‘Stay the course’
- President Ali urges Guyanese to remain committed to national development - emphasises government’s focus on economic prosperity, job creation, continued progress
Strategic health investments delivering specialised care, major infrastructure upgrades - Jagdeo says
YEARS of strategic planning and investment in Guyana’s health sector are bearing fruit, as the government prepares to award new contracts for hospital construction in Region Seven, while pushing ahead with the rebuilding of Bartica Hospital and a $30 million upgrade to the Linden Hospital Complex.
These projects are part of a comprehensive plan to modernise the public health system, and expand access to quality medical care across the country.
During a press conference last week, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said these initiatives are the result of years of planning, and are aligned with the government’s commitment to deliver a world-class healthcare system.
“This is the fruit of several years of work, and we're happy that they are being open before the elections, because they're consistent with our promise to work towards delivering world-class healthcare for our people, and we're closer to that goal in the five years, and we have to account for that stewardship. They represent years of ded-
icated work consistent with a vision that we laid out,” Jagdeo stated.
He explained that the Region Seven facility is one of several new hospitals being rolled out across the country as part of this healthcare transformation.
Just last week, the government commissioned the New Diamond Hospital, a modern facility equipped to serve 40,000 residents.
Dr. Jagdeo noted that in addition to the new Region Seven hospital, the government plans to rebuild the hospital in Bartica, and undertake extensive improvements in other parts of the country.
“There's a plan to re-build the Bartica Hospital; the West Demerara Hospital would be rebuilt. We're spending at least $30 million to upgrade Linden. And once we move out the maternity section from the Georgetown Hospital to Ogle, a lot of the buildings would be pulled down, and we have a modernisation plan for the entire Georgetown Hospital, too.”
AGGRESSIVE RECRUITMENT
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the government’s strategy to boost both infrastructure and human resources in the health
sector, with active efforts underway to recruit more medical professionals.
“We are recruiting aggressively from abroa;, specialists, and if necessary, we'll continue to do so that we can deliver a good quality care in these hospitals.”
He added that hospital management is also receiving attention, as strong leadership is key to accountability and efficiency.
“And we are now looking
at management of these hospitals seriously, because we believe that if you have good management, then you would have greater accountability at the hospital.”
He noted, too, as part of efforts to increase access to specialised care, the public hospitals are now offering a broader range of advanced procedures.
“We're delivering more tertiary care now, even at the level of our hospitals; public
hospitals. You have joint and hip replacement, you have even cardiac care, stenting, a whole range of things done in public institutions.”
The government is also creating incentives for the private health sector to modernise and expand its services.
“Along with the improvement in public health care, we are also working to create incentives for private health care. So, we have removed
the corporate tax very early in the first budget that we passed because we had promised that in our manifesto. We removed the corporate tax. We're removing the customs duties and VAT on equipment that they're using to modernise…if they're bringing in new MRI or CT scans or other things,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
He addressed the need to maintain ethical recruitment practices, particularly in relation to medical personnel coming from Cuba.
At the same time, the government is investing in training and better working conditions for local healthcare professionals to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We have to train more of our people. We have to increase their remuneration and working conditions, and that is in train. But in the meantime, we have to fill that need with foreign recruits, not necessarily from Cuba, from any country in the world. And as we train more of our people, then we can fill the posts with our own people. That is the idea, but we don't want the service to suffer because of the shortage of Guyanese healthcare professionals.”
No conflict of interest with AG advising GECOM
- Commissioner Gunraj says, points to existing precedent
PPP/CIVIC-NOMI -
NATED Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner Sase Gunraj has dismissed concerns over the Attorney-General (AG) Anil Nandlall providing legal advice to the commission in the absence of an in-house legal adviser.
Gunraj was at the time speaking on the Starting Point podcast during which he stated that such consultation is not without precedent and does not amount to a conflict of interest. He indicated that it has long been the practice for the commission to seek legal guidance from the AG’s Cham -
bers, even when a fulltime legal officer was employed.
“Advice from the Attorney-General to the Guyana Elections Commission is not a new phenomenon,” Gunraj emphasised, adding, “Even when we had fulltime legal officers in our employ, advice and guidance were sought from the Chambers of the Attorney General, sometimes directly from the Attorney-General on varying matters.”
To this end, Gunraj added that the Attorney-General, as the state’s principal legal adviser, is often best positioned to provide insight into the rationale behind the implemen -
tation of certain legal provisions in various sections of the country’s legislation.
He stated that sometimes guidance is required from the AG on issues and the rationale behind the implementation of matters in the Representation of the People Act (RoPA).
“Who else are you going to get that from? We can’t sit seven people, no legal adviser and figure out what was the rationale behind certain issues,” Gunraj asserted.
He then recalled events of March 2020 following the General and Regional Elections which are clear examples of the set precedent.
Gunraj further re -
counted that discussions on drafting what would become the controversial Order 60 which dealt with the recount of votes involved direct engagement with the AG’s Chambers.
Gunraj noted that some of those who are now objecting to such consultation did not express similar concerns at that time.
He further clarified that any advice provided by the AG is not binding. “Any advice provided by the AG could only be to us persuasive guidance. We’re not bound to accept it. And as a lawyer myself, I am always grateful for another view, if ever there is one, to consider
when making a decision.”
On the broader concern of a legal vacuum within GECOM, Gunraj acknowledged that no steps have yet been taken to replace the former legal officer.
However, he suggested that even during the 2020 elections, the commission relied heavily on external counsel rather than its internal legal adviser.
“As recent as 2020… the legal officer had little or no role to play in those matters. You’d recall all of them were handled by external counsel,” he stated.
Against this backdrop, Gunraj said the current debate over the
PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner and attorney-at-law Sase Gunraj
AG’s involvement appears to be manufactured and external to the commission.
“For the avoidance of doubt, in the commission itself, there is no big issue about this. These concerns, if I can call them that, were raised outside or external to the commission, not from within.”
PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
‘Stay the course’
- President Ali urges Guyanese to remain committed to national development
- emphasises government’s focus on economic prosperity, job creation, continued progress
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has called for unwavering commitment to national development, urging citizens to “stay the course” as the country continues its journey of transformation and growth.
Speaking last week at the launch of a new marine service in Guyana, the President reaffirmed his administration's focus on creating sustainable opportunities for economic prosperity and job creation, particularly in sectors such as the maritime industry.
"We are not only creating jobs, we are creating the future," President Ali said. "This is why it is critical that we do not lose
momentum. We're in full take-off mode and now is not the time to look down or go backwards. Now is not the time for hesitation or doubt. Now is the time of execution, acceleration and transformation. Now is the time to stay the course with the People's Progressive Party/ Civic."
The launch of Orinduik Marine Services, which aims to expand Guyana's capabilities in the maritime industry, represents a significant milestone in the country’s broader development strategy.
President Ali emphasised that Guyana's burgeoning oil wealth, while a vital resource, must be utilised strategically to ensure long-term benefits
for all citizens.
"When the oil stops flowing, the question will be, did we use it to build a nation, or did we just spend it?" he said, highlighting the government’s foresight and sustainable investment.
"I believe that with every fibre of my being that we are building, and I believe that the people of this country, when given the chance and the tools, will not just rise, they will fly. They will soar," he said.
President Ali expressed confidence in the nation's potential, stressing that the wealth of Guyana is not solely defined by its natural resource.
Highlighting the coun-
try's abundant talent and vision, President Ali affirmed that Guyana’s growth is not just reliant on oil.
"Guyana is not just rich in oil, it is rich in talent, in potential, in purpose, in vision, in idea, in clarity, rich in every aspect of a holistic ecosystem to
support resilience, sustainability and prosperity."
The President pointed to the broader implications of the nation’s progress, drawing attention to how wealth should be manifest in tangible outcomes across all sectors.
"That wealth will not lie buried in the ground,
it will stand tall in every ship guided safely to our shores, in every youth trained in modern marine systems, in every business integrated into the supply chain. This is our moment. This is our momentum. This is our mission,” he said.
T&T’s Maraj Air Conditioning to open doors here in July
- Guyana identified as one of the most promising locations in the Caribbean
CITING Guyana as one of the most promising investment destinations in the Caribbean, regional brand Maraj Air Conditioning Limited is set to officially enter the local market next month.
The announcement was made during a soft launch event hosted at Aura Lounge, Pegasus Hotel, where the director of the company, Dr. Ranisha Maraj, affirmed that Guyana’s rapid economic growth and infrastructure boom made the country a strategic choice for expansion.
“Investing in Guyana
at this time is both strategic and deeply meaningful,” Dr. Maraj said.
She added, “Guyana represents one of the most promising franchises in the Caribbean, not only because of its economic and infrastructural development but also because of the strength and talent of its people.”
Founded in Trinidad and Tobago, Maraj noted that the company has grown over the decades from a retail and distribution company into a regional manufacturer of both commercial and domestic air condition-
ing systems.
She added that the upcoming entry in Guyana will focus on more than just business operations.
According to Dr. Maraj, the company aims to be a key partner in the country’s transformation, offering employment, skills training, and energy-efficient cooling solutions.
“We are confident that our entry here will serve more than just a business expansion. It should be a partnership for sustainable development and empower-
ment,” she said.
The soft launch event came following a two-day trade mission between the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), to which she noted that their efforts to foster cross-border partnerships have paved the way for such a venture to flourish.
The company currently operates in Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Dominica, and Barbados.
Director of Maraj Air Conditioning
Dr. Ranisha Maraj
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
‘We are proud to stand beside you as partners in progress’
- University of East London Pro-Vice Chancellor says, praises partnership with GOAL
VICE-PRESIDENT
and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of East London, UK, Professor Paul Marshall on Monday noted that the university is proud to stand beside the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and praised the partnership between the institutions.
Professor Marshall made this known as he
delivered an address to graduates at the recent GOAL graduation ceremony, during which he congratulated those who have completed their various degree and certificate programmes at the various institutions.
Marshall stated, “The partnership between the Government of Guyana and the University of East London,
through the pioneering GOAL initiative, is a powerful reflection of our shared values.”
Together, he added, they believe in the transformative power of education, not only to elevate individuals but to uplift entire communities.
With this, he indicated that the University of London is the United Kingdom’s leading career-focused university, preparing graduates not only to succeed, but to lead in a rapidly chang-
ing world.
In Guyana, he added that this mission resonates more strongly than ever.
He went on to note that the university has expanded its global footprint, building partnerships across more than 40 countries, ensuring that a University of East London education is accessible to talented students everywhere.
Meanwhile, he told the graduates that as Guyana stands on the
threshold of extraordinary change with growing industries and global partnerships, they will be the next generation of leaders and innovators who will turn those opportunities into lasting prosperity.
As such, he said, “To the Government of Guyana, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your
investment in education, your belief in the power of human potential has made today possible.”
“We are proud to stand beside you as partners in progress committed to Guyana’s national vision for sustainable development, employability and innovation.”
Vice-President and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of East London, UK, Professor Paul Marshall (Delano Williams photo)
Gov’t empowers Region Seven miners with tools to boost livelihoods
IN a significant show of support for small-scale mining, 90 miners in Bartica and surrounding Region Seven communities received vital equipment to strengthen their operations.
The supplies, which included engines, tarpaulins, hoes, gas stoves, solar panels, and other essentials, were distributed on Saturday by the Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Small Miners Association Inc.
One of the recipients, Orin Allen, said the supplies offered a genuine opportunity to mine, and he expressed his appreciation to the government.
“I have been working for over 20 years in the industry, [and] I never really see the government get into mining,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI). “But I am seeing it coming to light, whereby small miners are getting stuff to do mining. I think this is a good step.”
Burgett Adams said the equipment will improve her operations, which she believes will lead to better circumstances.
“This will definitely go a very long way in helping us to move forward, and actually improve our circumstances or living circumstances,” she said.
Melissa Charles expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “I am really thankful for what the government is doing for small miners.”
Head of Policy Planning and Coordination at the ministry, Omkar Lochan noted that this is part of the government’s ongoing work to support small miners. It is also in keeping with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s
vision to ensure all sectors are given attention. Since taking office in 2020, the government has removed taxes from mining fuel and equipment, and created a system where miners can get duty-free concessions once they make proper gold declarations.
More than 1,000 small miners also accessed mining lands through a lottery process facilitated by the government, with another one planned soon for Region Seven residents.
Lochan informed the miners that the government is also working on new ways to help small miners access financing, especially through guaranteed loans and reduced interest rates. Efforts are being made to use technology, and find safer, more affordable alternatives to mercury.
“We are very committed to this sector, and we will continue to engage you,” Lochan said. “We saw one of the highest declarations of gold in recent times, and con -
gratulations on that, and I hope that we can surpass last year’s amount, come December this year.”
GGMC’s Deputy Commissioner Jacques Foster told the miners that the intention is not only to regulate, but to work closely with miners and help solve issues affecting the industry.
He recalled that just two weeks ago, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat held direct talks with miners
in Bartica, where several concerns were raised.
Many of those have already been addressed, and steps are being taken
to deal with the remaining issues.
Foster also announced that GGMC’s Bartica office will soon offer all the same services as Georgetown, saving miners a trip to Georgetown to access basic services.
Member of Parliament Lee Williams said the government continues to keep an open-door policy, especially to those in far-flung areas who rely on mining to earn a living.
The prime minister’s representatives, Erwin Ward and David Daniels, founder of the Small Miners Association, also delivered remarks at the event.
Daniel acknowledged the strong support from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Ministry of Natural Resources. (DPI)
The delegation flanked by two small-scale miners
Time for a Banking Revolution
GUYANA stands at an economic inflection point, propelled by unprecedented growth and diversification.
But as Senior Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and President Dr. Irfaan Ali so succinctly put it, such dynamic change calls for a corresponding balanced change of an equally important partner: The banking sector.
The domestic banking sector, long a conservative force, has acted like a stabiliser, but its current lending approach, based largely on a "risk-free" property model, is no longer sufficient.
It's time for Guyanese banking to shed its conservative shroud and embrace new, more inclusive lending practices which will be necessary to stimulate the country's budding entrepreneurial culture.
The government has worked diligently to lay the foundation for this fundamental change.
The enactment in 2024 of the Moveable Property Security Act, and the establishment of an Electronic Collateral Registry is a quantum leap.
This legislative development permits a wide variety of moveable property, rang-
ing from equipment and car assets to inventory, receivables, and even intangible property, to be employed as collateral for loans.
This is not just a technical shift; it is a strategic opening of capital to hundreds of thousands of new and existing entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses (SMEs) which possess quality operations assets and not traditional real estate assets which are preferred by banks.
In a rapidly growing economy where new industries are emerging and others are growing rapidly, access to finance remains a
major hindrance.
While, admittedly, a number of banks have begun to pilot these new mechanisms cautiously, Dr. Singh states that the implementation pace is just "not occurring as rapidly as we would like to observe it occurring".
President Ali's insistence that the banks be more proactive; that they "seek out new opportunities" and "create an ecosystem" to bring about national growth constitutes a fundamental shift in expectation.
The role played by a bank in a rapidly developing economy extends be -
yond just deposits and safe lending; it requires vision, innovativeness, and breaking out of habitual comfort zones.
The regulatory and legal frameworks are now solidified, but apparently, not all institutions are interested in using these measures fully, instead of clinging to traditional models.
This resistance, understandable though it is in view of past prudence, is now bordering on being a hindrance to national progress. The government's evident eagerness to attend to and potentially "upgrade" this issue onto its agenda
ensures that mere compliance will not be enough; active participation in restructuring is expected.
The banking sector in Guyana has to make a change in attitude and practice so that it continues to be relevant and be able to support subsequent growth in emerging sectors and traditional sectors. They ought to be active advocates for growth, embracing fresh lending that responds to the economic trends in the country, so that prosperity is not just for privileged elite groups, but for each Guyanese entrepreneur.
Baby Skello’s offensive remarks signal need for urgent reflection on Guyanese values
Dear Editor,
THE recent discourse surrounding the imprisonment of Daniel Wharton—popularly known as "Baby Skello"—for his deeply offensive remarks about a revered Hindu deity, brings into sharp focus the urgent need for reflection on the values that define us as Guyanese.
Mother Lakshmi— also spelled Lakshmi or Laxmi—holds immense spiritual, cultural and devotional significance within Hinduism. For Mr Wharton and others who may not grasp the weight of this significance, allow me to clarify: "profound" in this case refers to something rooted in deep his-
torical, philosophical, and spiritual purposes.
The depiction of Mother Lakshmi is not merely symbolic; it represents a way of life, grounded in dharma (righteousness), ethical conduct, social responsibility and principled living.
In Hinduism, Mother Lakshmi is adored as the life-giving force in the Shiva-Shakti relationship—the sacred balance between consciousness and creative energy. A society without this energy is, as our scriptures say, like a corpse (shava). To ridicule such a symbol is to attack the very essence of the spiritual and cultural identity of thousands of Guyanese.
Mr Wharton’s ac -
tions inflicted real emotional harm on a large segment of our population and that must be acknowledged.
While he may claim the protection of "freedom of expression," that right is not without limits. In a pluralistic society such as ours—rich in ethnic and religious diversity—freedom must be exercised with responsibility. Rights do not exist in a vacuum; they coexist with duties, including the duty to avoid actions that deliberately offend or provoke.
In this context, Mr Ferlin Pedro’s letter published on June 15, 2025—asserting that blasphemy laws are outdated colonial relics—
misses the present-day relevance of such legal safeguards. In deeply diverse societies such as Guyana, religious identity is intimately tied to individual and communal dignity. What one person views as artistic or harmless may be perceived by another as a direct assault on their spiritual core and their right to live. Where such expression becomes intentionally provocative—especially toward minority or vulnerable groups— the state has a duty to intervene to preserve peace and social harmony.
As a practising Hindu, I found Mr Wharton’s expression to be deeply hurtful and
provocative. Anyone willing to view the matter with fairness need only reverse the roles and consider how another minority community would feel if similarly targeted.
Freedom of artistic expression is indeed vital in a democracy. However, it does not override the right of others to live without cultural humiliation or harassment. The true test is not whether words cause physical harm, but whether they destabilise the social fabric, provoke emotional violence, or foster mental disorder. A just legal system must address both tangible crimes and symbolic acts that threaten this
social cohesion. If there is to be a national conversation, it should focus on how to apply the law fairly and effectively—not on whether all speech, regardless of harm, should be permissible. A mature democracy is not measured solely by how freely its people speak, but by how thoughtfully and responsibly they do so.
As Lord Hewart famously said in Rex v. Sussex Justices (1924), “Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.” That principle remains as relevant today as it was a century ago.
Respectfully, Sasenarine Singh
Is reporting noise nuisance a complete waste of time?
Dear Editor,
FATHER’S Day was celebrated throughout the world on Sunday 15th and Guyana was no exception. Grounded in the festivity of observing its relevance, this tradition translates to many cultural activities, according to the family’s custom.
On a happy note, visiting dad, having a family reunion, eating, drinking and merrymaking, giving a gift or simply calling dad alternatively, are some of the pronounced ways of commemorating this annual event.
On a solemn tone, some families will visit the burial ground; some will reminisce about the past; some will be subjected to a sadful state; some will give to charity and some will provide humanitarian service, all in memory of the passing of a dearly beloved father. The majority of people will be persuaded to show some degree of appreciation and give thanks to that fatherly figure. Some will resent the day because of those who did not live up to expectations. It is the sombre, sober and sorrowful reaction to a soured reality.
One family from Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, still mourns the loss of their breadwinner, who attempted to defend his family, save their honour and preserve the nobility of human dignity.
A pandit chose to confront the lawlessness portrayed by those who were imbibing; using foul language; making noise; creating a nuisance in front of his home and disturbing his family from sleeping and resting peacefully, at 2 am on a Sunday morning four years ago. He was mercilessly killed and his young 11-year-old son was also injured when he bravely tried to save his father from those murderous cowards.
The pandit’s frustrated wife explained that the raucous behaviour began on Saturday evening and calls to the police proved futile. Had the police done their job, perhaps the outcome would
have been less traumatic.
A double murder occurred by a popular Leonora Bar in the wee hours of a Saturday night last year and many other deadly incidents have been recorded throughout Guyana. Why are entertainment places allowed to open after midnight, more so, until 3 and 4 o’clock in the morning? It is the duty of the police to provide and protect the safety of all citizens in Guyana at all times and anywhere, without fear or favour.
Recently, there have been many reports in the newspapers and on the internet regarding noise nuisance in the public, especially in residential areas where supermarkets, bars and nightclubs are licensed to operate.
Many have spoken out against the consumption of alcohol, rowdy behaviour, loud and obscene noise emanating from public gatherings and public transportation. Why are vehicles allowed to roam the streets while playing deafening, noisy and vulgar music any hour of the day and night, on the roads, in front of churches, mosques, mandirs, schools, hospitals and even the police stations and courthouses, without the police raising an eyebrow, batting an ear or curtailing this devastating issue?
It is high time the police play an active role, positively and proactively, in protecting those vulnerable to damaging noise nuisance, implement and execute the law and do what is right. When last was a ticket written for noise nuisance? The goodly Attorney General stated that you can play your music but you cannot play it to disturb your neighbour or worse yet, the neighbourhood.
Citizens are entitled to a good night’s rest and have the right to enjoy peace when it’s time to sleep without being subjected to the pronounced noise disturbance by people, cars, motorbikes, alarms, vulgar behaviour, loud noises from shouting, squealing, laughter, conversations and obscene language, more in particular
from customers and employees and taxi drivers visiting bars and nightclubs operating in residential areas.
When will the law wake up to this horrendous call being repeated disgustingly and act in favour of innocent citizens and not patronise business owners who are only concerned about profiting from their operations? They do not give a damn about morality, law and order, the welfare of the sick, elders, students, workers, babies or the civility of the dignity of possessing the minimum respect for others to have the right to live peacefully as a human being and share the same environment.
Why aren’t the police taking calls, especially in the night when law-abiding citizens call for help? It is noticeable that when business owners summon the police, they unhesitatingly arrive. Is the law being compromised? Most times you call the police stations and you’re lucky for someone to answer, the excuse is always the same: they do not have any officer to respond; the patrol is out attending to another matter; someone will come shortly but they never turn up. Worse yet, the police are claiming that their phones are malfunctioning!
This is a slap in the face of the Commissioner of Police, the Home affairs Minister, the Attorney General and the Minister of Legal Affairs and…the President of this nation. This is an oil-rich nation with a government working overnight and toiling non-stop in order to ensure that the rights of the people are protected, safety and security are guaranteed and all must be treated equally and justifiably. Are those honourable offices aware of any plight or dilemma the police officers and stations are overwhelmed with, which prevent them from giving of their best and undermining them from their required operations?
Most police officers are clean, honest, hardworking, ready, willing and capable of implementing and executing the law. The tainted and
stained ones are still practising and perfecting the “leff or rite’ rule. Instead of being vigilante and patrolling the streets in the night to deter law breakers, some could be seen hanging out at bars with the owners without anything left to the imagination! Will this letter be another waste of time, ignored or thrown in the garbage? Will the police finally and firmly deal holistically with the national issue of noise disturbance as a menace and nuisance and take remedial and appropriate action and not leave law-abiding citizens hanging in midair for their dear life?
Yours respectfully, Jai
Lall
African Guyanese and the Darren Wade controversy
MR DARREN Wade, an attorney, is known throughout Guyana for his politics of alignment. He is a committed person to the politics of the opposition to the PPP. Mr Wade’s politics has taken him into the area of free service in almost all the opposition-related cases since Roysdale Forde stopped his service
after the last contorted PNC congress in which he was humiliated.
When one thinks of Wade, one thinks of any committed PNC leader in the PNC’s camp. But Wade has become a victim of the lunatic fringe and why African-Guyanese need to reflect on what happened to Darren Wade, is because any decent
PNC leader or PNC supporter who refuses to deny their humanity in preference to political extremism will become a victim the way Wade has.
The controversy surrounding Wade is a twin story. The other part is Dr Caleb Mc Cloggan. Both Mc Cloggan and Wade disappeared from the radar after the Adriana
Younge family rejected the first autopsy. We don’t know why the family lawyer, Mr Wade, was replaced by Dexter Todd.
To this day, we don’t know because Mr Wade has not spoken out. But we do know why Mc Cloggan parted company because he has gone public with his frustration. He spoke to me. I haven’t his permission to speak, but I believe Dr Mc Cloggan acted professionally in his service to the Younge family. I believe Wade acted professionally as the Younge family lawyer.
I reject the sordid public comments about these professional men, but the sordidness has a sickening dimension and we can only analyse this dimension after what Mark Benschop did to Wade. I need to divert here and let the entire country know what I have written before on this page about the Younge family’s post-autopsy deportment.
I sincerely believed that grief had overcome the Younge parents and so one could have forgiven the wild, inciting statements from them. Over time, I am convinced that the Younge family extracted their grief from the situation and injected politicisation of the tragedy; by Younge family, I include the aunt. To date, the aunt and the Younge parents intend to continue to politicise the tragedy of their daughter. It is incredible insensitivity on the part of these people.
This politicisation has the potential to damage the professional career of a young doctor and a young lawyer. Chronicle columnist Leonard Craig, has put it over attractively. He said the Adriana Younge tragedy has turned Guyana into a graveyard for professional integrity. Three pathologists with international standing have had their credibility questioned.
Dr Mc Cloggan and Darren Wade have been tarred, so was a highly rated former RCMP expert. And the Younge family cannot be exonerated from this mess.
I hope they know that I am not easily intimidated, so Facebook vilification of me is as they say in common parlance, “throwing water on duck’s back.”
I now return to the sordid dimension. Mark Benschop has joined the Younge family in their pursuit of Wade. But the PNC leadership and Nigel Hughes have not said a word in defence of Wade who is a faithful legal servant of the PNC. I like the post-congress attitude of Roysdale Forde. He said on the Freddie Kissoon Show that all the cases he did for the PNC since the 2020 election disaster was pro-bono. But Forde is gone.
Will Wade go? I listened to the accusations against Wade by members of the Younge family and although I do not know Wade up close and personal, I don’t believe one word. Here is my take on the
alienation of Wade and Mc Cloggan.
I believe both men were asked to say politically charged things after the first autopsy and because they were devoted to the principles that guide their respective professions, they have been vilified. When it comes to Wade, he has been sacrificed. The PNC needs the Younge tragedy to stay relevant. The AFC needs the Younge tragedy to stay relevant. Benschop needs the Younge tragedy to retain whatever listeners he has. Darren Wade then had to be sacrificed on the altar of politics. He has been crucified.
The logic of the situation is Wade versus the Younge family. But Wade’s service to the PNC has become collateral damage. Based on what was said about Wade on Benschop’s programme, the PNC must come to his rescue, but it will not. Wade must be sacrificed because after all we are in an election campaign. So, it was Benschop yesterday derogating Wade, then it will be Rickford Burke to be followed by David Hinds. African Guyanese listen up! Anyone of you could be next.
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.
There are no viable alternatives to President Ali
GALILEO, an astrophysical genius, wrote that "The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as though it has nothing else in the universe to do." This is essentially a commentary on an entity having the responsibility to operationalise many macro tasks in a high-tensioned, diverse and competing universe, yet be able to perform supposedly minute tasks as if that is all to be done.
That is the hat President, Dr Irfaan Ali, wears. He has vast tasks such as managing the economic and monetary policies of the nation, which are praised by the international financial institutions for sound outcomes and projections.
He manages our agricultural policy to the point where Guyana is declared as the only food self-sufficient country on the planet.
He manages an emerging petrostate and the fastest-growing economy on the planet, while averting economic calamities that have visited many others in a similar state. He has to manage Guyana’s growing regional and international stature
while confronting the worst border crisis we have had since the 1899 Arbitral Award.
Dr Ali is also managing the largest housing programme in the history of Guyana and the CARICOM.
He is responsible for the most massive, ambitious, and significant infrastructural development ever seen in Guyana, together with the grandest investments and expansion in healthcare.
He also oversees our biggest investments in social services and social- benefits transfers, education, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, tourism and hinterland development.
Despite these mega undertakings, President Ali finds the time to meet with individuals, groups, and communities, as a matter of course, to attend to their personal concerns.
During this first installment of his tenure, he found time to play cricket, do “bush cooks,” sing karaoke, chip to a few tunes and visit the homes of common people as if that is all that mattered. People all over Guyana are endeared to him and the PPP is growing at rates faster than any time since the 1960s. The PPP is attracting more
demographic diversity than any time in recent memory.
We are currently in elections season and President Ali’s track record and performance will be the focal point of every party’s campaign. The opposition will be heels over head trying to diminish every act of the President. They accuse him of being too sociable, but the population have already demonstrated that they prefer that free-spirited interaction in favour of the stiff aloofness of his immediate predecessor.
No other presidential candidate in these elections can boast of half of the capacity demonstrated by Dr Ali.
Let’s take Aubrey Norton for example. He has never managed any major government institution. The only responsibility he’s had since becoming opposition leader was to grow and diversify his party’s, membership and he has failed miserably. If he can’t manage and consolidate his little sphere of influence, it would be a major stretch of the imagination to think that he can keep the national administrative cosmos in orbit, while ensuring the little things that matter to the people also get due attention.
Nigel Hughes is also
afflicted with the Norton contagion; he is markedly unsuccessful with even the most basic orbital party-management task.
Not enough focus to ripen the individual political grapes.
This brings me to Mr Azruddin Mohamed. Can someone be more self-conceited in the vanity of his ostensible cultic personality?
There is no greater display of self-conceit than to witness a man operating a political organisation in his own name. It also cannot escape the eyes of even the cursory analyst that Azruddin, despite his huge wealth accumulation, is nothing but a failed businessman who needed to turn to major transnational organised criminal enterprise, according to official US government data.
Judging from his public utterances, it is not difficult to surmise that Azruddin is clueless about how the country is administered.
Let’s take for example, during the initial hiccups with the uni -
versal cash grant. The young Mohamed made a well-produced and directed video claiming that GECOM is able to run an election with almost 500,000 voters and successfully count the votes in one day, and asked why must the cash-grant distribution take longer. It totally escapes this political tyke that GECOM gets a budgetary allocation of billions of dollars, permanent administrative managers, its own governing legislation, and a network of staff of over 5,000 permanent and temporary staff working together for years. Not to mention the staff and volunteers of political parties that support the process, which also demand significant law-enforcement deployment and interna-
tional input to make the voting and the counting a successful venture in one day. Such infantile commentary that consumed a lot of thoughtful coordination and video- production effort is indicative of a mind that is loaded with extreme arrogance and astonishing ignorance. Why should we surrender our precious vote to such an entity?
In 2025, Guyanese have only one viable candidate -- Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali for President!
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.
Allottee
Nikita Mohabir with Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues
Clarence
Stewart with Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues (Housing Ministry photos)
Region Three allottees express joy at land allocation process
ON Friday last, 400 families were allocated house lots in Vriesland and Laurentia Catherina, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
The families participated in a site visit and virtual tour of the developing housing schemes with Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and technical staff of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).
According to the ministry, these areas are part of the expansive Wales Housing Development in that region, which is already undergoing major infrastructural transformation.
The tour provided allottees with a first-hand look at the ongoing works and updates on the progress being made toward the establishment of their future communities.
The housing schemes are being designed by CH&PA with long-term sustainability in mind. They include designated zones for commercial activity, recreational areas, green spaces, and essential public services such as schools, health centres, police outposts, and fire stations.
Minister Rodrigues encouraged the families to start planning their home
construction and to take advantage of the ministry’s Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme, which offers support for starting the foundation.
The minister also urged those seeking mortgage financing to engage financial institutions early.
In keeping with the ministry’s commitment to transparency and public engagement, allottees had the opportunity to ask questions and receive direct responses from Minister Rodrigues during the tour.
Now that families know the location of their land, Minister Rodrigues used the opportunity to encourage them to visit the areas at their convenience to stay updated on the progress of development.
Sharing their excitement, three allottees reacted to this opportunity last week.
With her land identified in Laurentia Catherina Phase One, Nikita Mohabir who applied for a house lot in 2017, said it means a lot to her, and her child to have this. She noted that she received a call from the ministry last year. She commended the ministry for its fast work in allocating her a house lot.
Meanwhile, another Laurentia Catherina Phase
One allottee, Ahmad Sultan Kharim expressed, “I feel so proud.” He added that he truly appreciates the work done by the government to ensure Guyanese are allotted land for housing purposes.
Clarence Stewart, another allottee, said that he felt “overjoyed”.
Stewart pointed out that now is the time for him to start accumulating building materials, as, according to him, rent is not something that is “easy”.
The Wales Housing Development is divided into four sections: Laurentia Catherina, Vriesland, Lorenzo, and Vive La Force, and each has different blocks or phases.
The ministry stated that a total of $10.4 billion has been allocated for initial infrastructure works at Phase I and II of the abovementioned areas. Allottees of the section the minister visited received their lands in 2024 and 2025.
In April 2025, contracts were awarded for Vriesland and Laurentia Catherina, which have a total of about 1,300 residential lots. The works were awarded to 14 contractors, with completion scheduled for November 2025.
‘We want transparency’ – AG
- says more observer missions will be invited for upcoming election
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has said that in the lead-up to the September 1 elections, more accredited observer missions will be invited to monitor the electoral process.
Nandlall made this known during a recent airing of his programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ during which he noted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration welcomes election observers following an announcement that the Carter Center observer mission will return for this year’s elections.
It was then that he noted that it was the PPP/C that had fought for 28 years to have observer missions in Guyana, while others did not want observers present and blocked them.
Providing a brief history, Nandlall noted that it was only in 1992, after 28 years, that international observers were first introduced and they have been present for every subsequent electoral cycle.
“Every one of those international observers has certified all the elections held
from 1992 to 2020 as free, fair and democratic,” he said.
To this end, he said that this government will invite as many of the reputable international observer missions as possible.
“We have nothing to hide. We want transparency and we know who the electoral miscreants are, and we know what their capabilities, tendencies and proclivities are,” Nandlall added.
He went on to note that the more observer teams, the safer the electoral process will be.
Just last week, the European Union formalised its support through the signing of an administrative arrangement for the deployment of a European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM).
Ambassador Rene van Nes signed the agreement on behalf of the EU, alongside Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The agreement outlines the framework under
which the EUEOM will operate, laying the legal and logistical groundwork for its presence in the lead-up to the elections scheduled for September 1, 2025.
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall
PPP remembers the Enmore Martyrs who were killed 77 years ago
The following is the full statement issued by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Sunday: “ON this 77th Anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) solemnly commemorates the selfless sacrifice of the five slain sugar
workers — Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi, and Harry. In 1948, confronted with severe social and economic hardships, an oppressive “cut and load” cane-harvesting system, and the denial of a representative union, the sugar workers were driven to
protest.
Their just demands were met with brutality; riot police opened fire, killing five innocent workers.
These martyrs laid down their lives in pursuit of dignity, justice, and a better future for all workers.
Their sacrifice deeply moved Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who, at their funeral, pledged to dedicate his life to freeing the Guyanese people from exploitation and oppression. Despite imprisonment and relentless attempts to silence him, Dr. Jagan’s determination never faltered. His vision and struggle led to the founding of the People’s Progressive Party in 1950; a party committed to advancing the cause of the working people.
The legacy of the Enmore Martyrs and Dr. Jagan’s lifelong fight for justice have continued to guide us, including during the dark days when thousands of sugar workers were heartlessly dismissed by the
APNU+AFC coalition, pushing families into economic hardship. Their example inspired our resistance to the harsh economic policies of that administration, and its disgraceful attempt to subvert the will of
the people during the March 2, 2020 elections.
Today, the Enmore Martyrs remind us of the enduring importance of defending our democracy, our Constitution, and our freedoms against any form of tyranny.
The People’s Progressive Party remains steadfast in honouring their memory, and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Mon Repos resident proud of his salted, smoked-fish small business
By Michel Outridge
GAJENDRA Persaud, owner of C&G Persaud Fish Processing, the producer of smoked and salted fish, probably has some of the best locally made products you can find and they are being produced right at his North Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, home.
With a hygienic, standard facility at his residence, Persaud has converted his lower flat into the processing section for his salted and smoked-fish small business.
He told the Guyana Chronicle that he has in stock smoked snapper, trout, shark, mackerel and banga, which he sells in wholesale quantities to supermarkets and other buyers for re-sale.
The salted fish comes in banga, snapper, trout and mackerel.
Persaud explained that at times, the various kinds of fish are not available on the market; because of this scarcity, his business usually suffers since he cannot produce as he should.
He explained that he would buy in bulk when the fish is plentiful, allowing him to stock up so that he can produce enough smoked and salted fish to keep his small business operational.
vendors at the
day fewer.
He added that during the rainy season the fish doesn’t dry well, and it is a challenge to have it “open dried” in large quantities.
The Mon Repos resident pointed out that in that kind of business
there are challenges, but after being in the business for some time, he has experience and makes it work despite the hiccups of being self-employed.
Persaud said it is a lucrative small business once there is a market
for the product, and it must be of good quality and standard for it to sell quickly.
It is one of many small businesses that is managing to keep its doors open despite the increasing cost of living.
The businessman added that he would wholesale a pack of smoked fish for $1,000 to the buyers and they would have a fixed price once it goes on the shelf.
Persaud reported that it is a family business which was started by his father 15 years ago and passed on to him.
He is married with two children and often his wife assists in the fish- processing facility. They have one employee as the salted and smoked- fish business doesn’t call for daily work.
The businessman disclosed that he would buy fish in bulk from
Meadowbank Wharf. It then takes some time for the fish to be processed before it can be packaged and be, ready for the market.
Persaud said his business is licensed and certified and fish prices aren’t stable due to scarcity at the start of the year.
He explained that the drying and smoking of the fish takes days to complete and it is an on-going process which requires time and patience to get the finished product.
Persaud reported that snapper takes four days to fully dry for salted fish while other species of fish takes a
A sample of the smoked fish Gajendra Persaud produces
85 Prison Officers complete UG’s IHRSSF programme
SOME 85 officers of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) have received certificates after successfully completing the University of Guyana’s Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future (IHRSSF) programme
on Communications and Administration for Correctional Facilities.
According to the GPS, each of the courses was designed specifically for correctional officers and are accredited by the University of Guyana, allowing for the officers to earn credits when pursuing other programmes at the university.
During a recently held graduation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin in a recorded message, urged officers to make full use of the knowledge gained since their role is multifaceted, requiring not only physical strength and discipline, but also strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and the ability to handle a wide range of complex situations.
Additionally, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Institutional Advancement, Dr Mellissa Ifill, expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts that brought the programme to fruition.
The DVC highlighted the partnership’s origins in 2016, and the impactful projects completed, including documenting the history of the Guyana Prison Service and a four-year research project
on MNS disorders.
Furthermore, she told the officers that they serve as role models, guide conduct and contribute to a therapeutic environment that can aid inmates in their journey towards successful reintegration into society.
Dr Ifill noted that the University of Guyana is committed to continuing its collaboration with the GPS through certified training programmes.
Also speaking at the graduation ceremony was Director of the Guyana Prison Service, Nicklon Elliot, who underscored the Prison Service’s commitment to empowering staff performance which will result in their personal transformation.
The director emphasised the need for ongoing training at the tertiary level to meet current needs of the organization, which will aid in the delivery of service provided by the prison system.
He also expressed appreciation to the government through the Ministry of Home Affairs for the continuous support provided to the GPS's human resource development programme which allows prison officers to be exposed to various training programmes.
Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Director of Pris-
ons, Kevin Pilgrim, noted that while the programme was designed to build the capacity of prison staff, it also represents a significant step forward in the GPS’s commitment to fostering professional growth for its officers.
Pilgrim further noted that the GPS has developed a comprehensive training plan that emphasised continuous learning and development of well-trained individuals to ensure that the service operates at a level consistent with international standards.
The programme targeted four courses which included the Junior Managers' Proficiency course, which saw Chief Prison Officer Owen Charles coming out as the Best Graduating Student; the Supervisory Competency Intermediary Level programme, from which the Best Graduating Student was Principal Officer 11 Anthony Henry; the Supervisory Competency Elementary Level programme, where Principal Officer 1 Elmer Lawrence was the Best Graduating Student and Probationers Proficiency course for which Prison Officer Alcuin Kendall was the Best Graduating Student.
Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot and Acting Deputy Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim, are flanked by some of the graduates and other officials at the graduation ceremony (GPS photo)
Sugar workers benefitting greatly from enhancements in sugar industry – GAWU GS
FOR years, local sugar workers have called for better conditions and support to care for their families. This is being advanced slowly.
In its manifesto, the People’s Progressive
which has provided retraining and employment opportunities for workers; establishing transparent private sector partnerships in the sugar sector; lending support to private cane farmers; providing
Party/Civic (PPP/C), promised to rescue the nation’s productive sector. This included the re-opening of sugar estates which has re-energised the local economy in the sugar communities; pursuing product diversification
transitional support in areas where sugar estates were closed and working to solve the problems of the industry as a whole by firstly bringing the industry to break-even status and then to profitability, by ensuring better man -
agement and greater efficiency through retooling, mechanisation, product diversification and private participation.
General Secretary (GS) of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Aslim Singh, in a recent interview shared several enhancements in the sugar industry which aim to better the lives of sugar workers across Guyana.
Singh highlighted that in the last five years, a major achievement accomplished by GAWU since it was recognised in 1976, is the securing of a threeyear pay-rise agreement with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
The General Secretary noted sugar workers enjoyed 10 per cent, eight per cent and then a nine-percentage increase. According to him, workers have been assured that there is certainty in their pay increases.
He recalled the commitment to increasing the minimum wage in the sugar industry to $100,000, something he posited will help
sugar workers to improve their lives. Additionally, there will be negotiations for new production incentives, allowing workers to have certain production targets depending on the job being done.
Singh said, “So you know, there are a number of efforts being made to improve workers' welfare through increased income, through representation,
through looking at benefits, but even advocating on our general advocacy on workers' behalf, looking at things such as taxes.”
The General Secretary pointed out that with support from the government, there has been more focus on interventions in sugar factories, most of which sought to improve sugar-cane supply, productivity and
production.
He opined that now a greater focus has been placed on improving the efficiency of the factories.
Singh mentioned that when the sugar industry was miniaturised under the previous government, it was starved of a number of capital investments, programmes and initiatives that were in the pipeline.
General Secretary of the Guyana and General Workers Union (GAWU), Aslim Singh
Lewis leads West Indies to series win
THE sightscreen was punched, the trees were shaken, the crowd ran for cover, and the ball was lost. All this happened multiple times in Bready, as West Indies crashed 20 sixes on their way to 256 for 5, their second-highest total in the format. This despite scoring only 11 runs in their first two overs.
Evin Lewis (91 off 44 balls), Shai Hope (51 from 27), and debutant Keacy Carty (49* off 22) led the way for West Indies, who beat Ireland by 62 runs to win the three-match series 1-0 after the first two games were washed out.
Only twice before in the history of all T20 cricket had a higher total been successfully chased down, and despite a bright start, Ireland's chase lost steam in the face of required-rate pressure.
Paul Stirling hit the first three balls of Ireland's innings for boundaries, and Ross Adair and Harry Tector added 101 for the second wicket. But Tector's wicket in the 11th over sparked a collapse of 3 for 2, and Ireland faded away. Akeal Hosein recovered brilliantly from Stirling's early assault
to finish with 3 for 27 from his four overs.
After West Indies were sent in, openers Lewis and Hope laid the perfect platform to push for a massive total. They smashed 70 in the powerplay, and of those six overs, left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys' two only went for seven runs.
Humphreys bowled the first and the last overs of the powerplay, and in between, Lewis and Hope slapped Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy and debutant Liam McCarthy for six fours and five sixes.
Both batters reached their half-centuries with sixes. While Lewis got to the landmark off 29 balls when he heaved Liam over deep square leg, Hope took only 24, launching Ben White down the ground.
Barry broke the opening stand at 122 when he had Hope caught at long-on in the 11th over. Rovman Powell and Lewis followed soon after, as West Indies lost 3 for 30 in 11 balls. But there was no let-up in the scoring, as Carty carted four fours and four sixes in 22 balls, while Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd provided sharp
Beckford delivers as
Slingerz...
with the scored unchanged. The League features 90 games over a six- month
(From page 23)
period, with top sides in Season 7 of the Elite League collecting two million dollars, and being awarded an automatic qualifying spot at the CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championships.
The 2nd place team collects $1,200,000, 3rd Place $800,000, and 4th Place 500,000.
The League is sponsored by Guyana Beverage Inc. through their Turbo brand, BACIF, Blue Water Shipping, and Namilco.
cameos. Of West Indies' total of 256, 200 runs came in boundaries.
Liam conceded 81 in his four overs, the most by a debutant in T20Is. Humphreys, on the other hand, stood out with figures of 2 for 16 in four overs. They could have been even bet-
ter, if Tector had held on to a simple chance at deep cover in the eighth over, when Lewis was on 44. That miss ended up proving costly. Although he missed out on what would have been his third T20I hundred, he built the base for a comprehensive win.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Monday, June 16, 2025)
83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Joe Root-166* (Second ODI, Cardiff) (2) Keacy Carty-103 (2nd ODI, Cardiff)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI claimed the best bowling figures in the recent ODI series against ENG? (2) Which ENG bowlers had the best figures in a match?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ENGLISH RACING TIPS CHEPSTOW 09:30 hrs Galactic Glow 10:00 hrs Bosa Nova 10:30 hrs Romanovich 11:00 hrs Connie 's Rose 11:30 hrs Endowed 12:05 hrs Beaming Light WINDSOR 13:00 hrs Bretton Wood 13:30 hrs Our Cody 14:00 hrs Rogue Identity 14:30 hrs Durham Castle 15:00 hrs Don Pacifico 15:30 hrs Top Of The Class 16:00 hrs All Cost WOLVERHAMPTON 13:10 hrs Summer Heat 13:40 hrs Queens labdide 14:10 hrs Snooze Lane 14:40 hrs Street Life 15:10 hrs Inquisition 15:40 hrs Fancy Dancer SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS SCOTTSVILLE 08:00 hrs Fate Of Fortune 08:35 hrs Escapologist 09:10 hrs Tirpitz 09:50 hrs Luhamba Phambili 10:25 hrs Rafa's Boy
IRISH RACING TIPS KILBEGGAN 11:38 hrs Emily Love 12:13 hrs Bannow Blaze 12:48 hrs Joe's Turn 13:18 hrs Tackletommywoowoo 13:48 hrs I Love My Babe 14:18 hrs Anyway 14:48 hrs Ashdale Bob 15:18
West Indies Academy in strong position against Sri Lanka
CMC – Four batsmen scored half centuries to put West Indies Academy in a strong position against Sri Lanka Emerging Players at the close of play of the second four-day match here at Coolidge Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Resuming the day on 82 for one in response to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 241, the Academy was bolstered by fifties from Mavendra Dindyal, Rivaldo Clarke, Teddy Bishop and Ackeem Auguste on their way to piling up 375 in 99.3 overs.
Armed with a first-innings lead of 134, fast bowler Kelvin Pitman then struck in the day’s final over to reduce the visitors to 1-1 heading into Monday’s third day.
Earlier, Auguste added just three runs to his overnight 47 before he was trapped, lbw, by Melan Hasanka to leave the Academy 86 for two.
But Dindyal, who topscored with 82, and Bishop, who struck an even 50, added 127 runs for the third wicket
GCB Announces Guyana Under-19 Male Squad for CWI Regional Tournament
THE Guyana Cricket Board has officially named its 14-member squad to represent the country at the upcoming Cricket West Indies Regional U19 Tournament.
Following a period of rigorous preparation through the GCB Inter-County tournament, training camps, and one-on-one sessions, the selectors have finalised a well-rounded unit of emerging talent.
The squad includes; Jonathon Van Lange (captain), Romario Ramdehol (vicecaptain), Rampersaud Ramnauth, Parmeshwar Ram, Romeo Deonarine, Sachin Balgobin, Afraz Ali Boodhu, Shamar Apple, Salim Khan, Riyad Latif, Golcharran Chulia, Nityanand Mathura, Bruce Vincent, and Micah Amsterdam.
Standby players named are: Wavell Allen, NeeranBani, Sanjay Algoo, Jayden Dowlin, Shiloh Admans, Matthew Pottoya, and Ronaldo Jeffery.
The team will be under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Garvin Nedd, and Manager NazeerMohammed.
Junior lead Selector Andre Percival expressed confidence in the group, saying, “I’m confident in the group. I wasn’t directly involved in the initial selections due to my tour commitments in the Breakout League, but I’ve followed the process closely, and I believe these boys have what it takes.”
The 14-member squad, along with the seven reserves will begin their full encampment on Tuesday, June 17 to Thursday, June 26. The GCB extends con -
gratulations to all selected players, and applauds their dedication, discipline, and consistent performances throughout the selection process.
The Board also acknowledges and thanks the coaches, selectors, support staff, and parents for their continued contributions to the development of youth cricket in Guyana.
The Guyanese contingent is scheduled to depart for St. Kitts on June 29, 2025, as part of its commitment to early preparation and acclimatisation ahead of the tournament.
The Guyana Cricket Board remains committed to structured player development and competitive readiness ahead of the tournament scheduled to be hosted in St. Kitts.
to carry the Academy past the 200 mark.
With Dindyal in sight of a century, he lost his wicket to left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera, after facing 158 balls and striking seven fours and two sixes.
Four runs later, Sudeera trapped Bishop, lbw, to reduce the Academy to 218 for four.
However, batting at num-
ber six, Clarke anchored the lower order with an unbeaten knock of 57, to help frustrate Sri Lanka’s bowlers for the latter part of the evening session.
He shared crucial partnerships of 40 with Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, who scored 37 and 75 with Nathan Edward, who hit a quickfire 37 off 47 balls.
Sri Lanka fought back,
though, claiming the last four wickets for just 14 runs, with left-arm pacer Dulaj Samuditha grabbing two of those wickets.
Clarke finished unbeaten on 57 from 110 balls with eight fours.
Sudeera led Sri Lanka’s bowlers with 4-79, while Ashian Daniel took 3-74 and Samuditha ended with 2-74.
Mavendra Dindyal top-scored for West Indies Academy with 82
Wortmanville Pacesetters and Victory Valley Royals take series openers
Worhmanville Pacesetters and Victory Valley Royals on Saturday evening took first strike in their bestof-three playoff series when action resumed in the One Guyana Basketball Premier League at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Pacesetters, who are battling Kwakwani Untouchables in the playoff semi-finals, walked away in the first of the best-ofthree games with an eightpoint victory, 88-80.
William Delgado was phenomenal on the offensive end for Pacesetters as he dropped 31 points in an awesome shooting display.
They would start strong after tip-off, leading 24-18, but Untouchables pulled it back in the second half to lead 41-39.
Untouchables’ Domair Gladstone stepped up, big time, as he finished with a game- high 35 points in the encounters.
Kwakwani’s Jamal Gilkes came good with (19), and Kadeem Dover (18), in the final period, but Pacesetters did enough to hold on to a slim lead to win it, 88-80, and put themselves on win away from a place in the finals.
Meanwhile, the second contest saw Victory Valley overcoming University of Guyana Trojans, 69-64.
Royals had a narrow 13-11 lead after the first quarter, but UG Trojans would put in a much-improved showing in the second quarter to be down by 1 point at the half, 26-25.
The third quarter saw UG Trojans, led by Leandre Abrams, 14, and Dwight McKinnon 11 showing their shooting prowess, but Royals’ defence proved solid as they extended their lead, 46-42.
Royals’ Harold Adams’
The third quarter saw Pacesetters’ Joslyn Crawford with 17 points, and Troy David with 15 points leading a rout as they regained the lead, 65-54, going into the fourth quarter.
29 points, captain Yonnick Tappin with 10 points and Orland Glasgow with 9 points combined as they finished strong to win it by 5 points, 69-64.
The next set of games are set for Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall. The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, and the
National Sports Commission.
The League’s regular season featured 22 teams evenly split in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conference drawn from all across the country battling for bragging rights, a million dollars, and the coveted national club league trophy.
Rusell takes Canadian GP win as Norris crashes
(FORMULA 1) George Russell has clinched Mercedes’ first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix, a race that ended in dramatic style after a collision between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris that saw the latter crash out.
It had been a strong start from pole position for Russell, the Briton launching away cleanly to hold the lead from Max Verstappen. What followed was a race of different strategies across the pack, with some opting for a two-stop plan, while others tried to nurse their tyres on a one-stop.
Most of the frontrunners executed a two-stop strategy, setting up for a thrilling finale as the gaps amongst the top
five cars became increasingly close in the closing stages. While Russell was leading from Verstappen, Piastri was trying to catch Kimi Antonelli for third, but the Australian also had Norris hot on his tail.
The McLaren pair then engaged in a feisty battle, and contact occurred between them after Norris hit the back of Piastri’s car, resulting in Norris parking up at the side of the track. The Briton went on to apologise for the incident over the radio.
With the Safety Car being deployed as Norris’ stricken car was recovered, Russell crossed the line to seal his fourth career Grand Prix victory, while Verstappen followed in second. There were also double celebrations at Mercedes, as Antonelli
claimed third, marking the Italian’s debut F1 podium.
Piastri managed to hold on to fourth, the Australian having pitted under the Safety Car, while Charles Leclerc took fifth for Ferrari ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in sixth.
Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, added to his points tally by claiming seventh for Aston Martin, while Nico Hulkenberg bolstered Kick Sauber’s total with a solid eighth.
Esteban Ocon was ninth in Haas’ 200th Grand Prix, while Carlos Sainz rounded out the top 10 for Williams after a tricky day for the team. Haas’ Ollie Bearman just missed out on points in P11, while Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda recovered from P18
to a final result of P12. Franco Colapinto was 13th for Alpine, ahead of Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto in 14th and the other Alpine of Pierre Gasly in 15th. Isack Hadjar ended the race down in 16th for Racing Bulls, while Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll endured a tough home race as the final classified runner in 18th. Norris was one of three drivers not to reach the chequered flag following his aforementioned crash. Liam Lawson earlier recorded a DNF after seemingly experiencing an issue with his Racing Bulls machine, and Alex Albon retired from the running, having suffered a power unit problem on his Williams throughout the race.
One Guyana Basketball Premier League Playoffs…
Victory Valley Royals after their One Guyana basketball premier league win
Cropper Primary retains Future Warriors Berbice title
CROPPER Primary sealed a dominant 32-run victory over Betsy Ground Primary to retain their crown in the Berbice final of the ExxonMobil Guyana Future Warriors primary schools tapeball tournament on Sunday.
At the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club Ground, Jayden Garner was the star of the show, smashing a blistering 68 to propel Cropper Primary to an imposing total of 98-5 from their eight overs.
In reply, Betsy Ground were restricted to 66-4, with a disciplined bowling performance ensuring Cropper Primary’s dynasty as Berbice champions continued for an-
other year.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Cropper Primary’s innings was built around the explosive hitting of Garner. He bludgeoned a remarkable nine sixes and two fours in his 24-ball onslaught, setting a new tourna-
ry, taking 2-15, with Hushal Seepaul and Tejpaul Persaud also among the wickets.
Garner’s destructive form with the bat saw him finish as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 140 runs at an incredible strike rate of 285. Khan’s eight wickets earned him the accolade of the tournament’s top bowler.
ment record. Anthony Ramu provided valuable support with a quickfire 16 from just seven deliveries.
For Betsy Ground, Ovendra Kuldeep was the standout bowler, claiming 3-24, while Daniel Bowling and Dinesh Bhopaul chipped in with a wicket a-piece.
GFF Elite League Season 7…
In their pursuit of the target, Bhopaul fought a lone battle, finishing unbeaten on 33 from 21 balls, an innings that included five fours and a six. However, a lack of support from his teammates ultimately proved costly.
Nehad Khan was the chief destroyer for Cropper Prima-
Despite the defeat, Betsy Ground’s Kenny Ishmile was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player for his allround contribution of 65 runs and seven wickets.
“We saw the enthusiasm and interest here today from the children, and that’s what this tournament is about," said John Ramsingh of the
organising group, FL Sport. "We had fun; we are all winners today.”
Earlier in the day, Cropper Primary booked their place in the final with a 10run victory over Tain Primary. Garner was again the catalyst, hitting 32 from just 11 balls as his side posted 735. In the second semi-final, a disciplined performance from Betsy Ground saw them cruise to a seven-wicket win over New Market Primary.
Cropper Primary now joins Demerara champions Grove Primary in the Champion of Champions edition, with the Essequibo winners set to be decided throughout June 21-22.
The top teams from each zone were gifted a gear bag filled with cricket equipment. The ultimate winner of this champions’ playoff will gain an exclusive opportunity to be part of activities for ExxonMobil Guyana/ Guyana Amazon Warriors during the home leg of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September, offering an unparalleled glimpse into professional cricket. Furthermore, the Most Valuable Player from each of the three zones in June is expected to be part of the activities for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, which runs from July 10-18.
Beckford delivers as Slingerz stays perfect with win over GDF
A TITANIC clash of the
eve
champions,
It was a combative encounter as Slingerz, led by former national coach Jamaal Shabazz, put in a clinical showing in the 1-nil victory.
GDF’s worst season continued despite the army boys showing that they can still go toe-to-toe with the best in the business.
It was a 35th minute goal from Jamaican Kemar Beckford that settled the contest and kept Slingerz’ unbeaten record intact, while GDF picked up their 3rd loss of the Season Seven campaign. The army remains fourth on the standing after recording four wins and a draw
earlier in their campaign, but are unlikely to retain their title, with Slingerz 2 games away from their second Elite League title.
In another top-of-the-table game, second and third place in the league tables Western Tigers and the Guyana Police Force went up against each other.
It was a sometimes ill-tempered contest, but with the teams eager to improve their record as the leagues reaches, it reached a crescendo.
On the verge of the half, Stephon Reynolds gave Tigers the advantage, but it was
not until the latter minutes of the second half that Neron Barrow found the equalizer for Police.
The two teams continued to press for the winner but without success, as the referee blew the whistle at the end of regulation, and added time
(Turn to page 20)
Cropper Primary School with the championship trophy alongside members of the oganising team, FL Sport, and officials from ExxonMobil Guyana
Part of the action on the final day of the tournament at the Albion Sports Complex
Guyana Football Federation (GFF)’s Elite League erupted on Saturday
ning as
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) faced their top rivals and table leaders Slingerz FC at the National Training Centre.
Lewis leads West Indies to series win
Evin Lewis cracked a quickfire fifty (Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Slingerz’ Derron Niles on the ball with Slingerz and GDF locked in battle in GFF Elite League