Celebrating light, love, and new beginnings this Diwali, Hindus on Monday evening lit diyas and created rangoli,
Indian art form that is a staple of Diwali celebrations, to mark the auspicious occasion countrywide (Delano Williams photos)
Diwali motorcade demonstrates harmony, culture and national pride
- President Ali praises cultural leadership during Diwali celebrations
THOUSANDS of Guyanese thronged Vlissengen Road and the East Coast Demerara corridor, their faces aglow with joy, as dazzlingly adorned floats passed by in a radiant celebration of Diwali, the revered Hindu Festival of Lights, casting a spell of colour and joy across the city.
Like he has done with other religious observances, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali immersed himself in the festivities, engaging warmly with citizens and sharing in the infectious joy that defined the occasion.
Before the grand procession, the head of state strolled along the Vlissengen walkway, exchanging greetings, mingling with families and children, and pausing for photos with delighted onlookers.
The president’s presence served as a living testament to his unwavering commitment to the ‘One Guyana’ vision—a promise of unity,
inclusiveness, and togetherness.
This year’s parade featured 40 floats, each representing the creativity and devotion of temples and cultural groups across the country.
The procession commenced at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbellville and followed its traditional route along Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road, before heading to the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Community Centre Ground, where the motorcade ended in a vibrant display of colours and light.
Later in the night, President Ali joined thousands at the ground who came to enjoy the cultural programme and award ceremony. He offered brief remarks, lauding the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and its President, Dr Vindhya Persaud, for the remarkable leadership in preserving and promoting Guyana’s rich cultural traditions.
“This is not just a spiritual moment; it is a celebra-
tion of a rich tradition and a beautiful culture,” President Ali stated. “The Indian High Commissioner was telling other ambassadors that this kind of event only happens in Guyana, and we should all be proud of that.”
He particularly commended the Sabha, the temples and the elders for their efforts in guiding young people and shaping the next generation.
“We cannot create the best adults if we do not first nurture the best children,”
he said.
Although the best floats were awarded prizes, President Ali reminded the audience that “no trophy could ever represent the greatness of these extraordinary young people; their patience and dedication make them all winners.”
As the head of state, he reiterated the government’s continued support for the Dharmic Sabha and its youth arm, stating that the values instilled through these cultural traditions strengthen the
foundation of the nation.
“Let us light our homes with love and our communities with joy and patience. Let us share with the world the remarkable story and principles of Diwali as we celebrate together as one nation,” the President said.
The celebrations were also attended by government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries, who joined citizens in observing the night of light, unity, and hope. (DPI)
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, awarding trophies at the end of the night’s Diwali celebration
Additional policing, deployed technology to manage East Coast traffic woes
THE Government of Guyana has announced plans to significantly enhance traffic control along the East Coast corridor as part of ongoing efforts to manage congestion amid major roadworks.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, speaking at a recent sod-turning ceremony, confirmed that additional traffic ranks and advanced technology will be deployed to ease peak-hour congestion and improve traffic management as works continue along sections of the Railway Embankment Road.
“I know there is some inconvenience during peak morning and afternoon traffic, but we will deploy more traffic ranks and technology to allow for better traffic management and flow during this phase of development. Until the ongoing roadworks are completed, this effort is intended to make commuting easier, safer, and less costly,” he said.
The Railway Embankment Road along the East Coast corridor, now 77 per cent complete, is undergoing a sweeping upgrade that includes the
construction of 76 new bridges, 42 culverts, and 28 kilometres of drains.
Once finished, the project is expected to significantly improve transportation and connectivity across the region.
“This area is on the rise, and you can see it as you drive along the main public road,” the President added. “The East Coast, in particular, is fast emerging as one of the country’s most dynamic corridors of growth.”
Beyond road infrastructure, President Ali highlighted the broader transformation taking place across the East Coast, with substantial investments in housing, water, sanitation, electricity, and community facilities.
A new regional hospital has already been established, and construction is underway for a large industrial complex that will create employment opportunities for residents throughout the region.
“Infrastructure and social services have been boosted on the East Coast — housing, water, sanitation, electricity, and improved community facilities are all undergoing
major upgrades across this area,” the President said, adding:
“We have established a new regional hospital, and we are building a massive industrial complex that will provide employment for persons from all across the East Coast.”
The President underscored that every investment, large or small, is contributing to the evolving “mosaic of development” shaping Guyana’s future.
“Investors are stepping forward, and communities are opening their doors to opportunity. This is the essence of building tomorrow’s East Coast today — it means creating opportunities where people live, so families can find work, businesses can thrive, and young people can see a future for themselves right here at home.”
In December 2022, the Government of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China signed a Framework Concessional Loan Agreement for US$192 million to finance Phase II of the East Coast Road Project.
Works are being executed by China Railway First Group Co. Limited (CRFGC).
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion along the East Coast corridor, improving travel times and road safety for thousands of commuters.
The project forms Phase II of the Annandale-to-Mahaica and Sheriff Street-to-Orange Nas-
sau initiative. It measures approximately 30.8 kilometres in length, with an additional 5.3 kilometres allocated for the upgrade and widening of the Belfield-to-Orange Nassau (Mahaica) public road.
The works include upgrading Sheriff Street to Enmore from two lanes to four, covering 18.24 kilometres. New construction will take place from Enmore to Mahaica, spanning 7.73 kilometres.
—President Ali says
The project also involves the construction and widening of 76 bridges and 42 culverts, along with the installation of 28.32 kilometres of concrete drains on both sides of the roadway. This initiative forms part of the aggressive infrastructural drive being undertaken by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration during its 2025–2030 term.
Contractors have been picking up the pace on roadworks along the East Coast Corridor to complete the massive expansion of the railway embankment (Yohan Savory photos)
The project also involves the construction and widening of 76 bridges and 42 culverts, along with the installation of 28.32 kilometres of concrete drains on both sides of the roadway.
Bids to be opened soon for construction, management of new Lethem Regional Airport
— President Ali says project will boost trade, tourism and hinterland development
BIDS will soon be opened for the construction, financing, ownership and management of a new regional airport in Lethem, a major government-backed investment aimed at strengthening trade, tourism and cross-border connectivity with Brazil.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali made the announcement during his address at the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce Maple Leaf Gala, where he outlined the administration’s broader plan to transform Guyana’s interior into a hub for agricultural and commercial expansion.
“In the coming weeks we’re going to have an expression of interest for the new regional airport in Lethem and that airport will be supported by 2,000 hectares of development, especially in agro products,” Dr. Ali said.
He explained that the project will be structured to attract both domestic and diaspora investment.
“We’re going to go out for an expression of interest for building, financing, ownership and management of that facility,” the President stated.
Dr. Ali stated that the
new Lethem facility will form part of a series of major infrastructure and industrial projects currently under review.
The President added that the Government intends to give Guyanese and the diaspora the first call on investment in such projects.
“We’re going to give each one of you and your companies the first call on investment. We’re not only going to give you that, we’re going to have a Government-backed guaranteed return on your investment,” President Ali explained.
The Airport, he said, will be a cornerstone of Guy -
ana’s strategy to diversify beyond oil and strengthen economic links across the hinterland and with neighbouring Brazil.
The project is expected to enhance access for the tourism and agro-processing sectors, aligning with the government’s efforts to advertise new tourism investment opportunities.
Dr Ali urged private sector leaders, including those in the diaspora, to take advantage of the growing pipeline of infrastructure and energy projects.
“These are real opportunities coming your way,” he said.
CH&PA conducts site visit to Plantation York ahead of New Housing Development
THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has taken a major step forward in planning a new housing scheme along the Soesdyke–Linden High -
way. On Friday, CH&PA CEO, Dr. Martin Pertab, led a site visit to Plantation York, accompanied by Senior Surveyor Shaquille Mayers and engineers from
the agency’s Projects Department.
The visit formed part of ongoing assessments aimed at advancing the development of the 500-acre Plan-
tation York Housing Project, which was first announced in 2023. The initiative will feature residential, commercial, and industrial zones, alongside essential infrastructure
such as roads, bridges, drainage systems, electricity, and water supply.
During the visit, Dr. Pertab highlighted that a Geotechnical Investigation is currently underway to evaluate the soil quality and other key environmental and topographical factors at the site. “We are wrapping up the GIS study, which will provide us with critical data on the soil composition and terrain. Once that is completed, we will be better informed on how to move forward with the infrastructure layout and development plans to cater to the unique needs of the area,” he explained.
The CH&PA noted that the findings of the investigation will play a key role in shaping the design of roads, drainage systems, and other infrastructural components, ensuring that the new community is resilient, well-planned, and environmentally sound.
This effort reflects CH&PA’s ongoing commitment to modernising the planning process and leveraging technology to enhance the quality and sustainability of housing developments across Guyana.
President Dr Irfaan Ali during his address at the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce Maple Leaf Gala
Aerial view of Plantation York
Guyanese urged to embrace compassion, unity ––
IN a heartfelt Diwali message to the nation, President Irfaan Ali, on Monday, called on Guyanese to reflect on the deeper meaning of the Festival of Lights, urging citizens to embrace compassion, unity, and moral purpose as guiding principles in their daily lives.
Extending special greetings to the Hindu community, the President described Diwali as ‘a treasured part of Guyana’s national life,’ symbolising the eternal triumph of light over darkness and goodness over evil.
He reminded citizens that the true spirit of Diwali lies not in grand displays, but in the inner light of sincerity, kindness, and understanding.
“Today, Diwali in Guyana is more than a religious observance. It has become a national celebration. Homes are illuminated with flickering diyas, motorcades are held to usher in the festival, and families gather to pray and share sweets. People of every background join in acts of goodwill and generosity,” the President said.
Tracing the festival’s ancient origins to India’s harvest traditions, President Ali noted that, over time, Diwali has evolved into a celebration rich in religious and moral significance. Referencing several key stories from Hindu tradition, such as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, he underscored the enduring message that evil cannot withstand the light of truth.
From humble homebased observances, the festival has grown into a vibrant national celebration, embraced by Guyanese of all backgrounds.
“Diwali is a time when the spirit of togetherness shines brightest, reminding us of what we can achieve when we live in harmony and mutual respect.”
Amid the joy and festivities, President Ali urged citizens not to lose sight of the festival’s deeper message.
“It is important to remember the deeper meaning of this festival: the light within that gives true purpose to the lights without. In this luminous festival, it is not the grandeur of the celebration or the ostentatious displays that truly matter,
but the spirit behind each light that is kindled,” he said, adding:
“Across all these traditions, the central message of Diwali reminds us that we must keep faith in the moral order of the universe, and that by lighting our own lamps of kindness and understanding, we help illuminate the world around us.”
In celebration of Diwali, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha hosted its annual, highly anticipated Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Diwali Motorcade, the largest and final motorcade of the Diwali season.
The epic motorcade commenced at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbelville, Georgetown, travelling along Sandy Babb Street and onto Vlissengen Road towards the Kitty Seawall to the LBI Community Centre Ground, on the East Coast of Demerara on Sunday evening.
A staple of annual Diwali celebrations, the motorcade attracted thousands of Guyanese and visitors from diverse backgrounds, who lined the route from beginning to end. It was anticipated that nearly 40 floats participat-
amid national Diwali celebrations
ed from across Guyana’s three counties: Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice.
President Ali joined thousands of Guyanese on Sunday for the annual Diwali motorcade (Office of the President photo)
Guyana’s Social Fabric
ONLINE betting and gambling have swiftly become one of the most dangerous and fast-spreading addictions of the digital era, a global phenomenon that has outpaced almost every other trend in both reach and destruction.
Behind the flashing lights and promises of quick riches lie stories of broken families, financial ruin, and mental collapse.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and The Lancet Commission have already sounded the alarm on the growing threat of online gambling addiction, warning of its dire consequences—not just for individual well-being, but also for society at large.
From depression, anxiety, and suicide to domestic violence, job loss, and family breakdowns, the costs of this silent epidemic are staggering.
Here in Guyana, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo has emerged as one of the few leaders in the Caribbean to confront this issue head-on.
During two consecutive press conferences, he addressed the devastating social and economic toll of online gambling and signalled the government’s intention to introduce regulatory controls, including access restrictions and taxation on operators.
His position is clear: no responsible government can ignore a crisis that is quietly tearing families apart.
We strongly commend and fully sup-
port the Vice-President’s decisive stance. Jagdeo’s advocacy is not about policing individual freedoms; it is about protecting the vulnerable—especially young people and working-class citizens—from a digital addiction that masquerades as entertainment,` but functions as a social disease.
Globally, the statistics are alarming. A Lancet study estimates that families could lose over US$700 billion annually by 2028 to online gambling.
Already, more than 450 million people worldwide are affected, with over 80 million suffering serious consequences such as job loss, financial devastation, and family disintegration.
Although Guyana has not yet conducted a comprehensive national study on the impact of online betting, the signs are visible.
From farmers and teachers to housewives and public servants, more and more citizens are being drawn into the grip of betting apps. What was once confined to glitzy casinos is now carried in our pockets, on smartphones, tablets, and computers. As a result, gambling has become accessible anywhere, anytime, by anyone.
This new digital frontier has blurred the line between leisure and addiction. It is not uncommon to hear of sugar workers betting during field breaks, teachers gambling between classes, or housewives spending
hours online instead of engaging in family life.
Even professionals and politicians have not been immune. The accessibility and anonymity of online gambling have amplified its risks exponentially.
Like the tobacco and alcohol industries before it, the online gambling sector has deployed lavish advertising and lobbying campaigns to glamorise the habit and resist regulation.
The results are predictable: mounting debt, social decline, and rising mental health crises, all while corporate operators rake in massive profits at the expense of society’s most vulnerable.
Guyana currently has no regulatory framework governing online betting and gambling, which leaves citizens exposed to predatory marketing and addiction traps.
Around the world, only a few nations—mostly developed economies— have successfully imposed strong controls. In most regions, the trend is toward liberalisation rather than protection, a dangerous shift that prioritises corporate gain over public welfare.
Vice-President Jagdeo’s proposed reforms seek to balance personal freedom with social responsibility. His approach mirrors the government’s broader philosophy— allowing innovation and technology to flourish, while ensuring that public welfare
is safeguarded. In this regard, Jagdeo’s call for regulation is both timely and necessary.
Guyana already has existing laws governing casino licensing in hotels and entertainment venues.
When these were enacted, Parliament’s Special Select Committee ensured that the process was transparent and participatory, with inputs from both lawmakers and the public. The same approach should now guide the national conversation on regulating the online gambling industry.
This is not just a policy issue—it is a moral and social imperative. The government’s move to address online betting should be seen as part of a broader commitment to strengthening family structures, promoting mental health, and safeguarding economic stability.
Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo’s leadership on this matter exemplifies the kind of courage and foresight that Guyana needs at this juncture.
By confronting a problem that many would rather ignore, he has shown what responsible and people-centred governance truly looks like.
Guyana must rally behind this initiative. The time to act is now—before more lives are destroyed, more families are broken, and more dreams are lost to the seductive yet devastating world of online gambling.
The new public health crisis: Online betting and the lives It destroys
Dear Editor,
THIS is a call to action. Online betting and gambling is a global phenomenon that has outpaced other global trends in both growth and reach, leaving in its rapidly expanding path unending stories of destroyed lives and social and economic disasters. While reducing the digital gap is
a positive aspect of digitalisation and technological advancement, corporate interests have simultaneously seized the opportunity to introduce new technology-driven behaviours that, like tobacco, alcohol, and overtly sweetened and salty ultra-processed foods, negatively impact and destroy lives. Technology is, indeed, a two-sided Trojan horse, bringing both advantages and disadvantages.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and The Lancet Commission have warned about the addictive nature of online betting and gambling, with risks extending beyond individual well-being to affect physical and mental health, relationships, work, education, finances, and even leading to suicide and domestic abuse—with enormous societal costs.
Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo has
spent considerable time, particularly during two successive Thursdays’ press conferences and on other occasions, highlighting the problem of online betting and gambling.
From his and the government’s perspective, online betting and gambling have negative social consequences that
The new public health crisis: Online ...
are already impacting the lives of thousands of families.
From the Vice-President’s standpoint, no responsible government can ignore the growing social and economic problem associated with online betting and gambling. He has therefore signalled the government’s intention to introduce policy directives to regulate this industry. While details are still forthcoming, the plans reportedly include access restrictions and taxes on operators.
We strongly commend and unreservedly support Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo in his robust highlighting of this growing social and economic problem that has begun to plague Guyana. This is not a purely Guyanese issue—it is a global scourge.
A study published in The Lancet, the prestigious British medical and public health journal, estimated that families worldwide could lose more than US$700 billion annually by 2028 through online betting and gambling. Already, more than 450 million people globally are negatively affected, and over 80 million have been seriously impacted through addiction and the loss of jobs, families, and homes. Online gambling has become a major public health problem, creating serious social and economic challenges in both developing and developed nations.
While there has been no comprehensive study in Guyana on the impact of online betting and gambling, most of us are aware of families that have been affected. There is strong public support for the government’s intention to regulate this industry locally. We also urge CARICOM to place the scourge of online betting and gambling on its regional agenda for collective action.
Although the WHO has identified the problem, global authorities have, as
usual, been slow to recognise the tsunami of social and economic ills already being wreaked upon unsuspecting people around the world.
Digitalisation is imperative and indispensable for the optimisation of social and economic development. However, digitalisation and technology come with more than just benefits; there are significant downsides. Smartphones, smart TVs, gadgets, and computers have become almost indispensable to a decent standard of living, yet they also open doors to vices that destroy lives. Betting and gambling, as the WHO has warned, join tobacco, alcohol, and other “unhealthy commodity industries” in undermining public health.
Today’s world has effectively become a pocket casino world. Gone are the days when casinos were confined to glitzy buildings; now, casinos reside in our palms and pockets. Through smartphones and apps, people can gamble from anywhere—homes, offices, or even the fields. Casinos no longer wait for people to come to them; they now come to the people.
Sugar workers and rice farmers take breaks from field work to gamble on their phones. Doctors and teachers gamble between clinics or classes. Housewives forego soap operas to gamble, while others sacrifice sleep to play online. Even politicians, between parliamentary battles, take to betting apps.
This brave new world is not all “glitz and glamour.” Some of its appeal is destroying lives, fuelling mental health challenges, and adding new social and economic hurdles that governments must urgently address. Gambling is not a new addiction plaguing humanity, but online betting and gambling have elevated it to a new level of enormity and urgency. Beyond financial ruin
and spiralling debts, online gambling is linked to suicide, mood disorders, alcoholism, broken families, and domestic abuse. The problem spares no one—it affects people from both developing and developed countries, though the poor are disproportionately impacted.
Compounding the issue is the onslaught of expensive, glitzy advertising campaigns. Operators, such as those in the tobacco and alcohol industries, have been aggressive in marketing and lobbying gov-
ernments and regulators to resist restrictions.
Guyana currently has no regulations governing online betting and gambling. Most countries around the world maintain liberal or weakly enforced laws on the industry, with only a few—mainly developed nations—enforcing strict rules. Alarmingly, global trends show a move toward regulatory liberalisation rather than control.
Vice-President Jagdeo’s advocacy for restrictions and regulatory controls, including taxation, does not
aim to ban online gaming in Guyana. His approach appears to balance personal freedom with public protection, encouraging national dialogue on the path Guyana should take in addressing this global crisis.
Guyana already has laws governing casino licensing in hotels and entertainment venues. When these laws were enacted, Parliament’s Special Select Committee facilitated open debate among Members of Parliament and invited public submissions. That same open, participatory
approach should guide this new national conversation.
Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, as a bold, fearless, and responsible leader, has taken on a pressing social and economic issue—online betting and gambling—that is already having a profound impact on Guyanese society. This is what responsible leadership looks like. He has seized the bull by the horns, and Guyanese must rally behind him.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
The long narcissistic, Faustian journey of GHK Lall
I SAW an interview that GHK Lall gave to Travis Chase. Let me remind you of a line I wrote in a column on Lall for Wednesday, October 15, 2025: It went like this: “Please believe me when I say that when I read that GHK Lall is suing Mikhail Rodrigues, the person that goes under the name “Guyanese Critics” I was in uncontrollable rage.”
I was overcome with anger about Lall once more when I saw his interview with Travis Chase. My first bout of uncontrollable rage about Lall occurred about 10 years ago. It happened when I read the words he used to describe people who reply to him. He exclaimed in shock at the gutter nature of Guyanese society that he sees. And why was it gutter-like? Because people were replying to Lall, a man with high moral principles
who pity those who could resort to what Lall deems inferior language.
There and then I knew Lall felt he was a different man, who was superior. There is only one word to describe it, “narcissist.”
From those ten years ago, until this day, the characteristics of hauteur, pomposity and hubris, superiority could be found in Lall’s writing including the interview with Travis Chase last week and in every column he wrote since the Chase interview.
I would shut out any defence you may have of Lall by quoting him. You see for yourself that Lall does not meet his critics head-on. Lall is annoyed that people should criticise him. This narcissist streak is in full display in the Chase interview. Let’s examine the Chase chat with him. But before we do
so, was the Chase forum the best place? Why Chase? Because he knows Chase will not bring out the mountains of sanctimonious hypocrisy that Lall is guilty of.
He starts the interview with his superiority on full display. He said he is hurt about what people are saying about him. Here are his words: “It is painful for the honest work you put out as a servant of the people to be thrown into your face, to be distorted in this scurrilous manner.” This is the exact Lall of ten years ago. He likes to dismiss criticism of him as “scurrilous.
Anyone coming from another planet and looking at Lall would not know that this man composes the most scurrilous, venomous, ugly, malignant, dangerous, and deadly things about people, including this columnist. He wrote that he knows the three businessmen who built my house, much to the expansive anger of my wife. It was personally insulting to this woman, who spent all her life savings and her mother’s assistance to put a roof over our heads.
The next day after the Chase interview, Lall was his nasty self in his Kaieteur News column, in which his critics were dismissed using the most disgusting descriptions, in which they were likened to dogs. I quote him: “Truth and principle have been the first sacrificial lambs. Before that, character and self-respect went the way of the dogs. I pity the dogs.”
This is Lall, but let’s bring out more episodes of narcissism. A few years ago, Lall wrote that he got up from bed a few times at random way after midnight and saw a car circling his house, which he blamed on a state
conspiracy. People laughed at him because it is only when he wakes up late at night that he sees the car.
Now let’s quote him from his daily Stabroek News letter yesterday (Monday): “They know where to find me, due to their continuous surveillance of my surroundings.” No one hates the government more than the editor-in-chief of the Stabroek News, Anand Persaud. He has more resources to use against the government, but Persaud has never complained that he is under state surveillance.
Lincoln Lewis hates the PPP/C Government and has more resources at his disposal to use against the government but Lewis has never informed the nation that his workplace and home are under surveillance. Henry Jeffrey writes as poisonously as Lall against the government but Jeffrey has never accused the state of spying on him.
I could go on to name names of people who are social media influencers living right here in Guyana and their views are carried farther in Guyana than Lall’s but we never heard them accuse the state of watching their every move.
Someone like Kian Jabour comes to mind. So why is a young, energetic young anti-PPP activist like Jabour overlooked by the police spy agency and the police pick on a 77-year-old fellow like GKH Lall? Could it be narcissism or a runaway imagination? Maybe it is both.
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.
Prison Service debunks false report of New Amsterdam Prison break
— Director condemns malicious social media post
THE Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has strongly denied claims circulating on social media that a prison break occurred at the New Amsterdam Prison, describing the report as “malicious and inaccurate.”
In an official statement, the GPS said the post, published by a Facebook page known as Credible Sources, is entirely false and intended to mislead the public.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, condemned the post in the strongest terms, calling it “extremely disconcerting, unethical, and unprofessional.”
He added that such unverified information undermines public trust and is viewed as a “deliberate attempt to tarnish the operations of the Prison Service.”
The Prison Service has since demanded that the post be removed immediately, and is reminding social media users and content creators to verify information before publishing or sharing it online.
Elliot reaffirmed that no incident of a prison escape occurred at the New Amsterdam
facility, and that all operations remain secure and in order.
The GPS continues to monitor its facilities closely while urging members of the public to rely on official statements from the Prison Service or the Ministry of Home Affairs for accurate information.
‘Youths must step up to the plate’ –– Fernandes says, as Guyana accelerates food security drive
By Trina Williams
AS Guyana accelerates its efforts towards food production sufficiency and becoming the breadbasket of the Caribbean, youths are being called to “step up to the plate” to drive agricultural transformation.
Bounty Farm Ltd. Managing Director, David Fernandes, elaborated on this during a recent episode of the Starting Point podcast, where he focused on the government’s strong vision and growing private sector collaboration, all while Guyana continues to emerge as a key player in the Caribbean’s food security drive.
Speaking on Guyana’s food security goals, the business leader highlighted that key strides have already been made under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s 25 by 2025 initiative.
While noting that it is a “fantastic vision,” which is “doable,” he opined, “I think the 2030 goals will probably be easy for us to achieve, as well as a nation.”
However, he did make note of the current global challenges-shifting geopolitical dynamics, new tariffs and logistics bottlenecks, which Fernandes explained are lengthening supply timelines and complicating investment decisions.
“If you want to get something, it takes twice as long… We have a dream of developing our industry from A to B by 2027.
“If you don’t start talking about it today; only if you talk about it in early 2026, it might get here by the end of 2027. So these are the challenges that face the world, because we are now struggling to try to solve that issue, where different inputs come from
and how the tariff regimes around the world affect those costs…,” Fernandes explained.
In light of the supply chain uncertainties and fluctuating global costs, Fernandes underscored the importance of government-private sector collaboration.
He then emphasised his point about greater involvement for youth in agriculture, calling for a shift in how the sector is viewed.
“I think that the next generation of entrepreneurs need to step up to the plate as well and to try to dream big and to put their muscles to the wheel as such, and actually not just talk about it… I really think that, for us to really achieve self-reliance and self-sufficiency in agriculture, we need to have a large percentage of the population doing this task of feeding the nation,” he warned.
GUYANA’S FOOD SECURITY DRIVE
Guyana’s approach to food security is multi-faceted as the nation is scaling up the production of priority commodities and promoting diversification into new crops, livestock, and aquaculture.
Guyana is also targeting new markets across the Caribbean, and internationally to strengthen food trade and supply chains;
It is also investing in agricultural infrastructure, such as the construction of farm-to-market roads, modern storage facilities, upgraded ports, and improved transport links.
The nation is also modernising agriculture with technology, including through digital extension services, precision farming, and climate-smart practices.
Against this backdrop, Guyana is also transforming the livestock industry and expanding aquaculture and sustainable fisheries;
By doing so, it is also driving value addition and trade logistics, thereby retaining more value within the national economy; and promoting inclusion and empowerment by ensuring that women and young people are central to agricultural transformation.
A SHARED MISSION
In February, with sights set on strengthening the Caribbean’s food supply chain, ensuring resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness, President Dr. Irfaan Ali unveiled a comprehensive plan to boost the region’s agriculture sector.
Dr. Ali, who is the lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, presented a holistic framework, which aims to overhaul the food systems across the Caribbean, the Caribbean’s bold vision to strengthen its food supply with the aim of not only safeguarding food security but also modernising agricultural infrastructure, integrating technological solutions, and increasing participation from youths and women.
This new approach, Dr. Ali explained, is aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by climate change, supply chain disruptions, and the shifting global market landscape.
As part of the strategy, the Caribbean will expand its focus to include not only food security but also technological innovation, increased private sector investment, and greater regional collaboration to tackle common challenges.
Managing Director of Bounty Farm Ltd., David Fernandes, during his interview on the ‘Starting Point’ podcast with hosts Fareeza Haniff and Kiana Wilburg
President Ali turning dream of tomorrow’s Guyana into today’s reality
–– says Dr. Ramsammy as he hails government’s transformative vision for AI-driven healthcare, modern infrastructure, and national empowerment
PROMINENT
Guyanese politician and public health advocate, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has lauded President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s bold and futuristic leadership, declaring that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is transforming the “dream of tomorrow’s Guyana into today’s reality.”
In a detailed statement titled “Transforming the
Dream of Tomorrow’s Guyana into Today’s Reality”, Dr. Ramsammy outlined how President Ali’s vision— anchored in digital transformation, infrastructural development, and human empowerment—is setting Guyana on a path to becoming a modern, globally competitive nation.
Dr. Ramsammy began by painting a vivid picture of the hospital of the future, one where artificial intel -
ligence (AI) and robotics streamline every step of medical care, from triage to surgery.
He noted that such technology already exists in parts of North America, China, Europe, and India, with China operating a fully AI-powered hospital capable of treating more than 1,500 in-patients and 10,000 out-patients daily.
“The emergence of the AI hospital signals a paradigm shift in medical practice, moving beyond simple automation to a future where human expertise is powerfully augmented by intelligent systems,” Ramsammy wrote.
He emphasised that President Ali has made it clear that Guyana will embark on this journey as early as 2026, partnering with world-renowned institutions like Mount Sinai and Northwell Health from New York.
“From the president’s perspective, Guyana will play a leading role in bringing the futuristic hospital within the grasp of the developing world. This is what bold leadership looks like,” Dr. Ramsammy stated.
WHY GUYANESE CHOSE CONTINUITY
Reflecting on the outcome of the 2025 General Elections, Dr. Ramsammy noted that nearly 56 percent of Guyanese voters reaffirmed their confidence in President Ali’s leadership.
He said the PPP/C’s campaign, led by President Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, stood apart because it focused not on grievances but on building a prosperous, equitable, and technologically advanced Guyana.
“Our ambition is for a society that is free, prosperous, socially just, globally competitive, and serves every Guyanese equitably,” Ramsammy wrote, summarising the PPP’s developmental ethos.
PLANKS OF TRANSFORMATION
Dr. Ramsammy highlighted the government’s three-pronged blueprint for national transformation:
1. Modern National Infrastructure – including new highways, bridges, hospitals, schools, and digital infrastructure that support AI and automation.
He cited the new Bharat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, six new regional hospitals, and the growing network of highways as visible symbols of progress.
Plans are also advancing for a new national railway system and additional river bridges linking communities across the country, including the Corentyne, Berbice, and Kurupukari bridges.
2. Community Transformation – ensuring every village and town are upgraded with concrete roads, paved drains, LED lighting, green recreational spaces, community schools, and health centres.
“No community must traverse along mud dams and streets,” Ramsammy declared, emphasising the government’s commitment to replacing poverty-stricken relics with modern infrastructure.
3. Empowerment of Individuals and Families –focused on jobs, education, healthcare, and quality of life.
Ramsammy listed a suite of upcoming national health projects: a Maternal and Paediatric Hospital, oncology and neurology centres, a lung health and sleep disorder centre, a robotic hospital, and rehabilitation and disability facilities, among others.
“These initiatives will not merely transform the health sector into a worldclass system but improve the lives of individuals and families—from infants to the elderly,” he said.
FROM ‘BASKET
CASE’ TO REGIONAL LEADER
Dr. Ramsammy reflect-
ed on how far Guyana has come, recalling that not long ago the country was considered the “basket case” of the Caribbean.
“Today, Guyana is poised to become one of the most developed countries in the region,” he wrote, noting President Ali’s impatience to accelerate national progress.
He said Vice President Jagdeo, who once envisioned this transformation without oil revenues, now sees the oil and gas sector as the key to realising Guyana’s destiny within a much shorter timeline.
ANSWERING THE CRITICS
Responding to opposition critics who continue to ask “where is the plan?” or “where is the blueprint?”, Dr. Ramsammy said the PPP/C’s vision is already articulated through its manifesto and a series of national policy documents such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the biodiversity plan, and digital transformation plans.
“The naysayers, not being able to deny the obvious development taking place all around us, fall back to their over-used political posture,” he said.
He likened their questioning to the famous American advertisement that once asked, “Where is the beef?”, suggesting that the answers are already in plain sight.
Quoting President Ali, Dr. Ramsammy concluded, “We are no longer a nation waiting on opportunity—we are creating it, shaping it, and owning it.”
He reiterated that the government’s policies are not aspirational promises but concrete steps to make Tomorrow’s Guyana a living reality today.
“While the naysayers keep asking ‘where is the blueprint?’, President Ali and his government are busy transforming Guyana—turning the dream of tomorrow’s Guyana into reality today.”
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Gov’t accelerates health sector transformation
— Dr. Carpen outlines four key pillars of modernisation — major infrastructure, training, and technology investments driving Guyana’s
SENIOR Presidential Adviser on Science and Healthcare Modernisation, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, has credited the government’s bold investment in health with transforming the sector at an unprecedented pace, noting that Guyana’s current trajectory reflects a modern, equitable, and patient-centred system that is rapidly catching up with international standards.
Speaking on the country’s ongoing health reforms, Dr. Carpen pointed out that the Ministry of Health received more than $145 billion in this year’s national budget, while a separate GY$35 billion allocation was specifically directed toward healthcare modernisation. He described this as a “big jump” compared to the resources available in 2019, underscoring the administration’s philosophy that “the health of a nation is its true wealth.”
FOUR AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT
According to Dr. Carp-
en, the government’s health development strategy is anchored on four key pillars: Infrastructure development, Human resource capacity building, Technology incorporation, and Research and data-driven management.
He explained that significant strides have already been made in the first area, with the construction and operationalisation of several new hospitals across the country. These facilities, he said, are strategically located to reduce travel time for patients, particularly those in remote or underserved areas, allowing them to access life-saving treatment much faster than before.
“The development of healthcare in Guyana is very rapid when compared to the normal pace of doing things,” Dr. Carpen stated, noting that President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s leadership has created “a motus of leapfrogging the society in every aspect of development.”
Dr. Carpen emphasised that while many nations develop incrementally over
decades, Guyana is taking a faster, more dynamic approach in order to close historical gaps in healthcare delivery.
“Guyana is starting from decades behind the rest of the world, so in order to catch up we have to move very fast,” he said. “Mistakes will happen along the way, but they give us the opportunity to assess, correct, and improve.”
He praised the support from government decision-makers, which he said has been instrumental in driving the ongoing reforms and ensuring the implementation of policies that benefit the population at large.
EQUAL ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY CARE
Responding to questions about whether the private sector is keeping pace with the rapid improvements in public healthcare, Dr. Carpen noted that the gap between the two is now narrowing.
“In the past, the private sector was always ahead,” he said. “But in the last two
to three years, we’ve seen an equalisation of services and infrastructure between public and private care.”
He highlighted the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) as a prime example of this progress. “When a patient suffers a heart attack, they can be taken from the emergency room to the cath lab for an angiogram, stent placement, or bypass surgery — and it’s all done free of charge to the patient,” he explained.
“This level of care is available in the private sector
healthcare revolution
as well, but at a cost. What we are doing in the public system is providing the same quality of treatment, but at no financial burden to the patient. Very few countries in the Caribbean can make that claim.”
Dr. Carpen also outlined ongoing efforts to train more nurses, technicians, and medical personnel, including partnerships with established local and international institutions for advanced professional development.
He said success in the health sector is measured
not only by infrastructure, but by patient satisfaction and outcomes, both of which have improved as the system becomes more efficient and technology-driven. With continued investments in modern equipment, digital record systems, and clinical training, Guyana’s healthcare system is being steadily redefined — transforming from one that was once under-resourced to one that now prioritises accessibility, innovation, and excellence in public service.
Guyanese keep Diwali glowing with faith, family and unity
By Shaniya Harding
FROM Campbellville to Cummings Lodge, homes across Guyana shimmered with the warm glow of thousands of deeyas on Diwali night, as families came together to celebrate light, love, and new beginnings.
The air was rich with the scent of sweet rice, incense, and marigolds, but even more powerful was the feeling of togetherness that illuminated the evening.
This year’s observance of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, once again transformed communities into radiant displays of devotion and unity.
Across the capital and beyond, families reflected, reconnected, and rejoiced, proving that the true glow of Diwali lies as much in the hearts of people as in the lamps they light.
A FESTIVAL THAT UNITES ALL
For Indian national Dilip Aradhya, this Diwali in Guyana was unlike any he had ever experienced. Celebrating
his first Diwali here, he told the Guyana Chronicle that the atmosphere was extraordinary.
“Being from India, I thought we celebrated better,” he said with a smile. “But coming here, I understood that Guyanese celebrate Diwali better. Everyone is involved; the whole country comes out together.”
He explained that while decorations and fireworks add to the festive beauty, it is the spirit of national unity that truly captures the meaning of the festival.
“What I liked most is that Diwali here is celebrated as a whole; not just by a home, but by the entire country,” he said.
“In India, it’s about how many crackers you burst, and sharing sweets with neighbours, but here, the whole of Guyana comes out for the motorcade. I thought it was just Diwali, but for Guyana, it’s something else entirely.”
That sense of shared celebration is exactly what Mitra Tiwari treasures most. Having celebrated Diwali in Prashad Nagar since 1987, she says the festival has become a
family legacy.
“As the years go by, it’s escalated,” she shared. “All the children, nephews, nieces, everybody comes over; the whole family.”
For the Tiwaris, preparations start a week in advance.
“We clean every nook and cranny,” she explained with a laugh. “You get up early to make sweet rice, and then there’s all-day cooking: Seven curries, rice, pholourie, potato balls, and sweets that start from the night before.”
Her home, like many others, was alive with laughter and the sparkle of diyas; a symbol of light triumphing over darkness, and family over distance.
LIGHT IN TIMES OF LOSS
But for others, Diwali also carries a more reflective tone. In Campbellville, Ajay Singh and his family marked the festival with quiet remembrance.
“Since my brother passed, we didn’t celebrate last year,” Ajay shared softly. “We did not do rangoli or light-up. But the year’s gone, so we can celebrate now. We’re still not
really in the mood. We didn’t light up much; just around here. Normally, we light up the whole house.”
Even so, he found comfort in the collective brightness of the community. “Everyone comes together. My favourite Diwali memory was when I was young; my cousin and I used to make bombs. One time it blew up right in front of us,” he said with a chuckle. “It was all fun.”
THE LIGHT WITHIN
For many worshippers, Diwali is as much a spiritual journey as it is a cultural celebration. At a temple in Cummings Lodge, Hari Kirtan explained that the essence of Diwali lies in self-reflection.
“I was at the temple earlier. We had a sweet sale — not just selling sweets, but sacred food to the public. At the temple, we offer a sacred fire to the Lord, symbolizing that we offer our soul to Him,” Kirtan said.
For him, the deeper meaning of Diwali lies in introspection. “Lighting deeyas is wonderful, but what’s more important is lighting that light
within our hearts. We must reflect on where we are with our spiritual practice — not just spiritually, but in our daily lives. My message for Diwali would be: While lighting our fireworks and deeyas, keep in mind the true meaning of Diwali.”
PASSING THE TORCH
Among younger Guyanese, the spirit of Diwali continues to burn bright. Sheena Ramkarran, who grew up in Campbell Avenue, says the festival remains one of her family’s most cherished traditions.
Indian national Dilip Aradhya shares that Guyanese celebrate Diwali with a unity and joy unlike anywhere else (Delano Williams photos)
This celebration is all about light and bringing happiness to one another.”
As the final deeyas flickered into the night, one message shone through every street and every home — that Diwali, in Guyana, is not just a festival for Hindus, but a celebration of unity, reflection, and shared humanity.
“I’ve lived here my whole life; 23 years,” she said. “Over the years, Diwali was more vibrant. Now it’s calmer, but people still celebrate. Growing up, my cousins and I would come out here in the park; it used to be full of kids. Everyone participated. We made a lot of noise. It was great.” She hopes that future generations will hold onto the festival’s unifying message. “I just hope everybody has a joyful Diwali,” she said. “Come together and have a joyous time.
Gov’t continues to expand public assistance systems
THE government continues to modernise and expand its public assistance system, making it easier and faster for vunerable citizens to access vital support.
Thousands of citizens can now benefit from public assistance with greater ease due to the various investments and developments made to existing systems.
Through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS), over the past five years several major reforms have been rolled out to improve delivery, increase benefits, and ensure no eligible citizen is left behind.
The ministry launched a new Online application portal for old age pension and public assistance in 2024, thus eliminating long lines and delays.
The platform has allowed citizens to apply from home, upload documents, and track their applications, making access more convenient, especially for elderly citizens and those residing in remote communities.
As the ministry continues to modernise its systems, citizens are encouraged to utilise the Online portal or visit regional offices to access available services.
Additionally, the government has consistently
increased the old age pension over the past five years and introduced several relief measures to help citizens cope with the cost of living.
Pensioners and public assistance recipients have praised these interventions, noting that the timely support provides greater independence and financial stability.
The PPP/C administration has invested over $200 million during his first term to enhance services and opportunities for persons living with disabilities.
To further strengthen inclusivity, the ministry is streamlining the public assistance process for this group by reducing bottlenecks, simplifying assessments, and creating a dedicated unit to manage disability-related support.
These reforms allow eligible persons, particularly those with permanent disabilities, to receive more consistent and dignified assistance.
These ongoing improvements demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the social protection network, and ensuring support is delivered efficiently, transparently and with compassion. (DPI)
Taxi driver pleads guilty to murder of Guyana Goldfields manager
TWENTY-SIX-YEAR-
OLD Anthony Ragnauth, called “Cookie,” appeared before Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara last week, where he pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder.
Ragnauth, a taxi driver, was represented by attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, while the prosecution was handled by State Counsel Christopher Belfield, assisted by State Counsel Simran Gajraj and State Counsel
Geneva Wills. The convict is expected to return to court on November 19 for sentencing. The plea comes after Ragnauth was charged with the murder of Neil Whyte, a 42-year-old Canadian national, following a violent incident at Guyana Goldfields Inc., Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, on May 21, 2018.
At the time of his demise, Whyte was a Supply Chain Manager at Guyana Goldfields. Agreed facts pre-
sented in the High Court outlined that Ragnauth, of Lot 72 Middle Road, East La Penitence, Georgetown, had met Whyte of Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, approximately five months prior to the incident while working as a taxi driver.
The two reportedly communicated via text messages and socialised on occasion, including visits to local bars.
On the night of May 21, 2018, Whyte invited Ragnauth to spend time with him
at his apartment at Thomas Street, during which they consumed alcohol.
Security footage recorded Ragnauth arriving with Whyte at the apartment around 22:00 hours, and later leaving at 23:45 hours carrying a black haversack.
Upon inspection, a security officer discovered Whyte’s naked and motionless body lying in a pool of blood on the bed, and contacted the police. Ragnauth was later approached by police on May 23, 2018, while driving
Survivor’s Journey: Roneta Williams on life, cancer, and the power of support
By Faith Greene
CANCER is not a life sentence, it is life changing. It demands resilience, early detection, and a strong support system. Roneta Williams, a former caregiver, mother of two, grandmother of one, and breast cancer survivor, embodies this reality.
Diagnosed in 2002, Williams recalls the moment that changed her life. It was a playful moment with her daughter that led her to feel a small lump in her breast.
At the time, she was not alarmed—there was no pain, no discharge, and no other signs of cancer. “I wasn't 40, so I wasn't due for a mammogram, and I still had the idea that cancer was something that happened to someone else—someone older, not someone my age,” she said.
Despite her initial doubts, Williams decided to have the lump checked at the former Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
An ultrasound initially showed nothing alarming, but a referral to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Surgical Department revealed a different story. A mammogram and follow-up tests initially suggested the lump was benign, but a biopsy confirmed it was aggressive sarcoma—a severe form of cancer.
“The hardest part wasn’t hearing I had cancer—it was being told I needed a mastectomy,” Williams shared. “To hear that I would have to remove that part of me, it felt like losing a part of being a woman. I wasn’t ready at that time, and I decided to postpone treatment until my daughter’s birthday in July.”
Like many, Williams initially turned to natural herbs, carefully managing dosages, hoping for a solution. But a second mammogram revealed
Roneta Williams, Cancer survivor
the cancer was growing, prompting her to start formal treatment. This journey necessitated massive lifestyle changes, including leaving her job to focus on her health.
“Some days I feel depressed and tired; it’s hard to get out of bed. Other days, I feel energised and ready to face life,” Williams said. Her granddaughter, she revealed, is a constant source of motivation, pushing her to rise and carry on.
Family support played a crucial role in her recovery. Her daughter provided mental and emotional support, while financial help from loved ones eased burdens along the way. Williams also found inspiration from the Guyana Cancer Foundation’s women’s group, describing the experience as both motivational and uplifting.
Offering advice to others facing similar challenges, Williams said, “Cancer is not death, just another phase of life. While it isn’t easy, you must have the willpower to pull through. Your support system is very important— stay away from negativity, surround yourself with pos-
itivity, and hold on to God.”
“If it's somebody that is going through it at the point in time, I would say your support system is very, very important. Stay away from negativity, stay away from negative people. Don't give up. And know that if God gives you that, if God allowed that to happen to you, basically, it means that he knows that you're able and capable
of getting there. Hold on to God is my first advice to anybody. And after that, just surround yourself with positivity. Make the changes you have to change. Stay strong.” Williams advised. Williams’ story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the transformative power of love and support in the face of life-altering challenges.
a black motor car and initially denied any involvement.
However, after being shown footage linking his vehicle to the scene, he admitted his actions, telling detectives, “Officer, I will tell you everything, and I did not mean to kill him.”
In his caution statement, Ragnauth recounted that Whyte had expressed affection toward him and that the now deceased had agreed to be restrained with plastic ties to enhance their sexual encounter. According to Ragnauth, he then left briefly to retrieve a knife from the kitchen, after which he repeatedly stabbed Whyte.
Following the attack, Ragnauth stole CAN $260, GY $25,000, and two mobile phones from Whyte. He dis-
posed of the victim’s credit cards, wallet, and phones at the seawall but retained the cash, knife, and haversack.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Whyte suffered 17 stab wounds to various parts of his body, including the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
The injuries severed major blood vessels, including the jugular vein, and penetrated the trachea and larynx. The cause of death was identified as hemorrhage and shock due to multiple stab wounds.
Following the establishment of a prima facie case, Ragnauth was committed to stand trial. With his recent guilty plea, the focus now turns to the upcoming sentencing.
Anthony Ragnauth Neil Whyte
Traffic Department intensifies enforcement, education drives across regions
- over 2,300 traffic offences recorded; lectures held in bars, schools, and communities countrywide
THE Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Traffic Department continues to intensify its enforcement and education campaigns aimed at reducing road accidents and promoting safer road use, with more than 2,390 traffic offences recorded between October 12 and 18, 2025, across the country.
According to the Department’s weekly report, the most prevalent offence during the period was driving with tinted motor vehicles, which accounted for 250 cases, followed closely by speeding, with 125 drivers caught exceeding the legal limit.
Other major offences included failure to wear safety helmets (146 cases), driving under the influence of alcohol (37), and carrying pillion riders without helmets (37). Additionally, officers recorded 108 cases of breach of condition of prescribed fitness, 78 seatbelt violations, 30 unlighted
vehicles (front), 66 unlighted vehicles (rear), and 8 faulty packing cases.
The Department’s nationwide operations reflect a dual strategy, enforcement and education, as traffic ranks continue to clamp down on reckless road use while engaging citizens through community outreach and safety awareness lectures.
NATIONWIDE LECTURES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
During the same period, the Traffic Department conducted a series of lectures for drivers, riders, bar patrons, and community members in more than two dozen locations across the country. These included sessions in Central Mahdia, Hague (WCD), Little Diamond (EBD), Pepper Hill (Mahdia), Soesdyke Junction Highway, and Providence Public Road (EBD), among others.
Recognising that many accidents stem from poor road culture and alcohol misuse, the Department also targeted bars and entertainment venues — such as Club Elevate at Industry, S&S Bar at Beterverwagting, Mitra’s Bar at Mon
Repos, Jamiel’s Bar at Montrose, and Friendz Sports Bar in Kitty — to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and speeding.
As part of its outreach in schools, traffic ranks visited several institutions between October 13 and 17, 2025, including St. Mary Primary (Region 4B), Eastern Leguan Primary (Region 3), Future Mind Nursery (Region 3), No. 56 Primary (Region 6), Aurora Primary (Region 2), and Kingston Secondary (Headquarters). These sessions aimed to instill a sense of road safety responsibility among young learners, teaching them the importance of pedestrian awareness, the use of safety gear, and respect for traffic rules. The GPF has reiterated its commitment to achieving a sustained reduction in traffic accidents and fatalities through consistent enforcement, community partnerships, and education programmes.
The weekly report underscores the Department’s broader mission to change road user behaviour and ensure that every driver, rider, and pedestrian understands their role in keeping Guyana’s roads safe.
The Traffic Department conducted a series of lectures for drivers, riders, schoolchildren and community members in more than two dozen locations across the country
GWI embarks on transformative reforms to boost efficiency, service
THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is undertaking a wide-ranging restructuring to boost efficiency, strengthen operations, and improve customer service delivery, according to its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh.
Speaking at the commissioning of the New Cummings Lodge Water Treatment Plant over the weekend, Baksh emphasised that while the commissioning marked another milestone in the government’s investment in the water sector, GWI’s focus is now shifting to transforming how it operates internally.
He revealed that the company is already making “organisational changes” to address customer complaints and increase productivity. “We’ve already restructured some of the departments, including the operations department, to ensure a higher level of service and that water quality is delivered,” Baksh said.
He added that changes are being made across regional offices to ensure a faster response to customer issues.
“We are reorganising the organisation at the regional levels. Changes are being made there to ensure greater efficiency in operations. We are rezoning some of the regions to ensure that is done, and putting in more competent staff so that we have a faster response to customer complaints. This is to ensure that leakages in the network are dealt with. We’re very much aware of these issues, and we are moving head-on to remedy these things as we proceed,” he stated.
Baksh was frank about his dissatisfaction with some of GWI’s internal performance, stating, “I’m not happy with what is taking place—the complaints by customers and the delivery of quality service to the population as a whole. And we are initiating several changes to turn around this area and ensure we use
the new technology that is available.”
According to him, the goal is to make the water utility more responsive and accountable.
Beyond structural changes, Baksh highlighted that GWI is also embracing digital transformation to modernise its systems and improve operational efficiency.
“We are seeking advice from the e-Government agency, and we’re moving very swiftly along this line. Already, we have a portal — a dashboard we developed to support the technical efforts of GWI,” he explained.
He described these digital tools as part of a larger reform agenda aligned with the government’s modernisation drive. “This is in alignment with the government’s e-Government programme,” Baksh noted.
The CEO said that GWI’s progress is being guided by a strategic plan implemented in 2020, and a new 2026–2030 strategic plan is already in development.
“We are already moving ahead with a new strategic plan to cover the period 2026 to 2030, with a transformative strategy to ensure that GWI lives up to the expectations of the government, which has embarked on a massive transformation of the country’s economy through infrastructural development and so forth…,” he told the audience.
This new plan, Baksh said, will focus on several thematic areas, including expanding access to safe water, advancing integrated water resources management, and ensuring digital readiness.
“We hope to achieve 95 per cent treated water coverage by the end of 2026 and then move on, including in the hinterland,” he said, adding that special attention will be paid to “hinterland safe water, especially the townships and the large villages.”
He also announced plans for a new wastewa-
–CEO Baksh announces structural & digital upgrades designed to strengthen performance, expand coverage, modernise operations
ter treatment plant to be constructed in Georgetown, describing it as a crucial addition to the city’s infra-
structure.
“For the new plan, we expect to have a wastewater treatment plant built in Georgetown, and that is part of the new plan,” Baksh stated.
Reflecting on recent achievements, he credited the government for its investment in the sector, saying, “From 2021 to 2025, a staggering sum of $65 billion has been invested into the water sector.” The result, he said, is near-universal access.
“We’re at 98.3 per cent coverage, not only on the coastline but also in the hinterland areas of Guyana, where we have moved very rapidly from four to six percent to 91 per cent
coverage of water supply.” Baksh also reported that “nearly 180 wells have been drilled and installed in both the coastline and the hinterland areas” and that over “200 kilometres of pipelines” have been laid to strengthen distribution.
Despite the significant progress, Baksh underscored that sustaining the quality of service remains a top priority. “We have to ensure that leakages in the network are dealt with. We’re very much aware of these issues,” he said.
The CEO concluded by expressing gratitude to GWI staff and reaffirming his commitment to improving the public’s experience with the utility company.
“GWI is on the move, and I want to assure the public, with the government’s support, that we will deliver a greater level of service and better quality of service to the population, both in terms of the coverage of treated water and the level of service to households,” Baksh declared.
Since taking office, the government has invested billions of dollars into GWI, funding the expansion of water access, the installation of new pipelines and wells, the upgrading of treatment facilities, and the enhancement of service delivery across both the coast and hinterland regions of the country.
GWI’s CEO, Shaik Baksh
Toronto-based Guyanese celebrate Diwali with spectacular show
THE City of Mississauga in Ontario, Canada, came alive last Friday evening with a spectac-
ular Diwali motorcade, lighting of the official diyas and a Hindu traditional cultural show,
which Guyana’s Honorary Consul, Mani Singh, described as reminiscent of the na-
tional festivities back home in Guyana.
Honorary Consul Singh, who was invited
to light the diyas and bring greetings and remarks on behalf of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana, spoke of Guyana being an example to the world with six distinct races, practising six different religions, and co-existing in peace and harmony with the single objective of development, progress and prosperity as ‘One Guyana’.
Additionally, three of Guyana’s six religions each enjoy two national holidays annually, and all Guyanese celebrate these occasions in their various communities in a spirit of inclusivity, tolerance, and mutual respect for each other, Mr. Singh told the large gathering.
The event, called ‘Divali Nagar Canada’, and sub-themed ‘just like back home’, was held at the Mississauga’s Ram Mandir, led by spiritual leader Pandit Roopnauth (Paul) Sharma in association with Ms. Vashti Doorga of Doorga Entertainment and attended mainly by members of the Guyanese, Trinidadi-
an and Indian diasporas.
Among the dignitaries celebrating the Festival of Lights, in observance of good over evil or light over darkness, were MPs, MPPs, Regional & City Councillors of Canada, members of the Caribbean Diplomatic Corps and leaders of the religious and business communities.
The Divali Nagar commenced with a small but beautifully lit and decorated motorcade entering the compound of the Mississauga Ram Mandir accompanied by magnificent costumes depicting Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Light and Prosperity and other Hindu Dieties.
The night of fun and celebration included the crowning of the Diwali Queen, best children’s deity costume, indoor and outdoor food and other booths, traditional dances and musical renditions by internationally-recognised musicians and performers from Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago and prizes for the best dressed individual and couple.
Guyana’s Honorary Consul, Mani Singh (right), among the audience at the show
Police launch investigation into murder at West Ruimveldt home
POLICE are investigating the murder of 24-year-old Faynel Brewster, who was fatally shot late Sunday night during an attempted robbery at her home in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 23:00 hours on October 19,
2025, while Brewster was in the yard of her residence.
Initial investigations revealed that Brewster’s 31-year-old brother, a businessman, had just returned home on his black XR motorcycle when he was confronted by two identifiable men—one armed with a handgun—who attempted
Lusignan Prison ranks engage citizens in market outreach drive
- initiative forms part of Prison Service’s 42nd anniversary celebrations
AS part of efforts to build public awareness and strengthen ties with communities, officers from the Lusignan Prison recently conducted a two-day outreach at the Mon Repos and Lusignan markets, where they engaged citizens on the role and work of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).
The initiative, which forms part of the Service’s 42nd anniversary celebrations, saw lively interactions between prison officers and members of the public.
Citizens were given the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the various functions of the Prison Service, including rehabilitation, corrections, security, and administrative operations.
Officers also used the engagement to highlight the
importance of positive life choices and how discipline, education, and responsibility can contribute to personal success and meaningful careers within the prison system. According to the GPS, these outreach activities are aimed not only at fostering greater understanding of the Prison Service’s mandate, but also at promoting a stronger partnership between the public and correctional institutions in advancing rehabilitation and reintegration goals. The Lusignan outreach is one of several events being hosted throughout October to commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the Guyana Prison Service, underlining its ongoing commitment to public engagement and institutional transparency.
to rob him of his motorcycle and gold chains. A scuffle reportedly ensued between the suspects and the victim’s brother, during which the armed man discharged several rounds.
Brewster, who was standing nearby, was struck twice— once in her upper right arm and once in her lower left
chest.
She was immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where doctors pronounced her dead.
The suspects then fled the scene heading north on a black XR motorcycle without taking any property.
Crime Scene Unit in -
vestigators later recovered a 9mm spent shell from the scene.
Police have since obtained CCTV footage from the area, which is being reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend the perpetrators. Investigations are ongoing.
Dead: Faynel Brewster
‘Hero and mentor’ Julien...
called him as an outstanding fielder, and said it was “a privilege and an honour to play in teams alongside him”.
Dr. Nigel Camacho, speaking in his capacity as president of the Queens Park Cricket Club (QPCC), emphasised Julien’s all-round gifts, and his capacity to inspire younger players. He did not shy away from the comparisons that followed Julien throughout his life.
“Bernard Julien was like superman,” Dr. Camacho said. “He could bowl, he could bat, and he could field. Comparisons to the greatest cricketer ever, Sir Garry Sobers, were not unfounded. BJ, as he was fondly known, was a match-winner. He was one of two Trinidadians to have made a Test hundred at Lord’s, the home of cricket,
the other being Charlie Davis.”
JULIEN THE MENTOR
Camacho continued, “If he played in this era, Bernard Julien would have been an incredible T20 cricketer, just like one of his students at QPCC, DJ Bravo.” Camacho added that he was also a great mentor to current West Indies T20 standout Akeal Hosein and other players of that era.
“Always jovial, but took his cricket ever so seriously; a coach and mentor to many.
Bernard Julien, you are a legend,” Dr. Camacho concluded.
CLOSER THAN A BROTHER
Long-time friend and T&T team-mate Shannon Gabriel offered a different,
(From back page)
intimate portrait; one of a close companionship, of a young man taken under Julien’s wing, and of the small, human incidents that make up a lifetime of friendship.
“The relationship with us was close to absolute perfection,” he said. “Bernard was a guy who dealt with me better than a brother. He assisted me, and he allowed me to live at his home at the age of 15 approaching 16 when I came and attended St. Mary’s College. We were like brothers.”
Those personal recollections sat alongside the public record. Speakers at the service traced Julien’s journey from Carenage to Test cricket: His powerful left-handed batting, useful left-arm pace and left-arm orthodox spin, his century at Lord’s and his
Brook, Salt blaze away as England flatten...
for room.
England quietened briefly before Jacob Bethell found rhythm with a pair of boundaries. Then Santner turned to off-spinner Michael Bracewell for the sixth over, a move that spectacularly backfired. Salt struck two fours, Bethell followed with back-to-back sixes, and though Bracewell dismissed the left-hander for a 12-ball 24 off his final delivery, England already had 68 on the board at the PowerPlay mark.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
EXETER
08:40 hrs Oakley
09:15 hrs Guillaume
09:50 hrs Ballintubber
Boy
10:25 hrs Where's Cato
11:00 hrs Cinnodin
11:30 hrs Ugo Bingo
12:05 hrs No Boundaries
PERTH
08:15 hrs Hunters
Spring
08:50 hrs Jentobello
09:25 hrs Nathan Wells
10:00 hrs Jet To Vegas
10:35 hrs Heaven
Smart
11:10 hrs Kap Boy
11:40 hrs Mountain
Molly
12:15 hrs Spit Spot
NEWCASTLE
11:50 hrs Warrant
Holder
12:25 hrs Benny Nahar
Brook arrived with the field spread, and, after a brief sighter, exploded. In Santner's ninth over, he launched a six down the ground, scooped a four, and pulled another six to take 19 off it. James Neesham, who dismissed Brook in the first game with a slower ball, was hit for 20 in his first over this time, and then compounded his woes by dropping Brook on 39 at the long-on boundary off Henry.
The England captain cap-
13:00 hrs Balkadisha
13:30 hrs Masterclass
14:00 hrs Selection
14:30 hrs Herakles
15:00 hrs Raft Up 15:30 hrs Carlous Magaus
IRISH RACING TIPS
CURRAGH
09:07 hrs Go Just Fo It
09:42 hrs Dinaniac
10:12 hrs La Fogata
10:52 hes Edge Of Seventeen
11:25 hrs Layfayette
12:00 hrs Obscenity
12:35 hrs Ohmali
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
MAHONING VALLEY
Race 1 Chief Buckeye
Race 2 Emeraca Eyes
Race 3 No Don't Mo
Race 4 Need To Know
Basis
Race 5 Buckeye Mike
Race 6 Mystical Mobil
Race 7 Faster Gator
Race 8 Lomachenko
Race 9 Holidays Army
Brat
italised immediately, finishing the over with another six, continuing to condemn his partner to a support role. For the record, Salt was on 70 off 44 at that stage.
Brook smashed two more sixes off Kyle Jamieson to take his tally for the day to five, before falling for 78 in the 18th over, ending a 129run partnership. Salt followed two balls later, but there was still enough firepower in the visitors' ranks as evidenced by Tom Banton's 12-ball 29* that ensured that England closed at a commanding 236.
New Zealand were always facing an uphill chase, and Brydon Carse made it steeper with a double strike in his opening over, removing Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra even as 13 runs came off it. That halted early momentum, though Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert's bright start kept them within touch at 60/2 after the
role in the West Indies’ 1975 World Cup triumph.
Mourners also acknowledged the later controversy of the 1982–83 rebel WI tour to South Africa, an episode that led to a lifetime ban at the time. The tone throughout was one of reflection and nuance: Julien was remembered for brilliance on the field, for mentorship after his playing days, and for the decisions that made his life and career complicated.
Outside the church, well-wishers lingered to exchange memories of a man who remained involved in cricket long after his international career ended, keeping the next generation honest in the nets and on pitches across Trinidad and Tobago. (TT Daily Express)
(From page 21)
PowerPlay, just eight short of England's mark.
The innings stalled soon after. Only 30 runs came in the next four post-PowerPlay overs, and Liam Dawson built on a tidy first over by having Chapman hole out to long-on. Adil Rashid then teased Seifert with the wide line, drawing a miscue to long-on for 39 off 29, before Dawson struck again to remove Bracewell. When Daryl Mitchell slog-swept Rashid straight to deep mid-wicket, the chase was as good as done at 104 for 6. Captain Santner fought back briefly, smashing Dawson for 23 in one over, but Rashid returned to finish things off, removing both Neesham and Santner (35 off 18) in the same over. Six balls later, the scorecard confirmed a 65-run rout, and a 1-0 series lead to the visitors. (Cricbuzz)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, October 21, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) S.Hope/J.Campbell-179 for 3rd wicket (Delhi) (2) D.Jurel/R.Jadeja-206 for 5th wicket (Ahmedabad)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in the recent Test series against India?
(2) Which IND keeper effected most dismissals in the series?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
November and December schedule announced for 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers
The Lady Jags are scheduled to play three of the four Group matches in 2026 (CONCACAF)
CONCACAF recently announced the schedule for the first week of 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers beginning this November; matches will begin on Thursday, Nov. 27, and the final matches of the window will be played on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
The Concacaf W Qualifiers matches will be played across the three FIFA Women’s International Match Windows running from November 2025 through April 2026, and serve as the preliminary stage of the 2026 Concacaf W Championship.
The competition will feature 29 Member Associations – excluding the region’s two highest-ranked nations (the United States and Canada). At the conclusion of the Concacaf W Qualifiers, the six group winners will join the United States and Canada in next year’s eight-team Concacaf W Championship.
The Concacaf W Championship will serve as the Confederation’s qualifier for both the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 and the 2028 LA Summer Olympics, and will be the first of three major centralised tournaments in the Confederation’s revamped women’s national team calendar, unveiled in September 2024.
The official draw for the Concacaf W Qualifiers took place in Miami, FL, on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
The participating nations have been drawn into six groups, as follows – Group A: Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and US Virgin Islands; Group B: Jamaica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda; Group C: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Bermuda, Grenada and Cayman Islands; Group D: Haiti, Do-
Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh
‒ to keep campaign alive
SRI Lanka took four wickets in four balls in the final over to earn a nail-biting victory over Bangladesh and keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the World Cup semi-finals alive.
Chasing a below-par target of 203 on a good batting surface in Navi Mumbai, Bangladesh needed nine runs from the final six deliveries.
However, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu took wickets from the first, third and fourth balls of the over and Nilakshi de Silva ran out Nahida Akter as Bangladesh chased a single from the second delivery, bringing about a thrilling victory.
The victory – Sri Lanka's first of the tournament after three defeats and two no-results against Australia and New Zealand – moves them
level on four points with India and New Zealand, who meet on Thursday.
Bangladesh, however, suffered a fifth consecutive defeat since winning their tournament opener against Pakistan and have been eliminated.
Although Bangladesh made the perfect start, Marufa Akter striking with the first delivery of the match to remove Vishmi Gunaratne, they were deservedly punished for a poor fielding performance.
They gifted lifelines to Hasini Perera, who was dropped three times, and Athapaththu.
Although Athapaththu could not capitalise, dismissed lbw for 46 one ball after being put down by Rabeya Khan, Perera made Bangladesh pay.
She scored a maiden international half-century, making 85 from 99 balls and sharing an important 74-run fifth-wicket stand with De Silva.
Bangladesh, led by Shorna Akter's 3-27, dragged themselves back into the match, with De Silva's dismissal in the 34th over triggering a Sri Lanka collapse from 174-4 to 202 all out.
In reply, Sri Lanka's opening bowlers Malki Madara and Udeshika Prabodhani restricted Bangladesh to 23-1 in a lacklustre powerplay and they were later reduced to 44-3.
Sharmin Akter and Nigar Sultana Joty rebuilt their innings, putting on 82 for the fourth wicket before Sharmin retired hurt for a stubborn 64 in the 36th over.
It was advantage Bangladesh heading into the final two overs, with just 12 runs needed.
However, Sugandika Dasanayaka removed Ritu Moni and conceded just three runs before Athapaththu's chaos, with Rabeya, Nahida, captain Joty and Marufa all dismissed as Sri Lanka snatched the win at the death. (BBC Sport)
Brook, Salt blaze away as England flatten NZ in Christchurch
minican Republic, Suriname, Belize and Anguilla; Group E: Panama, Cuba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Curacao and Aruba; Group F: Trinidad & Tobago, El Salvador, Honduras and Barbados
Guyana’s matches will take place on the days listed below; November and December match start times and venues have also been confirmed.
*Home team listed first and in Eastern time (local time)
Monday, December 1, 2025
19:00 (20:00) Guyana vs. Nicaragua –National Track & Field Centre, WCD, Guyana
Friday, February 27, 2026
Guyana vs. Dominica
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Antigua & Barbuda vs. Guyana
Guyana real estate
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Jamaica vs. Guyana.(CONCACAF)
AFTER a limp batting performance in the rainhit opener, captain Harry Brook had a simple message for his batters: Stay aggressive through the course. He led by example in the second T20I with a blistering 35-ball 78, and alongside Phil Salt's 85 off 56, powered England to 236 for 4, the highest T20I
total ever at Hagley Oval, a mountain that was too steep for New Zealand to climb. The surface this time was quicker, as Salt noted between innings. The ball came on better, and the change was evident almost instantly. After Mitchell Santner opted to bowl, Salt wristed Matt Henry's second ball
over mid-wicket for six, then whipped the next for four, 11 runs in the first over offering an early statement of the carnage to follow.
Three more boundaries came in the next over from Jacob Duffy, though Jos Buttler accounted for just one of those before falling to a short ball that cramped him
(Turn to page 20)
Phil Salt and Harry Brook set up England's commanding win in the second T20I against New Zealand
‒ on opening day of
second Test
Masood leads grind as teams share honours
RESOLUTE half-centuries
from Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, and a patient unbeaten 41 from Saud Shakeel, guided Pakistan to 259 for 5 at the end of an attritional opening day of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi.
A 111-run second-wicket stand between Masood and Shafique laid a solid platform, but South Africa's patience and discipline ensured the honours were evenly shared by stumps, although they could have had the upper hand had they not missed a few chances on a Day 1 track that was decent for batting.
Opting to bat, Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq struck some boundaries initially, and the former also had a few lucky breaks. He was put down by Tristan Stubbs off Kagiso Rabada, and a delivery from Marco Jansen brushed the off stump without
dislodging the bails.
Spin was introduced in the 10th over and Keshav Maharaj, who induced a leading edge from Shafique, couldn't hold on to the catch.
Simon Harmer came on for the 13th over and he squared up Imam with a sharp turner to have him bowled. Masood then showed some intent against spin, striking sixes off Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, while Shafique got an lbw decision overturned using the DRS in Maharaj's over. The second wicket pair extended their partnership past 50, taking Pakistan to 95/1 at Lunch.
Pakistan's progress was slow in the second session with only 82 runs coming off 32 overs. Masood crossed fifty early in the session before Shafique got a reprieve as an edge off Maharaj was deflected by the 'keeper Kyle Verreynne, making it a tough take for Aiden Markram at
slip.
The pair built a watchful partnership, with Shafique also getting a half-century as they raised a century stand.
The partnership was ended by Harmer who had Shafique caught down the leg side. Babar Azam began positively, scoring boundaries off
Harmer and Maharaj, while Masood was dropped again - this time by Muthusamy at short fine off Maharaj.
South Africa lost a review
when Maharaj thought he had Babar trapped in front, but there was an inside edge. However, the batter fell the very next ball, with Tony de Zorzi taking an excellent catch at silly point a few overs before Tea.
Masood and Shakeel were involved in a patient stand, taking more than 100 deliveries for their 45-run partnership, which came to an end when Masood topedged a sweep off Maharaj to depart for 87.
Mohammad Rizwan hit a couple of boundaries but his stay was a short one as Rabada struck with the second new ball to have the wicketkeeper-batter lbw with a delivery that angled in. Salman Agha and Shakeel took Pakistan through to stumps without further damage, with the hosts adding 82 runs in the final session, in 29 overs. (Cricbuzz)
Evans skittles out Afghanistan for 127 as Curran Guides Zimbabwe into Lead
ZIMBABWE seized control on day one of their one-off Test against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. Fast bowler Brad Evans claimed a maiden five-wicket haul (5-22) as Afghanistan crumbled for just 127 runs.
In reply, opener Ben Curran’s patient half-century (52 not out) helped Zimbabwe take a slender three-run lead by stumps with eight wickets in hand.
(Scores: Zimbabwe 130 for 2 (Curran 52*, Welch 49, Ziaur 2-35) lead Afghanistan 127 (Gurbaz 37, Evans 5-22, Muzarabani 3-47) by 3 runs)
The hosts’ decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends on a pitch offering plenty of assistance to the seamers. Evans, playing his first Test since February 2023, was the chief destroyer. His fiery spell before lunch broke the back of Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Afghanistan’s batting collapse
Afghanistan started promisingly with Rahmanullah Gurbaz playing some attacking shots. The openerturned-number-three batsman struck 37 off 37 balls with three boundaries. However, once Tanaka Chivanga removed him, caught at point, the innings unravelled dramatically.
was left stranded after captain Hashmatullah Shahidi turned back mid-pitch. From 77 for 1, Afghanistan slumped to 102 for 5 by lunch.
A needless run-out of Abdul Malik (30) triggered the collapse. The opener
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was relentless throughout Afghanistan’s innings
The tail offered little resistance. Evans completed his five-for by bowling Ziaur Rahman with a perfect yorker. Afghanistan lost their last nine wickets for just 50 runs, vindicating Zimbabwe’s bold decision at the toss.
Curran
Leads Zimba -
bwe’s Response Zimbabwe’s reply began shakily when Brian Bennett fell for 7, bowled by Ziaur Rahman. The Afghan pacer produced a beauty that angled in and straightened to hit off stump. It was his maiden Test wicket.
Ben Curran and Nick Welch then steadied the ship with a crucial 49-run partnership. Both batsmen showed patience on a challenging surface. Curran waited 21 deliveries for his first boundary, showing admirable restrain Welch contributed a valuable 49 before Ziaur bowled him with an inswinger. The opener had survived several close calls, including being dropped off a no-ball. His dismissal brought veteran Brendan Taylor to the crease. Curran reached his half-century off 108 balls shortly before bad light stopped play. Taylor remained unbeaten on 14, having added some quick runs including a ramp shot over the keeper. Zimbabwe will resume on 130 for 2, holding a narrow advantage. The match marks Test cricket’s return to Harare after a four-year absence. Zimbabwe had played their last nine home Tests in Bulawayo without success. They’ll hope familiar surroundings can inspire their first home Test victory since 2013.
Shan Masood missed out on a ton by 13 runs
Brad Evans claimed his maiden five-for in Test cricket (Zimbabwe) Cricket
Condensed CG United Super50 Cup revamped for 2025
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – The 2025 CG United Super50 Cup is set for a major overhaul, with Cricket West Indies (CWI) announcing a streamlined, high-stakes tournament to be hosted in Trinidad from November 19-29.
In response to financial headwinds, the region’s premier 50-over competition will shift from its traditional 31-match format to an intense, 11-day sprint.
The six established regional franchises will battle in a condensed round-robin, with the top two teams advancing directly to the final on Saturday, November 29.
The competing teams are: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Barbados Pride, Guyana Harpy Eagles, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricane and the Windward
Islands Volcanoes.
Notably absent this year are the West Indies Academy and Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC), a move CWI believes will concentrate talent and heighten competition within the core franchises.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, framed the changes as a strategic step towards a stronger future.
“This reformed format allows us to maintain a high standard of competition, while also refocusing our resources on building a stronger, more sustainable development pathway,” Bascombe stated.
He emphasised that the new structure demands immediate excellence. “The reduction in matches means teams must now be more
Guyana 'ready' to host FIBA Women's Caribbean Championship
GUYANA Basketball Federation (GBF) President Michael Singh has confirmed that the nation is ready to host this year's FIBA Women’s Caribbean Championship, set for November 12-16 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown.
The tournament is a highstakes event, with five teams, including hosts Guyana, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Suriname, and the Virgin Islands, battling for three coveted qualification places at the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s Championship.
This marks the first time Guyana has hosted the re -
deliberate and strategic, ensuring they hit the ground running from the very first game.”
Bascombe also addressed the excluded teams, suggesting their players must now push for selection within the six main franchises. “This added competition for places should raise the overall standard of play and sharpen the focus of every player involved.”
With a significant prize purse on the line, the rivalry promises to be fierce. The champion will claim US$100,000, while the runner-up earns US$50,000. Teams finishing third and fourth will each receive US$25,000, adding financial incentive to every match.
The full-fixture schedule is set to be released in the coming days.
gional women's championship since 1994, a gap the GBF is keen on closing with a successful staging of the upcoming event.
According to Singh, the GBF has received "full backing" from the Government of Guyana. Following an inspection visit by FIBA officials, key upgrade areas at the venue were identified and are being actively addressed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
"This is an important tournament, and the GBF, along with the Government of Guyana, is doing everything possible to ensure its success," Singh stated.
He expressed confidence in the planning, assuring stakeholders that Guyana will deliver "one of the best Women’s Championships the region will ever see", and called on Guyanese fans to support the national team.
The championship will utilise a round-robin format, with all five teams playing each other once.
The three highest-placed finishers will automatically qualify for the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s Championship. They will join already-qualified nations Mexico, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, who secured their spots earlier this year.
Jewellery line launched to honour gold medallist Julien Alfred
GROS ISLET, St. Lucia, (CMC) – A new jewellery collection celebrating Olympic champion Julien Alfred has been unveiled, with proceeds set to support her charitable foundation.
The “Julien Alfred Legacy Collection,” created by Fearless Jewellery founder Eleanor Prospere, was officially launched at a fundraising event for the Julien Alfred Foundation on October 11. The Foundation aims to support the development of young athletes in Saint Lucia.
Inspired by Alfred’s gold medal-winning 100m performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the collection features a unisex bracelet, earrings, and necklaces.
The designs are built around the Olympic medal’s shape, and incorporate symbols of Saint Lucian national pride, including the flag and the national flower.
“For Saint Lucia, her win was a game-changer. She has put us on the map,” Prospere told the St. Lucia Times. “I wanted to create a piece of jewellery so everyone could share in her victory.”
After gaining approval from Alfred and her manager, Prospere financed and produced the collection herself. The launch coincides with the establishment of the athlete’s Foundation, ensuring her legacy fuels the next generation of sporting talent.
GBF President Michael Singh (third left), along with Minister Steven Jacobs (first left) and other GBF and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport officials during a recent visit to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
The Julien Alfred Jewellery line
‘BJ will never be forgotten’ -
FAMILY, friends and members of the regional cricket fraternity gathered at the St. Finbar’s Roman Catholic Church in Diego Martin, Trinidad, on Saturday to bid farewell to Bernard Denis Julien, the former West Indies all-rounder and member of the 1975 World Cup-winning side.
The service, which combined prayers, hymns and a sequence of personal tributes, was led, in large part, by a moving eulogy
T&T bids farewell to cricketing great Bernard Julien
from his son, Bevon, and by reminiscences from former team-mate Deryck Murray, Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) president Dr. Nigel Camacho, and long-time friend and team-mate Richard Gabriel.
Bevon Julien’s words to the packed church mixed pride, humour, and the unmistakable grief of a son saying goodbye. He recalled one of the defining moments of his father’s career and the family’s pride that grew from it: “How could I speak about him and not mention his hundred at Lord’s?” he asked, adding: “In just his third Test, he scored 121 from 127 balls at Lord’s. I am sure even now he is up in heaven telling them fellas: ‘I score a 100 at Lord’s;
President Ali, Director of Sport hail Rosanna Fung’s momentous achievement
ROSANNA Fung has become the first athlete in Guyana’s history to win an International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) world championship title after securing gold in the Wellness category at the prestigious Binous Classics in Dubai.
The victory is a monumental achievement for the South American nation, confirming Guyana’s arrival on the international fitness and bodybuilding circuit.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali led the national congratulations, stating that the triumph was "a symbol of national pride", and a milestone that showcases Guyanese talent can "rise to the very top of the world".
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, through the Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, echoed this sentiment, describing the gold medal as "a proud moment" that elevates Guyana's profile.
President
Dr.
Irfaan Ali
Director
of
Sport Steve Ninvalle
you know (Brian) Lara never score a 100 at Lord’s.’”
Bevon went on to place that achievement in the wider context of his father’s life and legacy.
“He brought pride to the Julien name, a pride I will forever carry with me,” he said. “My favourite thing that I always hear people say is: ‘Your dad is my hero’.
“My father was a great man to a family, a great man to a village, and great man to a country. Not many people get an opportunity to be a great man, but he did. And that is what I will carry on in his name; the family name, the Julien name” Bevon said.
Those recollections set the tone for the tributes that followed.
Deryck Murray, the former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies wicketkeeper, spoke of Julien’s lasting contribution to the game, and of an instinctive athleticism that produced moments team-mates still talk about.
“Was a fantastic cricketer… because of the legacy he has left for years to come; a legacy that will never be forgotten,” Murray said, adding that Julien was “also a fantastic team-mate”.
“Bernard’s contribution to any team he played for, particularly at the Queen’s Park Oval, was the cheering section he brought with him: Loyal and devoted friends and fans,” he said.
Murray re -
St. Lucia cycling legend Jean Louis dies in vehicular accident
ONTARIO, Canada, (CMC) – Saint Lucia cycling legend Jean Louis passed away over the weekend after being involved in a vehicular accident here in Burlington.
According to reports, Louis was hit by a vehicle while riding on Friday, and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 66 years old.
Louis, a former champion, was named Saint Lucia’s Sportsman of the Year in 1985, the only cyclist to ever cop the award.
track races at school sports.
The Binous Classics, held in the United Arab Emirates, is widely regarded as one of the largest and most respected bodybuilding shows in the Middle East, making Fung's success a significant marker of individual brilliance.
Her journey, which saw her previously earn an IFBB
"Her victory is not just a personal milestone, but a national achievement that will inspire generations of athletes to follow their passion and pursue excellence," Ninvalle said in a statement.
Pro Card, was highlighted by Ninvalle as proof that "with hard work, discipline, and belief, Guyanese athletes can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world".
Fung competed in the highly-competitive Wellness category, confirming that the hard work of the athletes, coaches, and organisations within Guyana is translating into success on the global stage.
In 1987, he created more history when he captured the inaugural Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Cycling Championships men’s title.
Hailing from the south Castries community of Anse La Salopwe, in La Toc, Louis won multiple Ovaltine titles at home and in St. Kitts & Nevis, including the 1987 Barclays Bank Race to Dennery and back, and invitational grass
He even rode in National Championships in 2023 and 2024, just to support the next generation of cyclists.
President of the Saint Lucia Cycling Association, Cyril Mangal lauded Louis for helping to develop the sport on the island.
“Jean Louis was instrumental in the development of many of the young cyclists in the 1980s to the
90’s. He played a major role in my development, along with my brothers.
“He helped us with equipment. He was like a father figure to us. He contributed even while he was [a] resident in Canada. He was always there to encourage me as a cycling administrator when things seemed tough for the sport, encouraging me not to give up,” Mangal said.
Deryck Murray
Jean Louis (centre) celebrates after winning the Ovaltine race in St. Kitts & Nevis in 1986 (Photo courtesy Saint Lucia Cycling Association)
(Turn