PPP/C leaders confidently declare; point to 27 candidates below 25, diversity that reflects nation’s ethnic, cultural, religious makeup –– urge persons to rally behind them as they continue to uplift every citizen, take Guyana to greater heights
Nomination Day concludes with seven parties submitting lists –– process hailed as smooth
With a candidate line-up that blends youth, national representation and experience, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo are confident that they have submitted the “winning lists” of candidates to contest the September 1 General and Regional Elections
US-sanctioned Mohamed presents no plan for Guyana
–– fumbles, responds with ‘very shortly, soon’ to basic questions from the media after submitting list of candidates to contest upcoming elections Elections result could be declared day after close of polls
–– Chief Elections Officer says; GECOM Chair affirms there will not be repeat of 2020
‘We have the winning lists’
PPP/C leaders confidently declare; point to 27 candidates below 25, diversity that reflects nation’s ethnic, cultural, religious makeup
urge persons to rally behind them as they continue to uplift every citizen, take Guyana to greater heights
By Trina Williams
WITH a candidate lineup that blends youth, national representation and experience, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo are confident that they have submitted the “winning lists” of candidates to contest the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Yesterday was Nomination Day and the PPP/C with a massive crowd of over 8,000 people, came in their full red attire to present their lists to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
Dr. Jagdeo, who is the leader of the PPP/C’s list was accompanied by President Ali, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and other party members to the venue of the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown on Monday- Nomination Day.
GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud accepted the PPP/C’s list of candidates in a process that was transparent and smooth.
President Ali, after the party submitted its lists, described the PPP/C as an unshakeable force that is not just focused on attaining power but working for the people.
The candidates on the lists, the President said: “Is a representation of all of us…The list is the power of this family- the People’s Progressive Party.”
He also stated that the PPP/C will continue to be a party that focuses on growth, unity and development.
President Ali also described Dr. Jagdeo as a heavyweight champion in politics, expressing immense confidence in the PPP/C Leader of the Lists.
the only national party contesting the General and Region Elections 2025.
The team of candidates represents the face of modern Guyana and is duly qualified to take Guyana into unprecedented heights over the next five years, President Ali and Dr. Jagdeo have stressed. Its composition draws from every corner of every administrative region in this country. In terms of gender the lists consist of nearly 40 per cent females, surpassing the legal requirement of a 1/3 female presence.
The list reflects the multi-ethnic nature of Guyana’s demography, consisting of Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, Amerindians, Mixed-Race, Portuguese and Chinese. It also reflects a presence from all the major religions of our country.
President Ali said the party hasn’t lost anyone and told the supporters to go in their communities, go on social media and tell their stories, outline the government’s impeccable track record.
Leader of the PPP/C’s lists Dr. Jagdeo, on the other hand, told supporters to hit the ground and mobilise in their communities to ensure all persons come out to vote on September 1.
“I need every one of you to work,” Dr. Jagdeo stated while emphasising that elections are won when people come out and vote.
He also called out those media outlets who will try to paint the PPP/ C’s “winning lists” in a negative light and rejected the brewing notions.
Trustworthy, fulfils promises and possesses a vision for a Guyana that continues to move upwards are the elements that Dr. Jagdeo said the PPP/C has that makes their lists the “winning lists.”
“I want each and every one of you to know that you are making history,” he said, pointing to the inevitable victory for PPP/C at the 2025 polls.
Prime Minister Phillips, in his remarks, said: “The hard work continues,” and urged voters to mobilise and come out and vote.
The PPP/C is also pushing for more seats in the parliament for greater representation, the leaders disclosed.
The PPP/C though not arrogant, is optimistic in securing a second term in office, as the PPP General Secretary has consistently pointed to how the government’s policies are impacting the lives of ordinary Guyanese.
The opposition parties also presented their list of nominations to contest the 2025 polls.
While the PPP/C had a roaring crowd of over 8,000, the opposition parties had scarce crowds, of which one party even went so far as to attempt to prevent the incumbent PPP/C’s massive red tsunami from coming through.
Despite presenting no concrete plans, the opposition parties all
share one common factor- their political hatred for the PPP/C and their transparent rejection of major fiscal, social and economic development programmes being executed by the government.
FRESH FACES, BOLD IDEAS
While the opposition is scrambling to gather a crowd and continues with uninspiring messages, the PPP/C is rolling out a campaign powered by fresh faces and bold ideas.
Dr. Jagdeo noted that 27 of its candidates are under 25. He also stressed that the PPP/C list of candidates indisputably reinforce the fact that it is
The list also captures persons from the working-class, including, sugar workers, rice farmers, miners and construction workers, among others. It also includes large numbers of professionals and an appreciable contingent from the business community. Students, housewives and ordinary Guyanese also enjoy a presence on the list.
The team of candidates presented yesterday provides the vision, the energy, the experience, the integrity and everything else required to steer Guyana in the right path over the next five years, the General Secretary noted.
The official submission of the lists of candidates by political parties to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) took place at the Umana Yana.
This was a significant milestone in the electoral calendar in the lead up to the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
With a candidate line up that blends youth, national representation and experience, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo are confident that they have submitted the “winning lists” of candidates to contest the September 1 General and Regional Elections (Delano Williams photo)
The PPP/C said the team of candidates presented yesterday provides the vision, the energy, the experience, the integrity and everything else required to steer Guyana in the right path over the next five years
Nomination Day concludes with seven parties submitting lists –– process hailed as smooth
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on Monday, reported that Nomination Day held at Umana Yana was conducted successfully with a total of seven political parties submitting their lists of candidates ahead of the September 1 elections.
GECOM made this known in a press statement, in which it also commended all participating parties for their orderly conduct and constructive engagement throughout the day.
At the close of nominations, all submitted lists were securely transferred to GECOM’s data processing centre.
“In line with our commitment to electoral integrity, all data is being carefully entered into a secure processing system. Each list undergoes thorough verification and validation, including crosschecks against the Revised List of Electors, examination of nominators and confirmation of candidate eligibility,” the release added.
Further, the commission went on to note that by July 15, 2025, at 24:00 hours, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud will notify all political parties whether any information submitted is found to be defective and needs to be corrected.
Subsequently, all political parties will have up to 24:00 hours on the following day to make their final submissions.
The seven parties that submitted lists on Monday are, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Alliance For Change (AFC), Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Forward Guyana Movement, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and the Horizon and Star Party.
While only seven parties submitted symbols, the commission, just weeks prior, approved 21 symbols which were submitted by political parties that were hopeful to contest the upcoming election.
Meanwhile, CEO Persaud, at the close of Nomination Day, while speaking to
members of the press, stated that the process was conducted smoothly throughout the day.
He disclosed that statutorily, the process should come to a close on Thursday, even as the commission is scheduled on Friday to have the final lists approved, with all the candidates informed.
Subsequent to the approval of the necessary lists, the commission will move to having the ballot papers designed, as all logistical work in preparation for the election is underway.
In the lead up to the election, Persaud said there are currently 2,785 polling stations earmarked thus far, which he stated is a definite increase from 2020, as the number of voters to a polling station has been restricted to 400 per polling station as opposed to 450 in the past.
Meanwhile, as preparations get underway, he disclosed that thus far the commission has been contacted by some observer missions interested in coming in to observe the election.
At this time, Persaud indicated that the Commonwealth, CARICOM and the EU, along with the Carter Centre, which is already in Guyana, have indicated their interest in observing the election here.
India gifts IT equipment to Saraswati Vidya Niketan
COINCIDING with Guru Purnima celebrations, IT equipment was handed on Friday to the Saraswati Vidya Niketan school at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, to help boost its IT lab.
According to a press release, the donation was part of an expression of gratitude and token of friendship between India and Guyana.
It added that High Commissioner of India to Guy-
ana,, Dr Amit Telang noted that the Saraswati Vidya Niketan school is one of the prominent schools in Guyana, having been recognised for its academic excellence as well as value-based education preserving and promoting our shared culture, heritage and traditions.
He added that the equipment is a symbol of friendship between the people of India and the people of Guyana, and it is a gift
from the people and Government of India. Swami Aksharanandji speaking at the handing-over ceremony, recalled the historic visit of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to Guyana and to the Saraswati Vidya Niketan in November 2024 and he conveyed his gratitude for this symbol of friendship and strong historical bonds between India and Guyana, the release said.
The Saraswati Vidya Niketan school at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, on Friday received IT equipment from the people and Government of India (Photo courtesy of the High Commission of India)
UG Dean, top vet, leading cardiologist among vibrant PPP/C candidates for elections
–– over 40 per cent women representation reflected on lists
SENIOR Dean at the premier University of Guyana (UG), top veterinarian, one of Guyana’s leading cardiologists, youth parliamentarians and notable former opposition executives are among the new faces on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C)’s list of candidates for the September 1 General
Dalrymple
and Regional Elections.
Presented as more than a list, the PPP/C’s slate of fresh faces outlines exactly what President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
have been emphasising-- a future that looks like Guyana, young and diverse.
Kofi Dalrymple, Dean of the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology; top veterinarian, Dr. Nardeo Bassoodeo and leading cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen are among the prolific candidates.
Former executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), attorney-at-law Thandi McAllister is also in the lineup.
On Sunday, at the PPP/ C’s campaign launch, she had spoken about her en -
dorsement of the current administration.
McAlister, who spent most of her youth with the PNCR, said she was asked many times by her former colleagues about why she now supports the PPP/C.
“Open your eyes! Look around and with a clear conscience, and tell me, ‘Why not?’” she said, pointing
to the development that is taking place.
Also, present on the list are former PNCR executive member, James Bond; Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram; former APNU+AFC Parliamentarian and PNCR General Secretary Geeta Chandan-Ed-
mond.
Former Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte, former APNU+AFC councillor in Georgetown, Trichria Richards, and former national cricketer and businessman Steven Jacobs are also on the list.
At the launch for the PPP/C’s re-election on
under the age of 25, signalling the party’s continued involvement of youths.
Youth parliamentarian Nicholas Sagadaya, youth activist Nikhil Sankar and Attorney-at-Law Sufeena Supaul, are among a few of the large number of youths that are on the PPP/C’s candidates list of young entrepreneurs, doctors and
Sunday, Richards and Jacobs positioned the PPP/C as the only national party for Guyana.
YOUTHS FRONT AND CENTRE
Some 27 candidates are
attorneys-at-law, among others.
From the Essequibo Coast, young leader Azizi Christiani has been chosen as a candidate.
The list’s composition is a blend of youth, women, ethnic plurality and class
inclusivity. In fact, nearly 40 per cent of the candidates are women, outpacing the legal requirement of 1/3.
On Sunday, he echoed the message of inclusion:
“This party believes that young people are not just the future but the present,” he said, adding: “and that is why we are getting the opportunity now to lead.”
Sonia Latchman, Toshao of Bethany and Vice-Chair of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), and Vanda Pio, a 20-year-old candidate from Region Eight are among the list of young candidates too.
Elections result could be declared day after close of polls
Officer says; GECOM Chair affirms there will be no repeat of 2020
CHIEF Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud, on Monday, said that the declaration of results for the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections could be made as early as the end of following day after the close of polls.
Persaud made this known while speaking to members of the press at the end of Nomination Day held at the Umana Yana.
According to the CEO, the law requires that as soon as a Statements of Poll (SoP) are processed, they should simultaneously be posted to the website.
“So, the results of the election could be known even before we declare it because you could be sitting in your sitting room and be
doing your own tabulation,” he said.
However, insofar as a declaration is concerned, Persaud stated that at the level of GECOM, at the district level, they are earmarked to have a declaration made on the night following polling day, meaning election results could be declared by the night of September 2.
“As a declaration is concerned, at the level of GECOM [Guyana Elections Commission], at the district level we are earmarked to have declarations done by the night of the day after election,” he told reporters.
However, he noted that the public declaration would depend on whether there would be a request for a recount, among other things.
Persaud went on to note that if there is a request for a recount, it would naturally hold back a national declaration.
In 2020, the country waited for five months to get the correct results of the elections.
Citizens and persons abroad watched as the APNU+AFC and its affiliates attempted to derail the process and influence an outcome that favoured them.
GECOM Chairperson, retired Judge, Justice Claudette Singh, however, affirmed: “We would not have that kind of saga.”
Justice Singh assured Guyanese that stakeholders would be more vigilant, and the SoPs would be published online for the world to see.
“We have been looking at a lot of, many matters, and we are putting things in place,” she said.
The GECOM Chairperson said both statutory and legislative safeguards have improved since 2020. International technical assistance is also being provided to bolster voter education and operations.
She said: “Well, we have separate persons working with operations. We have somebody who is working with, well, generally, you know, like to assist us in, well, putting out more information.
You will find a lot of information going on. Yes, civic and voter regulation, and you will find information going on as well.”
Dean of the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kofi
Top veterinarian, Dr. Nardeo Bassoodeo
Leading cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen
Toshao of Bethany and Vice-Chair of the National Toshaos Council, Sonia Latchman
Young leader, Azizi Christiani
Youth parliamentarian Nicholas Sagadaya
Vigilance Remains Essential
THE assurance from Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud that results for the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections could be declared as early as the evening of September 2 represents more than just efficient logistics.
It serves as a crucial test of Guyana’s democratic strength and institutional trust.
After the distressing five-month electoral situation in 2020, when people watched in frustration as officials tried to manipulate results for the then-ruling coalition, these promises carry significant importance.
Persaud’s commitment to posting Statements of Poll (SoPs) online as they are processed is vital. This transparency measure allows citizens to tally results from home, marking a major shift from the secrecy that plagued the 2020 crisis.
When previous officials brazenly used spreadsheets instead of official SoPs, they not only broke electoral laws but also shattered the trust the Guyanese people placed in
them. The current focus on publishing these key documents online shows GECOM’s dedication to preventing similar manipulation in the future.
Justice Claudette Singh’s strong statement that “we would not have that kind of saga” highlights an institutional resolve to restore GECOM’s reputation.
Her assurance that stakeholders will be more watchful, along with the stronger legal protections put in place since 2020, suggests a commission that has learned from its darkest moments.
The international technical support aimed at improving operations underscores the seriousness of the electoral reform efforts.
However, promises need to be followed by action. The ongoing criminal proceedings against former GECOM officials, including Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers, and Clairmont Mingo, and former APNU/AFC officials, are stark reminders of what results
when electoral integrity is at risk.
Guyana’s democracy cannot handle another crisis of legitimacy. The current oil-driven economic changes make these elections particularly important, as they will decide who leads the nation through its unprecedented prosperity.
The international community, which stepped in decisively in 2020 to stop electoral fraud, will be watching closely to ensure that the reforms lead to credible and transparent elections.
Persaud’s note that recount requests could delay results is wise and necessary. The right to request recounts is a key protection in any democracy, and GECOM must be ready to handle such requests without undermining the process’s integrity.
What matters is that any delays arise from valid procedural needs, not the intentional confusion that marked 2020.
Guyanese deserve elections that are not just free and fair, but also clearly so. The
new penalties for electoral wrongdoing, the updated training manuals for polling staff, and the commitment to real-time transparency indicate meaningful progress.
Yet, the true test will come on September 1 and the subsequent days, when these reforms face their first real challenge.
Guyana’s democracy has shown remarkable strength, having survived the attempted subversion of 2020 and emerging even stronger.
The reforms made since then by the current PPP/C, the ongoing accountability measures, and the transparent processes now in place give reasons for cautious optimism. However, continued vigilance is crucial.
The promise of quick, clear results must be kept not just for efficiency but as proof that Guyana’s electoral system has genuinely learned from its past failures and is dedicated to serving the people’s will rather than the desires of those who would undermine it.
Bogus economics from Mohamed
Dear Editor,
IN a recent article published by Kaieteur News on July 13, 2025, Azruddin Mohamed claimed that 50% of Guyanese people are living in poverty.
It is highly irresponsible for someone seeking the highest office to mislead the public with such statements.
Mohamed did not provide any sources for his claim, which suggests he is attempting to manipulate public perception to gain support, leveraging his inept understanding of economic realities.
Several writers, including myself, have recently discussed Guyana’s poverty rate, but we based our assertions on credible sources, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and Guyana’s Central Bank.
These reports indicate that both inflation and poverty rates have declined, particularly in comparison to the last decade. Rather than focusing on facts, the article seems intent on criticising the government’s economic management. Guyanese voters will not be swayed by someone who has reportedly defrauded the population of millions.
Leadership requires winning the confidence and respect of the people by telling the truth. President Ali has embodied this for the past five years, speaking the truth, respecting national systems, and earning public trust.
In contrast, Mohamed has been charged by the US government with multiple counts of fraud. He expects the public to believe his false assertion that 50% of Guyanese live in poverty, while his credibility is under serious question.
Mohamed’s grasp of economics appears limited, poverty encompasses much more than mere income, it involves access to opportunities, dignity, and hope. For instance, the IMF and World Bank define poverty using various benchmarks, such as living on $5.50 per day (adjusted for purchasing power) (World Bank, 2020). In 2019, it was estimated that 48.4% of Guyanese were living in poverty (World Bank, 2021).
However, recent data indicates that poverty has been declining since 2020, thanks to targeted social transfers, increased public sector wages, free university scholarships through the GOAL programme, and investments in infrastructure, health, and agriculture (IMF, 2025a). These measures reflect effective governance rather than mere campaign promises.
Understanding our economic history is essential for anyone with aspirations for the highest office of the land. Under the PNC’s rule from 1966 to 1992, the economy collapsed, plunging nearly 90% of the population below the poverty line (Thomas, 1993).
When the PPP/C regained power in 1992, they led crucial economic recovery efforts,
reducing poverty to 35% by the mid-2000s (IMF, 2006). However, after the APNU+AFC coalition took over in 2015, they reversed progress by increasing VAT on basic goods and leaving the treasury in deficit (Ministry of Finance, 2020).
When the PPP/C returned to power in 2020, they inherited a poorly managed economy. Despite challenges such as the pandemic and global inflation, the PPP/C achieved the fastest economic growth rate in the Western Hemisphere (IMF, 2025b) and used this growth to improve working people’s lives.
Much of Mohamed’s policies seem to mimic those of the PPP/C. Under President Ali’s administration, old-age pensions and public servant salaries have increased by over 30% since 2020, along with cash grants for over 200,000 children and subsidies for fuel and electricity (DPI, 2024).
These efforts are strategic measures aimed at reducing poverty and fostering long-term opportunities. The IMF confirms that these targeted transfers are increasing real incomes and alleviating hardship across the country (IMF, 2025a). Mohamed must present a credible economic plan before making unsupported assertions.
Mohamed relies more on spectacle than on policy. He fails to provide a credible economic platform, proven leadership, or a serious plan to address pressing issues like poverty, infrastructure, and education. In-
stead, he resorts to empty populism, offering superficial solutions without substance. His qualifications stem from allegations of robbing the treasury of Guyana and its citizens. While he may promise cash or cars, he does not offer sustainable solutions. He has yet to present a credible framework for poverty reduction, economic diversification, or experience in managing national budgets or social welfare systems.
For Guyana to continue its progress in reducing poverty, expanding education, creating jobs, and protecting vulnerable citizens, continued governance under the PPP/C is vital. President Ali’s administration has demonstrated effective governance, wise spending, and the ability to convert GDP growth into tangible benefits for the people.
The choice before the Guyanese people is not just between political parties, it is a choice between sound policies and mere posturing.
More importantly, do we continue with tested leadership under President Ali or do we gamble with Mohamed, a sanctioned man. Reducing poverty is not straightforward, it requires sound fiscal management, social investment, and political courage with a thoughtful plan. In this regard, the PPP/C stands alone here!
Sincerely, Dr. Tilokie Arnold Depoo Economist
Dexter Todd’s investigators’ visas should be revoked
I HAD an argument with Kian Jabour and the leader of ANUG, Dr. Mark France on the Freddie Kissoon Show about the qualifications of Dexter Todd.
I don’t know about Mr. Todd’s qualifications and so I refused to accept what France and Jabour were telling me about his training. France told me on air that I was ignorant of Todd’s qualifications which he (France) said he was familiar with because he saw Todd’s curriculum vitae.
I haven’t seen Todd’s CV and I am not interested in seeing it. I judge the quality of Todd based on his role as the family lawyer to the Adriana Younge family. Here is a list of Mr. Todd’s failings that makes me advise Guyanese not to vote for him since Todd wants to become a parliamentarian.
One – Todd as I have repeated in a column on him last week should have been sued for libel by the three pathologists that did the original autopsy. Even a tenth-rate lawyer knows that if you repeat a scandalous statement published by someone, you are liable to be sued for slander.
Todd told this nation that the Younge family thinks that those three pathologists were “infiltrated” and thus they rejected their findings. Even a tenth-rate lawyer knows that is an aspersion on the men’s character.
Two- Todd told this nation that the autopsy was open to question because the pathologists could have been under stress based on crowd confusion at the Georgetown Hospital.
Three – The police are contradicting Todd using euphemisms rather than calling him a
liar. The police have made their accusations twice against Todd. The first time was months ago when they contradicted what Todd told the pubic after the police had a meeting with Todd. The police rejected the version told to the media by Todd.
The second accusation came last week when the Crime Chief contradicted Todd by informing the nation that as a generous, open gesture to the nation, the police overlooked protocol and gave Todd the original autopsy report yet Todd has publicly said he is not in receipt of the document.
Four- Mr. Todd cannot escape the description of his behaviour as being comical after his latest bizarre, shambolic, dystopian, asinine mouthing off. Mr. Todd informed the Guyanese people that an international investigating team is in Guyana to probe the Adriana Younge death. But the identity of the team is a closely guarded secret.
But more asininity, more comicality, more miasma flows. Todd said that when this secret, unknown team is finished with its work, Todd will submit their findings to the Guyana Police Force and the DPP. Could anyone be more barefaced and sillier than Dexter Todd?
The police and the DPP accept the report and said thank you from a team the public does not know anything about.
Is this the man that wants to be part of the Government of Guyana after September 2025? Is this the man that if the PNC wins that may become the Attorney-General (AG)? I say unapologetically, CN Sharma will make
a better AG.
But what about the family of Adriana Younge? Are they happy that an investigating group is in Guyana and no one in Guyana, maybe except Todd, knows who or what these people are? Isn’t the family aware that such a farce is bound to stain their daughter’s name and their name too?
In which country, a secret school of forensic investigators descend upon the scene to investigate a tragedy that made headlines in the region and further abroad and their identity has to be kept invisible.
Todd in an abuse of his political obligation (he is running for state office) to the Guyanese people did not see the need to tell the newspaper he spoke to why the forensic group’s identity cannot be made known.
Doesn’t Todd feel that this is an explanation that must be given? There has to be
a reason why the team’s composition cannot be made public. My position on this unknown school of investigators is that they should not have been given work permits by the Guyana Government if they cannot tell the public what their status and their past professional work are so they can be researched.
Guyana knows the name of the three original pathologists, the identity of the fourth pathologist and the former RCMP forensic specialist. My advice to the police is to revoke the visas of this team.
They may be here for political purposes. Mr. Todd is a PNC candidate in the national election.
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.
An election launch for the record books
Kitty was a tsunami of red
Dear Editor,
THE PPP launched its campaign at the Kitty Market Square, its traditional launching site, on Sunday, July 13.
It was always expected to be massive. But clearly, this was one of the largest ever election campaign launching events, if not the largest ever, in Guyana. It was a tsunami of red. We heard the PNC-led APNU describing their approximately 1,200 strong launching on Sunday July 6th as a green wave.
We heard the Mohameds describing their party’s gathering of about 300 paid supporters in Linden on Saturday July 12 as a blue wave. After witnessing the PPP’s Sunday launch, the green and blue waves look like little ripples in the water following the drop of a pebble.
Clearly, the size of the crowd at the PPP launch must have sent shivers in the leadership of the other parties.
No matter how they try to downplay the success of the PPP’s launch, the opposition parties must have had their hopes obliterated and a deep sense of defeat must have taken a firm hold.
The size of the rally on Sunday is, on one hand, an exhilarating feeling among the PPP leadership and in its support-base. On the other hand, the size of the red tsunami must
be disconcerting to the opponents of the PPP.
But the size of the PPP rally is only part of the sinking, disconcerting feeling the opposition must be feeling. The diversity of the crowd must be even more frightening for the opposition.
The ethnic make-up of the crowd signalled a significant shift away from race-based politics, with the PPP demonstrating that it is the only national party in Guyana. While all other opposition parties continue to rely on support from a single ethnic group, the PPP continues to strengthen its national credentials.
The Kitty Rally crowd confirmed the growing national flavour of the PPP. There were people of every ethnic and religious group gathered in Kitty.
The overwhelming number of youths in the crowd must be disheartening for the opposition.
Clearly, the PPP has become the party of and for young people of all races and religion in Guyana.
That the young people have gravitated to the PPP, regardless of their families’ traditional political affiliation, is an enormous milestone happening. It signals that the PPP is uniting the nation, bringing back Cheddi Jagan’s 1953 unity movement. The PPP today is breaking the albatross of race-based politics.
What is clear from the Kitty Rally is that the supporters of the party have a genuine respect and love for their leaders, especially President Irfaan Ali and VP Bharrat Jagdeo. The PNC leader, Aubrey Norton, does not even command respect and love even among his own party’s supporters. Many have exited the PNC and joined the PPP. Mohamed from the “blue” party has no way to know how much people respect and love him since the chief motivation so far has been how much money they have been paid.
Those who expect to be candidates have been promised things- money and positions. Many have actually signed agreements.
Others were paid to be backers and many feel if they hold up flags and wear blue shirts they would earn more money.
There is no way for Mohamed to know what really to expect for Elections 2025.
The PPP rally featured mostly new and young candidates. According to the PPP’s General Secretary, more than 25 of the PPP’s candidates for elections 2025 are below 25 years old.
Some of them were previously up-andcoming leaders of the PNC whose pathway were stifled and stagnated by the PNC’s lack of vision when they insist that young people must await their turn, while giving old leaders unlimited opportunities to fail.
Others are young people who have been either never in politics or just became in -
volved. Encouragingly, the new candidates of the PPP are not only young and successful, but they are of every ethnic group in the population.
The Kitty Rally for Elections 2025 was also notable for its energy. The energy was electrifying. It was celebratory.
Undoubtedly, the energy was derived from the youthfulness of the crowd. While the crowd stretched almost the full length of Alexander Street and spilled into cross streets into Campbellville, the more remarkable feature was the thunderous energy that was maintained throughout the almost five-hours long rally.
The PPP’s Kitty Rally for Campaign 2025 sets a new bar for comparing rallies. It also was a demonstration that the PPP is bigger than ever and that it would be very difficult for the present opposition to separately or together defeat the PPP.
Twenty-two political parties had submitted symbols to GECOM as notice for their participation. It was always never going to be 22 participants in the elections.
After Sunday’s PPP rally, clearly some of them decided not to bother.
Nomination Day will show us how many of them will be able to contest, even if they would never be able to be competitive.
Yours
truly, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Small parties confident lists will be approved –– to contest in some areas
By Shaniya Harding and Faith Greene
THE major political parties were not the only ones making their presence known on Nomination Day. Several small and newly formed political parties also took to the streets with their leaders and supporters on Monday, determined to make a mark in the upcoming elections.
Among them was the newly formed Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), standing out in vibrant purple among a sea of red and
green. Party leader Amanza Walton-Desir said she is hopeful, not just about the party’s list, but also about its policies, which prioritise Guyana’s youth and women.
Speaking to members of the media just before submitting her party’s list of candidates, Walton-Desir who is the presidential candidate, shared that she and fellow party leaders Nigel London and Dorwain Bess were proud of the work they had done since launching the party. “We are feeling really, really well. I mean, I don’t think you understand the depth of pride that we feel
here today,” she said. “It was less than 21 days ago that we announced the Forward Guyana Movement.”
In just three weeks, the FGM was able to put together a list of candidates contesting in seven of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, an achievement Walton-Desir described as a victory in itself. “You know, you have to participate in a minimum of six regions to qualify nationally. We were able to find candidates and nominators from seven regions in 21 days. And so, for us, I mean, that’s a victory right there.”
representation concerns all parties, “not big, small, new, old parties. I’m of the view that all parties should have equal rights, regardless of how we approach this process.”
While acknowledging that the Forward Guyana Movement is not a well-established party, Walton-Desir said they have a growing support base and “boots on the ground.” However, she raised concerns about the Nomination Day process and procedures implemented by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), stating that newer movements are at a disadvantage. “We are here in gratitude. We are so grateful. Now, we have another hurdle to cross, and that is GECOM,” she said. “We’ve been airing our concerns that newer movements are being put at a disadvantage because of what occurred here today in terms of the order of admission.”
Sharing similar sentiments was FGM’s prime ministerial candidate and leader of The People’s Movement (TPM), Nigel London, who told reporters that it is his firm belief that there should be a “clean, healthy process, that is clear and void of discrimination.”
According to London,
He stated that the three main principals of his political movement, are what he considers a “healthy coalition.” The Forward Guyana Movement, he said, unites three unique forces for change. These include FGM, TPM and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC), which according to him are bringing together forward visionary leadership that is committed to transforming the way politics works in Guyana. “We’re not being subsumed in any way; we’re all functioning as one. We make decisions as one, and that I think is very healthy for the culture, I should say, political culture of our party,” London remarked.
One of the highlights of the party’s list, as Walton-Desir pointed out, is its strong female representation.
“The other beautiful thing about our list is that our list is actually 67 per cent women. So, we’re very proud of that fact. There’s a minimum requirement of a third, and we have exceeded that. We have some vibrant, young women that you will see.”
Another small party making its presence felt on Nomination Day was the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), led by former APNU+AFC minister Simona Broomes. Contesting independently, the former parliamentarian said she is confident in the list submitted by her party.
“We are confident that our list will be approved and that the symbol the eagle in the shield will be on the
ballot paper come the first of September, so that you and all Guyanese can vote for us, for that good change,” the presidential candidate added.
Speaking on the party’s platform, Broomes explained that the ALP aims to put everyday Guyanese at the forefront. She dismissed the idea of class divisions and said that all candidates are valued equally. “The Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity will be the voice to the voiceless. It’s about assembling the people. We’re not going to get into a whole class arrangement, because a vendor is equally important as a lawyer. A security guard is equally important as a doctor. An engineer is equally important as a sweeper/ cleaner.”
Long-standing political candidate and leader of the Horizon and Star (HAS) party, Dr. Hubert Maloney, was the sole candidate for his party on Nomination Day. He told reporters that he is hoping that he gets a seat at the level of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). Nomination Day was a milestone in the electoral calendar as it marked the submission of lists of candidates by those political parties contesting in the September 1 General and Regional Elections. Seven parties were able to submit their lists of candidates. These parties were the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), Horizon and Star (HAS), Alliance For Change (AFC), Assembly For Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Forward Guyana Movement and We Invest In Nationhood (WIN).
Amanza Walton-Desir says she is “very proud” of 67 per cent female representation in her FGM party (Japheth Savory photo)
Forward Guyana Movement’s prime ministerial candidate, Nigel London (Japheth Savory photo)
Leader of Assembly of Liberty Party, Simona Broomes says ALP is a voice to the voiceless (Japheth Savory photo)
Hubert Maloney is the sole name on list of candidates for Horizon and Star party (Delano Williams photo)
US-sanctioned Mohamed presents no plan for Guyana
--fumbles, responds with ‘very shortly, soon’ to basic questions from the media after submitting list of candidates to contest upcoming elections
AFTER submitting a list of candidates to contest the upcoming elections, the US-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed and members of his party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) failed to present a single plan or policy for the development of Guyana, on Monday.
Despite several questions from the media, Mohamed, although claiming his party has a manifesto, did not speak on a single plan or policy that the party plans to present to the electorate.
position about diversifying the economy, was forced to dismiss the rudeness of Dr. Mark France of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), which was absorbed by WIN after an agreement. Dr. France stepped in to save Mohamed amidst the series of basic questions.
The party is already facing severe backlash and criticisms for making backroom deals with former APNU+AFC politicians, and being led by a businessman who was sanctioned by U.S. Department of the Treasury’s
declarations, and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.”
With general and regional elections drawing near, businesswoman Sarah Ibrahim has publicly distanced herself from the presidential ambitions of her cousin, Mohamed, warning Guyanese not to fall for what she described as “a rich man’s vanity project.”
“In just about 50 days don’t listen to the noise. Don’t follow the pomp and scene. Look at the progress.
“Very shortly and soon” were the only words he used in response to almost all of the direct, basic questions which were related to his plans for the country’s development and progress of Guyanese.
This was also the case when he was asked whether he intends to bluff his way to the presidency.
On the topic of how he would manage the country’s oil and gas resources, Mohamed, who fumbled and paused several times when faced with a series of questions, also responded, “very soon.”
The only semblance of confidence was when the WIN leader responded with the word “exactly” to a journalist’s statement that he is a billionaire and money is not an issue.
At one point, a reporter, who challenged a generic
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Azruddin along with his father, Nazar Mohamed and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing, on June 11 2024, were sanctioned by U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which oversees sanctions against individuals and entities tied to illicit activities and hostile foreign governments.
In a June 2024 statement, the OFAC stated, “Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise evaded Guyana’s tax on gold exports, and defrauded the Guyanese government of tax revenues by under-declaring their gold exports to Guyanese authorities. Between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilogrammes of gold from import-and-export
Look at the speed at which our country is moving. It can’t happen overnight but it’s happening,” she said.
Ibrahim made it clear that her post wasn’t about family drama, it’s about Guyana’s future. The businesswoman is not the first family member to come out against him. Recently, two of Azruddin’s uncles, Mohamed Yusuf and Mohamed Haseeb Yusuf, publicly declared that he is not capable of leading Guyana.
“My nephew, Azruddin Mohamed, he does not understand politics, he does not understand geo-politics, he is a political [novice]…I don’t think he has that ability, and he is not that educated… that is my main reason. If he had those qualities, I would have been the first to endorse him, but he doesn’t have leadership qualities. So that is why I just dismiss him,”
Mohamed Yusuf had said. Yusuf did not mince his words as he called out his nephew for turning his father’s 30 years of quiet but meaningful charity into a “political circus” to fuel his own “narcissistic” ambitions.
“He hijacked his father’s charity and he is going about now and turn it into a politi-
cal circus. He is going to the people and show them that he is such a charitable man and he deserves to lead them.
“But this guy is not fit, and he and his sister, Hannah Mohamed, they just wake up one morning and decide to form a political party because Azruddin has some social media standing and has a lot
of followers. These people are just social media freaks,” Yusuf said.
The two highly respected Muslim men endorsed President, Dr. Irfaan Ali for a second term in office, describing him as the man capable of taking charge of Guyana’s further development.
US-sanctioned businessman and leader of WIN, Azruddin Mohamed (right) and ANUG Chairman, Dr. Mark France responding to questions at Umana Yana, on Monday
Sea travel between Guyana, Barbados and other CARICOM countries to cost under US$100
…as CARICOM pushes regional ferry plan
A SINGLE ticket for sea travel between Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, with stops to other Caribbean islands, could soon cost less than US$100.
This comes as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) intensifies efforts to revolutionise regional transportation and deepen economic integration across member states.
Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, announced the initiative during a recent press conference following the recent CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Jamaica.
The plan, he said, is not only to move goods more efficiently but also to allow affordable and practical movement of people throughout the region.
“The ambition is to have those costs per person well beneath US$100—making access between the islands far more competitive,” Symmonds declared, as he outlined a vision for seamless
regional travel similar to that found in Europe.
While a vessel has already been identified for cargo transport between Guyana and Barbados, the initiative has grown to include the development of a passenger ferry system with possible stops in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and other CARICOM states.
Symmonds emphasised that the aim is not simply logistical—it is transformational.
“The intention is to have connectivity across the island chain,” the foreign minister explained. “For example, those products which may be brought from Guyana to Barbados may now then be carried to St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica.”
Symmonds also painted a picture of an integrated future where regional entrepreneurs can easily move goods and services. “The businessman in Dominica who wishes to obtain some supplies from a hardware store in Barbados may wish to drive his van onto a ferry, be able to bring
that van to Barbados, collect the things he wants, drive back onto that ferry and go back home,” he said.
According to Symmonds, this is a model that has already proven effective in Europe and could similarly serve as a powerful tool to advance the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). “They [Europe] have succeeded in deepening their integration movement. We in CARICOM have now come to the point of deepening ours in a similar capacity,” he added.
The minister confirmed that “RoPax” vessels—designed for both roll-on/rolloff cargo and passenger service—have been identified. Similar vessels are currently used in ferry operations between Trinidad and Tobago.
“This is a process that is going to require substantial work over the next few weeks,” he noted. As part of the effort, Symmonds and Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamina Johnson Smith, have been appointed as lead ministers to oversee
implementation.
Symmonds will focus on the southern Caribbean, while Johnson Smith will lead efforts in the northern region.
Key to the plan’s success will be the support of the private sector—and early signs are promising. “Discussion with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) indicates that they are onboard,” Symmonds confirmed. “The discussion now is how we can drive the cost down.”
However, the initiative is not without challenges. Several legal and infrastructural obstacles must be addressed before passengers and vehicles can freely move between states.
“There has to be enhanced port facilities or, as we know it, free movement at ports of entry,” Symmonds stated.
The Barbadian minister identified four key priority areas for harmonisation to support the successful rollout of the regional ferry initiative.
These include the mutual recognition of vehicle registration among CARICOM member states and the acceptance of driver permits and licences across participating countries.
Additionally, he stressed the need to streamline vehicle insurance policies, so they are valid across borders. This, according to him, is a potential area of some challenge because every jurisdiction has its own insurance policies.
“The policies are jurisdiction-specific. And in some cases, the reinsurers are not the same either. So, the re-
insurers for many companies in one country may not be the same as others. And therefore, there is a level of harmonisation that has to be done not only at the regional level, but also with global and international considerations…,” he pointed out.
Upgrading port infrastructure to efficiently and safely accommodate ferry traffic was also highlighted as a critical requirement.
Symmonds explained: “With regard to roll-on/rolloff vehicles, some ports are going to have to go through a period of upgrade in order for them to build up the capacity. In order for them to do this—and it is a matter of priority—it will be expected that member states will be paying detailed attention to that.”
He noted that another critical hurdle to be addressed is the elimination of non-tariff barriers, which continue to obstruct trade and the free movement of goods within CARICOM.
“These are some things that we now have to do,” he said, noting that solutions are already under consideration and that technical teams will work alongside national authorities to address the gaps.
He expressed optimism that once these issues are re-
solved in the coming months, the long-envisioned regional ferry system will finally come to life.
The sea bridge between Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados and other CARICOM states will not only reduce the financial burden on travellers and traders but also enhance food security, strengthen tourism links, and bring CARICOM’s long-touted single market vision closer to reality.
CARI Cargo Inc., the company responsible for regional ferry service among Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, was incorporated in Georgetown, Guyana last year.
Then, it was reported that Trinidad and Tobago’s Galleons Passage will commence operations between Guyana and Trinidad initially, with plans to extend services to Barbados.
The vessel boasts a capacity for 400 passengers and 60 cars, along with on-board amenities including a cafeteria, bar, and a very important person (VIP) lounge.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has already announced that, on Guyana’s end, the vessel will operate out of Parika, located in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara).
Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds
Afreximbank, CARICOM Chair welcome strengthened Africa ties
PROFESSOR Benedict
Okechukwu Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has welcomed Jamaica’s formal accession to the partnership agreement between CARICOM and the bank, which adds an additional US$1.5 billion in financing to the Caribbean region.
With Jamaica’s signature, 13 of the 15 CARICOM member states have now acceded to the partnership agreement, which was introduced by Afreximbank in 2022, following the African Union’s 2008 resolution designating the African Diaspora as the sixth region of Africa.
The move, solidified through the signing of a memorandum of understanding during the 49th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, pushes total available funds for the region to US$3 billion, aimed at deepening trade and investment ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
Describing Jamaica’s signature to the agreement as “an incredible opportunity for even greater transformative impact,” Professor Oramah said that it strategically positions the bank to deepen its financial engagement in the
Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has welcomed Jamaica’s formal accession to the partnership agreement between CARICOM and the bank, which adds an additional US$1.5 billion in financing to the Caribbean region
region, including potential long-term capital investments to support the growth and development of SMEs in Jamaica.
Echoing the sentiment, Okechukwu Ihejirika, acting chief operating officer for Afreximbank’s Caribbean Office added:
“The initiative the bank has taken coming into the region is something that no other institution can make happen apart from Afreximbank and I am happy for the response from the governments in the CARICOM region. That shows that we are now ready to forge a greater partnership between Africa and CARICOM. This is something no other entity can do for us and we are now
rising up to the challenge.”
The bank’s leadership made the remarks at an African-Caribbean side event during the CARICOM Heads of Government 49th meeting, sponsored by JN Bank (one of Jamaica’s top three commercial banks) and Afreximbank. The event was organised by NTT Global Destinations, a trailblazing African tourism and trade consultancy company.
In declaring the event open, Dr Andrew Holness, Jamaica’s Prime Minister and Chair of CARICOM, also stressed the importance of moving beyond the signing of the agreement to implementing practical mechanisms for trade. These, he noted, include settlement in local
Hetsberger, Sarabo-Halley resurface as political frontliners for Mohamed’s WIN
DUARTE Hetsberger, the former personal assistant to controversial ex-Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, has re-entered the public spotlight, this time at the political helm of US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed’s political party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN).
On Monday, Hetsberger was seen seated beside Mohamed at the Umana Yana, as WIN formally submitted its List of Candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
Hetsberger was terminated from GECOM in 2022 following a damning internal investigation sanctioned by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud.
The inquiry found that computers assigned to Hetsberger had been deliberately wiped of sensitive files.
Duarte Hetsberger and former General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Tabitha Sarabo-Halley (NewsRoom photo)
He reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation when questioned by the commission’s IT Department; this is an incident that raised serious concerns about data integrity and accountability during a politically sensitive period. Now, just five years later, Hetsberger is not only polit-
ically active but also visibly leading a campaign that includes several figures from the APNU/AFC opposition. Among the candidates listed on WIN’s slate are former APNU+AFC parliamentarians Dawn Hastings-Williams, Natasha Singh and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.
currencies, cross-listings on regional stock exchanges, and harmonised standards to reduce non-tariff barriers.
He also underscored the critical role of the private sector, stating, “Financial institutions, including JN Bank which I must commend, will have a key role to play in these regulations, not just through funding but through innovation in fintech, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing, and diaspora bonds.”
Keith Levy, JN Bank Chairman also affirmed the institution’s readiness to support the efforts while hailing Jamaica’s accession, noting that the formalisation of the partnership agreement opens the door for Jamaica to con-
nect capital with key opportunities for bilateral growth.
“The Caribbean needs a diversification of financing for important initiatives across this region including investments in infrastructure, technology and cultural assets,” he shared. “We also see the growing economic activities in Africa in areas such as science, technology, and medicine, coupled with the fact that there is a young, educated population who will purchase goods and services and visit the Caribbean as tourists. Through trade and cooperation, we can and shall achieve mutual economic growth.”
Reflecting on the origins of the JN Group, the parent company of JN Bank, which
was founded in the 1800s to provide financial security to still relatively recently emancipated Africans in Jamaica, Mr Levy noted that the partnership and discussions at the side meeting are key steps towards unlocking broader economic freedoms for people of African descent.
“The Caribbean people are part of the African diaspora and as such we must take advantage of the opportunities that are available in Africa and the Caribbean. You can fight against many things but you cannot fight against the demographics of the world,” he said.
“There are similarities in the objectives of Afreximbank, JN Bank, JN Group and NTT and all this interest comes about bridging transportation and all links between Africa and the Caribbean. Today is one giant step for the Caribbean and Africa,” he added.
The side event of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, which featured an African-Caribbean Symposium and African Village, was held at the Half Moon Hotel Conference Centre under the theme: ‘From Shared Roots to a Shared Future: Africa and the Caribbean Unite’. (CARICOM)
Seven parties officially seek approval to contest September 1 polls
SEVEN political parties successfully submitted their Lists of Candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) during Monday’s Nomination Day exercise held at Umana Yana, Georgetown.
With approval or rejection of lists pending, the submissions mark the official start of the 2025 General and Regional Elections campaign season.
Up to press time some certified lists were posted outside the Office of the Chief Elections Officer, Fort Street, Kingston.
Parties which have submitted their lists to contest the 2025 Elections are: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C); Alliance For Change (AFC); Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP); Forward Guyana Movement; We Invest in Nationhood (WIN); and Horizon and Star Party.
AFC’s consensus pick, Terrence Campbell, among APNU’s candidates ––
TERRENCE Campbell,
the businessman who once threatened to “break the hands” of Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton during coalition negotiations, has now been named a candidate on the very list Norton led to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Nomination Day.
Just last year, Campbell publicly lambasted Norton’s leadership and declared the opposition coalition process “untenable.”
Campbell had served as an interlocutor between the AFC (Alliance For Change) and APNU during talks to revive the coalition.
“My exact words were that I would break the hands of Aubrey Norton and get you (AFC) a 65/35 deal,” Campbell was quoted as saying by sections of the local press back in June.
Campbell, representing the AFC, had been a voice for the party in its pursuit of 60/40 and then 70/30 proposals for a coalition government.
Eventually the coalition talks fell through even with the AFC offering to settle for
With former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams; attorneys Dr Dexter Todd and Ronald Daniels and newcomers such as gospel singer Saiku Andrews and youth activist Eden Corbin joining the slate, Norton described the list as “well-balanced” and ready to win
just 35 per cent of political representation. Now, he’s officially part of the team he once doubted.
Meanwhile, APNU’s arrival at the Umana Yana was anything but subdued. Led by a visibly energised Norton, who was joined by prime ministerial candidate Juretha Fernandes and vice-presidential candidate Ganesh Mahipaul, the party made a flamboyant entrance
waving flags, ringing bells and speakers blaring slogans.
The air of festivity, however, was tinged with tension. At one point APNU supporters made a raucous attempt to block the passage of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), resulting in a brief standoff.
Chants from APNU supporters, while passionate, quickly escalated into the of-
Norton, Carol Joseph lead list
Businessman and ex-coalition interlocutor, Terrence Campbell
fensive. Several were heard hurling explicit insults at former APNU figures, including Amanza Walton-Desir, the former member of parliament who has since broken ranks and launched her own political party, the Forward Guyana Movement.
“She sell out!” one supporter shouted, while others used far coarser language unfit for print.
Prior to the exit march, Norton, following the submission of the party’s list, said:
“We have a strong team. I believe we have the best team on the list,” after the party’s submission of its candidate lists to GECOM. He added: “I feel energised. Our support base has been activated. We don’t have to pay anybody to come here. Everyone that [sic] is here is here on their own free will.”
With former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams; attorneys Dr Dexter Todd and Ronald Daniels and newcomers such as gospel singer Saiku Andrews and youth activist Eden Corbin joining the slate, Norton described the list as “well-balanced” and ready to win. The list is co-led by former oil-and-gas adviser under the APNU+AFC and party executive, Carol Joseph.
(Delano Williams photo)
AFC ‘happy’ to be running alone
--compares party’s position to 2011 level despite significant loss of members
LEADER of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, on Monday, declared the party’s confidence and renewed focus, as it officially submitted its list of candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the
upcoming general and regional elections.
Speaking with members of the media outside GECOM’s office on Nominations Day, Hughes said the AFC is running independently.
“We are extremely happy
to be running alone as the Alliance for Change again after 2011, we have our full list for all the regions and all the categories,” he claimed despite the visible support for the party has dwindled significantly.
Hughes highlighted that
The AFC contingent, on Monday, declared it is back to its 2011 position (Delano Williams photo)
the party has placed strong emphasis on gender equity in its proposed cabinet, should it be successful at the polls.
The AFC leader also stated that by Friday the party would be announcing its prime ministerial candidate.
On the matter of candidates, Hughes was upbeat about what he described as a rejuvenation within the party, despite several defections to its former coalition partner A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
Juretha Fernandes, Sherod Duncan and Deonarine “Ricky” Ramsaroop crossed over to Aubrey Norton’s camp, with Fernandes named
the Prime Ministerial candidate for APNU. Hughes, however, said: “We got new fresh, blood,” referencing the party’s political journey since its founding. He said: “You remember when we started, we started alone, the next election we went alone, the next election we went in together and the next election.”
Hughes also signalled a return to the party’s roots, noting: “I think the AFC has come back to its core principles and its core approach to politics.” The AFC had for months prior to nomination day been in talks with the APNU to revive the coalition.
AFC had proposed 70/30 proposals for a coalition government, that was rejected by the APNU. Eventually, the coalition talks fell through with the AFC offering to settle for just 35 per cent of political representation.
“It takes two hands to clap… I think we did as much clapping as we could, a matter of fact, perhaps overclapped,” he said.
The AFC last contested elections independently in 2011. In the 2015 and 2020 elections, the party joined forces with APNU as part of a coalition government, a partnership that has since dissolved.
Man who fatally stabbed pregnant ex-girlfriend awaits sentencing
A 36-year-old man who admitted to the gruesome killing of his pregnant ex-girlfriend in the presence of a child is now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to the capital offence.
Terrence Thomas, also known as "Oosh," formally entered a guilty plea before Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif at the High Court in Demerara for the 2022 murder of 28-year-old Loretha Simon.
The crime, which left the community in shock, took place at Simon’s mother’s home in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on January 27, 2022.
The court has set August 18, 2025, as the date for Thomas' sentencing.
State Prosecutor Darin Chan, who presented the facts of the case, described the incident as a vicious and calculated act of violence carried out in broad daylight.
According to the prosecu-
tion, Simon had been visiting her mother’s home and was preparing to cook curry when Thomas arrived uninvited and attacked her.
Without warning, he pulled a knife and repeatedly stabbed her in front of her nine-year-old sister, who was left traumatised by the ordeal.
Thomas fled the scene immediately after the attack,
leaving the bloodied weapon behind. He was later apprehended and charged with murder.
At the time of her death, Simon was several weeks pregnant.
Justice Chandra-Hanif is expected to consider the full range of aggravating and mitigating factors before delivering her sentence.
Terrence Thomas Loretha Simon
OAS signs agreement to observe September 1 polls
THE Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Government of Guyana, on Monday, signed the agreement for the deployment of the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025. In a press statement, the OAS revealed that an agreement was signed at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, by OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin and the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the OAS, Samuel Hinds. Secretary General Ramdin highlighted the OASs longstanding commitment to democratic
governance in Guyana and across the hemisphere.
“This will be the seventh OAS observation in Guyana—an affirmation that democracy is alive and strengthened in the country,” Secretary General Ramdin is quoted.
He also underscored the constructive nature of the OAS’s electoral missions, noting: “EOMs are not meant to criticise, but to deliver positive, achievable recommendations that help strengthen institutions and reinforce public trust.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador Hinds reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to transparent and credible elections and
Fantasy Gaming Lounge robbery…
Ex-security guard remanded for shooting at duo, stealing gun
A FORMER security guard accused of discharging his service weapon during a brazen multi-million-dollar robbery at Giftland Mall’s Fantasy Gaming Lounge has been remanded to prison, even though no charges have yet been filed in connection with the reported $13.1 million theft.
Rakameem Nicholas, 21, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was brought before the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts on Monday following his recent arrest after nearly three weeks on the run. He appeared before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs and was formally charged with multiple offences related to the June 22, 2025 incident.
Nicholas, who was employed with Castle Security Services at the time and on duty at the Fantasy Gaming Lounge, faced two counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent.
Prosecutors allege that he fired his service weapon at Cassie Benjamin and Raywat Sankar inside the Fantasy Gaming Lounge, intending to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause them grievous bodily harm.
In addition to those charges, Nicholas is also facing a simple larceny charge for allegedly stealing a 9mm Glock pistol (serial number BFVU 468), valued at $450,000, along with 17 live 9mm rounds worth $3,230— property belonging to Castle Security Services. Despite widespread media
expressed appreciation for the support of the OAS and other international observer groups. He said: “We do this conscious that democracy is necessary for development, security, and human rights.”
Since 1997, the OAS has observed six electoral processes in Guyana. Bruce Golding will once again serve as Chief of Mission, as he did in 2020.
coverage linking Nicholas to the $13.1 million robbery at the gaming lounge, no charges directly related to the alleged theft were presented during Monday’s court proceedings. Nicholas, represented by attorney Bernard DaSilva, pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him. Magistrate Gibbs subsequently ordered that he be remanded to prison.
The matter has been adjourned until August 19, 2025, for report and disclosure.
Following the June robbery, Nicholas was declared wanted by the Guyana Police Force, who circulated a bulletin seeking the public’s help in locating him.
Acting on a tip, police ranks, on July 10, visited KK Villa on Lime Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown, where they spotted Nicholas standing at the entrance around 7:00 p.m.
He was promptly arrested.
A search of his person uncovered a mobile phone and $20,950 in cash. He then led officers to Room 9 of the guest house, where a more extensive search was conducted.
Inside a black haversack found in the room, police discovered the very 9mm Glock pistol firearm believed to be the one used in the June robbery. The weapon's magazine contained 15 live rounds of matching ammunition.
Also found in the haversack were Nicholas’ passport and a copy of the security firearm licence issued for the weapon.
Permanent Representative of Guyana to the OAS, Samuel Hinds and General Secretary Albert Ramdin during Monday’s signing agreement
England’s spinner, Bashir, out of series with injury
ENGLAND’S spinner, Shoaib Bashir, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against India with a broken finger on his left hand.
Bashir, 21, was injured attempting a catch off his own bowling on day three of England's win in the third
Test at Lord's.
After sitting out much of the remainder of the Test, Bashir returned to bowl on the fifth day despite the issue and took the final wicket as England secured a dramatic 22-run victory.
"It's not good news for Bash," said England captain Ben Stokes. "It's very disappointing for us as a team and for him."
England said he will undergo surgery later this week.
Bashir also walked out to bat on day four as England sought to set a defendable
England’s off-spinner,
total, making a nine-ball two as his side's last batter.
"He's 21 years old; he's
Yusuf (131*) trumps
target of 86 in 4.4 overs.
Both semi-finals were reduced to seven overs, while the earlier quarter-final between Trendsetters and Young Steppaz saw the former win the six-over affair by seven wickets.
At the national final, the teams will have the opportunity to compete for an additional $1.7 million.
The national finals will offer even greater rewards, with the runner-up taking home $700,000, a trophy, and medals, while the losing semi-finalists will each receive $300,000.
Individual brilliance will also be recognised throughout the tournament, with prizes including: MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-theNational Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000).
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got a very badly broken finger," Stokes told BBC Test Match Special.
"To even walk out there and bat. He didn't even ask. He got his pads on, and got his finger strapped up.
"Every time I looked down at the bench, I could see his face peering saying, 'Get me on'.
"To finish that game off was written in the stars."
The injury forces England's hand for the remaining two Tests in terms of Bashir's place.(BBC Sport)
Hatiramani... (From page 22)
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Shoaib Bashir
Yates wins stage 10 on Bastille Day as Ireland's Healy takes yellow
BRITAIN’S Simon Yates won stage 10 of the Tour de France on Bastille Day as Ben Healy became the first Irish rider to claim the yellow jersey for 38 years.
Yates, who triumphed in his second Grand Tour at the Giro d'Italia in June, timed his attack superbly on the final ascent of the 165.3km stage from Ennezat - Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy after being part of a long-range breakaway.
That group of 28 riders was whittled down significantly on a punishing day through the Massif Central that contained eight categorised climbs, with the Vis-
ma-Lease a Bike rider pulling clear of Thymen Arensman, Healy, Ben O'Connor, Michael Storer and fellow Briton Joe Blackmore in the closing stages.
"It was a really hard start to be there with a lot of strong guys and that's why I took that advantage just before the final climb because I was looking for a head start," Yates said.
"It's been a long time. I was not really expecting any opportunities here. We came here fully focused on Jonas and the GC.
"The stage played out in a way that I could be there and I took it with both hands.
It's not easy. I have been getting better every day since I have been here. I have been growing into the race."
Ineos Grenadiers' Dutch climber Arensman finished
Linde, Brevis and Hermann star as South Africa begin tri-series with easy win
SOUTH Africa beat Zimbabwe in the tri-series opener at the Harare Sports Club in Harare by five wickets and 21 balls to spare. After an all-round bowling performance restricted the hosts to 141 for 6 despite a valiant 50 from skipper Sikandar Raza, debutant Rubin Hermann (45) and Dewald Brevis (17-ball 41) eased the South Africans to a comfortable victory.
The returning Brian Bennett began the Zimbabwean innings with a boundary to third-man. But after the openers were troubled by the pace of Nandre Burger from the other end, Wessley Madhevere fell to Lungi Ngidi due to the resulting pressure. Ngidi followed it up in his next over with a maiden to the new batter Clive Madande. But, a couple of boundaries off the bat of Bennett helped Zimbabwe round off the PowerPlay at 34 for 1. Madande's misery at the crease ended after Nqaba Peter castled the stumps. The hosts brought up the 50 in the ninth over with a rapid increase in the scoring rate required.
But to their dismay, the well set Bennett holed out to deep square-leg after an attempted slog-sweep. Raza and Ryan Burl added a crucial 66run stand for the hosts to take them out of a spot of bother. They were aggressive against the short deliveries and anything drifting on the pads. It continued with a 15-run over of Peter with Burl hitting a four and a six on the onside. Raza brought up the 50-run stand with a six off Simelane and was offered a reprieve of the next ball as Brevis dropped the allrounder. Raza put away a short ball to the fence before a boundary rounded off a 19-run 17th over. Burger returned to end the partnership with the wicket of Burl that rounded off a good spell of 4-0-22-1. The Zimbabwean captain, Raza, moved past 50 but carnage in the last over saw the hosts
lose two to end on 141 for 6.
In reply, Lhuan-dre Pretorius was dismissed for a golden duck with a pull topedged to the bowler. Rassie van der Dussen got off the mark with a streaky boundary just to the left of the mid-on fielder Raza. Fellow opener Reeza Hendricks scored a couple of elegant boundaries before chopping one on to the stumps. Hermann began his foray in South African colours with a pull off Richard Ngarava for six. Van der Dussen joined the party with couple of sixes but fell in the sixth over, off Trevor Gwandu.
At 38 for 3, Hermann and Brevis had a 72-run stand in quick time. Brevis, in particular, was very aggressive from the get-go. He began with a pull to the stands off Raza, and then hit the same bowler onto the roof of the ground. The powerful South African then smashed three sixes off Burl along with a boundary in a 25-run 11th over. In between, Hermann hit a hat-trick of fours off Wellington Masakadza. But Brevis fell after slicing one straight up in the air. Hermann fell on 45 after putting his side firmly on course. Corbin Bosch chipped in a quick 12-ball 19 comprising three boundaries as South Africa began with a win. (Cricbuzz)
second, with Healy, who was born in the West Midlands, coming home in third and jumping to the top of the general classification, 29 seconds ahead of defending
champion Tadej Pogacar.
Belgian Remco Evenepoel sits third, one minute further back, after losing six seconds in the closing kilometres when Pogacar accelerated and only Jonas Vingegaard was able to hold his wheel from a group containing several GC favourites.
The Dane is fourth in the overall standings, one minute and 46 seconds adrift of Healy, who had already triumphed on stage six and will become the first Irishman to wear the maillot jaune since Stephen Roche won the race in 1987.
"It was insanely tough.
It was a battle against myself and I had to dig in deep and my team-mates put in so much work for me that I really wanted to pay them back," Healy said.
"How often do you get an opportunity to put yourself into yellow? I had to take that with two hands and go for it."
There will be a rest day on Tuesday before racing resumes on Wednesday with a 156.8km route around Toulouse that is expected to end in a bunch sprint.
The first big day in the Pyrenees arrives on Thursday with a trip up to the ski resort at Hautacam.
Sri Lanka suffer catastrophic batting collapse as Bangladesh level series
BANGLADESH bounced back to level the series 1-1 against Sri Lanka with a comprehensive 83-run win. Led by captain Litton Das' 76 and a cameo of 48 from Shammim Hossain, Bangladesh scored 177 before an all-round bowling performance had the Sri Lankans all out for 94. The two teams will play the series decider in three days’ time at Colombo.
Sri Lanka began strongly with the ball, dismissing the Bangladesh openers in the first two overs. Nuwan Thushara saw the back of Parvez Hossain Emon, with a full inswinger which crashed into the stumps while Binura Fernando got Tanzid Hasan to nick one to Kusal Perera. At 7 for 2, Bangladesh were staring down the barrel.
Bangladesh took to Dasun Shanaka in the fourth over as Towhid Hridoy tried to begin a counter-attack with a four and a six. But, Litton Das was struggling to get going at the start.
The keeper-batter nailed a six down the ground to take the side to 39 for after the powerplay. Shanaka continued to be given treatment by the Bangladesh batters, as Litton helped a short delivery over fine-leg for six which also brought up the 50-run stand.
The Bangladesh captain was lucky to survive a stumping chance in the 10th
Litton Das top-scored for Bangladesh with 76
over as things continued to go Bangladesh's way, as Hridoy nailed a slog sweep for four.
But, Sri Lanka struck back quickly with a double-strike by Binura Fernando - of Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Shamim Hossain and Litton added further impetus to the innings with three boundaries across seven balls.
Litton brought up his 12th T20I 50 with a six but got another reprieve as Maheesh Theekshana dropped a regulation catch. He hit a six off the next ball, while Thushara was drilled for a four and a six by Shammim.
Litton fell after adding 10 more runs before edging
one to short third-man. Two back-to-back run-outs saw both Jaker Ali and the wellset Shammim, on 48, depart. Mohammad hit a four off the last ball to take the visitors to 177 for 7, with the last 10 overs yielding 108 runs.
After a blistering powerplay by the Sri Lankans in the first T20I, the two openers were off the blocks with 19 off the first 10 balls of the innings. But Shammim inflicted a run-out with a direct-hit to see the back of Kusal Mendis.
Kusal Perera fell in the next over with a cut straight to point off Shoriful Islam. The left-armer picked up the wicket off Avishka Fernando in the next over before Saifuddin added to the hosts' PowerPlay woes with the wicket of captain Charith Asalanka.
The game was sealed in the powerplay as Bangladesh continued to pick up regular wickets of the Sri Lankans. Pathum Nissanka, who witnessed all the carnage from the other end, fell to Rishad Hossain for 32. The legspinner picked up Chamika Karunaratne two balls later to leave the hosts in further trouble.
Mehidy picked up the last threat, Shanaka. Saifuddin picked up Vandersay while Theekshana fell to Mustafizur. Rishad ended proceedings with the stumping of Binura Fernando, as Bangladesh sealed a massive win. (Cricbuzz)
Simon Yates had not won a stage at the Tour since 2019
George Linde picked up 3 for 10 from his three overs
Palmer stars as Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 in Club World Cup final
COLE Palmer inspired a stunning Chelsea performance as they downed European champions Paris St-Germain 3-0 to win the first edition of the newly-expanded Club World Cup.
The England attacking midfielder scored twice and set up a brilliant third goal for new signing Joao Pedro in a comprehensive 3-0 win over in-form PSG at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Palmer placed a low shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 22nd minute after Malo Gusto ran in behind Nuno Mendes, adding a second with a neat dummy and identical shot from the edge of the box just eight minutes later.
His defence-splitting
pass allowed Joao Pedro to lob Donnarumma just before half-time to stun a team branded “the best in the world” by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca before kickoff.
In the second half, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia immediately tested Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, while his close-range save minutes later from Ousmane Dembele was even more impressive. Substitute Liam Delap also had a good shot saved as PSG were left with too much of a mountain to climb after missed opportunities by Joao Neves and Desire Doue when the scores were level in the first half.
The game was all but over on 85 minutes when
matters got worse for the Parisians, as midfielder Neves was sent off after a brief VAR check for pulling defender Marc Cucurella’s hair.
PSG manager Luis Enrique will also face questions after appearing to slap Chelsea forward Joao Pedro in ugly post-match scenes, with unused substitute Presnel Kimpembe having to pull away his coach.
Among the 81,118 people in attendance – the largest number of the tournament – was US President, Donald Trump, who sat alongside FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, as Chelsea took their earnings to about £90m as they became world champions. (BBC Sport)
SCOREBOARD
AUSTRALIA 1st innings 255 West Indies 1st innings 143 AustraliaA 2nd innings (overnight 99 for six)
Usman Khawaja b S Joseph 14
Sam Konstas c Chase b S Joseph 0
Cameron Green b S Joseph 42
Steven Smith b A Joseph 5
Travis Head c Anderson b Greaves 16
Beau Webster b A Joseph 13
Alex Carey c King b A Joseph 0
Pat Cummins c Anderson b A Joseph 5
Mitchell Starc not out 11 Scott Boland b S Joseph 1
Josh Hazlewood b A Joseph 4 Extras (lb9, w1) 10 TOTAL (all out; 37 overs) 121
Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-19, 3-28, 4-50, 5-69, 6-69, 7-99, 8-105, 9-116, 10-121.
Yusuf (131*) trumps Hatiramani (144*) as Eccles stun Diamond to seal zone title in Kares T10
IN what many described as a final of the ages, Eccles All-Stars, led by some of the most destructive hitting from Quazim Yusuf, gunned down 180 to stun Diamond Gunners in the East Bank/West Demerara zone final in the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.
On Sunday at the Eve Leary Sports Club, fans were left in awe as two renowned tapeball teams produced a classic heavyweight battle for a spot in the national finals.
At the halfway stage in the final, Diamond certainly had one foot on the accelerator to the stadium after former national youth player Sagar Hatiramani struck a whirlwind 144* from 45
He only dealt with sixes, 20 of them in total, as this 131* from 38 balls backed by Akeim Vieira (29*) and Jonte Thomas (15) saw them reach 180-1 in just 8.4 overs.
Result: Australia won by 176 runs to win the series 3-0.
The dashing left-hander shared the bulk of the opening stand as Ricky Sargeant made 26* (3x6s) from 15 balls, which ended with an imposing 179-0 after 10 overs.
On the side of history, Sargeant was the first player to score a hundred in the tour-
nament in 2023, and since then, they have been four more, with Hatiramani’s epic being the highest to date.
The other centurions are Ricardo Adams (2024), Qauzim Yusuf (2025) and Ganesh Puran (2025).
Eccles, the inaugural champions of the tournament in 2023, found championship success again as Yusuf produced an exhibition of clean hitting against anything in his path.
Eccles won $300,000 as zone champions, Diamond got $100,000 as runners-up, and Hatiramani got $15,000 for setting a new record in the tournament’s history.
Ganesh Puran also got $15,000 as he previously held the record.
Eccles now joins the Montra Jaguars, whom they will face in the first semi-final of the national finals on August 3 at the National Stadium, Providence. Both sides will await the East Coast/Georgetown Zone winner, who plays on July 19 and 20, followed by Essequibo on July 26-27. In the zone semi-finals, Eccles defeated Trendsetters by nine wickets as they chased their target of 55 in 2.5 overs, while Diamond knocked out the formidable The Guard. They, too, aced their chase and reached their
(Turn to page 20)
The winning Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy and US President Donald Trump
The victorious Eccles All-Stars, the East Bank Demerara/West Demerara zone champions in the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast 2025, as KFC Guyana's Chief Executive Officer, Paul Subryan, hands over the KFC first prize
Sagar Hatiramani blazed the attack with an unbeaten 144*
Yusuf on the attack for Eccles All-Stars
Sinner beats Alcaraz to win first Wimbledon title
WORLD number one, Jannik Sinner, won his first Wimbledon title on Sunday by wearing down Carlos Alcaraz in another high-quality Grand Slam final between the dominant forces of the men's game.
Italy's Sinner claimed a 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory at the All England Club, avenging his brutal French Open defeat by Spanish world number two, Alcaraz, just 35 days ago.
Then, Sinner led by two sets - and held three championship points - before Alcaraz roared back to win a five-set classic lasting more than five hours.
Now, the 23-year-old has responded by taking twotime defending champion Alcaraz's crown on the Centre Court grass, following another gripping contest which again showcased the pair's shot-making, athleticism and star power.
"It is so special," Sinner said. "I'm living my dream."
Sinner, who served a three-month doping ban earlier this year, has claimed the fourth Grand Slam title of his career and a first major victory not on a hard court.
A composed and clinical performance from the
top seed ended Alcaraz's 24-match winning streak.
The manner in which he served out victory from going a break up at 3-1 in the fourth set - given his experience in Paris last month - was admirable.
There was a moment of knowing consternation among Sinner's supporters when he missed a first match point, but he reset to take his second opportunity before dropping to his haunches at the net.
Sinner's win stopped 22-year-old Alcaraz from becoming only the fifth man in the Open era to win three consecutive Wimbledon titles.
"It is always difficult to lose, but first of all I have to congratulate Jannik again," Alcaraz said.
"It is a really well-deserved trophy. He has been playing great tennis and will continue to be a great rival."
'You have to accept the losses' - resilient Sinner bounces back
What makes Sinner so special above all else is his mentality.
The man from the mountains in northern Italy regularly remains ice-cold in the most decisive matches
– which is why his fumble against Alcaraz in Paris felt so surprising.
Little appears to faze the mild-mannered Italian - on or off court.
He was able to stay sanguine during the doping controversy which rocked the sport and the manner in which he has moved on quickly from the brutal nature of his Roland Garros defeat has been impressive.
"I had a very tough loss in Paris, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter how you win or lose – you just have to understand what you did wrong," Sinner said during his on-court speech.
"We accepted the loss,
kept working and that's why I'm holding this trophy."
Sinner had shown more resilience over the Wimbledon fortnight by fighting through an elbow injury which needed an MRI scan.
However, he also had a huge slice of fortune. Trailing by two sets to love in his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov, Sinner advanced when his luckless opponent retired with a pectoral injury.
Sinner and Alcaraz have created a duopoly in the men's game over the past two seasons, forging a gripping rivalry that is starting to fill the void left by the sport's retired or ageing superstars.
This was another demonstration of how the duelwhich the ATP Tour has long pinned its hopes on replacing the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic gap - could be a blockbuster for years to come.
Few would have confidently predicted which way their first meeting in the Wimbledon final would go.
Alcaraz, having won 35 of his 38 grass-court matches, had the greater pedigree on the surface, but Sinner had won their sole previous encounter at Wimbledon in 2022.
When he lost serve and trailed 4-2 in the opener, it felt Alcaraz would again have to fight back from behind.
But he pounced when Sinner got sloppy in the eighth game to level and the subtle change of momentum led to Alcaraz claiming the lead with a stretching backhand which he somehow turned into an astonishing winner.
One of the factors that makes this rivalry intriguing is their opposite styles. Alcaraz has a higher ceiling of artistic shot-making, but his level can dip lower than the steadier Sinner.
That happened in the sec-
ond set as Alcaraz's serve – and concentration – went walkabout.
Sinner broke in the first game and, having survived pressure at 2-1 when his service motion was also disrupted by a champagne cork shooting on to the baseline, it was a decisive one.
With the scoreline locked at one set each, it felt like another classic in the making.
There continued to be little difference between the pair in the third set until Sinner swarmed over Alcaraz's second serve in the ninth game to break and serve out for the lead.
Sinner's relentlessly clean ball-striking from the back of the court, plus his fleetness of foot when his opponent tried to lure him forward, began to frustrate Alcaraz in the fourth set.
Another early break put Sinner in command, but most among an ebullient 15,000 crowd wondered if he had any scar tissue from the Roland Garros final.
The real test was serving out victory and - after Alcaraz generously batted a second serve into the net on the first of two break points at 4-3 - Sinner confidently came through. (BBC Sport)
Ugarkar defends 12 in final over as MI New York defeat Washington Freedom
WITH 12 needed off the final over, Rushil Ugarkar was handed the responsibility of defending against one of the world’s most dangerous finishers, Glenn Maxwell in Sunday's 2025 Cognizant Major League Cricket final at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The 22-year-old emerged as the unlikely hero as MI New York beat Maxwell’s Washington Freedom by 5 runs to be crowned the champions.
Having been invited to bat first, Monank Patel and Quinton de Kock gave MI New York the ideal start on the biggest day of the competition.
The pair put on 72 for the first wicket in just seven overs, including 58 in the powerplay, as the Freedom attack was sent to all parts of the ground.
However, Freedom’s trump card for the Final, fiery Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson, broke the partnership
by removing Patel for 28.
Though de Kock had made several promising starts this season, his standout innings came at just the right time for MI New York.
The Proteas veteran smashed 4 sixes and 6 fours in his entertaining innings of 77. He was briefly supported by Tajinder Singh (14 off 11) and skipper Nicholas Pooran (21 off 17), before Pooran’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse as MI New York slid from 148/2 in the 16th over to 166/7 in the 19th, failing to fully capitalize on their strong start.
Despite the stumble, Kunwarjeet Singh’s unbeaten cameo of 22 off 12 ensured MI New York posted a competitive total of 180/7.
Chasing 181 on a good surface, Freedom had a shaky start, losing two wickets in the opening over to Trent Boult’s magical in-swing.
However, Rachin Ravindra and Jack Edwards launched a sharp counterat-
tack to swing the momentum back in Freedom’s favour.
Edwards contributed a valuable 33 off 22, while Ravindra lit up the final with a whirlwind 70 off just 41 deliveries, showcasing his full array of strokes.
The pair added 84 for the
third wicket before Nosthush Kenjige had Edwards caught at long-on in the 9th over, slowing Freedom’s charge. Ravindra continued the pursuit, but a couple of tight overs and Glenn Phillips struggling at the other end built up pressure. Ravindra
eventually fell to Ugarkar, a moment that turned the game.
From there, both Maxwell and Phillips found it difficult to keep up with the rising required rate. Phillips’ back-to-back sixes off Tristan Luus in the 18th over
gave Freedom a late lift, with 17 runs bringing the equation down to 24 off 12.
But Boult’s composed penultimate over, despite being hit for a six, ensured it would come down to the wire.
With Kieron Pollard unavailable due to an injury earlier, Nicholas Pooran handed the ball to Ugarkar for the final over, and the 22-year-old delivered. He held his nerve in the most critical moment, using clever changes of pace to dismiss Glenn Maxwell with the fourth delivery, ending Freedom’s hopes of a fairytale finish.
The conclusion of the tournament also saw key individual honours awarded. Washington Freedom’s Mitchell Owen was named Player of the Tournament for his all-round excellence.
San Francisco Unicorns’ Xavier Bartlett finished as the highest wicket-taker of the season. (Sportsmax)
Jannik Sinner is the first Italian player to win a Wimbledon singles title
Major League Cricket champions MI New York celebrate their victory
Starc six-for, Boland hat-trick consign
West Indies to 27 all-out and 0-3 series defeat
…West Indies' second innings lasted only 14.3 overs and had seven batters dismissed on a duck as they went down by 176 runs
THERE was a feeling that the stars had aligned for Mitchell Starc, playing his 100th Test with the pink ball he has so often dominated with, but few could have imagined the carnage that unfolded on the third day at Sabina Park as he claimed three wickets in his first over and the quickest five-wicket haul in history including his 400th.
Yet that was not the end of it. Scott Boland claimed a hat-trick, removing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican, leaving West Indies 26 for 9 and in danger of equaling the lowest-ever Test total - made by New Zealand against England in 1955. They edged past it courtesy of a Sam Konstas misfield in the gully, but only by one run when Starc ended the Text next ball to finish with a career-best 6 for 9. West Indies were all out in 14.3 overs.
(Scores Australia 225
(Smith 48, Green 46, Shamar 4-33, Greaves 3-56) and 121 (Green 42, Alzarri 5-27, Shamar 4-34) beat West Indies 143 (Campbell 36, Boland 3-34) and 27 (Starc 6-9, Boland 3-2) by 176 runs)
Starc's incredible performance propelled Australia to a 176-run victory and a 3-0 series margin win, after they had set West Indies 204 for victory in another match dominated by the quick bowlers. Alzarri Joseph, with a career-best 5 for 27, and Shamar shared nine wickets as Australia's last four wickets fell for 22 runs but that was nothing compared to what followed.
Starc produced one of the great opening overs. He removed John Campbell first ball, the fourth time in his career he had struck with the opening delivery of an innings, when the left-hander edged a perfect outswinger to substitute wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was standing in
for the concussed Alex Carey. Four balls later, Kevlon Anderson shouldered arms as the ball swung back to strike his shin in front of middle stump, yet he reviewed the plumbest of lbws. Next delivery, another one arched back between Brandon King's bat and pad to demolish the stumps. It was the sixth time in Test history a team had been 0 for 3.
Mikyle Louis survived the hat-trick ball at the start of Starc's second over, but fittingly his 400th wicket came with another trademark inswinger as he trapped Louis, lbw becoming the fourth Australian bowler to the landmark after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon.
The extraordinary scenes continued when, two balls later, he added Shai Hope lbw to bring up a five-wicket haul in just 15 deliveries, the fastest from the start of an innings -- beating the previous record of jointly held by
Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad and Scott Boland by four deliveries
Starc produced one of the great opening overs. He removed John Campbell first ball, the fourth time in his career he had struck with the opening delivery of an innings, when the left-handed edged a perfect outswinger to substitute wicketkeeper Josh Inglis who was standing in for the concussed Alex Carey.
Four balls later, Kevlon Anderson shouldered arms as the ball swung back to strike his shin in front of middle stump yet he reviewed the plumbest of lbws. Next delivery, another one arched back between Brandon King's bat and pad to demolish the stumps. It was the sixth time in Test history a team had been 0 for 3.
Mikyle Louis survived the hat-trick ball at the start of Starc's second over, but fittingly his 400th wicket came with another trademark
inswinger as he trapped Louis lbw becoming the fourth Australian bowler to the landmark after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon.
The extraordinary scenes continued when, two balls later, he added Shai Hope lbw to bring up a five-wicket haul in just 15 deliveries, the fastest from the start of an innings -- beating the previous record jointly held by Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad and Scott Boland by four eliveries.
Starc's monopoly ended when Josh Hazlewood had Roston Chase caught behind to leave West Indies on a scarcely believable 11 for 6.
In the eighth over, Greaves became the first batter into double figures as he and Alzarri managed to reach the tea interval which at one stage had been in doubt.
After the interval, Boland got into the act as Greaves edged to slip and Shamar was lbw via the DRS. Then,
with the hat-trick delivery, he speared one through Warrican. Few would have bet against four-in-four, but Starc ended with the honour of wrapping up one of the wildest passages of play imaginable.
The ball had dominated from the very start of the day when Cameron Green shouldered arms to one from Shamar, which shaped back to cannon into off stump. Green had played superbly the previous evening to given Australia a cushion for the fourth innings, although in the end they didn't come close to needing it.
Shamar took his series tally to 22 wickets at 14.95, the most for a West Indies bowler against Australia since Courtney Walsh in 1999, but not long later there was only one quick bowler being talked about. (ESPN Cricinfo)
(See scoreboard on page 22)
Joseph becomes joint sixth-fastest West Indian to reach 50 Test wickets
GUYANESE pacer, Shamar Joseph, continued his dream start to Test cricket during the third day of the third Test against Australia at Sabina Park on Monday.
Joseph dismissed Australia’s Cameron Green with the very first ball of the day
to reach 50 Test wickets in his 11th match, becoming the joint sixth-fastest West Indian to reach the landmark.
The 25-year-old made his Test debut against the same opposition in Australia last January and has gone from strength to strength ever since, cementing himself as
part of both the present and future of the West Indian pace attack.
Alfred Valentine is the fastest West Indian to 50 Test wickets as he brought up the milestone in his eighth match against Australia in 1951.
Sir Andy Roberts and
Colin Croft were next fastest, each reaching 50 wickets in their ninth match while Wes Hall and Joel Garner both took 10.
Joseph now finds himself sixth on that list alongside Sonny Ramadhin, Ian Bishop and Shane Shillingford. (Sportsmax)
Guyana and West Indies pacer, Shamar Joseph
Mitchell Starc completed his five-wicket haul in just 15 balls, the fastest in Tests (AFP/Getty Images)
Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph picked up the ten Australian wickets (AFP/Getty Images)
