$140M already refunded in CSEC, CAPE fees to Georgetown parents
—Education Minister
ALREADY, some $140 million has been refunded to parents, whose children sat this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
This was revealed on Monday afternoon by Education Minister Priya Manickchand during the commissioning of the new Brickdam Secondary School.
“We had over $140 million received by parents, such as yourselves, as a refund on the CXC fees that you would have paid for your children,” Manickchand told the gathering of parents, students, and other stakeholders.
This reflects the monies that have been reimbursed to children in the Georgetown district.
Back in April, President Ali had announced that the government would cover the cost of at least eight CSEC and CAPE subjects.
“That was not a promise made that arose out of President Ali doing what he does best, which is walking around and talking to people and hearing how it is we could better serve. And that was one of the issues that came up amongst parents that they had to pay this CXC fee, and so that was actually in addition to the promises made with a view to reducing your burden in your pockets,” the Education Minister added.
Across the country, grateful parents are expressing their appreciation for the relief this initiative provides.
In 2024, Guyana excelled in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) CSEC examinations, securing top positions among candidates across the region.
Guyana proudly ranked in the top 10 candidates per subject for 13 subject areas.
In the past years, students have been receiving sub -
sidies for reportedly up to eight subjects.
The country saw a total of 259 candidates who sat the CSEC® exams earning eight grade 1s or more. Seventy students earned 12 grade 1s or more, an increase from 50 in 2023. Similarly, the number of students attaining 14 or more Grade 1s rose to 33, up from 29 in 2023, and 28 in 2022. These results underscore a positive trend in academic performance, and highlight Guyana’s commitment to excellence in education.
Since 2020, the Ministry of Education has been committed to ensuring equitable access to quality education across the nation.
Key interventions included providing free access to high-quality textbooks, expanding the Learning Channel to reach remote communities, and reintroducing the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant programme to support families.
President Ali: ‘Our goal is to make Guyana the greatest place on Earth’
Dr.
Ali has noted that his government’s focus is not just on making Guyana great, but on making it the greatest place on earth.
The Head of State was at the time addressing a crowd in Region Seven at a People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) fundraiser held recently.
He said, “Our focus is not making Guyana great. It’s making Guyana the greatest place on earth, the greatest place to live, the safest place to live, the most secure place where families can grow, where we can have a supporting ecosystem so you can live the best quality life wherever you are.”
He noted that this will
be done in Region Seven and countrywide through continued investments in healthcare, investments in young people, and providing them with the opportunity to own businesses, along with empowering women and improving the disposable income, while also making homeownership easier.
Dr. Ali added that the PPP/C government will continue working on reducing the cost of housing loans further and providing more subsidies so that everyone can have a quality roof over their heads.
In relation to increasing disposable income in Region Seven, he posited co-investing with small miners, bringing small and
medium-sized miners into consortia so that they will no longer be land renters but landowners.
He said, “We’re going to work on bringing them on board with the large miners because the large miners must recognise that the only way for us to survive and build this mining sector is if we support the small and medium-sized enterprises. So, we’re going to build partnerships with the big miners, the medium-scale miners and the small-scale miners.”
Dr Ali disclosed that the PPP/C will further define its comprehensive strategy for the development of that region and the country at large.
PRESIDENT
Irfaan
‘Not tomorrow, today’ –– quality education no longer a distant promise, but a living reality in Guyana
–– President Ali says, as New Brickdam Secondary commissioned
By Naomi Parris
QUALITY education in Guyana is no longer a distant achievement but now a living reality as the government continues investments in building out the necessary infrastructure to ready the nation’s children for the future.
This is according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who, during the commissioning of the new Brickdam Secondary School, said the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s goal is ‘clear, bold and unyielding’.
“By September 2026,
we will achieve universal secondary education. That is, every single child will have secondary education. That means every child, whether in the bustling streets of Georgetown or the remote villages of the hinterland, will have access to secondary schooling,”
the Head of State told a gathering of parents, students, and teachers in a spanking, modern auditorium of the new facility.
The building that once housed Brickdam Secondary was deemed unusable in 2016; the government moved to have the facility rebuilt, now boasting 22 class-
rooms, several of which offer ‘smart’ technology, three staffrooms, a counselling room, and other amenities.
‘DEVELOPING A COMPLETE HUMAN BEING’
President Ali further pointed out that while the investments are being made to ensure that Guyana realises its goal of achieving universal secondary education, equally important is ensuring that students have a well-rounded education that provides them with a balance.
understanding what real human capital really is, and understanding that in our national ecosystem, sports and physical education play a very important role,” President Ali said.
As such, he has mandated that schools dedicate half-a-day of lessons to practical, recreational, and sports activities.
“I want to see in the education system Friday afternoons after lunch completely dedicated to sports and physical education,” he said.
“I believe strongly that if we are to make
“But there is something that is bothering me, and that we have to address, and that is developing a complete human; a complete human being,
President Ali said. “Our teachers and all those in the education sector can be assured in the coming years of not only greater salaries, but also greater opportunities to invest in your country.”
He noted that the goal remains to create a world-class education system that empowers people, strengthens communities, and drives national development.
“We envision an education system that is accessible, inclusive, equitable, and provides the best education. It is a system that equips every learner, regardless of geography or background, with the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world; a system where every child’s potential is unlocked, where no talent is wasted, and where education is a bridge to dreams,” the president said, adding:
25 of whom are already trained.
She noted, too, that by the start of the new school term, the school will boast a fully trained staff of educators.
“Your servants should change your life, and we are your servants in a way that you never knew it was horrible before,” she said, referencing the condition of the old structure that was unable to adequately cater to students and teachers.
According to Minister Manickchand, the Brickdam Secondary School recorded a 95 per cent pass rate at the recent Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) with an 80 per cent matriculation.
“This is the deliverance! This is a tangible expression of our love for you; our love for your children,” she said.
a shift from this’ from the device-led world to a human-led world, we need to make these important changes.”
EDUCATORS
Since 2020, the government has injected almost $600 billion into the education sector, and while a portion of these monies has been invested in infrastructure, building new schools, and rehabilitating existing ones, investments have been made in supporting educators.
“We are incentivizing every single level of educational attainment for our teachers, because we know when they train and become better, they will give our children better quality education,”
“We are creating safe, modern and inspiring environments where dreams can take root and grow, and by doing so, we are building a stronger, smarter and more prosperous Guyana.”
Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand disclosed that the new school will accommodate over 485 students, with 51 teachers,
The school’s Head Teacher Ms. Yvette McBean Hawker celebrated the commissioning of the new building as a significant milestone for public education in Guyana.
She emphasised the symbolic importance of the facility, noting that it is not just ‘concrete and steel’, but represents progress and equal access to quality education.
The school’s Head Teacher, Ms. Yvette McBean Hawker
Education Minister Priya Manickchand
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
Students of the Brickdam Secondary School (Delano Williams photos)
DJ, ‘music selector’ remanded for inciting sexual assault at Raghoo’s bar
… as wanted bulletin issued for alleged rapist Barry Sullivan
TWO men accused of inciting a brutal sexual assault on a woman at Raghoo’s Bar were, on Monday, remanded to prison, as the criminal investigation into the disturbing viral video continues to widen.
Leon Defreitas, a 36-year-old DJ from Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway and Ryan Rajnarine, a 30-year-old office assistant and self-proclaimed “music selector” from Soesdyke Back Road, appeared at the Friendship Magistrate’s Court, East Bank Demerara, where they were charged with inciting a man, identified as Barry Sullivan, to commit rape.
The duo appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune, who read the indictable charge to them. They were not required to plead and were subsequently remanded to prison until August 18, 2025, for disclosure.
According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday, July 13, 2025, at Raghoo’s Bar located on the Soesdyke public road.
The disturbing act was filmed and widely shared on social media, triggering national outrage, a swift government response, and a
major criminal investigation.
The Police Legal Adviser (PLA) had recommended that Defreitas and Rajnarine be formally charged with inciting Barry Sullivan to engage in sexual penetration of a female without her consent, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act of Guyana.
Sullivan is currently wanted by police and a bulletin has been issued for his arrest.
Authorities say the two men, both involved in the entertainment at the bar on the night of the incident, actively encouraged the assault while music played and patrons watched.
Investigators have described their roles as “complicit and enabling”. Meanwhile, the 20-year-
Health Ministry launches emergency medicine training to strengthen critical care in Berbice
THE Ministry of Health has officially launched its Basic Emergency Medicine Skills and Preparedness Training programme in Berbice, marking another milestone in the government’s mission to modernise Guyana’s healthcare system and bolster its emergency response capacity nationwide
old female survivor, who is of Amerindian descent, has since come forward. She told police she was drugged and raped by three men, including Sullivan, during the encounter.
The case has drawn sharp rebuke from top officials, including Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who has called for all those “directly involved or complicit in that public rape” to face the full brunt of the law.
She has also urged for Raghoo’s Bar to remain permanently closed, describing the establishment as a hub for criminality, including drug use, sexual exploitation, and violence against women. Investigations are ongoing.
Speaking at the recent launch, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted the crucial role of continuous training for healthcare workers as the country’s health sector evolves.
“The quality of medicine we practise will depend on the quality of people in the system,” Dr. Anthony stressed, pointing to upskilling as a top priority to ensure medical teams are ready to deliver fast, efficient, and high-quality emergency care.
The new training programme is part of the broader transformation underway in Guyana’s health sector, which includes the construction and commissioning of six state-of-the-art hospitals.
Two of these new hospitals are already operational, and feature fully equipped Accident & Emergency departments staffed with four to six doctors, significantly boosting critical care services in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six East Berbice-Corentyne).
This latest initiative reflects the government’s ongoing investment in building a resilient health workforce, and ensuring that communities across Guyana have access to modern, lifesaving care when they need it most.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony (centre) flanked by healthcare workers that participated in the Basic Emergency Medicine Skills and Preparedness Training programme in Berbice
Homeownership is more accessible for every Guyanese from 2020-2025
THE People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government has been persistent in its efforts to ensure every Guyanese citizen has the opportunity to become a homeowner.
The government inherited a backlog of 75,509
et, which stands in sharp contrast to just over 7,000 lots that were distributed by the previous administration during its entire tenure in office.
In a single year, the PPP/C government’s house-lot allocation surpassed what the previous
they were going to deliver 50,000 house lots; they failed”. This statement directly contradicts the government’s delivery of over 50,000 lots.
To give Guyanese who lack the financial means to obtain access to a mortgage, Norton also
housing applications when it took office in August 2020.
However, this figure did not deter the PPP/C administration from carrying out its ambitious housing plan to deliver 50,000 house lots during its first term in office.
Through deliberate policies, the government has exceeded its house-lot target in less than five years by delivering over 50,000 house lots to Guyanese from every income brack-
administration allocated between 2015 to 2020.
According to the statistics from the Ministry of Housing and Water, 47 per cent of the house lots that were allocated were given to women, while 90 per cent went to low-income families.
Speaking at a public rally in Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, on Sunday, Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Norton said, “They said
suggested a rent-to-own programme without providing any details about how it would translate into home-ownership.
The government, on the other hand, has implemented a series of housing programmes to help Guyanese realise their dreams of owning a home, such as low interest rates at the local banks, and providing them with thousands of dollars in steel-and-cement vouchers.
Under the steel-and-ce-
ment subsidy programme, over 2,000 individuals across the country have received vouchers totalling over $500 million since 2022.
Homebuilders are provided with one sling of cement and the required steel to build the foundation of
ble families, and provides them with affordable core homes. The other components of this project are the housing subsidy, and construction of community grounds.
According to Norton, the APNU will create a “house repairs pro-
nificantly improving their living standards. Each recipient is provided with a voucher valued $250,000, and an additional $100,000 to cover labour expenses.
houses costing $6 million or less.
Those constructing homes valued between $6 million and $25 million are provided with two slings of cement, and the necessary steel to complete the foundation.
Another initiative by the government is the Core Home Support initiative that falls under the $5.8 billion Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), which targets vulnera -
gramme” that will give low-income individuals access to resources so they can repair their homes.
It should be noted that Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced the $50 million house improvement programme in July 2023 for residents from Laing Avenue and Yarrow Dam in Georgetown.
This initiative has assisted many homeowners of Laing Avenue in conducting much-needed repairs on their homes, sig-
Other initiatives, such as the Hinterland Housing and the Lethem Housing Support Programmes, were developed to ensure hinterland residents also have equitable access to affordable housing.
Since taking office in August 2020, the government has developed housing schemes in every administrative region.
More than $250 billion has been invested in establishing 95 new housing schemes countrywide, compared to the three housing areas that were developed between 2015 to 2020. (DPI)
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal handing over a housing voucher to a resident of Laing Avenue in Georgetown
An allottee receiving her house lot from Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues
A Sea of Red
ON Sunday, the Albion Estate Road became more than a thoroughfare; it transformed into a living testament of unity, resolve, and a nation’s shared dream for a brighter future.
Under the blazing afternoon sun, thousands of Guyanese stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, answering President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s call to consolidate gains, reject political gambles, and champion a people-driven movement rooted in progress and stability.
The sheer size of the gathering, reportedly the largest in the nation’s history, is no small signal. It says that Guyanese across communities and backgrounds are not only ready to listen, but ready to participate in shaping the country’s future alongside a government that promises plans, not promises alone.
President Ali’s speech was more than campaign rhetoric. It was a clear state-
ment that sustained, strategic governance is the bedrock for transforming oil wealth into opportunity for every citizen.
His pledge of a US$200 million fund for small and micro businesses, with zero equity, matched support, slashed borrowing rates, and the removal of collateral requirements, marks a decisive shift in how Guyana will empower its local entrepreneurs. In a global economy where small businesses are often left to fight giants alone, Guyana is telling its people: We are co-investors in your dreams.
Equally significant is the vision to transform Region Six, Berbice, into the country’s second oil-and-gas hub. This is not just about fossil fuels; it’s about building deep-water ports, logistics networks, and vital links with neighbours like Brazil to expand trade and resilience. Such diversification is key if Guyana’s growth is to withstand global oil price
shocks, and climate realities alike.
Beyond economic blueprints, President Ali’s commitment to community upliftment shines through in his plans for modern recreational and sporting facilities. The ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art stadium at Palmyra, and the promise of high-performance centres for athletes signal an understanding that prosperity is not only measured in dollars, but in healthy communities, youth opportunities, and family well-being.
Equally ambitious are the renewed efforts to fortify agriculture, the backbone of many Guyanese livelihoods, through new acreage, feed plants, cold storage, agro-processing facilities, and even a fertiliser plant to ensure local farmers can thrive amid rising global costs.
At its core, the Albion gathering was a reminder that the engine of Guyana’s transformation is its people. No devel-
opment plan can succeed without citizens who trust, participate, and hold leaders accountable. President Ali’s reminder that “All of these plans depend heavily on you”, must resonate beyond a single rally.
Guyana stands at a crossroads. One path leads backward to uncertainty and experiment; the other, if these promises are delivered and the momentum sustained, offers a chance to lock in real, lasting progress, where growth is broadbased, families flourish, communities modernised, and every child can dream bigger than the generation before. Sunday’s sea of red must, therefore, be more than a show of strength for a party; it must be a reminder that the real power lies with the people, and that true unity comes not from partisan chants alone, but from building a nation that leaves no one behind.
Outrageous claims by Paul Williams
Dear Editor
IN retrospect, based on his own public pronouncements, Paul Williams was justifiably denied promotion to Police Commissioner by two presidents.
At a PNCR-APNU political event at Melanie Damishana over the past weekend, Williams made the outrageous claim that the GPF deliberately allow[ed]
a protest march from Golden Grove to Mon Repos Market in June 2022, knowing fully well that the market would have been a flash point for attacks on vendors” (Demerara Waves, 2/20/2025). Here is a man who wanted to be the Top Cop, but who clearly lives in a world of conspiracy theories.
The man also states that “…they had a scheme plotted in order to create that
situation, so that you can look as the one who are the criminals, the thugs and the thieves” (Ibid).
This is an old ‘scrape’ defence, namely, that the criminals, thugs, and thieves who we can all see with our naked eyes are innocent church goers who have been wrongfully framed. This is criminal defence of a different species.
President Granger did the right thing
by refusing to promote this conspiracy theorist.
President Ali also did the right thing to ignore him. Williams’ current narrative is that he is moving from policing to politics. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Sincerely,
Dr Randy Persaud
Sartre, Nigel Hughes, the Ubermensch and Irfaan Ali
THE post-war, French existentialist philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre made a priceless contribution to philosophy in his re-shaping of the dialectic.
In bringing new meaning to the dialectic, Sartre opened up a brand new horizon on the role of the individual in history and the role an individual possessed of the instinct for change can do for history.
Before Sartre’s intervention, Marxist philosophy saw the dialectic as the driving force in society which determines the movement of broad social forces.
The dialectic was thus a determinist force. The individual is a product of the dialectic. Then came an intervention behind prison walls.
The Italian philosopher, Antonio Gramsci was facing inevitable death in a prison under the fascist dictatorship of Benito Mussolini.
In jail, Gramsci penned brilliant philosophical notes in which he questioned traditional Marxist understanding of the dialectic.
Gramsci’s was not given credit for being the first philosopher to relook at the dialectic because his prison notes were published long after the end of WW2.
It was left to Sartre to continue where Gramsci left off. In his magnum opus, “Critique of Dialectical Reason” Sartre says the purpose of his book was to introduce into Marxist philosophy “the unsurpassable individuality of the human adventure.”
In Critique of Dialectical Reason, Sartre dissolved the determinism of the dialectic as he argued that within a certain field of possibilities man steps outside his historical and
social limitations and “succeeds in making of what has been made of him.” The basic point of Critique of Dialectical Reason is that man makes the dialectic just as the dialectic makes him.
Since Sartre, philosophy has accepted the contention that society does not have to wait for the relentless movement of the dialectic, but the individual can harness the dialectic to bring about changes. In philosophy this is called the role of the individual in history. Humans then can step outside a defined area of limitation and change the course of society. We in the 20th and 21st centuries then accept that what Nietzsche longed for – the Ubermensch. Society can produce the Ubermensch and in the 21st, the world thought the Ubermensch had come in the form of Barack Obama. But lacking in self-confidence and ignorant of how the individual can change the dialectic, Obama became a failure in leadership.
This has been an overbearing digression on the subject of Nigel Hughes but recent remarks by him on the ethnic divide in Guyana makes the discussion on Sartre relevant.
Here is what Hughes noted in an interview about the 2015 election: “I think there was movement away from the traditional voting practice, whether people stayed away, as opposed to whether they came out and specifically voted against the traditional votes, the 2015 elections offered a glimmer of hope.”
Hughes went on to add that racial attitude determines the voting choices of Guyanese.
What Hughes chose to ignore deliberately or because of political limitation is why the
“glimmer of hope” was allowed to fade rather than, as Sartre noted, to seize the moment and change the dialectic. I would like to see Hughes expand on that because the “glimmer of hope” opened up the possibilities that Sartre wrote about.
Nigel has a huge responsibility to Guyana’s historiography to explain the failure of the Ubermensch in 2015 when he had the power and authority in 2015 to build on the glimmer of hope.
Why, as the deputy leader (chairman) of the AFC, the party with 40 percent of power, he and others in the AFC’s leadership (not to mention Roopnaraine and Thomas in the WPA) did not attempt the birth of a new political culture, thus weakening the hold of ethnic voting in Guyana. In 2011 and 2015, the election results showed there was no hegemony of the racially driven mind.
Will we get that analysis from Nigel? I don’t think so because if and when he does offer his thoughts, he would have to admit to
the class that he and the AFC belonged to a new political culture and was in fact part of an ethnic make-up that had won power and was satisfied with that power at the level of class and power.
I am referring to the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC) that had no inclination after 2015 of reaching out to the Indian people that voted for the AFC in 2011 and 2015. The MCC in the AFC of 2015, of which Nigel was an essential component, contributed to the widening of the racial divide.
If in today’s Guyana, ethnic voting determines election results, then Nigel Hughes should be the last person to make that pronouncement. The closest the Ubermensch is to Guyana is Irfaan Ali.
I hope he wins on September 1, 2025.
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.
Public Assistance remains lifeline for vulnerable Guyanese
THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Public Assistance programme remains a lifeline for thousands of Guyanese, providing temporary relief to persons with disabilities and those experiencing severe financial hardship.
In a recent information session, Deputy Director of Social Services, Hamwanttie Bisesar, explained that the initiative is grounded in the Poor Relief Act — an older but still relevant piece of legislation that guides the delivery of this support across the country, including in hinterland regions such as Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine. Bisesar noted that the programme operates through local Boards of Guardians, which were established nationwide to ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable. “These local boards
of guardians are an integral part of the Public Assistance process,” she said.
Currently, Guyanese can access two main forms of Public Assistance: medical and economic. For those with medical conditions, applicants need only provide a copy of their ID card and, if available, a clinic card. Forms can be collected from the local Probation Office and must be completed by the applicant’s doctor.
For individuals applying for economic support, Bisesar explained that new applicants must submit copies of their ID cards, children’s birth certificates and school letters if applying on behalf of children. An interview is then conducted with a Probation Officer before the application goes to the local board for approval. Once approved, the necessary documentation is prepared,
verified by supervisors and processed through the Ministry’s Management Information System Unit for final issuance.
Bisesar emphasised that while the as-
sistance is temporary, it plays a vital role in helping families stay afloat during difficult times. The process for annual renewal remains similar for those who continue to need support.
Earlier this year, the Government of Guyana demonstrated its commitment to strengthening social safety nets by allocating a substantial $58.5 billion budget to the ministry for 2025. Notably, public assistance payments have been increased to $22,000 per month, injecting an additional $1.4 billion into the pockets of some 40,000 recipients across the country.
The ministry continues to encourage eligible persons in need to apply, reminding citizens that public assistance is designed to ease the burden during some of life’s most challenging periods.
‘Guyana in prime shape to lead on biodiversity conservation’
– UK Foreign Secretary
FOREIGN Secretary of the United Kingdom (UK), David Lammy, said Guyana has rightfully earned its place as a global leader in forest and biodiversity conservation.
Speaking on the United for Biodiversity: The Alliance Podcast with Kiana Wilburg on Sunday, Lammy, who has Guyanese roots, praised the country’s innovative strategies to secure recognition for its stewardship of its forest, positioning it at the forefront of climate negotiations.
“People often forget how crucial Guyana is to the Guiana Shield and the Amazon Basin,” he said. “Guyana is well placed to lead this agenda.”
Due to Guyana’s proactive steps and the importance of the fight against climate change, Lammy stated that the UK government will continue to support efforts in Guyana through various initiatives.
For example, the UK’s International Climate Finance initiative has allocated more
than US$15.7 billion to climate-resilient projects.
The foreign secretary said the importance of biodiversity to the fight against climate change is also being recognised and will be honoured by Britain as well.
“We remain committed in our development spending to support climate initiatives and to emphasise nature as well as climate…[and] absolutely 100 per cent to support biodiversity loss,” Lammy explained.
“You [Guyana] do that principally through ensuring communities who might lose out are able to get employment and livelihoods, and that means standing alongside…Amerindian communities.”
Lammy, responsible for Commonwealth countries, urged the “Global North” to follow the UK’s lead in addressing climate security by supporting developing nations that are most impacted.
“I’m very sad that we’re having this conversation at a time when there are countries in the Global North stepping
back on responsibilities in this area. The UK is stepping forward when others are stepping back. So we remain committed to our pledge of [US$15.6 billion] in ICF funding,” the foreign secretary affirmed.
He urged philanthropists and other private entities to support climate financing. They can do so by matching the amounts already allocated by the United Kingdom. This underscores the need for the global private sector to also play a role in footing the climate bill.
The Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led administration is promoting biodiversity conservation and aims to unite world leaders to discuss global solutions.
To achieve this, Guyana will host the Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit from July 23–25 in Georgetown, a landmark event that will bring together world leaders, scientists, and indigenous voices to accelerate progress toward the 30×30 global biodiversity target.
UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, during a recent episode of the United for Biodiversity: The Alliance Podcast with Kiana Wilburg
54 nursery schools built in four-and-a-half years
MINISTER of Education, Priya Manickchand, has announced that a total of 54 nursery schools have been constructed across Guyana over the last four years, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand access to early childhood education.
She made the disclosure last Friday during the commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed Non-Pareil Nursery School on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
The project forms part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Education to provide conducive and equitable learning spaces for children aged three and above.
While addressing a gathering of parents, teachers, regional officials, and residents, Minister Manickchand emphasised the Government’s commitment to
til primary, and it is compulsory from primary until the completion of secondary.”
“Although we do not have compulsory nursery education, more than 90 percent of that age cohort are registered and attending a nursery school, and that is the highest for the Commonwealth Caribbean. That tells you how much of an appetite our parents and grandparents have for education.”
The newly commissioned Non-Pareil Nursery School boasts large classrooms, washroom facilities, an administrative area, and a fenced outdoor play area.
Minister Manickchand also stressed that beyond infrastructure, the Ministry is actively working to ensure trained teachers, and age-appropriate curriculum materials.
“This school has four
ensuring that every child, regardless of their geographic location or socio-economic background, has access to quality nursery education. “In the last four and a half years, we have built 54 new nursery schools across the country. We have reconstructed 13 nursery schools, and we have extended 39 nursery schools in this country… in the last four and a half years,” Minister Manickchand stated.
She said the construction of 54 nursery schools in just four years is unprecedented and reflects a deliberate and strategic approach to improving the education system, particularly at the foundational level.
While nursery education is not mandatory in Guyana, she noted that many parents are choosing to send their children to nursery school to provide them with the best possible start in life.
She added: “Nursery education is not compulsory in Guyana. You can choose to keep your children home un-
Scene from the commissioning of the Non-Pareil Nursery School
teachers for 40 children—that means 10 children per teacher. Most nursery schools have 15 to 20 children per teacher, so you have fewer children here, where more attention can be given to each child. All four of the teachers are trained teachers,” Manickchand explained.
“We have reformed the curriculum completely, so that at nursery, we are not just coming in here and doing what we did 30 and 20 years ago. We now have a far more interactive, hands-on approach to teaching literacy and numeracy skills, and making sure that they have the motor and life skills that they need at that age,” she added. Minister Manickchand said the Government wants to ensure that every child in Guyana can read, write, and understand what they are reading by the time they reach Grade Four.
She referenced a new national programme that will be launched this month, aimed at equipping learners with
core literacy and numeracy skills by the end of Grade Four. According to her, this initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to improving foundational learning outcomes across the education system.
She encouraged parents to take an active role in their children's education, emphasising that the government’s efforts must be supported at home in order to be truly effective.
“We want to ensure that nobody is being left behind, and we can only do that with your support and partnership,” Minister Manickchand told parents and guardians.
Before the commissioning of the Non-Pareil Nursery School, parents in the community had to send their children to nursery schools in Enterprise or Melanie along the East Coast of Demerara.
The commissioning of the Non-Pareil Nursery School adds to a growing list of educational investments made under the
current administration, which has also prioritised textbooks for every child, school feeding programmes, and the return of the “Because We Care” cash grant.
Guyana rises as global leader in biodiversity conservation, President Ali declares
- urges world to embrace Guyana’s vision for people, planet
PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared Guyana a global powerhouse in biodiversity, highlighting the country’s vast and intact ecosystems that rival those of much larger nations.
President Ali emphasised that while the world struggles with biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, Guyana continues to preserve over 85 per cent of its forested lands, supporting vibrant and connected ecosystems across its landscape.
“Guyana’s biodiversity punches above its weight on the global stage,” the President said, noting the country’s rich variety of species including over 1,200 bird species, approximately 225 mammal species such as jaguars and giant river otters, and nearly 8,000 plant species, many endemic to the ancient Guiana Shield.
This ecological success is attributed to deliberate policies under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which in -
tegrates sustainability into national development plans.
President Ali stressed that nature is not a constraint to development but a foundation for it, with Guyana’s rainforests, wetlands, rivers, and savannahs serving as working landscapes that benefit both people and the planet.
Looking ahead, Guyana is pioneering innovative biodiversity finance models, including plans to develop biodiversity credits, tradable units that quantify conser-
vation outcomes to generate new income streams for forest communities and incentivise broader conservation efforts.
“Our commitment is bold,” said President Ali, outlining Guyana’s pledge to double protected and conserved areas by 2025 and achieve the global “30 by 30” target of protecting 30 per cent of land and marine ecosystems by 2030. This commitment is supported by science, legislation, community engagement, and international partnerships.
Guyana’s leadership in biodiversity conservation is bolstered by collaborations with major global institutions and organisations including Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Conservation International, the World Bank, and the Governments of Brazil and other states, alongside Indigenous
communities and private sector partners in green finance.
As Guyana prepares to host the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, President Ali invited the world to learn from Guyana’s experience, emphasising that economic development, social inclusion, and ecologi-
cal integrity can go hand in hand.
“This is Guyana’s story, but it is also the world’s future,” he concluded, urging global partners to think differently, act boldly, and join in building a resilient, biodiverse, and equitable planet.
Regions Three and Six: GAB strengthens local capacity with gender, development training
THE Gender Affairs Bureau (GAB) of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security successfully concluded two impactful gender and development training sessions last week in Regions Three and Six.
The sessions specifically targeted members of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Regional Offices, equipping them with practical tools and knowledge to better address gender-related issues within their communities and organisations.
Participants engaged in insightful discussions on core gender concepts, including the
significance of gender mainstreaming and strategies for implementing gender-responsive policies and programmes at the local level.
This initiative is part of the Bureau’s broader effort to strengthen both individual and institutional capacities to understand, manage, and respond effectively to gender issues across society.
The Gender Affairs Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering stakeholders at every level to champion meaningful and inclusive change in Guyana.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
The sessions specifically targeted members of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Regional Offices
Chief Statistician encourages work study students to dream big, work hard
TWELVE young students who recently completed their CSEC examinations have wrapped up the first leg of their 2025 Work Study Attachment at the Bureau of Statistics, gaining invaluable exposure to the world of official statistics and public service.
The Bureau paused on Friday to recognise the students’ efforts and achievements after four weeks of hands-on experience, which began on June 16. The programme gave students practical insights into data management, statistics, and the inner workings of the public sector, while also fostering important life skills such as professionalism, teamwork, and integrity.
Addressing the group at a simple closing exercise, Chief Statistician, Mr. Errol La Cruez, encouraged the students to “Dream big, aim high, believe in yourself, and work hard.” He urged them to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way, and stressed that deter-
mination and ambition are key ingredients for turning the impossible into possible.
Mr. La Cruez also advised the students to build strong networks and choose career paths that bring them fulfillment and purpose. Each participant received a certificate of participation in recognition of their time and contribution to the Bureau.
The engagement also featured fun, interactive activities that tested the students’ knowledge of the Bureau’s
work and strengthened their connections with each other. Top performers in those activities received prizes as a reward for their enthusiasm and dedication.
The Bureau of Statistics’ Work Study Attachment Programme remains a vital platform for preparing young Guyanese for the world of work, nurturing the next generation with both technical knowledge and the values needed to excel.
PM Phillips meets with PAHO Director to strengthen health collaboration
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips welcomed Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Jarbas Barbosa da Silva. Accompanying him were Ms Piedad Huerta, Head of Country and Subregional Coordination and Dr Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana
PRIME Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d)
Mark Phillips on Monday welcomed Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Jarbas Barbosa da Silva for a courtesy visit at his Camp Street Office, where they discussed deepening health-sector partnerships and advancing healthcare delivery in Guyana.
Accompanying Dr Barbosa were Ms Piedad Huerta, Head of Country and Subregional Coordination, and Dr Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana. The high-level meeting focused on PAHO’s ongoing work in Guyana, including its close collaboration and technical support to the Ministry of Health.
Prime Minister Phillips and the PAHO
delegation explored opportunities to further enhance Guyana’s healthcare system, with emphasis on expanding telemedicine and improving access to essential health services for communities across the country.
PAHO, a specialised health agency of the United Nations for the Americas, plays a key role in fostering technical co-operation among member states to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases, strengthen health systems, and respond effectively to public health emergencies and disasters.
The meeting reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to partnering with regional and global organisations to boost investments in the health sector and ensure equitable healthcare for all citizens.
Chief Statistician, Errol La Cruez, encouraged the students to ‘Dream big, aim high, believe in yourself, and work hard’
Division 4 ‘C’ Police celebrate young achievers at NGSA recognition ceremony
COMMANDER
Khali Pareshram and his Administrative Team of Regional Police Division 4'C' hosted a heartwarming recognition ceremony to celebrate the academic success of Police Youth and Scout Group members, along with children of police officers, who recently wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
The recent event, which brought together proud parents and youth leaders, highlighted the commitment of the Guyana Police Force to support the educational journeys of the nation’s future leaders.
Each student was presented with a school bag filled with educational supplies — a practical gesture of encouragement to help them
continue their academic pursuits. The top five performers in both categories were given special honours for their outstanding results, receiving trophies and electronic tablets as additional rewards for their hard work.
In his remarks, Assistant Commissioner Pareshram congratulated the students and urged them to remain disciplined and focused as they move forward in life. He underscored that education is the foundation for success and encouraged the young achievers to strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives.
The top performers among the police officers’ children were Destiny Moore, who secured first place, followed by Justin Abraham in second, Zayden Pitama in
Commander Khali Pareshram (centre) flanked by Police Youth and Scout Group members, along with children of police officers, who recently wrote the NGSA and his Administrative Team
third, Leona Sewsankar in fourth, and Keon Halley in fifth place.
Among the Police Youth
Group members, Tye Armstrong of the Buxton Young Achievers Youth Group achieved the highest marks with 472.86, closely followed by Deveann Lowe, also from Buxton, with 472.11 marks.
Tylon Andrew of the Cane
Grove Rising Stars earned 470.36 marks, while Tyrese Semple and Netonya Augustus of the Haslington Young Ambassadors Youth Group scored 456.70 and 444.17 marks respectively.
The event reinforced the Division’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, disciplined, and educated young citizens, and served as a reminder that behind every uniform is a community invested in the success of its children.
Twenty trainees forge new paths through WIIN welding programme
The Welding Academy on North Road offers a nine-day City and Guilds Level 2 course which integrates practical, hands-on training with theoretical instruction
TWENTY aspiring welders have officially embarked on a life-changing journey toward international certification through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, delivered in partnership with Nations Inc.
The training, which began at the Welding Academy on North Road, offers participants a nine-day City and Guilds Level 2 course that combines practical, hands-on instruction with theoretical knowledge.
The programme equips trainees with the essential skills needed to succeed in one of
today’s most in-demand technical fields. The WIIN initiative continues to transform lives across Guyana by providing free, high-quality training opportunities that enable people to gain marketable skills, increase their earning potential, and secure better livelihoods for themselves and their families. By investing in skills like welding, the Ministry is helping to build a workforce ready to meet the demands of growing industries, while opening doors for citizens to forge brighter, more secure futures, ‘one weld at a time’.
Honouring sacrifice: Wreaths laid for fallen Ballot Box Martyrs
MORE than fifty years have passed since the streets of Berbice were stained with the blood of men who dared to stand guard over democracy.
On July 16th, community members and activists gathered once again to honour the sacrifice of two men, 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar and 42-year-old Bholanauth Parmanand, who were shot and killed while defending the integrity of the 1973 General Elections.
Back then, Ramessar and Parmanand were ordi-
nary men entrusted with an extraordinary duty: to safeguard ballot boxes on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
But their mission met a brutal end when the Guyana Defence Force, acting under orders from the then-ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), opened fire. Several others were wounded in that dark moment when bullets replaced ballots.
“They did not die from the gunshot wounds immediately. According to medical reports that we saw, if they
Campbelltown to get reliable water supply with new $20M well
THE days of having limited access to water for basic household needs will soon be over for residents of Campbelltown, Region Eight, as the government is drilling a new $20 million well near an existing solar farm.
Upon the completion of a logging resistivity test to determine the best location for the well, drilling began last week and is expected to be completed by mid-August.
At a recent community engagement at Campbelltown Benab, the Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh, explained that plans are in place to improve water productivity and quality across the region.
The CEO noted that while water is being delivered to residents on a rotational basis, he assured them that the government is actively working to standardise the delivery of water in a reliable manner.
“The duration of the water supply is of concern to us” he added, noting that the completion of the well will boost the water supply for everyone.
A GWI team visited the region last Monday to assess the condition of the distribution networks and determine whether they are operational and generating water at the best possible rate.
Region Eight has seen an
had gotten medical attention, they would have still been alive,” said Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health, who paid tribute at the simple wreath-laying ceremony.
“They were tossed into the back of a vehicle and paraded through the streets of Berbice, a show of force. They bled out.”
The small gathering this year was a solemn reminder that these men were more than victims, they were symbols of a struggle that has shaped Guyana’s modern political landscape.
The wreaths laid in their memory were not just floral tributes but a quiet promise that the fight for free and fair elections will never be
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh
investment of over $1 billion since 2021 to improve water access, which includes the drilling of more than 15 new wells.
Communities including Kamana, Itabac, Micobie, Brian Sucre Junction, and Sand Hill have benefitted from new and improved water supply systems. With increased investments since 2020, Region Eight currently has more than 90 per cent access to water.
Residents were assured that considerable investments are underway to ensure the hinterland regions have 100 per cent access to potable water by the end of 2025. (DPI)
forgotten.
As time passes, the wounds of that era remain etched into the collective memory of those who lived through it. For many, the Ballot Box Martyrs, as they have come to be known, serve as a testament to the cost of silence and the price of vigilance.
Today, their sacrifice calls out not only to those who remember but to a new generation that must guard against complacency. It reminds Guyanese that democracy, once betrayed, demands generations of courage to be restored.
And so, in the quiet moments by their modest memorial, the people of Berbice continue to stand witness, honouring two ordinary men who died an extraordinary death so that the voices of a nation could someday be truly heard.
Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health (fifth from left) flanked by PPP activists who paid tribute at the simple wreath-laying ceremony for the Ballot Box Martyrs
Over 190 graduate from Leonora Technical Institute
By Faith Greene
MORE than 190 students from the Leonora Technical and Vocational Institute in Region Three, (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), graduated from programmes led by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
The graduation involved students from the Leonora Technical Institute, the Lust-En-Rust Community Development Centre (CDC), and the Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre. The ceremony marked not only the completion of the courses but also the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates.
In alignment with the government’s plan to expand technical and vocational education and enhance the employability of youths, BIT collaborated with those institutions to offer targeted skills training across a number of disciplines, including electrical installation (45 persons), furniture making (15 persons), commercial food preparation (45 persons), air conditioning and refrigeration (20 persons), general building and construction (20 persons), welding (20 persons), and heavy-duty equipment operation (47 persons).
These were designed to provide young men and
- graduates urged not to trade future triumphs for short-term comfort
women with access to quality technical and vocational education programmes while also providing them with the requisite tools for the world of work and entrepreneurship. The ceremony featured remarks from BIT CEO, Richard Maughn. He described the graduation as a moment of triumph for graduates and the diverse communities they represent and future they will create. He told graduates they are no longer just trainees but are now technicians, artisans, and builders of Guyana. Maughn reminded them
that their future is dependent on one individual -- themselves. Encouraging them to not trade future triumphs for short-term comfort, the CEO told the graduates to conduct self-inspections to reflect on their journeys, and make adjustments to ensure they can have a future that is prosperous. He further urged, “Be a change in the place of work. Everyone may be coming into work and maybe idlers are not as productive as they should be, as they can be. And you might be on the sidelines and may want to
complain. I would say to you, you be the change. You be productive. You be the kind of person that the workplace needs. Be the change in your home.”
Maughn disclosed that the Board of Industrial Training is thankful to the Government of Guyana for the financial resources that have been provided for investment in youth. From 2020 to present, the Board has expended some $100,224,203 to impact the lives of Guyanese in Region Three.
The BIT head explained that such investment is to al-
low residents to contribute to the development of Guyana. Some 1,421 individuals from the region have been trained across several areas.
Maughn posited that it is BIT’s desire and expectation that they will keep pushing forward and become change agents, striving for excellence in everything that they do.
Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Devanand Ramdatt, added to this, saying that while Guyana is growing rapidly in terms of its economy and infrastructure, it is just as important that emphasis is placed on providing training opportunities for our people and for people to grasp opportunities as they come.
He opined that there had never been a time like this, where opportunities for development are presented.
Commending the graduates, the REO said, “There are going to be massive transformations, because you could witness, maybe on your way here, a lot happening not only in Guyana, but precisely in this region; and young people, take up those opportunities, and take them up with a sense of patriotism and a sense of loyalty, because for Guyana to develop, and for Guyana to grow, it requires the responsibility of every single Guyanese to take that up with sacredness and to take that up with patriotism and loyalty to this country.”
Police Service Commission hosts seminar on Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development
THE Police Service Commission’s Chairman, Bishop Patrick Findlay, along with the Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Jai Singh, led a seminar for police officers and ranks of Regional Division #9, on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
The event took place at the Regional Democratic Council boardroom and focused on enhancing emotional intelligence and personal development within the force.
During the seminar, Mr. Jai Singh highlighted the GOAL scholarship programme, encouraging officers to seize this opportunity for both personal growth and professional advancement.
He stressed the importance of commitment and professionalism in their duties as peace officers.
Bishop Findlay centred his presentation on emotional intelligence, breaking down its key elements, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
Using practical examples, he shared strategies aimed at improving these skills, emphasising their critical role in effective policing and fostering positive community relations.
The seminar reflects the Commission’s ongoing efforts to support the development of police personnel, equipping them with tools to better serve and engage with the communities they protect.
The workshop focused on the enhancement of emotional intelligence and personal development for members of the force was convened at the Regional Democratic Council boardroom
Graduates flank BIT CEO, Richard Maughn; REO of Region Three, Devanand Ramdatt; Chairman of Lust-En-Rust CDC, Mitchroy Garnett, and BIT Technical Officer, Devika Ramsewak, among others
BIT CEO, Richard Maughn REO of Region Three, Devanand Ramdatt
Inquest ordered into death of 16-year-old following motorcycle crash
AN inquest has been ordered into the death of 16-year-old Justin Smith, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash on the night of July 13, 2025, at No. 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
Police investigations revealed that the fatal incident occurred between 22:00hrs and 23:50hrs. The teenager, described as a Guyanese of East Indian descent and a school dropout from Lot 31, No. 47 Village, was reportedly consuming alcohol prior to
the incident.
Initial information was provided by his mother, 50-year-old vendor Anita Seenauth, who resides at Lot 21, No. 47 Village. She told police that at around 22:30hrs on the night of the crash, she received a call from her daughter, 23-year-old Anushika Singh, informing her that Justin had fallen off his motorcycle and was in critical condition on the No. 46 Public Road.
Subsequent investigations, conducted on July
Police seize cannabis, ‘meth’ during operation in ‘Spliff Street’ Buxton
The suspected cannabis, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, including a scale and packaging materials, seized during a police operation in Buxton on July 20, 2025
LAW enforcement officers, on Sunday, conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting known drug blocks in the East Coast Demerara village of Buxton, resulting in the arrest of one man and the seizure of a quantity of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and cannabis.
According to a police report, the operation was carried out on July 20, 2025, between 20:45 and 22:15 hrs during which ranks intercepted a 33-year-old construction worker of Buxton Middle Walk.
“A search was conducted on his person during which a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis was found in a black onestrap bag he was carrying,” the police said.
The suspect was promptly arrested and taken to the Vigilance Police Station. There, the suspected narcotic was weighed and found to amount to 41 grams. The man remains in custody pending charges.
In a follow-up search at Buxton Middle Walk, specifically in an area locally known as “Spliff Street,” the
14, between 09:30hrs and 13:20hrs, revealed that Smith had been drinking at a Chinese supermarket in No. 47 Village. CCTV footage later showed him riding off alone and at high speed. He attempted to overtake a motor vehicle before losing control and crashing into a red row plough parked on the southern parapet.
The police observed the row plough had sustained scratches and was marked with fragments consistent with the crash, including sponge material, fabric, leather, and a black wristband believed to be from the deceased or his motorcycle.
Investigators also interviewed Mukesh Edwards, 23, who disclosed that he
was drinking nearby with two others—Hemesh Harrinarine, also known as Andy, and Alim Haripersaud—when Justin arrived on his motorcycle. Edwards claimed Harrinarine had raised his hand in a gesture moments before the crash.
Harrinarine, in his statement, admitted he was present and heard the collision but denied any provocative actions. He claimed he went for help and returned to find others assisting the injured teen.
A confrontation between Edwards and Harrinarine was held at 20:33hrs on the same day. Edwards maintained his version of events, while Harrinarine denied making any gestures that could have
contributed to the accident.
On July 17, a post-mortem examination was conducted at Bailey’s Funeral Home by Dr. V. Brijmohan, with the police present. The deceased was positively identified by his stepfather, Norman Anthony Broomes, 40. The cause of death was given as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple injuries consistent with a vehicular accident.
Following a review of the investigative file, legal advice was sought.
On Friday, July 18, 2025, the file was returned with instructions for an inquest to be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the death of Justin Smith.
police discovered a stash of illicit substances abandoned on a table.
The release stated that, “fifty-nine transparent Ziplock bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis were found in a black plastic bag,” along with “eighteen green plastic containers containing suspected cannabis” and “one large white plastic bag containing more of the same substance.”
Police also discovered “twenty-nine transparent ziplock containers containing a whitish substance suspected to be Methamphetamine” as well as “several empty ziplock bags and wrappers commonly used for smoking.”
All of the items were transported to the Vigilance Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed and amounted to 379.8 grams.
The suspected methamphetamine weighed 19.6 grams. The seized narcotics were photographed and lodged as the investigation continues.
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Justin Smith
Exchange programmes for Hinterland, Coastland students
--among plans to narrow educational gaps, promote immersive learning experiences --President Ali announces
By Naomi Parris
GUYANA’S drive to transform education is moving into new terrains, quite literally, as President Dr. Irfaan Ali has mulled the introduction of school exchange programmes, that will be designed to allow students from both hinterland and coastland communities to immerse themselves in each other’s environments.
“Access alone is not enough,” he remarked on Monday at the commissioning of the new Brickdam Secondary School in Georgetown, drawing attention to the stark contrast between city skylines and hinterland horizons. “When you look at some of these schools, the environment in which they're being built, you know, you look out of the windows here in Georgetown, and you see massive buildings around
you. You look out the windows in the hinterland, and you see rolling hills and mountains and beautiful savannahs.” The idea over the next five years is to take learning beyond the textbook, turning geography, social studies, and national identity into lived experiences.
“We have to do a lot of work also in enhancing school tours, letting our children learn about their country’s geography, their country’s region, and social studies in different environments.”
Currently the government is making massive investments to achieve universal secondary education across the country.
The government has commenced or completed or is in the process of planning or building some 40 schools across the country.
“One of our key priorities is to narrow the educational gaps between hinterland and coastline
regions. For decades, these gaps have hindered our national progress, but not anymore. We are increasing access to schools and learning resources in the hinterland. The majority of the new schools that are being constructed are being built in hinterland regions one, seven, eight and nine.”
“We have to be able to have exchange programmes among and between schools [so] our children can grow up knowing what all of Guyana feels and looks like. That is the type of investment that must match the investments that we're making in infrastructure, buildings, and development of human capital for the hinterland regions,” the Head of State added.
As of December 2024, 83 per cent of all teachers across Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine were fully trained, a significant increase from less than 43 per cent in 2020.
And as of May of this year, the number of hinterland teachers currently stands at 2,435, most of whom come directly from their own villages and communities.
President Ali had credited these achievements to governmental facilitation.
“We are happy that as a government, we are able to facilitate such a massive transformation, but at the end of the day, it is your accomplishments,” he said at an event in May.
Taxi driver arrested in connection with murder of Mocha businesswoman
A 42-year-old taxi driver of Paradise, East Coast Demerara, has been arrested in connection with the brazen daylight murder of Mocha businesswoman Desiree Hyman, who was gunned down during an attempted robbery outside her boutique last Friday.
The police said that on Sunday, July 20, between 18:00 and 19:30hrs, ranks conducted an intelligence-led operation that led them to Dennis Street, Sophia, where they apprehended Weedon Oudkerk.
CUSTODY:
He was informed that he was wanted for questioning in relation to Hyman’s killing. Upon being cautioned, Oudkerk denied any involvement but was arrested and taken into custody at the Providence Police Station as investigations continue.
Hyman, 43, a clothing vendor of Lot 625 Mocha, East Bank Demerara, was fatally shot on July 18, 2025, at her business premises located at Lot 297 First Street, Mocha.
According to investigators, at around 14:30hrs,
she was confronted by two masked men who approached her on a motorcycle. One of the suspects, armed with a handgun, attempted to rob her. She resisted and was shot six times, three bullets struck the left side of her lower abdomen, two hit the right side and one struck just beneath her right breast.
The attackers fled the scene heading north on the motorcycle.
A police team led by Commander of Regional Division 4B, processed the
scene and recovered two 9mm spent shells and a suspected projectile about three feet from the victim’s body. Emergency Medical Technicians from the Eccles Fire Service responded to the scene, and Hyman was officially pronounced dead at 16:40hrs by a doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital. Investigators have since canvassed the area and secured access to several CCTV cameras that may assist in identifying the suspects. Investigations remain active.
Home Affairs Ministry equips workstudy students on emerging threats
THE Ministry of Home Affairs, through its Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Department, hosted a critical awareness session on Friday, July 18, 2025, targeting 31 workstudy students as part of its continued drive to safeguard young people from human trafficking and drug abuse.
Held in the Ministry’s Board Room, the session was designed to empower students with practical knowledge to identify, resist, and report incidents related to trafficking in persons and illegal drug use, threats that continue to pose serious risks to youth across Guyana.
The session featured two informative presentations. The TIP Department outlined the definition of human trafficking, various forms it can take, key indicators and warning signs to look out for, and
provided emergency and support hotline numbers to report suspected cases.Meanwhile, officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) educated participants on common drugs and narcotics circulating in Guyana, their effects on individuals and communities, and the importance of resisting peer pressure and staying drug-free.
This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to prevention, education, and public safety, with a special focus on empowering young people and early-career professionals to play an active role in protecting themselves and their communities from crime.
The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to continued outreach and training sessions that build awareness, resilience, and a safer Guyana for all.
The Ministry’s boardroom ‘hosted’ a session empowering students to identify, resist, and report human trafficking and drug use, major risks facing Guyana’s young people
The newly commissioned Brickdam Secondary School in Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)
IN
Weedon Oudkerk
MURDERED : Desiree Hyman
'The power to ensure development continues rests in your hands'
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
WITH the general and regional elections just weeks away, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service has called on residents of Crabwood Creek to vote decisively for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to secure Guyana’s path of progress and transformation.
Addressing a spirited community meeting, Dr. Singh stressed that the September 1 elections are not just routine but pivotal to determining whether Guyana continues along its current development trajectory or risks returning to what he described as a destructive past.
“We will continue along the lines of progress,” he declared, “or divert to destruction.”
Dr. Singh painted a vivid picture of Guyana’s political history, contrasting what he described as the destructive legacy of the PNC with the development-oriented governance of the PPP/C.
“In every period that the PNC has been in government,” he said, “it has been a period of destruction and hardship and punishment, and in every period that the PPP/C has been in government has been a period of progress and development.”
He recalled the dark days of economic despair, when, under previous PNC-led administrations, citizens were forced to flee the country “to escape dictatorship; to escape poverty, leaving their homes”. This image resonated strongly with the residents, many of whom nodded their heads in agreement as the minister recounted the exodus of Guyanese who left “just to survive”.
When the PPP/C returned to office, Dr. Singh said, they inherited a bankrupt country, and worked hard to restore financial stability. “Not a wealthy country,” he clarified, “but a country that was financially stable.”
Singh turned his attention to the promises made by the APNU+AFC coalition during their time in office.
–– Dr. Singh tells
Guyanese
According to him, those promises were left unfulfilled, causing immense damage to the economy. His comments were met with strong support from attendees, with one resident shouting, “No more chances for them!”
“You know what the closure of Skeldon Estate did,” Singh said, referencing the shutdown of one of the region’s key employers under the former administration. He pointed out that every business and community in the area felt the ripple effects. “Money na deh!” he said, adding:
“The entire economy collapsed when APNU closed the sugar estate. For five years they went on a rampage.”
He also criticised the Coalition for their treatment of public servants and rice farmers, accusing them of betrayal.
“They made promises to rice farmers, only to gain office and claim ‘Rice is private business’,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “They also take away money from the public servants, police and soldiers, among others.”
According to Singh, these decisions ultimately led to the Coalition being “booted out” by the people, who sent them back to the opposition benches.
In sharp contrast, Singh highlighted the PPP/C’s vision and ongoing projects under President Irfaan Ali’s leadership. He outlined ma-
jor infrastructure plans that would transform Region Six into a hub for industrial and economic activity.
He spoke of the “brand new bridge across the Berbice River, and a four-lane bridge” which will serve as a critical point for Guyana’s second gas pipeline.
He explained that this pipeline will support a major industrial complex in the region, which will include “things like power generation, and fertilizer manufacturing right here in Region Six”.
Additionally, Singh spoke about the long-awaited deep-water harbour at the mouth of the Berbice River, and a network of new roads. These include a highway to Lethem and a four-lane highway connecting Guyana to neighbouring Suriname enabling the smooth flow of goods and trade across Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. “Cargo and goods can move from Suriname to Guyana to Brazil,” he said, underlining the strategic importance of these developments.
He stressed that these infrastructure were included in President Ali’s vision “to unlock economic opportunities”.
Minister Singh then stated that President Ali comes with experience, as he’s held two major government portfolios before becoming President, and has now led the government for a term, which has been immensely successful.
“Every day we make choices about track record and competence and capability,” Minister Singh said, “and when it comes to decide about who should formulate and implement policies for the betterment of the country, we must choose the party that has demonstrated they have the capability and track record to do so. And that is only the PPP/C.”
He also mentioned the plans for a new road from Moleson Creek to Orealla, which would unlock new lands for cultivation and economic use. “There is a long list of projects I can go on and on about,” Singh noted, but he stressed that what matters most is the clear evidence of progress under the PPP/C government.
He emphasised that this election is not just about
promises, but about choosing a path forward, and furthermore, he spoke about track record, competence, and credibility, all of which he said the PPP/C government can stand strong on.
Singh then ecncouraged activists to “work on everybody”, because they want every single household to vote solidly for the PPP/C. “We must teach them a lesson and wipe them out completely and show them that Region Six is 100%” for the PPP/c.
Also addressing the crowd on Tuesday afternoon was the Regional Vice-Chairman of Region Six, Zamal Hussain, who echoed Singh’s sentiments, and emphasised the need for continued support for the PPP/C. “The PPP/C will continue the development and the progress in this country,” he said. “If you look around
Crabwood Creek, you will see the evidence that we as a government over the last five years have transformed the community.”
He pointed to improved infrastructure, noting, “Every single road has been done with a few only left now to rehab.”
Hussain urged residents to ensure that the momentum of development is not lost. “If we don’t do the right thing on September 1, then we will put ourselves in serious problems,” he warned. He reminded the audience that under the APNU+AFC administration, the people of Crabwood Creek were struggling — a far cry from the current situation where many have become “self-sufficient.”
He concluded by reinforcing the PPP/C’s commitment to direct engagement and community involvement. “We have been coming to this community regularly. Many ministers come to Crabwood Creek... and we will continue to work with you,” he assured residents.
As the meeting drew to a close, the message was clear: For Singh and Hussain, the upcoming elections represent not just a choice between political parties, but a decision about the direction of Guyana’s future.
Both leaders urged residents to vote solidly for the PPP/C on September 1 to ensure continued stability, growth, and transformation. As Singh put it, “This election is an important one”, and the people of Crabwood Creek appear to be listening.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh
A section of the spirited gathering at Crabwood Creek
Holder: West Indies can bounce back
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Veteran West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder says the regional
side is still confident of winning the series despite losing the opening T20I to Australia on Sunday.
The Windies stuttered with the bat and were inconsistent with the ball on their way to a three-wicket defeat in the first game of the fivematch series.
With the second game scheduled to be played today at Sabina Park, Holder said the team just needed to sharpen up some key areas in both the batting and bowling departments.
“There was obviously a high boundary count by the Aussies, so maybe if we can limit that, cut a few of the sixes to fours and fours to maybe twos or threes, that
adds up in the end.
But having said that, I think our execution could be better and if we execute better, I think that those margins could come down a little bit,” Holder said in a postmatch interview on Sunday.
“I don’t think we could really hit the top order that much, but I think if anything maybe the lower half could probably spend a few more balls before we start to hit, but I think the situation was one where we believed it was a 200-odd pitch and guys thought that they had to come in and go hard.”
Today’s game will also be the final match for Andre Russell in West Indies colours, with the dynam -
ic 37-year-old Jamaican all-rounder set to retire from international cricket.
Holder, a former West Indies captain, said it would be a fitting tribute if they could win Russell’s final game in front of his home crowd.
“Yeah, it would be great to send him off on a high and it would be great to send him off on a winning note, which I’m confident that we can definitely do. We’ve got confidence that we can turn it around.
“It’s just one game in the series, four left and in his final game we just want to go out there and give everything for him,” Holder said.
Russell picks 2016 semi-final...
The West Indies went on to defeat England in a dramatic final in Kolkata— clinching their second T20 World Cup title in four years. Russell, a key contributor in both triumphs, said those victories will forever define his time in maroon.
"Obviously, two World Cups, it's just a different emotion. You sleep, you wake up [on the morning after the final], and you realise you've only been sleeping for two hours, but you feel well-rested because you just want to see what's going on on the internet; you want to see all of those memories and all of those good comments.
"By just seeing the [social
media] posts and seeing stuff going around on the internet, I get a bit emotional, to be honest, but, you know, decision already made, and I think I've done well enough to actually say, yes, that's it for me towards international cricket."
Russell will officially retire from international duty following the first two T20 Internationals against Australia on July 20 and 22, both to be played at Sabina Park, his home ground in Kingston, Jamaica.
"It's a pretty good feeling," he said. "I think, [from the] first time I came to Sabina Park as a kid, and then to actually walk on the grass
Paul Skinner is new chief...
the association’s special general meeting for voting on August 12. This process will follow the annual general meeting scheduled for July 29.
In his first remarks as CEO, Skinner expressed his pride and gratitude at taking the helm of the BCA.
“I am honoured to be here at the BCA, and I am extremely proud to be of service to Barbados and Barbados cricket. The BCA has had a long and illustrious history in cricket and cricket administration, and I look forward to complementing that history and continuing to enhance the strong foundation that has
been set,” he said.
Skinner outlined a vision focused on strengthening the local cricketing pathway, ensuring that young Barbadian players can progress from grassroots to elite levels.
“As a local board, we have our part to play in being a feeder system for West Indies cricket. We have to be in a constant state of evolution and improvement to be competitive on the global stage,” he said. “The BCA must ensure that we produce quality professionals, male and female, who are consistently competitive in all formats of the game.” He also emphasised the
(From back page)
and feel the atmosphere and look in the stands and everything, and [to] now, I've achieved so much out of cricket for the last couple of years. I did my best in every chance I got, representing West Indies."
"I think it's the perfect ground and the perfect series—against a good team as well, Australia—to end my international career."
As he nears the end of a career that spanned 141 T20 Internationals for the West Indies, Russell's legacy is etched not just in statistics, but in iconic moments—the biggest of them all, that unforgettable night in Mumbai. (Sportsmax)
(From page 27)
value of collaboration with clubs, members, and corporate partners, calling them essential to the sport’s longterm development.
“We have a large number of clubs and a large membership with a wide range of expertise that I would like to tap into. We also have a duty to be of more service to them,” Skinner noted.
“Corporate Barbados and the private sector are a large and important segment in this plan, and their support will be critical to ensuring the viability and sustainability of our plans for the sport.” (Extracted from Barbados Today)
Gobin spurs GTA Storm to thrilling four-wicket victory over Warriors
FRESH off his brilliant all-round performance in the recently-concluded New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) 20th edition of its Independence Cup, which saw him earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the Legends Over-50 category, former Guyana Under-19 player, Troy Gobin displayed his prowess once more last Saturday in the continuation of the 2025 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Over-50 tournament at the
St Andrews School ground in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.
Entering the fray with his team GTA Storm precariously placed at 28 for three in the fifth over in pursuit of a victory target of 160 posted by opponents Warriors and losing Jai Singh in the ninth over with only 49 on the board, the super cool skipper dominated two important partnerships which eventually saw the defending champions winning with five balls to spare, losing six wickets in the process.
Gobin’s unbeaten 72 off 49 balls, was laced with four fours and three sixes.
Gobin, who also won the OMSCC Over-50 MVP for the past two seasons, added 57 for the fifth wicket with Jito Narine (23) and a vital 42 for the sixth wicket with the obdurate Gavin Glasgow whose contribution in the partnership was eight.
With 11 needed in the final over, Ron Singh’s first delivery went inexplicably for five wides while the next was clobbered over deep extra cover by Orlando
Deonarine for a huge six as GTA celebrated their second consecutive victory over Warriors, having beaten them on the opening day of this year’s version.
Bowling for Warriors, Rishi Singh took two for 12 while captain Bobby Parasnauth finished with two for 13 from his three overs.
Earlier, Rakesh Dyal led the way for Warriors with an attacking 35 which contained fours sixes while Rishi Singh supported with a fine unbeaten 32 (one four and two sixes. There were
also useful contributions from opener Suresh Persaud who hit 29 with one four and three sixes and Ray Moosai, 23 with three fours and a six. Gobin bagged two for 16, the same figures as Deonarine while Richard Driffield ended with two for 24. GTA Storm, who currently head the points table, will battle Toronto Blizzards on Saturday at Littles Field Park while Warriors oppose Canadian Legends at St Bede as the four top teams battle for supremacy.
Asia Cup 2025: BCCI and PCB in stand-off over AGM venue of ACC
A MAJOR power tussle is brewing between India and Pakistan, with potential implications on the cricket field - particularly the Asia Cup.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering boycotting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)-chaired Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), scheduled for July 24 and 25 in Dhaka.
The BCCI has insisted that the venue be shifted from Dhaka as a condition for its participation, and its stance is reportedly backed by key allies like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. This has thrown the legality of the AGM itself under a cloud, as the presence of at least three permanent (Test playing) members is required to meet the quorum.
Of the five permanent (Test-playing) members - India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh - the first three appear to be opposed to the meeting in Dhaka. Additionally, the ACC constitution mandates the presence of at least 10 full or Associate members (nonTest playing nations) for a valid quorum, and it appears unlikely that this requirement will be met either. Nepal, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong
Kong Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar are all full members. The Associates members are Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, Tajikistan, Maldives, Japan, Iran, China, Myanmar and Indonesia. Of these members, the presence of Oman, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar and Indonesia is deemed to be doubtful.
At the centre of the controversy is the apparent refusal of Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB and ACC chief, to consider an alternative/neutral venue for the AGM. The buzz within the ACC circles suggests that Naqvi - who skipped the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore - was in Kabul on Sunday. The Pakistan Interior Minister used the 'official visit' to seek support of the Afghanistan government for the Dhaka AGM. As of Monday (July 21), however, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials are believed to have assured the India bloc that they won't travel to Dhaka.
India's opposition to the Dhaka meeting is on expected lines, given the recent diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours. The BCCI had recently cancelled next month's scheduled tour of six white ball games. When contacted, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) main-
tained that it was a matter for the ACC to comment on.
However, a BCB insider agreed that the ACC meeting has turned into a geopolitical issue.
"It now seems the event has turned into a geopolitical matter. Aminul Islam, the interim head of the BCB could have handled the situation more carefully when approached by the PCB president to host the meeting.
"I think he could have taken more time because, in situations like this, taking time is part of the game. Probably due to inexperience, he agreed to host it without fully understanding the geopolitical implications," the insider told Cricbuzz.
Another insider revealed that Aminul was urged to cancel the meeting but he did not. "Bulbul (Aminul)
was requested to cancel the meeting as some of the board directors were not ready to do anything that can hurt the BCCI but the president insisted that he had given his word so cannot return back after giving his words to PCB."
Impact on Asia Cup
The standoff over the ACC AGM appears to be spilling over into the Asia Cup, scheduled for September 10-28 in the UAE. It is understood that the BCCI may opt out of the championship if the ACC and Naqvi go ahead with the meeting in Dhaka. The PCB and Naqvi are believed to have taken the opposite position.
The BCCI, as the designated host of the event, may not exactly be concerned by Pakistan's absence but there will be commercial implications for the ACC, if not
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, July 22, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS
83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Alzarri Joseph-5/27 (Jamaica)
(2) Mitchell Starc-6 wkts/9 runs (Jamaica)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) How many wicketkeeping dismissals Shai Hope effected in the recent WI/AUST Test series?
(2) How many AUST Alex Carey effected? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
for the BCCI. Of particular relevance here is the recent development in Birmingham where Indian legends refused to play Pakistan because of the presence of Shahid Afridi in the Pakistan squad.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS LINGFIELD 09:15 hrs Uppercase 09:45 hrs Gran Descans
hrs Spirit Star
hrs Abate 11:15 hrs Tommy's Promise
!hrs Lady Modena
hrs Stalingrad
hrs Oasis Diamond
There are, undoubtedly, many layers within layers to this boardroom standoff, and the fate of the Asia Cup may ultimately depend on how events unfold in Dhaka later this week. (Cricbuzz)
Troy Gobin’s unbeaten 72 off 49 balls, was laced with four fours and three sixes
Wellens cruises to maiden Tour win on stage 15
BELGIAN
champion Tim Wellens claimed his first Tour de France stage victory with a breakaway win on stage 15.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider has worked for race leader Tadej Pogacar in the opening two weeks of the Tour but, freed from his domestique duties for the day, attacked on the final climb of the hilly 169.3km ride from Muret to Carcassonne.
The 34-year-old ultimately won by one minute 28 seconds, with fellow Belgian Victor Campenaerts second and French two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe third.
Pogacar crossed six minutes later in the peloton to maintain his lead of four minutes 13 seconds over Jonas Vingegaard in the general
classification.
Wellens' victory was is a fifth stage win for UAE during this year's race, with reigning champion Pogacar claiming the other four.
"It is a very special victory," said Wellens. "Everybody knows the Tour de France but not many people win in the Tour de France, so it was very beautiful."
After three gruelling days in the Pyrenees mountains, the 166 remaining riders faced a transitional stage before the second and final rest day of this year's Tour in Montpellier.
The stage looked set for a breakaway win and Wellens sensed his opportunity on the last of the three categorised climbs, up the Pas du Sant 55km from the line.
Wellens emerged from
a lead group of eight on the ascent, along with Michael Storer, Quinn Simmons and Campeanaerts.
The group briefly reformed on the long descent to Carcassone but, moments later, Wellens attacked with
44km to go and the chasers never looked like closing the gap.
"I felt super good," Wellens added. "On the last climb of the day I felt really good. I knew the others felt really good but I knew I had to go
Dawson to play first England Test in eight years
SPINNER Liam Dawson will play his first Test in eight years after being named in the England team to face India at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Left-armer Dawson, 35, returns as the replacement for off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who suffered a broken finger in the thrilling third-Test win at Lord's.
Pace bowler Chris Woakes keeps his place, with Gus Atkinson not risked to make a comeback after two months out with a hamstring injury.
England are 2-1 up and will win the series if they take the fourth Test in Manchester. They have not won a five-Test series since 2018.
Hampshire's Dawson will win his fourth Test cap, his third coming against South
While Dawson will provide reliable slow left-arm, he also boosts England's lower-order batting. He owns 18 first-class hundreds and his average of 35.29 outstrips opener Zak Crawley.
Part of the squad that won the 2019 World Cup, his international career appeared to be over. After fleeting appearances in white-ball cricket in 2022, he went more than three years without another call-up.
solo. At the top of the climb I found my moment and I felt I had the legs to keep it to the end.
"I knew I had to enjoy the moment and kept riding
until the finish line because I wanted a big gap to enjoy it and maybe put my bike in the air after the finish - but I was so happy I forgot to do it."
Three-time Tour winner Pogacar added: "I am more happy for him than when I win. Beyond happiness."
The race resumes on Tuesday with a 171.5km ride from Montpellier and ending with a mammoth climb up Mont Ventoux.
Pogacar said: "This week was one of the hardest second weeks of the Tour that I have ridden because of the terrain, the time trial on the climb [on Friday] and yesterday with 5,000m of elevation [gain].
"The gap is now big but we still have big mountains to come. We need to fight until the end." (BBC Sport)
U-17 cricketers to play two-day trial match at LBI
Africa in July 2017. England have played 102 Tests since Dawson last appeared. Only six other players in history have gone more Tests between caps.
At the beginning of this summer, he said he was "realistic" about his England prospects, only to receive a recall for the T20 series against West Indies in May.
He now gets his chance in the Test side, leap-frogging fellow left-armer Jack Leach, who was part of England's squads during the
winter and has a central contract.
"He brings experience and guile," batter Harry Brook told BBC Sport. "He's very skilful.
"He's been around the block, played hundreds of games and he's a great bloke. He's very competitive and he's a very good player.
"He was very nervous before his T20 comeback and I'm sure he'll be nervous this week. I'm sure he'll let his experience and skills take over."
England XI for fourth Test v India: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer. (BBC Sport)
THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named two teams to participate in a pivotal two-day Under-17 trial match scheduled for today and tomorrow at the LBI Ground on the East Coast of Demerara.
This trial fixture forms a crucial part of the Board’s early preparation for the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Under-17 Tournament, which will take place in Trinidad and Tobago from August 11 to September 2, 2025.
The match will serve as the final opportunity for players to impress the selectors before the national squad is announced.
Following the trial, the selected group will move into encampment starting August 2 as the team continues its build-up to the regional competition.
Team A: Richard Ramdeholl, Marcell Nandu, Thierry Henry (wk), Adrian Hetymer (captain), Nicholas Lovell, Jonathan Mentore, Gibran Yacoob, Danesh Persaud, Navendra Sankar, Arif Khan, Ramesh Singh, Erin Benjamin, Elisha Ramdatt and Gavin Kisten.
Team B: Jathneil Nurse, Vishal Williams, Lomar Seecharran, Emmanuel Lewis, Devin Lallbeharry, Dave Mohabir, Feeaz Baksh, Sohail Mohamed (wk), Shane Prince, Darwin Joseph, Dennis Crossman, Bomesh Lall and Reyaz Latif.
The Guyana Cricket Board extends best wishes to all players and looks forward for a competitive match-up.
Bowl-off is 09:30h on both days in the red ball matches. (GCB press release)
Tim Wellens completed a Grand Tour treble having also won stages at the Giro d'Italia (two) and Vuelta a Espana (two)
Liam Dawson last played a Test for England in 2017
Bumrah confirmed to play in fourth Test - Siraj
MOHAMMED Siraj
cleared the speculations around Jasprit Bumrah's presence for the fourth Test against England, confirming that the Indian pace spearhead will be playing in Manchester.
Also offering an update on an injury blow to Akash Deep, Siraj told the reporters, "He (Bumrah) will play. Akash Deep has a groin issue, he bowled today and now physios will see. That’s what I know so far.
"But as the combinations keep changing, we need to be patient, as much as we can. Bowl in the right areas. If you saw the last game, they (England) batted with a lot of patience. We also felt like that's the real fun of Test cricket."
India will be bolstered by the presence of Bumrah, who has nabbed 12 wickets from two Tests, and is coming on the back of a strong display at Lord's.
Siraj on the other hand, has been India's leading wicket-taker from the three Tests so far - returning with 13 scalps from a total of 109 overs bowled.
Delving into his persistence with the ball, Siraj said, "There's no secret. The
Rising
biggest motivation is getting to represent your country.
Pacer
Trailing 2-1 in the five Test series, India have been dealt with injury blows ahead of the Manchester Test, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh having been ruled out of the ongoings series.
Anshul Kamboj was named in India's squad for the remaining two Tests to add to the pace-bowling resources.
Meanwhile, wicket-keeper-batter Rishabh Pant's availability for the fourth Test is also under scanner after he picked up a blow to his index finger during the Lord's Test. England had edged out
India in a thrilling contest on Day 5 of the third Test to take the lead in the ICC World Test Championship series.
Conceding his emotions after a heartbreaking finish that saw Shoaib Bashir's delivery trickle down the face of his bat and onto the stumps, Siraj said, “It obviously hurts when you get out despite middling the ball.
"The way our (Ravindra Jadeja's and my) partnership was going, I felt I wouldn’t get out. I was that confident. But unfortunately, it didn’t happen that way, and I was extremely disappointed.
"Had we won the game from there, it would have been a different result altogether." (ICC Media)
Stars Men’s 50-over Championship results – 7th round
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, (CMC) – Results of the seventh round of matches in the Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over Championships here on Monday.
At Elquemedo Willett Park: The match between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago ended in a no-result.
GUYANA 221-8 in 46 overs (Jonathan van Lange 75, Afraz Ali Budhoo 43, Rampersaud Ramnauth 36, Romeo Deonarine 19, Riyad Latiff 17, Romario Ramdehol 12; Brendan Boodhoo 3-28, Alexander Chase 2-55).
At St Paul’s Sports Complex: Jamaica defeated Leeward Islands by one wicket.
Michell Owen grateful for 'special' debut
A GAME-CHANGING fifty and a wicket on debut saw Mitchell Owen named player of the match in Australia’s first T20I against West Indies.
Mitchell Owen was full of gratitude after his “really special” debut helped Australia win their first of five T20Is against West Indies.
After completing a 3-0 series sweep in the Tests, Australia began the T20I series with a three-wicket win at Sabina Park.
Owen bowled just one over but picked up the vital wicket of Shai Hope (55), which triggered a collapse that saw West Indies lose six wickets for 30 runs.
stoked to get the hat and stoked to have my parents over here.
“Obviously, it's a bit of travel getting to the West Indies, but yeah, they've sacrificed a lot my whole life, and this trip's only just another one. So super grateful that they got to experience that.
“I thought I was on 36 off the over there when he smacked me for six first ball, but I was lucky Shai hit one up the shoot and got my first wicket. I was pretty nervous running in those first six balls, but nice to get it out of the way.”
Owen’s main contribution came with the bat, where he scored 50 off 27 balls.
2009).
Owen, who usually opens the batting, also put on an 80-run partnership off just 40 balls alongside Cameron Green to help Australia get over the line.
“It was a lot of fun,” Owen added. “It's the first time I've been on the same side as Greeny. So it was nice to be out there with him and contribute to a pretty good partnership. We kept each other nice and calm and just stuck to our processes.
JAMAICA 150-9 in 39.3 overs (Tyriek Bryan 41, David Deward 39, Nicoli McKenzie 14, Kev’Aundre Virgo 11; Micah McKenzie 4-35, Amoree Jones 3-25).
At Conaree Sports Club: USA-1 defeated Windward Islands by four wickets.
WINDWARD ISLANDS 209 in 49.3 overs (Earsinho Fontaine 45, Theo Edward 43, Devonte McDowall 27, Isaiah Jones 22, Kirsten Murray 19, Cody Fontenelle 16, Jonathan Daniel 11; Utkarsh Srivastava 3-19, Sahir Bhatia 2-28, Shiv Shani 2-37, Advaith Krishna 2-37). USA-1 213-6 in 44.2
LEEWARD ISLANDS 149 in 36 overs (De-Antre Drew 24, Devanand Singh 17, Amoree Jones 17, Zavio Henry 15, Eirette Richards 13; Roshawn McKenzie 2-11, Rhevon Morgan 2-18, Tamarie Redwood 2-46).
overs (Amrinder Gill 57, Nitish Sudini 43 not out, Shiv Shani 27 not out, Sahil Garg 18, Adnit Jhamb 11, Arjun Mahesh 11; Cody Fontenelle 3-55, Devonte McDowall 2-27).
At St Mary’s Park: Barbados defeated USA-2 by 93 runs via the Duckworth/ Lewis/Stern method.
BARBADOS 248-9 in 50 overs (Zachary Carter 79, Joshua Dorne 51, Xaundre Baptiste 22, Micah Greenidge 17, Damarko Wiggins 14, Joshua Branch 10; Ritvik Appidi 4-61, Adit Kappa 2-43).
USA-2 153 in 38 overs (Ansh Bhoje 56, Amogh Arepally 25, Rahul Basu 16, Rayaan Taj 11; R’Jai Gittens 2-31, Zachary Carter 2-13).
The 23-year-old was worried when Shimron Hetmyer (38) smashed a six in the first ball of his over, but was ultimately glad to make an impact in front of his parents on debut.
“[It was] Really special,” said Owen. “I was obviously
He became the fourth Australia player to score 50+ runs in their T20I debut, after Ricky Ponting (98 not out v New Zealand in February 2005), Karen Rolton (96 not out v England in September 2005), and David Warner (89 v South Africa in January
“Obviously, it's a little bit different, but I think my process, my game plan, wasn't too different to opening the batting coming in at six. We had to strike at 10s or nines when I came out.
“So I still had to be nice and positive. If I took my time to sort of try and get into innings, I feel like I sort of dig myself a hole. So, yeah, just try and get after them from ball one.”
(Sportsmax)
Briton John captures Inaugural Edge Series...
John cashed in the $150,000 on offer for the title winner and bragging rights. Hot on his heels was Aaron Newton and Alexander Leung who were in striking distance but had to settle for second and third place. The second place winner collected $85,000 with
(From back page)
$50,000 for third place.
Alex Newton, Jamaul John and Raynauth Jeffery completed the top six finishers in the contest with the top 8 finisher collecting cash rewards.
Category 4 saw veteran Junior Niles clinching the win ahead of rivals Kwame
Fortune and Salim Shaw.
The event was organised by Edge Sports Management headed by two times Olympian Chelsea Edghill and sponsored by KFC Guyana, SQ Apparel, Dragonfly Drone Solutions and Republic Bank Guyana.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah confirmed to play in fourth Test
Mitchell Owen celebrates his half-century on his T20 debut
Surrey to honour Graham Thorpe on Day 2 of Oval Test
SURREY County Cricket Club (SCCC) will honour Graham Thorpe, a former England batsman, who died by suicide last year. Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval will be dedicated to the remembrance and memory of Thorpe, who featured in 100 Tests and 82 ODIs.
"The life of England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe will be remembered and celebrated on Friday, August 1, 2025, during the second day of the final Test Match in the series between England v India," the SCCC said in a statement. Thorpe was hit by a speeding train last August at the age of 55. The family confirmed it was a suicide.
"A Day for Thorpey will be held at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground, London, in support of mental health charity,
Mind, on what would have been Graham's 56th birthday," the county noted.
Thorpe played first-class cricket for Surrey. After retiring from playing, he took on various coaching roles within the sport for both Surrey and England. The spectators are being urged to sport headbands that Thorpe used during his 12-year international career from 1993 to 2005.
"A Day for Thorpey will raise money for mental health charity Mind through the sale of a limited-edition headband which resembles what Graham wore when he was batting for England. The headbands have been co-designed with Graham's wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma," Surrey further said.
"That day will be very powerful. We want to celebrate him and his memory.
His light was so bright. He'll go on," wife Amanda Thorpe told BBC recently. Daughter Kitty Thorpe added: "Death and grief in general isn't talk-
England confirmed hosts for next three WTC finals
FOLLOWING the conclusion of ICC's Annual Conference in Singapore, the Board has confirmed that England will host the three forthcoming World Test Championship Finals. In a media release, the ICC stated that England had been awarded the hosting rights for the 2027, 2029 and 2031 WTC Finals "following a successful track record in hosting recent finals".
So far, England has hosted the finals of all three completed WTC cycles. The 2021 final, initially scheduled for Lord's, was played at Southampton due to COVID-19.
The 2023 final was played at The Oval and the 2025 edition was eventually awarded to Lord's.
Support for displaced Afghan women's cricketers
The release also confirmed that a programme to support displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent is established through a collaborative initiative between the ICC, Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia.
"The programme aims to deliver structured support through high-performance
initiatives, domestic playing opportunities, and engagement at key ICC global events, including the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England," said the release.
TWO NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
The ICC also welcomed two new Associate Members in the Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union, taking the total tally of Associate Members to 110.
(Cricbuzz)
ed about enough, considering it happens to everyone. It surrounds us. When you add the layer of death by suicide, that makes it even more taboo.
"I understand it's difficult to talk about - people don't want to say the wrong thing. That doesn't help tackle the stigma around it. We need to change the way we're addressing the topic. That's why we're working with Mind to do something to help that."
Emma, the other daughter of Thorpe, said: "My dad was quite a private person, so for us to share his experience with his mental health, and our experience of it, it's important to me that we do that to help other people who have gone through similar things, and to start a conversation there and reduce the shame and the stigma that there is around these conversations." (Cricbuzz)
ICC hands three-month breather to USA Cricket
THE embattled USA Cricket (USAC) has been handed a breather for three months while a hybrid model of selection will determine teams that will play in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
The all-powerful ICC Board, which met in Singapore on Saturday (July 19), decided to grant more time to USAC, which has come under fire over governance issues. So much so, the situation has gone to the point where the US cricket body has fallen afoul the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the country's apex Olympic body.
Having been on notice by the ICC for nearly a year - it was put on notice at the last annual conference of the ICC in July 2024USAC was required to set its house in order. However, the Normalisation Committee, which visited the
United States last month, is understood to be not too impressed with the progress made.
In any other instance, the ICC might have taken the next logical step of suspending the member. However, the USAC appears to be benefitting from the extraordinary scenario of the country hosting the upcoming Olympic Games. Given the sensitive nature of the situation, the Jay Shah-led ICC has granted the body a three-month reprieve - a decision taken by the ICC Board on Saturday, according to those attending the annual conference currently in Singapore. However, the irony of the situation is hard to miss here. The US men's and women's teams are expected to receive automatic qualification for the Olympic Games, but who will select those teams remains a major dilemma before world and
local cricket administrators. Whether USAC - should it meet the governance requirements within the next three months - will be allowed to select the teams by the USOPC is a point to ponder.
Meanwhile, it is understood that the ICC has decided to adopt a hybrid model for the LA28 qualification pathway - meaning some teams will qualify based on ICC T20 rankings, while others will have to compete in a qualifier. India, by virtue of being the No. 1 T20 team, is expected to earn automatic qualification whatever be the cut-off time for the ranking.
The ICC Board also constituted a working group to make recommendations on the structure of all three formats of the game, with details expected to be announced on Sunday, the final day of the Singapore conclave.
(Cricbuzz)
"A Day for Thorpey will be held at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground, London, in support of mental health charity, Mind, on what would have been Graham's 56th birthday", Surrey said.
ICC Working Group to decide LA28 pathway and format restructuring
THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to form a Working Group to address several pressing global issues, including the structure of various formats of the game and the qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
It was also confirmed that the minimum age for participation in senior international cricket will remain at 15, with provisions to review the cut-off year in exceptional cases.
These were among the key takeaways of the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) meeting held in Singapore on Friday (July 18). The central point from the meeting is to hasten the formation of the long-pending Working Group which could
take place as early as Saturday when the ICC Board will meet.
Comprising members from both the CEC and the Board, the group will be given terms of reference, the key point of which will
be to recommend a qualification method for the LA28 Olympics.
The majority view across ICC circles and influential stakeholders is believed to be to apply rankings to identify the teams for the games, but the Jay Shah-led ICC has decided to leave the matter to the Working Group.
There have been suggestions in some quarters to stage a qualifying tournament. However, given the time constraints and a packed Future Tours Programme (FTP), such a proposition is seen as difficult to pull off.
However, the ICC will ask the Group to assess the merits of all possible options. Should the group recommend qualification based on rankings, it will also be
Paul Skinner is new chief executive officer of BCA
THE Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) has announced the appointment of seasoned sports administrator Paul Skinner as its new chief executive officer, effective July 15. Skinner, a Barbadian , succeeds Dr Roland Toppin who retired after holding the post since 2018. Bringing over two de -
cades of regional and international experience to the role, Skinner has worked with several major cricket organisations, including Cricket West Indies (CWI); the Indian Premier League (IPL); the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and most recently served as General Manager of the Trinidad Knight Riders
required to propose a suitable cut-off date for those rankings. LA28 has allowed only six men and women teams to participate in the Quadrennial Games.
The much-debated proposal of a two-tier Test structure was not at all taken up by the CEC on Friday, but it is presumed that the Working Group will be tasked with recommending
whether an overhaul of the longest format is needed at all. Similarly, the group is also expected to suggest changes, if need be, to the restructuring of the other two formats - ODIs and T20Is.
The meeting, chaired by new CEO Sanjog Gupta, confirmed that the minimum age for international players will remain 15, as previously recommended by the ICC's
Medical Advisory Committee. However, the CEC agreed that concessions can be granted in exceptional circumstances. The committee also decided to float tenders for mobile gaming rights. ICC Chair Shah, in his capacity as an ex-officio member, was also present.
DECISION ON USA CRICKET ON SATURDAY
Meanwhile, it is understood that the Board will decide on the fate of USA Cricket (USAC). The normalisation committee, which visited the US recently, has asked the USAC to resign but there is believed to be some resistance from the USAC members. Given that the Olympics are round the corner in the States, the decision on USAC will be extremely significant. (Cricbuzz)
Rowley opposed to Sammy being chief selector
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Former chairman of CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, Dr Keith Rowley, says he is strongly against Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) decision to appoint West Indies head coach Daren Sammy as the chief selector.
responsibilities of chief selector of the respective teams.
However, Rowley said he believed such a decision was not in the best interest of West Indies cricket.
“Personally, I have a problem with one man picking the West Indies team.
(TKR) CPL franchise. His tenure will coincide with the election of a new BCA president, as incumbent Conde Riley steps down after eight years and four terms in power. Calvin Hope, Jeff Broomes, Philo Wallace, and Henderson Wallace are expected to contest the presidency at
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While making it clear that he was not speaking on behalf of CARICOM, the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago said he saw no benefits in one man being chief cook and bottle washer.
The 41-year-old Sammy was appointed all-format head coach of the West Indies team in April after taking over the Test team from Andre Coley.
He was also given the
“I used to be in a Cabinet with Patrick Manning and there were times we’d have serious decisions to make and initially you’d look to the Prime Minister to make a decision whereas he is ultimately responsible for the government,” Dr Rowley recalled while speaking during a recent interview on Isports on i95.5 FM.
“And many times he would call us together and have a discussion and there would be differences
of opinion and different people would say different things and then we would come to a decision, and he used to say, ‘when we put out [sic] heads together we get it right’ and I’d like to recommend that to West Indies cricket.”
ICC chief executive officer Sanjog Gupta
LA28 has allowed only six men and women cricket teams to participate in the Quadrennial Games
The BCA’s new Chief Executive Officer Paul Skinner
Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley
Briton John captures Inaugural Edge Series Criterium cycling road race
BRITON John whose name is now become synonymous with winning and is not letting up, as the top rider showed his power and stamina to capture yet another first on Sunday when he crossed the finish line ahead of the pack in the inaugural Edge Series Criterium Cycling road race.
The race which saw droves of cyclists turning out for the 14:00 hours start on the Vlissengen Road circuit for a battle of speed, tactics, and fitness.
The high energy race pedaled off near the Guyana Defence Force ground entrance on Vlissengen Road and proceeded to Sandy Babb Street going onto David Street and back to Vlissengen Road for the finish.
John who has dominated all his challengers this season put on another masterclass to outlast a star studded line up.
After joining and staying with the from pack for most of the race John would make his move on the return leg back to Vlissengen Road and sprint away near the line to collect the victory ahead of his rivals.
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Edge Series Cycling champion Briton John
Holder: West Indies can bounce back
Russell picks 2016 semi-final heroics
as his
finest T20 moment ahead of international retirement
AS he prepares to bow out of international cricket, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has singled out his match-winning knock in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against India as the proudest moment of his illustrious career.
Speaking in a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo and Cricket West Indies, ahead of the first T20 International against Australia at Sabina Park in Kingston, Russell reflected on the high-pressure chase in Mumbai, where he scored an unbeaten 43 off just 20 balls to carry the West Indies into the final. Chasing 193 against the host nation in front of a partisan crowd at the Wankhede Stadium, the West Indies needed 77 runs off 41 balls when Russell walked in at No. 5.
composure. It was Russell who delivered the knockout blow—smacking Virat Kohli over midwicket to seal the win with two balls to spare.
"Definitely [my best moment was] the 2016 World Cup, that semi-final game against India where I brought the team home, me and Lendl Simmons, and obviously the start that we got from the other batters," Russell said.
With nerves running high and the Indian fans roaring, Russell and Simmons kept their
"Chasing 190-plus in that semi-final in India, with the crowd supporting India only, that was already a bit of pressure," he recalled.
"But the wicket was a very good wicket, so the confidence that we had in the changing room and the batters that were left to come, it gave me the freedom and the confidence to go out and play the role that I did."
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West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell