President Ali unveils massive social support package for PPP/C’s next term
Thousands of persons from all parts of Region Nine (Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo) gathered in Lethem for a PPP/C rally where they heard about the slew of development and social services plans the party has in store for them in their next term in office
- $100,000 ‘Because We Care’ grant, $100,000 transportation grant for learners, $40,000 monthly public assistance, $60,000 old-age pension among commitments made
and
- Dr. Jagdeo promises transformative support for Region Nine in next PPP/C term
- expanded childcare services, other interventions for families among government’s plans
- PPP/C has visionary thinkers, policies, programmes
- PM Phillips tells Lethem rally
and
President Irfaan Ali, members of the business community in Lethem
the Governor of the State of Roraima, Antonio Oliverio García de Almeida, discussing trade
other activities (Photo: President Ali/Facebook)
Nazar Mohamed avoided embassy question in SN interview - Jagdeo says
VICE-PRESIDENT
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has maintained that Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, father of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, failed to directly answer a central question regarding his alleged visit to the Venezuelan Embassy.
Dr. Jagdeo was at the time responding to comments made by the elder Mohamed in the Stabroek News over the weekend.
He stated that rather than confirming or denying whether he had been to the embassy, Mohamed sought to divert at-
tention by framing the matter as a political attack.
“Nazar Mohamed did not answer the yes-or-no question of whether he visited the Venezuelan Embassy,” Jagdeo stated adding, “Instead, he engaged in semantics and deflection by shifting focus to what he described as a political smear campaign against his son.”
Dr. Jagdeo further added, “He frames the issue as allegations, as a tactic by the PPP/C to discredit Azruddin Mohamed and his We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) movement, but gave no direct confirmation or denial about his visit to the Venezuelan
Embassy.”
Further, he said, “In fact, he goes as far telling the Stabroek News, ‘I’m not going to answer that.’ So, to put it plainly, he did not say yes or no; he avoided the question. He does not address the factual question of whether he himself visited the Venezuelan Embassy.”
Just last week, the VP flagged the reported frequent engagements between OFAC-sanctioned businessmen and the Venezuelan Embassy and noted that the visits were a concern for national security.
Dr. Jagdeo defended Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, who raised an alarm over “grave concerns” for Guyana’s sovereignty, democracy and vital international partnerships. He said that the minister’s summoning of the Venezuelan Ambassador was not because an “ordinary citizen” was going to the embassy but because of the previous alarms raised by members of the United States (US) Congress.
In recent weeks, members of the U.S. Congress have issued stern warnings to Guyana.
Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar said, “We remain deeply concerned about efforts
to undermine democracy in Guyana… Individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardise this vital relationship.”
Meanwhile, Congressman Carlos Gimenez accused the
Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Less than two per cent of students write more than 15 CSEC subjects annually – CEO
CHIEF Education Officer
Saddam Hussain has dispelled the misconception that the Ministry of Education promotes students writing large numbers of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, noting that only a small percentage attempt more than 15 subjects each year.
Hussain made these remarks during the recent announcement of this year’s CSEC and CAPE results, during which he provided a breakdown, and disclosed that less than two per cent of students sit more than 15 subjects in any given year.
“In the last five years, less than two per cent of all the students who write exams every year have written more than 15 subjects,” Hussain said.
He added, “In 2024, out of 11,600 students, 200 wrote more than 15. That’s 1.7 per cent. In 2023, it was 155 out of 12,108 or 1.3 per cent. This year, about 248 out of more than 12,500 students sat more than 15, which is less than 1.9 per cent.”
Hussain emphasised that there is no formal ministry policy encouraging students to overload themselves with examinations. Instead, he said, the education system is structured to support those who have the ability and drive to take on additional work.
“There is no policy about writing 15 or more subjects. If students can, they do it. If they want to, we provide the opportunities for them to do it, and they do it on their own,” he explained.
Chief
Education Officer Saddam Hussain
Against this backdrop, he noted that the education system must remain flexible enough to cater for high-achieving students as well.
“We cannot have an education system that talks about equity if we are not going to have a place for the gifted; if we are not going to have a place for the extraordinary,” he said. “There are students sitting here who can learn an entire math syllabus in one month. And so, if we are going to have an equitable education system, we must ensure that there is a space for them.”
Further to this, he stated that Guyana is one of the few Caribbean countries where students face no restrictions on the number of subjects they can sit.
While some schools may impose their own internal mechanisms, there is no national policy requiring students to qualify before sitting multiple subjects.
He made it clear that schools themselves do not create timetables designed to accommodate such high numbers of subjects. However, students who pursue them often study independently or make special arrangements.
Maduro regime of backing “pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed,” pointing to his status as a sanctioned individual by the U.S. Department of the
Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
President Ali unveils massive social support package for PPP/C’s next term
- $100,000 ‘Because We Care’ grant, $100,000 transportation grant for learners, $40,000 monthly public assistance, $60,000 old-age pension among commitments made
By Naomi Parris
AHEAD of today’s highly anticipated manifesto launch, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced a slew of social support measures aimed at significantly improving the lives of Guyanese families, students and pensioners.
The announcement came on Sunday during a massive rally held in Lethem, Region Nine, where thousands gathered to hear from the Head of State and other members of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
Among the major measures revealed was a substantial increase in support for school-aged children. Each child will now benefit from a total of $200,000 grant annually, marking one of the most significant education-related investments by the government to date.
He explained that the ‘Because We Care cash grant will be increased from the current $50, 000 to $100,000 per child.
“We have a responsibility to this economy, to make promises and commitment that are viable, that are achievable, that are implementable, and that will keep our country safe, our people safe, not only now, but long
into the future,” President Ali told the mammoth crowd.
The newly introduced transportation grant which aims to ease the cost of burden on families will provide each school child with $100,000. This grant will be used by parents to support transportation needs, especially for those in hinterland and remote communities.
“We are concerned about responsible policy making.
You know that in your family, you don't make decisions only
for the immediate moment. You make decisions that will ensure your family is safe for the long term,” he added.
This policy will see a yearly injection of $40 billion being placed back into the pockets of Guyanese parents. This year, each eligible child received a total of GYD $55,000, which included the GYD $50,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant and a GYD $5,000 school uniform and supplies grant. This education programme benefits learners
who attend private and public schools.
“We understand that the function of the economy, the
performance of the economy, is closely correlated to the commitments we're making. That is why I'm telling you at a minimum, because once our economy performs at a higher-than-expected rate, then you can expect more benefits and expanded benefits coming to you, your children and your families,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the President told the gathering that public assistance recipients will also see improved support, with payments rising to $40,000 monthly. This increase is expected to benefit thousands of vulnerable households across the country.
Senior citizens are set to receive enhanced financial backing as well. Monthly old-age pensions will be increased to $60,000, offering much-needed relief to elderly Guyanese. In addition, pensioners will receive a $50,000 transportation grant, further
easing the cost of mobility and access to essential services.
Fulfilling its promise made in 2020, the PPP/C government doubled the oldage pension, moving it from $20,500 to $41,000.
He explained that $65 billion will be set aside for oldaged pensioners, $18 billion more than what it is today.
Meanwhile $4 billion will be set aside for the transportation grant.
The new measures form part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every citizen benefits directly from Guyana’s growing economy.
“And let me be very clear, all of these are our minimum position. You've seen our performance in the last five years; we have exceeded every single thing we promise. We don't go back. We go forward.”
Persons
President Dr. Irfaan Ali delivering an energetic address to an enormous crowd at Lethem, Region Nine, on Sunday
living in Lethem and surrounding Region Nine villages turned up in their numbers to hear what President Ali and other PPP/C officials had to say ahead of elections day
Land security on the horizon for over 600 Timehri North households
- expanded childcare services, other interventions for families among government’s plans
By Naomi Parris
OVER 600 families
residing in Timehri North received a long-awaited assurance on Sunday as President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the process towards formal land titling has officially commenced.
During a community engagement, the President also revealed plans for a significantly expanded daycare facility at the Cheddi Jagan International
Airport (CJIA), which will serve not only the local airport staff but the wider community.
Speaking directly to residents gathered for the outreach, President Ali disclosed that the government has already begun internal steps to regularise land occupancy in the area, a development which will culminate in residents receiving legal titles to their land they presently occupy.
"I'm pleased to tell you that the process
of moving to title for those 600-plus households would have started internally," President Ali confirmed. "Soon, you will have your letter explaining to you exactly what will take place and how it will be done based on that occupational survey." The announcement was met with visible
TURN TO PAGE 5
President Ali, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs Kwame McCoy and residents of Timehri (DPI photo)
Land security...
FROM PAGE4
relief and appreciation from residents, many of whom have lived in the area for decades without formal documentation or secure tenure.
President Ali further outlined a series of support mechanisms to accompany the regularisation process, stating that every household benefitting from the new land titles will automatically qualify for the government's steel and cement subsidy.
"You also need some help in the improvement of the lands," he noted. "Every single one of the families and the lot that will be regularised will immediately get the steel and cement subsidy that the government is giving."
To address the delays typically associated with land titling and lease acquisition,
the President said the government is working within a three to sixmonth timeline to transition residents from occupation to formal lease or title. During this time, he said, the administration will be engaging banking institutions to accept letters of assurance from the government, enabling residents to begin processing home loans without having to wait for the final title.
"We're going to bring in the banks, and we want to have a discussion with the banks on accepting letters of assurance from us so that they can commence the processing of your loans for your homes," Dr. Ali said. "We are not going to wait the three to six months to get to lease and title."
In addition to the land and housing updates, President Ali
President Ali on Sunday announced that the land titling process for Timehri North has commenced and over 600 households are set to benefit. In this DPI photo, President Ali holds up a map of the area while addressing residents
addressed childcare, a key concern for many working families in the Timehri area. A large portion of the Timehri North population is employed at the nearby Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The President acknowledged the difficulty parents face in finding reliable childcare while working long shifts.
"Many of you
work in the airport, am I not right? Then you have businesses around here, and one of the great difficulties is your young children when you have to go to work at the airport," President Ali said. "I've given the instructions to the airport that that facility must be expanded, and it must be a daycare facility for the entire community."
This according to
Dr. Ali, reflects the government's broader commitment to social support, especially for working families.
The President also emphasised the importance of faith-based organisations in national development, underscoring their role in strengthening community bonds and values.
"I believe strongly that our religious community be it the
church, the temples or the mosque must play a key role in building a stronger country, a stronger society," he said.
"And I deliberately said to the Cabinet that as we work on a new programme that will take us forward, the church, the religious community, will play a central role in that programme."
Facts are clear
WHEN WIN's lawyers asked OFAC about bank account closures, the response was clear and damaging to WIN's story.
OFAC stated firmly that financial institutions have full authority to conduct their own risk assessments.
Most importantly, OFAC declared it "will not direct an entity to conduct activity that undermines its policies and procedures," effectively supporting banks' right to close
accounts as a precaution.
Instead of recognising this reality, WIN has twisted OFAC's measured response into support for their position, claiming the closures were "unjustified and politically motivated."
This distorts what OFAC actually communicated.
The US agency never said banks were wrong to close accounts; it simply pointed out that sanctions do not automatically extend through
association while affirming banks' independent decision-making authority.
This latest distortion fits a troubling pattern of WIN's campaign tactics.
Led by Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned for allegedly dodging over US$50 million in gold export taxes, WIN has regularly portrayed legitimate regulatory actions as political persecution.
They have called for
harmful boycotts of Guyanese businesses, threatened legal action against banks adhering to international compliance standards, and now misrepresented official US government correspondence to back their victimisation story.
WIN's manipulation of OFAC guidance is not just misleading; it's dangerous.
By promoting defiance of international banking standards and spreading
conspiracy theories about "weaponised" private sector compliance, they weaken the institutions that protect Guyana's financial system from international sanctions risk.
Local financial analyst Joel Bhagwandin accurately stated that "Guyanese banks, acting in accordance with their own risk frameworks and the law, were entirely justified in closing the accounts."
WIN's blatant distortion
of OFAC guidance goes beyond political spin; it is a deliberate attempt to mislead the Guyanese people while the party's leaders face serious corruption allegations.
Persons must be mindful of these political aspirants who twist official communications to serve their own political interests while potentially putting Guyana's financial sector at risk.
Parties in defamatory interview should be held accountable
Dear Editor,
IT is an undeniable fact that many people make false claims on a daily basis in the political arena to persuade voters at elections time to vote for or against a political party.
In Guyana it is now elections season and many social media ‘influencers’ and so called journalists are having a field day peddling lies, deceptions and often defamatory statements in their quest to thwart the re-election of the PPP/C to the seats of government. They missed the real criminal in the room.
In recent times, two infamous characters come to mind: Rickford Burke and Melissa Atwell who have both been slapped with libel suits. What these two have in common is the fact that they have been re-
lentless in vehemently attacking and making false and spurious allegations against the PPP/C Government and its ministers.
The ‘facts’ they presented cannot be verified and are mere hearsay and regurgitations which they believed if they repeat often enough will transform into truth.
Political Goebbellism has been one of the most used and abused tactics used by the PNCR and its cohorts. It has been said that ‘Statements of fools appear to be authentic when other fools repeat them frequently’. Every year, these lies, and deceptive statements have been the basis of their electioneering, not what achievements they have delivered to this country and its people. They are now joined by a ‘journalist’.
However, in 2025, these lies,
The final stretch
Dear Editor,
IT’S only a matter of two weeks more to go until the curtain falls but not before the “Fat lady sings.” Come September 1st, who will be celebrating perhaps with “Tequila?” Music lovers of course would recall the enticing musical rendition from the 50s and the current day liquor. Both, incidentally, carry that Latin American flavour and savour. Will records be broken or, will it be a case of the broken record?
The horses were off on May 26th as President Ali announced that September 1st
will be the date for Guyana’s general and regional elections. The country was then ushering in the celebration of Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary. Many were caught off guard and were unprepared. The anticipation was centred for a November date but, all things not being equal, parties, politicians and people had to scramble for a jump start. Is the best left for the last?
As the jockeys and drivers bring home their batons to the finishing line, it’s anyone’s guess who will receive the checkered flag as the winner. But the final stretch is a crucial, critical and calculative
and deception have been taken to unprecedented heights when a well-choreographed interview by Travis Chase was mysteriously leaked on social media. In this interview, as is the norm, the statements made by the person interviewed, Azeem Baksh, were not verified at any time and seem to have been accepted ‘hook, line and sinker’ at face value.
Any true and credible journalist would know that if someone gives you information then that must be verified by producing some form of evidence (documents, videos, electronic messages, etc.)
The interview was done on March 25, 2025, and ‘released’ for public consumption on August 12 by no other than Melissa ‘Melly Mel’ Atwell, if this ‘leak’ was not deliberate then it will
stage when gears are shifted. As the race comes to an end, it is envisaged that more dramas and traumas will be in store for the electors. Will new strategies be deployed?
Some 21 parties originally indicated their intentions to compete in a much eye-catching and challenging race, envied by the coveted prize of controlling the oil revenue and also, for the prominent, pronounced and popular position as president for a nation which has attracted the world’s attention as fastest developing country in this hemisphere, and, the wealthiest nation as per Guyana’s GDP per capita. Six parties have winded down the election fever. Will there be a failure of any of the favourites, or, will there be the
snow in Guyana this Christmas. Travis Chase had more than ample time to verify those criminally libelous statements made by Baksh but did not do so. There was no need. His type of journalism does not thrive on hard evidence but juicy propaganda which will be rapaciously consumed by the gullible in society.
It is difficult to accept that the contents of the video were not intended for the public given the timing of that interview. It’s elections season. If Baksh was so concerned about his safety, then it is a big question why he did not make a report to the police. He could have done a personal video and give it to someone confidential for release if he is harmed or killed, but he did not do so.
In his interview, Baksh did not only attack and disparage the
undoubtful success?
Through sheer strength, grit and determination, the six parties have kept their heads above water. The different colours have had tsunamic effects, fading shades, phasing effects, uncharted changes, artistic styles and cultural impressions. Kudos must be given to all for a well-fought race despite the circumstances and questionable intricacies. Will there be any last-minute drop out, or will they all see it through the end?
The remaining days will see no one winding down but up. Some will keep the pressure on in order to maintain their lead, others will clamber to visit uncovered grounds, while a few may be exhausted to maintain the pace. Guya-
President and Minister Bharrat, but he attacked the President’s mother who is in her seventies and a devout Muslim who is retired after an illustrious career as an educator. Was Baksh so blinded by greed and animosity that even such a great woman cannot be spared from his wrath?
How can a credible journalist allow this senseless attack? Who would believe that the President’s mother would actually be the ‘collector’ for corrupt deals? This is grossly absurd and ridiculous. Chase should have realised that such statements should never have been recorded much less made available. What threat does the President’s mother pose to Baksh? There were no threats from either the minister or the President. The political implications are clear. Was this interview
nese have had quite a mouth full to deal with: having to decipher who is right from wrong; who is telling lies or the truth; who is providing more choices and who is not sounding sensible; who is making solid promises and who is making fools of themselves; who holds dignity and integrity and who appears false and illusive; who is real and who is fake; who is well equipped and who has a poor outfit; and above all, who is capable of running a disciplined administration for the peace of the people, the progress of the country and the prosperity of development in the interest of both people and country. Is there an obvious choice that is knocking on the door of every Guyanese?
done by political direction?
These unfounded attacks should be condemned by all credible human rights organisations and media houses.
Baksh’s apology can only be deemed hypocritical and signing a non-disclosure agreement cannot and will not absolve him from the grievous damages done to the image of all parties involved, especially the mother of the President. He should have limited his interview to who allegedly caused his ‘troubles’, in this case Satnarine Sahadeo and what he can verify by hard evidence.
I do feel that the parties involved in this ‘interview’ should face the full brunt of the law.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
The answer lies in the number of ballots that will be counted come September 1st. We can hope and pray but what will matter is Guyanese exercising their constitutional right to mark their X on their favourite franchise. It is predicted that this election will be free, fair and transparent without the unhealthy encumbrances from the previous election which helped to undermine democracy in Guyana. Will the local, regional and international observers have a walk in the park as they diligently do their duties, or will they be hindered from performing their assignments?
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.
A lawyer and a so-called pastor: They want your vote
RONALD Daniels, an APNU 2025 elections candidate, and Nigel London, another elections candidate but for a different political party, the People’s Movement, and a preacher in Linden, on different occasions last week made statements about the President’s mother. One of these men, based on the supposed acceptance of the legal training that he got, should know how to assess wild allegations not based on evidence.
The other, a preacher who appeals to God to protect his flock ought to know that God frowns on people who do bad things. London carried on in a podcast about allegations a man named Junior Baksh said about the President’s mother. Daniels in a Facebook post carried on just like London.
London and Daniels in seeking to tarnish the President’s mother did not mention two things. One is that Baksh is extremely close to Azruddin Mohamed and
that Travis Chase is alleged to be close to Mohamed too and so you have to take what both said with a grain of salt. Both men could be helping Azruddin’s political cause.
Secondly, for all his labyrinthine connections in the gold industry and all the formidable secrets he has, Baksh’s adumbration is simply a mouthing off.
There isn’t at least one taped conversation from Baksh that implicates any Cabinet minister.
So why did London and Daniels not show even an ounce of respect toward the President’s mother? Because they are in electoral politics and no line is sacred that it cannot be crossed.
London says he is a preacher and when you read Daniels’ Facebook offering, he comes across as a person who finds solace in the Bible. So, both men seek direction in their lives from God.
I really don’t know if London and Daniels are getting the right heavenly direction. I saw a social
media programme in which London told the custodian of the Mulatto/Creole culture in Guyana, Nigel Westmaas that the neocolonial powers intervened in the March 2020 elections to put the PPP/C in power. London is yet to explain the logistics of the intervention to his parishioners (assuming he has such people) and the electorate that he is appealing to.
Daniels is an admirer of Forbes Burnham. One wonders if Daniels knows that in the 2025 elections he is participating in, had Burnham been alive, there would have been no elections because Burnham simply did not believe in free and fair elections. The story of Daniels and London is the tale of the long journey into disintegration by the opposition.
To win votes, Daniels and London have stooped low. They have brought the President’s mother into their game. But whose votes can you win by stooping so low? One element lacking in the election strategy of the
opposition parties is their persuading appeal to PPP/C voters.
Can you win votes other than the ones your supporters gave to you by bringing in an innocent family member of the President into your masquerade? London’s party has subsumed itself under the umbrella of Amanza Walton-Desir. She is a woman. The President’s mother is a woman. Does Mrs. Walton-Desir feel what her political colleague did should carry an apology?
Then there is the new kid on the block - Terrence Campbell. Two of his APNU colleagues have brought the President’s mother into their propaganda miasma. Sherod Duncan put up a Facebook post in which he made reference to the President’s mother.
Campbell did not waste any time in denouncing
Leonard Craig for a few questionable remarks that Campbell felt were vulgar. Two of his APNU colleagues have gone billions of miles ahead of the indiscretion of Craig but no word from him so far. I know this country. Walton-Desir will not apologise for London. Aubrey Norton and Terrence Campbell will not apologise for Daniels and Duncan.
I wrote in my Saturday piece that we will not get a reaction from Stabroek News and Christopher Ram. Well, Ram spoke the next day (Sunday). He found Baksh’s revelation acceptable and praised a blatant opposition journalist, Travis Chase. This is Guyana where those who criticise the government of the day are far, far, far worse than members of the government.
And the voters are no fools. They will listen and look at the crass things that are being said and they will reject those who do not belong to political decent competition and should not be in politics. Duncan, Daniels and London think that Guyanese do not know what Baksh and Travis Chase were up to. And who are Baksh and Chase? Who says London, Duncan and Daniels don’t know the person in politics Baksh and Chase are connected to? Irfaan Ali is a morally superior being and will win on September 1.
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.
About last week: one of the most intriguing in Guyanese politics
THIS past week so much has happened in these 83,000 square miles that it could easily be considered the hottest, busiest and most intriguing in recent political memory. I cannot think of a group of consecutive days in an election season that was as loaded with intrigue and drama as the last seven days.
One could say that there were moments during that five months debacle of 2020 that will stand out in our memory. Without a doubt, the 2020 elections season is probably the most memorable, but not the most intriguing, for the last quarter century. In 2020, there were several moving parts around a narrow laser-like
focus of events, which no doubt gave it its memory etching characteristic.
Events of last week did not rise to that level given what was at stake. In the grander scheme of things, almost all the events of last week will fade from active political memory and may never be recorded when the history texts are written. But intrigue has flooded the political landscape with wild abandonment; it kept coming day after day. Each hour with its own intrigue and ever y awe consuming moment with its own set of moving parts. It was the single busiest week in a quarter century of politics. I had occasion to retort that during campaign season one day is equivalent to one normal year. Imagine seven years of political highlight reels packed into one week.
Events ran the gamut: from the faux pas quasi graphic sexual references on a campaign stage and its accompanying torrent of selective outrage, then a well-known bipolar machete-wielding personality made threats to harm a sitting minister, then there was the release and exposure of a raft of extorsion-laden secret recordings, to a jaded opposition figurine nestled overseas attempting to make a transborder case out of a p opular social media personality strolling past his home more than four months ago. Then we saw the release of what appeared to be a pecuniary induced and carefully choreographed interview that cast a wide net of character assassination and criminal miasma in wild abandonment. We also received confirmation that one of the figureheads of Team Mohamed’s held suspi -
cious clandestine meetings with unknown officials in the Venezuelan embassy, which certainly has the interest of the CIA, US Department of State and US Congress. Then the nasty viral vilification of the matriarch of the President, a model senior citizen who has made noteworthy contributions in the education sector. We also saw empty political gobble by a well-known fading political figure who sought to wrest the limelight from the top CXC performers by employing racial invectives to attempt to give his obscure campaign some prominence. There was also a prominent figure in Guyanese journalism who retracted the entirety of his supposedly explosive interview that was leaked with the expectation that it might change the electoral fortunes of the PPP. Just imagine that wasn’t all the political intrigue thrown up this week.
Among all the political intrigue of the week, I wish to extrapolate and highlight one lesson every politician should learn. I will keep my analysis sufficiently general to avoid igniting controversy.
The observation is that some very experienced public figures and seasoned politicians do not understand the nuances of Guyanese politics. The struggle of many politicians is that there is an internal philosophical contest between idealism and existential pragmatism. Some political figures respond to the many moving parts of our politics by constructing a set of social ideals and in doing so they come over as either hypocrites or distorters of facts.
As an example, a certain prominent political figure attempting to chas-
tise the error of another, released a statement. Though accurate in its factual outlay, its stylistic construction, timing and the level of thoughtfulness poured into it, served only to overlay those basic facts with loaded subtexts and innuendoes. Given these conditions, when taken as a whole, the statement failed badly and lost its pillory value. Instead, it promoted sentiments that are inimical to the pragmatic mission and the very essence of the party’s political undertaking. The lesson here is that the only idealist constraint on our practice of politics is the law. Outside of that, everything else should weigh heavily in favour of the pragmatism of realpolitik. Social and moral realism is heavily biased in favour of individual community perspectives; things such as religion, education, ethnicity, profession and other interpersonal qualities. The intersections of these features are so varied that constructing ideals based on them will create more conflicts than they solve. Therefore, pragmatic ‘give and take’ is the only sensible way to handle matters in politics, a sphere of human activity that is highly transactional.
If a politician cannot appreciate that once a political direction has been crafted by the party apparatus, all personal idealistic trepidations become subservient to the general mission, that politician belongs with the dinosaurs.
DISCLAIMER: The views and o pinions 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.
‘We’re coming back to do even more’
- Dr. Jagdeo promises transformative support for Region Nine in next PPP/C term
SHOULD the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) be re-elected this September, families in Region Nine can expect even more support aimed at improving their lives and strengthening their communities.
That was the message the party’s General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo took to Lethem on Sunday, where he addressed a large crowd of supporters gathered to hear what the party has planned for the next five years.
“We’re not finished yet,” Dr. Jagdeo told the mammoth crowd. “We want to do more for families, more for young people, more for farmers, more for every Amerindian village.”
During his speech, he outlined several new plans that the PPP/C would roll out if voted back into office.
These include: Zero-interest loans for people starting small or medium-sized businesses, grants to help women and young people start small projects, assistance for families looking to build or upgrade their homes, more cash grants to help with daily expenses, new food processing factories to support local agriculture, equipment, fertiliser, and planting materials for farmers, and scholarships for anyone who wants to study or learn a skill.
Dr. Jagdeo promised that the PPP/C will do even more for citizens.
“We will make sure that your villages; the farmers get full support,” he said. “We will build factory shelves so you
can process more of your food. We'll make sure more equipment, fertiliser, pesticides, planting material for the farmers so that people can have a better life. In terms of education, we want everyone to study; all of our young people to have the best quality education in the world without leaving their villages.”
Importantly, Dr. Jagdeo said the government will improve Internet access across the region, so that young people don’t have to leave their villages to get a good education.
“We now have to improve connectivity; Wi Fi, so that they can do Online courses right in their villages. And anyone who wants a scholarship will get a scholarship in the next term; any young person not only to do academic subjects, but to train them in a lot of skills that they need to earn more in your villages,” he said, adding:
“We're going to support the children more so that they, too, can do well. We’re going to take away more of the burden of funding education from the families.”
Dr. Jagdeo also reminded residents that these promises aren’t just talk. Over the past few years, he said, the PPP/C has already delivered on many of its previous commitments, despite taking office during a national crisis.
“When we came in, the country was basically shut down, but we still reversed all the taxes they put in, and didn’t add a single new one,” he noted.
So far, government initiatives have deliv -
ered: $14 billion to hinterland and Amerindian communities through the Low- Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), $11 billion via the Amerindian Development Fund, 36,000 solar panels to homes across the interior, jobs for over 5,000 people through the Community Service Officers (CSO) initiative and part-time work programmes.
The VP added that the PPP/C has always stood with Amerindian communities not just during elections, but when things were tough.
“Long before we were in government, we were here fighting side-by-side with you. Not every party can say that,” he told the crowd, pointing to the hardships faced under past administrations.
The PPP/C is expected to release its full manifesto today, outlining even more policies and plans to take Guyana forward ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during his fiery address at a rally in Lethem on Sunday (DPI photo)
Telemedicine: a digital lifeline
By Shamar Meusa
IN parts of Guyana that were once isolated by distance, something has changed; a quiet revolution is connecting patients to the care needed through the use of technology.
At the centre of this change is telemedicine, also known as ‘telehealth’, which employs the use of telecommunications technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. It provides remote clinical services through real-time communication using
electronic audio and visual means.
This digital lifeline was launched in Guyana in 2022, connecting the health posts and clinics in some of the most remote and hard-to-reach communities to doctors and specialists
at regional hospitals and the country’s main referral institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Since its introduction, some 81 sites have been established across the country’s administrative regions.
Providing significant benefits for those communities, Verlina Conrado, a Registered Midwife stationed at Paruima in Region Seven, told the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview that this lifeline has been helpful to their community.
Prior to the implementation of the programme, Conrado stated that it was difficult for workers at the hospital to make contact with the district hospital.
“Now having this, this equipment and all the instruments that came along with it, we have the blood pressure monitor, the thermometer, the
oximeter and the otoscope. So, it came in a whole. We have been using that and it has been helping our members here,” she said.
The midwife went on to note that with the system in emergency cases, they are able to contact the doctor stationed at the Kamarang District Hospital.
She added, “Right away, the doctor is on, and we would be able to discuss the patient as if we’re speaking face-to-face with the doctor here at Paruima. We would tell him all the patients’ problems.
Against this backdrop, she disclosed that since many more persons in the community have learned about the system, more persons are coming to the health post to seek care as opposed to travelling to facilities located further away.
Prior to this, residents travelled some three to six hours to
Kamarang by boat.
“Now we’re starting to see them coming more now and being able to be seen by on-call doctors,” she said.
Adding another element to being able to provide care, Conrado stated that they are now able to create a patient profile for persons who come to seek care. This enables them to keep patient information on hand in a confidential manner, allowing them to manage their health history effectively.
The system has also played a pivotal role in the administration of care in White Water Village in Region One, with a population of just around 2,000 persons, which is one of the northernmost villages, located close to Guyana’s border with Venezuela.
For Vybert Vazroz, a Medex stationed at the White Water Health Centre, the system has been an irreplaceable support for the staff there.
“So, it creates a support system for me overall to communicate with my subordinates and also my superiors and also any specialist we might need,” he said.
Adding to this, he said that they have had cases where they would have had to reach out to ophthalmology specialists for patients with eye issues, psychiatry, gynaecology, among many other specialties.
He affirmed, “So it's a lifeline to me basically in my field of work.”
Community health workers in remote villages are making use of the new digital lifeline Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony
Registered Midwife, Verlina Conrado of Paruima, Region Seven Medex Vybert Vazroz of White Water, Region One
The telemedicine map showing where all 81 sites are located
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips addressed a large gathering of supporters at a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally in the Commercial Zone of
the crowd. “So let us move forward together for a better Guyana. Put your X next to the cup.”
The Prime Minister noted that the administration had fulfilled the promises laid out in its
frastructure, but also about creating opportunities for people across the country.
“We didn't just build roads in the villages. We didn't just do water wells in the villages. We
Lethem, Region Nine, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national development and called for continued support at the next general and regional elections.
Declaring ‘better is already here’, Prime Minister Phillips highlighted a number of achievements under the current PPP/C administration, pointing to significant infrastructure, education, and social welfare initiatives that were delivered since taking office.
“We are working overtime for the people, and we ready to do it five more years,” he told
2020 manifesto, which focused on five years of targeted development.
“Last elections, we had a manifesto, and we promised you five years of development, and we delivered on the promise,” he said. “And that is the only reason you want us for another five years, right? Because we kept our promise, we delivered to you.”
He outlined a number of key programmes, including the construction of roads, bridges, and water wells in several communities, as well as investment in renewable energy sources like hydro and solar power. He noted that these efforts were not only about in-
didn't just build schools and health centres in the villages,” he said before adding, “We ensured every one of you 18 years and above, got $100,000 in 2025 because in addition to development, in addition to your economic empowerment, we believe that you must share in the prosperity of Guyana.”
PM Phillips highlighted several social and educational programmes, including the “Because We Care” cash grant, which increased from $10,000 to $50,000 per child in 2025, and the rollout of free CXC examinations fees for up to eight subjects and tuition-free
university education.
He also pointed to the distribution of 39,000 scholarships and the removal of 200 taxes as major steps toward improving the lives of ordinary Guyanese.
He contrasted the PPP/C’s record with that of the opposition, criticising their track re-
cord in government and accusing them of prioritising themselves over the needs of the people.
“Comrades, you have visionary thinkers who are planning and executing programmes for your welfare every day, every month, every year, and now we want to do it for five more years,” he said.
PM Phillips reaffirmed the government’s belief in inclusive growth and citizen participation in the country’s economic gains.
“We believe that once this economy grows, you will get more,” he stated.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips addresses the crowd at the Lethem rally (DPI photo)
GPHC promotes, encourages vision care, early screenings for eye diseases
THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has
been promoting vision care through early screenings and tests at its eye clinic and the Vision Centre. In a recent highlight
on social media, the hospital urged Guyanese to protect their vision.
Ophthalmology Secretary, Keisha Narine said it is advised that persons facing eye difficulties visit the hospital.
“In order to have your eyes tested, you may not need a referral; you can come in to us and you will be given
if left untreated, it can lead to complete vision loss.
“If you are diagnosed with diabetes, and you would like to detect if your eyes have diabetic retinopathy, you can visit our Diabetic Eye Screening Centre, located at the eye clinic. You are not required a referral to have this service,” Narine noted, stating
prevent blindness in patients with glaucoma. Diabetes is a pretty common illness in our society and our population, and when you have that you can experience severe blurred vision due to bleeding at the back of the eyes, and other damages,” Dr. Persaud stated. She encouraged persons diagnosed with diabetes to visit the clinic
an appointment date to have your eyes tested,” Narine said.
Based on results from these tests, they will determine whether you have glaucoma, cataract, or any other eye diseases, or need a prescribed spectacles which has a fee attached.
“We strongly urge persons to do an annual eye check-up, since early detection of any eye diseases is vital to your eye care,” she said.
Speaking specifically to diabetic retinopathy, Narine expressed that many persons living with diabetes are unaware that it can cause damage to their eyes. Unfortunately,
however that the person will receive an appointment date to have their eyes screened.
Meanwhile, the GPHC’s General Medical Officer Dr. Shivannie Persaud said a few common eye ailments seen at the hospital’s eye clinic include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and trauma-formed issues to the eye.
Dr. Persaud underscored that persons with family members who have been diagnosed with glaucoma should visit the eye clinic and make an appointment to see a doctor, with a referral from a health centre for early screening.
“Early detection can
for diabetic screening, and visit their general practitioner at their respective clinics to ensure optimum glucose levels.
To access these services at the GPHC, persons can visit their local health centre, or medical practitioner of their choice who will provide them with a referral to visit the clinic any day, from Monday and Friday. Once there, they will see a doctor who will advise them further. They can also visit the Vision Centre, which is located within the GPHC compound, and can be accessed via the East Street entrance.
One of the machines used for eye testing (Photo: GPHC/Facebook)
Telemedicine...
The implementation of telemedicine here began as a pilot project with nine sites where the Ministry of Health sought to test the concept out.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony stated that they quickly realised during the pilot phase that this was something that could help improve the quality of care that is being delivered to those remote communities.
In the initial stages of getting the project underway, the health minister noted that there were significant challenges as many of these communities were hard to reach, and as such, transporting the necessary equipment, among other things, was difficult.
The first site, which was set up, he disclosed, was in Masakenari, commonly known as Gunns, one of the country’s most remote communities. The village was able to connect to the GPHC and three other villages.
Despite the initial logistics challenges, the programme has thus far been hailed a success as over the years, quite a number of lives have been saved with the immediate access to care that in some cases had been quite limited before.
He too disclosed that in many villages, people have been responding positively as they have highlighted, they no longer have a need to travel outside of their communities.
TECHNOLOGY
Meanwhile, giving an idea of the type of technology that is being used, Dr Anthony stated that there is a laptop computer at the health centres/ posts which is then connected to a number of internet-enabled devices.
Powered by solar energy, the devices connect to the internet through Starlink, which is the best solution for remote locations.
“That is why we’re able to do real-time communication with the various sites, and that has been extremely helpful for the medical personnel working with these sites, and of course, the patients who are the main beneficiaries,” he said.
The system, known as GALE eClinics, piloted by
California-based 19Labs, replicates the full clinical experience as a point-of-care platform that offers seamless consultation, diagnostic testing and further patient monitoring.
The platform was designed to be operated by non-healthcare professionals in locations with limited infrastructure and has been optimised for low bandwidth areas.
PLANS FOR EXPANSION
With the benefits of the programme evident, the health minister revealed that there are plans to expand the number of sites across the country.
“We’re planning to expand, we want to increase this to maybe 150 sites and even go further, and at some point in the future, the idea is that every one of our health facilities would be connected,” he said.
Further to this, with the roll out of the ministry’s broader digital health strategy, the telemedicine system is expected to be integrated with the electronic health records system that is being introduced in its early stage at the GPHC.
Dr Anthony added, “Last year, we invested a lot of time into developing a digital health strategy, so part of the digital health strategy is how do we expand telemedicine, how do we use the different applications for telemedicine, so that we could improve care in rural communities.”
In the further advancement of telemedicine, 19Labs, through a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has launched the pilot project which focuses on using drone technology to deliver medication and medical supplies to hinterland communities.
According to the IDB, this initiative will enhance the country’s expanding telemedicine and digital health network to provide a cost-effective, longrange, two-way drone delivery system that can transport medical supplies in geographically isolated regions.
The pilot project is set to benefit some 20,000 residents who are served by some 15 telemedicine sites in Guyana’s most hard-to-reach communities.
Officials and villagers when telemedicine was launched in Gunns Village, Region Nine
Laura Carvalho, 21, to return to Monkey Mountain as first-ever medex
By Michel Outridge
AFTER stepping out of her comfort zone and leaving her home in the remote village of Monkey Mountain in the North Pakaraimas, Region Eight, Laura Carvalho successfully completed the medex programme after four years of dedicated studies and hard work.
Following six weeks of training under the guidance of a doctor and attachment at a hospital, she will return to her village to serve as a medex.
She will be attached to the Monkey Mountain Health Centre, complementing the current staff. The health facility does not have a medex.
This achievement is also the first for her family and she is very happy she is now a healthcare professional, which will give her the opportunity to serve her community.
The 21-year-old explained that having to step out of her comfort zone and leave her family and village was difficult but had to be done to qualify herself in
the medical field. Today, she is happy she made that decision.
Though it was filled with daily commuting via public transportation, late nights and early mornings, it was worth it.
Carvalho was only 17 years old when she made the bold step towards self-development.
“I always wanted to be
in healthcare. It was my desire, and I worked towards it, walking from my village to Paramakatoi to attend secondary school. It took all day…It wasn’t easy,” she said.
The new medex told the Guyana Chronicle that four years away from home and her family was a long time but it was necessary in order for her to achieve her goals. Her family members, she said, are proud of her academic accomplishments and she also had the support of the entire village.
Carvalho reported that she wanted to uplift the people in her village and boost the staff compliment and the primary healthcare in Monkey Mountain. Presently, the community has one registered nurse, two nursing assistants, one community health worker and one dentist.
“When I took the bold step to become a medex, I knew it was going to be a challenge because I didn’t know what to expect. I learned quickly of the fast-paced lifestyle of living and studying away from ho me and with the support of my colleagues, I was able to negotiate the culture shock and also daily hurdles,” she told this publication.
She is presently living in the West Demerara Regional Hospital dormitory and cannot wait to complete her six-week stint so that she can head home and take up her new role.
She travelled daily to attend classes at the Ministry of Health’s health sciences education facility in Georgetown.
Carvalho who is the eldest of two children, related that the nearest health posts from Monkey Mountain are at Kopinang and Tuseneng.
Meanwhile, she gave her commitment to adopting the right attitude so that her fellow villagers and others seeking medical attention can receive proper, timely care.
The healthcare professional revealed that with the MoH’s telemedicine programme, she will be able to contact doctors and consultants for proper advice in order to diagnose and treat her patients.
The Monkey Mountain Health Centre is equipped with Starlink internet service, which will ensure that connectivity can be established at any time.
In her new role, she will be visiting shut-ins and schools, to ensure everyone has access to healthcare.
Laura Carvalho
Preserving historical memory, upholding world peace
By Her Excellency Yang Yang, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana
THIS year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Alongside people from all over the world, China will solemnly hold commemorative events, including a memorial meeting, a military parade, a reception, and a national memorial ceremony, to revisit history and honour the martyrs. China will remain a staunch supporter, defender and promoter of world peace and development.
Eighty years ago, China resolutely resisted Japanese aggression and made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.
The World Anti-Fascist War was the largest and most destructive conflict in human history, engulfing Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, bringing profound suffering to two billion people and inflicting unprecedented destruction on human civilisation.
More than 80 countries and regions were drawn into the war, including British Guiana, where some of its people joined British forces to fight in the European and Asian theatres. British Guiana also supplied critical strategic resources such as bauxite and timber to the Allied forces. This war was a monumental struggle of justice over evil and progress over reaction, and its victory profoundly influenced the advancement of human civilisation, giving rise to a wave of newly independent nations, including Guyana.
The Chinese theatre was the main battleground of the World Anti-Fascist War, and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance was an integral part of this global struggle. Some Guyanese friends may not know that China’s national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was born amid the flames of the War of Resistance.
China’s fight began the earliest, lasted the longest, and demanded the greatest sacrifices. From the September 18th incident in 1931 to Japan’s unconditional surrender in 1945, the Chinese people waged a 14-year-long war against Japanese fascism.
China suffered immense losses, with over 35 million military and civilian casualties and economic damages totalling 500 billion USD.
The tenacious resistance of the Chinese people pinned down and fought the main forces of Japan’s fascist army, eliminating more than 1.5 million Japanese troops and playing a decisive role in defeating the Japanese
aggressors.
The Chinese People’s War of Resistance received support and assistance from peace-loving and justice-pursuing nations, people, international organisations, and anti-fascist forces worldwide.
Many anti-fascist fighters from the Soviet Union, the United States, Canada, India, and other countries travelled from afar to join China’s resistance, with many sacrificing their lives.
The Chinese government and people will never forget their contributions.
The Chinese nation made historic contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China actively coordinated with Allied operations in Europe and the Pacific, thwarting attempts by Japanese and German fascists to unite, preventing the Soviet Union from fighting on two fronts, delaying Japan’s southward advance, and easing military pressure on the U.S. and Britain in the Pacific.
Former U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, once remarked that “the magnificent defence of China” was one of the two key factors in stopping Hitler’s plan of world domination. China also deployed troops abroad to directly support Allied forces.
In 1942, the Chinese Expeditionary Force entered Burma, repeatedly defeating Japanese troops and rescuing thousands of encircled British soldiers. In 1944, 24 Chinese naval cadets participated in the Normandy landings, earning commendation from Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Additionally, China provided vast quantities of strategic supplies and military intelligence, contributing manpower, resources, and financial support to the anti-fascist war.
Over the past 80 years, China has adhered to a path of peaceful development and played a vital role in safeguard-
contemporary challenges. These initiatives inject momentum into shared development, rally forces for peace, and guide cultural exchange, making them well-received and widely supported among more than 100 countries and international organizations.
Eighty years on, China steadfastly fulfills its responsibilities as a major country, proposing Chinese solutions to jointly tackle challenges and shape the future.
deeds of anti-fascist forces. All peace-loving nations and people need to remain vigilant and firmly oppose any distortion of historical truths or denial of the war’s victorious outcomes. Only by correctly understanding history can we avoid repeating past mistakes, draw valuable lessons, and forge a better future.
of the reunification of China is unstoppable.
ing world peace and stability.
Amid the aftermath of the World Anti-Fascist War, the international community reflected deeply and united to establish an international order and system centred on the United Nations and grounded in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, laying the foundation for post-war peace and development—a hard-won achievement of humanity’s collective effort and sacrifice. As one of the major victorious nations, China actively participated in this historic process and made significant contributions, becoming the first country to sign the UN Charter.
Over the past eight decades, while pursuing its own development, China has supported and practised multilateralism through concrete actions, playing a constructive role in maintaining world peace and development. China is the largest troop contributor to peacekeeping operations among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the second largest contributor to the UN’s regular budget and peacekeeping assessments.
For years, China has contributed around 30 per cent of global economic growth and over 70 per cent of global poverty reduction.
Since President Xi Jinping’s proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative more than a decade ago, China has signed co-operation agreements with over 150 countries, with cumulative direct investment in partner nations exceeding $350 billion, significantly boosting economic development and social stability across the globe.
President Xi Jinping has put forward the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, along with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, fostering broad consensus to address
Today’s world faces increasing changes and turbulence, with regional conflicts erupting incessantly. Unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism have dealt a heavy blow to the international order. As multipolarity and economic globalisation encounter numerous challenges, humanity stands once again at a crossroads—solidarity or division, dialogue or confrontation, winwin or zero-sum. We must learn from history, drawing wisdom and strength from the lessons of World War II and the great victory of the world anti-fascist war, resolutely opposing all forms of hegemonism and power politics to jointly create a brighter future for humanity.
We must uphold a correct view of WWII history- the history of WWII documents both the crimes of war and the heroic
We must resolutely safeguard the post-war international order. The conflicts and injustices in today’s world do not arise because the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are outdated, but precisely because they have not been fully implemented. The more turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more we must uphold the UN’s authority and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.
Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the WWII victory and the post-war international order. The Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and other legally binding documents unequivocally affirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. These historical and legal facts are indisputable, the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is unshakable, and the inevitable historical trend
We must build a community with a shared future for mankind. 80 years ago, people across the globe fought courageously and shoulder-to-shoulder to defeat the mighty forces of fascism. Similarly, today’s humanity must cooperate to overcome security dilemmas, dialogue to bridge civilisational divides, and unite to confront shared challenges.
President Xi Jinping’s vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, along with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, inherits and builds upon the invaluable lessons of the world anti-fascist war, offering Chinese solutions to tackling global challenges and building a shared promising future.
China stands ready to work with Guyana and all peace-loving nations to preserve the fruits of WWII’s victory, practise true multilateralism, and contribute wisdom and strength to build a community with a shared future for mankind and an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Yang Yang
Under the PPP, we have seen the biggest resources into our hinterland communities
THE village of Wiruni in the Berbice River, Region 10, recently warmly welcomed Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’ d) Mark Phillips, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh and other government officials during a visit to the hinterland community for a People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) meeting as part of its election campaign in the run up to the September 1, 2025 elections.
The governing party has been on the ground in various communities since its return to office in August 2020. Indigenous communities have since benefitted from ramped up government programmes and projects. Additionally, Amerindian communities have received substantial financing through the PPP/C government’s sale of carbon credits under its ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
Addressing the crowd gathered, Dr. Singh explained that there are thousands of examples of why the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic should be re-elected to office based on its track record. However, he chose to
focus specifically on the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
“We have been speaking about climate change, and it took a visionary leader in the person of the General Secretary of the PPP, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, now Vice President. I think the GS deserves a special round of applause,” Dr. Singh said as Wiruni residents applauded loudly.
The minister pointed out that it took Dr. Jagdeo to develop the LCDS and it is not just a strategy that is written on beautiful paper and printed with beautiful pictures, but it is a strategy that the Vice President has advocated for. It was pointed out that the strategy has now been taken up by President Ali with both he and Dr. Jagdeo advocating around the world, using it to mobilise resources, not only to help in the fight against climate change, but more importantly, to help finance economic transformation in Amerindian and hinterland villages.
“…and comrades, every single Amerindian village has received grants under the LCDS. No other political party has done this, and these grants are very substantial,” he added noting that Wiruni has received over a three-
Scenes from the PPP/C rally held recently at Wiruni in the Berbice River
- Dr. Singh says during PPP/C’s rally in the Berbice River
injection of financial communities
year period (2023-2025), a total of $54 million.
“The Region 10 Amerindian communities alone have received a total of $678 million and Amerindian communities countrywide over the three years have received a total of more than $14 billion, the biggest injection of financial resources into our Amerindian and hinterland villages,” Dr. Singh highlighted to loud cheers from residents.
He noted as well that government has convened year after year the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and have invited the villages’ elected leaders to develop village sustainability plans to articulate the priorities and the use of the money to finance those priorities and transform their villages.
“Because our President’s vision, our General Secretary’s, our Prime Minister’s and our government’s vision is that every single village must have a viable and competitive village economy run by you in your interest and for your benefit in your villages. You must be earning your own money, whether it be agriculture or tourism,” he said firmly as the crowd once more cheered in agreement.
DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE
Dr. Singh acknowledged that the communities along the Berbice River are amongst the most beautiful places in Guyana and have tremendous potential, whether it be in agriculture or tourism and therefore, the government has provided every single village with a tractor and trailer and implements.
No other party, he said, has even come near to that, in terms of all that the PPP/C has done in Amerindian communities to assist them in growing their village economies and boosting their development.
The minister also noted the development that is taking place in the village including the construction of a new secondary school.
“I was delighted to see the school is under construction and this is only one example and indeed, a small example of thousands upon thousands of examples of promises that have been delivered by the PPP/C in this term alone.
He therefore urged the residents to ensure that on September 1 they all vote for the party to gain their biggest victory ever by putting their X next to the cup, the PPP/C’s election symbol.
“There is an unbreakable link between democracy and development and service to people. If you believe in democracy, meaning if you respect the right of people to elect a government of their own choice every five years, then you understand that every five years you have to come back to people to ask them for their vote and you can only credibly come back to people and ask them for their vote if you have spent the previous five years serving them and improving their lives, “ he said.
“If on the other hand you are a political entity that is a rogue and a rascal and you don’t respect the will of the people, instead you want to steal their right to vote for a government of their own choice, because you have some friend somewhere who will make up some numbers and hang up some bedsheet with his own numbers and you saw what happened in 2020, if you don’t respect the will of the people, and you don’t respect their right to vote for a government of their choice, then you will not serve the people, because you are not interested in winning their hearts and their minds and winning their votes, and that is what distinguishes APNU/ AFC/ PNC or whatever else they want to call themselves, from the People’s Progressive Party,” the Minister added.
In concluding, he said that with its sterling track record, the PPP/C respects the residents’ right to vote for a government of their choice every five years and
thus, has spent every day of the last five years trying to improve the lives of Guyanese and serving them in every possible way.
Guyana’s education system nurturing future engineers, neurologists, science majors
By Faith Greene
DESIROUS of pursuing studies in the sciences, mechanical engineering
and other fields, Guyanese students have high hopes for their future following the release of this year’s Caribbean
istry of Education, has equipped students with all the tools they need to be successful in their academic ventures and
pursue career paths of their choosing.
This year, several students from a number of schools received high scores in their exams, which would allow them to apply for post-secondary education with ease.
One such bright and hopeful student is Fraser’s Educational Institute’s Supriya Premchand, who attained 13 Grade Ones, nine Grade Twos, and three Grade Threes at this year’s CSEC exams.
Premchand hopes to become a doctor in the future, specifically in the field of neurology.
The young woman said that studying for 26 subjects was indeed a challenge in the beginning.
“My headteacher gave me a lot of great advice, one of them included using a study timetable which helped me to balance my time more, and help me to study and manage,” she said.
With an interest in Mechanical Engineering, Laurex Vandenburgh of Skeldon Line Path Secondary secured 16 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos. Vandenburgh has already applied to the Government Technical Institute (GTI) to pursue studies in mechanical engineering.
When asked what inspired him to write 18 subjects, Vandenburgh stated, “Well, I would say it was my siblings. In their time, the amount of subjects they wrote were a lot, so I was like, ‘Oh! I need to surpass them! I need to do better.’” This was coupled with the push from his siblings, and the need to make his family proud.
He’d like to advise students to put in the effort to study/revise early.
“I must admit, I did not do all of that. I was very lackadaisical, but I do not want other people to repeat that same mistake. That’s why I would advise them to try study; try put in that effort, and they would be able to accomplish great things,” he posited.
Meanwhile, Mahesa Boodhoo of Queen’s College excelled in 20 subjects, receiving 19 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. Reflecting on her journey to success, Boodhoo said that this is one of her more foundational experiences. The excited teen shared, “Gathering all of my knowledge that I have gained since First Form. First Form was Online, so you could imagine that was quite tricky; using all of my knowledge from Forms One to Five, and just focusing that all on that exam paper.”
Boodhoo emphasised that CSEC has changed her life. She recalled having to forego social activities, including cub meetings, so that she can focus on her exam preparation.
The scholar further said, “CXC (CSEC) has definitely changed my life, and I definitely hope to do CAPE in the future. And one day, my biggest dream is to go to Oxford University. That’s where I plan to go; that’s where I plan to use my CXC knowledge and my CXC experience.”
For CAPE, Boodhoo said she is leaning towards the sciences, as she is very passionate about Chemistry, Physics and Psychology.
Queen’s College student Mahesa Boodhoo
Supriya Premchand of Fraser’s Educational Institute
Laurex Vandenburgh of Skeldon Line Path Secondary (Japheth Savory photos)
Non-US persons could face sanctions for providing material support to Mohameds - OFAC restates
THE U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has reaffirmed that non-U.S. persons could face sanctions if found providing material support to the sanctioned Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin, as a result of the far-reaching consequences of their designation under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
This was outlined in a document, which was OFAC's response to queries from the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) camp following the closure of candidates' bank accounts. Azruddin is WIN’s presidential candidate in the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections.
The document, which was leveraged by Stabroek News and Kaieteur News for articles in their Sunday edition, made it clear that transactions with sanctioned individuals are generally prohibited for U.S. persons, and non-U.S. entities are not immune from repercussions.
The body warned that “non-U.S. persons could also face sanctions risk for certain activities involving sanctioned persons, such as providing material support to them.”
The agency reiterat -
ed that unless exempt or specifically licensed, U.S. financial institutions are barred from engaging in transactions where a sanctioned individual has an interest, directly or indirectly.
Mohamed’s sanctions come with a serious set of consequences, which are spelled out in the sanction document published in June of 2024.
The Mohameds and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing, on June 11, 2024, were sanctioned by OFAC, which oversees sanctions against individuals and entities tied to illicit activities and hostile foreign governments.
As a result, persons have lost their visas and WIN candidates have lost their bank accounts, owing to local banks refusing to undergo financial collapse by severing their ties with U.S. corresponding banks.
The United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, had highlighted the possible repercussions of Azruddin's bid for office and possible election to office.
The concerns are related to both diplomatic and economic relations, which would be strained.
USA, Tanzania, Japan among 16 teams to qualify for 2026 U-19 Men's World Cup
…They join Afghanistan, Japan, Scotland and Tanzania as the teams that enter the tournament after winning regional qualifiers
USA became the 16th and final team to qualify for the 2026 Under-19 Men's World Cup. The 50-over tournament will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Na-
mibia, with the former, being a full member nation, gaining automatic qualification to the event alongside the top ten teams in the 2024 edition of the tournament.
India and Australia, the previous edition's finalists, along with Bangladesh, England, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies, directly qualified for the tournament.
The remaining five spots were awarded to the winners of the regional qualifiers. In the Africa Qualifier, Tanzania beat Namibia before booking
the spot after a dominant win over Kenya. Namibia will miss out on the tournament after their unsuccessful run in the qualifiers because only Full Member host nations secure an automatic spot.
Afghanistan booked the spot with a better run-rate in the Asia Qualifier after their match with Nepal, on equal points, was washed out. Japan clinched the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, while Scotland booked their place after a tense last day of play against Netherlands in the Europe Qualifier.
USA won the Americas
Qualifier, winning against Canada, Bermuda, and Argentina to finish top of the table.
The 16 qualified teams will be divided into four groups, following which the top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Sixes stage. The top two from each Super Sixes group will then face each other in the semi-finals. India are the most successful team in the competition with five titles, while defending champions Australia have four. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Junior Chess stars set for Global Stage in Colombia
THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its full support behind Guyana's top junior chess players, enabling them to travel to Barranquilla, Colombia, for the prestigious FIDE World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad. The team of four, accompanied by coach and FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, is set to compete on a global stage from August 16–23.
The team is led by Kyle Couchman, the 2025 National Junior Chess Champion, who will take his place on Board One. Couchman has had a remarkable rise in the ranks and is currently the third-highest active FIDE-rated player in Guyana.
Rounding out the talented squad are three other standout players: Candidate Master (CM) Sachin Pitamber: The youngest CM in the country and the current U-16 Open Chess Champion, Pitamber will play on Board Two. He and Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi earned their titles at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Hungary.
Alexander Zhang: A proven international competitor, Zhang will play on Board Three. He was Guyana's top player at the recent CARICOM U-16 Junior Tournament and also performed well at the 2024 Inter-Guiana Games.
Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi: Playing on Board Four, Joshi is the reigning U-16 Girls and Women's Chess Champion. She brings a wealth of experience to the team, having earned her WCM title at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
With 90 teams and over 350 players registered, the competition will be intense.
The Guyanese team is the highest-ranked nation from the CARICOM region in the tournament. The event will follow a nine-round Swiss System format.
The Guyana Chess Federation is confident that this experience will be a major boost for the players' growth. The federation extended its gratitude to the NSC for sponsoring the team's airfare, making their participation possible.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Monday, August 18, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Jaden Seales-6/18 (3rd ODI) (2) Shaheen Shah Afridi-4/51 (1st ODI)
Today’s Quiz: (1) How many dismissals WI wicketkeeper Shai Hope effected in the recent ODI series against PAK? (2) How many dismissals the PAK Mohammad Rizwan effected in the series?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
12:45hrs Portsoken 13:15hrs Cisco Disco 13:45hrs Al Muqdad
Aberama Gold 14:45hrs Ravishing
Baker marks England call-up with Hundred hat-trick
SONNY Baker marked his first England call-up with a hat-trick as Manchester Originals boosted their men's Hundred hopes by beating rivals Northern Superchargers by 57 runs at Old Trafford.
Baker, called up for England's white-ball squads to play South Africa and Ireland next month, on Friday, bowled Dawid Malan with a clever slower ball to reduce the Superchargers to 63-5 and returned at the death to wrap up the innings by dismissing Tom Lawes and Jacob Duffy.
Baker's first and second wickets might have been separated by 35 balls but his 3-21 continued a steady rise for the 22-year-old seamer who is having a breakout tournament.
His third wicket, which ensured Superchargers were all out for 114, was a perfect 88mph yorker to
Arsenal holds on to beat Man United after Bayindir’s error
Duffy and was his seventh dismissal in the tournament.
The visitors were chasing 172 after Jos Buttler stroked 64 not out - his second fifty in as many innings - in Originals' 171-3.
When reaching his fifty he again looked to the sky in tribute to his father who died earlier this month.
While Buttler's innings provided the backbone of Originals' score, Heinrich Klaasen took the game
away from Superchargers at the death by hitting 30 runs from the final seven balls.
The South Africa international had only 20 after 18 balls but ended 50 not out from 25 in a timely return to form.
The hosts only won one of their first four matches but join Southern Brave and London Spirit on eight points. Superchargers are four better off in third. (BBC Sport)
Brilliant Ganpat leads RHT Poonai Pharmacy into semi-finals
DEFENDING Berbice Under-13 champions, the Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy team easily defeated the Upper Corentyne squad by eight wickets to ease into the semi-finals of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) organised Singh Brothers Under-13 tournament.
The team which has to date won three of the five tournaments by the BCB, won the match with sixteen overs to spare in the thirty over match.
Playing at the Area H Ground, the visitors elected to take first strike after winning the toss. They lost Soloman Hercules for nought when he was bowled by medium pacer Disham La Cruz in the first over. They never
recovered as the Rose Hall Town bowlers never eased up the pressure. Poonai Pharmacy skipper Jayden Ganpat spun webs around the Upper Corentyne batsmen. The talented left-arm spinner took 4-10 from six impressive overs as the visitors were bowled out for a meagre 73 in 20.2 overs. The only batters to offer resistance to the rampant Rose Hall Town bowlers was Chandhani Rahiman with 12 and Aden Moore 10. Another left-arm spinner Khemraj Bharrat supported Bharrat with 3-20, while La Cruz, Devash Narine, and Akieam Fraser took a wicket apiece.
Needing to score 74 runs from 30 overs to reach their
sixth successive semi-final, the home team eased to 76 for 2 from 14 overs. The batsmen dismissed were Disham LaCruz for 8 and Akieam Fraser 9. Royston Crandon, the namesake son of the former West indies ODI player was achieved. Soloman Hercules and Aden Moore ended with one wicket apiece for 18 and 14 runs respectively.
Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy has emerged from Zone C after registering easy victories over Albion A, Albion B and Port Mourant. The defending champions would now await the winner of the quarter finals match between Tucber Park and Cotton Tree.
RUBEN Amorim's goalkeeping gamble backfired as Riccardo Calafiori's first-half header gave Arsenal victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
In their £200m summer rebuild, United opted against bringing in a new keeper.
With first choice Andre Onana not playing a game in a pre-season because of a hamstring injury he suffered at the start of last month, Amorim selected Turkey international Altay Bayindir ahead of veteran Tom Heaton for his side's opening Premier League game.
But Bayindir allowed himself to get trapped on his line as Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice curled a dangerous 13th-minute corner underneath the crossbar. Bayindir could only get a weak hand to the ball and ended up pushing it on to Calafiori, who turned home what turned out to be the winner from less than a yard.
The result was harsh on the home side, who were much improved on last season and carried by far the greater threat in the game, accumulating more possession and having significantly
more shots and efforts on target.
However, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, made a series of excellent saves to keep the home side out, turning away three shots from one United debutant Matheus Cunha and scrambling to his left in the second half to keep out a goalbound effort from another, Bryan Mbeumo.
Rice went close for the visitors with a late freekick but Arsenal were still able to complete their fifth victory in six league games over United.
No Babar, Rizwan in Pakistan... (From
working really hard on.
"But at the moment, the players we have have done exceptionally well. Sahibzada Farhan has played six games and won three Player of the Match awards. A player like Babar has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show he's improving in those areas in T20s. He's too good a player not to consider.”
Shaheen Afridi, who had also found himself out of favour in T20 cricket of late, retained his place for the tri-series and the Asia Cup, though Naseem Shah missed out once again. Naseem is currently in action in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Lahore Qalandars fast bowler Salman Mirza, who was Pakistan's leading wicket-taker with eight against Bangladesh in the away T20I series, was included in the side. Ahmed Daniyal, who also impressed briefly, though was not part of the squad. Both specialist wristspinners - Abrar Ahmed
and Sufiyan Muqeem, kept their place.
The squad is something of an amalgamation of the sides that have played T20I cricket under Hesson in the three T20I series over the summer. The recent ODI series - which Pakistan lost 2-1 in the Caribbean - appears not to have influenced decision making either way. Hesson said he intended to stick to the aggressive top-heavy approach he has championed in the format, and repeated that Pakistan's game was suited to such a style.
"We were challenged with three different surfaces [in each of the three series]" Hesson said. "In Lahore, the surfaces were flat and the batting excelled. We went to Bangladesh where they were incredibly challenging and low-scoring games. Our top order sets the game up. All the games we won the top order performed really well. The third game in the West Indies, our openers put on 140 [138]. We need that at
page 30)
a run rate that gets us ahead of the game. T20 is all about setting the game up and being ahead of the game all the time in case you get yourself out. From a batting point of view we've got a line-up that can continue to do that."
The tri-series in the UAE between the hosts, Afghanistan and Pakistan will serve as a warm-up to the T20 Asia Cup, which will begin on September 9. Pakistan have never won the T20 version of that tournament; they reached the final when it was last played in 2022.
Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Sonny Baker takes hat-trick as Manchester Originals beat Northern Superchargers
Arsenal striker, Viktor Gyokeres and Manchester United defender, Leny Yoro, tussle for possession at Old Trafford
Even in his twilight, Maxwell could shape another World Cup
…He has moved around the batting order of late, but being a finisher looks like Maxwell's role in India and Sri Lanka next year
AHEAD of the deciding T20I against South Africa in Cairns, Glenn Maxwell was asked whether having retired from ODIs had given him pause to consider an overall end date for his international career. The answer, delivered in good spirits, was a succinct "No."
If he so desires, next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka would be a fitting stepping-off point for one of the format's great players. It's difficult to believe he could go for two more years even though the 2028 edition will be co-hosted by Australia, alongside New Zealand.
On Saturday evening he showed what he can still bring with the bat, expertly guiding an uncertain chase over the line with a masterful unbeaten 62 off 36 balls, having earlier snaffled a match-changing catch at long-on to cut off Dewald Brevis' destructive innings.
When calling time on ODIs, Maxwell cited being unable to sustain 50 overs on the field but, as a couple of recent parried boundary catches have reinforced, he remains capable of spectacular moments.
Australia are shaping up well ahead of the World Cup
and Maxwell will be a vital component of their bid to win the title for just the second time, in all three facets of the game. His offspin is a crucial cog in the balance of the side and could well be a powerplay option at the World Cup. With Australia tweaking their batting order in the last two series against South Africa and West Indies, Maxwell has moved around the line-up. He made 47 off 18 balls opening in St Kitts last month and was used in three different spots in this latest series. There will likely always be a degree of situational flexibility, but No. 6 and 7 looks like his home for the World Cup tilt.
There are times with the bat when Maxwell looks uncomfortable and there will, as ever, continue to be moments
that exasperate: the "oh, why did you do that, Maxi?" shot. But then there are the times, such as the decider against South Africa, when he gets it spot on and everything comes off.
The way he backed himself to finish the chase was a window into a brilliant mind. Declining singles - even, briefly, when a very capable No. 8 in Ben Dwarshuis was with him - and trying to read what Lungi Ngidi would bowl in the final over as he won the game by reversing a full toss over short third having turned down runs off the previous two deliveries to leave four from needed two.
"I was thinking about doing it probably the ball before," Maxwell said. "[But] I just felt like he was going to bowl a slower ball the
Rising Stars 2-Day Championship
– 2nd day, 2nd round
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Scores from the second day of the second round of matches in the CWI Rising Stars Under 17 Two-Day Championship on Sunday.
At the National Cricket Centre: Barbados Under-17s win by an innings and 2 runs.
JAMAICA 68 in 30.3 overs (Kevaughn Flemming 18, Tyson Gordon Jnr 14; Zarell Harding 4-9, Javed Worrell 3-13, Justin Parris 3-21) & 141 in 45.3 overs (Nicoli McKenzie 25, Odane Binns 18, Demario Hall 15; Asher Branford 5-25).
"I think if I had taken a single the first ball [with him] just starting his innings, it might have been tough for him to get going or get off strike straight away.
"I thought it might have been a bit of a risk if I was at the non-striker's end for five balls of that over hitting to the shorter side as a righthander. In the end, I think I got 11 off it, which is a win. It kept the momentum going. From then on, I trusted him basically [at] both ends."
ball before so I could knock it into midwicket for two. As soon as it was pace on, I realised I'd probably made a mistake in not going. I hit it too well to get back for two so I was like, that's fine, I'll hit one of the last two balls, hopefully for four. I just felt like he wasn't going to go to the slower ball.
"Even though I was able to get one off him earlier, I didn't think it was going to be as easy. I think the point was just a little bit finer. I thought I needed pace on to get it there. As soon as I saw
it coming out of his hand, I was just like, get any bat on it and it's going to travel. Got the ball I wanted and was able to execute."
Explaining his tactics when Dwarshuis came in during the 14th over, with Australia needing 51 off 37 balls, Maxwell said it was so he could take advantage of the shorter boundary with the wind.
"I wanted to control that over as well as I could and then trust [Dwarshuis] from the other end where he had a few more options," he said.
When Maxwell took 15 off Kagiso Rabada's final over - launching a six from a free hit after a huge beamer had slipped out of Rabada's grip - the game looked decided with Australia needing 12 off 12. However, Corbin Bosch provided a twist with a double-wicket maiden in the 19th over. But Adam Zampa had done his part by surviving two deliveries and Maxwell had the strike. He knew exactly what he needed to do. (ESPN Cricinfo)
No Babar, Rizwan in Pakistan squad for Asia Cup ‒
Fakhar
Zaman is part of the squad
At Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba: Leeward Islands Under-17s win by 244 runs.
LEEWARDS 238 in 59.3 overs (Kunal Tilokani 85, J’Quan Athanaze 52, Lawshorn Bergan 42; Cody Fontinelle 6-96) & 143-5 dec in 33 overs. (J’Quan Athanaze 55 not out, Kunal Tilokani 37; Bjorn Fanis 4-25).
WINDWARDS 74 in 29.3 overs (Jonathan Daniel 34, Zach Thomas 14; Kunal Tilokani 5-11, Kasim Challenger 3-16) & 63 in 31.2 overs (Jonathan Daniel 16,
BARBADOS 211-7 dec in 57 overs (Jordan Graham 58, Justin Parris 43, Damarko Wiggins 42; Ramnaresh Singh 3-30).
Zach Thomas 14; Kunal Tilokani 5-9).
At Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain: Trinidad and Tobago Under-17s and Guyana Under-17s played to a draw.
GUYANA 109 in 40.3
overs (Adrian Hetmyer 45, Richard Ramdehol 15; Daniel Holder 4-15) & 137-8 in 34 overs (Adrian Hetmyer 25, Richard Ramdehol 24, Feaaz Basksh 21 not out; Daniel Holder 6-23).
T&T 184 in 60.2 overs (Saleem Khan 35, Aadi Ramsaran 30, Ra’ed Ali Khan 27; Dave Mohabir 3-25, Parmeshwar Ram 3-35).
BABAR Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not been selected in Pakistan's T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE. Fakhar Zaman, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first week of August, has recovered and is part of the side.
Salman Agha will lead the 17-member squad, which will also participate in the tri-series against UAE and Afghanistan in the lead-up to the Asia Cup.
Babar last played a T20I in December 2024. In PSL 2025, he scored 288 runs in ten innings for Peshawar Zalmi. It included knocks of 56*, 53* and 94, but his overall strike rate was 128.57. He was part of the recent ODI series against West Indies where he had scores of 47, 0, and 9.
Rizwan, like Babar, has not been part of Pakistan's recent T20I squads for the
home and subsequent away series against Bangladesh, followed by the T20Is in the West Indies. He made 53 in the opening game of the ODI series against West Indies, followed by scores of 16 and 0.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said Babar had been challenged with improving his T20 game. “I
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have fallen out of favour with Pakistan's T20I plans (AFP/Getty Images) (Turn to page 29)
think it's really harsh to challenge a player on their form on three games," he said at a press conference. "Babar played nicely in the first ODI but missed out on the next two. There's no doubt Babar's been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he's
Glenn Maxwell reverse sweeps over short third (Getty Images)
Glenn Maxwell has produced some spectacular pieces of fielding in the last few weeks (AFP/Getty Images)
Gore's unbeaten fifty guides Falcons to first win of CPL season
…Despite strong spells from Warrican and Mujeeb, fielding lapses cost Royals in a tight finish
KARIMA Gore continued his superb form in CPL 2025, scoring his second consecutive half-century to guide Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to a commanding six-wicket victory over Barbados Royals on Saturday night.
Chasing 152, Falcons rode on Gore's unbeaten 64 to claim their first points of the tournament in front of a home crowd.
(Scores: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 152 for 4 (Gore 64*, Warrican 1-20) beat Barbados Royals 151 for 6 (De Kock 57, Powell 51*, Seales 2-15) by six wickets)
After a disappointing loss against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in their season opener - despite Gore's 61 - Falcons bounced back with a disciplined all-round performance.
Winning the toss and opting to field, the Falcons bowlers kept Royals in check for most of the innings. Quinton de Kock provided a brisk start with a fluent 57, and captain Rovman Powell added a late flourish with a powerful unbeaten 51 off just 24 balls to take Royals to 151 for 6. Jayden Seales was the pick
of the bowlers for Falcons, returning 2 for 15 in an economical spell. In response, Falcons lost a couple of early wickets, but Gore held the innings together. Batting at No. 3, he anchored the chase, rotating strike effectively and finding the boundary when needed. He scored 39 off his first 41 balls, and by the end of the 16th over, Falcons still needed 45 off 24. Gore then accelerated, smashing 19 runs off his next six deliveries - including two consecutive sixes off Eathan Bosch in the 18th over - to ease the pressure. Eventually, it came down to six off the final over, and Gore
sealed the chase with two balls to spare.
Royals will be left ruing their missed opportunities in the field. Several dropped catches and missed run-out chances allowed Falcons and Gore to flourish. The fielding lapses not only released pressure but also gave Gore at least two reprieves, which he capitalised on to steer the game in Falcons' favour.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican and offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman conceded just 43 runs from their eight overs combined and picked up a wicket each, but it wasn't enough to contain Falcons.
BCB
Sinclair’s 201 and Simpson’s match haul of 10 for 33 spur RHT Namilco to innings win over Berbice Police
AFTER an absence of four years, two- day first division cricket has returned to the Ancient County of Berbice.
The powerful Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team made an immediate impact on the tournament by crushing the Berbice Police team by an innings and 179 runs in the opening round.
Playing at the Area H ground in blistering heat, the lawmen won the toss and elected to bat first. The home team opened their bowling with national under 15 fast bowler Raffel Mckenzie and left arm spinner Keith Simpson.
Mckenzie was replaced by national off-spinner Junior Sinclair after two overs and together with the talented Simpson, spun webs around the lawmen, bowling them out for a meagre 33. Simpson grabbed five for 13 from six impressive overs while Sinclair took 4 for 11.
Sinclair and national Under- 17 batsman Romesh Bharrat then added 92 for the first wicket for the Rose Hall Town before Bharrat was caught at deep square leg off the bowling of C. Mitchell
British racing to hold one-day strike in tax protest
BRITISH horse racing will go on strike on September 10, taking the unprecedented action of refusing to race in protest against the Government's proposed tax rise on betting on the sport.
As part of its industry-wide Axe The Racing Tax campaign, four fixtures scheduled for that day at Lingfield Park, Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton Park have been rearranged by the British Horseracing Authority. It is the first time the sport has voluntarily refused to race in its modern history.
The governing body is campaigning against the Treasury's proposal to introduce a single remote gambling tax, which would increase the
15% tax rate paid by bookmakers on racing and aligning it with online gaming, which is currently taxed at 21%.
The BHA says this would have a "destructive impact" on the industry with its economic analysis predicting an estimated £330m loss in revenue and putting 2,752 jobs at risk in the first year alone.
A spokesperson for the Treasury told BBC Sport:
"We are consulting on bringing the treatment of online betting in line with other forms of online gambling to cut down bureaucracy - it is not about increasing or decreasing rates, and we welcome views from all stakeholders including businesses, trade bodies, the third sector and individuals."
Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves's autumn budget in October is expected to bring tax rises.
Brant Dunshea, chief executive at the British Horseracing Authority, said the proposals "threaten the very future" of the sport.
Race meetings in Britain take place 363 days a year, unless called off for adverse weather, equine virus outbreaks and national crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strike takes place the day before the start of the four-day St Leger festival at Doncaster Racecourse.
"British Racing is already in a precarious financial position and research has shown that a tax rise on racing could
for 35.
Former national youth cricketer, Javed Karim, playing his first match with his new club was then dismissed for 1, with the score at 145 for 2. National Youth cricketer, Matthew Pottaya, then joined the aggressive Sinclair and they added a brisk 156 for the third wicket . Sinclair was unbeaten on 201, with thirteen fours and fifteen sixes off 115 balls.
Pottaya was unbeaten on a solid 45 when the declaration was made by RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour captain, Clinton Pestano, at 301 for 2..Bowling for the Police team, C Mitchell took 1 for 64 and K Mentore 1 for 20.
Facing a deficit of 268 runs on first innings, Police fared a little better in their second innings as Simpson took five for 20 runs to end with match figures of 10 for 33.
Police were bowled out for 89 with only veteran Philbert Wilburg and Burton offering any resistance.
Wilburg, who was recently promoted to the rank of Inspector scored an unbeaten 31 with two sixes and three fours. Burton chipped
be catastrophic for the sport and the thousands of jobs that rely on it in towns and communities across the country," added Dunshea.
in with 24 with two sixes. National selectee, Slyus Tyndall, supported Simpson with 3 for 20 in a very hostile spell of fast bowling while left arm pacer, Javed Karim, ended with two for 20.
The BCB two-day first division tournament is being played in two zones- Zone A and Zone B.
Zone A consists of West Berbice, Blairmont, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors and Tucber Park while B involves Police, Albion, Port Mourant, Skeldon and Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour. The two top teams in each zone would advance to the semifinals.
"This is the first time that British Racing has chosen not to race due to Government proposals. We haven't taken this decision lightly but in doing so we are urging the Government to rethink this tax proposal to protect the future of our sport which is a cherished part of Britain's heritage and culture." (BBC Sport)
Karima Gore scored his second fifty of CPL 2025 (CPL T20)
two-day first division cricket
Junior Sinclair’s unbeaten 201 contained 13 fours and 15 sixes
Fixtures at Lingfield Park (pictured), Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton Park have been rearranged
COLIN Munro enjoyed a triumphant return to the Trinbago Knight Riders, scoring a record-breaking century in his first game back with the CPL team he had represented for seven years until 2022.
He smashed 120 off 57 balls - no TKR batter has made more - to set up a total of 231, which paved the way to a 12-run victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Munro celebrates TKR return with century and victory
(Trinbago Knight Riders 231 for 5 (Munro 120, Hales 47, Holder 2-40) beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 219 for 7 (Holder 44, Fletcher 41, Tariq 4-33) by 12 runs).
Munro, who has retired from international cricket but continues to be a force in T20 leagues the world over, made his first T20 century in four years, and celebrated it by tossing his bat and punching the air with both fists.
He was last seen in the CPL two years ago, playing for the St. Lucia Kings, and practically matched the work he did in six games for them (172 runs) with just one innings here.
Munro was at his attacking best, hitting 14 fours and six sixes which constituted over 60% of TKR's 33 boundaries. His opening partner Alex Hales gave him good support with 47 off 27
Junior Chess stars set for
Global Stage in Colombia
balls. The start they got - 77 runs in the powerplay, and the hundred up in 47 balls - allowed TKR to cruise to their third-highest total in the CPL.
Patriots made a good go of the chase, with Kyle Mayers and Andre Fletcher hammering 80 runs in less than eight overs.
But once their partnership was broken, so was the rhythm of the chase. TKR
used their spinners to good effect, with Akeal Hosein picking up 1 for 25 in his four overs, and Usman Tariq landing crucial blows, in particular breaking a rampaging first-wicket stand, and finishing with 4 for 33.
Patriots captain Jason Holder fought with 44 off 22 balls despite wickets falling around him. His side was left to score 43 runs off the last over, which eventually
Munro replaced Hinds, and started with a beamer. Naseem then got 4, 6, 1, and Drakes finished with another six. Patriots nearly chased 232 down. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Men's World Cup
went for 30. Terrance Hinds started by giving a single to Dominic Drakes, before Naseem Shah hit a six. Five wides followed, and Hinds went off the field clutching his right side.
Colin Munro flips his bat up in celebration of his century (CPL T20 via Getty Images)
