President Ali, U.S. delegation discuss strengthening Guyana’s agricultural sector
—Minister Rodrigues says, outlines new products, services to be offered in policy that will bolster economic growth, push Guyana’s global image, improve citizens’ livelihoods
President Ali, other CARICOM leaders conduct post-hurricane
Business-funded ‘neighbourhood wardens’ part of Kingston–‘Tiger Bay’ renewal push - President Ali
‘Unprofessional, vile and sexist’
sector energised as President Ali
development agenda --APNU’s Campbell under fire after sharing derogatory article about Minister Manickchand
Business-funded ‘neighbourhood wardens’ part of Kingston–‘Tiger Bay’ renewal push - President Ali
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday announced that at least 15 businesses in the Kingston–Tiger Bay corridor have committed to hiring community “wardens” as part of a new security and neighbourhood-improvement initiative being rolled out under the One Guyana “Neighbourhood of Love” programme.
Speaking at a community meeting in Kingston, the President said participating businesses will each employ one person on their payroll to support neighbourhood safety, cleanliness and general upkeep.
The wardens, he explained, will form part of a small, dedicated group tasked with helping to maintain order and support residents as the government undertakes a wider urban renewal effort.
Ali said the initiative has already secured commitments from businessman Deo Mattai and others operating between Kingston and Tiger Bay.
“If we have 30 businesses, at least 15 have already signalled they are ready to take on one person each,” he told the gathering. “They will be part of community safety, community security and community cleanliness.”
The government, he added, will provide the infrastructure required to support the expanded safety network, including the purchase
of patrol bikes and trucks to help monitor the area.
“We want people to feel safe,” Ali said. “Security is the foundation of the redevelopment we are building here.”
The wardens’ programme forms part of President Ali’s wider plan to transform Kingston and Tiger Bay into Georgetown’s first “model neighbourhood,” an initiative that includes refurbishing public buildings, supporting small businesses, and expanding recreational and commercial spaces.
The President said new facilities, such as craft shops, a small-business centre, restaurants and bars, are expected to generate jobs once rehabilitated spaces come online. But he stressed that long-term economic benefits depend on improving public safety and eliminating the long-standing stigma attached to sections of the neighbourhood.
“We have to remove a big stigma from the area,” Ali said. “Once we build these centres and create safe, clean public spaces, the jobs and income will follow.”
Local entrepreneurs have already expressed interest in integrating into the redevelopment. According to the President, businessman Kumar has committed to relocating food-preparation operations to the area once sanitary facilities are
upgraded, a move expected to employ several residents, particularly women.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
CENTRAL TO THE PLAN
President Ali emphasised that the redevelopment effort hinges on sustained community participation, residents, schools, businesses, skilled tradespeople and civic groups. Kingston Secondary School is among the institutions already enrolled in the programme.
The initiative is part of a broader government effort to rehabilitate urban and suburban neighbourhoods countrywide, with Tiger Bay serving as the pilot. The Neighbourhood of Love programme is also linked to ongoing drainage upgrades, public-space beautification and the establishment of a planned “walking tourism lane” stretching from the seawall to the Botanical Gardens.
“This can only work if we do it together,” Ali told residents. “Imagine the jobs we can create if we scale this up. But the neighbourhood must take ownership of its safety and development.”
The President closed the event by hosting a community meal, symbolically launching what he described as a renewed spirit of unity and co-operation within the neighbourhood.
Minister Mustapha meets Rosignol Fishermen’s
Co-operative to discuss development, cash grant verification
MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, met on Monday with members of the 3 Door Fisherman Co-operative in Rosignol to discuss initiatives aimed at improving the co-operative and supporting its membership.
The meeting focused on collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department and the co-operative to enhance operations, productivity, and member engagement.
Minister Mustapha also requested that the co-operative submit a verified list of members to the Fisheries Department.
The list will be used to facilitate the upcoming Fishermen’s Cash Grant, a financial assistance programme recently announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali to support small-scale fishermen across the country.
The engagement reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen fisheries management, improve support for cooperatives, and ensure the timely and accurate distribution of government assistance programmes to stakeholders in
the sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, flanked by members of the 3 Door Fisherman Co-operative in Rosignol discusses initiatives aimed at improving the co-operative and supporting its membership
President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday with National Coordinator for Guyana’s “Men on Mission” (MoM) initiative Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli making developmental plans between Kingston and Tiger Bay
New Agri-tourism policy targets shared sustainable growth across agricultural, tourism sectors
—Minister Rodrigues says, outlines new products, services to be offered in policy that will bolster economic growth, push Guyana’s global image, improve citizens’ livelihoods
By Trina Williams
AS Guyana continues to position itself as a regional powerhouse, the Government of Guyana (GoG), on Monday, took a bold step with the launch of its national agri-tourism policy, a comprehensive strategy aimed at re-defining the market, transforming livelihoods and promoting sustainable growth.
Unveiled with high anticipation at Gobin’s Farm in Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, said the policy marks a decisive move towards converting Guyana into a global attraction.
“Agritourism represents a unique facet of Guyana’s tourism landscape, highlighting the integral relationship between tourism and agriculture. It serves as a vehicle for education, research and awareness, while also providing entertainment,” Rodrigues said.
In her address, the Min-
ister spoke extensively about the “infinite possibilities” within the tourism sector, noting: “When you look at the trend of tourism now, moving towards more experiential tourism, you think about all the possibilities of experiences, which have no limit to what you can create for your guests and visitors.”
The policy offers numerous avenues for Guyana to expand its value-added opportunities, introducing many new products and experiences that are second to none, including farm-to-table activities, cultural heritage immersion and eco-adventures.
The policy aligns Guyana not only with its national
GGDMA provides equipment to
six
small-scale miners to support operations and compliance
SIX small-scale miners received essential mining equipment on Monday from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) as part of ongoing efforts to support production and encourage formal sector compliance.
The handover, held at the GGDMA Secretariat, included equipment packages for miners Melinda Parahoo, Jason De Santos, Dolly Wallace, Clifford Moses, Priscilla Milton, and Rich Miles Williams. Each package contained a 4-inch dredge, chainsaw, 2,500-watt generator, TCL 5 cubic-foot freezer, and various components such as pipes, hoses, impellers, and bearing blocks. Clifford Moses additionally received a 15-horsepower outboard motor engine.
Three of the recipients were Amerindians from the Middle Mazaruni region, reflecting the GGDMA’s engagement with Indigenous communities involved in the sector.
Six small-scale miners received essential mining equipment from GGDMA as part of ongoing efforts to support production and encourage formal sector compliance
The association has linked the assistance to regulatory compliance, requiring recipients to provide evidence of their gold declarations at the end of the year, and to sell gold through the Guyana Gold Board or licensed dealers.
The GGDMA emphasised that these measures are intended to strengthen formal reporting and promote responsible mining practices.
The equipment handover follows the GGDMA’s Open Day on October 10, which focused on sectoral challenges, sustainable livelihoods, and compliance with declaration requirements.
The association said the initiative aims to help small miners resume operations while supporting the overall sustainability and resilience of Guyana’s mining sector.
ty, economic diversification and climate resilience, while also advancing Guyana’s efforts to meet the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of the Government of Guyana to foster the growth of niche tourism. The advancement of the agritourism sector is the result of a strategic partnership between MINTIC and the Ministry of Agriculture,” Minister Rodrigues said.
The policy will now move to Cabinet for review and approval before being laid in Parliament.
development goals but also places the country at the forefront of regional priorities, including CARICOM’s agrifood system agenda and the ‘25 by 2030’ food security strategy.
On a global scale, the new national policy outlines plans to address food securi-
Emphasising the government’s commitment to developing the tourism sector, the Minister announced the creation of a National Agri-tourism Council, a body that will work assiduously to execute the national policy and oversee its rollout.
“Our objective is to create a diverse and inclusive council that represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders,” she said.
Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the policy’s importance.
He said: “Agritourism is more than an economic activity. It is a cultural movement that connects producers with consumers, urban with rural, and heritage with innovation. It allows us to celebrate our local food systems, reduce rural poverty, promote environmental stewardship and reinforce Guyana’s national identity. This policy ensures that agritourism is not developed in isolation, but as part of a broader strategy to build resilient, inclusive and diversified economies across all regions.”
The policy reflects input from all ten administrative regions and is the product of collaboration among the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA).
CSEC student surprised with laptop after writing Minister Persaud for support
A SIMPLE knock at the door Monday morning turned into an unforgettable moment for 5th-form student Reeanna Sampson.
Reeanna, a top performer at Soesdyke Secondary School, had recently reached out to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, via email, requesting assistance in obtaining a computer to aid her preparations for the CSEC examinations.
Originally from Linden, Reeanna now lives with her grandmother and has been studying diligently to maintain her academic standing.
The request was met with swift action. Minister Persaud visited Reeanna’s home and presented her with a brand-new laptop, a gesture that left the young student visibly moved. “It will really help me with my IT and EDPM preparations,” Reeanna said, fighting back tears.
For Reeanna, the laptop represents more than just a piece of technology, it is a symbol of support and belief in her potential.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya
The Minister emphasised that such initiatives are part of broader efforts to empower young Guyanese, ensuring they have the tools to pursue their education and future careers.
a
“When we invest in our children, we invest in a stronger, brighter Guyana,” Minister Persaud said, underscoring the importance of creating opportunities for youth across the country.
From left to right: President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar; IICA’s Country Representative, Wilmot Garnett; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues and Vilas Gobin of Gobin’s Farm
Persaud and Reeanna shared a light moment after the latter was presented with
brand-new laptop, a gesture that left the young student visibly moved
EU mission presents final report on Guyana’s 2025 Elections to GECOM
Chief Observer, Robert Biedroń, met with GECOM officials in Georgetown where he delivered the report and discussed the mission’s key findings
THE European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), on Monday, formally presented its Final Report on Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), marking the mission’s return to the country following the polls.
Chief Observer, Robert Biedroń, met with GECOM
officials in Georgetown shortly after his arrival, where he delivered the report and discussed the mission’s key findings.
The meeting also focused on recommendations aimed at strengthening future elections and the potential steps required for their implementation. The EU EOM, which monitored the 2025 electoral process across the country,
Gov’t to build heavy-duty bridge at D’Edward Koker to boost fishing operations
typically issues a series of technical and procedural recommendations addressing areas such as transparency, voter education, legal reforms, and administrative preparedness.
While details of the final recommendations have not yet been released publicly, the mission said the proposals are intended to support ongoing efforts to improve Guyana’s electoral system.
The EU has observed several elections in Guyana over the past two decades, and its reports are often used by stakeholders as reference points for institutional reform and capacity building within the electoral framework.
FISHERMEN at the D’Edward Three-Door Koker in Region Five will soon benefit from a new heavy-duty bridge aimed at improving access and reducing delays in transporting their catch, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, announced on Monday.
Mustapha told fisherfolk during a community engagement that construction of the 60-by-20-foot structure is expected to begin within days. The bridge will be engineered to accommodate trucks and other heavy vehicles, replacing the current limitations that hinder the timely movement of fish
from the landing site.
The minister also highlighted several upgrades already completed since President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s last visit to the facility. These works—valued at approximately $110 million—include a new wharf, shed and washroom facilities. Mustapha said the investments are part of the government’s wider effort to modernise the fishing industry and strengthen the livelihoods of coastal communities.
“The engineer has indicated we can start the bridge by the weekend. It will allow trucks and other vehicles to cross easily so you won’t have problems moving your catch,” Mustapha told those
gathered.
He further confirmed that lighting will soon be installed at the koker to improve safety during early-morning and late-evening operations, a long-standing concern for fisherfolk who work outside daylight hours.
Addressing the recently announced fishing grant, Mustapha said he has met with fisheries officials and representatives from multiple communities to ensure that co-operatives prepare accurate and verified beneficiary lists.
The move, he noted, is intended to guarantee that only eligible fisherfolk receive support under the programme.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, speaks to a fisherman at the D’Edward Three-Door Koker in Region Five
Government invested over $80B to accelerate education in 2025
THE government invested $81.9 billion in the first half of 2025 to advance its goal of delivering world-class education, representing nearly half of the $175 billion budgeted for the year. Investments targeted school expansion, cash transfers, digital access, teachers’ training, and the rapid transformation of tertiary education.
MAJOR EXPANSION AND UPGRADING OF SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE
A total of $11.2 billion was invested to advance multiple school infrastructure projects. Four new nursery schools – Baitoon, La Bagatelle, Mibicuri and Rockstone – were completed, creating 280 new spaces, with Kako expected to be completed by the end of the year. Primary school upgrades at Augsburg, Redcreek and 58 Miles are on track for completion, while the construction of secondary schools is advancing at Jawalla, Kopinang, Monkey Mountain, Nismes, Phillipai,
Tabatinga and Waramuri.
Dormitory construction continued at Aurora, St. Ignatius, Waramadong and Kwakwani, with additional facilities set to begin at Matthew’s Ridge, Monkey Mountain and a female dorm at Kwakwani.
SCHOOL FEEDING AND CASH GRANTS BOOST ATTENDANCE
The government invested $3.5 billion of the $5.5 billion allocated for the school meals programme, extending breakfast to 49,841 pupils on the coast and hot meals to 37,829 students in the hinterland.
Another 1,000 students from Regions One, Eight, Nine and 10 will be added in the second half of the year.
The Because We Care cash grant delivered over $11 billion to more than 203,000 students, supporting school attendance and preparedness to learn. A total of $56.2 million was spent on books for nursery schools and textbooks for secondary schools. Nearly 50 new nursery titles were developed, with an ad-
ditional 70 in progress.
Each primary school will receive 137 new book titles later this year, while secondary schools will increase their collections from 137 to 344 titles. A further $2 billion in school grants were disbursed for classroom materials.
Guyana recorded a historic improvement at the NGSA, with pass rates exceeding 50 per cent in all four core subjects for the first time.
A Mathematics Intervention Programme for secondary students continues, with all schools receiving
geometry sets, calculators and past papers. Mathematics monitors were placed in 59 schools.
First-time internet access was installed at 28 nurseries, 44 primary, and 4 secondary schools, with an additional 50 to be connected later this year. Under the Hinterland/ Riverine Solar and Satellite Project, equipment was installed to enhance the Guyana Learning Channel in over 200 communities. Six new digital channels were launched, and 2,300 digital learning boxes were distributed to families
across several regions.
The University of Guyana (UG) spent $6.5 billion in the first half of 2025, following the government’s move to make all study programmes tuition-free. Applications surged to 11,600, up from 8,902 last year.
More than $1.5 billion was written off for 2,000 students, bringing the total debt forgiven to $2.8 billion.
UG also received universal institutional accreditation for the first time, and its new College of Medical Sciences earned programme-specific
accreditation. Through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), 9,741 scholarships were awarded this year, bringing the total number of scholarships to 39,499 and producing nearly 10,000 graduates since 2021. An additional 7,400 persons completed Coursera courses.
More than 4,000 teachers are enrolled at CPCE, with 1,400 receiving GOAL scholarships this year.
In TVET, the government launched its 2025–2035 national policy and spent $835 million on skills training. New practical instructional centres opened at Beterverwagting and Hopetown, offering Certificate Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) Level I programmes, while departments at St. Ignatius and Bartica benefitted over 1,800 students.
The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) trained 2,673 persons, with an additional 588 set for training later this year. In July, 33 students graduated from the Guyana Technical Training College. (DPI)
Private Sector energised as President Ali pushes accelerated development agenda - says PSC Chairman
PRIVATE Sector
Commission (PSC) Chairman Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr. has commended the Government of Guyana for its exceptional partnership and active support in advancing the country’s private sector. His remarks were made during a recent appearance on the Starting Point podcast, where he unpacked the evolving relationship between government and business, and the rapid transformation taking place across several industries.
“We are also very fortunate to have a government that understands that they have a role to play in private sector development, in the sense that we are not doing it in a silo. We need the government to understand that they have to set the framework, get out of the way, and let the private sector do the work,” Gouveia explained.
Gouveia, who has worked in aviation, said the current climate is one where the private sector is not only encouraged to grow but is
actively facilitated. According to him, Guyana is in the midst of a unique window of opportunity, and the government’s approach has allowed local businesses to become stronger, more competitive, and more confident in their ability to expand.
He emphasised that: “The government is laying down some challenges for the private sector, and it is exciting for me to motivate my members and their members to answer that call. It really engages the creative side of your brain, because it is not business as usual. You have to be creative; you have to be innovative, you have to think outside the box; otherwise,
you are going to miss the boat.”
During the podcast, Gouveia noted that President Dr. Irfaan Ali has pledged to accomplish 30 years’ worth of development within five years, given that he is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. “He [President Ali] is upping the pace, and I am saying that the private sector is answering that call. We will keep up. To do so, we must innovate, and we must embrace technology.”
He said the most robust response to this call is coming from the very large companies, which he described as the “backbone of the private sector”.
These include major distributors, leading banks, and members from every regional chamber, all of whom are motivated and delivering. According to him, he is proud to lead a like-minded group that is consistently delivering results.
The PSC Chairman said that members are preparing for the explosion in the econ-
omy driven by the oil and gas sector because of the Local Content Act. “With the local content legislation, it really gives us the opportunity to partake in oil and gas without being in oil and gas. You’re in the periphery industries of oil and gas, whether that is logistics or accommodation.” Gouveia highlighted that
the private sector is leading efforts in economic diversification, noting that Guyana’s progress was recognised at a recent regional dialogue.
“Guyana stood out as one of the most economically diverse countries, despite having oil and gas. A lot of people think that Guyana is an oil and gas country: No! We are a country with oil and gas.
It really speaks to the fact that Guyana is diversifying from oil and gas, using the revenues from oil and gas to develop our tourism and agriculture industries, and eventually our manufacturing and information and communication technology (ICT) industries.”
Gouveia noted that many PSC members have seen over the years that their family businesses and entrepreneurial ideas now have a place, either on the periphery of the oil and gas sector, or in an economy with more disposable income and circulating capital, creating opportunities for restaurants and the growth of small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“We have a market that allows young people to innovate. The market is there, and I think Guyanese people are good at taking advantage of opportunities when presented, and we have a plethora of opportunities available,” the PSC Chairman said.
The Private Sector Commission of Guyana was established in 1992 by five private sector associations with the aim of bringing together all private sector organs and business entities under the purview of being one national body.
The Commission is governed by a Council, which is comprised of the heads of all sectoral member organisations and a number of elected corporate members.
The Council is headed by the Chairman, who can serve a maximum of two consecutive one-year terms. Any Chairman who has served two consecutive terms may be eligible for subsequent re-election after a three-year period.
One of the several newly constructed secondary schools
PSC Chairman Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr
National Awakening
EACH year, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims forces us to confront a truth we too often ignore: behind every road fatality is a family permanently altered, a future stolen and a community left to grieve.
This year, as Guyana marks the solemn observance under the theme, “Careful Driving Saves Lives,” the message delivered by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond could not be more urgent: Guyana must undergo a fundamental shift in how its citizens think about and use the roadways.
Her call for a cultural and behavioural transformation is not mere rhetoric. Guyana has recorded 130 road fatalities so far in 2025, a sharp and troubling rise from the 97 lives lost in 2024.
These are not numbers to debate, analyse, or normalise; they represent lives cut short by recklessness, negligence, and in many cases, preventable decisions.
Minister Walrond is correct:
“One death is too many.” But acknowledging this truth is only the beginning.
The public must recognise that the government and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), despite heavy criticism, have prevented even more devastating outcomes.
Enforcement, improved infrastructure and expanded safety education have slowed what could have been an even steeper escalation in fatalities. Yet, the persistence of dangerous driving habits, speeding, drunk driving, unlicensed operation, and general road indiscipline, shows that policy alone cannot overcome a societal problem. The minister outlined several ongoing and upcoming measures: improved lighting, clearer road markings, safer pedestrian crossings, and the procurement of 1,000 new street lights.
Smart technology is increasingly being used to monitor and deter reckless behaviour. Discussions to update the Road Traffic Act are advancing, with proposals for stiffer
penalties and easier licence suspensions long overdue in a country where too many motorists treat the nation’s roads as racetracks.
These steps should be welcomed, but they must be matched by public accountability.
As Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh rightly noted, enforcement and education are two sides of the same coin.
The GPF’s work in schools and partnerships with Road Safety Councils, the business community, and civil society reflect a multi-layered approach, one grounded not in punishment, but prevention.
Yet even the most sophisticated systems cannot save lives if road users refuse to change their attitudes.
No one understands this more painfully than road-safety advocate Lucio Bacchus, who lost two children to a drunk driver. Her plea, “Drivers, look out for our loved ones… Don’t drink and drive,” should haunt every motorist who believes arriving a few minutes late
is worse than risking someone else’s life. Her grief is a reminder that road safety is not an abstract policy challenge; it is an issue of humanity.
Traffic Chief Singh’s remarks at the launch of the Christmas Policing Plan underscore how far the GPF has come. A 12 per cent reduction in road accidents this year is not an accident of luck, but the result of leadership, technology, trained personnel and data-driven deployment.
The Safe Road Intelligence System (SRIS), 24-hour CCTV monitoring, and expanded command centres are modern tools being deployed in response to modern challenges.
But the country is changing fast. Housing expansion, commercial growth, and a surge in vehicle imports continue to overwhelm arteries such as the East Bank and East Coast corridors.
Singh was blunt in his admonition: motorists must plan better. Poor planning, impatience, and entitlement fuel avoidable collisions.
Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, St. Aquinas and Sigmund Freud
ST. AQUINAS was the official philosopher of the Holy Roman Emperor. I am not a believer, but I am of the opinion that his justification for the existence of God is still one of the most convincing arguments in philosophy, although it was written hundreds of years ago. St Aquinas was a fixture on my course outline when I taught the first-year course in philosophy at UG.
St. Aquinas believes that every action in life has an explanation. St. Aquinas believed there was no such thing as an inexplicable human action. Hundreds of years after St. Aquinas wrote his philosophy, Sigmund Freud discovered the inner layers of the mind which he divided into ID, EGO, and SUPEREGO.
Freud insisted that no manifestation of human behaviour is irrational or inexplicable. Even when behaviour is irrational, the
explanation lies in the ID. He said every human impulse that we consciously do not know why it emanated from us has a derivative in the ID. The ID, therefore, is where an ocean of subconscious impulses exists, and we humans will never know why we did the things we have done, but those things have rational explanations.
One example should suffice before we come to the collective Freudian mind of the APNU+AFC power wielders. For years a person takes one of two roads that lead to where he/she goes to each day. When asked why they never took the other road, they shrug their shoulder and say they don’t know why and never gave it any thought. But the explanation is in the ID. Somewhere on that road, a memory is there buried deep in the ID, and it determines why the person takes that road and that road only.
It has been five years since the APNU+AFC was given power to rule Guyana on a platform of breaking with the enduring political culture of Guyana. The breathtaking projects never materialised. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley (TSH) wrote a letter in the press last week requesting the government to implement the Guyana Human Rights Commission (GHRC), which was inserted into the constitution over two decades ago.
How do we get to look inside the Freudian mind of the APNU+AFC power-wielders? Why TSH did not have an accompanying note in her letter explaining that she was part of the APNU+AFC government? She hid that fact when she urged the government to have the GHRC. Obviously, there is a reason for hiding that fact. What is the Freudian explanation?
Let’s go over to the PNC online news page titled “Vil-
lage Voice”. There are consistent editorials referring to mistreatment of African people by the PPP government. One recent editorial argued that dark-skinned African are more disadvantaged.
Here is my dilemma with the former APNU+AFC power-wielder. I don’t have and will never have a problem with opposition parties criticising the government. That is their right, and no one can argue they do not have such a right.
As a matter of fact, I support the GHRC coming into being. Here is my problem, and it becomes personal for me because I campaigned for the then opposition in 2015. I will make a note on the person below.
Why TSH cannot describe the APNU+AFC regime, which did not bring the GHRC into being when it was in power for five years?
There has to be a reason, and TSH has an obligation to tell
As the holiday season approaches, the GPF is expanding fixedpoint placements, roving patrols, and sector-based operations across all 10 regions.
These efforts are necessary, but they cannot compensate for a lack of personal responsibility.
“Personal responsibility is not transferable,” Singh reminded the public. And he is right. Road safety cannot be outsourced to the police or the government. It begins with every driver who refuses to speed, every rider who wears a helmet, every pedestrian who crosses responsibly and every citizen who chooses not to drink and drive.
The painful increase in road deaths this year must not become another statistic we acknowledge today and ignore tomorrow.
If Guyana is to reverse this trend, the country must embrace a new culture of accountability, one where safety is seen not as an inconvenience, but as a shared national duty. Lives depend on it.
us why. What circumstances made the birth of the GHRC impossible? What were the forces that stood in the way of the GHRC coming into being?
It is insulting to the nation for TSH to demand that the Guyana Government implements the GHRC but be pompous and arrogant to dismiss her obligation to tell us why her government chose to let it remain dormant. Now for the personal as it relates to me. I made an appearance at the Public Service Commission and pleaded for the retirement age in the civil service to be upped from 55 to 60. The commission accepted the elevation, and it was part of its final recommendations.
When the people who write those editorials in Village Voice (all of them are anti-PPP, and many of them were part of the APNU+AFC
government) accuse the PPP of discriminatory behaviour, don’t they know that they are morally obliged to tell us why they, when in power, mistreated African people too? Who chose to ignore the commission’s recommendation on retirement age? Who scuttled the amendment that would have allowed no prosecution for possession of small amounts of marijuana? You have the right to criticise the government, but you become morally unacceptable in this country if you cannot explain to the nation why you did not do what you want the present government to do.
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.
President Ali – standing tall above the din!
GUYANA’S President, Dr Irfaan Ali, though not yet three months into his second term, is wasting no time delivering continued good news about economic recovery and futuristic projections for the republic, as promised in campaigning ahead of the September 1, 2025 elections by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its CIVIC alliance partners’ campaign.
On elections day (September 1), the PPP/C had not only secured a safe second term, but the traditional, major opposition party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and its APNU alliance, had been routed at the polls by the upstart We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. Parliament has remained unsettled since then.
Since the first designation of the Caribbean region as a Zone of Peace at a regional pre-CARICOM conference in Chaguaramas in Trinidad & Tobago in 1972, regional peace in Caribbean and Latin American waters has been violated by the US-led invasion of Grenada in 1983 and the armed overthrow of the Panama government in 1989.
Guyana has always resisted war with Venezuela over Caracas’ claims to twothirds or three-fifths of its
territory based on historical circumstances dating back to 1899, when the USA, Britain and European nations drew the colonial maps dividing among themselves the indigenous lands stolen by Europe after Columbus’ accidental arrival in 1492.
But while absorbing opposition criticism, the Executive President and Commander-in-Chief has also had to remain utterly focused on the likely possibilities – and consequences -- of all types of domestic defensive military engagements arising from the biggest military build-up in Caribbean waters in the 21st century. Guyana and Venezuela sit -- as neighbours -- on the world’s largest energy reserves in the shared Guiana Shield, and Guyana is now classified as the world’s third-biggest oil producer per head of population, and Venezuela is sitting on the world’s largest certified crude oil reserves (more than Saudi Arabia).
But instead of being allowed to find ways to share their wealth and work together to better serve their nations and people, the Big Oil partners operating in Guyana and Venezuela are sharing their wider long-term plans for unending monopoly of the respective nations’ energy reserves.
The Western oil majors from Europe and North America have studiously manoeuvred themselves into access and ownership of developing oil-and-gas opportunities in Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, and French Guiana, also with eyes on Brazil and Colombia’s energy reserves (including in the Amazon region).
While joining the rest of the developing world at the COP-30 meeting in Belem to press for more equitable approaches to addressing the effects of climate change on developing nations, Guyana has now also led the way in calling for a new South-South energy alliance between developing nations.
And unlike the price-setting Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that Venezuela belongs to and Guyana has stayed out of, Georgetown is also deciding which countries and companies to invite and invest in CARICOM’s fastest-growing economy.
Guyana wisely decided to sit out the first 10-year agreement with ExxonMobil instead of yielding to activist demands that it be renegotiated.
With half that period over, the investing companies are more open to negotiating better contracts – or face
unwanted global competition.
In the decade since oil was discovered in the Essequibo region, Guyana has also had time to better understand the economics of the global energy industry and to develop its own local know-how.
During his first term, President Ali and the PPP/ CIVIC administration methodically delivered on its September 1 election promise to be inclusive and generous in sharing the nation’s low-energy earnings with citizens.
President Ali is being wrongfully accused of willing to be a pawn of the US and to make Guyana a base of operations for military incursions against Venezuela.
But it’s because of his understanding of the implications of war for Caribbean citizens that, as CARICOM Chairman in 2024, he presided over the delicate negotiations that avoided plans to deploy US boots on the ground in Haiti.
The US and leading Western nations eventually supported an equally ill-fated multinational security force led by Kenyans and funded by the US, which CARICOM leaders had also warned was unlikely to succeed.
That plan has now also been abandoned—with new plans for the use of US drones instead of landing marines.
Interestingly, the gradual, unhelpful militarisation of the cross-border language in the Guyana-Venezuela disagreement has provided a welcome opportunity for all sides (including other bordering nations) to ramp up their security forces’ capabilities—in the name of defence.
But at a time when the region is most threatened by external military intervention, CARICOM is suffering an extremely unfortunate double jeopardy:
First, its spokesperson on Regional Security matters, Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is currently totally out of tune with her colleague heads of government.
Secondly, CARICOM’s current Chairman, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, is totally consumed by local emergency post-Hurricane Melissa revival efforts.
And even with a CARICOM national as Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), it’s still unthinkable that the US-led and funded regional agency headquartered in
Washington will adopt a common position with the Caribbean region’s leaders on the preservation of the region as a Zone of Peace.
Also under President Ali’s chairmanship, CARICOM identified with the struggle of Palestinians in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, with some territories recognising an Ambassador of the Palestinian Authority, Belize joining the global case against Israel at the World Court and Dominica offering to house Palestinian refugees, if possible.
But while bearing the blows from critics and political opponents at home, President Ali was able to report, in early November, that Guyana’s extraction in the Essequibo region is now at over 900,000 barrels per day.
Venezuela also reported in early October that its extraction had increased to one million barrels per day – the first time since 2020. With the two neighbours together producing almost two million barrels per day, the probabilities of co-operation are real, but possibilities are remote without fundamental changes in respective positions in Caracas and Georgetown.
‘No exemptions’ — State, Joint Service vehicle drivers will be charged, Traffic Chief warns
TRAFFIC CHIEF Ma -
hendra Singh is warning drivers of state and joint services vehicles that they will be ticketed and charged like every other motorist, stressing that the upcoming demerit-point system leaves no room for discretion and no privileged categories.
Addressing the launch of the Christmas Policing Plan, Singh was direct, “Don’t think for one moment that because the vehicle belongs to a state or government agency you are exempted. The agency or entity is exempted, [but] you, the driver, can and will be ticketed or charged.”
The Traffic Chief said the culture of some government drivers treating their vehicles as having special
access must end immediately. He noted several recent incidents where government-registered vehicles were caught breaching traffic rules. Pointing to two examples captured on camera, Singh said: “Do not take the state’s assets, depart with it on the road and deprive the general masses. There is an implication — you will be charged or ticketed.” He also referenced cases where sirens were misused by Joint Service vehicles, including one heading into a Chinese restaurant. “This is not acceptable! There is no exemption,” he said. Singh stressed that the forthcoming demerit-point system, which removes discretionary waivers, will apply uniformly across the board. “The demerit-point
system is coming. There will be no discretion to be exercised,” he said.
The Traffic Chief tied the warning to broader discipline as Guyana’s traffic volumes grow rapidly.
“With more vehicle imports, expanded roadways, and greater movement of goods and people, the law must apply evenly. Road safety has no title, no rank, no status,” he said.
He also reminded public-sector drivers that illegal parking, obstruction, dangerous stops, speeding, and failure to obey traffic signals will attract the same penalties imposed on private motorists.
“Comply with the rules of the road. Do not leave your motor vehicle in a dangerous position. Do not use
the shoulders. Do not misuse the road network because you think you have authority,” Singh urged.
Singh said continuous use of Safe City cameras, Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) and regional command centres means violations by any vehicle including state-owned will be captured. “We are operating in real time,” he said. “The cameras help us refine our service and ensure that everyone is compliant.”
He reiterated that the Traffic Department’s mandate for the holiday season is rooted in fairness, visibility and responsibility.
“It is all of us in the same equation,” Singh said. “Personal responsibility starts with each of us.”
One of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) vehicles which was clamped by traffic officers for road breaches
Minister Bharrat represents Guyana
at COP30 High-Level roundtable on nature-based solutions
MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, is representing Guyana at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), participating in discussions on climate action and sustainable forest management.
On Monday, Minister Bharrat took part in a High-Level Roundtable on “Scaling Nature-Based Solutions for COP30 Implementation,” hosted by the UK Government in partnership with the Nature4Climate Coalition and the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN). The session focused on strategies to leverage nature-based solutions as a key tool in achieving global climate targets under the Rio Convention. During his presentation, Minister Bharrat highlighted the importance of scalable financing for the forest sector. He outlined potential avenues for funding, including the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) and the Jurisdictional REDD+ Programme (JREDD+), both of which support forest conservation efforts to mitigate climate change.
Nature-based solutions, which involve protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing ecosystems, are increasingly recognised as critical for delivering on international climate commitments, including reducing emissions and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.
Minister Bharrat’s participation underscores Guyana’s ongoing engagement in global climate discussions and its commitment to advancing sustainable forest management as part of its broader climate strategy.
President Ali, other CARICOM leaders conduct post-hurricane assessment in Jamaica
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali was among several CARICOM Heads of Government who arrived in Jamaica on Monday for a high-level Goodwill Mission aimed at assessing the country’s recovery needs following Hurricane Melissa.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister and CARICOM Chair, Andrew Holness, welcomed the delegation, which includes the Prime Ministers of Barbados, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda. Senior officials from CARICOM, the Development Bank of Latin America, the World
Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and other regional and international agencies are also part of the mission. The visit marks a co-ordinated show of regional support as Jamaica continues to evaluate damage caused by the powerful storm, which disrupted communities and critical infrastructure across the island. The assessment is expected to guide immediate relief interventions and longer-term reconstruction planning.
Holness said Jamaica is encouraged by the presence of regional leaders and multinational partners, noting
that the mission underscores CARICOM’s commitment to collective resilience.
“Jamaica is grateful for the solidarity being shown and for the reassurance that we do not stand alone,” he said. “Through partnership, unity, and shared purpose, we will rebuild our communities and strengthen our nation’s ability to withstand future challenges.”
The delegation is scheduled to meet with national authorities, visit affected areas and review priority needs as part of the ongoing regional disaster-response effort.
Regional Division 4 ‘C’ unveils Christmas Policing Plan to ensure safe festive season
REGIONAL DIVISION 4 ‘C’, on Monday, outlined its Christmas Policing Plan at a presentation held in the boardroom of the Region No. 4 Regional Democratic Council (RDC), aimed at enhancing safety during the upcoming holiday period.
The programme was chaired by Superintendent Jermaine Dufu, with the main presentation delivered by Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram.
The plan covers the operational period from November 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and focuses on crime prevention, traffic management, and community engagement.
Pareshram reported that serious crimes in the Division had decreased by 29% compared to the previous year, attributing the decline to increased patrols and closer collaboration with key stakeholders.
Key measures outlined in the plan include intensified foot, vehicular, and anti-crime patrols in commercial areas, stepped-up traffic enforcement along major roads, and enhanced liaison with businesses to boost security.
Residents were also encouraged to adopt basic
safety precautions and actively support police efforts to maintain a secure environment.
Regional Division 4 ‘C’ reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding citizens and businesses, ensuring that the holiday season proceeds safely as festive activities ramp up across the region.
President Dr Irfaan Ali in discussion with Jamaica’s Prime Minister and CARICOM Chair, Andrew Holness, along with other officials in Jamaica
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, is representing Guyana at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), participating in discussions on climate action and sustainable forest management
Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram listens to one of the many opinions shared at the annual Christmas Policing Presentation in the boardroom of the Region No.4, Regional Democratic Council
GPHC ICU-1 recognised for highest hand-hygiene compliance in third quarter
THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has awarded its Intensive Care Unit 1 (ICU1) for achieving the highest hand hygiene compliance rate in the third quarter of 2025, part of the hospital’s ongoing effort to curb infections and improve patient safety.
The award forms part of a quarterly initiative introduced by GPHC to promote con -
sistent hand hygiene among healthcare workers—a critical measure in preventing the spread of infectious diseases within medical facilities. Compliance is monitored across all eligible units, with the top-performing department recognised each quarter.
Hospital officials said ICU-1’s performance reflects both a strong adherence to safety protocols and a broader institutional push to strength-
en patient-care standards. Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective interventions for reducing hospital-acquired infections, a key focus for the country’s largest public health institution.
GPHC said the recognition programme is intended to reinforce accountability, encourage staff engagement, and sustain a culture of quality care across the hospital.
GuyExpo marks 30th anniversary with record participation
GUYEXPO 2025 came to a close on Sunday night after four days of exhibitions at the National Exhibition Centre, drawing nearly 300 businesses in what officials described as the largest and most commercially active edition in the event’s history.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said the milestone anniversary showcased the growing strength and innovation of Guyana’s private sector, noting that the record turnout reflected both rising investor confidence and the expansion of local enterprise.
Exhibitors ranged from established companies to first-time participants across manufacturing, agriculture, technology, services, and creative industries.
Organisers reported strong visitor attendance throughout the event, which featured product demonstrations, cultural displays, and business-to-business networking sessions aimed at supporting market expansion and entrepreneurship. Rodrigues said the diversity and quality of exhibitors signalled the direction of Guyana’s evolving economy and the increasing competitiveness of local businesses.
GuyExpo Committee and private-sector partners for what she called a well-executed and highly coordinated anniversary edition.
“Their dedication and professionalism were instrumental in delivering a smooth and successful event,” she said in remarks following the closing ceremony.
GuyExpo, launched in 1995, is Guyana’s longest-running trade and investment exposition and has grown into a major platform for showcasing domestic products and attracting regional interest.
The minister credited the
According to the ministry, planning for next year’s edition will focus on expanding opportunities for exporters and strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
THIRTY-THREE
families received cement-and-steel vouchers at the closing night of GuyExpo 2025 on Sunday, providing financial support to advance ongoing construction or to begin building new homes.
The vouchers, valued at $225,000 each, were awarded through the Ministry of Housing and Water’s cement-and- steel voucher programme, which targets low- and middle-income Guyanese seeking to progress in their homeownership journey.
Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn, was present at the ministry’s booth to congratulate the recipients and encouraged TURN TO PAGE 14
GPHC honours ICU-1 for recording the highest hand-hygiene compliance rate in the third quarter of 2025, recognising the unit’s role in strengthening patient safety and infection prevention
Gov’t deepens partnership with Kingston, Tiger Bay businesses
THE government is intensifying its efforts to revitalise the nation’s capital city, forming strategic alliances with businesses in Kingston and Tiger Bay, unleashing a wave of beautification initiatives. It is also revamping the city’s drainage system for a brighter, more vibrant future.
The initiative is a key component of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Georgetown restoration plan, an ambitious national effort to return Georgetown to its historic status as the Garden City. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya
Manickchand, along with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, on Saturday, consulted with entrepreneurs and business owners at the Umana Yana, Kingston.
Minister Manickchand emphasised that the success of the restoration agenda hinges on strong collaboration between the government, the private sector, and residents.
She emphasised that clean, well-maintained public spaces and renewed civic pride are essential to creating an environment that supports business growth, cultural expression, and healthy com-
munity life.
“President Ali has a vision for the whole of Guyana, but a very specific, defined vision for Georgetown and is one all of us should get on board with,” the minister said. Noting “it is a beautiful, restored, historic type feel to Georgetown.”
Entrepreneurs and business owners saw an opportunity to talk directly with the government. They shared concerns, suggested ideas, and pledged to look for new partnerships.
Meanwhile, discussions were held on sustainable community development, including enhanced waste
management, beautification efforts, improved access to quality education, and the long-term maintenance of ongoing initiatives.
The minister reaffirmed that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Admin-
istration’s approach is rooted in inclusivity and shared responsibility.
“Transforming Georgetown requires all of us, government, citizens, and businesses working together to build the kind of city Guyanese deserve,” she said. The session was intended to advance the government’s plan to create a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Guyana by working with all the critical stakeholders.
Cameras catch 15,000 speeders as Police lean on Safe Road Intelligence System
MORE than 15,000 speeding violations have been captured by the Safe Road Intelligence System (SRIS) since it went live on April 7, 2025, a dramatic signal that Guyanese drivers continue to disregard speed limits even as fatal accidents rise, Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh said on Friday.
Speaking at the Police Force’s launch of its Christmas Policing Plan last week, Singh said the SRIS, supported by 26 operational camera sites, has become one of the most important tools in modern traffic enforcement.
“Some of the speeds recorded were as much as 180 km/h…The only thing left for some of them is pulling airship and raising the vehicle upwards,” he said.
The Traffic Chief reported that so far, 32,708 speeding tickets have been issued for 2025, with nearly half generated through the automated camera system. In total, 47,601 traffic tickets were issued for various offences this year.
“This is not by chance; this is because of the systems put in place,” Singh said,
referencing SRIS, Safe City cameras, regional command centres and increased fixed and roving patrols.
He noted that technology has reduced confrontations between drivers and police ranks, while increasing transparency and accuracy.
“The utilisation of summonses reduces the ability of the traffic rank to become confrontational,” he explained.
Singh also linked the rise in speeding to the rapid increase in vehicles entering Guyana’s roads, almost triple the number registered be -
tween 2020 and 2025 compared to the entire period from 2015 to 2019.
He said the SRIS and CCTV network are essential to managing that influx.
“These cameras help us see what is happening on the road in real time,” Singh said. “It allows us to refine the services we are delivering to achieve greater efficiency.”
The Traffic Chief said enforcement will be stepped up during the intense holiday period, pointing out that the system has helped generate over 200 cases weekly, especially for parking and obstruction.
“Our intention is to minimise accidents through visibility, partnership, awareness and enforcement…Personal responsibility starts with the road user.”
(DPI)
Business owners and entrepreneurs are engaged
Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh
President Ali, U.S. delegation discuss strengthening Guyana’s agricultural sector
HIS Excellency President
Dr. Irfaan Ali met with Ambassador Therio and a U.S. delegation from Blumberg Grain recently to discuss ongoing collaboration aimed at modernising Guyana’s agricultural systems. Government officials also attended the meeting.
Officials emphasised the role of U.S. expertise and technology in supporting Guyana’s agricultural development.
The partnership seeks to
The discussions build on an agreement signed in July 2025 between the Ministry of Agriculture and Blumberg Grain, which outlines measures to modernise the agriculture sector and position Guyana as a regional hub for food security in the Caribbean and South America.
‘Unprofessional, vile and sexist’ --APNU’s Campbell under fire after sharing derogatory article about Minister Manickchand
A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity’s (APNU)
Terrence Campbell drew widespread criticism for what many viewed as an unnecessary and inappropriate attempt at ‘body shaming’ Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand.
Campbell, in a Facebook post, quoted a paragraph from the derogatory article done by opposition-aligned BLOG Village Voice, which was headlined, “Ozempic! At ~$1200 USD per Month, it is the Drug of Choice Only Guyana’s ‘Nouveau Riche’ Can Afford,” featuring images of Minister Manickchand.
Campbell’s actions ignited accusations of body shaming with social-media users and several public commentators calling his remarks less about governance and more about appearance.
Manickchand responded taking aim not only at Campbell but, indirectly, at the APNU leadership she believes enables such attacks.
“Their supporters deserve more. And, sadly, with this vain, idiotic leadership they won’t get it.” One social media user wrote: “This is a vile personal attack, beneath the dignity of the position you hold. It is better left out
of the political space.” Another wrote: “As women are disproportionately judged by appearance in politics…the quote is false gendered, equivalence to say the least…and sexist at worst.”
Manickchand, who previously served as Education Minister, in recent weeks has taken a notably hands-on role, as Local Government Minister, in supporting and executing the objectives set
enhance productivity, improve supply chain efficiency, and strengthen food security across the country.
The U.S. government has historically maintained a commitment to supporting agricultural initiatives in Guyana, with the collaboration serving as part of broader efforts to boost regional food security and sustainable development.
Terrence Campbell
by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his goal of reshaping the country’s local landscape, starting with major rehabilitation and enhancement works across Georgetown.
The initiative, one of the most extensive undertaken in the capital in years, aims to modernise critical infrastructure, reduce chronic flooding, and improve longterm urban resilience.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with Ambassador Therio and a U.S. delegation from Blumberg Grain. Government officials also attended the meeting
Regional Kilo Walk
set for November 29
- annual awareness walk to be held in observance of CARICOM Energy Month 2025
The CARICOM Energy Month (CEM) 2025 Regional Kilo Walk is set to be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, starting from 5:30 a.m. AST. The awareness walk will begin at the CARICOM Secretariat in Greater Turkeyen. Participants will follow a route along the Railway Embankment to the Sheriff Street roundabout and continue along the embankment before returning to the Secretariat to conclude the walk.
To ensure the event starts on schedule, the assem-
Persons interested in participating in the Regional Kilo Walk on Saturday, November 29, 2025, can register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or using the Google Form link to complete their registration online
bly time is 5:15 a.m. AST.
This activity is open to the public and brings together stakeholders from diverse local sectors, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of government agencies, public and private organisations, educational institutions, youth groups, and NGOs.
It also welcomes individuals with an interest in renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and fitness.
Previously held in Guyana in 2017, 2022, and 2023, the Regional Kilo Walk returns in 2025, offering participants a fun, community-oriented activity that highlights the region’s transition to sustainable energy, promotes healthy lifestyles through physical activity, and encourages energy-conscious behaviours.
The event aims to inspire all participants and organisations to adopt energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy practices in their daily lives.
Organised by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in collaboration with the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Regional Kilo Walk is part of the annual observance of CARICOM Energy Month, celebrated by Member States and institutions each November. This year’s theme is “Invest, Innovate, Sustain: Leading the Charge in Renewable Energy Frontiers.”
CEM underscores the shared responsibility of regional leaders and citizens in transforming the Caribbean Community’s energy systems and advancing a sustainable, climate-resilient, and low-carbon future. Throughout November 2025, a series of activities will be held to engage stakeholders at the regional and national levels on the sustainable energy transition.
All persons are invited to join this exciting regional event.
To confirm participation, interested persons can register online at: https://forms.gle/e7ZFcP7tJNj14kTF7 or scan the QR code on the event flyer. For inquiries, send an email to energy.programme@ caricom.org or caricom.energy@gmail.com.
THE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has dismissed as “grossly inaccurate and mischievous,” recent statements made by the political group VPAC regarding data published in the FIU’s 2024 Annual Report.
In a strongly worded release on Monday, the agency said VPAC’s leader appeared not to have read or properly interpreted the report, which was tabled in the National Assembly on 3 November by Senior Minister in
is expected and reflects normal business activity.
“These transactions on their own are not deemed to be suspicious, just for being reported to the FIU,” the agency said, adding that TTRs are primarily used for strategic and operational analysis when needed. The FIU noted that a 26 per cent increase in auto-related TTRs aligns with the “tremendous year-over-year growth” in motor vehicle sales and registrations nationwide.
the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance.
At the centre of the dispute are Threshold Transaction Reports (TTRs), which are detailed on pages 18 and 19 of the report.
The FIU noted that TTRs record financial transactions “that meet or exceed legally specified monetary thresholds,” as prescribed under Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) legislation.
The agency stressed that for auto dealers specifically, reporting entities are mandated to file a TTR for any transaction of G$2 million or more. Given that most used and reconditioned vehicles fall above that price point, the FIU said the high volume of TTRs
The unit also underscored that the Annual Report presents distinct statistics for Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), which are filed when reporting entities have reasonable grounds to believe that a transaction may be linked to criminal proceeds, money laundering, terrorism or terrorist financing. These are outlined separately on pages 17 and 18 of the report.
The FIU urged members of the public to review the document themselves to avoid “misinterpretations, erroneous conclusions and gross misinformation,” insisting that its data had been taken out of context by VPAC.
The full 2024 Annual Report is available on the FIU’s website.
Traditional Chinese Medicine showcase draws crowd as China–Guyana cultural integration month continues
THE China–Guyana Cultural Integration Promotion Month continued on Saturday with an interactive public event at the National Park, where residents were introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through handson demonstrations, health lectures, and therapeutic experiences.
The afternoon activity, held on November 15, marked the second major event of the month-long cultural initiative and was led by Dr Li Huansong, head of the 21st China Medical Team currently stationed in Guyana.
The programme aimed to deepen local understanding of TCM’s holistic wellness philosophy through both the-
ory and practice.
One of the highlights was a guided Tai Chi session conducted by orthopedic specialist Dr Zhao Meng, who demonstrated the slow, controlled movements and breathing techniques at the heart of the discipline.
The demonstration attracted strong interest, with many attendees joining in the exercises as Dr Zhao explained Tai Chi’s health benefits and principles.
Complementing the physical activity was a lecture by TCM practitioners Dr Wei Jie and Dr Wei Haoyang, who outlined key concepts such as preventive care and lifestyle-based wellness.
The presentation offered practical tips for maintaining daily health and introduced
participants to foundational elements of traditional Chinese medical theory.
To give the public a direct experience of TCM therapies, the China Medical Team established an on-site treatment zone where visitors received acupuncture and cupping demonstrations. Organisers said the hands-on component allowed attendees to better understand TCM’s distinctive techniques and their intended benefits.
Adding a cultural touch to the event, participants were also presented with traditional Chinese herbal sachets, small fragrant pouches commonly used in wellness practices.
Dr Li, addressing the gathering, said the ongoing cultural integration month
Persons
in
aims to promote stronger ties between Guyana and China. He expressed optimism
that continued exchanges in health, culture, and community engagement would help “build another bridge of friendship” between the two nations.
interested
traditional Chinese medicine and Tai Chi took a group photo with the 21st China Medical Team
Speeding soars: Over 400 drivers charged last week
- 1,521 violations recorded
THE Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department has reported a sharp rise in several major traffic offences during the period November 9–15, 2025, with 1,521 violations recorded and an overall 3,598 cases made during the week.
According to departmental data, speeding remained the most prevalent offence,
with 403 cases—continuing an upward trend that traffic officials say is becoming increasingly concerning.
Cases involving failure to wear safety helmets also climbed, while driving under the influence (DUI) registered its highest weekly total in the last two years with 57 violations.
Other infractions record-
ed during the period include: seatbelt violations: 97, tinted motor vehicles: 313, failure to wear safety helmets: 183, pillion riders without helmets: 45, faulty packing: 24, unlighted vehicles (front): 47, unlighted vehicles (rear): 41, breach of prescribed fitness conditions: 91, unlicensed drivers: 78, vehicles left in dangerous positions: 129,
and breach of traffic light signals: 13.
Traffic officials say the spike underscores the need for continued enforcement and public education, especially as the holiday season approaches. As part of its road safety education efforts, the Traffic Department conducted school lectures across multiple regions from Monday, November 10 to Friday, November 14.
Thirty-four schools participated, ranging from nursery to secondary institutions. These included Zeelugt Primary, Arakaka Primary and Nursery, Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, Paipang Primary in Region Nine, Cotton Tree Primary in Region Five, Santa Rosa Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, and others stretching across Regions One, Two, Three Four, Five, Six, Seven and Nine.
The sessions focused on pedestrian safety, responsible road use, and the dangers associated with speeding, impaired driving, and riding without proper protective gear.
Beyond schools, the Police Force conducted a wide-ranging series of engagements with drivers, rid-
ers, bar owners, patrons, and community groups.
Outreach activities were held at: Mahdia Police Station, multiple Bartica roadways and intersections, Soesdyke Junction bars and hangout spots, Suddie Station District, YMCA Ground during the Mega Bounce event, several East Bank Demerara locations, Road corridors across Berbice, Essequibo, and the Rupununi, bodywork shops and construction companies, Radio Mabaruma 95.1 FM and Kumaka Waterfront, sand pits along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway, and other high-traffic areas.
These engagements included roadside lectures, bar outreach sessions targeting alcohol-related offences, and interactive discussions on safe driving practices. With dangerous driving behaviours on the rise, especially speeding and impaired driving, the Traffic Department is urging motorists and road users to exercise greater caution. Police say educational outreach will continue alongside strict enforcement, noting that reducing road deaths and injuries remains a national priority.
Thirty-Three families receive cement-and-steel vouchers at GuyExpo closing FROM PAGE 9
them to use the assistance to accelerate construction.
Beneficiaries described the vouchers as timely support that will ease financial burdens and bring them closer to homeownership.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader housing strategy, designed to empower families and stimulate community development through practical, accessible support mechanisms.
The closing of GuyExpo 2025 at the Sophia Exhibition Site marked the end of the four-day event, which
showcased innovation, services, and community engagement.
Meanwhile, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, and Minister Benn thanked staff for their dedication and noted the high public interest in the ministry’s programmes and services throughout the exposition.
The cement-and-steel voucher programme remains a key tool in the ministry’s effort to expand housing access and support Guyanese families in building sustainable homes.
As part of its road safety education efforts, the Traffic Department conducted school lectures across multiple regions
Speeding blamed for most 2025 road deaths
— as 49 motorcyclists, 25 pedestrians died
SPEED continues to be the single most lethal factor on Guyana’s roads, with about 85 per cent of all fatal crashes in 2025 linked directly to speeding, Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh has confirmed.
Speaking last Friday at the launch of the Guyana Police Force’s Christmas Policing Plan, Singh described the trend as “deeply troubling,” noting that the majority of deadly collisions are entirely preventable.
He revealed that 18 of this year’s fatal accidents involved single vehicles whose drivers lost control and slammed into bridges,
cyclists, in particular, continue to top fatality charts because of risky manoeuvres, lack of safety gear, and failure to follow signals.
“Not even safety held within our possession, the wearing of helmets, is being adhered to,” he said.
Pedestrians also remain highly vulnerable, especially in shopping districts, expanded housing areas, and growing commercial corridors. Singh urged drivers to move with heightened caution.
“As Guyana expands, more vehicles are on the road, and more people are moving through public spaces. You must stay aware,”
medians or walls. He stated that many accidents were as a result of “poor judgement and excessive speed.”
“The entire time clock accounts for accidents overall. But the most notable span is morning to midnight for fatal accidents. Speeding alone has accounted for more than at least 85 of our fatal accidents,” he said.
Updated data presented by the Traffic Chief show that vulnerable road users continue to face the greatest threat. So far for 2025, 49 motorcyclists have died in crashes, along with 25 pedestrians, while 15 drivers, 7 passengers, 8 pedal cyclists and 10 pillion riders also lost their lives.
Singh stressed that the figures could have been significantly lower had motorists exercised basic discipline.
“This could have been lower. It could have been lower if not only us in the equation of safety were taking the time to make the effort. Personal responsibility is not transferable, and it starts with us,” he said bluntly.
Singh warned that motor-
he said.
The Traffic Chief said the expanded enforcement posture for the Christmas season will aggressively target speeding, drunk driving, and dangerous manoeuvres using radar guns, SRIS cameras, and increased mobile patrols.
He reminded motorists that new traffic engineering upgrade, including speed radars along the East Coast, East Bank and in Region Three, were placed specifically to warn drivers before they reach dangerous speeds.
“Those digital signs you see and pay no heed to play an important role,” he said.
“They remind you of the rate of speed you are travelling. They will help you reduce the severity of injuries when accidents occur and save lives.”
Singh said the 2025–2026 national theme for road safety, “Careful Driving Saves Lives,” is already being operationalised through sector-based deployment; 24-hour CCTV monitoring; the Safe Road Intelligence System (SRIS) and the expansion of command centres across the coast.
Scene from accidents which occurred in 2025 (NEWSROOM photo)
Allicock meets Amerindian Affairs Minister to discuss youth skills development in Region Nine
FORMER APNU+AFC
Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Sydney Allicock, paid a courtesy visit on Monday to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to discuss plans to enhance youth development at the Bina Hill Youth Learning Centre in Annai.
During the meeting, Allicock shared proposals aimed at empowering young people through agriculture, tourism, and other skills-based initiatives.
The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for practical training and development that could help youth in the region build sustainable livelihoods.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah BrowneShadeek, welcomed the proposals, emphasising the importance of accountability and effective management within Amerindian communities to ensure the successful implementation of such projects.
She highlighted the need for strong governance structures to maximise the impact of youth-oriented initiatives.
The visit reflects ongoing efforts to engage multiple stakeholders in developing programmes that support skill-building, employment opportunities, and community development in hinterland areas.
A CAMPBELLVILLE construction worker was, on Monday, remanded to prison after being charged with breaking into a city school’s canteen and stealing more than $100,000 worth of items.
Devon Hebert, 40, of Lot 91 Garnett Street and a father of three, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek flanked by former APNU+AFC Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Sydney Allicock and his personal assistant, Errol Ross
Durban Backlands man remanded over two armed robberies
A 20-year-old labourer from Durban Backlands, Georgetown, Antonio Lawrence, was recently remanded to prison after appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts facing two counts of robbery under arms.
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty informed Lawrence that, due to the indictable nature of the offences, he was not required to enter a plea. The police prosecutor alleged that, on November 9, 2025, Lawrence, along with accomplices armed with a firearm, robbed Li Xiang of $500,000 in cash at Lot 1 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
The prosecution further claimed that on the same date, Mikhail Santana was also targeted, having his Samsung cellphone stolen under similar circumstances.
During the bail hearing, Lawrence’s attorney argued that his client, a labourer with no prior convictions, posed no flight risk and would adhere to any conditions set by the court.
However, the prosecutor strongly opposed bail, highlighting the seriousness of the alleged offences, the use of a firearm, and the identification of Lawrence by both victims. The approaching Christmas season was also cited as a factor in maintaining public safety.
After weighing the arguments, Chief Magistrate McGusty denied bail, stressing the need for a firm stance in cases involving firearms, particularly during the holiday period. Lawrence was remanded until December 5, when the matter will return to court.
Friday’s court appearance is not Lawrence’s first encounter with the law.
In May 2025, he was among 16 men charged fol-
lowing widespread unrest in Georgetown triggered by the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.
That unrest, captured on surveillance footage, involved looting, arson, and road blockages in multiple city communities, including Albouystown, Cemetery Road, Hunter Street, and Tucville.
In that earlier case, Lawrence and the other accused faced a range of allegations, including terrorism, break and enter, theft, and damage to property.
The group was eventually granted bail by Chief Magistrate McGusty, despite strong opposition from the prosecution.
Campbellville
break and enter and larceny was read to him, and although he was not required to plead, he maintained his innocence.
Police allege that, between October 15 and 16, Hebert broke into the canteen of the Winfer Gardens Primary School, East Street, Cummingsburg, and stole a $15,000 gas bottle, a $50,000 air fryer, and beverages and snacks valued at $36,200.
The total loss amounts to $101,200 and is the property of a vendor identified as Vivet. The prosecutor objected
man... FROM PAGE 16
to bail, telling the court that Hebert is currently before the court for a similar offence and had previously been granted bail.
Given this history, the prosecution argued that he is likely to re-offend if released. Hebert told the court he has four matters before the court, two of which were dismissed, and asked for reasonable bail.
Magistrate Azore denied the request and remanded him to prison. The case will be called again on December 15, 2025.
Antonio Lawrence
Guyana clinches silver...
at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, secured second place for the hosts, who finished the five-team tournament with a strong 3-1 record.
The unbeaten champions, the US Virgin Islands, will join them, and the bronze- medal winners, The Bahamas, at the next major regional tournament.
With a ticket to the 2026 CentroBasket on the line, the final match of the tournament saw Guyana and Jamaica battle fiercely. The game remained tight through the first half before the hosts' leading stars took control, powering Guyana's decisive second-half push.
The tandem of Ruth Adams and Joy Brown proved too strong for the Jamaican defence. Adams led all scorers with 24 points, while captain Brown delivered a colossal performance, registering a double-double of 23 points and 17 rebounds. Brown's all-round play was instrumental, and she was later recognised as the tournament's leading rebounder.
Despite a standout 23-point effort from Jamaica's Tiffany Reynolds, the Guyanese held firmly to secure the nine-point victory, sparking massive celebrations among the home support.
While Guyana celebrated its qualification, the Virgin Islands finished its campaign with a flawless 4-0 record to claim the gold
CWIMA secures hosting...
(From back page)
opportunity. We are excited to showcase our rich cricket heritage, vibrant culture, and the renowned hospitality of the Caribbean. In 2026, the world will truly experience the essence of West Indies cricket.
CWIMA’s successful bid reflects its organisational growth, strong regional partnerships, and active participation in global Masters cricket. Preparations are already underway, with the top two Caribbean venues being evaluated to ensure a memorable experience for both players and fans.
medal comfortably.
In their final match, they overpowered the Bahamas 105-81, thanks to a monster effort from centre Anisha George. George was clinical, posting an incredible 26 points and 21 rebounds double-double, shooting 77% from the field. Her dominance earned her the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
The Bahamas (2-2) secured the final qualification spot and the bronze medal, with Lashann Higgs (37 points) and Valerie Nesbitt (32 points), impressing, despite the final loss to the champions.
Guyana’s memorable
(From back page)
run was capped by the selection of two of their key players to the Tournament All-Star Five:
Joy Brown-Adams (Guyana), led the tournament in rebounding (12.8 boards per game) and contributed 16.8 points and 6.5 assists.
Amisha Ramlall (Guyana): Averaged a team-leading 19.3 points, proving to be one of the most impactful scorers for the silver medallists.
They were joined by MVP Anisha George (Virgin Islands), assistant-leader Valerie Nesbitt (Bahamas), and Tiffany Reynolds (Jamaica).
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, November 18, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
(1) Which WI has the highest ODI score versus NZ to date?
(2) Which NZ has the highest ODI score against the WI to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
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08:25hrs Icy Lancaster
09:00hrs Licence To Thrill
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10:10hrs Cowboy Country
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KELSO
08:55hrs Burning It Up
09:25hrs Adveram
09:55hrs Eagles Reprieve
10:25hrs Triple Crown Ted
10:55hrs Moon Phases
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09:15 hrs Giantsgrave
09:45hrs Getaway King
10:15hrs Zamek
10:45hrs Star Of Diamonds
11:15hrs Scorpio Rising 11:50hrs Jorebel
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11:45hrs Arcimboldo
12:15hrs The Tunguska Event
12:45hrs
1545hrs Alligator Alley
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08:35hrs West Of Bally 09:05hrs Kmil Du Seuil 09:35hrs Carry On Heidi 10:05hrs Onefortheditch 10:35hrs Gaelic Des Chastys 11:05hrs Sallap 11:35hrs Mossy Way
Kevin Durant drops
Ravi Etwaroo lends further support to ‘Project Cricket Gear’
35, ices wild OT win over Magic
IT took overtime, but the Houston Rockets pulled out their ninth win of this young NBA season by defeating the Orlando Magic, 117-113.
The end of regulation in this game was crazy. Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun hit clutch shots down the stretch, and Magic guard Anthony Black came up with a loose ball and dunked on a fast break, where he was also fouled to keep Orlando alive.
However, Durant wasn’t done there as he hit another clutch shot in overtime to put Houston up 113-110, with 9.2 seconds remaining in overtime.
Durant led all scorers with 35 points in the win and played the most minutes along with Alperen Sengun who also posted 45 minutes and 30 points in the win.
Second year Rockets guard, Reed Sheppard, chipped in 16 points off the bench and Amen Thompson dropped a double double with his 12 points and 10 rebounds
. The Rockets shot 40% from 3-points range and just two of those came from Du-
rant. Houston also made 86.2% of their free throw attempts, both of which were an issue for the Rockets last season. Houston improved to 9-3 with the win and are currently sitting in third place in the western conference.
Orlando fell to 7-7 after Sunday night's road loss despite Franz Wagner's 29 points and 26 from Desmond Bane. The Magic were dominated on the boards by the Rockets, 60-38. Orlando also lost the points in the paint battle by 12, 58-46.
This was Houston's fourth consecutive win and their ninth in the last 10 games after starting the season 0-2. Durant has been every bit of what was advertised for the Rockets thus far, averaging 25.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists per game and shooting over 42% from behind the arc.
Houston's next game is on Wednesday where they'll look to make it five in a row on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
(Yahoo Sports)
Sangakkara returns as Rajasthan Royals' head coach
KUMAR Sangakkara has returned as the Head Coach of Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026, apart from continuing in his role as the Director of Cricket, the franchise announced on Monday. Sangakkara had served in the role of head coach from 2021 to 2024, before Rahul Dravid took over the position for IPL 2025. Under Sangakkara, Royals had played the final in 2022 and reached the playoffs in IPL 2024.
Speaking of Sangakkara's appointment, Manoj Badale, Lead Owner of the franchise, said: "As we
looked at what the team needed at this stage, we felt that his familiarity within the squad, his leadership and his deep understanding of the
USA-based Guyanese Ravi Etwaroo, owner of the popular sports store, Cricket Zone USA Trophies and Sports Equipment, Inc., has once more provided support to ‘Project Cricket Gear’ for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.
At a simple presentation done recently, project partner Anil Beharry, who was on a short visit to the USA, received one cricket-gear bag; one pair of batting pads; one pair of batting gloves and one E4 bat, all for junior cricketers. Beharry expressed sincere thanks to Etwaroo for his continued support.
Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $730,000 in cash; 13 coloured cricket uniforms; one set of stumps; two trophies; 36 pairs of cricket shoes; 40 pairs of batting pads; 49 cricket bats; 48 pairs of batting gloves; 29 thigh pads; three pairs of wicket-keeping pads; six arm guards; two chest pads; two boxes; 15 gear bags; 13 bat rubbers; seven helmets; one fibre-glass bat; one pair of floppy hats; 16 boxes and four white cricket balls; 13 boxes of red cricket balls; one bat cone; one batting
inners and 28 footballs.
To date, 103 players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted directly from cash; 10 gear bags; two trophies; four arm guards; 40 bats; four boxes; six helmets; 38 pairs of cricket shoes; 22 pairs of batting pads; 25 thigh pads; one bat grip; 41 pairs of batting gloves; one pair of wicket-keeping pads and four pairs of wicket-keeping gloves.
Cricket related items -used or new -- are distrib -
uted free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs with a youth programme, will also benefit. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Allicock and Amsterdam...
with and defeated worldclass opponents before. We expect them to rise to the occasion against the best in the world in Dubai,” he stated.
Royals’ culture would bring the right balance of continuity and stability.
"Kumar has always had our complete trust as a leader. His clarity, calmness and cricketing intelligence will play an important role in guiding the squad into this next phase."
Meanwhile, Vikram Rathore has been elevated to the position of Lead Assistant Coach, while Shane Bond will continue as the bowling coach of the team. Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri return as the Assistant Coach and Performance Coach, respectively. (Cricbuzz)
The GBA president also highlighted the Association’s continued commitment to its athletes, noting that supporting Amsterdam and Allicock’s World Championships campaign is part of a broader effort to create clear pathways to excellence.
“We promised to stand with our boxers, and we continue to honour that com-
mitment. Providing opportunities like this is essential to their growth and success,”
Ninvalle said. Adding even greater motivation is the tournament’s groundbreaking prize structure, with IBA offering US$300,000 for gold, US$150,000 for silver, US$75,000 for bronze, and US$10,000 for fifth-place finishers.
Ninvalle applauded the IBA for introducing prize money at this level, calling it a life-changing opportunity for athletes. “IBA’s prize
Conrad eyes series win...
Test last year, or the joint second-highest run chase at Lord’s in the ICC World Test Championship final earlier this year, South Africa have consistently shown that they are a team that refuses to give up.
"I'm so proud of the group in terms of the belief
(From page 23)
money initiative is transformative. It gives fighters like Allicock and Amsterdam additional incentive to push harder, knowing what is at stake, not just for themselves, but for their families and their futures,” he said.
The 2025 Championships will also commemorate IBA’s 75-year legacy, accompanied by the IBA Business Forum on December12 and the IBA Congress on December 13, creating a landmark week for the sport.
(From page 22)
that they've got and how they pull together as a unit. It will do wonders for our psyche and it will do wonders for us going forward.
"Whilst we might not have the ability that a lot of teams have, or we haven't tapped that ability yet, what we lack in that, we certainly
make up for in our ability to play as a unit and the resilience we show.
"We never give up." said Conrad.
The second Test of the series is set to begin on November 22 and will be played in Guwahati. (ICC Media)
Kevin Durant led all scorers with 35 points
Kumar Sangakkara was head coach of Rajasthan Royals from 2021 to 2024
Anil Beharry left, receives part of the gear from Ravi Etwaroo
Harper’s batting clinic in Berbice deemed an overwhelming success
By Sean Devers
ON Sunday at the Albion Ground, which hosted the first ODI in the West Indies in 1977, close to twenty-five batters turned up for the six-hour batting clinic conducted by former West Indies Vice-Captain and Coach Roger Harper.
The clinic formed part of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)’s developmental programme, and was deemed an overwhelming success by the eager participants who wanted for of these clinics in the future.
The clinic was conducted by 62-year-old Harper, who played 25 Tests and scored 10 centuries and 36 fifties in his 200 First-Class matches, and was ably assisted by BCB’s Winston Smith.
BCB president Dr. Cecil Beharry, along with several executives, were present at the clinic. The BCB Head
informed that the junior batters would soon be involved in a similar programme with Coach Hubern Evans, the former left-handed Berbice batter.
Dr. Beharry extended
special thanks to GUYSUCO for allowing the BCB the use of the Albion Ground on Sunday.
“The clinic yesterday (Sunday) went very well; we had over 20 attendees.
Conrad eyes series win after Kolkata triumph
SOUTH Africa claimed their first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years after staging a remarkable comeback to script a win in Kolkata.
Elated with the achievement, head coach Shukri Conrad is now targeting an even bigger prize, aiming to win the Test series, something South Africa have not accomplished since 2000.
"This was right up there for us. Coming to India, playing at Eden Gardens, doing something we haven't done for 15 years, this is right up there,"
"We won a Test match in Pakistan, we've now won a Test match here but the job's far from done. You don't come to a country to win a Test match, you obviously want to win the series."
South Africa began day three on the back foot, seven wickets down with a modest lead of just 63, but they leaned on a key trait of this Bavuma-led side: determination. Bavuma embodied it perfectly, crafting an unbeaten 55 that helped South Africa set a target of 124.
dramatic first Test victory
The bowlers, led by Simon Harmer, then showed the same resolve, refusing to relent despite the small total and bowling out India within 35 overs.
"There was prodigious turn, and the Indian quartet of spinners just don't give you anything. You throw Jasprit [Bumrah] in there with a new ball and when it starts reverse-swinging, both him and [Mohammed] Siraj are obviously world-class. "It makes our victory
even sweeter that we were able to contend with all of that and come out on top. It gives you a belief that you can mix it with the best and do special things."
This ability to stay in the game even when things are going against them has become a defining trait of South Africa over the past few years. Whether it was the match-winning ninth-wicket stand against Pakistan in the Boxing Day
(Turn to page 21)
They were keen and enthusiastic and we had a good Day,” disclosed Harper, who made his Test debut in 1983 against India as a 20-year-old.
“I think there was an
opportunity for them to learn the fundamentals for them to build on and further develop their batting.
“It went very well, and the participants enjoyed it,” concluded the 6ft 4in
off-spinning all-rounder, who is the only player to score a double century, and capture a 10-wicket haul in the same match when he achieved the feat against the Windwards.
Wharton helmet-trick keeps Chase Academy flawless
THE Petra-organised Republic Bank Limited Secondary Schools Football League continued on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground with wins for Chase Academic Foundation and Three Miles Secondary.
The defending champions Chase Academic Foundation had another successful outing as they clinched a 4-0 win over Charlestown Secondary school to maintain their unbeaten record.
Chase Academic Foundation’s talismanic Bryan Wharton proved imperious with a helmet-trick, with goals coming in the fifth, seventh , 31st and 39th minutes.
Linden’s Three Miles Secondary also whipped President’s College 4-1.
Three Mile Secondary’s Joshua James and Haydock Parris scored in the 16th and 18th minutes to put them in front.
President’s College Lloyd Brown then scored in the 23rd minute to keep them in the contest 2-1.
However, a double from Lebron Mendonca coming in the space of two minutes in the 37th and 39th minutes sealed the deal for Three Miles, 4-1.
Dolphin Secondary then went down to West Ruimveldt Secondary 3-1. Jeremiah Griffith opened their account in the 13th minute before a second-half brace from Donovan Welcome completed the win. Abram Zuil Secondary won via a walkover after South Ruimveldt Secondary were no shows in their clash.
The young Berbician cricketers with Roger Harper and BCB coach Winston Smith
Coach Shukri Conrad and skipper Temba Bavuma embrace each other following the
Three Mile Secondary goal scorers (from left to right) Joshua James, Haydock Parris and LeBron Mendonca
Regal Legends whip Parika Defenders to claim Unity Softball Cup
REGAL Legends ended the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) 2025 season on a resounding note, inflicting an emphatic eighth-wicket victory over Parika Defenders at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, on Sunday.
Led by a fine bowling performance by Stanley Mohabir which saw him capturing five for 19 from his four overs, and a quickfire unbeaten 55 from skipper Yunis Usuff, the Campbellville-based team made light work of their opponents to capture the Trophy Stall-sponsored Unity Cup.
Set a paltry 87 for victory after Usuff asked Parika Defenders to take first strike, Regal Legends reached the required target in a mere 6.5 overs with Usuff slamming six fours and five sixes in his unbeaten knock. So dominant was his performance that no other batter reached double figures; extras totalled 21.
Earlier, the Parika De -
fenders innings never got going after David Harper, who was making a return to competitive cricket after more than a year’s absence, sent back the dangerous Oswald “Papa” Chandla without scoring and Ramesh Ramlochan (one) in his first two overs, both brilliantly caught by Eon Abel, who also took two more catches
in the deep to complete a fine day in the field.
The experienced Dubraj Singh steadied the innings somewhat, hitting one four and three sixes in a top score of 25, but once he became a victim of Mohabir, the innings quickly subsided.
Surujdeo Ramdeen claimed two for eight, while Harper ended with two for
Allicock and Amsterdam to represent Guyana at IBA Men’s Elite World Championships in Dubai
THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has confirmed that star pugilists Desmond Amsterdam and Keevin Allicock will represent Guyana at the 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships, set for December 2–13 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The event, which forms part of the International Boxing Association (IBA)’s two-week festival of boxing, marks a significant return for the pair, who are determined to improve on their previous outing at the sport’s premier global competition.
According to GBA president Steve Ninvalle, both Amsterdam and Allicock symbolise not only the highest standard of boxing in Guyana, but the very best the Caribbean has to offer. “These two athletes reflect the elite level of our sport. They are among the best in
the Region, and we are confident they will give a strong account of themselves in Dubai,” Ninvalle affirmed.
Allicock, an Olympian and one of the top talents in Guyana’s current generation of fighters, enters the World Championships with renewed focus. Amsterdam, meanwhile, stands as one of the most accomplished boxers in the Americas, picking up a
historic bronze at the AMBC Elite Championships, the first ever for Guyana.
Both boxers recently transitioned into the professional ranks, but Ninvalle believes their experience, discipline, and hunger for success will serve them well on the amateur world stage.
“They have competed
(Turn to page 21)
tionery & Computer Centre.
27.
Both the winning and losing teams were recipients of trophies, while the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Mohabir took home a trophy and a 32-inch Smart television, compliments of Regal Sta -
The Unity Softball Cup, which was originally planned for October month’s end, was reduced to a one-day affair after the weather also intervened following revised dates of November 14-16.
Trophy Stall, through its proprietor Ramesh Sunich, provided all the trophies. Also on board were Premier Insurance (Guyana),
M Sookhai & Company (Audit/Advisory/Tax) and Nafeeza’s Kitchen Catering Service.
The one-day tournament followed closely on the successful staging of the recent One Guyana Unification extravaganza, and brought the curtains down on the GSCL activities for the 2025 season. (Frederick Halley)
Dorne, van Lange help Windies down England in series opener
St GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) – Half-centuries by captain Joshua Dorne and Jonathan van Lange ensured West Indies Under-19s drew first blood against their England counterparts, as they won the opening Youth One Day International by four wickets in an exciting encounter here on Sunday.
Dorne scored 90, while van Lange made 52 to guide the home side to 246 for six in 49.2 overs in pursuit of England’s total of 242 at the National Cricket Stadium.
The pair shared a match-winning partnership of 117 runs that helped the Windies recover from a tricky position of 105 for four in the 29th over.
They were actually 49 for three after England captain Farhan Ahmed snared the early wickets of Tyriek Bryan for 18 and Zachary Carter for 10, and pacer Seb Morgan bowled Earsinho Fontaine.
Dorne and Kunal Tilokani, who made 20, then added 56 runs for the fourth wicket before the latter became the first of Jack Nelson’s three wickets.
the first Youth ODI
But Dorne and van Lange tilted the momentum in their side’s favour during a partnership that carried them within sight of victory.
However, Nelson returned to dismiss van Lange after he had faced 50 balls and struck four fours and one six, and then bowled Dorne, who faced 119 balls and hit six fours and one six, in the space of two balls to leave the Windies 223 for six in the 47th over.
Shaquan Belle’s quickfire, unbeaten 19 off just nine balls proved decisive, as the Windies got over the line with four balls to spare.
Nelson was the pick of England’s bowlers with 3-50,
while Ahmed claimed 2-41.
Earlier, a well-rounded bowling display by the West Indies kept England’s innings in check after they had won the toss and elected to bat first.
The visitors got off to a solid start with openers Ben Dawkins and Issac Mohammed sharing a partnership of 50 runs in nine overs.
They then lost the wickets of Mohammed for 22, Dawkins for 19 and Ben Mayes for six, in quick succession to slip to 58 for three.
Joe Moores, who scored a counterattacking 59 off 45 balls with five fours and four sixes and Caleb Falconer, who made 44, added 81 runs for the fourth wicket to revive the innings.
Once they were dismissed, Nelson hit 31 off 27 balls and Ralphie Albert, who made 23, helped England up to their eventual total before being bowled out with 22 balls remaining.
For the West Indies, Belle (2-26), Jakeem Pollard (2-27), Carter (2-50) and Tilokani (258), each took two wickets.
The second Youth ODI will be played on Wednesday.
The victorious Regal Legends players pose with their winnings
MVP Stanley Mohabir collects his trophy and television from USA-based Guyanese Shabellia Hashim
Joshua Dorne topscored with 90 to lead West Indies Under-19s past England in
Boxer Keevin Allicock
Boxer Desmond Amsterdam
Undefeated USVI capture FIBA Women’s Basketball Championship
GEORGETOWN, Guy -
ana, Nov 17, CMC –
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) were crowned champions of the FIBA Women’s Caribbean Basketball Championship after dismissing The Bahamas 105-81 on Sunday.
The win ensured the USVI ended the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record to automatically qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Centrobasket Championshiip
The USVI rushed out to a 29–19 first-quarter lead and never took their foot
off the gas, winning every period behind a dominant offensive display and a bruising interior presence, which saw them outrebound their opponents 56–31 and forced 14 turnovers, which fuelled transition buckets that blew the game wide open.
CWIMA secures hosting rights for 2026 Over-40s World Cup in the Caribbean
...Guyana or Barbados being earmarked for hosting
THE Cricket West
Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) is delighted to announce that it has been officially chosen to host the Over-40s World Cup, which is set to unfold in the West Indies during October and November 2026.
This groundbreaking decision, made by International Masters Cricket (IMC), signifies the inaugural occasion that this prestigious Masters cricket tournament will be held in the Caribbean.
and Barbados emerging as the leading candidates.
Barbados boasts a strong track record of hosting similar events along with its appealing tourism attractions.
Meanwhile, Guyana is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and is heavily investing in sports tourism infrastructure, including new roads, bridges, and an expanding inventory of hotel accommodations.
Anisha George was unstoppable in the paint for the USVI, putting up a monstrous 26-point, 21-rebound effort on 10 of 13 shooting. J-Naya Ephraim added 17 points and six assists, while captain Imani Tate contributed 22 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Bahamas was led by impressive performances by star player Lashann Higgs, who scored 37 points and a 32-point effort from Valerie Nesbitt.
Meanwhile, Guyana and The Bahamas also booked their spots at next year’s Women’s Centrobasket
Championship after finishing second and third respectively.
The hosts ended the tournament with a 3-1 record after defeating Jamaica in their final game, while The Bahamas (2-2) qualified despite losing to the USVI.
Guyana clinches silver, qualification at Caribbean Women’s Basketball Championship
The 2026 event is expected to welcome as many as 16 international teams, making it the largest Over-40 World Cup ever held.
Teams from diverse regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas will compete in what is sure to be an electrifying display of top-tier cricket.
This is an extraordinary honour for CWIMA and for the entire Caribbean, remarked Raj Singh, Chairman of CWIMA.
Importantly, the tournament will be confined to a single venue, with Guyana
Hosting 16 nations in the West Indies is a remarkable
(Turn to page 20)
Women's Championship with a crucial 83-74 victory over Jamaica on the final night of the FIBA Caribbean Women's Bas -
(Turn to page 20)
The USVI played unbeaten to win the FIBA Women’s Caribbean Basketball Championship
CWIMA Chairman Raj Singh
GUYANA'S women's team dramatically secured the silver medal and punched their ticket to the 2026 CentroBasket
ketball Championship in Georgetown. The win, earned in front of an electric home crowd
Team Guyana finished second and secured qualification (PHOTO: FIBA)
