‘Step out of your comfort zone’ —Dr
Singh urges banks to utilise flexible collateral options, cites supporting legislation
By Feona Morrison
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, is calling on Guyana’s banking sector to modernise its approach to lending by taking full advantage of legal reforms that permit the use of movable assets as collateral.
Speaking recently on the matter of diversifying collateral to better support private sector growth, Dr. Singh described the issue as “a very topical conversation in Guyana right now,” adding that while the financial sector has played a stabilising role over the years, it is time for banks to evolve.
“The banking sector has historically been conservative, erring on the side of caution, which is not necessarily a bad thing,” Dr Singh stated. “We want strong banks and strong bal-
ance sheets. We want them to maintain good-quality portfolios. But there is room, I believe, for the banking sector to be more aggressive in providing financing to the Guyanese private sector.”
He noted that this shift in approach is critical, especially in a rapidly growing economy where access to finance remains a constraint for many entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“One of the conversations that we've been having with [the banking sector] is what they can do, and what we need to do, for them to be
more aggressive,” Dr Singh explained.
“There are some things we [the government] can do on the policy side.”
In that regard, the minister highlighted the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment, including legislative reform. He pointed specifically to the enactment of legislation that allows for the use of movable collateral, such as machinery, vehicles, receivables, and inventory, to secure loans.
“We enacted that legislation. It's in force,” Dr Singh affirmed. “We’ve also been
working with the sector to enable them to do more, such as accepting more financial assets, like receivables that can be pledged, and invoices that can be factored or discounted, which is standard technology in the most sophisticated market systems.”
The finance minister acknowledged that some banks have already begun to adopt these mechanisms, responding to both the legislative framework and the broader economic context. However, he stressed that the pace of adoption has not been fast enough.
“So, we've made sure to develop laws,” he said. “We want to see more take-off of this. The legal framework is in place. Banks now need to respond to that legal and regulatory framework and step out a little bit from their historic comfort zone, which is almost a risk-free lending model secured by real estate.”
According to Dr Singh,
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh
this transformation is not optional if the banking sector wants to remain relevant in an economy that is becoming increasingly dynamic and
diversified.
“It’s happening,” he said of the shift toward accepting alternative collateral types. “But it's not happening as quickly as we would like to see it happen.” He further indicated that the government is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to escalate its efforts to ensure banks become more inclusive and innovative in their lending practices.
“It’s something that we have on the radar to be elevated in our recent priorities in the next five years,” Dr Singh noted. “But the frameworks are there in place already and it’s really a question of how banks respond to it.”
The minister’s comments reflect a broader push by the government to improve access to finance, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as Guyana continues to experience sustained economic
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Fatherhood is one of life’s greatest callings
I extend Father’s Day greetings to all the fathers of our nation. I thank all of them who have faithfully and dutifully upheld the responsibilities of fatherhood.
As has been said, fatherhood is not just about biology or presence. It is not measured by how much a man provides in material terms, but by the security he builds with his presence, the values he inspires through his example; and the love he gives without seeking reward.
True fatherhood is not about control, but about guidance. It is not about demanding respect, but about earning it through sacrifice and commitment. A real father is not perfect—but he tries to be a good dad, every day.
Fathers are the quiet strength in the background—the ones who rise early, stay up late, and sometimes go unnoticed in their acts of devotion.
But their impact is deep and lasting. A father’s voice can become his child’s inner compass; his support, the foundation on which self-esteem is built.
Fatherhood, at its best, is a pillar of society. It anchors homes, uplifts communities, and helps raise children who know what it means to be loved, to be safe, and to be responsible.
On this Father’s Day 2025, I honor not just men who have children, but those who father— who protect, mentor, uplift, and love. To those fathers and father-figures: thank you for showing us that fatherhood, when embraced with heart and conviction, is one of life’s greatest callings.
Happy Father’s Day!
Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
President
of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Guyana advances further as global leader in food production
- with massive hydroponics investment in Region Two
By Shaniya Harding
GUYANA has made yet another leap in its mission for food security, with President Irfaan Ali announcing what he described as the largest investment in hydroponics agriculture in the region. In a brief Facebook post on Saturday, the Head of State highlighted the country’s growing self-sufficiency and noted that this investment is the largest of its kind within the community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
“This is the largest investment in hydroponics agriculture in the entire region. The entire region. We're even talking about the CELAC region,” he said, referring to the new hydroponics facility located at the Guyana School of Agriculture in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), which spans approximately one acre.
In a passionate update to the nation, the President
stated that Guyana’s success in the areas of food security and agriculture is owed to robust investments and innovative policies by the Government of Guyana.
“As identified, Guyana is the only food self-sufficient country in the world. That came from policy, investment, programmes, and the hard work of our farmers.
But we're taking it to the next level,” he said. While the development of these sectors has had a
great impact on Guyana, the Head of State explained that the next step for the country’s agriculture sector is to seamlessly integrate into the regional and international food markets. Describing the planned trajectory of the sector, President Ali stated, “Now we're investing in facilities for sustainable and resilient food production, not only for the local market, but targeting our regional and international markets. Building the
regional food hub, investing in the regional food hub, and creating a business ecosystem to support food production for Guyana, the region, and the world.”
During a visit to the Region Two hydroponics farm, the President also highlighted the importance of youth in agriculture. He shared that the government continues to foster growth in the sector by building hydroponics farms like the ones already functioning in other
regions across Guyana.
“But how do we make this interesting? How do we make it an enterprise through which young people are involved, through which young people feel excited about food production, excited about agriculture? And this is what these magnificent facilities are. The combined two facilities here in Region 2 are replicated in Region 10, in Region 5, and every other region across our country,” he said.
The new hydroponics facility is designed to produce high-value crops such as lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, and celery; the state-of-the-art shade house features automated systems for watering, temperature control, and agrochemical application. The $200 million investment is expected to generate over 40,000 pounds of lettuce annually and create jobs for more than 200 residents in the region, while serving as a model for similar develop-
ments across the country. He further explained that the hydroponics facilities will help reduce Guyana’s import bill and support national food sovereignty. “And this is what these facilities will be doing. They'll be targeting high-value crops to reduce our import bill and to ensure that we have sustainable and resilient agriculture. These are state-of-the-art facilities equipped with extractor fans, temperature control, automated watering systems, and automated agrochemical applications,” he added.
The government’s aggressive push toward agricultural innovation is part of a broader strategy to position Guyana as a leader in sustainable food systems, both regionally and internationally. With this hydroponics project, the country is planting seeds for a future that is not only self-sufficient but also export-ready.
President Ali during a visit to a hydroponic farm in Friendship on the East Coast of Demerara
David Hinds: Indians followed Nagamootoo because
they thought they were going to a ‘little Indian party’
THE concerns of whether Indo-Guyanese are being used as mere props by the opposition to maintain the image of multi-racial co-operation have further deepened after the Co-Leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), David recent explosive statements.
On his show, ‘Politics 101,’ Hind s said that Indo-Guyanese followed former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, thinking that they were joining a “smaller India party”. At the time, Hinds was speaking on the topic of crossovers. He said, “Nagamootoo come halfway, because the Indians who followed Nagamootoo into the AFC, in their head, they were going into a smaller India party.”
On his programme, Hinds was joined by fellow WPA member, Tacuma Ogunseye, AFC’s Vincent Adams and other opposition-aligned persons, Wayne Caesar and Nigel Eliakim.
While Hinds made his inflammatory remarks about the former Prime Minister being a token to recruit Indian votes, his panellists made no objections to the controversial statements. It should be noted that APNU, led
by Aubrey Norton, and WPA have joined forces to contest the September 1, 2025, general and regional elections.
The recent statements by Hinds imply that Indo-Guya -
nese political allegiance is tribal by nature and incapable of transcending ethnic lines; it fits into the long pattern of instances where he has constantly stoked racial tensions.
Just recently, the WPA member lashed out at PNCR-appointed Region 4 Chairman, Daniel Seeram, stating that
Seeram never worked for the position of Chairman but was granted that honour because of “ethnic window-dressing”.
“Because he’s Indian –nothing else! He didn’t have a political track record, but all political parties in Guyana engage in ethnic window-dressing,”
Hinds said, labelling Seeram as
“ungrateful.”
Also, in the past, Hinds referred to People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) then General Secretary Geeta Chandan-Edmond as a “slave catcher.”
Hinds is known for his provocative commentary on race and politics, and has consistently drawn ire for using terms like “lick bottom”, a Creole insult likening certain African Guyanese to political sycophants, particularly those who support the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
He has contended that such rhetoric is aimed at awakening racial and political consciousness, but critics argue that his
language fosters division and deepens ethnic rifts.
Further, Norton has flatly refused to condemn the inflammatory remarks made by Hinds.
“…There’s no way we will condemn David,” Norton said during a previous press conference, when asked by the Guyana Chronicle about Hinds’ disparaging remarks about Afro and Indo Guyanese who choose to support other political parties.
Rather than disavow or even caution his political partner, Norton downplayed Hinds’ remarks and portrayed the WPA Co-Leader as “passionate” and “intelligent,” as he dismissed concerns over the disparaging comments.
The airing of ‘Politics 101’, where Hinds made his inflammatory remarks
GECOM extends operating hours for upcoming Claims and Objections Exercise
--citizens will have 12-hour window each day to complete, rectify registration transactions
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced an extension of operating hours for its upcoming Claims and Objections Exercise, which will commence on Monday. According to information from GECOM, a Claims and Objections Exercise will commence on Monday and conclude on June 18, 2025. In this regard, GECOM had given notice that its registration offices countrywide will open at 08:00 hrs and close at 18:00 hrs.
However, in anticipation of an influx of eligible persons desirous of conducting registration transactions, GECOM has taken a decision to extend the closing
time for the conduct of registration transactions on June 16th, 17th and 18th 2025 from 18:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs, providing a 12-hour operation window.
The press release from GECOM further stated, “Any person who would be 18 years or older by the 30th June, 2025 an d is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, or naturalisation or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more is eligible for inclusion in the Official List of Electors (OLE) to be used for the conduct of General and Regional Electio ns 2025.”
In view of the foregoing,
GECOM also urged all eligible persons that on the days outlined above and during the stated hours they can visit the GECOM Registration Office that is responsible for the area where they live to make a claim to entry on the OLE, if his/her name is not on the list, by applying for registration.
Persons already on list can also apply for a transfer if he/she is listed at an address where he/she no longer lives, apply for change of name if he/she has changed his/her name since he/she was registered or apply for correction if there is incorrect information in the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).
‘Step out of your comfort...
From page 2 expansion driven by both traditional and emerging industries.
In Guyana, recent legislation aims to improve access to credit by allowing movable property to be used as collateral. The Moveable Property Security Act, which was enacted in 2024, establishes a comprehensive framework for secured transactions involving movable assets, such as equipment, inventory, crops, intellectual property, and receivables, as collateral.
In addition, the government has established an Electronic Collateral Registry, housed at the Commercial Registry to facilitate the implementation of the Act. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has made a strong call to the banking sector, demanding greater innovation, proactivity, and adaptation to Guyana’s dynamic economic environment.
The Head of State also underscored the importance of banks seeking out new opportunities, under-
‘PPP/C
restored what was lost’
--Jagdeo says gov’t policies have improved lives for all, from the children to the elderly
REPOSITIONING the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as the sole political movement focused on improving citizens' lives, General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has defended the government's prudent fiscal policies aimed at strengthening the economy’s resilience.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday last at Freedom House in Georgetown, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the PPP/C’s record of delivery, drawing a sharp contrast with the opposition's performance.
With General and Regional Elections slated for September 1, he reaffirmed that the PPP/C would not be silenced when it comes to speaking out on its social and economic achievements.
Central to his remarks was criticism of the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration, which he said dismantled key support measures like the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that the social and economic gains made since the PPP/C returned to office in 2020 will remain a core part of the party’s campaign message.
Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
for adults.
“The parents, each child would receive much, much more. I don't want to call the numbers now. We have to wait until the manifesto comes out, but it will be huge, a huge increase for the children of our country.
standing economic trends, and creating ecosystems that support the country’s growth trajectory.
“The role of the bank is not to take deposits and to lend in a low-risk environment.
The role of the bank is also seeking the opportunity to understand where the economy is going, to create an ecosystem to support where the economy is going and to build upon what is happening in the country,” he previously explained.
“So let me make it clear. We're going to campaign on what we did, what we promised; we're going to campaign on putting $11 billion in the pockets of the parents and children that APNU took away from them,” he said.
With elections approaching, the General Secretary, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice President, signalled a renewed and intensified focus on economic strategies and social policies. He indicated that, if re-elected, the PPP/C's next term will deliver “huge” increases in support for the nation’s children, along with expanded economic relief measures
That's where our money is going, into the parents' pockets and the children, that APNU took away from them.”
Dr. Jagdeo also highlighted the increase in pensions, wages for public servants and the implementation of initiatives which have resulted in relief for farmers and miners.
Beyond cash transfers, the Vice President emphasised the policy reversals by the PPP/C, such as the reversal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on agricultural and mining equipment and assistance for drainage and irrigation.
“APNU just put more
burden on them, so I can go down the long list, and I would say to the PPP supporters, we have things to talk about.
We don't every day wallow in racism because we are a party that brings people to us, and we're a national party. We don't need to engage in that,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
While the opposition is more focused on stoking racism, the Vice President noted that adding to that, while in office from 2015-2020, the country regressed and the APNU+AFC failed to deliver on its promises.
“Our campaign is about achievements. Don't be ashamed if you're a PPP supporter or embarrassed because they're saying, ‘we must not talk about these things.’ You just go on, talk about them as much as you can because they are part of what we promise, and we’ll continue to do so,” he said.
Bright Prospects For Youth
YOUNG Guyanese must take note of the opportunities around them, especially as Guyana continues to stand at the precipice of unprecedented economic transformation. The rapid growth, fuelled by strategic government investments, isn't just about statistics, it's about a future brimming with possibilities for the nation's youth.
There is no doubt that now is the time for them to position themselves to
capitalise on this golden era. The PPP/C government is making significant strides in human capital development. Through initiatives such as free access to programmes at the University of Guyana and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), thousands of youths can adequately qualify themselves. This investment extends to robust Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, equipping you with practical,
job-ready skills in fields ranging from electrical installation and welding to hospitality.
The "Because We Care" cash grant and free education from nursery to university underscore a profound commitment to your development. Beyond education, new industries are flourishing. The burgeoning oil and gas sector, coupled with strong local content legislation, is creating thousands of opportunities for Guyanese
companies and individuals.
But the vision stretches further: smart agriculture, agro-processing, infrastructural development, medical tourism and a burgeoning digital economy are all emerging sectors ripe for innovation and employment.
There's even a zero-interest development bank on the horizon to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, as outlined by Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo. This isn't merely about finding a job;
it's about building careers, creating businesses and shaping the very fabric of our nation's future.
The call to action is clear: embrace continuous learning, whether through formal education or vocational training; develop skills in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and diversified agriculture; think entrepreneurially and create local companies to provide services to the government and expanding in-
dustries. People must look beyond the routine methods of growth and extend their reach by networking, collaborating and leveraging resources from agencies such as Go-INVEST and the Small Business Bureau.
Guyana's trajectory is upward, and your potential is limitless. Seize these opportunities with ambition and dedication, and together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Guyana for all.
GuySuCo’s future is being built, not buried
Dear Editor,
IT’S always fascinating when self-appointed experts feel compelled to recycle the same tired narrative for over 15 years without allowing themselves to evolve alongside the industry they critique. Mr. Lalbachan Christopher Ram’s letter, “Sugar Dreams and Capital Nightmares,” reads less like an analysis and more like a theatrical performance: dramatic, disjointed, and immersed in nostalgia for a time when accountability was optional and deflection fashionable.
Let’s be clear: I did not inherit a fairy tale when I assumed leadership of GuySuCo. I inherited a sector battered physically, financially, and emotionally by reckless estate closures and infrastructural vandalism under the APNU+AFC administration. These estates were not merely shuttered, they were gutted. Yet somehow, the same voices that cheered
their closure now mourn the painstaking process of rebuilding. But I remain resolute as a patriotic Guyanese in my commitment to restoring the sugar industry.
It’s a promise I’ve made not only to the leadership of this country, but also to myself.
My friend Lalbachan Ram suggests that I lack the experience to lead. Normally, I’m not one to trumpet my own record, but since he raised the matter, let’s talk facts:
• I’ve been involved in the sugarcane industry, including serving as one of the largest cane farmers in my time, as well as in administration and decision-making for over 35 years. I’ve sat on the GuySuCo Board of Directors under both PPP and APNU governments.
• I’ve operated successful medium-to-largescale farms in cattle, poultry, rice and other crop production—real, hands-in-the-soil agriculture that some may scoff at, but which teaches
lessons no classroom can replicate.
• I have also served as an executive on the La-Retraite/Stanleytown Cane Farmers Marketing Co-op Society since 2013 -- the largest cane farmers society that has ever existed in Guyana.
• At the Private Sector Commission (PSC), during my tenure the corporate membership of the PSC was doubled,
• Operationalised four new regional business chambers,
• Resuscitated four non-operational business service Organisations,
• Tripled the PSC’s net earnings in just two years (2021 to 2023)
love to see Mr Ram’s definition of success.
I also led Guyana’s largest ever business delegation to Barbados Agrofest, opened new market access through Barbados and Suriname, and helped develop the Local Content Act that now protects our business landscape. If that sounds like failure, I’d
I noted my friend Lalbachan’s attempted hits on my current leadership at GuySuCo (June 2024 to now), so let’s talk sugar. First crop 2025 was indeed below projections, but blaming that on “bad leadership” instead of 53% rain-affected days, with Berbice recording 212% above average rainfall, is like blaming an umbrella for the weather. Our decision to continue harvesting at Albion wasn’t made “on a whim,” but to save the next crop and mitigate deeper financial losses. That’s called leadership, not whimsy.
The G$13 billion “black hole”? False. Mr Ram would know that not only are our accounts audited and subject to parliamentary oversight, but as of the end of the first crop, only a portion of that allocation has been spent. So much for the sensationalism.
As for “ill-considered machinery,” to which he alludes- downtime across
our factories fell by 22% and cane yields rose 11%. Meanwhile, we’re moving toward predictive maintenance, automation and drone-assisted field monitoring, all of which are tangible, measurable improvements. That’s more than can be said for Mr Ram’s unsubstantiated claims.
On labour: The industry, like others globally, faces shortages. Yet GuySuCo pays among the highest cane-harvesting wages in the global sugar industry. That’s not a Paul Cheong problem—it’s a demographic trend. Our response is mechanisation, not mourning.
Marketing? Outdated again. GuySuCo is now fetching higher-than-quoted prices and is actively diversifying its product base, with value-added packaging lines, expanded mini-packs and a strategic focus on North American markets. We're no longer trying to compete by volume alone—we're competing on value.
Mr Ram and fellow Guy-
SuCo critics, let’s get real. Transformation doesn’t come with wishful thinking or grandstanding in newspapers. It comes from hard work, modern strategy, and resilience; and while my friend Lalbachan pontificates about “square pegs,” I’m busy training factory staff, rebuilding broken systems, and installing modern equipment that should’ve been here years ago—if only we had the foresight then that we’re applying now. Constructive criticism is welcome. But when critiques start sounding like a political monologue with a thesaurus, it's hard to take them seriously. I’m not here for applause, I’m here for progress. And even if Mr Ram can’t see it through the fog of his own metaphors, GuySuCo’s future is being built, not buried.
Sincerely, Paul Cheong CEO, the Guyana Sugar Corporation
The mourners have given the AFC a tactical advantage
GUYANA does not have legislation or a constitutional arrangement for a coalition after an election result shows no majority winner. In Guyana, parties can coalesce before the election in the hope of toppling any major party that is likely to have a majority.
That happened in 2015 when the PNC, WPA and some paper organisations formed APNU and APNU aligned with the AFC under the name of APNU+AFC.
The crucial point to note is whether, before or after an election, a coalition has to sit on a platform of reality that no one in the entire world can change. That reality is that the different entities forging a covenant must have something to win votes that the others do not have. It is for this single reason that coalitions are born.
We can dispense with examples all over the globe
by looking at one country, Italy.
You have a party based in the south of the country, and it caters for the needs of Southern Italy. In the north, people do not gravitate to Southern political parties because they have their own in the north.
To form a government, the North teamed up with the South. Common sense should tell you that they each brought something to the table that the others couldn’t.
We are heading for a crescendo of lamentations over the lack of a covenant between the PNC and AFC for the 2025 poll. People from the PNC and AFC are mourning each day on their Facebook page that the PNC and AFC must stop bickering and become a team so they can defeat the PPP. Now, bear in mind as we go along, all PNC leaders and all AFC bigwigs have agreed that such
a combination will defeat the PPP, so let the merger take place.
Now, bear in mind too, as we go along, the opening paragraphs of mine: you have to bring something to the table.
So, let’s quote one of the mourners who is begging for a PNC/AFC alliance –Rickford Burke. I quote him: “The AFC’s support among the electorate is infinitesimal.
The AFC brings very little to the table politically, so who in their right senses will give such a hollow party the kind of percentage and influence in the Cabinet and Parliament which they are demanding?”
I hope now that I have quoted someone very close to Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes, you, as the reader, have to ask the question: given Burke’s description of the AFC, what does the AFC bring to the table? We now will enter the realm
of magic, but before we do that, let’s quote Burke again, this time on the nature and power of the PNC: “The PNC has mass support among the electorate and a national organisation that can meaningfully undergirth a national election campaign structure.”
Where is the magic land we are about to enter? It lies in the AFC. Burke is telling us that the AFC has almost zero percent in the electorate and (remember my opening paragraphs) and brings very little to the table.
If this almost non-existent party teams up with the PNC, then bingo, the election is won! Is this magic or comicality?
In the scenario painted above, the political analyst is dying to see the election mathematics. It takes 33 seats to win. How much
A glimpse into the LGBT community
WHEN I first saw Thandy Tarique Williams, I thought I was looking at a man—the face, body language, and voice all seemed masculine. Subsequent conversations did not change my opinion, though I wondered by then.
However, it was not until our recent interview that the 'penny dropped' and I realised that Thandy was, in fact, female. I was stunned because she appeared masculine naturally and not as a result of any transgender change, and she identifies as male.
At 31 years old, her road to discovering and expressing her sexuality has been a painful, but ultimately satisfying one. Indeed, in the course of our talk, when she said she would ask God why he made her this way, I too wondered the same thing.
"I felt like a weirdo...I
had no friends. I used to cry a lot and I used to pray a lot," she confided.
In a previous profound conversation covering various subjects but mostly concerned with matters of a bibli cal nature, Thandy quoted chapters and verses from the Bible. She revealed her capacity for incisive thought and a grasp of biblical teachings that many Christians do not have.
But the solace she gained from studying the Bible did not extend to the world around her, and she suffered deep depression, leading to suicidal tendencies and an actual suicide attempt.
With her easy smile, belying the torment she endured, Thandy said, " There was no one to talk to...I would isolate myself and sometimes still do."
She recalled how at the age of 17 her mother pulled her aside and asked her if
she liked girls, to which she replied "yes". But this was kept a family secret, though relatives generally accepted it. But on a subsequent visit to the US, where her mother received greater insight into the LGBT community, she returned "more open" to her daughter's sexuality. Meanwhile, Thandy's talk with a friend helped her realise she was not alone when the friend admitted to having similar feelings. Counselling helped too, as she underwent both the social and psychological adjustment necessary for her assumptive masculinity but ruled out any physical alteration as in transgenderism. It is a step she does not want to take, especially given the confusion and additional social pressure faced by transgender individuals.
She also voiced concern about the sometimes vulgar and unseemly behaviour
do the mourners think the AFC will bring to that 33? Surely, as politicians, the mourners have to explain this configuration to their supporters. It is not a question of the PNC winning on its own.
The mourners have admitted that it cannot happen.
Read Juretha Fernandes, Amanza Walton-Desir, Rickford Burke and similar mourners.
They are pellucid – to defeat the PPP, the PNC and AFC have to team up, and it has to be now.
So, Guyana needs to know in the configuration, how many seats this hollow (Burke’s word) party, the AFC, will bring.
I am contending for all the big mouths, for all the flair they give their words, there isn’t one person in the PNC and AFC that can sit in a talk show and answer
three questions from the interviewer.
One – why, without the AFC, the PNC cannot pull it off on its own? Two – if the AFC is essential to the victory, describe the qualities it will bring to the campaign. 3 – How many seats is the presence of the AFC is likely to pull?
The mourners, by openly declaring the AFC is vital for victory, has now given the AFC a tactical advantage in the weeks to come should the talks continue between PNC and AFC.
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.
displayed by members of the LGBT community, particularly in this country. "They give all of us a bad name." In fact, Thandy has attended conferences, both at home and abroad, dealing with ‘persons presenting as masculine' and other issues faced by ' the community'.
She has first-hand experience of many of these challenges, having opened a stand selling beverages on Water Street ten years ago. Conversations with customers revealed an astonishing ignorance and misperception of LGBT issues.
"People used to torment me," she said. "I would talk to those who were prepared to listen." But she had little to say to those who felt they knew it all, commenting, " You know people feel that you just wake up one morning and decide to be this way."
So, at those conferences, the topic of educating the wider community and how this could best be done was extensively discussed. Also on the agenda were subjects like health care, job placement, housing, and decriminalisation - the latter three being areas where members of the community are still subject to significant discrimination.
" I met people from all over the world (at a conference and show in Trinidad and a similar forum in St Lucia last year). It was also an opportunity to meet and interact with like-minded people and even make new
friends.
June, being Pride Month, when members of the LGBT community worldwide celebrate their sexuality and attempt to increase public awareness, I am happy to give Guyanese a glimpse into Thandy's story and help to foster both understanding and empathy.
(If you need someone to talk to or if you know anyone who is in need of immediate assistance, please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 223-0001, 223-0009, 6007896, 623-4444 to speak with a professional counsellor)
Let us reject politics of division
IF you are a Los Angeles Lakers fan and you believe LeBron James is the greatest player on the basketball court, and there is no doubt that he may very well be, there is nothing wrong with acknowledging, even grudgingly, that Kawhi Leonard, who plays for the LA Clippers, is also a worldclass player. Perhaps there is something from sportsmanship that we can draw on to inspire a more civil approach to Guyana’s pre-election political landscape.
Since President Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the election date, there have been 16 key figures from the APNU+AFC and smaller political parties who have come out in support of the PPP/C and have endorsed the president.
Many of them have been viciously excoriated on social media. The worst treatment was meted out to Geeta Chandan-Edmond, who declared her support for the PPP/C on the floor of the National Assembly earlier this month. Chandan-Edmond
herself noted that she has been subjected to “vile, racist and derogatory words.” On platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and opposition political forums, posts invoked inflammatory rhetoric that labelled her a “traitor” and a “sellout.”
Sadly, she said, “not one voice, not a single voice rose in condemnation” from her former colleagues in PNCR/ APNU+AFC. During her farewell speech, opposition MPs attempted to prevent her from speaking, and several of them walked out of the National Assembly.
Late on Friday, Chandan-Edmond took to Facebook to announce she had tendered her resignation from the PNCR. Instead of recognising the underlying reasons why Chandan-Edmond, Daniel Seeram and Samuel Sandy, the latter two being former PNCR’s Region Four Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, have endorsed President Ali, Aubrey Norton downplayed their departures, framing them as acts of betrayal designed to
damage his party at a critical time.
There is no indication that the PNCR is least bit interested in addressing the underlying reasons for its poor ratings.
Instead, it seems all too willing to allow its rank and file members to indulge in race-baiting. In other words, race-baiting has taken the place of bad ratings.
When Sydney Allicock, former Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs under APNU+AFC government and a respected Indigenous leader from the Guyana Action Party (GAP), came out and publicly endorsed President Ali and the PPP/C for a second term in office, a portion of APNU+AFC supporters accused him of “opportunism” and of “seeking personal advancement,” suggesting that his endorsement is motivated by the prospect of “spoils” from the governing party.
Lest you missed it, here is what Allicock had to say: “If President Ali could be given the chance to continue, I believe much more
could be achieved… We need unity, sensible discussions, and collective decision-making.”
Allicock cited his deep frustration with the APNU+AFC coalition and described it as fragmented, focused on personal ambitions rather than the national interest.
His sentiments echoed the president’s pointed observation that the opposition coalition has become a “coalition of convenience.” Let’s not forget that on April 17-18, APNU and AFC publicly announced that they would not contest the elections together.
At the time, multiple media reports stated that the main sticking points were disagreements over the presidential candidate, the allocation of parliamentary seats and ministeri-
al portfolios.
The AFC insisted on a consensus presidential candidate other than Norton. Nigel Hughes and Carl Greenidge’s names were floated as possible candidates for the presidential nominee. AFC demanded a 40 per c ent share of government positions. APNU, led by Norton, insisted on Norton as the sole presidential candidate and a 70/30 split in APNU’s favour. Neither side would agree to a compromise, and AFC boldly declared it would contest the 2025 elections independently.
In a bizarre and unconvincing attempt to rewrite history, Nigel Hughes claimed last week that his AFC party had never insisted that its candidate be the coalition’s presidential candidate.
With the president poised to dissolve Parliament at any moment, the race to the polls is on, and APNU and AFC are now scrambling, squabbling, and scribbling desperate backroom deals to get the coalition back on track.
Meanwhile, those who have crossed the floor and are being embraced by the PPP/C leadership appear to have recognised that the governing party remains the most capable of leading the country for another five years.
The venomous at -
tacks against the PPP/C, the refusal of the opposition to engage with empirical evidence, and the retreat into race-baiting and personal vilification do nothing to strengthen our democracy or heal our nation.
Guyana stands at a crossroads, not just politically but morally. The ease with which we demonise dissenters and silence debate is a sign of insecurity, not strength.
True leadership, like true sportsmanship, means acknowledging the worth of your opponent, learning from your losses, and striving for a contest of ideas rather than a war of words.
As the election approaches, let us reject the politics of division and embrace a culture where disagreement is not betrayal, and where the courage to cross the floor, or simply to speak one’s mind, is met with respect, not ridicule. Only then can we hope to build a Guyana where unity, sensible discussion, and collective decision-making are more than slogans.
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.
Building a stronger Guyana: ExxonMobil’s commitment to youth through sport
IN Guyana, the rhythm of life often beats to the tune of a soaring cricket ball or the thud of a football. Sport isn't just a pastime; it's a vital pathway to development, discipline, and community spirit. The importance of sport in Guyana is reflected in the 2025 national budget with the allocation of $8 billion to the sector.
This surge in budgetary allocation aims to enhance sporting infrastructure across the country and nurture the development of young athletes.
The sports budget has consistently grown in recent years, climbing from $805.3 million in 2020
to $1.5 billion in 2021, $2.4 billion in 2022, $4.3 billion in 2023, and $4.6 billion in 2024, culminating in this historic $8 billion for 2025.
This funding will support the completion of stadiums in Berbice and Essequibo, the construction of enhanced multipurpose facilities nationwide, and the rehabilitation of community grounds, among other initiatives.
In alignment with the Government of Guyana’s vision, local oil and gas companies such as ExxonMobil have played a key role in supporting the development of the sporting sector. These projects and initiatives have also expanded opportunities for job creation and eco-
nomic participation. Investment in other events, such as the Inter-Schools’ Football Tournament, further underscores a comprehensive approach to youth sports development. Since its inception in 2022, the tournament has continued to grow in popularity. Similarly in cricket, the Future Warriors Tournament, which targets primary schools, has proven successful In collaboration with the Guyanese-based company, Freelance Sport, ExxonMobil is supporting the Champions of Champions tournament, which will kick off in September. This competition offers schools the flexibility to form mixed teams and provides a
range of developmental opportunities, including interactive sessions facilitated by the Child Care and Protection Agency. What makes this tournament especially exciting is that the winning team will be rewarded with an exclusive experience at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) during the home leg in Guyana—an opportunity to interact directly with the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
ExxonMobil has been a longstanding supporter of the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the CPL. This multiyear partnership with one of the Caribbean’s premier sporting franchises reflects a deep belief in the power of
sport to inspire, unite, and elevate Guyanese identity. When the Warriors take the field, they carry the hopes and dreams of all Guyanese, proving that dedication and teamwork can lead to extraordinary achievements.
The commitment to sporting excellence continues with the highly anticipated 2025 edition of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL).
Scheduled for the Providence Stadium from July 10 to 18, this event promises a thrilling showcase of talent and further cements Guyana’s place on the regional sporting stage and beyond.
Public enthusiasm
for the tournament has been overwhelming since it provides Guyana with visibility and tourism appeal, which will bring long-term benefits to the local economy.
These initiatives are more than just games— they are strategic investments in Guyana’s future.
Through sport, young people gain confidence, ambition, and the critical life skills they need to thrive. With continued support from both public and private sectors, Guyana is not only building stronger athletes but also empowering its next generation of leaders.
Region Six farmers praise Agriculture Ministry for ongoing support
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
FARMERS across Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are voicing their strong support for the Ministry of Agriculture, commending the ministry for its continued commitment and critical assistance to the agricultural sector. From rice cultivation to cash crop production and livestock farming, many farmers say the ministry’s hands-on approach and timely interventions have made a significant difference in their livelihoods.
Over the past few years, the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented a series of programmes aimed at increasing productivity, building resilience against climate change, and ensuring food security. These include the distribution of fertilisers, the upgrading of drainage and irrigation systems, and the introduction of new technologies and training initiatives tailored to the needs of the farmers.
Farmers from various communities expressed their
gratitude for the support received, particularly during challenging periods, such as adverse weather conditions. Many highlighted the ministry’s regular outreach programmes and the accessibility of technical officers as key factors in helping them overcome obstacles and improve yields.
The support has also extended to aquaculture, with new initiatives such as the brackish water shrimp farming programme, which has opened up alternative income-generating opportunities and contributed to the diversification of the agricultural economy in Region Six.
The continued partnership between farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture is being seen as a model for rural development and agricultural sustainability. As the ministry rolls out more region-specific programmes, farmers remain hopeful that their collaboration will lead to even greater success in the years ahead.
Haresh Charran, a resident of Lot 20 Johanna
North, Black Bush Polder, is among the many farmers in Region Six who are experiencing firsthand the positive impact of support from the
“I am very thankful for the minister to give me the shade net and the plastic to start my shade house, me na finish as yet but I’m very grateful for
ministry. Through the provision of critical resources such as shade nets and plastic sheeting, Charran has begun establishing his own shade house—a venture he says has significantly improved his livelihood.
Meanwhile, Devon Gilead, a 45-year-old resident of Glasgow New Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, has been dedicated to farming since the age of 16. With decades of experience under his belt, Gilead says agriculture is more than just a livelihood—
He also praised the government's fertiliser assistance initiative, noting its importance in easing the financial burden on farmers. “With the help of the government assisting farmers with fertilizer, it will be a great help for them.”
Gilead’s testimony re -
the minister,” Charran expressed, noting that although the project is still in progress, the assistance has already opened doors for new income opportunities.
Charran has chosen to focus on lettuce cultivation under the shade house, which he says is proving to be financially rewarding. “Me decide to plant lettuce and the benefit for me I will make one $85,000 profit so me got to thank the minister for this.”
Beyond infrastructure, Charran also highlighted the impact of the ministry’s fertiliser distribution initiative, which has eased the burden of rising input costs.
“The fertiliser now is over $6300 a bag and so we got to be grateful that we get fertiliser as farmers that is something that will help us out,” he said.
Charran’s experience mirrors the sentiments of many small and medium-scale farmers across the region who continue to benefit from government-backed support aimed at modernising agriculture, improving production, and increasing profitability in rural communities.
it’s his passion. “I love to farm, farming and bee keeping that is what I do everyday,” he shared.
Gilead is one of several farmers who have received significant support from the ministry as part of its commitment to diversifying and strengthening the agricultural sector. He revealed that the assistance he received helped him expand his venture in grape farming.
“I start planting grapes and they assisted me in everything I asked for… Shade net, tiller, assistance to clear up the land, everything that I asked they stick to their word,” he explained.
Now on his way to developing a full vineyard, Gilead expressed deep gratitude for the ministry’s continued support. “So I am very thankful, and I hope that the next couple of years they will continue to do the same things and a lot more farmers will benefit.”
flects the growing appreciation among farmers in Region Six for the ministry’s practical support, which has helped to advance both traditional and non-traditional agricultural practices, boost productivity, and empower local producers to explore new markets.
Radica Mohabir, a dedicated cash crop farmer from Number 57 Village, Corentyne, has joined the growing number of voices applauding the government and the ministry for the tangible support.
With a strong sense of gratitude, Mohabir highlighted the range of tools and materials she has received, which have directly contributed to her farming operations.
“We have a lot of help from the government, we are very happy and so are the other farmers… We receive spray cans, water cans, fork, shovel, spade, fertiliser, and plants, I am very happy.”
This level of assistance, she explained, has not only benefitted her personally but has uplifted the farming community as a whole. “I am thankful for our agriculture minister and the government of Guyana, whatever they are doing everybody happy,” she added.
Mohabir’s sentiments reflect the widespread satisfaction among farmers who are seeing real improvements in their agricultural activities thanks to the government's ongoing commitment to support food production, reduce input costs, and improve farmers' livelihoods at the grassroots level.
Radica Mohabir
Devon Gilead
Haresh Charran
Region 7 cops undergo elections training
A TOTAL of 76 police ranks from Regional Division #7 have completed intensive training in election offences and preparedness, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a professional and impartial law enforcement response during the upcoming electoral season.
The two-day session was held from June 12-13, 2025, at the Zara Computer Centre in Bartica; it was led by Superintendent of Police and attorney-at-law, Delon Fraser, who delivered comprehensive instruction on the legal and operational responsibilities of police officers in safeguarding the electoral process.
The training opened with brief remarks from Region #7 Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dion Moore, who reminded officers of their duty to act with professionalism, impartiality, and heightened vigilance.
He emphasised that the credibility of the electoral process rests significant -
ly on the conduct of law enforcement officers on the ground. Superintendent Fraser provided detailed guidance on Guyana’s electoral laws, focusing on the Representation of the People Act (Chapter 1:03) and the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act (Chapter 1:04).
Offic ers were walked through key offences such as personation, bribery, treating, undue influence, misconduct at polling stations, and violations of voter secrecy. Fraser stressed the importance of understanding the nature and consequences of these offences, not only from a legal standpoint but also in terms of maintaining public trust in the electoral system.
He also reviewed protocols for identifying, documenting, and appropriately responding to election-related incidents.
Members of Guyana’s Disciplined Services will cast their ballots on August 22, 2025, ahead of the general electorate, as part of the General and Regional Elections process. According to GECOM’s standard electoral procedures, votes cast by the Disciplined Services are
not counted separately.
Instead, the ballots are secured in tamper-proof containers and later mixed with the general ballots on Election Day before being counted.
Traditionally, members of the Disciplined Services vote prior to the general public to allow them to be deployed for election security duties on Election Day.
In preparation for the
upcoming General and Regional Elections set for Monday, September 1, 2025, GECOM has appointed ballot officers for members of the Disciplined Services.
Free after six years on remand: Judge upholds no-case submission in 2019 manslaughter case
A MAN from East Canje, Berbice, who was accused of fatally stabbing a known ex-convict during a 2019 street fight, was, on Thursday last declared not guilty by a jury at the Berbice High Court.
Anthony Carter, formerly of Lot 188 Main Street, East Canje, had been committed to stand trial for manslaughter in connection with the death of Delroy James, also known as ‘Slant Eye’, 33, of Patrick Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam.
However, after hearing arguments in the trial, which began on June 5, 2025, the jury was instructed by presiding Judge, Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, to return a formal verdict of not guilty following a successful no-case submission by defence attorney Kevin Morgan of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic.
The jury was empanelled on June 4, 2025, and the trial spanned
six days—June 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12—with the prosecution led by State Counsel Cicelia Corbin. In delivering the court’s reasoning, Justice Ally-Seepaul pointed to crucial surveillance footage that was presented during the trial. The video evidence captured the early morning altercation
on September 22, 2019, outside a Main Street establishment in New Amsterdam.
Justice Ally-Seepaul gave a detailed analysis of the prosecution’s evidence, with particular emphasis on the surveillance footage that captured the events leading up to the fatal incident.
According to the judge’s assessment, the video evidence showed the deceased, Delroy James, along with another individual, Godfrey MacCalman, approaching the accused, Anthony Carter, and his employer, Nizam Balgobin, around 03:41 hours on September 22, 2019.
The footage revealed that James initiated physical contact by placing Balgobin in a chokehold.
While James restrained the employer, MacCalman turned his attention to Carter and began physically attacking him. The video then showed a fight involving all parties, during what appeared to be either punches or stabbing motions delivered to James’ body.
Additionally, Justice Ally-Seepaul pointed to the absence of MacCalman at the High Court trial. Although he had testified during the preliminary inquiry in the Magistrates’ Court,
he did not appear at the trial, depriving the prosecution of a key eyewitness.
This, combined with the lack of direct, corroborated evidence of unlawful intent by Carter, led the court to find that the State had failed to establish a prima facie case.
Morgan, in his nocase submission, argued that there was insufficient evidence to establish that Carter committed the crime. On these grounds, the judge upheld the no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.
The then Magistrate Peter Hugh had initially committed Carter to stand trial following a preliminary inquiry at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court in January 2021. James, a labourer, was discovered with stab wounds to his lower back and was pronounced dead at the New Amsterdam Public Hos-
pital. Reports at the time indicated he had been bar-hopping with two other men before an altercation ensued. James’ death was attributed to perforation of the heart caused by stab wounds. James was no stranger to the courts. In 2011, he was charged with the murder of Seon Craig, a wash-bay attendant, during a robbery at Mars Gas Station and Variety Store at Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice.
However, he was released from prison after the presiding magistrate upheld a no-case submission, resulting in his discharge. He had also served an eight-year sentence for armed robbery and unlawful possession of arms and ammunition, and had multiple run-ins with the law thereafter. With the jury’s not-guilty verdict, Carter walked free after nearly six years on remand.
Police ranks in Region Seven participate in the elections training
Delroy James
Brazilian partnership propels Guyana’s coconut industry into promising future
- Minister Mustapha proposes farmer training exchange with Brazil’s COHIBRA
WITH contagious optimism and a shared vision for sustainable agriculture, a high-level team from ( Technology in the Production of Coconut Trees) COHIBRA, Brazil, recently concluded a landmark visit to Guyana— where they were greeted by a transformed coconut industry, one revitalised through strategic government investment, international collaboration, and community commitment.
The visit served as both a symbolic and practical milestone, marking three years since the Guyana Government embarked on an ambitious journey to revamp the once-declining coconut sector. And at the heart of this revitalisation stands Hope Coconut Estate— an agricultural hub that, not long ago, was teetering on collapse.
“We started with only five coconut seed bins. We could only afford 1,500 seed nuts. Today, we have 10 nurseries across the country producing 216,000 seedlings annually,” shared Mr. Ricky Roopchand, Managing Director of the Hope Coconut Estate. Under the stewardship of President Irfaan Ali’s administration and the leadership of Agriculture, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, the estate has become a beacon of progress and possibility.
Mr. Roopchand recalled inheriting an industry that was “literally bankrupt.” But with sustained government support, including the implementation of the national coconut sensitisation and decentralised seedling programmes, the estate has now expanded beyond all expectations. From an initial target of 3,000 acres, Guyana’s coconut cultivation now spans over 7,000 acres—thanks in
The Minister of Agriculture (centre), the Managing Director of Hope Coconut Estate, Mr. Ricky Roopchand (extreme left), and the three representatives, Tiago Seixas Themudo, the Caribbean Export Manager, Lailton Arruda Barreto Filho, the Director of New Projects Operation, and Lailton Arruda Barreto, the CEO from COHIBRA, Brazil, during their visit at the minister’s office in Georgetown,
large part to seed nuts from COHIBRA, which have exceeded 100,000 in number to date.
PARTNERSHIP ROOTED IN GROWTH
The COHIBRA representatives came to Guyana with a clear agenda: to witness firsthand the development of the seed nuts they had supplied, engage with local farmers, and assess the overall health of the industry. What they found exceeded their expectations.
“We were delighted with how the seed nuts were meticulously arranged in the bins and the health of the nurseries we visited,” said Tiago Seixas Themudo, Caribbean Export Manager at COHIBRA. “The fertility of the soil here is truly remarkable.”
But more than just observing progress, Themudo’s team engaged in deeper discussions with farmers and government
officials—culminating in a meeting with Minister Mustapha that opened new doors for co-operation.
Minister Mustapha proposed a bold next step in the partnership: training Guyanese coconut farmers at COHIBRA’s facilities in Brazil. The initiative, Themudo explained, is designed to boost farmers’ knowledge of advanced techniques and management practices, enhancing their capacity to sustain and grow the industry.
“Guyana has competent people leading this project. With the right knowledge and continued support, the coconut industry here will explode,” Themudo stated, visibly impressed by the passion of the Minister and the progress on the ground.
He further commended President Ali’s government for promoting sustainable agriculture, not just in Guyana but
hesitant farmers to join the sector, equipped with better knowledge and a support network.
FROM UNCERTAINTY TO REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
The story of Guyana’s coconut resurgence also holds a lesson in perseverance and partnership. When local officials first sought to introduce new coconut varieties—after 40 years without change—they faced international reluctance. But COHIBRA stood out.
fruit in 36 months, COHIBRA representatives witnessed coconut trees producing within 22 to 28 months.
SEEDS OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The collaboration between COHIBRA and Guyana goes beyond commercial exchange—it’s a shared investment in sustainable development, knowledge transfer, and regional agricultural security. With expanding nurseries, thriving acreage, and
throughout the region. “It’s the right perspective. This kind of development cannot be done alone. With pooled knowledge and shared resources, everyone benefits. We are a poor region, but, together, we are strong,” Themudo added.
Lailton Arruda Barreto Filho, Director of New Projects Operation at COHIBRA, highlighted the profitability and low maintenance of the coconut business, calling it a “golden opportunity” for both largescale and small-scale farmers.
“Coconut farming is inclusive. One tree can last up to 50 years. If you treat the tree well, it will treat you well in return,” added COHIBRA’s CEO, Lailton Arruda Barreto, reinforcing the long-term value of investment in the sector.
Barreto said Minister Mustapha’s training proposal would be especially important in dispelling fears and encouraging
“Many countries were hesitant to share with Guyana, but COHIBRA was different. Through CARDI, we connected with them, and they showed a willingness to help,” Roopchand explained.
He described the Brazilian varieties provided as some of the best in the world, well-suited to Guyana’s climate and soil.
What’s more, the results have exceeded expectations: while the variety is expected to bear
empowered farmers, Guyana’s coconut industry is no longer an overlooked sector but a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, unity, and commitment.
As Brazil and Guyana deepen their agricultural ties, the humble coconut may well become a symbol of regional resilience—and a cornerstone of economic diversification in the Caribbean. (By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay)
Guyana
The Managing Director of Hope Coconut Estate, Mr. Ricky Roopchand, with the three representatives from COHIBRA, Brazil, in one of the farms consisting of the Brazilian Green Dwarf coconuts in Guyana
The Global Civilisation Initiative: A new vision for peace and harmony in a fragmented world
By Zamir Ahmed Awan of People’s Daily Online
ON June 10, the first United Nations International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, the world paused to reflect on a bold vision that seeks to bring humanity closer at a time when division, misunderstanding, and hostility are too common.
Introduced by President Xi Jinping in March 2023, the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) has grown into a significant pillar of China's global engagement strategy, complementing the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Together, these three initiatives present an inspiring roadmap toward building a community with a shared future for mankind.
What is the Global Civilization Initiative?
The Global Civilization Initiative is founded on four fundamental principles:
· Respect for the diversity of civilizations
· Advocacy for the common values of humanity — peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom
· Commitment to the inheritance and innovation of civilizations
· Support for robust international people-to-people exchanges and co-operation
These principles echo the core ideals of the United Nations Charter, which calls for unity in diversity, peaceful co-existence, and the sovereign equality of nations. The GCI does not seek to impose one model over another. Instead, it embraces the idea that all civilizations have intrinsic value and can learn from one another. It recognises that modern-day challenges cannot be solved by any one nation or culture alone but through mutual understanding and cooperative action.
Significance
and geopolitical impact
In today's global environment, where geopolitical rivalry, cultural chauvinism, and ideological polarisation are creating deep fissures, the
GCI offers a much-needed alternative. Western ideologies rooted in imperialism and colonialism have historically fuelled what has been termed the "clash of civilizations."
This philosophy often justifies interventionist policies, economic domination, and cultural superiority to maintain global hegemony.
China, drawing on its Confucian heritage and millennia-old wisdom, offers a counter-narrative. It promotes harmony over hegemony, dialogue over discord, and co-operation over confrontation. The GCI does not negate the differences between civilizations but turns those differences into an opportunity for growth and enrichment. It asserts that diversity is not a cause for conflict but a driving force for human progress.
By encouraging a pluralistic worldview and fostering an environment for equal dialogue, the GCI serves as a stabilising force in global geopolitics. It promotes peace through cultural diplomacy and mutual respect rather than coercion. This is especially critical in the current context of heightened tensions in many parts of the world, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific.
A shared philosophy: The three global initiatives
The Global Civilization Initiative is one of three interconnected frameworks proposed by China to promote international co-operation:
· Global Development Initiative (GDI): Introduced in 2021, it aims to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by focusing on poverty reduction, food security, green development, digital economy, and connectivity.
· Global Security Initiative (GSI): Launched in 2022, it promotes common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. It calls for resolving disputes through dialogue and opposes unilateral sanctions and the use of force.
· Global Civilization Initiative (GCI): The newest pillar, launched in 2023,
calls for cross-cultural dialogue, mutual respect, and people-to-people exchanges. Together, these initiatives embody the Chinese vision of a "community with a shared future for mankind." This vision aligns closely with the UN Charter, particularly in promoting sovereign equality, non-intervention, peaceful resolution of disputes, and human rights through inclusive development.
Relevance
in a turbulent world
The world today is facing numerous interconnected crises — geopolitical rivalries, economic inequality, climate change, and cultural misunderstandings. In such a climate, the GCI offers a path away from zero-sum thinking. It promotes co-existence rather than conflict and common prosperity rather than exclusive growth.
As developing countries seek greater agency in international affairs, the GCI serves as a guiding principle for South-South co-operation. It offers an inclusive platform where every nation, regardless of size or wealth, has an equal voice in shaping global
governance.
Pakistan's support and participation Pakistan strongly supports the Global Civilization Initiative and views it as a natural extension of its enduring friendship with China.
As a country rich in cultural diversity and history, Pakistan understands the value of dialogue among civilizations.
Pakistan has also been an active partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the GCI and the GDI. The benefits of these initiatives are already visible in infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and socioeconomic uplift. With the GCI, Pakistan sees a new dimension of co-operation that goes beyond economics and security to include cultural enrichment, educational exchange, and intellectual dialogue.
As a founding member of the newly established International Organization for Mediation (IoMed), Pakistan also reaffirms its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. The IoMed reflects the spirit of the GCI in providing a neutral, inclusive platform
for dialogue and reconciliation. It is a concrete step toward institutionalising the principles of non-coercive diplomacy and mutual understanding that lie at the heart of the GCI.
A human-centric approach to globalisation
What sets the Global Civilization Initiative apart is its human-centric vision. It reminds us that behind every policy and every agreement are people — with hopes, fears, histories, and dreams. The GCI proposes a form of globalisation that is inclusive, respectful, and sustainable.
It invites us to see the world not as a battlefield of competing powers but as a garden of diverse flowers, each adding beauty and fragrance in its own way. It calls for an end to arrogance and the rebirth of humility, where nations listen to each other, learn from each other, and grow together.
Summarizing
As we celebrate the first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, let us recognise the GCI for what it truly is: a blueprint
for peaceful coexistence in a world hungry for hope. It reflects the deep wisdom of Chinese civilization and the aspirations of billions around the world for a more just, peaceful, and inclusive international order. In a time of walls, the GCI builds bridges. In an age of echo chambers, it encourages dialogue. In a world of differences, it inspires unity.
Pakistan, as a civilizational partner and trusted friend of China, stands firmly behind this vision. Together, let us work for a future where civilizations do not clash but converse, where diversity is not a threat but a treasure, and where humanity walks hand in hand toward a shared destiny.
About the author: Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founding chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance (GSRRA). He is a sinologist and former diplomat. He is also a Researcher at the Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center and a non-resident fellow of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo. com).
Presidents Ali, ‘Lula’ discuss climate action, infrastructure
WITH Guyana continuing to position itself as a leader both on the regional and international stages, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali recently held bilateral talks with his Brazilian counterpart, President Luis Inacio ‘Lula’ Da Silva, as it relates to sustainable development.
On Friday last, at the Brazil-Caribbean Summit in Brasilia, both Heads of State had a bilateral meeting, marking a significant moment in deepening engagement.
The implementation of infrastructure projects and international mobilisation initiatives related to biodiversity conservation and forest protection, in preparation for COP 30, were among some of the subject matters discussed.
According to a brief statement from President Lula’s office, the leaders discussed “…the implementation of infrastructure projects that will allow the flow of Brazilian goods throughout the Caribbean, including the paving of the highway connecting Boa Vista to Georgetown.”
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his CARICOM counterparts, on Friday, attended the Brazil–Caribbean Summit 2025 with President Luis Inacio ‘Lula’ Da Silva, at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasília
The two-day high-level
summit was held under the theme “Bringing Together to Unite.”
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Brazil’s President said: “We are holding the Brazil-Caribbean Summit here in Brazil. This meeting is bringing together 16 countries and will allow us to come closer together and strengthen our partnership. Our common goals are to tackle food insecurity, climate crisis and improve connectivity.”
He said that the regional stakeholders were gathered to strengthen dialogue and promote integrated actions for the benefit of all.
A significant road construction project that connects to Lethem, a border town adjacent to northern Brazil, has been one of the major initiatives that Guyana is advancing. The project has been pegged as a major booster of commerce
between Guyana and its neighbour. Also, in March, officials from Guyana and Brazil’s Roraima State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic partnerships.
Earlier this year, President Ali pointed to the robust trade relationship between Guyana and Brazil, noting that while ‘imports’ from Brazil exceeded $200 million in 2023, there remained untapped potential for growth in exports.
Ali had said that with the right investments from the private sector, Guyana could unlock vast opportunities for trade, further collaborating with the State of Roraima.
This engagement marked a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations.
The ABC Technical Mission seeks to identify and develop initiatives for mutual support and resource-sharing between the two nations.
It was in March 2024 when President Ali and his Brazilian counterpart announced plans to further deepen bilateral ties and enhance connectivity between the two South American nations, setting the tone for enhanced collaboration.
“For Guyana and Brazil, there is an opportunity that is now…an opportunity that can highly integrate our economies and create enormous opportunities for the people of our two countries,” President Ali had said.
During those bilateral talks, connecting the two nations by infrastructure through roads, ports, and air transport was also a key focus. President Lula had said that Guyana is undergoing “an extraordinary moment in terms of economic perspectives,” referencing the country’s push to modernise its infrastructure.
(CARICOM photo)
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and President of Brazil, Luis Inacio ‘Lula’ Da Silva
Indigenous women embracing technology in marine and coastal conservation
INDIGENOUS women in Guyana are taking a leading role in marine and coastal conservation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to monitor and map blue carbon in the country’s vital mangrove ecosystems.
This is according to Annette Arjoon-Martins, Project Director of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS). Speaking during a recent episode of the United for Biodiversity: The Alliance Podcast, which aired on Friday last, Arjoon-Martins highlighted the remarkable journey of these women, many of whom hail from indigenous communities, in embracing tools such as aerial and underwater drones to contribute meaningfully to climate resilience efforts.
“We started out with the UAVs aerial drones to get the basic drone monitoring skills, and then they were paid to go out every six months to monitor the mangrove forest, to collect the data, to report any infractions to the agencies that had the legal remit to take remedial action,” Arjoon-Martins said.
She explained that this approach not only empowered local women with technological expertise but also offered a sustainable livelihood, rooted in environmental stewardship.
“We armed them with the skills and how to operate remote-operated vehicles, which are the drones that are underwater with the umbilical cords, did some basic work with that, with the Maritime Administration offshore
initially, and now these girls are part of the team that is working with a project at the National Agriculture Research Institute, to basically map the blue carbon in the mangroves.”
Carbon mapping is the process of visualising and quantifying carbon emissions or carbon storage across specific geographic areas, using mapping technologies; in this case, indigenous women are trained in drone technology to collect data on the blue carbon in mangrove forests, an initiative supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The GMCS encourages young women to pursue non-traditional careers in technology and conservation, highlighting the potential for women to play significant roles in biodiversity protection and alternative livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Arjoon-Martins further noted that financial support from institutions such as the IDB has enabled the NGO to achieve significant success and, in turn, attract
additional donors.
“Their support to us is really important, and our achievements and success stories are highly visible, so that in its own has attracted other donors. So, for example, we are now also being supported by the European Union to develop capacity for the indigenous communities to manage their mangrove resources.”
The GMCS is the oldest and only marine-focused non-governmental organisation in Guyana, established in April 2000. Its primary mission initially focused on the conservation and population recovery of the four species of marine turtles that nest in Guyana, but since 2014, its mandate has expanded to include other important marine species, their habitats, and wider marine and coastal ecosystems.
The organisation engages in scientific research, community outreach, environmental education, and awareness programmes and is supported by the Euro -
pean Union, the great Guyana Initiative and several other donors.
In Guyana, indigenous women are trained in drone technology to collect data on the blue carbon in mangrove forests
Annette Arjoon-Martins, Project Director of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS)
‘Guyana Where and What’ returns with fresh features through key partnerships
THE 16th edition of ‘Guyana Where and What’, the popular pocket-sized tourism guide, has hit shelves, hotels, and schools for 2025, continuing its longstanding tradition of showcasing
has grown into a unique resource.
“Guyanese find it very useful because of its educational value. It exposes all the historic sites we have, the monuments or recreational sites or tourism
broaden its reach.
However, she emphasised that physical copies are still in high demand.
“One thing that’s new about this edition is the QR code. People can actually go on the QR code and
Guyana’s diverse attractions.
First launched in 2007 to coincide with the Cricket World Cup, the annual publication has missed only one year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has remained a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Created and edited by publisher Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, the guide was initially inspired by Barbados in a Nutshell but
sites,” she said during a recent interview.
The magazine offers detailed listings of hotels, restaurants, resorts, tour operators, historic sites, recreational spots, sporting bodies, and a calendar of national events.
One of the key features of the 2025 edition is a QR code on the cover, allowing users to instantly access the digital version on their phones, an addition Madhoo-Nascimento hopes will
are determined to keep the guide accessible and free. Moving forward, Madhoo-Nascimento is looking to work with a new advertising company to bring additional stakeholders on board.
“Advertising pays for the publication, and I haven’t increased my rates in a while. I’m looking to bring a marketing company, V&D Marketing, on board to help secure
more sponsors so we can increase the print quantity.”
As for changes to the content, Madhoo-Nascimento ensures that every edition is updated with new restaurants, hotels, tour operators, and annual changes to Parliament and national events.
“People also love the cultural touches like the one-page feature on Guyanese proverbs,” she shared.
Copies of ‘Guyana
Where and What’ can be obtained from the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, as well as at several hotels. With its mix of practical listings, cultural insights, and portability, ‘Guyana Where and What’ remains an indispensable guide for navigating and appreciating all the country has to offer.
download the book on your phone now,” she shared.
The collaborative venture saw support from Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as, several other notable businesses.
This year, 15,000 copies were printed, down from a previously planned 20,000 copies due to rising costs. Despite these challenges, Madhoo-Nascimento said both she and her sponsors
Ireland, Windies suffer another T20 washout
IRELAND’S second T20 against West Indies was abandoned on Saturday without a ball being bowled because of heavy rain.
The three-match series was due to begin at Bready on Thursday, but that match was called off due to the wet weather.
Saturday’s second match at the same ground was meant to start at 15:00 BST, but it was delayed by an hour before a pitch inspection at 16:00 hours resulted in the surface being deemed unplayable.
The third game of the series is scheduled for today at 15:00 hours.
The series is the second this year between the two sides who split an ODI series in Dublin last month.
Just like on Thursday, Ireland’s match against West Indies was called off because of rain
Ice-cool Markram leads the way
• From Page 28
Well-oiled South African fans had filtered out of Lord’s yesterday evening buoyantly going through their repertoire of songs after a blissful day of batting.
They shuffled through the gates on the fourth day decidedly more sombre with the sobering reality there was still 69 runs to get.
Ashwell Prince, South Africa’s batting coach, acknowledged getting some sleep before Saturday’s date with destiny might prove difficult for their players.
So, almost inevitably, there were some sweaty palms and a few jitters. At least until the runs required trickled down to single figures when consternation turned to celebration.
There were audible gasps when Cummins’ eighth ball of the morning skidded through low, completely deceiving Markram.
Then four deliveries later Bavuma dabbled at one which Cummins got to seam away and edged
They are chokers no more. ICC World Test Championship
into the gloves of wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Australia couldn’t do this, could they?
Bavuma, who played the majority of his innings limping with a hamstring twang, hobbled off. It was an appropriate metaphor for the rest of the chase.
Markram did provide flashes of aggressioncutting and pulling Cummins for four to raucous encouragement - before another Starc reality check.
Stubbs’ footwork had looked suspect to the Aussie left-arm quick round the wicket and he was bowled by one which nipped back through his defensive prod and pad to hit the top of off.
Next ball Bedingham played and missed at a peach of a delivery from Starc which nipped away and narrowly avoided the edge of his bat.
For a few moments, the tension was palpable.
Having burned both their remaining reviewsa potential caught behind off Stubbs’ glove and a flimsy lbw appeal against Bedingham - Cummins left himself no wriggle room in the event of some late drama.
But when the dependable Bedingham - South Africa’s top scorer in the first innings - settled in his rhythm alongside the ice-cool Markram the game was up for the Aussies.
Markram whipped Josh Hazlewood for four then did the same next ball for three to bring the amount needed down to single figures.
The opener missed his opportunity to provide the champagne moment when he whipped one off his pads to Head, who barely celebrated.
Australia’s players, practically to a man, came to shake his hand and Markram departed to a standing ovation.
It would have annoyed Makram for a fleeting moment but soon South Africa’s players were erupting in celebration on the balcony in the home dressing room.
Verreynne fluffed a ramp - UltraEdge showing he had in fact got some bat on it - before he delivered the winning moment in a more orthodox fashion on the drive.
(Sunday June 15, 2025)
-
83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Alzarri Joseph7 wickets
(2) Adil Rashid - 9 wickets
Today’s Quiz:
(1) What was the highest individual score made by a WI in the recent ODI series against ENG?
(2) What was the highest score made by an ENG player?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue.
FIFA, the Club World Cup and Saudi Arabia
SAUDI Arabia’s money appears to be underpinning the revamped Club World Cup. But why has the country helped to bankroll an event that has struggled to generate interest, drawing criticism for the impact it could have on players, domestic leagues, and the environment?
For those wanting to understand the forces at play over the next month of competition in the US, Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday would be an ideal
place to start.
That, after all, is where Real Madrid will kick off their Club World Cup campaign, with new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold set to make his debut.
The fact the Spanish giants were willing to pay Liverpool a reported £8m to secure the defender’s early release so he could play in the tournament is testament to the staggering riches on offer.
With a prize pot of $1bn (£750m), top European teams are in
line to earn up to £97m if they win, leading to concerns such money could distort domestic leagues and skew competitive balance.
Real’s Saudi opponents - Al-Hilal - highlight another intriguing aspect of the tournament.
The Riyadh club is owned by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
But the vast sovereign wealth fund’s involvement in this competition does not stop there.
In December, sports streaming
platform DAZN agreed to pay FIFA - football’s world governing body - $1bn for the tournament’s global broadcast rights.
That was not the only surprise, because it also promised to make the live action available for free.
This despite FIFA having previously struggled to find broadcast partners, and after DAZN had posted several billion dollars worth of losses over recent years.
Then, a few weeks later, a subsidiary of PIF announced it had
acquired a minority stake in DAZN for what it has since confirmed was $1bn - explaining at the time it was “an exciting opportunity to build on DAZN’s significant successes in recent years by bringing more sports to fans and audiences around the world”.
Saudi ties with the Club World Cup strengthened further last week, when PIF became an official partner of an event FIFA’S president, Gianni Infantino, claims will “make football truly global.” (BBC Sport)
ICC alters ODI ball rule, updates sub protocol
THE ICC has approved the proposed change to the two-ball rule in ODIs and the concussion-substitute protocol across formats in men’s international cricket.
The new playing conditions, recommended by the ICC’s men’s cricket committee and passed by the chief executives committee, will take effect from June 17 for Tests, July 2 for ODIs, and July 10 for T20Is.
Presently, there are two new balls used per innings in men’s ODIs - one at either end. In the revised playing conditions, two new balls will be used from the start of an innings until the end of the 34th over. After the 34th over, the bowling team will choose one of the two balls, which they will use at both ends from overs 35 to 50.
The ICC said the aim of this change was to “readdress the balance between bat and ball”.
If the ODI is reduced to 25 overs per side or less before the first innings begins, the
bowling side shall have only one new ball to use for the entire innings.
According to the new concussion protocols, teams will have to name their substitute players to the match referee before the start of the match according to the following roles:
• One wicketkeeper
• One batter
• One seam bowler
• One spin bowler
• One allrounder
In January this year, India replaced batting allrounder Shivam Dube with a bowling allrounder in Harshit Rana during the fourth T20I against England. Rana went on to take 3 for 33 in the match, and the match referee’s decision to approve him as a concussion substitute was widely debated at the time. The naming of players for specific roles in the concussion replacement list could prevent such situations. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Kares One Guyana T10 opens registration
• From Page 28
Tournament Director John Ramsingh expressed his gratitude for the government’s support, which has granted access to some of the premier cricket facilities across the country.
He highlighted the strong private sector partnerships that have enabled the tournament to offer substantial rewards to the players and attract international attention.
“We are thrilled to be back on board,” said Natasha Persaud, representing title sponsor Kares Group of Companies, noting their pleasure in seeing the tournament’s year-onyear expansion.
The preliminary rounds will be held across four zones: Berbice (June 28-29), East
Bank/West Demerara (July 5-6), Georgetown/ East Coast Demerara (July 19-20), and Essequibo (July 26-27). The tournament will culminate in a grand finale on August 3rd at the National Stadium, Providence. Registration is currently open for a fee of GY$30,000 per team.
With a surge of early interest, organisers are confident of reaching their target of 80 teams.
The Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone has the capacity for up to 32 teams.
• For registration and further information, interested teams can contact Akeem Greene via WhatsApp at +5926352235 or visit the “One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast” social media pages.
Minister Deodat Indar, along with the organisers, sponsors, and various team representatives at the launch yesterday
Alfred starts title defence with win in Oslo
OSLO, Norway, (CMC) – Saint Lucia’s Olympic track queen, Julien Alfred, eased to victory in her opening 100 metres of the season at the sixth leg of the Wanda Diamond League here at the Bislett Games on Thursday.
The 24-year-old crossed the finish line in 10.89 seconds, comfortably ahead of Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou Smith in 11.00 seconds, while Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain was third in 11.08.
After a slow start, Alfred powered past the field in the middle phase of the race to record an easy victory and a winning start to her Diamond League title defence.
Cuba’s Reynier Mena was also in winners’ row, copping gold in the men’s 200 metres in a time of 20.20 seconds.
Timothe Mumenthaler of Switzerland was second in 20.27 seconds, while bronze went to Canada’s Andre de Grasse in 20.33 seconds.
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts
produced a solid showing to claim silver in the women’s triple jump.
Ricketts leapt 14.57 metres, just behind eventual winner Leyanis Perez Hernandez of Cuba (14.72 metres).
Jasmine Moore of the USA finished third with an effort measured at 14.41 metres.
Olympic gold medalist, Thea LaFond of Dominica was fifth with her jump of 14.26 metres and Ackelia Smith of Jamaica was sixth with a leap measured at the same distance.
However, it was a forgettable day for Barbados’ World Championship bronze medalist Sada Williams, who finished at the back of the pack in the women’s 400 metres in a time of 50.94 seconds.
The event was won by Isabella Whittaker of the USA in 49.58 seconds, with Henriette Jaeger of Norway (49.62) and Amber Anning of Great Britain (50.24), placing second and third respectively.
Thunder rally to beat Pacers and level series
SHAI Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder came from behind late on to beat the Indiana Pacers and level the NBA Finals.
The Thunder won 111-104 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to tie the best-ofseven series at 2-2.
They trailed by seven points entering the fourth quarter but outscored Indiana 31-17 in the last period, closing with a 12-1 run in the last three minutes.
“I knew what it would have looked like if we lost tonight,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “I didn’t want to go down not swinging.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneaul gave Gilgeous-Alexander, this season’s Most Valuable Player, a break late in the third quarter rather than his usual rest early in the fourth.
The Pacers led 101-97 with less than four minutes remaining, but Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of the Thunder’s final 16 points and ended the game with 10 free-throws from 10 attempts.
Jalen Williams scored 27 points and made seven rebounds for the Thunder, while Alex Caruso added 20 points off the bench.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 20 points and Tyrese Haliburton 18.
“We just didn’t execute at the end of the game,” said Siakam. “We didn’t get easy shots. The easy shots that we got, we missed them. And they made them.”
The Thunder host game five at Paycom Centre in Oklahoma City at 19:30 hours local time on Monday (01:30 BST, Tuesday). (BBC Sport)
Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy launch put off after Ahmedabad crash
THE proposed grand launch of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy - the new symbol of supremacy for the England-India bilateral Test series in England - has been postponed. The decision to defer the event (or perhaps cancel it altogether) comes in the wake of the solemn mood in India following the Ahmedabad plane crash.
Cricbuzz can confirm that the trophy-naming ceremony was originally scheduled for Saturday (June 14), on the sidelines of the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have jointly decided to call off the event, which was to be held at Lord’s.
“Given the tragic events in India, the announcement may wait a while out of respect (for the lives lost),” a very high ranked ECB official told Cricbuzz on Saturday. Both the BCCI and ECB officials are deciding on a flexible new date. “The BCCI are still deciding on the right time for the announcement. The announcement had been kept flexible due to the tragedy,” the ECB official further said.
Over 275 people, including 241 on board AI-171 Air India aircraft that crashed near the Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday (June 12) afternoon, died in what is being regarded as one of the worst aviation disasters in India.
The launch of the renamed trophy was all set to take place on Saturday and it is understood that the invites for the protagonists for the trophy, including Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, were sent. The decision was taken at the last minute to call it off for the time being.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy comes in place of the Pataudi Trophy, which was being given to the winners of the bilateral Test series between in England previously but as first reported by Cricbuzz on March 31, the ECB has decided to retire it. It had also formally communicated the decision to the members of the Pataudi family. However, there is a change of heart in the ECB following a request from BCCI, Jay Shah and even Tendulkar himself. It is understood, Shah, a former BCCI secretary and current Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and Tendulkar played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Pataudi legacy in the bilateral contest continues. The ECB official confirmed the decision.
“Yes, there is a confirmed plan to retain the Pataudi link in the England-India series,” the official further told this website. (Cricbuzz)
Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia (second left) crosses the finish line first in the women’s 100 metres at the Bislett Games in Norway, on Thursday
NBA Finals
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (left) has averaged 32.8 points per game in the NBA Finals
Pataudi legacy to continue
The decision was taken by the two boards at the last minute to call off the grand launch for the time being
Saints Slayers, Old Fort Show Stoppers clinch Kellogg’s U14 hockey titles
OLD Fort Show Stoppers and Saints Slayers emerged as the top teams to hoist the Boys and Girls trophies for the Guyana Hockey boards Kellogg’s U14 Indoor Schools Hockey League which concluded on Friday at the Marian Academy auditorium.
It was a day of intense action as the schools battled in the semi-finals and final to come out victorious.
In the Boy’s category, it was an all Old Fort affair as the clubs had three teams in the semis with Old Fort Show Stoppers and Old Fort Gladiators clinched their semifinals win to advance.
Show Stoppers put in a fine display to defeat GCC Pitbulls 4-1 after a strong all-round effort.
Gladiators also won their contest 4-1 against Old Fort Warriors to earn a place in the final against their club mates.
In the final it was a toasty clash as the two teams traded blows, going toe to toe with the score 3-3 before Show stoppers pulled away at the midway point to go onto a 6-3 win.
In the third place contest, GCC Pitbull defeated Old Fort Warriors 4-1.
On the distaff side, Saints Slayers achieve a 2-nil win to claim the U14 crown.
Tsabella DeFrertas scored a field goal with a penalty corner coming of the stick of Carenza Copeland for the win.
Earlier, Saints Slayers booked a place in the final after overcoming club mate’s Saint’s Sensations 2-nil while the other finalist, Multi narrows edged Old Fort High Fliers 1-nil in their semis.
In the third place game, Old Fort High Fliers finish their tournaments with a bang as they outlasted Saint’s Sensation 5-1.
The league commenced on May 9, featuring 14 teams playing the Under-14 Boys and Girls categories at Saints Stanislaus College and Marian Academy auditorium every Friday.
Smith avoids surgery, eyes WI Test return
STEVEN Smith has avoided surgery on the compound dislocation he suffered on the third day against South Africa at Lord’s but still faces a race against time to be fit for Australia’s upcoming Test series in West Indies.
Smith went straight to hospital after leaving the field when he sustained the injury to his right little finger, spilling a sharp chance offered by Temba Bavuma.
The wound was cleaned, stitched and the finger placed in a splint and it’s understood he will be able to bat if he can tolerate doing so with the splint, which he will need to wear for up to eight weeks although the wound itself is expected to heal in around a fortnight.
The impact on him in the field would also need to be assessed and it could hinder his ability to field in the slips.
Australia’s first Test in West Indies starts on June 25 in Barbados, which would appear an unlikely timeframe, followed by matches in
Pat Cummins said. “I think it’s somewhere around the 10 days to two weeks. Then
maybe you try and bat with a splint and see how that looks. I think it’s a bit of a wait and see. I’d say first Test, maybe unlikely, and then kind of go from there. It’s a bit early just to tell.”
It would be a significant boost for Australia if Smith was able to play a part in the series given there is uncertainty over the top order after the struggles of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the World Test Championship final.
Khawaja’s lean outing continued his difficulties against pace bowler over the last 12 months while Green faced just five balls in the Test, falling twice to Kagiso Rabada, in his first time batting at No. 3. Labuschagne made two starts of 17 and 22 having been moved to open but did not make a convincing case to be retained in the role.
Sam Konstas is waiting in the wings for a potential recall while Josh Inglis is the other spare batter in the current squad.
(ESPN Cricinfo)
Grenada and Jamaica in July. Smith had also been due for a brief stint for Washington Freedom at Major League Cricket (MLC) between the end of the WTC final and the first Test.
“He’s positive,”
Steven Smith with a heavily-taped right little finger as Usman Khawaja looks on • PA Photos/Getty Images
Kellogg’s U14 boys champions Old Fort Show Stoppers
Kellogg’s U14 girls champions Saints Slayers
Guyana U-19 girls team for regional tourney in T&T
to be named today
...Assistant coach Grimmond: Batting key for us
By Sean Devers
BADLY hampered by the adverse weather and with time running out for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to submit their U-19 Female squad to Cricket West Indies (CWI) this week, the national selectors had to resort to picking the players from two ‘Practice matches’ on the tarmac of the National Park.
Only a single game of the U-19 female inter-county tournament was played before the May/June rain began, resulting in the completion of the tournament with two ‘practice matches’ at the ‘Park’ on Friday and yesterday.
The Guyana team should be released by the GCB today.
After yesterday’s encounter between the vastly improved group of lasses from Essequibo and players from Demerara, the four- member selection panel headed by former national batter Andre Percival selected the squad which will defend their title in the 30-over regional tournament from July 6-25 in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Guyana squad should include seven players from last year’s team which won its first ever title at this level and be will strengthened by the experience gained by Trisha Hardat and the Williams siblings, Laurene and Latya, from playing in this year’s championship-winning senior women’s team.
Crystal Durant (stand by player for the senior team), Shonette Belgrave, Tiea Issacs and leg-spinner Denellie Manns are the other members from the 2024 team.
This year’s Essequibo senior inter-county player Brianna Samaroo was also a member of last year’s U-19 side and turned up for Essequibo’s match that was washed out last month. She however, missed the two practice games at the ‘Park’ due to illness but could still be named in the squad to travel to the Twin-Island Republic next month.
While Percival, Balram Samaroo (Berbice), Denish Joseph (Essequibo) and Latchman Yadram (Demerara) sat to pick the team,
Remembering the brilliance of Sir Vivian Richards’ great triple strike
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – WHEN the West Indies lifted the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup trophy at Lord’s in 1975, the moment marked the beginning of a golden era in Caribbean cricket.
At the heart of that historic victory was a young and fearless batsman from Antigua— Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, one of the living legendary champions being honoured on Sunday, June 22, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, when Cricket West Indies and the West Indies Players’ Association host their annual awards gala.
Just 23 years old at the time, Viv Richards had already begun to demonstrate his immense talent and unshakable confidence at the crease. While his contributions with the bat during the tournament were modest in terms of runs scored, his influence on the field and within the team was anything but.
Chronicle Sport took the time to talk to Assistant National Women’s team and Demerara U-19 Coach Clive Grimmond.
Grimmond has been a coach for the past 18 years and feels that this year’s team should be more balanced than last year’s.
“Last year was a great feeling to win the tournament for the first time ever and with seven players back this year, I am confident that once the girls play to their full potential we will win back-to-back titles.
“Last year we mostly depended on the bowlers, but now I feel there is more balance and would go as far as saying the strength is the batting,” said the former first-division “keeper” who once played for East Coast and GNIC.
Grimmond noted that the bad weather has been the biggest challenge so far, but from what has seen this year, he is very impressed with Demerara’s opener Mahadevi Dass who is also an off-spinner.
Another batter who caught the eye was Berbice opener Jada Fraser, while the 56-yearold Grimmond predicts that Manns could be Guyana’s trump card with her leg-spin.
Grimmond disclosed that four days of inter-county cricket for the year is the only time female teams play against each other and emphasised that there has to be more women’s cricket played in Guyana.
“We have the [sic] start female at the nursery school and get proper coaches to go into schools. The younger you are the more likely you will be able to take in what you are taught…that’s why good coaches are needed at the school level…especially for girls. It’s easier to work on their bowling actions and other aspects when they are young, since it will be harder to do when they get to the U-16 and U-19 levels” explained Grimmond.
Grimmond also disclosed that CWI plans to host a Regional U-16 girls tournament next year and wants the regional boards to set up training hubs for those players.
He said that the hubs in Guyana could be held in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo and could commence during the August holiday.
In the final against Australia, Richards delivered one of the most memorable performances—not with the bat, but in the field. His three brilliant runouts, including the dismissals of Ian Chappell and Greg Chappell, turned the match in West Indies' favour. Displaying cat-like reflexes and razor-sharp awareness, Richards patrolled the field like a general commanding his troops, showing that cricketing brilliance wasn’t confined to scoring runs.
Richards’ presence in the 1975 squad also symbolised the fearless, expressive, and unapologetically Caribbean identity that would
come to define the West Indies team for more than a decade. His swagger, intensity, and athleticism inspired not only his teammates but an entire generation of Caribbean youth, who saw in him a reflection of their own potential. Though the 1975 tournament was just the beginning, it was clear that Viv Richards was destined for greatness. His impact on that squad was both immediate and long-lasting— contributing to a legacy of dominance, pride, and power that reshaped world cricket and brought glory to the Caribbean.
Sir Viv would go on to become one of the greatest batsmen the sport has ever seen, but in 1975, he was already a symbol of the revolution to come.
• The CWI/WIPA Awards Gala takes place on Sunday, June 22 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, with broadcast coverage beginning at 5:30 PM. Limited fan tickets are available for purchase at www.windiescricket.com.
Kallicharran’s defiance and the foundation it laid for WI’s 1975 World Cup triumph
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – During the West Indies’ triumphant 1975 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, the elegant-left handed batsmanship of Alvin Kallicharran played a crucial role in shaping the team’s path to glory.
Known for his technical finesse and calmness under pressure, this Guyanese legend is among the group of living legendary champions being honoured on Sunday, June 22, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, when Cricket West Indies and the West Indies Players’ Association host its annual awards gala.
Kallicharran’s standout performance came during the group stage against Australia, where he played one of the most iconic innings of the tournament. Facing the ferocious pace of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson under the bright lights at The Oval, Kallicharran countered with a blistering 78 off just 83 balls. His fearless strokeplay, particularly his daring hook shots against Thomson, electrified the crowd and turned the tide of the match. It was a statement innings—not just of skill, but of defiance and belief.
While the final saw other heroes emerge, Kallicharran’s earlier contributions laid the groundwork for West Indies’ dominance. His ability to rotate strike, build partnerships, and counterattack when needed gave the batting
line-up depth and balance. Off the field, his quiet confidence and professionalism helped unite a diverse squad drawn from across the Caribbean.
Alvin Kallicharran’s impact on the 1975 squad went beyond statistics. He embodied the artistry of Caribbean cricket—proving that elegance could be just as destructive as brute force. His performances in that first World Cup helped solidify the West Indies’ reputation as a cricketing powerhouse and laid the foundation for the team’s dominance in the years that followed.
• The CWI/WIPA Awards Gala takes place on Sunday, June 22 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, with broadcast coverage beginning at 5:30 PM. Limited fan tickets are available for purchase at www.windiescricket.com.
Chief selector Andre Percival, his fellow selectors and Coach Grimmond (sitting in front) watch yesterday’s practice game at the National Park tarmac (Sean Devers photo).
South Africa banish history of heartbreak with historic Test title
SOUTH AFRICA beat Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship final to end their long wait for a major global title.
The Proteas had resumed their second innings on 213-2 and needed 69 runs to wrap up victory on day four at Lord’s.
Scores: Australia 212: Webster 72; Rabada 5-51 & 207: Starc 58*; Rabada 4-59. South Africa 138: Bedingham 45; Cummins 6-28 & 282-5: Markram 136; Starc 3-66.
Australia captain Pat Cummins struck in the third over of the day to
dismiss opposite number Temba Bavuma, caught behind for 66, to inject a semblance of belief.
Then with 41 runs required, Mitchell Starc bowled Tristan Stubbs through the gate to cause a little more anxiety in the South Africa dressing room.
However, centurion Aiden Markram continued where he left off from the previous day as he put South Africa on the brink of victory with a superb 136.
Markram, the only player to make a hundred in the match, missed out on the chance to hit the winning runs when he flicked Josh Hazlewood into the hands
of Travis Head at mid-wicket with the winning post in sight.
That left David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne to see South Africa over the line - Verreynne stroking a drive through the covers off Starc for a single to seal it before raising his arms in joyous celebration.
South Africa’s run chase was the joint second-highest in Test cricket at the ground - bettered only by West Indies’ pursuit of 342 in 1984.
They are the third team to be crowned World Test champions after New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023). • Continues on Page 23
Expanded One Guyana T10 touted as talent breeding ground
Hailed as a burgeoning “national spectacle” and a vital “breeding ground for Guyanese talent,” the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast was officially launched yesterday, promising a bigger and more lucrative tournament in its third iteration.
The expanded competition, set to commence on June 28 in Berbice, has garnered significant backing from the corporate sector and the highest levels of government, underlining its growing stature in the nation's sporting landscape.
Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, who represented President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the launch event at RS53 Etkezo, lauded the tournament’s expansion, which aims to feature up to 80 teams.
Minister Indar emphasised the tournament's role in uncovering local talent and promoting unity.
“This tournament is a breeding ground for Guyanese talent,” Indar stated.
“Cricket is a household name; a sport that unites...One Guyana is about unity, building from the ground up.” He commended the organisers, FL Sport, for crafting a product that has earned the trust of the corporate community, evidenced by the return of numerous sponsors and the addition of new partners.
The significant increase in prize money reflects the tournament's growth and success.
Zonal winners will earn GY$300,000 and a coveted spot in the national finals.
The ultimate champion will walk away with a staggering GY$1.7 million, while the runners-up will receive a handsome GY$700,000.
Even losing semi-finalists and zonal finalists are set to be rewarded, with purses of GY$300,000 and GY$100,000, respectively.
Former national cricketer Steven Jacobs described the event as a “national spectacle,” praising its wide reach and audience engagement.
Echoing a challenge from President Ali, Jacobs called for the inclusion of female teams to ensure the tournament's continued growth and its potential to attract regional and international interest. FL Sport has embraced this call, announcing plans to include at least four female teams in this year's edition. • Continues on Page 24
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner’s trophy and celebrates with teammates on the podium after their win in the World Test Championship against Australia at Lord’s cricket ground in London, yesteday • AP Photo
From left: Natasha Persaud of Kares Group of Companies, FL Sport’s John Ramsingh and Minister Deodat Indar with the championship trophy