although they remain at relatively high levels in Italy. Ample rainfall throughout the growing season in Tunisia points to a record-breaking production of more than 400 000 tonnes, which could make the country the world’s second-largest olive oil producer in 2025/26.
Lower prices are underpinning a consumption recovery, and global trade in olive oil could hit a historical high in the season ahead, although tariffs in the United States of America may curb overall trade volumes.
In separate analysis, FAO finds that global fertiliser utilisation rebounded in the 2024/25 season, following a period of reduced application due to reduced availability and affordability.
The average price of a stylised fertiliser basket stood at USD 489 per tonne in September 2025, down 40 percent from the record peak of April 2022, although still higher than in 2024.
Nitrogen fertiliser supply is expected to remain adequate in the short term, supported by China’s return to global markets with increased export quotas for 2025 and 2026.
FOOD IMPORT BILL
The Food Outlook also presents FAO’s updated estimate for the global food import bill (FIB) in 2025, which is expected to rise by nearly 8 percent from the previous year to reach $2.22 trillion.
The increase in the global food import bill is driven largely by an average 34.5 per cent jump in the prices of higher-value products, notably coffee and cocoa, primarily imported by high-income countries. In Least-Developed Countries, meanwhile, expenditures on animal and vegetable oils are estimated to rise by 58 percent compared to 2024, broadly split between quantity and price effects, with the latter particularly impacted by higher import prices for palm oil, raising concern of affordability. By contrast, lower prices for cereals and sugar, are estimated to result in significant declines in the aggregate import bills for those commodities.
The combined food import bill for Low-Income Countries is expected to decline slightly compared to 2024, while that for subSaharan Africa should rise modestly. (FAO)
Driving Guyana’s clean-water mission
–– GWI Projects Director leads efforts to expand access, improve water quality nationwide
By Shaniya Harding
FOR almost 20 years, engineer Marlon Daniels has been at the forefront of Guyana’s effort to modernise its water sector, blending technical expertise with a deep sense of national service.
As Project Director at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and a long-time member of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), Daniels has helped steer the country’s ambitious programme to expand treated water coverage from 52 per cent to 90 per cent by 2025, upgrade dozens of treatment plants and pioneer regional best practices in water and wastewater management.
His leadership and research earned him two major honours at this year’s CWWA Conference in Belize; recognition that underscores his commitment to sustainable infrastructure, capacity building and positioning Guyana as a regional leader in the water sector.
Daniels joined Guyana’s water-management sector more than 17 years ago, but his passion for the field began at the University of Guyana, where he focused on his degree in water treatment and distribution. After graduating, he worked with the Social Impact Amelioration Programme, a project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, where he helped deliver infrastructural projects such as health centres, schools, roads, and drainage systems. That early experience set the tone for his career. “I later got an opportunity to do a master’s degree in water management in Mexico. I jumped at that opportunity and specialised in water and sanitation management. That experience, living in another culture and learning another language, was remarkable,” he recalled.
Upon returning to Guyana in 2008, Daniels joined GWI where he has remained committed ever since. At the company, he plays a major role in developing systems that get clean water to homes across the country. That direct connection between technical work and human welfare keeps him anchored in the field. “From university to postgraduate study, water and sanitation
became an area I cherished, and I don’t believe I’ll ever leave the sector. The simple things sometimes bring you the most joy. Somebody calls with a water-supply issue, and some minor intervention brings relief. That, in itself, is a very rewarding experience,” he said.
While Daniels is best known for his work in Guyana, his influence has extended across the Caribbean through his active role in the CWWA. Formed in 1990, the association is a vital forum where Caribbean engineers, utilities, and suppliers collaborate and share experiences. Having served on its board and as president, Daniels’ recent recognition at the CWWA Conference marked a career highlight. “Being recognised across the Caribbean as a very involved professional is extremely rewarding. This year, I wrote two papers: one won the Ron Williams Technical Award for Best Paper. I also received a recognition award for leadership and legacy, which was very touching,” he shared. That recognition, he added, reflects years of dedication.
“Guyana has hosted two successful conferences in 2017 and 2023, and I believe the recognition I received came from the dedication and heart I’ve put into the sector since 2013,” Daniels said.
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH
Reflecting on recent progress, he noted that the sector has seen significant growth since 2020. Over the past five years, Guyana has been on track to increase treated water coverage across the coastline from 52 per cent to 90 per cent by 2025. The country’s main water source is groundwater, which is rich in iron and requires major investments in treatment infrastructure to improve quality and meet health standards.
Seven new treatment plants were funded by the government and five more by the Caribbean Development Bank, alongside existing facilities and the installation of inline treatment systems.
“Together, this was a novel programme, celebrated regionally as a first for Guyana in terms
of scope and investment,” Daniels stated. Additional projects include drilling 14 new wells and laying over
200 kilometres of pipelines across coastal communities, a feat that required careful planning and coor-
dination. The programme’s success, he said, has drawn regional attention. “The programme’s success was recognised across the Caribbean; it became a model for large-scale water-sector investment and implementation,” Daniels added.
Through the work of people like Daniels, Guyana has become a Caribbean leader in water-treatment technology, particularly in removing iron from groundwater, a challenge unique to the region. “We’ve always been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in water treatment. Our water is rich in iron, and no one across the Caribbean can remove iron like we do in Guyana,” he explained. “The difference now is the pace. The scale of development post-2020 is unmatched.”
Beyond treated water, Guyana is also making strides in wastewater man-
agement. Plans are underway for a major sewage and wastewater treatment plant to serve Georgetown, with future expansion to other towns. Proper wastewater management, Daniels noted, protects public health, preserves the environment and supports sustainable urban growth.
“There are plans for a major sewage and wastewater treatment plant to serve Georgetown, with future expansion to other townships. Not many cities in the Caribbean treat wastewater properly, and we are showing great leadership in addressing that,” he said. Through initiatives such as these, and the work of dedicated professionals such as Daniels, Guyana is steadily building a modern, resilient water sector that not only meets local needs, but serves as a model for the Caribbean.
GWI Projects Director Marlon Daniels continues to lead Guyana’s drive for clean, reliable water across the country (Samuel Maughn photo)
M&CC, gov’t partner to launch major rehabilitation of Stabroek Market
TO preserve one of Georgetown’s most recognisable landmarks and improve conditions for thousands of daily users, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has formalised a partnership with the Government of Guyana to execute critical rehabilitation works on the historic Stabroek Market.
The collaboration, undertaken with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, follows a comprehensive feasibility study commissioned by the Council which confirmed the urgent need for extensive upgrades to the market’s iconic roof, its ageing drainage systems and the surrounding waterfront infrastructure.
Momentum began on Thursday with a high-level coordination meeting held in the Mayor’s boardroom which brought together engineers and technical officers from the Ministry of Local Government, alongside key
municipal personnel drawn from the City Engineer’s Department, the Town Clerk’s Office, the Markets Department and the City Constabulary.
According to the release from the M&CC, this integrated technical team “will be responsible for liaising directly with the appointed contractor, BM Property Investments Inc., to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of all planned works.”
During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed the full scope of works, assessed timelines and established the collaborative management structure that will drive the project.
The release noted that both sides agreed to “provide continuous support to BM Property Investments Inc., facilitating access, information and on-the-ground coordination to minimise disruptions.”
One of the critical decisions coming out of the
engagement was the strategy of scheduling construction during nighttime hours. This approach, the Council emphasised, is designed to safeguard vendors’ livelihoods and preserve smooth daytime access for the public.
To support uninterrupted operations and ensure safety on site, the release stated that the M&CC has committed to “providing a dedicated onsite electrician for the entire duration of the contract.”
Additionally, stakeholders will adopt a transparent communication model through weekly updates, “A dynamic work plan will be developed and shared on a weekly basis, keeping all parties informed of progress and upcoming activities,” the release said.
The rehabilitation of the roof and drainage infrastructure is set to commence “within weeks,” with the Town Clerk’s Department rolling out public notices and walkthroughs ahead of the
start of construction.
The M&CC highlighted that the primary objective of the project is to deliver “much-needed relief and a significantly improved, safer and more modern environment for the vendors who earn their livelihood within the market, the citizens of Georgetown who rely on its services and all who visit this historic site.”
In a model of cooperative governance, the project’s financial structure is being shared. The Government of Guyana will fund the major structural and civil works, while the Mayor and City Council will cover all electrical-related expenses.
According to the release, this arrangement “stands as a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved through proactive collaboration between the Mayor and City Council and the Central Government, working in unison to serve the best interests of the people.”
The Local Government Ministry recently launched a renewed push to clean up one of the capital’s busiest commercial zones, hosting a “Going Forward” engagement with vendors at the Stabroek Market Square on Monday evening.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to promote civic responsibility, modernise waste management and revitalise Georgetown’s historic public
spaces.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, told vendors that the Stabroek Market is far more than a trading hub, it’s a national landmark that embodies Guyana’s resilience and identity.
“Stabroek Market is not only a commercial hub; it’s a living symbol of our culture, history and resilience. The vendors who earn their livelihood here are a vital part of this city and your cooperation is key to keeping this space thriving and healthy,” the Ministry said in a release.
As part of the new initiative, garbage bins have been installed every 40 feet around the market square, extending from Brickdam Street to the Stabroek Stelling, along Lombard and Water Streets and around the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
Collection will be carried out twice daily—between 1:00PM and 3:00PM and again between 4:00AM and 6:00AM—to align with the peak hours of market activity.
Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that clearing and levelling of parapets across Georgetown as part of the first phase of the government’s aggressive city improvement plan aimed at tackling long-standing drainage and infrastructure challenges.
According to President See page 16
The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has formalised a partnership with the Government of Guyana to execute critical rehabilitation works on the historic Stabroek Market.
East Bank residents take advantage of Local Gov’t Ministry’s ‘bulky waste’ disposal initiative
Across the East Bank of Demerara, residents are welcoming #TheBigLift initiative, seizing the opportunity to properly dispose of bulky waste and help keep their communities clean. The exercise, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, aims to remove large, unwanted items such as old furniture, appliances, and construction debris that often contribute to unsanitary surroundings. Through this targeted clean-up effort, the ministry continues to promote cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities across Guyana (Photos: Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development)
Police power couple marks generational breakthrough with UG graduation
TWO dedicated police officers, husband and wife, have quietly been rewriting their own narrative and this month they will walk across the University of Guyana’s graduation stage as living proof that commitment still pays off.
For Shereen and Michael Sealey, this academic milestone is not a lucky break. It’s the end product of 10 years of hard work, long nights, missed family moments and a decision to rise above the labels society tried to put on them.
Their achievement, highlighted in a feature by the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC) in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, underscores not only personal triumph but also the transformative power of access, support and determination.
Shereen, who will graduate later this month with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, grew up in Victory
Valley, Wismar, Linden—an area many once dismissed. Yet she credits her upbringing for the resilience that has defined her journey.
“I am proud to stand today as living proof that greatness can emerge from even the humblest beginnings,” she said, reflecting on a childhood shaped by her mother’s sacrifices and unwavering faith.
Her husband, Michael, will graduate with a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety with Distinction after navigating an especially challenging academic path. Often stationed in remote interior locations with unreliable internet access, he pushed through with the support of his wife and is now pursuing his Bachelor of Arts Degree.
For both graduates, education became a shared mission, strongly supported by their family. Shereen pointed to the pivotal role played by her mother-in-law Ms Bonita
Michael and Shereen Sealey, a couple set to graduate later this month from the University of Guyana, with Michael earning a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and Shereen completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
Hunter and her sister-in-law, Kezia Bacchus, who took the bold step of completing Shereen’s UG application herself.
“Kezia simply told me, ‘You can do this.’ Her faith in me gave me the courage to take the leap,” Shereen recalled.
She began as a reserved student, hesitant to speak in lectures, but gradually found her voice and went on to earn her Associate Degree in Social Work in 2023 before advancing to the Bachelor’s programme.
Still, balancing work, studies and parenting two young children often stretched the couple to their limits. Shereen admitted there were moments she felt overwhelmed and even considered quitting, but steady encouragement—from colleagues, family and each other—kept the Sealeys on course.
This month, she will become the first in her family
to earn a bachelor’s degree, fulfilling UG’s vision of “One Graduate per Household.”
“My journey from Victory Valley to this moment is a testament to what determination, faith and support can achieve,” she said. “My story is proof that greatness can come from anywhere… it doesn’t matter where you begin.”
Michael echoed similar gratitude. “I know that my mother and my siblings are so excited for me and proud of my accomplishments,” he said. “My Mom’s belief in my wife and I never wavered.”
Now armed with strengthened academic credentials, the couple say they remain committed to serving the country with distinction, standing as examples of perseverance, partnership and the expanding opportunities within the national education system.
Ali, the team has developed a comprehensive Georgetown Drainage Development Plan designed to deliver immediate, short-term and medium-term improvements.
“The Georgetown drainage development plan would have immediate, short- and medium-term investment, not only to improve and expand the drainage of this city, but to also cater for the massive transformation, development and expansion that is taking place,” the President said.
He further explained that it will not only cater for the massive transformation and development taking place but also enhance the city’s overall capability to deal with related issues such as parking, parapet upgrades
and beautification which is also integrated within this framework.
As it is currently, President Ali highlighted that the plan identifies the existing and, in some cases, outdated, physical drainage infrastructure in the city, along with key hotspots and the underlying factors contributing to flooding and poor drainage.
The next step, he said, will be the design phase of the action plan.
“Immediately, they will start with clearing and levelling of parapets throughout the city, because what we have found is that many of the parapets are overgrown or encumbered by bridges and other kinds of encumbrances on the roadways and parapets.”
98 small contractors involved in $350M landclearing project at Le Repentir Cemetery
NINETY-EIGHT small contracts were awarded to clear overgrown vegetation in the Le Repentir Cemetery, the Ministry of Public Works announced on Thursday.
The works, totalling approximately $350 million, have a four to six weeks’ timeframe, the ministry said in a Facebook post.
It added that the project forms part of the Government of Guyana’s beautification and enhancement plans that are already in motion for cemeteries across Guyana.
“The rehabilitation of the Le Repentir Cemetery was a major concern raised during the 12th Parliament and Minister of Public Works Hon. Bishop
Juan Edghill outlined a number of interventions which are now unfolding.
“Since then, the main access roads and other internal roads in the cemetery have been completed, along with the installation of fencing,” the post said.
According to the ministry, to date, the land clearing aspect of the restoration project is ongoing along with drainage works along the perimeter of the cemetery.
Minister Edghill has repeatedly expressed his confidence in the government being able to restore and modernise the quote-on-quote ‘eyesore’ cemetery like other cemeteries in other developed countries, the post said.
An overhead shot of the Le Repentir Cemetery showing the results of the ongoing land clearing exercise (Ministry of Public Works photos)
Land clearing is currently in progress at the Le Repentir Cemetery
Affiance/Taymouth Manor farmers visit Hydroponics Shade House at Cotton Field
By Indrawattie Natram
FARMERS from the Affiance/Taymouth Manor Farmers Group, on Thursday, visited the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) Hydroponics Shade House located at Cotton Field, Region Two.
During the educational visit, the farmers toured the facility and observed the operation of both the hydroponic and drip irrigation systems used for vegetable cultivation. They also interacted with the youth managing the project, gaining firsthand insight into soil-free vegetable production.
Regional Agriculture Coordinator, Tamesh Ramnauth,
guided the farmers through the facility and explained the science behind hydroponic farming and its growing importance in modern agriculture.
He noted that youths are currently engaged in the harvesting of pak choi, which has already started yielding positive results for the community.
Ramnauth highlighted that the project, managed by a dedicated team of young people, is providing local farmers with a practical opportunity to observe and learn modern, soil-free farming methods in real time.
Many visiting farmers expressed interest in adopting similar techniques to enhance their own production efficiency and sustainability.
The initiative is fostering youth involvement, knowledge sharing, and access to fresh, healthy produce, while promoting collaboration between young innovators and experienced farmers.
This synergy is strengthening local agriculture and paving the way for a more sustainable future in Region Two.
The visiting farmers commended the young team for their effective management of the system and praised the initiative as a model of sustainable and innovative farming.
Several participants also expressed appreciation to the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Agriculture for leading such forward-thinking programmes under the AIEP, which continue to empower youth and inspire farmers to embrace technology in food production.
Farmers at the Shade House in Cotton Field
Farmers examining the pepper plants
GPF ramps up holiday security in Region Two
By Indrawattie Natram
AS the Christmas season draws nearer and commercial activity is ramped up across the Essequibo Coast, the Guyana Police Force has activated a strengthened security posture in Region Two aimed at safeguarding businesses and reinforcing public confidence.
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Regional Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, led a targeted community-engagement exercise in the Anna Regina commercial district, convening direct discussions with business operators on safety, security, and partnership as the festive period begins.
The outreach is part of the force’s broader, results-driven strategy to deepen collaboration with the private sector, sharpen crime-prevention efforts and maintain a controlled environment during what is traditionally the busiest retail period of the year.
Commander Shivbaran assured the business community that the police force is fully prepared to provide
Commander Shivbaran meeting with an Essequibo business owner
heightened security throughout the season.
He emphasised that additional patrols, both mobile and foot, will be deployed in the commercial zones to ensure greater visibility and quicker response times.
Police booths will also be strategically placed to improve accessibility and provide a direct link between law- enforcement officers and the public.
During the discussions, business operators expressed satisfaction with the proactive approach taken by the police force.
Commander Shivbaran encouraged them to remain alert and to report any suspicious activities or unusual movements immediately to the nearest police station or patrol ranks in the area.
He also reminded business owners and their staff to exercise vigilance, particularly as commercial activity increases, and to adopt simple safety measures such as proper storage of cash and goods.
Commander Shivbaran reaffirmed that maintaining law and order during the holiday period is a top priority for the force.
He said the police remain committed to working closely with the business community to ensure a peaceful, safe, and enjoyable Christmas season for all.
The initiative underscores the Guyana Police Force’s continued commitment to community partnership and its dedication to fostering trust and confidence among residents and businesses across Region Two.
New look GHE side hopes to win first title since 2005 CG United Regional Super50 2025 ...
By Sean Devers
IN 2005 Neil McGarrell hit left-arm spinner Suleiman Benn onto Regent Street in near darkness at Bourda to give Guyana its last Regional 50 title in a tournament in which Ramnaresh Sarwan scored two centuries in Barbados and another in Guyana where semi-final and finals were held.
Sewnarine Chattergoon made a hundred in the final to give Guyana its ninth title since the first in Antigua in 1980 when the late Roy Fredericks scored a brilliant ton.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles unit had its final turf practice yesterday before departing these shores on Sunday for Trinidad and Tobago to take part in the CG United Regional Super50 in Port-ofSpain next Wednesday.
They will face Jamaica Scorpions in the opening game next Wednesday at the Queen’s Park Oval. This year’s Regional Super50 is without the Combined Colleges and Campuses (CCC) and West Indies Academy and runs from November 19-29.
According to the Guyana Cricket Board, (GCB) the players will have a two-day rest period before departure on Sunday, followed by two training sessions in Trinidad.
The new-look Harpy Eagles are hoping to win their first title in the format since 2005. Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Ashmead Nedd, Quintin Sampson and Romario Shepherd are set to play in a T10 League in Abu Dhabi which runs from November 18 to 30 which clashes with the dates of the Super50.
Tevin Imlach, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kevlon Anderson attended a batting camp for the Test squad for the Test series in New Zealand which starts on December 1. If selected, they are also likely to miss the Super50 in
Carnival Country.
Chairman of the Guyana selectors, Ramnaresh Sarwan, speaking on the ‘Sean Devers Sports Watch’ programme said he is picking a team to win. “We use the inter-county to pick the team (Super50) but we look at other things as well…players have to get to certain fitness level so that will play a vital part as well. We have seen tremendous progress in that area and have players who have failed it before improve and that’s a good sign.
But apart from that, performance is what really matters. We look at all the games that were played and access their scores and once the tournament is completed and they pass their fitness test those players would automatically become available for selection” the former West Indies Captain explained.
Sarwan added that while he was not sure of the present rules, he would think that players would have to play in the regional tournament since he did not think players should be allowed to play all
over the world without playing for their countries and just jump in the West Indies team. “As I said those are just my views since I don’t know the rules concerning that” disclosed Sarwan.
He confirmed that Motie, who was among the players set to play in Abu Dhabi had made himself available for Guyana and was named Vice-Captain.
“When I took this job for the first time, I told the Board (GCB) that we needed to widen the pool since situations like this would come up. Where we have players representing Guyana would get picked for the West Indies or opt to go and play in all these different leagues. It would be really good for Guyana to have their best players participating in this tournament.
However, I think we have made progress in having a bigger pool to choose from. They might not have the experience, but they certainly have the talent. And we have a lot of confidence in them,” added Sarwan.
“If I were these guys traveling out for this tournament, I would see this as an opportunity and try make use of it… as I said the pool is a bit bigger now and it’s now up to the guys to want it. I never pick a team to lose so I’m looking forward to them doing well.
We have always had major internal problems and being a former player, I wouldn’t want it to be made public… and the public does not understand why some players might not be selected despite of what they do on the field,” Sarwan concluded.
Guyana Harpy Eagles squad: Matthew Nandu (Captain), Raymond Perez, Kevlon Anderson, Mavendra Dindyal, Kemol Savory (Wicketkeeper), Richie Looknauth, Antony Adams, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Gudakesh Motie (Vice-Captain), Thaddeus Lovell, Sylus Tyndall, Keemo Paul, Junior Sinclair, and Shamar Apple.
The reserves are: Kevin Sinclair, Isai Thorne, Kevon Boodie, Tomanni Caesar, Romeo Deonarain and Joshua Jones.
West Indies lose series
3-1
(ESPNCRICINFO) - “A beautiful summer’s day,”
Jacob Duffy said as the treetops and the cloud cover exchanged high-fives and the temperature just about strayed out of single digits. Dunedin was a picture postcard, provided you were a fast bowler.
The West Indies players in the dugout were all bundled up. Those that ventured into the middle were just bundled out. Duffy finished with 4 for 35, and in the process became the third-fastest New Zealand bowler to 50 T20I wickets and the primary force that led his team to a 3-1 series win.
Bang, bang, bang
West Indies were put in and bowled out for 140, having lost four wickets in 11 balls in the powerplay. A batting line-up that was focused on making the most of the field restrictions was undone on a pitch with live grass, so
to New Zealand
in addition to the overheads that almost ensured swing, there was pace and bounce.
Duffy harnessed all that help in the third over when he dismissed Shai Hope (top-edging a pull), Ackeem Auguste (bowled by the ball moving in late) and Sherfane Rutherford (caught behind trying to charge him).
The first of those wickets took Duffy’s T20I tally to 50. This was his 38th match. Only Trent Boult (36) and Lockie Ferguson (37) have got there quicker. One of the Southland’s own now sits among New Zealand’s elite.
His spell on Thursday also left Duffy with a strike rate of 13.8, the very best among the 20 Black Caps bowlers with at least 20 T20I wickets, and an average of 17.05, the second-best of that same group.
West Indies’ sinking feeling West Indies have a long and powerful batting line-up.
Over the course of this series, they’ve added 277 runs at a strike rate of 176 after going six down. So emerging from the powerplay at 47 for 4 wasn’t exactly the end of the world.
But there was a tipping point when Rovman Powell, who threatened an incredible rearguard just last week by helping his side recover from 93 for 6 to get within touching distance of a 208-run target, fell in the seventh over.
Roston Chase and Jason Holder eventually conceded to discretion being the better part of valour, putting on a partnership of 42 in 34 balls. But both set batters fell within five balls of each other and Matthew Forde joined them soon enough, leaving the score 94 for 8 in the 14th over.
West Indies tried. They tried to plug the leak but all they did - on land reclaimed from a lake in old Pelichet Bay - was sink.
New Zealand had their own trials as the ball kept jagging around all day. But with the target as modest as the boundaries either side square of the wicket - 63m each - the jeopardy was reduced.
Tim Robinson came out and nailed his Brendon McCullum impression, right down to the cock of the wrist just as the bowler releases the ball and the addiction to hitting up in the air. He made 45 in 24 balls with five fours and three sixes, though the shot of the day belonged to Romario Shepherd, who first cleared long-on, then the stands, and almost what remains of the old Dunedin art gallery.
Devon Conway was content to go at a slower pace, bringing up 1000 T20I runs at home, and eventually sealing victory with eight wickets and 26 balls to spare.
Robinson evokes McCullum
Hope demands urgent fix as West Indies’ powerplay failures hand series to New Zealand
CMC – THE West Indies’ T20 International series against New Zealand ended in a dispiriting whimper on Thursday, as the hosts saved their most inept performance for the decisive fifth match, slumping to an eight-wicket defeat that handed the series to the Black Caps on a platter.
The loss laid bare the recurring flaws that have plagued the Caribbean side throughout the contest, with a top-order collapse proving terminal.
In the aftermath, Captain Shai Hope pinpointed his team’s chronic inability to
adapt as the primary cause of their downfall.
“The power play has been our Achilles heel for this series,” Hope stated. “Unfortunately, as batters, we did not assess and adapt as quickly as we should have, or wanted to.”
The skipper acknowledged the valiant efforts of the lower-order batsmen, who have repeatedly been left with a mountain to climb.
“Credit still must be given to the guys in the lower half for putting their hands up. We may have given them a bit too much work to do in the back end, but,
ENGLISH RACING TIPS SOUTHWELL
08:22 hrs Pottersjetamay
08:57 hrs Golam Moop
09:32 hrs Admiral Stewart
19:07 hrs Vango Can Go
10:42 hrs Wandering Why
11:17 hrs Zenato
11:50 hrs Jack Hoola
CHELTENHAM
09:10 hrs Lucky Manifest
09:45 hrs Lord Baddesley
10:20 hrs Leave Of Absence
10:55 hrs Jonbon
11:30 hrs Heads Up
12:00 hrs Fortune De Mer
NEWCASTLE
08:10 hrs Lewisham Grove
08:45 hrs Fat Harry
09:20 hrs Looking Splendid
09:55 hrs Tedwin Hills
10:30 hrs Do No Wrong
1¹:05 hrs McGrath From Clune
11:40 hrs Marvel Magic
SOUTH AFRICA
Keyshawn Dey-2
Jonah Simon-2
Jermaine Padmore-2
Figgy scorers
Jemar Harrigon-2
Ojani Whittington-1
Game-4
Hardball Management-1 vs.
Hard-knocks-8
Hard-knocks scorers
Kendolph Lewis-5
Kwesi Quintin-3
RACING TIPS FAIRVIEW
08:00 hrs Fairy Knight
08:50 hrs Alesia’s Love 09:25 hrs Green Isle 10:00 hrs Mystic Vision 10:35 hrs Alodo’s Pride
IRISH RACING TIPS DUNDALK
13:30 hrs Amata
14:00 hrs Rappell
14:30 hrs Badgers Cove 15:00 hrs My Vonnie
15:30 hrs Square Necker
¹6:00 hrs San Andreas 16:30 hrs No More Kisses
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
AQUEDUCT Race 1 Echo In Eternity Race 2 Golden Flakes Race 3 Merica’s Back Race 4 Gypsy Art Race 5 Spirit Of New York Race 6 The Toy Cannon Race 7 Brave Buck Race 8 House United
Hardball scorer Rashon Kitt-1 Game-5
Stabroek-4 vs. Salah Family-4
Stabroek scorers
Bevney Marks-3
Darrel George-1
Salah scorers
Amoniki Buntin-2
Martin Leacock-1
Allan Halley-1
where the batting is concerned, it’s certainly an area that we need to improve quickly, going into this ODI series as well.”
Hope emphasised that the solution isn’t about reckless aggression, but smarter, more assertive batting to disrupt the bowlers. “We just need to be a little bit more precise with our stroke play,” he explained. “It’s important not to allow good bowlers to settle. Something that we need to fix and fix pretty quickly.”
He elaborated on the need to apply counter-pressure, a skill his team has lacked. “A lot of times, we find ourselves in tough situations, 2, 3, 4 down sometimes in the power play when guys are hitting the straps. So we have to find ways to stop them from
getting into rhythm, not necessarily forcing the issue, but not making it easy for them to settle.”
Amid the criticism of the batting unit, Hope was effusive in his praise for one standout performer, all-rounder Romario Shepherd.
Hailing the player’s work ethic and growing consistency, Hope painted a picture of a player coming into his own.
“Sheppy, he’s always been a hard worker, someone who’s very detailed in his preparation. He does a lot of research, and it’s great to see that his success is coming more consistently.”
The captain highlighted Shepherd’s crucial impact with the ball, particularly in the team’s solitary series victory. “He’s been really
good with the ball, coming and picking up some very crucial wickets at some crucial stages in the back end.
In the first game that we won, he defended that last over as well.”
As the team now turns its attention to the upcoming ODI series, the captain’s message is clear: the learning period is over, and the fixes must be immediate.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) The Oval, 1975 (2) Clive Lloyd & Glen Turner
Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the result of the first ever ODI game between the WI & NZ? (2) Who was voted Man of the Match? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Islamic Solidarity Games- Table Tennis...
Edghill says team battled hard to the end
GUYANA’S Olympic table tennis player Chelsea Edghill says the country’s team played hard and delivered on their best in the ongoing Islamic solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.
Edghill reached the quarter final stage of the women singles competition before losing to Turkey’s Sibel Altinkaya.
She told Guyana Chronicle that team showed their grit and strength in the competition and it really positive and encouraging.
“In terms of the teams overall performances, I think what we said we would come out here and do and that is give our best, just to play every point on it merit and fight every point and fight in every match that we play, it is a good indication of what is to come with the right preparation, we could achieve really good things in the future,” she said. Edghill says that it was not the results she had hoped for but she is satisfied with her progress in the competition
“The quarter final match didn’t go as I had hoped, because obviously I wanted to win but it didn’t happen that way for me. Nevertheless, I’m pleased with my results at this tournament especially at the beginning stages of the tournament, to know that two months ago my foot was in cast to now where I was able to play and compete against some of the world’s best players and to feel as like I didn’t miss a step. But I understand there is a long way to go in terms of recovery and
continuous training in that regard. I’m quite pleased with the way I played and excited to see what comes next.”
The two time-Olympian was loud in praise for her support personnel that aided her return to international competition.
“I’m really thankful to the physiotherapist at the national sports clinic, they did a really good job in these last two months, making sure I was ready to come and compete at these games because it was difficult for me to compete at the national championship and to come here (Saudi Arabia) and play the way I did, it was top work and shows their commitment.”
country’s men’s double team of
Thakur, Rutherford are latest IPL trades
(ESPNCRICINFO) - India
allrounder Shardul Thakur and West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford have joined Mumbai Indians (MI) in the trading window ahead of IPL 2026.
ESPNcricinfo has learned that MI reached an in-principal agreement with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to get Thakur via an all-cash trade deal, for INR 2 crore. MI acquired Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 2.6 crore, the same amount for which GT bought him in the last auction.
Thakur could now become a quiz question as this is the third trade involving him in the IPL; in 2017, Rising Pune Supergiant had
bought him from Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), and before the 2023 season
Kolkata Knight Riders procured him from Delhi Capitals. Both those trades were also all-cash deals.
Thakur, who had gone unsold at the 2025 mega auction and was to join Essex in the County Championship, was picked by LSG as a replacement for Mohsin Khan at his base price of INR 2 crore. It seemed like a good investment on the part of LSG’s mentor at the time, Zaheer Khan, as he took six wickets in his first two matches in IPL 2025.
Thakur, however, struggled after that, playing only ten matches and taking 13
wickets with an economy rate of 11.02.
The move to MI is a homecoming of sorts for
Thakur. He was a support bowler for MI from 201012 and was also appointed Mumbai captain in domestic
cricket for this season.
Rutherford is now headed to his fourth IPL side, after representing Delhi Capitals (2019), RCB (2022) and GT last season.
He was also part of the MI squad in 2020 and KKR in 2024, but didn’t get a game in those seasons. He had played 13 games for GT earlier this season, for 291 runs at an average of 32.22 and strike rate of 157.29.
MI set to release Arjun Tendulkar to LSG
MI and LSG have also agreed on a separate trade deal involving Arjun Tendulkar, who has been playing for MI since IPL 2023. It is learnt the left-arm fast bowler, who was bought by MI
for INR 30 lakh last year, has been traded to LSG. It is also learnt that MI have decided to release Tendulkar so he could possibly get more playing opportunities at LSG. Tendulkar was first bought by MI in the 2021 auction for INR 20 lakh and made his debut in the 2023 edition, when he went on to play four matches in the league.
Overall, he has featured in five IPL games for three wickets at an economy rate of 9.36. In the domestic circuit he started with his T20 debut for Mumbai in early 2021 before moving to Goa before the 2022-23 season, when he made his first-class and one-day debuts.
Bangladesh on course to take lead
(ESPNCRICINFO) - BANGLADESH are on course to take a 1-0 lead against Ireland after dominating the third day of the Sylhet Test. The visitors ended the day on 86 for 5, trailing by 215 runs after a century from Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with Litton Das’ 66ball 60 helped Bangladesh amass on 587 for 8.
Once they declared, Nahid Rana struck the first blow in the fourth over when he cleaned up Cade Carmichael for 5. It was a thundering inswinger that Carmichael couldn’t keep out, as Rana revved up the pace in his first spell.
second fifty in the match. However, a bit of tardy thinking cost him dearly. After Litton missed a stumping off Taijul Islam, Stirling’s attempt for a single was illtimed. He couldn’t turn back in time, as he was caught short of the crease, falling for 43 off 59 balls.
Tector followed him back swiftly, lbw to Taijul for 18, before Shadman Islam took a brilliant catch at cover to get rid of Curtis Campher towards the end of the day. Murad took that wicket, before also trapping Lorcan Tucker lbw for 9. Earlier, Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored a career-best 171,
which is the second-highest score by a Bangladeshi opener. Shanto’s century was his eighth in Tests, and fourth as captain.
Mahmudul could add just two runs to his overnight score before Barry McCarthy had him edge behind with a late outswinger. Mominul Haque fell in McCarthy’s next over, undone by a lifter for 82. Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim put on a recovering act with a 79-run fourth-wicket stand.
The acceleration came during the Shanto-Litton partnership, when they added 98 runs for the fifth wicket, at 5.49 per over. Litton smacked
eight fours and a six, before Tector took a splendid catch running back from mid-on to dismiss him.
Shanto, who struck 14 fours, fell to Andy McBrine on the second ball after reaching his century. He was very much leg-side dominant with his boundaries, along with a few straight drives for fours.
The 23-year-old leftarm spinner Matthew Humphreys was Ireland’s best bowler, taking his second five-wicket haul in his fourth Test. He finished with 5 for 170 while McCarthy picked up two wickets, both on the third morning.
Ireland found a bit of consolidation for the next hour, with Harry Tector and
Paul Stirling finding a bit of rhythm. Stirling struck seven fours as he raced towards a
Najmul Hossain Shanto completed his century in 112 balls • Bangladesh Cricket Board
The
Shemar Britton and Nigel Bryan also reached the quarter finals stage. The other athletes that represented Guyana were Elishaba Johnson, Jasmine Billingy and Thuraia Thomas.
Sherfane Rutherford
Chelsea Edghill
ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal...
YMCA A, Hard-knocks, Bombers secure easy wins
DEFENDING champion
YMCA A, Hard-knocks, and Bombers tallied lopsided wins when the New Era Entertainment-coordinated ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Championship resumed at the Retrieve Tarmac.
YMCA A battered Figgy FC 9-3. Jamal Bentick crafted a hat-trick while Keyshawn Dey, Jonah Simon, and Jermaine Padmore scored respective doubles. For Figgy FC, Jemar Harrigon amassed a brace while Ojani Whittington netted once.
Similarly, Hard-knocks crushed Hardball Management 8-1. Kendolph Lewis recorded five goals while Kwesi Quintin amassed a hat-trick. For Hardball Man-
agement, Rashon Kitt netted a consolation goal.
Likewise, Bombers demolished YMCA B 8-2. Shamiah Samuels recorded six goals while Dequain Samuels and Joshua Fleming scored one goal apiece. For the loser, Kevin Charles and Darnell Profitt netted one goal respectively.
Meanwhile, Foundation Family crushed West Side Ballers 7-2. Malcolm Miggins recorded a hat-trick while Shawn Wilson bagged a double. Adding goal apiece were Shaka Hall and Shamar Caesar. For Westside Ballers, Allan Reece and Philip Quilla scored one goal respectively. Also, Stabroek and Salah Family played to a 4-4 stale-
Kahlil Rickford qualifies for North America
E-Sport Championship
– Set to represent Guyana in Santo Domingo
GUYANA’S own Kahlil Rickford has officially qualified for the North America E-Sport Championship, where he will proudly represent the Golden Arrowhead in Santo Domingo this weekend. This achievement marks another major milestone in his growing international e-sports career.
Rickford is no stranger to high-level competition. Back in 2023, he represented Guyana at the South America E-Sport Championship in Brazil, gaining invaluable exposure competing against some of the continent’s best digital athletes. That expe-
mate. Bevney Marks bagged a hat-trick for Stabroek while Darrel George scored once. For Salah Family, Amoniki Buntin recorded a double while Martin Leacock and Allan Halley scored one goal respectively.
The competition also continues at the same venue today with another round of group stage fixtures.
Utilising an initial group
stage format, the 16 teams are divided into four groups, with the eventual top two finishers advancing to the quarterfinal segment.
Group A features Hardknocks, Hardball Management, Bomberz, and YMCA B, while Spaniards, YMCA A, HH Ballers, and Figgy FC make up Group B. Meanwhile, Group C comprises Young Gunners, Silver
Bullets, Foundation Family, and Westside Ballers, while Group D is made up of DC Ballers, Salah Family, Stabroek, and Fearless.
The winner of the event will pocket $1,500,000, while the eventual second, third, and fourth place finishers will receive $750,000, $350,000, and $200,000, respectively, and the corresponding accolade.
MVP girls U11 pee wee football…
rience has shaped his approach, sharpened his skills, and prepared him mentally for the intense battles ahead.
As he enters the 2025 championship, Rickford carries not only personal ambition but also the hopes of an entire nation. With his proven resilience, improved race craft, and deepened competitive experience, Guyana will be well-represented on the virtual grid in Santo Domingo.
The GMRSC and local motorsport community extend their full support and best wishes to Kahlil as he prepares to fly the Guyanese flag high once again.
On the individual level, the eventual Most Valuable Player will ride away with a motorcycle. It was also disclosed that a $300,000 economic grant will be awarded to a player or fan to aid their academic development. Each team must put forward a candidate for the aforesaid scholarship.
Complete Results
Bombers-8 vs. YMCA B-2
Bombers scorers
Shamiah Samuels-6
Dequain Samuels-1
Joshua Fleming-1 YMCA B scorers
Kevin Charles-1
Darnell Profitt-1
Game-2
Foundation Family-7 vs. Westside Ballers-2 Foundation scorers
Malcolm Miggins-3
Shawn Wilson-2
Shaka Hall-1
Shamar Caesar-1
Westside scorers
Allan Reece-1
Philip Quilla-1 Game-3
Figgy FC-3 vs. YMCA A-9
YMCA A scorers
Jamal Bentick-3
TURN TO PAGE 25
Petra conducts team briefing and ball distribution exercise
ALL will be in place for the 2025 edition of the MVP girls Under 11 football tournament set to commence this weekend at the Ministry of Education Ground.
Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca speaking at the team briefing and ball distribution exercise yesterday, told the student athletes gathered that this tournament compliments the female game.
He added, “For us, a nation like this, it goes hand in hand with the kind of investment that is put into female football, it goes hand in hand with the kind of commitment from teacher, parents which goes hand in hand with football.”
Mendonca again commended MVP sports for their unwavering support for fe-
male football over the years and their pledge to continue the work for the girl’s game.
“We are going to ensure that we use every avenue available to us to continue to organize female football. When it comes to school football, it is so satisfying when we can reflect on most of these young girls when they move on to the under 14 and then when you see some of them at the national Under 15,” He added.
Demerara Mutual Insurance company representative Oceola Van Doimen said the company was elated to offer their aid to another football competition.
‘It is an honour to be here as the Demerara Mutual Group join the 9th edition of this esteemed tournament. While MVP and Petra have
been championing girls football for years through this competition, this is our first time being part of this particular journey and we could not be more thrilled. Our smallest player with the biggest dreams are taking centre stage, as a mother of three daughters myself being here with you brings me special joy.”
The competition which ends on December 6th will see all games played at the Ministry of Education Ground. It will be played on a Round Robin basis at the group stage involving 16 teams placed into groups of 4, after which the top two in each group will advance to the knock-out stage which consist of round of 16, quarter finals, semi-final and finals.
The winning team will pocket 100,000 towards a school project of their choice along with trophy and medals with 75,000 for second place, and 50,000 for third.
The tournament will also award 4th place team, MVP, highest goal scorer, best goal keeper and most disciplined team.
The teams competing this year are One Mile, St John the Baptist, Batavia, Potaro, Friendship, Den Amstel, Genesis and Waramuri Primaries along with School of the Nations, Smiths Memorial, Stella Marris, Tucville, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown International Academy, North Georgetown and defending champions Marian Academy.
YMCA A (yellow) vs Figgy FC (white)
Kahlil Rickford
and students before the start of the 2025 edition of the MVP girls under 11 football tournament