On Tuesday, President, Dr Irfaan Ali received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, Agus Priono, at the Office of the President where both parties discussed ways to enhance relations between the two countries. President Ali highlighted opportunities in which Indonesia can support Guyana in healthcare, tourism and agriculture, while the Ambassador spoke about the importance of greater collaboration and scholarship opportunities for Guyanese students. Guyana and Indonesia established formal diplomatic relations in August of 1999. (Office of the President photos)
‘We will not accommodate old, backward
––EU Observer Mission –– says no reports of multiple voting –– recommends measures to
—Manickchand tells Hinds —rejects ‘race-baiting’ attacks, says government is focused on lifting ‘Tiger Bay’ families – Minister McCoy urges Christ Church graduands to embrace Guyana’s
‘We
will not accommodate old, backward politics’
—Manickchand tells Hinds
—rejects ‘race-baiting’ attacks, says government is focused on lifting 'Tiger Bay' families
MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has called out political commentator and newly sworn-in MP Dr David Hinds, rejecting what she described as “old, backward, race-baiting politics” and reaffirming the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration’s commitment to transforming 'Tiger Bay' into one of Georgetown’s first model neighbourhoods.
Hinds, during his Monday night programme Politics 101, criticised photographs showing Manickchand interacting with children in the community during a walkabout.
He claimed the images made “a poppy show of the poverty of our people” and argued that such scenes would not be tolerated in Indo-Guyanese areas.
On Tuesday, Minister Manickchand did not hold back to dismiss the criticism outright, calling Hinds’ attack a desperate attempt at relevance.
“This abusive fossil is trying for some relevance. Let’s indulge him… What did Hinds and Co ever do for Tiger Bay or people of
African descent generally?
EVER? Nothing,” she said in a statement posted to her Facebook page. She charged that during the APNU+AFC administration, communities like Tiger Bay were ignored while thousands of young Afro-Guyanese were denied
opportunities for genuine advancement.
“In their time in recent government, APNU/AFC did nothing to empower people and nothing at all to empower vulnerable communities or African Guyanese. Not a single African Guyanese family, that wasn’t connected to the
elite, was built up through being awarded civil works or higher education opportunities,” she said.
Manickchand argued that Hinds’ commentary is rooted not in concern for the community, but in political opportunism.
“The likes of David Hinds would like to see African people struggle and stumble and go into or stay in poverty so he can exploit them using his old race baiting for his narrow political gains. I say get from here. That is old and backward and will not be accommodated in this Government and by me,” she said.
She added pointedly: “As you all know, we are picking up derelicts now and rubbishing them… where can I find Hinds?”
TRANSFORMATION OF TIGER BAY ALREADY UNDERWAY
The government is currently advancing a comprehensive initiative to trans-
form Tiger Bay and neighbouring communities into Georgetown’s first model neighbourhood.
The project falls under the wider Rescue Georgetown plan, which aims to restore the capital’s landscape, strengthen community infrastructure, and improve social services across vulnerable districts.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, who visited the community Sunday, emphasised that the intervention is centred on safety, pride, and long-term community development.
“We are going to work with the community in creating community ownership, community security, because you will have to help us and the police to keep these communities safe; clean,” the President said.
A committee led by Minister Manickchand has already begun engagements with residents to identify urgent needs and guide the rollout of works.
The plan envisions re -
habilitated public spaces, community policing support, upgraded homes, vocational training, and the establishment of community facilities. Three plots donated by the owner of Mattai’s Food Market will house football and basketball courts with lighting, while the School of the Nations has committed to working directly with children in the area.
The Men on Mission (MoM) programme will support the housing and social-uplift components, and families will receive assistance to monetise land and expand income-generating ventures.
Ali said the objective is to eliminate the stigma associated with Tiger Bay.
“We have to remove a big stigma here, and we are going to remove it as a neighbourhood of love,” the President said. “People must know they are secure, they’re safe.”
As part of the city-wide transformation, the government is also pursuing major upgrades to Georgetown’s drainage network, adopting a multi-agency strategy to tackle high-risk zones and longstanding infrastructure deterioration.
Manickchand stressed that the administration’s work in Tiger Bay is about dignity and upliftment—not politics, not optics, and certainly not division.
“Every Guyanese will rise up, and I make no apologies and have no reservations in aggressively going after that cause,” she said.
Her position stands in stark contrast to Hinds’ framing of the issue along racial lines.
While he accused the government of exploiting poverty, President Ali and Minister Manickchand have repeatedly underscored that the initiative is people-centred and grounded in long-overdue community revitalisation.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has called out political commentator and newly sworn-in MP Dr David Hinds
President Ali interacting with Tiger Bay residents (DPI photos)
Guyana pledges manpower support, 200 roofs for hurricane ravaged homes in Jamaica
By Naomi Parris
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana will mobilise manpower, materials, and other critical resources to help provide roofs for 200 Jamaican homes damaged by the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
The Guyanese Head of State, alongside other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, toured sections of western Jamaica on Monday to witness first-hand the destruction left behind by the Category Five hurricane. He was accompanied by regional and local officials, including Jamaica’s Prime Minister and current CARICOM Chair, Dr Andrew Holness.
Speaking to sections of the Jamaican media during the visit, President Ali said he was deeply moved by the scale of devastation.
“I bring to you the love of the people of Guyana. Of course, we are here as one team, the CARICOM team, to bring our efforts together to support the people of Jamaica.”
Melissa was an extremely powerful and catastrophic tropical cyclone in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It became the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record and was the most intense at landfall on the island.
Melissa rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, making landfall near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish, where severe damages were reported.
“I really want to commend the people of Jamaica for the type of resilience I saw today… For those who are looking on from the re-
President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday joined several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, touring sections
gion, you have to be here to see this devastation. Words cannot describe the type of damage that was done here.”
Reports have since confirmed that 45 persons lost their lives during the passage of the storm; however, authorities in Jamaica are still conducting investigations and expect this number to increase.
President Ali outlined that Guyana had already supplied emergency equipment to aid Jamaica’s initial response, but this support will intensify.
“We have been able to support in the initial phase, some of the key pieces of equipment that were needed, generators, chainsaws, tarpaulins and so on, but this weekend we have a major shipment that will be com-
ing in.”
The shipment is expected to include tarpaulins, building materials, water tanks, and other relief items. Additional personnel will also be deployed to bolster on-the-ground efforts. As CARICOM leaders continue to coordinate regional support, President Ali reiterated that Guyana remains committed to standing with Jamaica during its recovery.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness has outlined plans to ensure that every household on the island that has been affected by the storm is provided with shelter by Christmas.
“I am encouraged by the strong show of support from our regional and international partners who joined us
for a Goodwill Mission in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa…Jamaica deeply appreciates this spirit of co-
operation. We are charting a path toward recovery that protects our people, restores our communities, and reinforces the resilience of our nation and region.”
It is estimated that physical damage from Hurricane Melissa is approximately US$8 billion.
“With shared purpose and continued collaboration, we will rebuild stronger,” Holness said.
According to an official statement from CARICOM, Barbados pledged a field hospital and additional garbage removal trucks; meanwhile, other Member States and Associate Members of CARICOM have also supported and pledged additional support for the relief and recovery efforts.
The leaders’ visit to the island was supported by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and representatives from the Regional Security System (RSS).
of western Jamaica ravaged by Hurricane Melissa
Guyana’s 2025 polls were ‘peaceful, well-run’ ––
EU observer mission says
—highlights recommendations for electoral reform, campaign financing, media guidelines
THE European Election Observer Mission to Guyana’s 2025 elections (EU EOM), on Tuesday, disclosed that the country’s September 1 polls were ‘peaceful and well-run.’
Speaking to reporters at a press briefing held at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Chief Observer, Robert Biedron, stated that while the country’s elections took place under ‘deep political polarisation’ from political parties, polling day itself and the tabulation of votes thereafter were efficient.
“The 2025 elections showed important improvements in the way voting and counting were conducted, and Guyanese citizens, once again, demonstrated their commitment to democratic participation,” the European parliamentarian said.
The EU had deployed some 50 observers across the country to observe both the campaign and Election Day proceedings. In its final report, which has since been handed over to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the EU noted that there were significant improvements in some legal frameworks and
to make the country a regional standard in terms of oversight from digitisation to data protection to campaign finance to accessibility for voters from vulnerable or marginalised communities, among others mentioned.”
“Guyana has the chance to be a role model for many countries,” he said.
The report recommended updating the voters’ list, clear campaign rules and media regulation to ensure equitable coverage. The EU emphasised the need for continued co-operation with Guyana to enhance democratic processes and transparency.
reforms, most notably, the real-time online publication of Statements of Poll, which marked significant improvements for the transparency and traceability of results.
“The issues we identified can be sized as opportunities
He reiterated that the 2025 general and regional elections were peaceful and well-managed, with voters generally able to cast their votes freely.
A total of 18 recommendations were submitted; however, Biedron noted that the mission has
highlighted six priority recommendations and is optimistic that, in the spirit of collaboration, stakeholders will consider these to enhance the electoral process.
THE PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
– Enhance the prospects for key electoral reforms through necessary electoral expertise as part of a robust CRC operational framework
– Update the voters list in light of the most recent available population data and data from all relevant state institutions, ensuring linking to ongoing digitalisation solutions.
– Adopt clear and comprehensive campaign rules, including for the conduct of public officials and for the use of all types of state assets to avoid undue advantage of incumbency.
– Strengthen the operational oversight for campaign finance through an independent oversight body and revise outdated legal provisions, including expenditure ceilings and permissi-
ble expenses.
– Establish media campaign coverage rules on equitable airtime and space for electoral contestants as well as political advertising in a timely and consultative manner.
– Implement the Data Protection Act and establish a publicly accountable Data Protection office, thus effectively protecting voters’ personal data from undue publication and from misuse for political gains
The EU Election Observation Mission spent almost two months observing the 2025 election process, deploying 50 observers from 26 EU member states. The mission included a core team of 10 analysts.
Biedron emphasised the importance of an inclusive dialogue with all national stakeholders and the potential for Guyana to become a regional standard in electoral reform.
With this in mind, the EU EOM team is expected to meet with both government officials and opposition members for a roundtable discussion.
EU EOM’s Chief Observer, Robert Biedron (Delano Williams photo)
The EU EOM final report on Guyana’s 2025 elections was, on Tuesday, made public, outlining several recommendations to enhance the country’s electoral system
‘I
dedicate this achievement to my mother, late father’
–UG graduate prepares to graduate after persevering through numerous challenges along her academic journey
AT just 22 years old, Amelia Sara Bhoodoo is preparing to walk the graduation stage at the University of Guyana (UG) this week to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance.
But behind her proud smile lies a deeply emotional journey marked by sacrifice, perseverance, and the heart-breaking loss of her father, just days after she completed her final exam.
Born in Queenstown, Essequibo, and later relocated to Georgetown for schooling, Amelia always knew that her dreams would require resilience. She grew up with a natural love for numbers and a strong interest in understanding how money, businesses, and economies work. But she also grew up watching her mother work long hours to provide for her and her sister.
“Growing up was challenging. My mother, a single parent, worked long hours to provide for us and ensure we had everything we needed. My dad supported yes, but he was based in Essequibo and during that time, work was hard to get,” she said.
Her academic journey at UG came with its own hurdles—late evening classes, long commutes,
and financial strain—but nothing prepared her for the emotional storm that arrived during her final year.
“My dad became seriously ill during my final year at the University of Guyana, right when I was preparing to write my in-person final exams,” Amelia shared quietly.
“Getting that news at such a crucial moment in my academic journey shook me deeply. It was incredibly hard to concentrate on studying while carrying the fear that he might not live to see me reach the finish line.”
She remembers trying to revise while her mind drifted constantly back to him. “Every time I sat down to revise, my mind drifted between my notes and the constant worry of losing him. The stress made it difficult to focus, and even the simplest tasks felt heavier than usual. There were moments when I questioned whether I had the strength to keep going…”
Despite living in separate regions, her father supported her in every way he could. “Even though he lived in Essequibo and I was in Georgetown, he supported me in every little way he could, always reminding me how proud
he was,” Amelia said.
But as she sat her final exam, Amelia held onto the hope that he would live long enough to see her graduate. He passed away shortly after she completed that very last exam.
“When everything happened, I felt like my whole world just stopped,” she recalled. “I was heartbroken, scared, and completely overwhelmed all at once. Mentally it took a huge toll on me… Physically it showed too. I was tired all the time even when I slept… Some days I barely had the energy to get through my work, but I still pushed because I knew he would have want-
ed me to finish strong.”
Her grief was heavy, but so was her determination. “What kept me going during that time was a mix of faith, love, and determination. I kept reminding myself how much my dad believed in me and how proud he always was.”
The pressures of university didn’t magically pause during her grief. Amelia still had classes, assignments, and work.
Her long-standing challenges remained: late-night classes that ended as late as 9:30 p.m., struggles to find transportation at night, and earlier semesters when paying tuition felt almost impossible.
“Getting transportation to UG in the afternoons was often stressful… sometimes there were no buses available at the park,” she recalled. And tuition deadlines before UG became tuition-free were a heavy burden: “Meeting the payment deadlines felt almost impossible.”
Still, she pushed on. “Looking back, those long nights strengthened my commitment and reminded me that perseverance truly pays off.”
As she stands on the verge of graduation, Amelia carries both pride and pain. “Now, as I stand on the verge of graduation, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. Earning my Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance is not only a personal achievement, but also a significant milestone… This moment fills me with both joy and gratitude, knowing that all my hard work and sacrifices have truly paid off.”
But she also carries the ache of her father’s absence.
“As I get ready to walk the stage in a few days, I can’t help but wish he were here to witness this moment with me. Still, I know he is in heaven, watching over me, guiding
me, and loving me just as he always did.”
She dedicates her degree to both her parents. “I dedicate this achievement to my mother, Denise, and my late father, Bhoodoo, whose love and support have always been my greatest motivation.”
Her years at UG shaped not only her academic skills but also her discipline and character. “Beyond academics, UG has played a major role in moulding me into who I am today… The environment taught me the importance of being attentive, disciplined, and adaptable,” she said.
With graduation just days away, Bhoodoo sees her future with clarity. She plans to pursue a master’s in finance and later step into leadership roles.
“Five years from now, I see myself working as a finance manager at one of Guyana’s leading financial institutions or within the hospitality industry,” she shared.
Bhoodoo is proof that even in the middle of grief, dreams can still be fulfilled.
(Feature by the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana.)
Amelia Sara Bhoodoo
Classrooms are expanding
THE government’s mid-year report on education spending offers an impressive headline figure: $81.9 billion invested in the first half of 2025, nearly half of the sector’s total annual allocation.
The scale of investment is undeniable. Classrooms are being built, teachers are being trained, digital access is expanding, and tertiary education is undergoing rapid transformation.
But while these accomplishments deserve acknowledgment, they must also prompt the deeper question an editorial cannot ignore: Are these massive investments translating into sustainable, equitable improvements in learning outcomes?
The administration’s ambition to deliver “world-class education” is backed by visible action. Four new nursery schools have been completed, dozens of primary and secondary school projects are underway, and new dormitories aim to expand access for hinterland students.
The $3.5 billion spent so far on the school meals programme, feeding nearly 88,000 children, underscores the government’s stance that nutrition is foundational
to learning.
The continuation of the Because We Care grant, distributing over $11 billion to more than 203,000 students, reflects a similar belief.
These efforts are complemented by improvements in classroom resources. Nearly 50 new nursery book titles have been developed, hundreds more for primary and secondary schools are in the pipeline, and $2 billion in school grants target materials often overlooked in the broader budget conversation.
Meanwhile, the historic improvement at the National Grade Six Assessment, where pass rates surpassed 50 per cent in all core subjects for the first time, suggests early signs of progress.
Yet, progress must be measured with care. Infrastructure alone does not guarantee quality.
More textbooks do not automatically lead to better comprehension.
And while the NGSA results are encouraging, one year does not constitute a trend, nor does it reflect conditions across all regions, particularly in the hinterland
where disparities remain stark.
The government’s aggressive digital push has resulted in internet access in dozens of schools, expansion of the Learning Channel, six new digital channels and 2,300 digital learning boxes all signal intent.
But these initiatives require sustained technical support, reliable power, and teacher training to ensure they do not become underused investments. The same concern applies to the Hinterland/Riverine Solar and Satellite Project, which may mark a breakthrough in access but needs long-term maintenance commitments.
At the tertiary level, the government’s decision to make the University of Guyana tuition-free has had a predictable effect: applications have soared to 11,600.
The institution also achieved universal accreditation for the first time, an achievement worth celebrating. But surging enrollment demands corresponding investment in faculty, facilities, and programme quality.
Writing off $1.5 billion in student debt and awarding 9,741 GOAL scholarships expands opportunity, but rapid expansion
must not outpace standards.
Technical and vocational education has similarly gained momentum, with a new 10-year national policy, new training centres, and thousands trained through BIT. This reflects a welcome recognition that a transforming economy requires a workforce skilled beyond traditional academic pathways.
The government deserves credit for its aggressive investment and evident commitment to education at all levels.
But the public deserves assurance that these resources are being matched with rigorous monitoring, transparent evaluation, and long-term planning. Money can build schools, but only accountability can build a world-class education system.
The mid-year numbers show a sector in motion with noted transformation. The challenge now is ensuring that this unprecedented investment becomes more than a balance sheet accomplishment.
It must become a sustained, measurable uplift in the lives and futures of Guyanese children, whether in Georgetown, Jawalla, Kwakwani or Kopinang.
President Ali’s Tiger Bay visit reinforces priorities of safety, services and opportunities for all
Dear Editor,
PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to Tiger Bay was met with a positive reception from residents and community leaders.
The informal consultations were an extension of his government’s “hands-on” and people-first approach to governance.
Strolling the neighbourhood’s streets, the President connected with families, small business owners, and youth, learning about community needs and challenges while highlighting the near-term actions needed to improve everyday services.
Citizens spoke about concerns and unmet needs that have been on the neighbourhood’s radar for a while. From infrastructure and drainage to refuse collection and community
safety, attendees said President Ali assured them that these are priorities for his administration.
“The President listened to us. He talked about quick wins, but he also said that in some cases we might have to be patient because some things take time. But he did promise that there will be follow-up from the government, from his part,” said one woman. Areas of opportunity and support for youth and livelihoods were covered. Participants said the discussion included skills training, micro- and small-business support, and ways to engage young people through sports and after-school activities.
Access to education and school readiness were common themes, with calls for greater resources and school–community collabo-
ration.
On the administrative side, the visit reflected an integrated and cross-agency approach to service delivery. It paired citizen listening sessions with directives to drive action via municipal authorities and agencies. Community members said they were encouraged by the emphasis on transparency (task tracking, reporting, and follow-up visits to measure progress) and the assurance that the President will return to the neighbourhood to see what has changed.
As community leaders and residents of Tiger Bay reflect on the visit, its history and culture are also front of their minds. The neighbourhood is home to a vibrant and strong population, many of whom have been the bedrock of Georgetown society through
the years.
Community elders said it is time for a continued government investment to match citizens’ ambitions. Attendees said that the President’s message to them was that the goal is inclusive growth, and development must be felt in every community, not just on central avenues.
The administration has signalled that neighbourhood walkabouts and consultations will continue over the coming weeks.
Local leaders here in Tiger Bay have expressed optimism that safety, services, and pathways to opportunity will remain front and centre at the national level.
Sincerely,
It’s a lifeline thousands depend
on
School Feeding Programme is not a failure —
Dear Editor,
I WISH to respond to Lancelot Hyman’s letter (KN, Nov. 17) with some of life’s realities.
The National School Feeding Programme, which he calls a “profound systemic failure”, has been, and remains, a critical lifeline to thousands of our children and an invaluable support to their families.
At a time when the entire world is grappling with increased prices of food and other necessities, the school feeding programme is truly a beacon of hope and support.
Oh, how I wish it were an initiative when I was in school, trying to hide the
shame of attending school on an empty stomach. Many days, once the lunch bell rings, I would tell my friends I’m going to an aunt’s house for lunch and I would just walk around the school street a couple of times and return to school after lunch.
And this was an era where the government offered no cash grants, or free textbooks, or free internet, leaving parents completely on their own to fend for their children’s most basic needs.
The school feeding programme changed this narrative completely, providing guaranteed sustenance to thousands of students, particularly prioritising hot meals for primary schools in the vulnerable hinterland regions.
The sheer logistics of operating this massive scheme, which directly addresses the root causes of poor attendance and low academic performance, make it a monumental achievement both in Guyana and across the Caribbean region.
To selectively highlight a couple of administrative critiques while ignoring the fact that this initiative is a crucial daily anchor for thousands of families is a disservice.
The government’s decision to launch a review is a sign of accountability and dedication to refining an already successful programme, not an admission of fundamental collapse. This programme is a pillar of
educational equity that must be defended and celebrated.
I am so grateful that poor children no longer have to walk off their hunger or be absent out of embarrassment. They now have everything they need to excel and haul their families out of poverty.
I wish to thank former President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali for foreseeing the need for such an impactful programme and all the others that make our lives easier.
Regards, Annette Gibbons, Mahaicony, Region Five
Carifesta Avenue upgrade a welcome relief for parents and daily commuters
Dear Editor,
I AM a parent with a child attending a school located along Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.
After years of struggling through early morning traffic congestion on an uneven road surface with rough edges, I am pleased to see that the road is finally undergoing an international standard upgrade, including
widening and resurfacing.
For me, Carifesta Avenue is Guyana’s regional road map. It’s where I have conversations about the Caribbean with my child and proudly boast that Guyana was the first to host the Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts in 1972.
I am happy to see that the company awarded the contract is knowledgeable and professional.
I sometimes observe the workmen as I sit in my car and I must say, it’s good to see them properly kitted out with safety jackets with the company’s name Quality Deliverer, and that the contractor is on site, checking the quality of the work done by his team. Kudos!
The upgrade will definitely improve my morning and afternoon school runs and will make the avenue safer for drivers, motorists,
and pedestrians, especially children.
I am sure that my position is shared by parents, workers and all those who travel along Carifesta Avenue daily.
The work is moving apace, and I look forward to seeing the avenue’s complete transformation. Thank you.
Results talk louder than rambling
Dear Editor,
THESE days, everybody and their cousin is a “political analyst” on Facebook.
One man wakes up and posts ten times about who is a thief, who lies, and who should resign. Another woman makes TikToks about “saving Guyana.” Meanwhile, people are still waiting for their streetlights, their job letters, and their NIS
cheque to process.
Let’s be honest: the people who do the real work don’t have time to be online fighting every minute. Real development doesn’t happen in the comments section.
It happens when you see drains cleaned, roads graded, and families finally moving into proper homes. That’s what matters.
Every ministry, every region, every NDC needs to show results. If they get public money, they must show what
comes out of it, not just “budget increase” and nice talk. You can’t just add ten million more to a line item and call that progress.
Guyanese tired of seeing paper development that never reaches the ground. I do tell people, let the results talk. If the streets stop flooding, if the clinic gets medicine, if youths get training, that’s progress. The rest is just mouth exercise.
Some folks just like drama. They pre-
fer to quarrel than build. But this country needs builders now. We need every hand on deck.
So, when you hear plenty of noise online, just ask one question: “What are they actually doing for the people?” Silence will answer you loud and clear.
Happy parent
Ray Winter
Yours Truly, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region Ten
Universal Church and universal class bias in Guyana
NOTHING surprises me in this country.
I am of advanced age, and I have seen the contents of Guyana all my life. I repeat, nothing surprises me about
my country until Monday, November 17, 2025, outside the Universal Church at the junction of Wellington Street and Charlotte Street, which once was the famous Strand
–de-Lux cinema, which had the franchise for the James Bond movies.
There was a stand-off between a citizen and the church over parking, in
which the citizen was in his right and was backed by the law. He refused to move. City Council employees came and removed the
encumbrances the church put there, as if the church owned the parapet.
If you have been reading my column for the past 37 years, you would know I resort to a little satire when something happens in Guyana that I find incredible. Here it is. I was reading the newspaper with hot coffee in hand. The item shocked me. My coffee fell on my leg and burned me.
This happened when I read that the City Council removed the encumbrances on Monday outside the Universal Church. The encumbrances on pavements preventing access to citizens are universal in Guyana. And only the rich get away with it.
After you would have read this column, go to Thirst Park and see what Banks DIH has been doing for years now on the parapet. From Meadow Bank, stretching north on the public roads for almost a quarter of a mile, the company has cones preventing people from parking there. I took the then traffic chief, Mr. Stevens, to Bank DIH after the company stopped me from parking. Company officials refused to come out to talk to him.
I showed the Banks DIH encumbrances three times on the Freddie Kissoon Show and will show it again on Monday. Hand-in-Hand has signs that says, “no parking” on the government’s parapet. I moved one of the signs to park; they called security. I went to the Traffic head office. They sent two ranks who spoke to a defiant female manager, but the ranks instructed her to move the signs. That was five years ago. The signs are still there. It is a laugh and a comical situation to watch as the City Council moved the encumbrances outside Universal Church. The encumbrances are universal in the 10 Regions of Guyana, so the Universal Church is just part of the universe in this country. The encumbrances are nightmares in Georgetown.
Some people ring the entire parapets where they live with ropes tied to posts. I went at 07:00 hours to shop at Bourda Green and the security at Steve’s Jewellery on Church Street told me I couldn’t park; he said the space was for customers. So, I remonstrated with him,
telling him the store opens at 09:00 hours, so how could he prevent parking at 07:00 hours. I went at Alberttown Police Station. The accompanying rank told the store that they have to let me park at 07:00 hours.
It is crazy in the compound where I live. Mr. Yog Mahadeo planted large palm trees on the parapet. Guess where? Not adjacent to where he lives, but across the road. Citizens have owned the parapets by planting palm trees and driving piles into the ground. That, by any definition of encumbrance, is encumbrance. My ‘Vet’ is in Prashad Nagar and someone lined the parapet to the north, south, east and west of their home with tyres. You simply cannot park there.
On the Freddie Kissoon Show , we featured three times how a homeowner has planted an entire garden on the parapet at the corner of Peter Rose Street and Laluni Street in Queenstown. This was two years ago. The huge, unkempt garden is still there. Right at that junction, there is a school and that overgrown garden on the public parapet prevents parents from parking there.
I called the Town Clerk for a comment on the universal encumbrances in Guyana, but she told me that since she is on leave, she cannot speak officially on the question of removing all encumbrances put there by both the rich and the poor. The Mayor told me he is in a meeting and will get back to me.
So, where do we go from here as a county with regards to the ownership of public parapets by private homeowners? When the City Council was removing the objects put there by the Universal Church, I wonder if God was watching and he urged the City Council to heed God’s advice and remove all objects from all the parapets in Georgetown. My parapet outside my home is unburdened. You can park on it if you like.
It is not my property.
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.
Election fraud trial…
Mingo takes stand as court weighs admissibility of police interrogation videos
THE trial in the 2020 elections fraud matter resumed on Tuesday before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The court continued to examine whether videos of police interrogation involving former Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo should be admitted into evidence.
These recordings are part of the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on in the trial.
When the matter last came up on October 31, the prosecution was still presenting its case. Since then, the prosecution has closed its case, and the defence has begun leading its own.
On Tuesday, Mingo took the witness stand to testify in the voir dire.
Also expected to testify on behalf of the defence is attorney-at-law Darren Wade.
The media cannot report on a voir dire because publishing details could prejudice the fairness of the ongoing trial. Consequently, before the proceedings began, Magistrate McGusty advised reporters on the limits of what could and could not be reported.
Because the defence is objecting to the inclusion of the video evidence, the court is conducting a series of voir dire hearings—special mini-hearings held apart from the main proceedings.
Unlike the ordinary trial, a voir dire focuses solely on the specific piece of disputed evidence.
During this stage, the Magistrate temporarily pauses the main trial to hear arguments, testimony, and legal submissions about whether the evidence was lawfully obtained and whether it meets the standards required for it to be used against the accused.
After considering the arguments, the Magistrate will deliver a ruling on whether each recording is acceptable for use at trial.
The main trial will resume on Wednesday, while the voir dire is scheduled to continue when the case reconvenes on Thursday.
The ongoing trial pertains to allegations of electoral
fraud stemming from the controversial March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Those facing charges include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO, Roxanne Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; former Health Minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, Volda Lawrence; and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member, Carol Smith-Joseph.
Also on trial are former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staffers Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller.
The defendants are being represented by a robust defence team.
Collectively, the defendants face 19 charges ranging from conspiracy to defraud to misconduct in public office.
Due to the charges arising from the same set of circumstances, the matters have been consolidated. Each defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges and secured their release by posting significant cash bail.
The prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhanie, argued that each defendant played a “critical role” in the deliberate effort to inflate votes for the APNU+AFC and reduce votes for the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
In the weeks that followed the contentious March 2, 2020, vote, Guyana’s judiciary was inundated with multiple applications and appeals filed by various political actors over the electoral process.
The saga lasted five months before a national recount, led by GECOM and a delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), confirmed the PPP/C’s victory and ultimately led to the swearing-in of President, Dr Irfaan Ali on August 2, 2020.
The recount confirmed that the PPP/C had won the elections with 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC coalition’s 217,920.
The initial elections results, announced by for-
Carol
Following the PPP/C’s return to office in August 2020, criminal charges were filed against the defendants.
mer CEO Lowenfield, had claimed an APNU+AFC victory. The APNU+AFC coalition had received 171,825 votes, while the PPP/C received 166,343 votes, according to Lowenfield’s election report.
GECOM made the decision to terminate the contracts of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo in August 2021, after the allegations of fraud came to light.
The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections have found that there were collusion and collaboration between senior
Volda Lawrence Clairmont Mingo
Keith Lowenfield
Smith-Joseph
Mingo takes stand as court weighs...
GECOM officials to divert votes to the APNU +AFC, instead of safeguarding and preserving the integrity of the electoral system.
Chairman Stanley John and commissioners — former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith made these findings based on evidence from the many witnesses who testified, along with the reports of the international observers.
“…our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election, and that they did so – to put it in unvarnished language of the ordinary man – for the purpose of stealing the election,” they said in their report.
The report found that Lowenfield blatantly made decisions and employed procedures in direct contradiction to the law and
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty
the will of the people.
The findings revealed too that GECOM staffers had ignored specific instructions from the court, used materials that were illegal and or manipulated, and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers whenever objections were raised.
After careful scrutiny, the CoI commissioners concluded that there was a conscious and deliberate – even brazen –effort to violate the provisions of section 84(1) of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) In so doing, certain “senior GECOM officials”
abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality and demonstrated a bias for the APNU+AFC and, in the course of events over those days, showed an “open connection” with that party, and by their efforts sought a desired result for the coalition.
As such, the commissioners said that after consideration and analysis of the evidence, Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers “were principally responsible for clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No. 4.”
Better Hope man jailed, fined
for cannabis trafficking offence
A 48-year-old man from Better Hope, East Coast Demerara was sentenced to six months in prison and fined $90,000 after pleading guilty to a narcotics trafficking charge, on Monday. Quasey Alves, known as “Chiney Man,” of Lot 86 Third Street, Better Hope, appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court #1. He was charged with possession of 63.5 grams of
Quasey Alves, known as ‘Chiney Man’
cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
Alves admitted to the offence when the charge was read to him, after which Magistrate Nurse imposed both the custodial sentence and financial penalty, in keeping with provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act. He was taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.
Sheffern February
Michelle Miller
Enrique Livan
Roxanne Myers
Guyana welcomes adoption of UNSC Trump-GAZA resolution
President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said that Guyana welcomes adoption of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution, which endorses President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza.
“We applaud the USA for its leadership in this initiative,” the President said in a post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon.
The UNSC on Monday approved President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. This significant breakthrough provides a legal U.N. mandate for the administration’s vision on how to move beyond the ceasefire and rebuild the Gaza Strip after two years of what the international community, including President Ali, has described as a genocide against Palestinians.
The council’s vote also marked a major diplomatic win for the Trump administration.
Over the past two years, amid ongoing conflict be -
The proposal also proposes a “Board of Peace” to oversee the peace process, although it does not specify the board’s composition.
“As a matter of principle, Guyana voted in favour of the resolution, which will build on the existing ceasefire and advance sustainable peace for the Palestinian people,” according to the Guyanese leader.
The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour and none against. Russia and China, both of which could have vetoed it, abstained, apparently influenced by support for the resolution from several Arab and Muslim nations: Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Indonesia, Turkey, and
Pakistan, a member of the Council.
Throughout the conflict, in September of this year, President Ali had told a UN Meeting in New York that ‘power must not triumph over principle’.
Dr Ali called for intensified action by the United Nations (UN) on critical global issues such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, stating that measures guided by principle must be employed to restore peace.
“The United Nations’ noble mission to maintain international peace and security will ring hollow if it allows power to triumph over principle and might to override right in remaining faithful to its charter. The [UN] must ensure that the survival and progress of humanity are not
mortgaged to the ambitions of the powerful,” he said.
President Ali had told the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York that Guyana insists on a two-state solution as the only option to resolve the long-lasting Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He classified the destruction of Gaza not as warfare, but “mass extermination, a systematic slaughter and displacement of Palestinian men, women, and children.
“We must take urgent action to halt the genocide, return the hostages, and accelerate our efforts towards a two-state solution.
We urge Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to continue their efforts in this regard,” President Ali said. [DPI]
tween Israel and Hamas, the United States faced isolation at the United Nations due to its strong support for Israel.
The U.S. resolution calls for an International Stabilisation Force to enter, demilitarise and govern Gaza.
COP30: Guyana urges financing to turn climate ambitions into action
GUYANA has urged a shift from plans to actual work on global climate actions, with Minister Vickram Bharrat asking COP30 delegates to address the funding and structural issues that hinder real progress.
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) is taking place at Belem, Brazil, from November 10 to 21 this year. It focuses on accelerating global climate action to limit the increase in the Earth’s average global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (defined as 1850-1900).
It is the first COP held in the Amazon Region, and it also highlights the connections between climate, biodiversity, food systems, and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.
Speaking during the high-level segment on Monday, Minister Bharrat praised Brazil’s leadership in steering COP 30 toward practical solutions.
He also referenced President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s message at the recent World Leaders’ Summit, stating that ‘the world has the ambition and the solutions we need. What is missing is
finance and systems to turn ambition into action.’
Minister Bharrat identified three areas where global co-operation must accelerate and bring the COP 30 goals to fruition.
These include energy transition, forest finance, and adaptation and global finance reform.
ENERGY TRANSITION
With global energy demand surging, driven by digitalisation, industrialisation, electrification, and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, Minister Bharrat said hundreds of
millions of people still lack access to modern energy and many more face chronic instability.
He said the need to transition away from fossil fuels is clear. The challenge, he stressed, lies in how nations make the transition.
“We need an energy transition grounded in carbon science and the principles of a just transition. It must be guided by rules, not rhetoric,” the minister stated.
This means establishing global carbon pricing, phasing out fossil-fuel subsidies and recognising the role of responsible, lower-carbon producers in meeting the demand that will remain even in the most ambitious net-zero scenarios.
FORESTS AND NATURE
Meanwhile, “the second area where global systems need to improve is forests and nature,” Minister Bharrat said. The forests can deliver a third of the climate change mitigation needed by 2030.
The natural resources minister said countries like Brazil have already shown what is possible, while demonstrating that the previous successes in cutting deforestation by 80 per cent and preventing 5 billion tonnes of carbon emissions.
“What is needed now is finance to achieve this level of results across the world,” he told delegates.
Guyana, which co-chairs the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership with the United Kingdom, developed the Forest Finance Roadmap, which sets out six complementary options to make forests worth more alive than dead.
“All six must be scaled together. Two stand out,” he said. The first is the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), which Brazil champions.
Minister Bharrat said the initiative is bold and fair, stating that it can provide the long-term, performance-based finance that forest countries have sought for decades.
“But those who championed its creation must follow through with funding,” he emphasised.
“A facility designed to reward forest countries only works if the partners who helped bring it into being ensure it is fully funded and operational at scale.”
The second is the jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+), which is already delivering results.
Jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+) is a government-led initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation at a national or subnational scale.
The minister noted that this approach maintains one of the world’s lowest deforestation rates while improving the lives of the people.
“We strengthened MRV systems, expanded Indigenous land rights, and integrated early into global carbon markets. Guyana became the first country to issue
ART-TREES jurisdictional credits and to access the CORSIA compliance market.
To date, we have received well over half a billion US dollars in jurisdictional REDD+ payments,” he explained.
ADAPTATION AND GLOBAL FINANCE REFORM
Adaptation, Minister Bharrat warned, remains a matter of “safety and survival” for millions, yet financing continued to be too limited and too difficult to access.
He said Guyana is demonstrating an integrated approach through its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
The LCDS is scaling renewable energy, strengthening climate resilience, expanding sustainable cities, improving food security, investing in biodiversity, and reinvesting forest revenues directly into communities.
“We believe, from our experience, that the solutions are known,” he said, as he challenged nations to confront the financing gaps and reform global systems that slow progress. [DPI]
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in a photo-op with other COP 30 delegates
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) at Belem, Brazil
EU Observers say ‘no reports of multiple voting’ in Guyana’s 2025 elections
THE European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Guyana has reported no evidence of multiple voting in the country’s 2025 general and regional elections.
recommendations aim to contribute to reforms that can strengthen the processes and further enhance transparency, inclusiveness and accountability,”
Chief Observer Robert Biedroń added.
The report also noted that the country’s legal framework was adequate, most notably, the real-time online publication of Statements of Poll, which marked significant improvements for the trans-
The assessment was shared during a press conference yesterday, where the mission formally presented its findings and a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening future electoral processes.
“We did not receive reports of multiple voting in this election,” said Kai Schaefer, an EU EOM election analyst, while responding to questions from the local press.
The EU had deployed some 50 observers across the country to observe both the campaign and Election Day proceedings.
The EU Election Observation Mission spent almost two months observing observers from 26 EU member states. The mission included a core team of 10 analysts.
According to the official report, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) administered the elections ‘well’ with no reports of impact on the electoral process.
While the report identified areas where administrative procedures could be improved, the report noted that the integrity of the voting process itself appeared intact.
“Political polarisation and an uneven playing field reduced public confidence in the process. Our
parency and traceability of results.
Further, the report noted that candidate registration was inclusive, noting a strong representation of women.
The report recommended updating the voters’ list, clear campaign rules and media regulation to ensure equitable coverage.
“The 2025 elections were significant in several ways that need to be outlined; they too place in the context of a fast-developing economic situation and were highly competitive at the same time; despite some concerns prior to the elections, they were conducted in conditions of peace,” the European parliamentarian added.
The final report was handed over to GECOM a day prior to it being released publicly.
The EU EOM’s team is still in Guyana and is expected to meet with government officials, opposition members and other electoral stakeholders before departing.
Members of the EU EOM team at Tuesday’s press briefing (Delano Williams photos)
Kai Schaefer, EU EOM election analyst
Linden entrepreneur expands salon after training through WIIN programme
A YOUNG entrepreneur from Linden is expanding her small salon business after completing training offered through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme. Minister of Human Services Dr Vindhya Persaud visited the salon on Monday as part of the ministry’s ongoing outreach to beneficiaries of its skills-training initiatives. The visit highlighted the progress of salon
owner, Collina Johnson, who has used the programme’s courses to develop services and products for her business.
Johnson, a graduate of the WIIN décor course, has begun producing her own beard oils, locs serums and other hair-care items while also retailing hair ex-
tensions. She is currently working on outfitting and upgrading her salon using skills gained through the ministry’s training.
According to the ministry, Johnson had previously discussed her ambitions with Dr Persaud, who encouraged her to take advantage of available training.
Johnson said the programme allowed her to pursue formal skills development and move toward financial independence.
The entrepreneur is also preparing to launch a mobile beauty service aimed at taking hair-care services directly to clients, a model that has
grown in popularity across the country as small businesses explore new markets.
The WIIN programme, launched in 2021, offers training in technical and income-earning skills to help women secure employment or start small businesses.
Minister of Human Services Dr Vindhya Persaud visited Collina Johnson’s salon on Monday as part of the ministry’s ongoing outreach to beneficiaries of its skills-training initiatives
Strengthening community security in Onderneeming Sandpit Village
BUSINESS owners in Onderneeming, Sandpit Village in Region Two, experienced a renewed sense of partnership as ranks from the Suddie Police Station conducted a structured community engagement exercise aimed at improving public safety during the upcoming Christmas season.
The outreach was led by Lance Corporal Singh, supported by Constables Henry and Hubbard, who met with several business operators across the area. Their visit formed part of the Guyana Police Force’s broader effort to enhance security awareness and reinforce collaboration between law enforcement and the business community in Region Two.
Throughout the engagement, officers held professional discussions with proprietors, focusing on key security considerations relevant to the festive period. These included the importance of maintaining heightened vigilance, expanding the use of CCTV cameras, improving exterior lighting, and thoroughly securing business premises after operating hours. Business owners were also encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activities or unfamiliar individuals within the area.
The officers reaffirmed that Regional Division Two will intensify visibility and patrols during the Christmas season, ensuring that preventive measures are not only communicated but actively supported.
The exercise highlighted the value of strong police–community partnerships and demonstrated the commitment of the Suddie Police Station to fostering a safe, secure, and well-informed business environment across the Essequibo Coast.
MNR pushes back at PFG’s ‘falsehoods’ on EITI process
— Ministry says allegations are misleading, insists civil society selection was open and transparent
THE Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has issued a sharp rebuke to Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), describing the organisation’s latest claims about Guyana’s Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) process as “blatantly false”, and warning that continued misinformation risks creating a distorted public impression of the country’s transparency framework.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said it remains focused on overseeing the natural resources sector, but will not allow PFG’s allegations to go unanswered, noting that the group’s November 18 assertions are “once again taking the Ministry aback.”
Central to the dispute is PFG’s claim that it only became aware in January 2025 that the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) had ceased to
exist. The Ministry dismissed this as fiction.
According to MNR, “It is blatantly false to state that PFG only became aware that the MSG had ceased to exist in January 2025,” citing two letters sent on October 1 and October 18, 2024, both titled “Approval of Retroactive Extension for the MSG Members’ Terms.”
These communications, the Ministry stressed, were dispatched directly to MSG
members and are supported by minutes confirming PFG’s knowledge of the issue.
Responding to criticisms about the GYEITI Secretariat’s location within the Ministry, MNR underscored that Guyana is following global best practice.
“Over 90% of implementing countries have the EITI National Secretariat embedded within a government agency,” the release noted adding that only Nigeria and Liberia have fully legislated autonomous EITI bodies.
The Ministry argued that this structure supports efficient oversight: government handles administration, while
the MSG retains full control over implementation priorities, reporting, corrective actions, and the work plan.
The Ministry also took aim at PFG’s criticism of the process used to recruit a new civic convenor, reminding the group that its own appointment in 2017 was done without any open process.
“In 2017… the then Minister selected PFG as the civic convenor.
There was no open bidding or vetting,” MNR recalled. “PFG has never questioned the process leading up to its own appointment as convenor under less transparent guidelines.”
The Ministry noted that the recent recruitment was far more transparent, an open call published from September 29 to October 15 attracted four applicants: PFG, Dr. Ivor English, Private Sector Commission and Dr. Nanda Gopaul.
“While PFG raised some concerns about whether the PSC fully met the civic definition under EITI, it is inter-
esting that PFG is the only contestant to object to the results,” the statement said.
MNR agreed with the definition of civil society referenced in PFG’s statement but argued that PFG has ignored years of precedent.
“One would then ask why every member of the civil society representatives on the MSG since 2017 has been more or less operating as an individual representative, rather than an organisational representative?” the ministry asked.
It added that PFG had no issues with the criteria outlined when the public call was launched and only objected after not being selected.
In a bid to shut down speculation about bias or manipulation, the Ministry highlighted that the convenor has zero decision-making authority over which civic representatives are ultimately chosen.
“The role of the convenor is plain and simple. Pull civic members together and have them set their own rules… The convenor has NO influence whatsoever over who or how a civic representative is selected.”
Despite the pushback, the Ministry said it remains firmly committed to transparency and to respecting both the CSO Protocol and Requirement 1.4 of the EITI Standard.
This standard, it stressed, guarantees that “civil society [must] choose its representatives freely.”
The Ministry reaffirmed that it will continue supporting robust engagement, consistent rules, and a more transparent sector, while challenging narratives that distort the facts.
A 30-year-old barber from Pomona Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was remanded to prison, on Monday, after being charged with using a computer system to incite others to commit a terrorist act.
Albert Ramnauth, of Lot 170 Pomona Housing Scheme, appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. He was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge.
Police said the offence re-
lates to a Facebook comment allegedly made by Ramnauth on November 7, 2025, in which he wrote, “Bomb the Police Headquarters next.”
The comment was treated as an attempt to incite members of the public to carry out a terrorist act, an offence under Guyana’s anti-terrorism laws.
Magistrate Mohabir ordered that Ramnauth be remanded to prison pending further investigation and legal proceedings. The matter was ad -
Albert Ramnauth
‘Seize these opportunities with both hands’
– Minister McCoy urges Christ Church graduands to embrace Guyana’s new era of possibility
STUDENTS of Christ Church Secondary were urged to “seize these opportunities with both hands” as Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, delivered the feature address at the school’s graduation ceremony on Tuesday, calling on the nation’s youth to embrace the historic level of educational opportunities now available to them.
Speaking on behalf of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister McCoy told the packed auditorium that the moment was far bigger than a graduation ceremony, describing it instead as a celebration of resilience, renewal and national transformation.
He reminded the students that they stand at the centre of a historic shift taking place in Guyana, one fuelled by massive state investment in education, human capital and social development.
The minister anchored his message in the storied legacy of Christ Church Secondary School, emphasising that the institution “is more than just brick and mortar,” and recounting its origins in 1964 when the secondary departments of Christ Church School and St George’s Anglican School merged to expand access to education for working-class families.
He noted that this long tradition of inclusion and aspiration was tested in January 2023, when a devastating fire destroyed the building and displaced hundreds of students.
Yet, he observed, “you did not give up,” highlighting that classes continued at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) campus under the leadership of committed teachers and with the support of the broader school community.
Now rebuilt at a cost of $940.7 million, Christ Church stands as a modern education facility equipped with 20 classrooms; eight specialised laboratories; an ICT hub; a fully furnished library; an auditorium seating almost 400 students and infrastructure designed with stronger safety standards and the demands of a changing world in mind.
McCoy reminded the graduates of President Ali’s declaration at the commissioning of the structure that, “Christ Church is back… back in the business of education, empowerment and enlightenment.”
Positioning the school’s
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, delivers the feature address urging students to “seize these opportunities with both hands” as Guyana expands access to education and youth development.
restoration within the government’s wider development blueprint, the minister stressed that Guyana is undergoing nothing short of a national transformation.
He said the rebuilding of Christ Church “is not just about restoring what was lost; it is a symbol of the transformational journey our nation is on,” and affirmed that the government is investing aggressively in education, health care and the productive sectors to secure dignity, opportunity and shared prosperity for all Guyanese.
McCoy reiterated the administration’s push towards universal secondary education, pointing out that the President “has committed that by the end of 2026, every Guyanese child who wants to complete secondary school will have that chance,” and he underscored that by the end of 2025, “100% of teachers will be in or under training, because when our educators grow, every child in their classroom grows.”
He reminded students that they are stepping into adulthood at a time when the country is opening doors like never before. He pointed to the fact that free tertiary education at the University of Guyana (UG) has already become a reality, with tuition fees officially abolished in January 2025.
He further highlighted the magnitude of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, explaining that almost 30,000 scholarships were offered in 2024 and that the government has
Graduands of Christ Church Secondary School attentively follow the proceedings at their 2025 graduation ceremony
Sir Ronald Sanders, Nicolette Fernandes, Terry Gajraj headline UG’s 2025 Honorary Doctorate recipients
THE University of Guyana has unveiled the nine accomplished individuals set to receive its 2025 Honorary Doctorates, a cohort representing exceptional achievement in diplomacy, business, literature, engineering, sport, agriculture, music, and education.
In a statement, the University said the honourees “represent excellence in business, sport, engineering, diplomacy, literature, music, agriculture, and education, embodying the University’s commitment to national development, innovation, and cultural pride.”
The awards will be conferred across multiple convocation ceremonies from November 20–22, 2025.
Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States, will receive his Honorary Doctorate during the Faculty of Social Sciences ceremony on Saturday, November 22 at 09:00hrs.
The University hailed Sanders as “a transformative figure in diplomacy, business, and academia,” noting his leadership on constitutional resolution missions, Commonwealth reform, and international governance.
Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited,
Mr. Komal Samaroo, will be honoured at the SEBI ceremony on Friday, November 21 at 16:00hrs. His five decades of service, the University said, helped shape DDL into “a globally respected enterprise,” including the establishment of the World Trade Centre in Guyana. Samaroo was praised for his regional work, including pioneering the “Authentic Caribbean Rum” mark, and for advancing corporate social responsibility in education, health, and youth development.
Guyana’s most decorated female squash athlete, Ms. Nicolette Fernandes, will receive her honorary
award on Friday, November 21 at 09:00hrs during the ceremonies for the College of Behavioural Sciences, the College of Medical Sciences, and the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future.
UG described her as “resilient and successful,” commending her historic World No. 19 ranking, her 2006 CAC Games gold, and her comeback to win World Masters titles in 2022 and 2024.
Legendary civil engineer Egbert Carter will be honoured on Thursday, November 20 at 9:00 hrs during ceremonies for the Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology,
and IDCE.
Carter’s six-decade career spans major infrastructure and heritage projects, including the Berbice River Bridge and historic restoration initiatives. UG praised his “unwavering dedication” to national development.
Celebrated literary icons Grace Nichols and John Agard — both internationally awarded by the British Government — will receive their honorary doctorates during the Faculty of Education and Humanities ceremony on Saturday, November 22 at 09:00hrs.
Nichols, author of I is a Long Memoried Woman, was recognised for works that “bridge cultures and gen-
erations,” while Agard was celebrated for his powerful fusion of English and Guyanese Creole that “resonates globally.”
Agriculture innovator, Mohindra Persaud, Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group, will be honoured on Thursday, November 20 at 16:00hrs during the Faculty of Natural Sciences ceremony.
UG credited Persaud for modernising rice production, supporting food security, and leading transformative community development in Region Six.
Iconic Chutney singer and cultural ambassador Terry Gajraj will be honoured at the Faculty of Education and Humanities ceremony on Saturday, November 22 at 09:00hrs.
UG noted Gajraj’s role in expanding the reach of Guyanese music internationally and his impact through philanthropy in “education, health, and technology.”
Professor Clement Sankat, Director of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc., will receive his honorary doctorate on Thursday, November 20 at 09:00hrs during the combined science and engineering ceremonies.
His contributions to engineering education and vocational training, the Univer-
sity said, support Guyana’s “future-ready workforce” and the nation’s rapid transformation.
The University explained that honorary recipients are chosen through a multi-step, research-driven assessment.
“Selection for honorary awardees is made over a year-long process,” the statement explained, noting that nominees “must exemplify decades of consistent excellence in their areas of service.”
UG said 27 submissions were considered this year, with nine honourees selected given the limited number of awards that can be conferred annually.
The University expressed appreciation for the contributions of the academic divisions and the four committees involved, acknowledging “the diligent work… on research, validations and approvals.”
A total of 3,700 students from 180 diploma, degree, and postgraduate programmes will graduate during the 2025 ceremonies.
The University said the Honorary Doctorate recipients “exemplify the values of leadership, innovation, and service, inspiring the next generation of Guyanese and Caribbean citizens.”
‘Seize these opportunities ...
committed an additional $4.4 billion this year to broaden those opportunities even further.
Technical and vocational education, he said, is no longer an optional path, but “a core pillar of our national development,” reinforced by the specialised IT, industrial technology, home economics and woodworking labs now integrated into the Christ Church curriculum.
The minister added that the government is also ensuring that barriers to access are removed through transportation allowances, free CXC examinations, uniforms, counselling and a strengthened school environment that supports holistic learning.
McCoy made clear that while the government is making significant investments, the onus now lies with the beneficiaries to use these platforms to change their lives and strengthen their communities.
“Students,” he told them, “seize these opportunities with both hands. Free university, scholarships and vocational training are not just benefits, they are your launch pad.”
He urged teachers to continue advancing themselves, pointing out that the government is deliberately investing in their development because “when you elevate, you elevate every child in your classroom.”
Calling the school “a hub for nation-building,”
the minister stressed that every skill learned, whether academic, technical, scientific, artistic or vocational, will contribute directly to shaping Guyana’s future.
He reminded the gathering of President Ali’s message that, “In your hands rests not just your own destiny, but the destiny of our nation,” encouraging students to dream boldly, commit to excellence and serve their communities.
He further urged them to play their role in strengthening national unity, noting that the One Guyana vision depends on mutual respect, collective responsibility and the rejection of division in all its forms.
Reflecting on the
From page 17
school’s difficult journey, McCoy described Christ Church’s story as one of endurance and renewal, qualities he said Guyana urgently needs as it accelerates its national development agenda.
“You experienced loss, but you found renewal,” he said. “You kept building, you kept believing and that resilience is exactly what our nation needs now.”
He reminded the graduands that although the government is investing heavily in their growth, “ultimately, it is you who will make the difference,” and he urged them to transform their learning into action, leadership and meaningful change.
The nine distinguished Honorary Doctorate recipients for 2025
Minister McCoy presents the top academic award to a graduating student during the Christ Church Secondary School ceremony, celebrating excellence and achievement.
Commander Bacchus leads major police operations in Region Six
REGIONAL Division Six police, on Monday, conducted a series of enforcement exercises targeting illegal drugs and motorcycle violations, seizing more than a dozen bikes and removing over 1.6 kilograms of suspected cannabis from several communities.
The operations, held on November 17, were led by Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus and formed part of an ongoing push to curb crime and improve road safety in the division.
Police said the day began with a cordon-and-search exercise headed by Deputy Superintendent M. Newland, Assistant Superintendent J. Henry, and other ranks. Several identified hotspots were searched, resulting in the discovery of 1,635 grams of suspected cannabis sativa.
Regional Commander Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus assists ranks in placing a motorcycle without proper documentation on the police vehicle, in an ongoing push to improve road safety in the division
Following the drug-interdiction effort, Commander Bacchus led a motorcycle-compliance campaign aimed at unlicensed riders, persons not wearing helmets, and owners of bikes fitted with illegal noise-amplifying exhaust devices — an issue residents have repeatedly raised with authorities.
Sixteen motorcycles were seized during the operation and lodged at the Whim Police Station. The Guyana Police Force said the bikes will be examined by a licensing and certifying officer before any further action is taken.
Residents reportedly welcomed the interventions, which police said will continue as part of broader enforcement activities across Regional Division Six.
Plaisance miner remanded on cannabis trafficking charge
A 26-year-old miner was remanded to prison after being charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Jarell Taylor, known as “Meaty,” of Lot 53 Britton Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court #1, where he was accused of possessing 247 grams of cannabis.
The charge was read to Taylor who entered a not-guilty plea. Magistrate
Jarell Taylor
Nurse ordered that he be remanded to prison pending further proceedings.
The case has been adjourned until December 18, 2025.
‘Safe City’ technology drives surge in traffic enforcement
THE Safe City initiative is driving a surge in traffic enforcement nationwide, with more than 200 parking and obstruction cases recorded each week, according to Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh.
Speaking at the launch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Christmas Policing efforts last Friday, the traffic chief said the real-time camera system has become one of law enforcement’s most effective tools.
“Safe city has translated into safe country. These cameras help us to have a real-time appreciation of where the issue exists so that we can deploy or redeploy to meet the demands,” he explained.
The safe city initiative utilises facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and licence plate recognition to aid in investigations.
The heightened visibility has also left many motorists surprised at how swiftly ranks respond when a vehicle is left in a dangerous or obstructive position, playing a crucial part in crime prevention.
The traffic chief made it clear that such response times are possible due to the technology that the force has deployed.
He cautioned motorists against reckless use of the road. Singh warned them not to park their vehicles in a manner that obstructs traffic, noting that those who do so will be issued a ticket.
“This is not a lotto, this is not a case without a ticket, you don’t have a chance because this lotto you have to pay for. If you don’t pay, you will proceed to court to ensure the warrant is there to compel you to pay,” he warned.
The Traffic Chief commended the government’s investment in the evolution of the surveillance network.
“We had one command centre many years ago. These days, in almost every coastland division, there is an operable command centre,” he said.
The state-of-the-art command centres are part of the “Safe City to Safe Country” project, which aims to expand the security infrastructure beyond Georgetown to the entire nation.
It is designed to boost security and safety through technology.
Each command centre includes a central operations room for real-time monitoring, equipment rooms, and other facilities to support staff and operations. [DPI]
Fakhar, Nawaz earn Pakistan first points in tri-series opener
(ESPNCRICINFO) - ZIMBABWE lost seven wickets for 37 runs to slip to 147 for 8, when a total greater than 180 had been on the cards. Still, they pushed Pakistan’s chase into the final over, their seamers striking three times in the powerplay to slow Pakistan’s advance, before also squeezing the hosts in the middle overs.
Pakistan’s Nos. 5, 6, and 7, however, dug them out of the hole. Playing his comeback T20I innings, Fakhar Zaman hit 44 off 32, putting on a 61-run partnership with Usman Khan.
Usman was then joined by Mohammad Nawaz, who had earlier been the best of Pakistan’s bowlers. The required rate had become something of a challenge at this stage, but Nawaz’s 20 off 12 balls ensured victory was ultimately comfortable.
Had Brian Bennett held a straight-forward chance off Nawaz on the midwicket boundary, with 15 needed off 10, Zimbabwe could have
mounted a sterner challenge at the business end. In the end, Nawaz struck the winning boundary with four balls to spare.
Zimbabwe veteran Graeme Cremer, playing his first T20I in over seven years and after 122 matches - the latter, a record - conceded 27 runs in three overs for one wicket.
Nawaz triggers Zimbabwe’s tailspin
After seven overs, Zimbabwe were running the show. The openers had hit 11 fours and a six between them. The run rate was in touching distance of 10. And the first two overs of spin had conceded 26 runs.
But Nawaz, bowling quicker and more accurately than the legspinners, made the breakthrough that soon brought a flood of wickets when he had Tadiwanashe Marumani caught at deep square leg, though that first wicket came off a full toss. Later, he would also have Ryan Burl holing out.
It was Nawaz’ economy, though, that set him apart. He conceded only 22 form his four overs, and had by far the lowest economy rate (5.50) of any bowler to bowl four overs in the game.
With the bat, he was fortunate to be reprieved on nine, but struck a six and two fours to ensure Pakistan didn’t flounder at the finish.
The Zimbabwe collapse
The period in which Zimbabwe crashed hardest was through the middle of their innings, when they slipped from 91 for 1 in the 11th over, to 128 for 8 in the 19th. Pakistan’s spinners bossed this period, with Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed also picking up key wickets.
Although there was not much turn off the surface, the legspinners frequently beat batters in the flight, and created pressure through dot balls. It is this pressure that also caused two Zimbabwe run-outs.
In the eight-over stretch
between the 11th and 19th overs, Pakistan conceded only 30. It took an unbeaten 34 from Sikandar Raza 34 off 24 balls to avert complete disaster.
Zimbabwe seamers boss the powerplay
Early wickets are crucial when defending a modest score, and that’s exactly what Zimbabwe got, when Brad Evans removed both Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam in the fifth over, before Tinotenda Maposa trapped Salman Agha in the sixth over. At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 31 for 3.
They would struggle through the next four overs too, and when Ayub was dismissed by Cremer’s legspin in the 10th over, the required-rate was up to nine, and Zimbabwe looked like defending their total. But a sensible stand between Zaman and Usman gave the Pakistan chase some substance and Nawaz finished the job.
Smith grabs 100m Bronze
Emmanuel Archibald was off his best at the Olympic stadium in Saudi Arabia, finishing fifth place in his 100m finals.
Archibald ran a time of 10.44 seconds in the finals after a decent reaction time out of lane six.
It was a disappointing run for the Guyanese Olympian who has a season
best of 10.17 seconds.
Oman’s Ali Balushi was 1st in 10.30 seconds with Abdulaziz Atafi second and Eseme Alobwede third.
Earlier, Archibald finished in 10.56 seconds in heat number 1 for 2nd place to reach the semifinals.
In the semis Archibald, the
FROM PAGE 35
Pan-American 100m champion clocked 10.38 to gain the right to represent in the finals after taking fourth place. While Akeem Stewart with a season best 10:38 took fourth place in 10.83 seconds in his 100m heat to also qualify for the semi. However, in the semis he was unable to finish as he was disqualified.
Emmanuel Archibald in heat 1
Reifer sees progress and eyes World Cup redemption
CMC – THE West Indies may be trailing in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, but the bigger picture remains firmly in focus, securing an automatic berth for the 2027 ICC 50-over World Cup.
Assistant coach Floyd Reifer has declared the touring side a team on a mission,
one that has already made significant strides since the painful disappointment of missing the 2023 tournament.
With the next World Cup scheduled for South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027, the race for qualification is already underway.
Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe will qualify automatically, joined by the
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HEXHAM
08:46hrs Buzz Iceclear
09:16hrs Like Minded
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KEMPTON
12:05hrs Wilhelmina
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IRISH RACING TIPS
DUNDALK
09:45hrs Seoul Force
10:20hrs Eric Lock
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SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
KENILWORTH
08:15hrs Lilting Song
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top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027.
The remaining four spots will be fought for in qualifying tournaments, a path the West Indies are desperate to avoid.
Currently, the Men in Maroon occupy the ninth and final automatic qualification spot, with Bangladesh lurking just two rating points behind.
This context makes every match, including the ongoing series in New Zealand, critically important.
“This series is an important step in seeing where the team is after missing the last World Cup,” Reifer stated. “Between then and now, we’ve made some changes, and we’ve been playing de-
cent cricket.”
Reifer pointed to marked improvements in the squad, particularly with the bat, as a reason for optimism. The team has climbed two places in the rankings on the back of recent series victories.
“We’re trying to work on our consistency in all three departments, and as you see, I think that our batting has really come leaps and bounds in the ODI format. “We’ve managed to win a few series as well, and managed to gain some points. So now we’re looking forward to this series, obviously, and looking to do well.”
The equation is simple for the West Indies: win games, gain points, and solidify their standing. “Once we win a couple of games, then we can
gain some more points going forward into that World Cup qualification.
The immediate task is to bounce back from their
first-game
West Indies will take on New Zealand in the second ODI this Tuesday in Napier, aiming to level the series.
QUIZ
(Wednesday November 19, 2025) CRICKET
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brian Lara-146* (POS, 1996) (2) Martin Guptill-237* (Wellington, 2015)
Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the first ODI in the current WI/NZ series? (2) Who was voted Man of the Match? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
defeat. The
THE Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym (HEBG) signalled a strong return to the competitive circuit on Saturday, as the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) staged its latest developmental tournament at the Andrew Lewis Gym.
The event showcased emerging talent across school-age, junior, and elite divisions, offering a glimpse into the next generation of Guyanese boxers.
While the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) walked away with the title of Best Gym, the Harpy Eagles’ spirited resurgence was evident throughout the card. In the opening bout of the evening.
NABA’s Ukesh Persaud secured an RSC (Referee Stops Contest) victory in the second round
over HEBG’s Jaydan Leung in the school-age 31–33kg division.
But the Harpy Eagles quickly rebounded in bout three, where Donovan Tray delivered a commanding RSC win in the first round against his clubmate, Emmanuel Nelson, at 36–39kg.
The gym continued to make its mark in the junior ranks, despite P&P’s Troymell Devince earning a second-round RSC victory over HEBG’s Trovalta Harris in the 39–42kg category.
Still, several of the Eagles’ young fighters impressed with resilience, technique, and improved ring craft, evidence of renewed structure and focus at the gym.
One of the standout contests for HEBG came in bout seven, where
Joash Soodoo battled fiercely before narrowly losing on points to P&P’s Ezekiel Teyson.
Moments later, in bout eight, ALBG’s Josh Chester stopped Harpy Eagles’ Samuel Benn via RSC in the second round of their 43–46kg school-age match.
HEBG closed the night with pride as Imotep Vanderstoop, representing ALBG but long associated with the Harpy Eagles system, was named Best Boxer of the tournament.
At the end of the event, the Andrew Lewis Gym was declared Best Gym, with Harpy Eagles earning a commendable runner-up position alongside the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy and the Pace & Power Boxing Gym.
GBA developmental tournament… Harpy Eagles stage strong return Lusignan Golf Club Reflects on strong, successful 2025
AS the year winds down, the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is reflecting on what Secretary Chet Bowling describes as one of the club’s most successful and rewarding seasons in recent years. From record participation at major tournaments to significant infrastructural upgrades and a rise in female membership, 2025 has been marked by steady growth and renewed momentum for the sport.
Bowling highlighted the Guyana Open as the high point of the year, noting that the tournament ran smoothly and attracted more than 80 participants. The event drew strong teams from the United States, Canada, Barbados, and Suriname, creating a highly competitive and festive atmosphere. He described it as one of the best-executed editions in recent memory, crediting the combined efforts of players, officials, and corporate partners.
Guyana’s performance at the Suriname Open was another major achievement for 2025. The local team competed fiercely and returned home with several prizes, a reflection of the growing strength and discipline among Guyanese golfers. Bowling said the showing in Suriname underscored the country’s potential in regional golf and demonstrated the value of consistent training and exposure.
The club also recorded key improvements this year, including the purchase of six new golf carts, which Bowling considers an im -
LGC Secretary Chet Bowling
portant investment. The addition is expected to encourage greater participation from expatriates and, importantly, increase accessibility for women interested in the sport. That prediction is already bearing fruit, with the club welcoming four to five new female players in 2025. Bowling described the rise in women’s participation as a meaningful step forward for the development of local golf.
Corporate Guyana continued to play a supportive role throughout the year, and Bowling emphasised that partnerships with local businesses remain essential to the club’s operations. Sponsorships, customer-appreciation events, and branded tournaments all contributed to the success of the golfing calendar and helped sustain the club’s activities.
Raghunauth returns as Guyana Chess Federation president
ANAND Raghunauth will serve another consecutive term as President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), following the federation’s biennial National Conference held virtually on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Raghunauth and his entire slate for the 2025-2027 Board of Directors returned to office unopposed, as declared by the Returning Officer, Attorney at Law, Mrs. Tanya Warren-Clement.
Returning as Vice President is Irshad Mohamad, Company Secretary Marcia Lee; Directors Loris Nathoo, Davion Mars, Shiv Nandalall, and Yolander Sammy.
Committee members serving on the board are John Lee, Pritima Balgobin, Gilbert Williams, Sabine McIntosh, and new addition Roberto Neto.
The meeting also highlighted the achievements and events of the last two years and the financial report of 2024.
President Raghunauth presented his report detailing the partnership and enhanced level of support to the GCF by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA), and the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission.
Among other major events, Bowling noted the AmCham Open, which once again drew large crowds and created a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
The club also hosted a charity tournament this year, with proceeds going towards several charitable organisations, a gesture Bowling said reflects the club’s commitment not only to sport, but also to community service.
Looking back on the year, Bowling expressed pride in the club’s achievements and gratitude for the support it continues to receive. He said 2025 has been “a good year, truly a good year,” and believes the LGC is well positioned to continue building on its successes as the new year approaches.
Raghunauth noted the growth in membership and acknowledged the growth of chess among schoolchildren through the Chess in Education programme, which was bolstered significantly by the Ministry of Education’s Priority Areas Programme in schools around Georgetown, resulting in more than 2000 children being exposed to the game of chess.
Raghunauth noted the landmark achievement of the GCF with the successful conceptualisation and execution of the CARICOM Classic Chess Tournament, which saw its inaugural event in 2024 and a successful second edition in 2025.
He mentioned significant investments were made in the
Special Education Needs schools, where training programmes and competitive chess were introduced to both teachers and students.
The GCF received recognition when two deaf chess players won the Sportswoman of the Year for Persons with Disabilities award from the National Sports Commission for 2023 and 2024.
The President highlighted the growth of chess through the chess clubs at School of the Nations, the Pegasus Chess Club, the distribution of chess sets to school students by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Gift of Chess programme, and the expansion of rated chess players in Guyana.
Raghunauth credited the GCF’s accomplishments to its hard-working and dedicated management team.
In his Financial Report presentation, Mr Loris Nathoo, Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the two international tournaments, the CARICOM Classic and the Chess Olympiad, that the GCF would have required an enormous amount of funding, and these came from FIDE, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, and tremendous support from corporate Guyana.
Nathoo also stated that the cost of the National tournaments and other tournaments requires funding, which the GCF was able to obtain from corporate Guyana.
He reported that the federation is now in a position to sponsor some of the smaller rapid and blitz tournaments as compared to the previous years when this was not possible.
Raghunauth and his team thanked the membership for their support over the years. The new Board of Directors will serve for the next two years, concentrating on the continued development of chess within the country, with plans for expansion in some regions as its main goal.
Islamic
Solidarity Games-
Riyadh 2025… Smith grabs 100m Bronze
GUYANA’S Keliza Smith produced another strong performance on the international stage, capturing bronze in the Women’s 100m final at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium.
Smith clocked 11.59 seconds, just shy of her season-best 11.45, after winning her heat earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, quarter-miler Aaliyah Abrams secured a spot in tomorrow’s 400m final, finishing third in Heat 2 in 53.01. She will run from lane eight in the medal race.
Guyana will also contest the Men’s 4x100m final, running out of lane two as the Games continue.
Meanwhile sprinter TURN TO PAGE 32
• Archibald finishes 5th in 100 metres final
Akeem
warming up at the ISG
10/10 Tapeball cricket at No. 48 Ground on Sunday
The
SIX Tapeball teams will vie for the first prize of $100,000 and the winner’s Trophy when they clash for top honours at the Number 48 ground in Corentyne, Berbice, on Sunday from 9 am.
The runner-up will take home $50,000 and a Trophy, while Trophies will be at stake for the best Batter and best bowler in the final.
Organised by the No. 48 Challenger Cricket Club, the grand T10 cricket competition is being held in memory of Parmeshwar Badrinarrain (Makar), which promises to be a well-stocked event with music by Fancy Face. This tournament is promoted by Champ R Ramdass. Fixtures
(Game 1) No. 69 Vikings vs No. 43 Scorpion
(Game 2) No. 48 Challenger vs CWC bomb squad
(Game 3) No. 64 fighting Marine vs Yakusari Caribs
Winners take home 100k and a trophy
Runner-up 50k n trophy
Man of the match in the final 10k and the trophy
Best batsman in the final 10k n trophy
Best bowler in the final 10k n trophy
(Sean Devers)
Essequibo Masters upstage Regal Masters to claim Trophy Stall sponsored Unity Softball Cup
THE Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) 2025 season climaxed at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on Sunday with Essequibo Masters upstaging their much-fancied opponents Regal Masters, whipping the Georgetown-based team by 21 runs to claim the Over-40 title and the Trophy Stall sponsored Unity Softball Cup by 21 runs.
Led by a robust 48 by the burly hard-hitting Deon Wallace and supporting knocks of 28 and 24 from Raul Reid and Ganesh Mangal respectively, the boys from the Cinderella County reached 147 all out in 18.2 overs which eventually proved adequate for their opponents who were left high and dry on 125 for nine when their 20 overs expired.
Wallace clouted three fours and four sixes in his fine knock while Reid’s 28 included one four and a six and Mangal smashed two sixes in his 24. Regal Masters best bowlers were Dhanraj Singh with four for 31, Lakeram Roopnarine three for 23 and Fazal Rafiek two for 27.
Despite bright starts from openers Patrick Rooplall who bashed one four and four sixes in a top score of 34 and Rafiek who supported with 22, Regal Masters middle and lower-order failed
to negotiate the Essequibo Masters’ bowlers. Randy Ketwaroo hit a quick-fire 25 towards the end but his valiant effort proved fruitless. Reid finished three for 19 while Elroy Spencer took two for 17.
Both the winning and losing teams were recipient of trophies while Most Valuable Player (MVP) Wallace took home a trophy and a 32-inch smart television, compliments of Regal Stationery & Computer Centre.
The Unity Softball Cup, which was originally planned for the of October, 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)
Number 48 Cricket Team has planned this event and is also a team in the tournament
The victorious Essequibo Masters players pose with their winnings
MVP Deon Wallace receives his awards from USA-based Guyanese Shabellia Hashim
