Issuu

18th October, 2026

See Inside No.1081941

‘We have to protect our children, our schools, our society’ — President Ali announces restrictions on vape imports

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— Finance Minister to sign Order as gov’t moves to protect children, schools and public’s health

$180M Onderneeming Community Facility commissioned in Region Three

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— over $1.6B invested in housing, infrastructural improvements along WBD under IDB-funded programme Residents of Onderneeming and surrounding communities in Region Three now have access to a $180 million recreational facility, as the government continues to invest in infrastructure aimed at improving living conditions, promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening community development

Guyana secures major OECD risk-rating upgrade, paving way for cheaper international financing 13

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— Finance Minister says improved classification signals growing global confidence in Guyana’s economy

Road crashes Minister Teixeira leading cause calls for stronger of trauma deaths human rights, at GPHC, 14 anti-corruption study finds education amid — research presented at Bethune Round Table examines over 5,000 Guyana’s rapid cases, highlights need for stronger emergency and surgical care development 11 SEE PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

‘We have to protect our children, our schools, our society’ — President Ali announces restrictions on vape imports

— Finance Minister to sign Order as gov’t moves to protect children, schools and public’s health

THE Government will impose restrictions on the importation of all vapes and vaping products into Guyana, except those specifically approved by the Minister of Health or the relevant tobacco control authorities, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Saturday evening. In a live address to the nation, President Ali disclosed that Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, will shortly sign an order under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, giving effect to the restrictions. The move, he explained, follows growing concerns about the widespread and largely unregulated importation, sale and use of vaping products, particularly among schoolchildren and teenagers, and is intended to safeguard public health while allowing for approved medicinal and therapeutic applications. According to President Ali, the new proposed restriction on the importation of vapes of all kinds, except as approved by the Minister of Health, or the National Tobacco Control Council or Tobacco Control Board. He said the decision was informed by consultations with parents, teachers, children, religious leaders and community representatives who have expressed increasing concern about the accessibility and use of vaping products among young people. “As a responsible government, as a listening government, we have a duty to protect public health, particularly the health and well-being of our children and young people and to ensure that products presenting potential risks to consumers are subject to appropriate oversight and control,” President Ali said. The Head of State explained that Guyana's decision is consistent with measures being pursued internationally, as countries strengthen regulations governing the importation and distribution of vaping products. According to the Pres-

He said the issue extends beyond physical health, as early exposure to vaping products could also have broader social and mental health implications

“I've had discussion with many teachers. I've had discussion with children and parents, and this issue is of serious concern for our teachers, our children, religious leaders and our parents," he said. President Ali stressed that protecting children from vaping requires action not only from the Government but also from families, schools and wider society. “We have to protect our children. We have to protect our schools. We have to protect our society. We have to adopt measures that are relevant to the challenges we face as a society,” he declared. He identified the use and misuse of vaping products among teenagers and young children, including within schools, as one of

vent legitimate medicinal, therapeutic or approved alternative applications. He acknowledged that certain vaping technologies and nicotine-delivery products may be used as alternatives to conventional cigarettes, but emphasised that their importation must first receive approval from the relevant health authorities. “The use of vaping alternative must be approved by the Tobacco Control Board or the Minister of Health,” he said. The President explained that the determination of which products qualify for exemptions must be made by the competent health authorities rather than importers or distributors themselves. He noted that any authorised use would be

unique to Guyana, pointing out that leaders across the Caribbean and internationally are also examining measures to address its impact, particularly on younger populations. President Ali said the Government has a responsibility to act on the concerns being raised by citizens rather than disregard the potential consequences of vaping. “We have a duty and responsibility to protect every generation,” he emphasised. Describing the restrictions as a decisive intervention, the President said the Government remains committed to strengthening safeguards, supporting responsible regulation and protecting families and communities. “This evening, I be-

for young people. “The absence of complete knowledge about those long-term effects must not be mistaken for evidence of safety,” President Ali cautioned. He explained that the increasing availability of vaping products, including those containing various additives and alternative substances, has contributed to growing concern among parents and educators. The President disclosed that his discussions with teachers, children and parents revealed the extent of concern surrounding vaping within the school system.

the challenges demanding decisive national action. The President also urged parents, religious leaders, teachers and other influential figures to educate young people about the dangers of vaping, particularly the risks associated with products containing additives. EXCEPTIONS FOR APPROVED MEDICAL AND THERAPEUTIC USE While the restrictions will target the importation of vaping products primarily intended for recreational use, President Ali made it clear that the Government is not seeking to pre-

subject to the applicable regulations and established medical standards. He added that the restrictions “will not preclude legitimate medicinal, therapeutic, but alternative application where these are deemed necessary and appropriate.” The Head of State maintained that the measure is designed to balance public health protection with the need for appropriate medical oversight, ensuring that products presenting potential risks are not imported without adequate controls. He further noted that vaping is not a challenge

lieve we're taking a decisive step in protecting our children, protecting our schools, and safeguarding our families, communities, and society,” President Ali said. The Head of State also made an appeal for continued national unity, faith and shared responsibility in protecting future generations and upholding the values Guyana seeks to pass on to its young people. The forthcoming order will establish the import restrictions, with exemptions subject to approval by the designated health authorities.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced restrictions on the importation of vapes and vaping products into Guyana, as the Government moves to safeguard public health, particularly among children and young people ident, although vaping products are frequently marketed as alternatives to conventional cigarettes, they are not without health risks. He pointed to warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) about the potential consequences of vaping, particularly for children and adolescents. WHO has declared youth nicotine dependency an urgent global emergency since tobacco companies have structurally shifted their business models to explicitly capture children and teenagers using heavily engineered, chemically modified e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine delivery systems. WHO revealed that at least 15 million adolescents aged 13–15 are actively using electronic cigarettes globally. This counts alongside 40 million children who use other tobacco products and in countries reporting comprehensive data, children are 9 times more likely to vape than adults. According to President Ali, “Vaping products can expose users to toxic substances that pose risk to human health,” highlighting the potential for nicotine addiction and its impact on brain development among children and adolescents. He also warned that exposure during pregnancy presents risks to the developing foetus, while concerns remain about respiratory health and the potential long-term consequences associated with vaping.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Gov’t reaffirms commitment to transparency, accountability in extractive sector — Minister Bharrat engages international stakeholders at EITI Global Conference in Belgium

THE Government of Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability and inclusive participation in the management of the country's extractive industries, as Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, engaged international stakeholders at the recent Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board meeting and Global Conference in Brussels, Belgium. Minister Bharrat, who

serves as Guyana's EITI Champion, held discussions with outgoing EITI Chair, Helen Clark, along with representatives of governments, industry and civil society organisations from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and other key stakeholders. During the engagements, the minister reiterated the Government's commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that the management of Guyana's extractive re-

sources remains guided by transparency, accountability and established governance standards. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders are afforded opportunities to participate in national discussions concerning the extractive sector, in accordance with Guyana's laws and EITI guidelines. The minister also welcomed and expressed support for the EITI Secretariat's ongoing efforts to promote broad representation and

meaningful dialogue, consistent with the EITI Civil Society Protocol. The protocol forms part of the initiative's framework for encouraging civil society participation in extractive sector governance and transparency processes. Guyana's engagement with the EITI dates back to 2010, when the Government began working with the international initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of

natural resources. These engagements subsequently led to Guyana formally joining the EITI in 2017, marking an important step in the country's efforts to align its extractive sector governance with internationally recognised transparency standards. The initiative promotes public disclosure of information relating to the management of oil, gas and mineral resources, while encouraging cooperation among governments, companies and civil

society. Guyana's continued participation in the EITI complements other Government programmes aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency in the extractive industries. The Government has maintained that collaboration with stakeholders, adherence to national legislation and compliance with EITI guidelines will remain central to its approach to extractive sector governance.

The following is the full text of the statement released by the CIOG: “The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and the Muslim

Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO) offer their strongest and most unequivocal endorsement of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s decision to restrict the

importation of vapes and vaping products. This is a timely, courageous and necessary intervention in defence of Guyana’s children. No responsible society can remain silent while products capable of creating nicotine dependence and exposing young people to harmful substances are

made easily accessible, attractively packaged and falsely presented as harmless recreation. The health, dignity and future of our children must always stand above commercial profit, fashionable trends and individual convenience. The president’s action reflects a clear un-

derstanding that national development is not only about economic growth and physical infrastructure. It is also about protecting the children and adolescents who must inherit and sustain Guyana’s future. From an Islamic perspective, this position is a moral obligation. Islam commands the preservation of life, health, intellect and family. The Holy Qur’an instructs believers not to cast themselves into destruction and not to cause harm to themselves or others. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, established the enduring principle that harm must neither be inflicted nor returned with harm. Where credible medical evidence points to addiction, respiratory damage and serious long-term health risks, especially for young people, it is incumbent upon families, communities and the State to act before the harm becomes entrenched. Muslim scholars across the world have repeatedly cautioned against smoking and

nicotine addiction because of their proven injury to health, their association with grave diseases including lung cancer, and the waste they impose on individuals and families. Vaping must not be allowed to become a new pathway into the same culture of addiction. Its flavours, colours, sleek devices and social-media appeal must not disguise the danger of nicotine dependence or make unhealthy conduct appear modern, sophisticated or acceptable. We therefore commend President Ali for demonstrating once again leadership grounded in responsibility to the entire Guyanese people, for taking decisive action rather than waiting for a deeper public-health crisis to take root. We call upon every Guyanese to join in safeguarding our children from addiction, illness and preventable harm. Let this be a national commitment: that no child’s health, promise or future will be sacrificed for the sale of a vape.”

Muslim Community backs President Ali’s decision to restrict vape imports

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

$180M Onderneeming Community Facility commissioned in Region Three

— over $1.6B invested in housing, infrastructure improvements along West Bank Demerara under IDB-funded programme RESIDENTS of Onderneeming and surrounding communities in Region Three now have access to a $180 million recreational facility, as the Government continues to invest in infrastructure aimed at improving living conditions, promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening community development. The Onderneeming Community Facility, which features a basketball court, recreational field, children's play area and multipurpose building, was officially commissioned on Friday by Minister of Housing Collin Croal. The project was executed under the Ministry of Housing–Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Croal underscored the Government's commitment to ensuring that national development goes beyond the construction of roads, bridges and houses to include facilities that improve the quality of life of citizens. “Development is much more than just the infrastructure that we build. It is about the difference that infrastructure makes in people’s lives,” the minister stated. He explained that community facilities play an important role in fostering social interaction, encouraging recreational activities and providing safe environments where children, young people and families can spend time together. The minister also highlighted the significant investments made under the AHUAP along the West Bank of Demerara, where approximately $1.607 billion has been expended on housing support and infrastructure improvements. These interventions include the rehabilitation and upgrading of roads, construction of reinforced concrete drains and culverts, concrete sidewalks, cleaning of earthen drains and the development of community facilities. Additionally, more than

Minister of Housing Collin Croal 200 Core Homes have been handed over to beneficiaries, while 242 Home Improvement subsidies have been disbursed to assist families in improving their living conditions. The investments form part of the Government's wider efforts to improve infrastructure and expand access to adequate housing, particularly in low-income communities. Minister Croal urged residents to take ownership of the newly commissioned facility and ensure that it is properly maintained for the benefit of future generations. He called on the facility's Management Committee and members of the community to work collectively to safeguard the infrastructure and maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment. Meanwhile, IDB Resident Representative Lorena Solorzano-Salazar reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting initiatives that improve living conditions and promote sustainable community development. She emphasised that even as technology continues to transform how people communicate, physical spaces that encourage faceto-face interaction remain essential to building stronger communities. Solorzano-Salazar also stressed that the long-term benefits of the investment would depend heavily on proper maintenance and responsible use of the facility. The newly commissioned complex includes a multipurpose building and pavilion equipped with washrooms, including facilities for persons living with disabilities, changing rooms

and water storage. Other features include a white-sand recreational field, basketball court, children's play area, perimeter fencing, sliding gates, access bridges, a security hut and an internal parking area. The facility is also equipped with solar-powered LED floodlights, external lighting, concrete drainage, landscaped sur-

IDB Resident Representative Ms. Lorena Solorzano-Salazar roundings and perimeter walkways. During the commissioning ceremony, the facility was formally handed over to the Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), with Chairman Paul Ramrattan receiving it on behalf of the council. Also attending were Minister within the Min-

istry of Housing Vanessa Benn; Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen; Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube; and Parliamentary Secretary Thandi McAllister. The AHUAP, which concluded in December 2025, was implemented with an overall budget of $5.8 billion and targeted low-income communities across Georgetown and surround-

ing areas. Beneficiary communities included La Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara, communities between Georgetown and Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, areas between Georgetown and La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara, and 19 communities between Mon Repos and Haslington. The programme sought to improve access to essential infrastructure, enhance housing conditions and create more inclusive, sustainable communities. With the commissioning of the Onderneeming facility, residents now have an additional space for sporting activities, community gatherings and recreational programmes, further strengthening the social infrastructure available to families in Region Three.

The Onderneeming Community Facility, which features a basketball court, recreational field, children’s play area and multipurpose building, was officially commissioned on Friday by Minister of Housing, Collin Croal

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Allege, Retreat, Repeat THE leader of the opposition has now given what purports to be a full, first-hand account of the night of his arrest. It was long on theatre and short on the one thing that mattered most. We heard about the parent who called to report a falling school gate. We heard about the vehicle that had supposedly sat parked at the Aiden Hotel for a year. We heard that he diverted to Narine’s house because police were parked there, a waste of resources he felt a constitutional duty to investigate. We heard of shots fired, of being followed,

of hands raised in surrender, of threats, and of 24/7 surveillance. It was a thriller, delivered by the hero. What we did not hear was a single word about being “beaten, kicked, stomped upon.” There was no mention of the “visible bruising and bloodshot marks” that a lengthy statement from his own Office had spelt out, and that his sisters repeated on camera. If a man had truly been stomped upon by police, it would surely be the centrepiece of his account. Instead, the claim that dominated the early narrative has quietly evaporated.

The omission demands an explanation. The statement came from his office, so the injuries were not a rumour. His sister said employees of that constitutional office were assaulted too. Importantly too, the diplomatic brief, which was shared with selective media outlets, that also claimed police brutality. A leader of the opposition who believed this would announce charges against Narine and the officers involved. He would lodge a complaint with the Police Office of Professional Responsibility, which his constitutional duties would arguably oblige

him to do. He did neither. When a claim is made loudly, then dropped without comment once the microphone is in the right hand, the public is entitled to ask whether it was ever true. This is not an isolated lapse. The WIN camp’s record is one of assertions made with confidence and abandoned without apology. Consider the episode of the boat, which was presented to the public as evidence of wrongdoing until Demerara Waves highlighted that the vessel had already been damaged. A story that seemed damning collapsed on contact with basic re-

porting. No correction followed, and the camp simply moved to the next grievance. That is the pattern: allege dramatically, let the story spread, and then hope that no one checks and that the retreat goes unnoticed. Each new claim arrives with the same urgency and the same indignation, as though the previous ones had never been made or quietly buried. Supporters are expected to remember the outrage and forget the walk-back. Opposition politics requires scrutiny of the police, and the abuse of power, where it exists,

must be exposed. But that work is only credible when the person doing it is honest. Every exaggerated or abandoned claim makes it harder to believe the next one, including the ones that may be true. If there were injuries, show them and file the complaint. If there were not, say so, and say why the claim was made. Until then, the leader of the opposition is asking the country to trust a story whose most serious chapter has gone missing. A politician who cries wolf this often should not be surprised when the public stops looking up.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Who or what is alive or dead in Guyana?

IN my Friday, September 25, 2026 commentary titled, “What is it that Guyanese are interested in?” I made the point that if we were a society constantly engaged in scientific opinion testing (polls), Guyanese would know who or what is liked, disliked and appreciated and who the nation is influenced by. In this country, politicians, media operatives and civil-society activists open their mouths and tell us what the Guyanese want, and if there were polls to determine what the Guyanese want, a completely different picture would appear. A few weeks back we had the former head of ANUG, Dr Mark France, on the Freddie Kissoon Show. Several times, in relation to the Guyanese people, he used the word, “a majority.” I objected to the use of that word because you can only detect the existence of

majority preference if you have polls, but we open our mouths all the time and say the Guyanese people want this and want that. I repeat - if we had scientific surveys, the answers to an ocean of questions would be extensively surprising. The names Stabroek News (SN), the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Red Thread, Transparency Institute – GUYANA Inc (TIGI), SASOD, Melinda Janki, Christopher Ram, etc. immediately come into focus. When you listened to some people, you would think that this entire nation was swayed by the pages of the SN and that the largest receptacle of influence in Guyana was SN. This was a colossal deception. Some people saw Guyana as a less socially viable society if there wasn’t SN, GHRA, Red Thread etc, but that was in their imagination. If

you listened to these same people, you thought Irfaan Ali was the least popular head a CARICOM nation had. A scientific poll today would reveal the widespread popularity of President Ali. If a poll were taken, it would have revealed that these entities didn’t have the reach people said they had. The most powerful testimony of this was the demise of the SN. Read the glowing tributes when SN went out of existence. It was as if SN was Guyana and Guyana was SN. But this was a phantasmagoria of a certain section of Guyana. The young nation of Guyana was not interested in the existence of SN and chose not to read it, thus jeopardising its existence. When the circulation of SN’s print edition went down, it sought survival by asking for subscription for its online version and even that failed. Now, please tell

me if a country is so in love with one of its institutions and thinks it is indispensable, why would it neglect it, refuse to keep it alive and let it die? The answer is that SN exaggerated itself and its surrogates propagandised the newspaper’s reach. The young nation of Guyana had no interest in SN. You would never believe that when you listened to some folks. For them, SN moves Guyana. It was simply not true. A poll would have revealed just that. My point is grounded in psychology. When a Trinidadian company tried to buy Banks DIH, the society said no. Banks DIH is Guyana and Guyana is Banks DIH. Guyana said Banks DIH must remain a Guyanese company. Why did the society allow SN to go out of existence when, according to its admirers, it was the best thing in Guyana? The gigantic

reality was that a new generation left SN behind and its devotees clung tenaciously to their Tennessee Williams desire. What SN did was to “big up” itself and “big up” its friends too, like the GHRA. No one in Guyana knew the GHRA. The reason was simple. If you are invisible, people will not know you. The decades passed by in Guyana and ordinary people complained about their problems ranging from mistreatment by commercial banks to police insensitivities. But there was no GHRA. I know from living in this country that people did not know about the GHRA because the GHRA was not active and visible. The only time Guyana heard about the GHRA was from the front page of SN. What SN did was to keep the GHRA alive by featuring it on its front page, but that was a vivid example of the

blind leading the blind. SN put the GHRA on its front page, but to what purpose? Since the SN was not read, then how people would know about an organisation named the Guyana Human Rights Association? I close with my essential point about Guyana over the past 10 years. My point is not about the SN or the GHRA. It is about the things Guyanese accept as having robust biology when they are just limping along and we do not know about their dying physiology, because there are no scientific polls to tell us so. 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.

TWENTY-THREE years ago, the PPP/C government placed before the nation a document titled, “Towards Greater Inclusive Governance in Guyana: Building Trust to Achieve Genuine Political Co-operation.” It was a remarkable political document for its time. Reading it today, in 2026, is instructive because many of the things Guyana struggled to achieve then have been accomplished, while some of the most difficult challenges identified in 2003 remain stubbornly unfinished business. The central message of that paper was that development without trust cannot produce lasting national progress. That lesson remains relevant as Guyana prepares

to enter 2027. The 2003 document was written against a vastly different Guyana. The country was emerging from decades of political instability, ethnic distrust, economic hardship, and institutional weakness. The PPP/C argued that constitutional reform, democratic institutions, opposition participation and political dialogue were essential to rebuilding confidence. Much has changed since then. Guyana today is no longer the economically distressed country described in the 2003 paper. The transformation is measurable. In 2025, real GDP grew by 19.3 per cent, while the non-oil economy expanded by 14.3 per cent. In the first half of 2026, overall GDP growth

reached an estimated 33.3 per cent and non-oil growth 10.1 per cent. Oil wealth is being converted into roads, bridges, housing, education, healthcare, energy and other public infrastructure. The 2026 Budget allocated unprecedented resources to development, while the government said more than 104,000 jobs have been created over the past five years. These are not small accomplishments; economic transformation is only one part of nation-building. The unfinished question is whether Guyana can convert economic prosperity into social and political confidence. That is where the 2003 paper deserves to be revisited.

Its authors understood something that remains true: constitutional arrangements alone cannot manufacture trust. Parliamentary committees and even power-sharing cannot manufacture trust. Tr u s t m u s t b e b u i l t through behaviour. This is particularly important after the emergence of WIN as a new parliamentary force. Guyana's political landscape has changed considerably. The old PPP-PNC binary is no longer the only electoral conversation, but the appearance of a new political movement does not automatically solve the country's deeper problems. Indeed, it makes the question of political maturity

even more urgent. The PPP and PNC have an enormous historical responsibility because, between them, they have shaped much of modern Guyana. Vice- president Bharrat Jagdeo's recent call for the two traditional parties to abandon racial politics and find ways to work together should therefore be seen as part of a much longer conversation—not as a sudden political invention. The 2003 paper made essentially the same argument. It proposed dialogue between government and opposition; bipartisan committees; opposition participation on state boards; stronger parliamentary mechanisms; constitutional reform and

greater co-operation at the local-government level. Some of those objectives became reality. Constitutional reforms strengthened institutions and broadened participation; political dialogue produced tangible agreements in areas such as depressed communities, land distribution, local government, national security, bauxite and broadcasting. But the dialogue eventually broke down. That is the warning for 2027. Guyana cannot afford to repeat the cycle in which political leaders enter dialogue only to abandon it when partisan advantage becomes more attractive than national TURN TO PAGE 8

Trust must build Guyana

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Before the Shahoud sails Coast Guard ranks already saving lives

HOURS before the GDFS S h a h o u d s e t s a i l f ro m Georgetown, the Coast Guard had already launched a full-scale emergency response to the distress signals from the MV Barima. The story that is emerging from the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Barima disaster over the last few days is one of soldiers saving lives in the darkness of July 18-19. More than 50 lives. If you’ve been hearing a different story, chances are, you’ve been hoodwinked. The approximately 500 men and women of the Coast Guard didn’t fail our nation in the hours and days following the sinking of the Barima; they served it with courage and determination. The headlines from newspapers that thrive on a journalism of distortion and outright lies would have us believe that the Coast Guard were asleep at the wheel. That perhaps they sat back and waited for the Shahoud to kick into gear four hours after the distress signal was received at the control tower of the CJIA -- false. The testimony these last

few days from no less than 10 members of the Coast Guard and the Air Corps paints a very different picture. The Shahoud, an independent and sophisticated warship, is one of the most important assets of the Coast Guard. To man this floating ecosystem capable of travelling 2,000 miles, reaching a maximum speed of 35 mph and remaining at sea for up to 10 days, takes a crew of no fewer than 24, each member highly specialised and technically trained. The cruel headlines from media outlets in distress screamed otherwise. Ignore them. Which commander in his right mind would launch a vessel like the Shahoud without the full roster of his crew on board? With the Shahoud and its team on red alert, the Coast Guard used available coordinates to launch a Metal Shark crew from its Pomeroon floating base. Minutes after the distress alert was first received, a crew was speeding out into the Atlantic. If you report a fire, you can give the emergency team a street, a village or a nearby

landmark. Smoke may help guide them to the scene. That is not how it works at sea. There are no street corners or house numbers. Coordinates give rescuers a position to work towards. Reaching that position in darkness, then finding people in the water, is another challenge altogether. Could they simply push the Metal Shark to its maximum speed without endangering the soldiers on board? A boat’s top speed on paper tells us little about how fast it can safely travel through rough water in poor visibility. Their priority was to get there safely enough to help. Meanwhile, Captain Jerry Gouveia Jr and his Roraima Airways crew were preparing to take off from Ogle. Their task was to help locate and mark the source of the distress signal. With a bit of luck and a series of bright flares, the spot where the Barima went down revealed itself, and every asset of the Coast Guard converged. By 02:00hrs three hours after the distress signal was transmitted and an

FROM PAGE 7 consensus. The country is now too important and too economically valuable to permit that kind of political immaturity. The stakes are enormous. Guyana is managing unprecedented oil revenues while attempting to diversify its economy. The World Bank

notes that petroleum wealth is being used to address long-standing infrastructural and human-capital gaps, while the Natural Resource Fund held approximately US$4.3 billion at the end of June, 2026. But oil also creates new dangers. The question is not simply how much money Guyana

has. The question is whether Guyanese trust the institutions managing that wealth and whether every citizen believes he or she has a stake in the country's future. That requires transparency, accountability and fairness. It requires the government to listen even when criticism is uncomfortable. It requires

hour before the Shahoud left Georgetown. Meanwhile, the Metal Shark, with Petty Officer Keon Smith in command, was adjusting course as new coordinates came in. Getting to the target area from the mouth of the Pomeroon River takes approximately two and a half hours by day. During an unusually dark night with waves higher than normal against a strong tide, Smith and his crew had about 45 kilometres to cover. The crew made it in good time. Smith and his team couldn’t see Gouveia’s Roraima aircraft, but they heard the roar of its twin engines. First, they saw the debris from the Barima, and then they heard the cries for help. Pause for a moment and imagine what that must have sounded like. They began pulling men,

women and children out of the murky Atlantic waters, coughing, wheezing, vomiting, exhausted, and delirious. Captain Gouveia got the news of the first 10 on his transmitter before landing at the international airport at Ogle. If his father didn’t already know, he couldn’t wait to tell him. The commander-in-chief, out of the country that night, was glued to his phone, following every move, every decision in real time. He would later describe the sinking of the Barima as “a tragedy of unimaginable proportions.” By 03:00hrs, 50 survivors were rescued. That’s 50 out of a total of 76 survivors. Any account that begins and ends with the Shahoud’s departure time leaves those people out. It leaves out the soldiers who reached them. It leaves out the aircraft helping to guide the search.

That is not a small omission. It distorts the story. By 03:00hrs, the rescued passengers of the Barima were on a Maritime Administration Department vessel, which reached Charity at 07:30hrs. And yet the Shahoud’s departure time became the stick with which sections of the opposition media have used to beat the entire Coast Guard. That’s a sinister kind of distortion. I didn’t hear the word failure. I didn’t hear incompetence during the first three days of the CoI. Instead, I heard well-deserved applause. 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.

the opposition to criticise without undermining everything simply because it was proposed by the government. That is how trust is built. The 2003 paper also recognised that development must reach communities that historically felt excluded. That principle remains essential. Guyana's extraordinary growth will mean little if rural communities, hinterland citizens, young people, workers, small businesses and vulnerable families believe that national prosperity belongs only to a privileged few. This is why the infrastructural programme; free tertiary education; housing; healthcare expansion; social protection; agricultural investment and skills training matter beyond their immediate economic value. They can help create a shared sense of citizenship, but government must also ensure that benefits are distributed transparently and that institutions remain credible. The unfinished work, therefore, is not merely about building more roads or bridges. It is about building confidence in each other. By 2027 and beyond, Guyana needs a new political compact. The

PPP must continue to demonstrate that its overwhelming electoral strength does not mean it has nothing to learn or no one to listen to. The PNC must demonstrate that opposition does not mean permanent rejection of every government initiative. WIN must demonstrate that it is more than an electoral phenomenon and can develop the seriousness, policy depth and institutional discipline required of a permanent political force. And civil society, the media and citizens must insist that political leaders answer questions rather than manufacture divisions. There is no need for the PPP, PNC and WIN to become friends. They need to become responsible competitors. They can fight elections fiercely while agreeing that certain national questions, constitutional reform; national security; racial harmony; oil wealth; education; healthcare, and economic diversification deserve a national rather than purely partisan response. That is the real lesson of the 2003 paper. Guyana has accomplished much of what seemed impossible then. The challenge now

is to accomplish what politics has repeatedly failed to deliver: lasting trust. We should not enter 2027 carrying the political baggage of 1960, 1980, 1990 or even 2003. Guyana has changed. Its possibilities have changed. Now its politics must change. The country does not need another generation trapped by racial suspicion and political convenience. It needs leaders courageous enough to understand that co-operation is not surrender, criticism is not treason, and political competition does not require national division. The road ahead is clear. Build the economy. Strengthen institutions. Protect democracy. Share opportunities. And, above all, build trust because the Guyana we are building will ultimately be judged not by the size of its oil revenues, but by whether its people believe they are building it together.

Trust must build Guyana...

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.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

What local content looks like beyond the headlines

WHEN we hear the term “local content,” most of us naturally think about numbers. We look at how many Guyanese are employed in the oil and gas sector, how many local companies have secured contracts and how well companies are complying with national regulations. Those questions are important. They help the country track whether Guyanese are participating meaningfully in the industry. But numbers alone do not tell the full story. Local content is not only about getting people into the industry. It is also about helping them grow within it. It is about whether Guyanese workers, students, professionals, and businesses are learning new skills, meeting higher standards, and preparing for opportunities that can last beyond a single contract or job opening. Recent examples from the oil and gas sector show this more practical side of local content. Supplier opportunities; industrial-support

services; maritime training; professional vacancies and skilled fabrication work, all point to the same thing: Guyanese participation is moving beyond basic entry-level involvement. One example is the growing demand for local suppliers that can support offshore operations. When a company seeks safety equipment for a drillship, it may sound like a simple procurement notice, but in the oil and gas industry, safety equipment is not a small matter. Suppliers must understand quality standards, documentation, delivery requirements, and reliability. Offshore work depends heavily on safety, and any company hoping to serve that space must be prepared to meet those expectations. The same applies to industrial-support services such as welding, fabrication, machining, maintenance, and corrosion control. These areas may not always attract public attention, but they are important to keeping oil and gas operations running. They also give Guyanese business-

es and workers room to build real technical capability over time. This is where local content becomes more than a policy term. A local company that starts by providing one service can, with the right systems and experience, move into more complex work. A welder can become a supervisor. A technician can become a specialist. A small business can improve its safety systems, documentation, and quality control to compete for larger opportunities. Too often, people think of oil and gas jobs only as offshore jobs. But the industry also needs people in human resources, information technology, logistics, finance, administration, procurement, safety, and compliance. These roles may not always be the most visible, but they are part of the system that keeps the industry functioning. This matters because it widens the idea of who can participate. Not every young Guyanese will become a driller, seafarer, or engineer.

Some will find their place in data, technology, business support, training, safety management or administration. Maritime training is another important part of this discussion. Guyana’s offshore industry depends heavily on vessels, crews and marine support. As more young people are exposed to maritime careers, they can begin to see that the ocean is connected not only to traditional fishing and transport, but also to modern offshore operations. Another useful example is the skilled fabrication work completed by Guyanese workers for the FPSOs. Work of that nature requires care, accuracy, and strong safety performance. When local workers can complete technical assignments to a high standard, it sends an important message that Guyanese are not just watching the industry develop from the outside; they are becoming part of the work itself. At the same time, it is important not to make local content sound easier than it

DURING the course of this month, two important Days are celebrated: World Mental Health Day, October 10 and, tomorrow, World Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The former was marked in Guyana by a now annual event, a march in Central Georgetown, beginning and ending at the Bank of Guyana on Main Street. In recent years, the world has turned its attention and resources particularly towards these two debilitating illnesses, under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO). This year's theme for mental health is, “Lived experiences heard real voices, real change,” acknowledging that, as we say in Guyana, ‘who feels it, knows it’. For no one can speak better about mental health than the sufferers. I currently know of someone who wages a daily 'battle' with mental health in the form of acute depression. She has identified as male, and the first time we met I actually thought she was a young man because of her appearance and body language.

She has faced stigma in all its ugly forms and now undergoes regular mental-health counselling for constant suicidal thoughts and actions "I try to deal with it by helping others who suffer with mental-health issues, “Thandy told me, while admitting that she still requires treatment for her own problems. A churchgoer with deep spiritual beliefs, her journey has been fraught with severe psychological trauma, yet she is well loved and supported by her church community. Hers is just one of so many touching stories We may hear from mental-health sufferers if we just take the time to listen. This year in Guyana, action has taken the form of free initial mental health counselling, with the option to continue with paid treatment if necessary It is certainly a step in the right direction and an indication that our country is 'waking up' to the very real problem of mental health. Internationally, celebrities and athletes have done a great deal to turn the spotlight on

mental illness by admitting to their own challenges and fears Prince Harry, a member of the British Royal Family, who sparked raging controversy when he decided to 'step away ' from the monarchy, famously said, "We all have mental health in the same way we have physical health. It's OK to have depression, it's OK to have anxiety, it's OK to have adjustment disorder." His overarching concern is that people openly discuss mental health and that we, as a society, listen and take positive action, thus underscoring this year's theme. The WHO also seeks to “accelerate the shift away from isolated, long-stay psychiatric institutions, towards community-based, rightsbased and person-centred care.” Breast Cancer Awareness, also observed this month, is, according to breastcancer. org, “more than pink ribbons.” They add that, “while some may feel inspired, many people living with breast cancer feel like the month-long campaign overlooks their experience with the disease.”

For me, Breast Cancer Awareness Month holds special significance because three members of a family, who were close neighbours, all died from the disease. This month, under the theme, “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” the aim is to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.4 million women across the globe. Specific dates have been set to raise awareness of specific groups within the breast-cancer community. In the US, October 13 is nationally recognised as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which seeks, “to educate the public about the challenges that people with metastatic breast cancer face as well as the need for more research - and more treatments - to this deadly disease,” as Jennifer Carr, poet, author and speaker, states in her book on the subject. She also points out that the Day serves as a reminder that, “people can do all the right things— breast-cancer screenings and all the recommended treatments for ear-

OCTOBER - The month of Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness

is. The oil and gas industry has strict requirements for safety, quality, timing, and performance. A company cannot simply say it is local and expect to be awarded work. A worker cannot rely only on interest or ambition. There must be preparation. That preparation includes certification, technical training, workplace discipline, safety awareness, financial management, good record-keeping, and the ability to deliver consistently. These are not small things; they are necessary if Guyanese participation is to move from basic involvement to stronger and higher-value roles. This is where the national conversation on local content must continue to mature. It is not enough to ask whether Guyanese are getting opportunities. We must also ask whether those opportunities are helping people and businesses become more capable over time. A supplier opportunity, a technical vacancy, a maritime training programme or a fabrication achievement may

seem like separate stories. But together, they point to something bigger: they show how the oil and gas industry can help build a wider base of skills and business capability in the country. That is the real promise of local content. It is not only about jobs today. It is about preparing Guyanese for careers, businesses, and leadership roles tomorrow. Local content should therefore be seen as a ladder. The first step may be employment, training, or a small contract. But the goal must be higher capability, stronger businesses, safer workplaces, advanced skills, and more Guyanese taking up positions of responsibility. That is what local content looks like beyond the headlines. 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.

ly-stage breast cancer— and still have cancer spread to other parts of the body.” What many may not know is that, although breast cancer is more common among women, it can affect men too. In 2021, former American President Joe Biden designated October 17-23 as Men's Breast Cancer Awareness Week, which actually began yesterday. An estimated 2,670 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the US and about 530 will actually die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. They also observe that “lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care in men, trans

men and non-binary people.” Stuart Scott, American sportscaster and ESPN anchor, now deceased, had reminded everyone that cancer can be beaten through your way of life, and while cancer may start the battle, “the fighter finishes it.” And Lance Armstrong, former American professional road-racing cyclist, said, “We have two options medically and emotionally: Give up or fight like hell.” 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.

Human Rights Association welcomes restrictions on vaping imports

The following is the full text of the statement released by the Association for Democracy and Human Rights (Guyana)

Inc: “The Association for Democracy and Human Rights (Guyana) Inc welcomes President Dr

Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s announcement of sweeping restrictions on the importation of vapes and vaping products.

The Association applauds this commitment to stronger public health safeguards, particularly for children and young

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

people. The President announced that Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh will sign an order under the Customs Act to restrict imports of all types of vapes, with exceptions requiring approval from the Minister responsible for health or the designated national tobacco control authorities. This represents a welcome response to concerns about products entering and circulating in Guyana without adequate oversight. The Association commends the President for placing the welfare of citizens at the centre of this decision. His warning that uncertainty about long-term effects should not be treated as evidence of safety provides a clear basis for precautionary action. Protecting young people requires timely intervention when credible concerns emerge. The concerns outlined by the President, including the potential for nicotine addiction among young people and exposure to harmful substances, reinforce the importance of effective regulation. Children deserve an environment that supports healthy development, backed by public education and meaningful safeguards against potentially

harmful products. The Association also welcomes the distinction between recreational vaping products and legitimate medicinal or therapeutic applications. The announced framework would allow medically justified uses where approved by the relevant health authorities and consistent with applicable laws, regulations and medical standards. The Association encourages prompt formalisation of the announced restrictions, clear guidance for importers and retailers, and consistent enforcement once the order takes effect. Public awareness efforts should explain the measures and their purpose, with parents, schools, health professionals and community organisations helping young people understand the concerns surrounding vaping. This announcement reflects the responsibility of government to listen to public concerns and act to protect people’s well-being. The Association celebrates President Ali’s leadership on this issue and calls for broad cooperation to translate the announced measures into lasting protection for Guyanese families.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Minister Teixeira calls for stronger human rights, anti-corruption education amid Guyana’s rapid development — as 345 participants graduate from the International Human Rights Law Certificate Course

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira presents certificates to graduates of the third cohort of the International Human Rights Law Certificate Course at Pegasus Suites on Saturday By Feona Morrison CORRUPTION does more than undermine public trust; it can deprive citizens of essential services, including education, healthcare, water and proper roads, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira has warned. The minister stressed that as Guyana continues its rapid development, greater emphasis must be placed on human rights education, accountability and ensuring that public resources benefit the people they are intended to serve. “If there's corruption, it undermines human rights,” Teixeira said, explaining that when public funds are siphoned off or mismanaged, citizens can be denied access to essential services. “These are all related to human rights,” she added, referring to investments in schools, health centres, water and roads. Teixeira made the remarks while delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony for the third cohort of the International Human Rights Law Certificate Course, held at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown on Saturday. The minister said the relationship between human rights and anti-corruption was one of the reasons anti-corruption had been incorporated into the programme, which seeks to equip participants with knowledge they can apply in their professional and personal lives. The minister highlighted the importance of human rights education for law enforcement personnel, given the sensitive nature of their responsibilities and the scrutiny surrounding their interactions with members of the public. The minister also noted that Guyana’s rapid development made it important for public awareness and behaviour to keep pace with the country’s progress.

Senior Research Officer at the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Anil Persaud

A section of the audience at the graduation ceremony for the third cohort of the International Human Rights Law Certificate Course at Pegasus Suites on Monday Using road safety as an example, the minister said improvements to roads must be accompanied by greater respect among road users for one another’s rights and safety. Minister Teixeira said the course was intended for personal development and practical application rather than competition, adding that the organisers did not publicly rank participants according to their examination results. She stated, “As a country moving forward, it’s important that we keep training people on human rights and anti-corruption, because that is what will build our country, help us do even better and make greater progress. We have to recognise that everybody has a place in human rights, and it’s not for just certain people.” Justice of Appeal Kim K y t e - T h o m a s u rg e d t h e graduates to put their human rights knowledge into practice, stressing that completing the certificate course carried a responsibility to defend the dignity and rights of others. Addressing the graduates,

Justice Kyte-Thomas cited the principle that denying people their human rights challenges their humanity, urging participants to treat it as a call to action rather than simply a quotation to remember. She said, “I urge you that this should be a call to action. It should be a reminder of the responsibility which comes with understanding, upholding, and defending human rights.” Th judge reminded the graduates that human rights were not privileges reserved for particular groups, but the birthright of every person, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, social status or circumstances. Justice Kyte-Thomas said the knowledge gained through the programme should influence how graduates conduct themselves in their workplaces, communities and daily lives. “Knowledge alone is not enough. What matters is what you do with it,” she said, encouraging participants to speak out against injustice, advocate for improvements

where systems fall short, and ensure that people are treated fairly. She also stressed that human rights advocacy extended beyond courtrooms and government offices, beginning in homes, schools and workplaces. “Development and human dignity must advance together,” Justice Kyte-Thomas said, challenging the graduates to continue learning and turn their knowledge into meaningful action. Senior Research Officer at the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and course coordinator Anil Persaud said the programme had been presented earlier this year, alongside the annual Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo, as a national best practice at a meeting of the Organisation of American States’ Committee of Experts of the Follow-up Mechanism for the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC). He said the initiative demonstrated how public ed-

ucation and awareness could be integrated to strengthen institutional capacity and improve access to information. Persaud added that feedback from participants showed how the training could influence their daily responsibilities, including police officers’ understanding of dignity and due process, nurses’ awareness of patients’ rights and teachers’ approaches to inclusion and equality. “This cohort has demonstrated a willingness to engage with new ideas, to discuss difficult issues and to respect different perspectives. Growth is not simply about enrolling more people. It’s about maintaining a programme that is relevant, accessible, impactful, and responsive to the needs of those we seek to educate,” Persaud said. He said the long-term objective was to ensure human rights principles became more firmly embedded in national consciousness and Guyana’s development. The 2026 cohort was the largest since the programme began, attracting more than 2,000 applications and enrolling approximately 400 participants, of whom 345 successfully completed the course. This brings the total number of people trained through the initiative to more than 780. Applications doubled from approximately 1,000 in each

of the previous two years. The free, eight-week International Human Rights Law Certificate Course is delivered primarily online, with course materials provided at no cost and some sessions held in a hybrid format to accommodate participants outside Georgetown. It attracts people from all 10 administrative regions, with Region Four accounting for approximately 51 per cent of applicants. Participants range in age from about 17 to 71 and represent diverse professional backgrounds. Some 83 per cent are from the public sector, 13.2 per cent from the private sector and 2.9 per cent from civil society. The programme has also attracted participants from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize and Grenada. Developed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, its curriculum is regularly updated to reflect emerging issues, participant feedback and Guyana’s international commitments. It covers the development of human rights, international legal frameworks, state obligations and mechanisms for protecting rights, alongside contemporary issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, corruption, development and food security.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

CARICOM SG identifies regional integration priorities in current global environment

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett says regional integration must now be viewed as a strategic development platform to drive economic transformation, enhance resilience, and advance the Caribbean’s strategic participation in an increasingly uncertain, complex, and competitive global economy. Dr. Barnett said that this could be achieved through increased investment and broadening of economic and trade relations. “Traditionally, regional integration has been viewed primarily as a vehicle for market enlargement, trade liberalisation, and functional cooperation among a grouping of states,” she told a panel discussion at the 41st session of the Economic Commission on Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Barnett said, however, that as small states navigating a global environment characterised by geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, climate change and increasing competition for investment and productive capabilities, the 15-member regional integration grouping has been focusing on the strategic re-design of it integration project. “Emphasis is now placed on deepening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) through prioritisation of more results-based sectoral integration, aimed at building regional economic security and beneficial insertion into engagement with the global economy,” she said. She told the panel that recent global crises have elevated food security to a strategic component of a reimagined CARICOM integration agenda.

“Our regional ambition to reduce the region’s food import dependence, as set out in Vision 25 by 2025 plus 5, goes beyond an agricultural initiative to represent a regional development and resilience strategy,” she said, adding that CARICOM has prioritised strengthening cooperation in agricultural production, research and development, climate-smart agriculture, sanitary and phytosanitary systems, logistics, and agricultural technology. She said that the opportunities presented by precision agriculture, digital technologies, biotechnology, and climate-resilient farming practices can be accelerated through regional cooperation, shared investment, and knowledge exchange. Barnett said that energy security must remain an overarching goal of regional cooperation, while it continues to play a pivotal role in supporting more competitive production across the Community, including through renewable energy investment and greater energy efficiency. “A forward-looking integration agenda should deepen regional collaboration and cooperation in areas such as renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency standards, regulatory harmonisation, energy investment frameworks, and climate financing. “Collective action is needed to accelerate the transition to cleaner and more affordable energy systems while reducing external dependence and enhancing energy security. This is a strategic imperative for industrial development, productivity growth, international competitiveness, and economic resilience.” Barnett said that the imperative to achieve food security must be supported

by efficient and affordable transportation, which is treated as strategic regional infrastructure and an essential enabler of trade, investment, tourism, labour mobility, and productive development. She said that the emphasis is therefore on building an integrated Caribbean

on year noting “. CARICOM regional integration must, therefore, support the emergence of competitive regional value chains, greater industrial capacity, and deeper economic diversification and innovative industries capable of competing in an increasingly complex global economy.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett

transport and logistics ecosystem, connecting maritime shipping, air services, ports and airports, inland infrastructure, logistics services, and digital trade facilitation. “Better transportation would enable Caribbean producers to source inputs regionally, reach neighbouring markets more efficiently, and participate more effectively in wider Latin American and global value chains.” The Belizean-born economist acknowledged that the economies of Caribbean countries remain highly exposed to external shocks and overly dependent on a limited range of economic activities. She said non-fuel overall merchandise trade deficits continue to expand year

“We have to move beyond integrating markets towards building regional productive capabilities to strengthen competitiveness, generate quality employment and reduce our vulnerability to external shocks.” Barnett said equally important is ensuring that CARICOM’s financial architecture can effectively support cross-border economic activity. She said that this requires the establishment of agile, interoperable regional payment systems, strengthened credit enhancement and risk-sharing mechanisms, and more coordinated approaches to development finance. “We envision a regional financial ecosystem that enables businesses, par-

ticularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, to access finance, conduct cross-border transactions, and expand within the regional market. “At the same time, strengthening the Community’s capacity to mobilise financing for climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, and productive transformation remains essential to advancing resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable development.”

Barnett said building regional productive capabilities requires a more coordinated approach to industrial policy, investment promotion, infrastructure development, and the establishment of competitive regional value chains. She said that the CARICOM Industrial Policy, that was recently approved by regional leaders, provides an important framework for advancing the objective of identifying opportunities for member states to develop complementary rather than competitive productive capabilities. “We are targeting areas such as agro-processing, green manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, creative industries, digital services, and logistics. “By pooling markets, resources, skills, and investment promotion efforts, CARICOM can create economies of scale to successfully integrate, compete, or even defend its industries against other international blocs that no individual Member State can achieve on its own.” The CARICOM Secretary-General said that digital transformation and artificial intelligence offer significant opportunities to enhance productivity, reduce transaction costs, expand market access, and strengthen public institu-

tions. But she said realising these benefits, however, requires strategic investment in digital infrastructure, enabling regulatory frameworks, institutional capacity, and digital skills. “CARICOM has prioritised a more integrated regional digital economy, through enhanced cooperation on digital infrastructure, interoperable platforms, cybersecurity, data governance, and skills development. “It is specifically recognised that leveraging artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies could improve productivity and innovation across key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, financial modernisation and productive transformation. Ultimately, digital transformation has been characterised as a strategic instrument for economic modernisation, productive transformation, and deeper regional integration.” CARICOM has adopted a protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, which provides a framework for some member states to move ahead to implement agreed initiatives while other member states can commence implementation when they are ready and able to. Barnett said that the operationalisation of this protocol is already evident in a regional arrangement among four member states to implement full free movement of people, which entered into force on 1 October 2025. “This initiative has important implications for building productive capabilities across CARICOM by enabling a more efficient allocation of human capital across the member states involved,” Barnett told the panel discussion. (CaribbeanToday)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Guyana secures major OECD risk-rating upgrade, paving way for cheaper international financing — Finance Minister says improved classification signals growing global confidence in Guyana’s economy

GUYANA has secured another significant international economic milestone, with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) upgrading the country's risk classification from Cate-

the development, describing it as a major signal of continued international confidence in Guyana's economic management, fiscal discipline and creditworthiness. According to a Ministry of Finance state-

Africa. N o t a b l y, G u y a n a was one of only two countries to receive an upgrade during the latest assessment. Dr Singh said the development represents further international recognition of the

minimum premiums charged by export-credit agencies on officially supported financing. Consequently, Guyana's improved classification is expected to lower financing costs for capital goods imported through such

Guyana has secured another significant international economic milestone, with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) upgrading the country’s risk classification from Category Five to Category Four, a development expected to reduce the cost of certain types of international financing and strengthen access to funding for major development projects

gory Five to Category Four, a development expected to reduce the cost of certain types of international financing and strengthen access to funding for major development projects. The upgrade, which t o o k e ff e c t o n O c tober 16, 2026, represents Guyana's second improvement in the OECD's country-risk classification in four years, following its advancement from Category Six to Category Five in 2022. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, welcomed

ment issued on Saturday, the improved classification reflects growing global recognition of Guyana's strong economic fundamentals and sustained economic progress. The OECD assesses countries using a classification scale ranging from 0 to 7, with Category 0 representing negligible country credit risk and Category Seven representing the highest risk. With its latest upgrade, Guyana now shares Category Four status with countries including Brazil, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Paraguay and South

government's economic policies and its record of responsible fiscal management. The Finance Minister also expressed appreciation to the OECD Secretariat and representatives of member states for their roles in the assessment process. The improved classification carries important implications for Guyana's development agenda, particularly as the government continues to pursue major investments in infrastructure and other productive sectors. Under the OECD framework, country-risk classifications help determine the

arrangements, making funding for certain public investment projects more affordable. The Ministry of Finance explained that the reclassification could also strengthen Guyana's standing among international lenders and development partners when financing terms are being considered. The achievement comes against the backdrop of substantial economic expansion over the past five years. Between 2020 and 2025, Guyana's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded at an average annual rate of 37.3 per cent, driven

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

primarily by increased offshore oil production. Importantly, the nonoil economy also recorded average annual growth of 8.2 per cent during the same period, demonstrating expansion beyond the petroleum industry. Despite global supply-chain disruptions and energy-price shocks between 2021 and 2023, headline inflation averaged 3.5 per cent over the five-year period, supported by government interventions to cushion the impact on the economy. Guyana has also recorded improvements in its debt indicators. Total public debt as a percentage of GDP declined from 47.4 per cent at the end of 2020 to 28.6 per cent at the end of 2025. Similarly, external debt fell from 24.1 per cent to 10.8 per cent of GDP, while the ratio of debt servicing to government revenue decreased from eight per cent to five per cent. The country's financial reserves have also been strengthened considerably. The Natural Resource Fund (NRF), which held US$3.3 billion at the end of 2025, increased to approximately US$5.5 billion by the end of September 2026. According to the ministry, the NRF's balance at the end of 2025 exceeded Guyana's total outstanding external debt, providing an additional financial buffer. The ministry also

referenced the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) 2026 Article IV consultation, which acknowledged Guyana's strong economic performance and prudent macroeconomic policies. The IMF highlighted the importance of “diversification, resilience, and sustainability” alongside continued accumulation of resources in the NRF and the maintenance of low debt levels. Looking ahead, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline, while directing new financing towards projects capable of generating measurable economic returns. The ministry said borrowing decisions will continue to prioritise the most affordable financing sources, while ensuring that the country's overall debt remains within prudent limits. The government maintained that responsible management of public finances, combined with sustained economic growth and strategic investments, will remain central to Guyana's long-term development. The latest OECD upgrade is therefore being regarded as another important endorsement of Guyana's economic trajectory, strengthening its international financial standing as the country advances its national development programme.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Road crashes leading cause of trauma deaths at GPHC, study finds — research presented at Bethune Round Table examines over 5,000 cases, highlights need for stronger emergency, surgical care

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony at the Bethune Round Table 2026 MOTOR vehicle crashes were the leading cause of trauma-related deaths among patients admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) between 2018 and 2022, according to research presented at the Bethune Round Table, 2026. The study, which examined more than 5,000 trauma admissions, also found that burns had the highest proportion of deaths among the injury categories studied, at 11.4 per cent. The findings were presented on the second day of the international conference, where healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers examined ways to strengthen injury prevention, emergency response, patient safety and specialised surgical services. According to information released by the GPHC, the research was presented by Dr Alexander Harvey, Director of the Institute of Health Sciences Education, and Dr Dwayne Kellman, a consultant in the hospital's Accident and Emergency Department. Their study examined the causes of serious injuries and factors associated with deaths among patients admitted for trauma. Falls were also identified as a significant contributor to serious injuries, while age, injury severity, injury type and ethnicity were found to be associated with

the likelihood of death following trauma. Although motor vehicle crashes accounted for the leading cause of trauma-related deaths, burns presented a particularly serious risk. The study found that, despite fewer patients being admitted with burns, the proportion of deaths within that category was higher than for other injuries examined. These findings highlight the importance of preventing injuries while strengthening emergency medical services and ensuring that patients receive timely, appropriate treatment. They also provide evidence that could help guide future investments in emergency response, trauma management, staff training and specialised surgical care. STRENGTHENING SURGICAL CARE Guyana is hosting the Bethune Round Table for the first time since the international conference was established in 2001. The event, which opened on October 14 and concludes on October 18, has attracted healthcare professionals and researchers from 17 countries. It is being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre under the theme, “From Training to Surgical Transformation: Advancing Surgical Care through Global Partnerships and Local

Healthcare professionals, researchers and delegates from 17 countries participate in the Bethune Round Table 2026 in Guyana. (GPHC photos) Innovations.” During the opening ceremony, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony highlighted Guyana's ambition to become a leading provider of specialised healthcare services in the Caribbean. He emphasised the importance of research, innovation and developing local medical expertise as the country continues to expand and modernise its healthcare system. GPHC Chief Executive Officer Robbie Rambarran also reflected on the hospital's transformation over the past five years, while stressing that sustained improvements would require continued investments in infrastructure and equipment. He highlighted the need to integrate technology, education, research and clinical excellence to achieve better outcomes for patients. These priorities are particularly important in trauma care, where effective treatment depends on trained medical personnel, appropriate equipment, timely intervention and facilities capable of managing com-

plex injuries. LOOKING BEYOND HOSPITALS A key feature of the opening ceremony was a presentation by Professor Daniel Dawes, Senior Vice President and Founding Dean of the Meharry Medical College School of Global Health. Speaking on the political determinants of health, Dawes encouraged delegates to examine how public policies, resource allocation and living conditions influence health outcomes. He emphasised that improving healthcare requires more than expanding hospitals and clinical services. Dawes also pointed to Guyana's constitutional commitments to health and environmental well-being, stressing the importance of translating those commitments into adequately funded programmes, measurable targets and equitable access to care. He further challenged the Caribbean to explore the possibility of establishing the Region's first Blue Zone, a community associated

with exceptional longevity and healthy ageing, through policies that promote healthier lifestyles. The conference has also featured discussions on reproductive health equity, digital innovation, pedestrian safety, cardiac surgery, patient safety and trauma systems. INVESTMENTS IN HEALTHCARE The research comes as Guyana continues to invest in expanding healthcare access and strengthening its capacity to provide specialised treatment. Six new regional hospitals were commissioned in 2025, expanding access to emergency services, diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures and in-patient care outside Georgetown. At the GPHC, investments in advanced surgical technology and the expansion of specialised procedures have broadened the range of locally available treatments. The hospital has also been advancing the rollout of an electronic health records system, following its

implementation at the Festival City Polyclinic. The system is intended to improve access to patient information, support clinical decision-making and strengthen continuity of care. These developments form part of wider efforts to modernise Guyana's healthcare system and ensure that patients can access timely and specialised treatment. However, the trauma research also underscores the importance of preventing injuries before they occur. Safer driving practices, greater pedestrian awareness, precautions against falls and burns, and prompt access to emergency assistance can all contribute to reducing preventable injuries and deaths. By examining the causes of serious injuries and the factors associated with patient outcomes, healthcare professionals and policymakers can better identify where improvements in prevention, emergency response and treatment may have the greatest impact.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

No medical evidence publicly presented to support alleged beating of Azruddin Mohamed

CONFLICTING accounts continue to emerge between Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s public remarks and allegations advanced by his We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, his sister and the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, with no medical evidence publicly presented to substantiate claims that he and two members of his staff were beaten by police. Despite serious allegations that Mohamed, his driver Eugene Thorne and videographer Mario Mohamed were beaten, kicked and stomped upon by police officers and masked men during an October 12 incident in Kitty, the opposition leader made no mention of any physical assault when he spoke to reporters following his release on bail on Friday. During the approximately seven-minute media interaction, Mohamed repeatedly described the incident as an assassination attempt, alleging that Senior Superintendent Prem Narine had opened fire at the vehicle in which he and his staff members were travelling. However, at no point did he claim that he had been beaten, kicked or stomped upon, despite those allegations featuring prominently in statements issued by his office, his sister Hana Mohamed and representatives of WIN. The omission has raised questions about the differing accounts being presented by Mohamed and those speaking on his behalf, particularly as WIN representatives have yet to publicly produce the medical reports they indicated would be

provided. Mohamed, Thorne and Mario were each granted $750,000 bail after pleading not guilty to charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and attempting to obstruct the course of justice. The charges stem from the October 12 shooting incident outside Narine’s Barr Street, Kitty, residence. The police have alleged that a firearm and ammunition were discovered in the vehicle occupied by the three men, while the defence disputes the circumstances surrounding the discovery. SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS, NO MEDICAL EVIDENCE In a statement issued following the incident, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition alleged that the three men were forcibly removed from their vehicle, held at gunpoint and ordered to lie on the ground, where they were repeatedly beaten, kicked and stomped upon. The statement further alleged that one of the masked men pressed his boot against Mario’s neck, while Narine allegedly pointed his firearm at Mohamed and repeatedly threatened to kill him. The office claimed that the men sustained visible bruising and bloodshot marks and complained of significant pain while detained. Similar allegations were made by Mohamed’s sister, Hana, on October 14, when she claimed that Narine and masked men had assaulted her brother and his staff members. She also accused senior government officials

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed

of directing or protecting Narine, although no independently verified evidence was presented to substantiate those accusations. However, when Mohamed addressed reporters on Friday, his account centred on the alleged gunfire, the presence of police vehicles and his concerns about his personal safety. He made no reference to the alleged beatings described by his sister and political representatives. Questions about the alleged assaults were also raised during a WIN press conference, where Member of Parliament Duarte Hetsberger indicated that information, including medical reports, would be provided subsequently. No such reports were presented during that engagement. Hetsberger also alleged that Mohamed had requested Panadol following the incident, but was refused the medication. He further claimed that the opposition leader and his staff members were subjected to poor conditions at the Kitty Police Station, including having to use cardboard boxes to sit or sleep on. Those claims have

not been independently verified. The allegations were

also communicated to members of the diplomatic community, alongside claims that the firearm discovered in the vehicle had been planted. QUESTIONS OVER CONTRADICTORY ACCOUNTS While Mohamed's failure to mention the alleged beatings does not establish that no assault occurred, the difference between his public account and the allegations advanced by his representatives raises questions that remain unanswered. No independent medi-

cal findings, CCTV footage, custody records or other corroborating evidence have been publicly presented to substantiate the alleged physical assaults. The opposition leader has repeatedly been accused of making unsubstantiated allegations and distorting facts to advance his political narrative. He has constantly portrayed the US extradition request against him and his father as politically motivated by the PPP/C government, a claim that is not true.

Love Your Eyes: They Are Your Windows to the World

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

By Shabana Shaw

THE first thing millions of people around the world do each morning is open their eyes. And from that moment, they begin navigating their day through the precious gift of sight. We read messages on our phones, navigate busy roads, recognise the faces of loved ones, go to work, attend school, watch television and take in the world around us, all through our eyes. As the saying goes, the eyes are the windows to the world. Yet despite how much we depend on our vision, eye health is often something we take for granted. Globally, at least 1 billion people have near - or distance-vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Without timely detection and appropriate care, vision loss can have long-term effects on an individual's quality of life, independence and economic well-being. This World Sight Day, observed on October 8, the global message is a simple but important one: Love Your Eyes. For Dr Shannon Da Silva, Co-Owner and Optometrist at Da Silva's Optical, the observance provides an opportunity to remind people just how precious their sight is and why protecting it should become part of everyday life. “We need our vision to work, read, learn, get about… We need it to create memories,” she explained during an interview on the importance of caring for our eyes. But good eye health is not simply about being able to see clearly. Many eye conditions can develop without causing noticeable symptoms in their early stages. By the time a person realises that something is wrong, the condition may already have progressed and become more difficult to manage. Dr Da Silva points to conditions such as cata-

Dr The Honourable Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, joins staff of Da Silva’s Optical, including Optometrists Dr Shannon Da Silva (grey suit vest) and Dr Philip Da Silva (light blue shirt), along with H.E. Mr Dharamkumar Seeraj, Guyana’s High Commissioner to India (dark blue shirt), during a visit to the Eye Testing and Spectacles Programme booth at the International Building Expo

racts, pterygium, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and hypertensive retinopathy as examples where early detection can be particularly important. “The earlier we catch it, the more manageable and treatable” many eye conditions can be, she explained. That is why regular eye examinations are important, even for people who believe they have good vision. An eye examination is not simply about determining whether someone needs glasses. It can also assess the health of the eyes and help identify problems that may otherwise go unnoticed. The Eye Testing and Spectacles Voucher Programme: A Game Changer For many Guyanese, the cost of healthcare has historically influenced when, and even whether, they seek medical attention. The Government of Guyana’s Eye Testing and Spectacles Voucher Programme is helping to remove some of those financial barriers and make eye care more accessible. Under the programme, all Guyanese can access an Eye Testing Voucher valued at $2,000 and a Spec-

tacles Voucher valued at $15,000. There are currently no age restrictions for persons seeking to benefit from the eye-testing and spectacles components of the programme. The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Health in partnership with registered private optical providers across the country, with each Guyanese entitled to both vouchers annually. According to Dr Da Silva, the programme is encouraging more people to prioritise their eye health, including individuals who may otherwise have delayed or avoided an eye examination because of cost. She has encountered patients who had postponed getting their eyes tested for years because of financial constraints, but were finally able to seek care through the programme. Among them were people over the age of 50 who, after being encouraged to have their eyes examined, received their first pair of spectacles. For Dr Da Silva, the impact of the programme extends beyond the provision of vouchers. The Ministry of Health’s outreach activities have also played an

important role in bringing eye-care services closer to people, particularly those in hard-to-reach communities. “I had the pleasure of going to all of the regions except for Region Eight,” she said, recalling her participation in several outreach activities. “I’ve been to Leguan, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Mabaruma, Aishalton, Orealla and Moraikobai, to name a few”. She has also provided services through outreach activities at the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), the CARICOM Secretariat, the International Building Expo and Saheed’s Boys and Girls Orphanage, and participated in a health fair at State House as part of this year’s Labour Day celebrations. These outreach efforts, she explained, are important because they take eye care directly to people who may face difficulties accessing services, especially in urban areas. The benefits of improved vision extend far beyond simply having a new pair of spectacles. For someone who has spent years struggling to read small print, recognise faces

or see clearly at a distance, clearer vision can restore confidence and independence. It can also make everyday activities easier and safer, from navigating familiar surroundings and commuting to performing routine tasks at home, work or school. In that sense, the voucher programme is not simply helping people to see better. It is helping more Guyanese to live, work and participate in daily life with greater confidence. Seeing Clearly Can Make a Difference Good vision matters at every stage of life. For children, undetected vision problems can affect learning and classroom performance. A child who cannot clearly see the writing on a blackboard or whiteboard may struggle to keep up with classmates. What may appear to be a problem with concentration or academic performance could sometimes simply be a child who is not seeing properly. Regular eye examinations can help identify these problems and give children a better opportunity to learn, participate and develop with confidence.

For older adults, good vision is equally important. Dr Da Silva stressed that regular eye exams are important to ensure that older adults maintain the clearest vision possible as they age. In other words, eye health is not just about sight. It is also about quality of life. The Screen Generation and its effect on our eyes. The World Health Organization (WHO) and global eye-health experts have raised concerns about the growing prevalence of myopia, or near-sightedness, with projections indicating that approximately 50% of the world’s population could be affected by 2050. According to Dr Da Silva, excessive digital screen time can contribute to the faster progression of near-sightedness (myopia). With smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions now an integral part of everyday life, prolonged exposure to digital screens has become increasingly difficult to avoid. Dr Da Silva noted that prolonged screen use can also contribute to dry eyes and visual fatigue. People tend to blink less when concentrating on a screen, while air conditioning and Guyana's hot climate can contribute to tear evaporation. Her advice is simple: look away. Every 30 minutes or so, take a break from the screen and focus on something farther away. Look through a window, focus on the farthest point in the room or simply give your eyes a few moments to relax. “Our eyes love different focal points,” Dr Da Silva explained. “It doesn't like one fixed focal point for long periods of time.” It is a small adjustment, but one that can easily become part of a daily routine. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun Living in a tropical country also means considerable exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can contribute to the development of cataracts and other eye problems. Dr Da Silva therefore encourages people to protect their eyes TURN TO PAGE 22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

FROM PAGE 20

Love Your Eyes...

from UV exposure by using appropriate eyewear, including sunglasses that provide adequate UV protection. For people with high prescriptions, contact lenses can also be worn underneath polarised sunglasses, providing greater visual comfort and clearer vision while still offering protection from glare and sunlight. For those who work in construction, welding, carpentry, plumbing, agriculture, the oil and gas sector and other high-risk occupations, protecting the eyes is even more important. Flying particles, sparks, chemicals and other workplace hazards can cause serious eye injuries, making appropriate protective eyewear essential. Protective eyewear should be used before an accident happens, not after. Dr Da Silva notes that prescription safety eyewear is also an option for people who require vision correction. This is among the range of services offered by her

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

optical practice, allowing individuals to protect their eyes while still maintaining clear vision. Your Plate Matters Too Taking care of your eyes also means taking care of your overall health. Dr Da Silva advocates for a healthy, balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods. Green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, citrus fruits, berries, beans and fish can all form part of a balanced diet that supports overall health. Her message is particularly relevant as we age, when changes in vision become increasingly common. Good nutrition cannot prevent every eye condition, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important part of looking after the body, and the eyes are no exception. Don't Believe Every Myth About Glasses One of the most persistent myths surrounding glasses is that wearing them will make the eyes weaker

Dr Shannon Da Silva performs an ophthalmoscopy (eye pathology) examination on a patient at her South Road Office

or cause a person to become dependent on them. Dr Da Silva says this is not the case. Rather, once people become accustomed to seeing clearly with glasses, they

naturally notice the difference when they take them off. “You start to like wearing your glasses,” she explained, because the brain has become accustomed to

the clearer image. Another common misconception is that everyone needs a new prescription every few years. Not necessarily. Regular eye examinations can determine whether a prescription actually needs to be changed. Some people may continue using the same prescription for years if their vision remains stable. Don't Wait Until You Can't See Perhaps the most important message this World Sight Day is that people should not wait for a serious problem before seeking care. Dr Da Silva encourages anyone who has not had an eye examination in several years, as well as parents who have never had their children's eyes tested, to make an appointment. “Prevention is better than cure,” she said. An eye examination does not automatically mean that someone will be told they need glasses. Sometimes, the result is simply

confirmation that the eyes are healthy. In other cases, an examination can identify a problem early and provide an opportunity to address it. And that, ultimately, is what #LoveYourEyes is about. It is about recognising that vision is too important to leave to chance. It is about taking a break from the screen, wearing protective eyewear in the workplace, shielding your eyes from excessive UV exposure, eating well and paying attention when your vision changes. Most importantly, it is about making regular eye examinations a routine part of healthcare, whether annually or every two years, rather than waiting until vision problems become noticeable. This October 8, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable work your eyes do every day. Love your eyes. Protect your vision. And take care of the windows through which you experience the world.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

$21.8M training facility to strengthen GSA’s practical learning

A NEW $21.8 million training centre and office is being established at the Guyana School of Agriculture to strengthen practical learning in livestock production, animal health and veterinary public health. The facility forms part of the government’s $44 million investment in the school’s livestock farm this year.

students with the skills needed for a modern agricultural sector. “It provides an important foundation for ensuring that students receive the hands-on training required by a modern agricultural sector,” he said. The minister also recognised the first graduates of the Certificate in Livestock Production and Management programme,

domestic production required trained people who understood livestock management, animal health, production efficiency and sustainable farming practices. “I encourage you to use your training to make a meaningful contribution to this important area of agriculture,” Minister Mustapha told the graduates. The agriculture min-

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha

Speaking at the school’s graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said the investment will help equip

marking their achievement as an important milestone for the institution and the country’s livestock industry. He said expanding

ister also called on the school to introduce short courses for practising farmers, with an emphasis on practical skills to improve yields and the

quality of produce. “Bring farmers together, train them in best practices,” he urged. Digital farm records were already helping the institution to promote agricultural management informed by data, and the collaboration with

the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) was also supporting training for farmers and extension officers. Further investment is planned, with tenders for the construction of a Centre of Excellence at the

school expected before the end of 2026. The minister also announced that President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is expected to commission a situation room and data centre at the ministry by the end of October. [DPI]

GDF boosts airborne capabilities with 21 newly qualified paratroopers

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Commanding Officer of the 31 Special Forces Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Loring Benons

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has strengthened its airborne operational capabilities with the addition of 21 newly qualified paratroopers, following the successful completion of an intensive 16-week Basic Paratrooper Course

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has strengthened its airborne operational capabilities with the addition of 21 newly qualified paratroopers, following the successful completion of an intensive 16-week Basic Paratrooper Course. The training, which tested participants’ physical endurance, technical proficiency and ability to execute parachute jumps, forms part of the force’s continued efforts to develop specialised per-

sonnel capable of supporting its operational requirements. According to a release from the GDF, the graduates comprise one junior officer, 16 Ensigns from Standard Officers’ Course Number 57 (SOC #57) and four ranks from the 31 Special Forces Battalion. Notably, the 16 Ensigns, including two females, recorded a 100 per cent pass rate, successfully completing the demanding training programme. During the course, participants were required to execute three basic static-line jumps and one battle jump, demonstrating their ability to apply the techniques acquired throughout the training. The programme also covered physical fitness, break-fall techniques, harness procedures and other essential skills associated with static-line parachuting. Daily assessments were conducted to ensure that trainees maintained the required standards of proficiency and discipline. Addressing the graduates at the closing ceremony, Commanding Officer of the 31 Special Forces Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Loring Benons, underscored the importance of discipline, precision and continuous training

in airborne operations. “In this field, there is no room for carelessness, overconfidence or shortcuts. The smallest oversight can have serious consequences. This qualification is not the end of your learning, but the beginning of a continuing responsibility to remain proficient,” Lieutenant-Colonel Benons cautioned. He urged the newly qualified paratroopers to maintain their skills and uphold the strict safety standards required throughout their military careers. The GDF noted that the qualification provides the Ensigns with an additional specialised skill as they prepare for commissioned service, while further strengthening the operational capabilities of personnel attached to the 31 Special Forces Battalion. The addition of the 21 paratroopers expands the force’s pool of trained airborne personnel, enhancing its capacity to deploy soldiers by parachute when operational circumstances require. The GDF emphasised that maintaining proficiency through continued training will be critical to ensuring that its airborne capabilities remain effective and available to support future operations.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

GCCI supports measures to restrict vape imports

The following is the full text of the statement released by the GCCI The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) welcomes the announcement by His Excellency the President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali of measures to restrict the importation of vaping products into Guyana, recognising the importance of safeguarding public health, particularly the well-being

of children and young people. The increasing accessibility of vaping products, particularly among school-aged children, raises serious concerns about exposure to nicotine and other potentially harmful substances. The chamber recognises the potential long-term implications for their health and development and supports decisive measures to address the availability

of these products before they reach consumers. The GCCI maintains that commercial activity must be accompanied by a responsibility to protect consumer health and safety. While trade remains essential to Guyana's economic development, responsible commerce also requires recognising when products pose risks that warrant stronger regulatory intervention. The chamber emphasises that the effec-

tiveness of these restrictions will depend on clear regulatory guidelines, consistent enforcement and engagement with affected businesses. Particular attention must be given to preventing illicit trade, which could undermine the intended public health benefits of the measures. The GCCI therefore calls for strengthened monitoring at ports of entry, clearly defined importation

and exemption procedures, and effective enforcement against unauthorised distribution. These measures will be essential to ensuring that the

restrictions meaningfully reduce access to vaping products, particularly among young people, without creating opportunities for unregulated markets.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday October 18th, 2026)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Amir Jangoo-114 (2) 811 runs (WI 405; IND 406) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored for the WI in the second T20 of the current WI/IND series? (2) Who was the WI most successful bowler? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ENGLISH RACING TIPS SEDGEFIELD 08:50 hrs Tommy Pickles 09:20 hrs Stay Hopeful 09:50 hrs Can’t Resist It 10:20 hrs Ki Woo 10:50 hrs Clean Getaway 11:20 hrs Gambino 11:50 hrs Parkside Lily IRISH RACING TIPS LEOPARDSTOWN 09:12 hrs Sunatia 09:42 hrs King Cuan 10:12 hrs Uncle Goalie 10:42 hrs Come What May 11:12 hrs Rest Your Mind 11:42 hrs Handani 12:12 hrs Bundle Of Interest LIMERICK 09:00 hrs Brickfield Belle 09:30 hrs Approval 10:00 hrs Way Down South 10:30 hrs Lucy Wang 11:00 hrs Anyway 11:30 hrs Zurich 12:00 hrs Future Prospect SOUTH AFRICAN RACING TIPS FAIRVIEW 08:20 hrs King Viserys 08:55 hrs Gimmethatworldcup 09:35 hrs Anotherdanceforme 10:10 hrs Asinantanga 10:45 hrs Quinn’s Time

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Kane scores on his 100th Bundesliga appearance

HARRY Kane scored on his 100th Bundesliga appearance while Luis Diaz netted a hat-trick as Bayern Munich thrashed RB Leipzig 6-1 to go top of the table. Goals from Luis Diaz, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Michael Olise put Bayern in control by half-time, before Diaz completed his treble and Kane marked his landmark century with a goal. Vincent Kompany’s side came into the game off the back of disappointing draws against Augsburg in the Bundesliga and Norwegian side Viking in the Champions League, results that raised questions about their defensive resolve.

But after dropping four points in their opening five league games - as many as they dropped in their first 17 outings last season - the defending Bundesliga champions looked back to their irresistible best as they dominated Leipzig. In the 12th minute, Diaz ran onto a Joshua Kimmich dink and finished past Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt, before the Colombian turned provider and teed up Pavlovic to rifle in at the near post. Olise completed the firsthalf rout by firing into the bottom corner after exchanging passes with Harry Kane, who had dropped deep to

create space. Half-time offered a ragged Leipzig only temporary respite, as 95 seconds into the second period Diaz curled into the far bottom corner for his second goal of the evening. Kane soon marked his 100th Bundesliga appearance with his 102nd goal in the competition, tapping in from Nathaniel Brown’s cut-back. With 20 minutes left to play, Diaz completed a fabulous hat-trick with a right-footed rocket into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. Andrija Maksimovic scored an injury-time consolation for the visitors with a

Dembele assisted a goal, missed a penalty, and scored after coming off the bench

Harry Kane has scored nine goals in 10 games in all competitions this season

fine strike into the top corner. Bayern registered 17 shots on target before Leipzig managed their first in the 78th minute, and would have scored more had Vandevoordt not made 11 saves. Borussia Dortmund’s goalless draw with Union Berlin earlier on Saturday

means Bayern spend the night top of the table with 14 points, though Freiburg will go two points clear if they beat Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday. Next up is a Champions League meeting with Arsenal at Allianz Arena on Wednesday, 21 October (20:00 BST).

Leipzig’s Jekyll and Hyde start to the campaign continues; they find themselves seventh in the standings after three home wins and three away. Kane has scored nine goals in 10 games in all competitions this season. (BBC Sport)

PARIS St-Germain extended their winning run in all competitions to six games as they came from behind to win at Strasbourg. Luis Enrique changed eight players of the team that beat Manchester City 4-2 in the Champions League.h And the rotated team fell behind after Giovanni Reyna’s deflected shot ended up

in the back of the net. Enrique brought on five of his stars in the second half and they helped turn the game around. Ousmane Dembele crossed for Illia Zabarnyi to score the leveller - but Ballon d’Or holder Dembele then put a penalty wide. However, the Frenchman put them ahead with five

minutes to go with a low driven effort from 16 yards out. And Desire Doue added a third in injury time from Ferran Torres’ ball. Having been 13th in Ligue 1 after three games, the victory takes PSG to the top of the table ahead of their rivals’ weekend matches. (BBC Sport)

PSG come back against Strasbourg, make it six in a row

Haaland scores twice as Manchester City beat Ipswich

MANCHESTER City beat Ipswich Town to make it seven straight wins at the start of a Premier League season for the first time in the club’s history. Erling Haaland scored twice after Phil Foden’s opener was cancelled out by Daizen Maeda to send Enzo Maresca’s side six points clear at the top of the table. This was City’s first home game in the competition since being found guilty of breaking its financial rules. After celebrating victory over Liverpool at a hostile Anfield in their first match since the verdict against the club was announced, the home fans showed their support for the club as they

booed the Premier League anthem prior to kick-off and waved inflatable bananas in a recently revived tradition from the 1980s. On the pitch, Maresca’s players continued to block out the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future admirably. Haaland’s double ensured City joined Chelsea (2005-06) and Liverpool (2019-20) as only the third club in Premier League history to win their first seven games of a season. Maresca, meanwhile, is the first manager to win his first seven games in charge of a club in the competition. Ipswich temporarily stunned a raucous Etihad Stadium with a quick response to Foden’s opener, as

Maeda slotted in 155 seconds later after getting the better of Marc Guehi. But Haaland restored the hosts’ advantage before halftime and later put City in control with a composed finish after being played through by Iliman Ndiaye. The Norwegian then believed he had his hat-trick after firing in acrobatically but the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside against Enzo Fernandez in the build-up. Zian Flemming gave Ipswich late hope by slamming in a 90th-minute penalty following a foul by Guehi on Abdul Fatawu, but City were able to see out the 12 minutes of added time(BBC Sport)

Erling Haaland has scored in six consecutive Premier League appearances - only once having a longer run in the competition (seven)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Dravid, Gilchrist, Morgan not in race for Mumbai Indians head coach job

NOW that Mahela Jayawardene is out of the Mumbai Indians setup, the obvious question is: who next? There has been intense speculation linking Rahul Dravid to the five-time champions, but Cricbuzz can confirm that the former India coach, who led the team to the T20 World Cup title in 2024, and final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, is not in contention. He has ruled himself out, at least for another season. “He wants to focus on his family and his sons’ (Samit and Anvay) careers,” said a source. Dravid was flooded with offers after he quit Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 season, but he has steadfastly resisted the temptation of the riches on offer in the IPL. At some stage, he may be ready to return, but it will not be next season.

The same goes for Adam Gilchrist of Australia and Eoin Morgan of England, both of whom have been mentioned as possible candidates. Neither, however, is available and they are believed to have made clear to the IPL managements. There is, therefore, no clear indication yet of who could replace Jayawardene, whose contract with the franchise was due to expire soon. The MI officials, otherwise occupied with the Jio IPO scheduled for later this month, met on Friday evening and decided to part ways with the Sri Lankan, who served as the franchise’s head coach across two stints — first from 2017 to 2022 and then from 2024 to 2026. The Mumbai Indians officials, it is understood, have left it to the new coach to decide whether to retain the other members of the exist-

ing support staff — Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey (both bowling), Kieron Pollard (batting) and Carl Hopkinson (fielding). Their contracts have either expired or are due to end in the next couple of months. Sources say the interview process is likely to begin soon. Mike Hussey, who recently parted ways with Chennai Super Kings, has reached out to IPL franchises, and it would not be surprising if he has contacted the MI management as well. Hussey, it is learnt, turned down an offer to join the England setup under Stephen Fleming and may instead be eyeing a role in Australia. However, he is believed to be open to another IPL gig. The other two potential candidates are South Africa’s Adrian Birrell and Australia’s Aaron Finch. Birrell is currently one of the most

Mavendra Dindial, 114 not out, spurs GCC into Dave West Indian final

A BRILLIANT undefeated 114 from national and former West Indies Under-19 batsman Mavendra Dindiyal spurred the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) into the final of the Dave West Indian First-Division 50-over tournament, when they faced Police Sports Club in yesterday’s eliminator at their home ground, Eve Leary. The win earned GCC the right to clash with the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) organised tournament and also ensured that Police suffered their second defeat in their quest to reaching the final after losing to DCC two weekends ago in their qualifier encounter in Queenstown. Set 174 for victory after bowling out the lawmen for a mere 173 in 34.4 overs, GCC rushed to 176 for two in 20.1 overs with Dindial, who recently represented the Guyana Amazon Warriors, blasting 15 fours and five sixes off 71 balls in his undefeated innings. Entering the fray in the first over following the dismissal of Kevin Sinclair (10), Dindial dominated a second-wicket partnership of 110 with Matthew Nandu who contributed 26. The pugnacious right hander then added a further unbeaten 56 with Akshaya Persaud (11) as GCC romped to an easy victory. Earlier, Police’s innings had never got going as they lost wickets at regular intervals with Vishaul Williams (37) and Kyle Michael (36) being the principal scorers. Yudistir Persaud (two for 42), Aryan Persaud (two for 23) and Devon Lord (two for 23) were the main wicket-takers.

Mavendra Dindyal blasts the Police bowling attack to the tune of 114 not out

sought-after coaches in franchise cricket world over. He has guided Sunrisers Eastern Cape to three titles and four finals in four SA20 seasons and also led Sunrisers Leeds Women to the final of The Hundred earlier this year. A notable former India player is also on the radar of multiple IPL franchises. Birrell is also the head coach of Sharjah Warriorz in the ILT20, but he is apparently not interested in moving to an IPL franchise. Should he change his mind, a few IPL teams, including MI, could consider him. As for Finch, the former Australia captain is believed to have held talks with a few IPL teams, although there is no immediate information on whether he has engaged with MI. Hussey, Birrell and Finch, however, are on the radar of several IPL franchises, including MI.

Rahul Dravid, who coached India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, is not in contention

In a journey across ten seasons, Jayawardene helmed three of MI’s five title wins (2017, 2019 and 2020). Hailing his significant contribution, Nita Ambani said: “His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us.”

The former Sri Lanka captain said: “I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together and will always carry a special place in my heart for MI. I wish the team every success in the years ahead.” (Cricbuzz)

One Guyana Inter Region Softball Cup…

Action bowls off in Region 5 today

THE much-anticipated Guyana’s biggest open softball cricket tournament, the “One Guyana Inter Region Ten10 Softball Cricket Cup”, gets underway in Region 5 on Sunday 18th October. .The first match of the 3rd edition of the 2026 tournament gets underway from 9 am at the Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground in West Berbice and will see the region’s top softball players in action. Teams will battle to become the region’s champions and advance to represent the region in the national playoffs, set for November 14th and 15th in Region 3. The tournament is open to male and female teams and will be played with roundarm bowling and all extras in place except leg byes, and LBW won’t be in play. According to the organisers, everything is in place for a smooth start, and spectators can expect softball cricket at its best, with some of the region’s best softball players in action.

According to RS Sports, due to the Hindu fast, there won’t be any alcoholic beverage bar allowed.In the regional playoffs, the winner of the male category will walk away with $100,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up, MVP, Player of the Final, Best Bowler in an innings, and Highest Score in an innings will walk away with trophies. In the female category, the winner will walk away with $50,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up, MVP, Player of the Final, Best Bowler in an innings, and Highest Score in an innings will walk away with trophies. The games will be played at 10 overs per innings, and a bowler can only bowl two overs maximum. The organisers said each region will have different closing dates for registration, and Teams can get registered by sending their information via WhatsApp on 725-7829. The entrance fee per team is $20,000. The closing date for registration in Region 5 is on Saturday, 17th October at

4 pm, and thereafter will be the drawing. The tournament is being powered by Peter Lewis Associated Construction Services, Lindsayca Guyana, Ivor Allen Alki’s Investments, 6 S Construction, GMINING, Bashier and Sons Construction Inc., Courts, Guyoil, Mohamed’s Excavation Construction Inc., Tourism Guyana, Nels Security, T&R Construction Services, Cell Phone Shack, Z’S Business Enterprise, Ministry of Agriculture, Hoosein’s Security Service Inc., DBL Group, A’S Concrete Business, S. Jagmohan Construction and Trophy Stall. With millions of dollars in prizes, regional pride at stake, new opportunities for players, and a strong focus on unity, the stage is set for another major chapter in Guyana’s grassroots softball cricket. “This is more than just a Tournament. It is A Celebration of Talent. It is A Celebration of Togetherness. A Celebration of Sports & It is A Celebration of One Guyana.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Kevin Sinclair set for Harpy Eagles return after GCB reinstates central contract KEVIN Sinclair’s professional career has been handed a vital lifeline after the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) officially reinstated his central retainer contract following an extensive, structured rehabilitation and re-integration process. The 26-year-old off-spinning allrounder was sidelined after the GCB terminated his contract and dropped him from the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad following a series of disciplinary breaches. The issues came to a head in April 2026, when Chairman of Selectors Ramnaresh Sarwan and captain Tevin Imlach outlined persistent disciplinary concerns dating back to 2024, including a match-day incident at the Everest Cricket Club where Sinclair prematurely left the field during play. Rather than closing the door permanently, GCB president Bissoondyal Singh took a progressive approach, enlisting clinical practitioner Dr Wil Campbell to work directly with Sinclair to ad-

dress the personal challenges underlying his behaviour. Sinclair, who previously spoke candidly about dealing with severe personal grief— including the tragic loss of his brother—underwent multiple counselling sessions. Dr Campbell subsequently facilitated broad consultations across the entire ecosystem of Guyanese cricket, holding evaluations with team captain Imlach, the Harpy Eagles management, Cricket Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade, the board’s technical staff, and Sarwan’s selection panel. With Dr Campbell formally clearing Sinclair for a return, GCB President Bissoondyal Singh confirmed the board’s commitment to giving the talented cricketer a path to redemption. “Kevin Sinclair is an exceptionally talented young cricketer who has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level,” Singh said. “While discipline and accountability must never be

compromised, I firmly believe that young people who encounter difficulties must also be given an opportunity to learn, mature and redeem themselves. “Our responsibility as administrators extends beyond identifying and developing cricketing talent. We must also be prepared to provide guidance, mentorship and professional support when our players face challenges. Kevin has been given another opportunity, and I intend to work closely with him to ensure that he makes the best possible use of it.” Singh also expressed strong confidence in Sinclair’s long-term potential, while praising Sarwan’s critical role in guiding the decision. “I have tremendous faith in Kevin’s natural talent, ability and skills,” Singh added. “I wish to particularly acknowledge Mr Ramnaresh Sarwan for the important role he played throughout this process. His experience, understanding of the demands

TEENAGER Thomas Rew has been named England Lions captain in the same week he earned his first senior call-up and central contract. It is thought the 18-yearold will become the youngest captain in Lions history when he leads the side in three T20s against West Indies A in St Kitts and Nevis in November. Rew skippers a squad that includes his older brother, James. Earlier this week, Thomas wagiven an England developmental deal and named in a full squad for the first time for the T20 series in Australia. Thomas, Hampshire seamer Eddie Jack and Sussex all-rounder James Coles are the three players who will be involved on the Lions tour and then travel to Australia. The Lions’ T20s in the Caribbean are followed by five one-day matches, with the squad for that se-

ries captained by Test batter Dan Lawrence. Lawrence is joined in the one-day squad by seamer Sam Cook, as both men use the Lions tour as part of their preparation for the senior team’s three Tests in South Africa in December. The elevation of Thomas Rew to Lions captain is a further sign of the high regard he is held in by the England hierarchy. The wicketkeeper-batter skippered England Under-19s to the final of the World Cup earlier this year, then made his first two first-class hundreds for Somerset during the summer. Rew does not turn 19 until 29 November. If he plays on the senior tour of Australia, he would become the third-youngest man to make his England debut in any format after Rehan Ahmed and Brian Close, and the youngest man to play for England against Australia. Hampshire seamer Scott

Currie is also part of the T20 squad. Born in Poole, Currie played three one-day internationals for Scotland in 2024 and his brother Brad has 39 caps for the Scots. Scott was called into England’s squad for a T20 series in Ireland last year. Although he did not play, he was subsequently barred from reverting to Scotland at this year’s T20 World Cup because he was named as an England substitute fielder in Dublin. Former England batter Jonathan Trott is taking charge of the Lions’ winter tours following the departure of former head coach Andrew Flintoff. England Lions T20 squad for three-match T20 series v West Indies A: Thomas Rew (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Scott Currie, Adam Finch, Calvin Harrison, Jack Haynes, Eddie Jack, Ben Mayes, Ben McKinney, Liam Patterson-White, James Rew, Naavya Sharma, Ekansh

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) officially reinstated his central retainer contract following an extensive, structured rehabilitation and reintegration process

of international cricket and willingness to contribute positively were invaluable.” Addressing his return publicly, Sinclair expressed deep accountability for his past actions while outlining the emotional toll of his time away from the sport. “Cricket is more than a sport to me—it is the game I have dedicated my life to, the profession through which I supported myself and my family,” Sinclair said. “Suddenly finding myself on the sidelines, without the game and livelihood I had worked so hard to build, forced me to confront many things about myself, my decisions, and

Rew, 18, to captain England Lions in West Indies

Thomas Rew led England Under-19s to the final of the World Cup earlier this year

Singh, Asa Tribe. England Lions squad for five one-day matches v West Indies A: Dan Lawrence (captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Coles, Sam Cook, Mason Crane, Adam Finch, Jack Haynes, Eddie Jack, Ben Kellaway, Ben Mayes, Ben McKinney, Liam Patterson-White, James Rew, Thomas Rew, Naavya Sharma, Ekansh Singh, Asa Tribe.(bbc Sport)

my future. “During my time away, I have had the opportunity to reflect deeply on my actions and responsibilities. I understand that being a professional cricketer comes with responsibilities both on and off the field, and I take accountability for the areas in which I fell short.” Acknowledging the support of his therapist and the board, Sinclair stressed that words alone would not suffice as he sets his sights on regaining his spot in regional cricket and eventually wearing the maroon of the West Indies once again. “Growth must be demonstrated through my actions, discipline, consistency, accountability, and the choices I make moving forward,” Sin-

clair stated. “I am not asking for anything to be handed to me. I am simply asking for an opportunity to earn my way back. “Representing Guyana has always been an honour. The dream of once again representing my country— and, hopefully, through performance, discipline, and hard work, earning another opportunity at the West Indies level—remains very much alive. I understand that this journey will not happen overnight. Trust must be rebuilt, opportunities earned, and standards met. I am ready to work; I am ready to prove myself, and I am ready to earn another opportunity.” (GCB Press Release)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

CAC Games athletes rewarded with $150 000 in bonuses

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidadian athletes who medaled at this year’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) G a m e s h a v e re c e i v e d TT$150, 000 in bonuses courtesy of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC). The presentation was held at the TTOC Olympic House, Woodford Street, Port-of-Spain, on Tuesday under the supervision of its president Diane Henderson. T&T’s contingent at the CAC Games, which were held in the Dominican Republic, comprised 148 athletes (74 men and 74 women) who captured 21 medals (six gold, five silver, and 10 bronze). Overall, T&T finished ninth on the medal table, the highest position of any English-speaking Caribbean nation. Leading the medal haul was swimmer Nikoli Blackman with two individual gold medals in the men’s 50 metres freestyle and 100 metres freestyle, along with a gold in the men’s 4×100 metres freestyle relay with Liam Carrington, Dylan Carter, and Zarek Wilson. The other gold medals came via Carter in the men’s 50m butterfly, while cyclist Kwesi Browne (men’s keirin) and the T&T women’s netball team added the remaining gold medals. In her brief address, Henderson lauded the team for their exceptional performance at the Games. “As we prepare to pay the medal bonuses for the

Trinidad and Tobago athletes and representatives share a photo after collecting their monetary rewards for medalling at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo

athletes who were successful in reaching the podium, we want you to know that this moment is about far more than a cheque, I hope. “It’s about acknowledgement. It is about this nation saying to each and every one of you, ‘We saw what you did, we know what it cost you, and we are proud. It may not seem so at times, but we are. Standing on a podium at the CAC games does not happen by accident, it is the result of years of sacrifice,

early mornings, long training sessions, setbacks overcome and a decision made over and over again to keep going when it would have been easier to stop,” Henderson said. “This bonus is a tangible expression of our gratitude, but please know that your value to this nation goes well beyond. You are the inspiration of the next generation of athletes who are watching, dreaming, and working toward their own podium moment.”

Errol Tenpow remembered

motorsport in the end.” Another former GMR&SC President, Vishok Persaud, remembered Erol as a giant of the sport, saying, “During my tenure as President of the GMR&SC, Errol was a steadfast supporter—a steady, dependable and consistent presence whose commitment to the sport never wavered. Among my last interactions with him was watching him bring my 1989 Lotus Esprit, with its carburetted, turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine, back to life—a lasting, personal

reminder of his remarkable skill and dedication. “His legacy lives on in the drivers he mentored, the machines he prepared and the victories he helped achieve. He will be remembered with respect and affection as a motorsport legend, not only in Guyana, but [also] across the Region.” Current GMR&SC President Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin also remembered Tenpow, saying, “When I started racing, Errol helped me tremendously. He was there for me; he helped me with my engine; he taught

Liverpool stage comeback to win at nine-man Brentofrd

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me a lot about cars; he taught me how to drive the car. He actually used to go up to the racetrack with me and show me the corners and how to drive. He was very instrumental in making me the driver I am today. After the races, every event, he would wait patiently and his wife used to tell me, Errol would wait patiently for me to call him and tell him what my results were and give him a rundown of the race day and what happened with me.”

Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola are showing early signs of forming a good partnership for Liverpool

LIVERPOOL staged a second-half fightback to come from behind and beat nineman Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Previously unbeaten Brentford paid a heavy price for the red card given to Yehor Yarmoliuk in first-half added time for a “headbutting action” - in the words of referee John Brooks - on Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet. Keith Andrews’ side were a goal up through

Keane Lewis-Potter’s superb 44th-minute header, and in control, when Yarmoliuk was dismissed - but Liverpool made the most of their numerical advantage to launch a comeback after the break. Spain winger Victor Munoz scored a fine equaliser after 62 minutes, cutting inside to beat Brentford keeper Caoimhin Kelleher with a left-foot finish after he was released by Florian Wirtz’s pass.

Alexander Isak added the second eight minutes later with a clinical strike for his fifth goal of the season, after Bradley Barcola headed down Alexis Mac Allister’s cross. Brentford’s day of frustration was complete when they were reduced to nine men in stoppage time - Vitaly Janelt shown a second yellow card for a foul on Liverpool substitute Rio Ngumoha.(BBC Sport)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

Heavy rain results in anti-climactic end to thrilling series BENGALURU, India, (CMC) – The high-scoring, blockbuster T20I series between India and the West Indies came to a disappointing end on Saturday with the fifth and final match ending in a no result. Heavy showers forced the start of the match to be delayed by over two overs and when the covers were finally removed the contest was reduced to nine overs per side. India’s batters capitalised on a strong start to reach 118 for five in 7.4 overs, but another series of persistent showers sent the players and umpires off the ground. Those rains continued past the cutoff time, leading to the match eventually being called off. It left the five-match series tied at 2-2 and robbed the thousands of spectators who

packed into the M Chinnaswamy Stadium of what was shaping up to be an exciting finale. After winning the toss and sending the home side in to bat, Keemo Paul’s first over leaked 14 runs, but he also had Abhishek Sharma caught at midwicket by Shamar Joseph. Ishan Kishan greeted Romario Shepherd with a huge six over backward square to start the second over, before adding another maximum and two fours for good measure. But after racing to 30 off just 10 balls, he miscued a pull off pacer Shamar Joseph and was caught at mid on to leave the score 45 for two in the third over. Skipper Shreyas Iyer wasn’t at his best in his knock of 22 off 14 balls, but Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 24 off six balls with three sixes

Rain forced the deciding T20I berween West Indies and India to be called off (Photo courtesy CWI)

and a four, kept India’s run rate above 15 runs an over. When Shamar Springer got Tilak Varma to drag a wide yorker onto his stumps, it proved to be the last ball of the match with the slight drizzle turning into a downpour. Springer ended with 2-17 and Paul took 2-34.

Errol Tenpow remembered GSCL’s Vice-president as ‘a gentleman and true softball registration legend of motorsport’ closes Wednesday

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 18, 2026

…Launching set for next Sunday at GYO

Local motorsport hero Errol Tenpow

Errol Tenpow on his motor-racing cycle

ERROL Tenpow, the backbone of the legendary Tenpow racing family, passed away late last week in Canada. On Friday evening, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) held a memorial to honour the local motorsport hero, one of the only Guyanese to have picked up a win at Daytona Several of the sports stalwarts, along with club executives and race officials, as well as family paid tribute

to him at the club’s Thomas Lands and Albert Street Office. Entering the 1981 Daytona 200 series aboard his Yamaha, Errol was one of the pioneers who opened the doors for Guyanese to race abroad. To date, he is the only man in club history to have won at the historic Daytona motorcycle circuit, according to his brother Brian, who was among those offering tributes. Remembering his brother, Brian gave insight to

GUYANA have opened their medal account at the South American U23 Games in Santa Fe, Argentina, with an impressive quarter-mile run by Tishawn Easton in the men’s 400m final. Easton delivered a resolute performance to claim silver in 46.85 seconds, capping a strong campaign after laying down a marker in the semi-finals, where he qualified second with 46.75 seconds. Brazil’s Vinicius Moura Galeno proved too strong in the final, surging ahead to secure gold in 46.32 seconds, while his compatriot Emer-

son Vieira Do Nascimento completed the podium lineup by taking bronze in 47.03 seconds. Agony followed elsewhere on the track and field programme for the Guyanese contingent as Rodel Greene narrowly missed a podium spot in the men’s triple jump. Greene recorded a best effort of 15.45 metres to finish fourth overall, cruelly denied a bronze medal on a tie-break countback based on second-best attempts after finishing level with his thirdplaced rival. It proved a challenging outing in the men’s 100m, as Guyana’s sprinters

Easton surges to 400m silver at South American U23 Games

the kind of person Errol was. “Whenever I did something wrong and Dad came after me with his belt, Errol would scoop me up and run around the yard with Dad chasing us. Sometimes,instead of me getting the beating, Errol would end up taking it for me! Looking back now, those memories make me smile. That was Errol. He would protect his little brother, even when it meant getting himself into trouble.

Tishawn Easton was impressive in his quarter-mile run

couldn’t progress beyond the semi-final stage. Robert Marcus ran 10.96 seconds in the opening heat, while Jeremiah George ran 11.15 seconds in the second heat, and both missed out on a place in the final.

“Everything I do today in motorsport carries a piece of what Errol and Elson taught me. When I work on a car, tune an engine, develop a suspension setup, or help a driver improve, I carry forward lessons that began in that little yard on Bonasika Street,” He continued, urging the club to honour the great motorsport legend Former president Stanley Ming remembered Errol as a gentleman of the sport even before his time. “I was a fan of the Tenpow brothers at the time when I first found out about them; Errol and Elton [sic] Tenpow. They had a shop in Waterloo Street, on the eastern side of the road. And at that time I was attending Queen’s College. I used to go there in the afternoon after school, just to stand up outside and look at them working on their motorbikes. Those were the first two people that I discovered in motor racing.” He added, “It was my ambition to race against the Tenpow brothers when I started to race in the early 70s. I remember that very vividly. Elton [sic] was not a very talkative guy, but he passed a few years ago, but Errol was always a very friendly and approachable individual. I’ve known him in total for about 60 something years. And I had only pleasant memories about him. He was always a gentleman. He was a superb representative of motorcycle and TURN TO PAGE 30

Vice-president Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

HISTORY will be created when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) staged the third edition of the Vice-president three-day softball extravaganza on October 30, 31 and November 1. According to a top official of the GSCL, all the matches during the tournament will be afforded online scoring, a system that is being introduced for the first time for any softball tournament in Guyana. The South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) led the way with this system earlier this year, Meanwhile, registration for this year’s tournament, being played in honour of Vice-president Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, is going and according to the GSCL officials, teams have until Wednesday to indicate their interest with the launching set to be held at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) ground on Sunday, October 25 from 11:00 am. Registration is being done at Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Greater Georgetown. Teams in the Women’s categories are required to pay $20,0000 while the

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three men’s division – Open All Class, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 entrance fee is $75, 000. While the winning prizes and loads of incentives haven’t been disclosed to date, GSCL officials pointed out these will be disclosed at the launching and will be based on the number of teams participating. Like in previous tournaments, the Women’s category will commence on Thursday, October 29, culminating with the final on Sunday, November 1 at a venue to be named. The men go into action on Friday, October 31, with the all three finals set for the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC ground, Queenstown on Sunday, November 1, starting at 9:00 am with the Open All Class slated to end under floodlights. Trophy Stall, through the generosity of its owner, Ramesh Sunich, has once again consented to donate all the trophies for the tournament. The Vice-president tournament follows the successful staging of the ninth edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 softball tournament which ended two weekends ago. (Frederick Halley)

| SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026