‘No contradiction’
diversifying, modernising GuySuCo key pillars of same strategy, President Ali emphasises
AMIDST public scrutiny of his government’s vision for a revitalised Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has made it clear that there is no contradiction between advancing technology and pursuing diversification.
Both are critical pillars of the same strategy. That is, positioning GuySuCo as an important facet of national development with emphasis on building a sustainable industry.
“I’ve said this before, we have to mechanise, we have to use technology… so we can bring down costs and increase revenue, increase profitability,” the president said.
President Ali clarified the government’s position in an exclusive comment to the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, in response to criticisms by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram.
Ram, in the Sunday Stabroek News, suggested that the focus on moderni-
sation, as articulated by GuySuCo’s Chairman, Paul Cheong, conflicts with the government’s broader strategy for diversification.
President Ali dismissed that argument, saying that GuySuCo’s recovery requires both technological innovation and diversification of crops.
Given labour shortages and production targets, he said, mechanisation is essential.
Precision farming, factory upgrades, and ener-
gy-efficient systems are all necessary to reduce costs and boost output.
But, according to President Ali, modernisation does not mean cutting people out of the process.
“GuySuCo has always been a labour-intensive operation, so, in doing this, we have to find ways in which we can maximise the opportunities for the workers in GuySuCo. That is where diversification must lead us,” he explained.
During the 77th Commemoration of the Enmore Martyrs, President Ali announced that by leveraging the existing human capital and technology at GuySuCo, the government is examining plans to strategically reimagine the mandate of the Corporation to become a hub of rural development.
He posited that GuySuCo could support the production of other crops like rice, corn and cassava, thereby diversifying production to boost income.
According to the president, the diversification strategy is not just about
planting new crops; it is about creating new income streams through the creation of co-investments opportunities for workers, alternative uses of GuySuCo’s vast land assets, and expanded services to tap into the State agency’s existing technical expertise.
“Those are the things that are all captured in that ecosystem when we speak about modernisation,” the president said. “Modernisation is not only about plant and equipment; modernisation is also about new ideas.”
The government’s transformation plan also includes upskilling workers to operate in a modern industry. Workers will even be given opportunities to co-own parts of the mechanisation process, such as harvesting and transport; turning them into stakeholders.
“If workers are part of owning the system, they feel like shareholders,” the President noted. “That creates real opportunity and long-term motivation… And that is what Christoper Ram is
missing, either deliberately…or I don’t know, he’s locked in ink on paper.”
Addressing Ram’s criticism that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s latest plans for sugar is a knee-jerk reaction, President Ali responded by saying, “Mr. Christopher Ram is sailing, because we have a clearly defined strategy.”
He made it clear that policymaking is not theory. “It is making real-life decisions for real people to ensure sustainability [and] to ensure success.”
During 2016-2017, the APNU+AFC administration closed down four sugar estates (Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall, and Skeldon), sending thousands of sugar workers and families into poverty.
Following five years of deterioration and neglect, the PPP/C administration began to revive the sugar industry, beginning in 2020, through investments in mechanisation, enhanced facilities and the reemployment of thousands of workers. (DPI)
Region Three poised to be industrial capital of Guyana
---President Ali says, points to increased opportunities for citizens, more financing options
FUELLED by investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy security, Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) is on track to become the industrial capital of Guyana.
This was according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his feature address at a business networking event hosted by the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI) on Monday evening.
He said that with supporting pillars already enforced, Region Three is being strategically positioned to be a key player in Guyana’s diverse economy.
Boasting vibrant commercial and industrial sectors, the region is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse.
“Region Three is strategically positioned with access to natural resources, agricultural strength, and proximity to major markets, including the Essequibo Coast, Bartica, and the populous Region Four, giving Region Three advantages which must be harnessed,” Dr. Ali said.
To take the region to newer heights, President Ali noted that the government has been making investments in “reliable infrastructure”, thereby ensuring that road networks, bridges, and ports are in place to support the movement of goods and services.
Concurrently, the government has also ensured that access to financing and capital services are readily available to fuel expansion and innovation to meet growing market demands.
“Your government has long recognised the need to invest in the pillars that will transform this region, and support vibrant commercial and industrial sectors, good roads, ports, airports and reliable power supply support efficient movement of goods and services,” President Ali said.
In Region Three, the government has expended tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure, excluding the new Demerara River Bridge, which is one of the country’s largest financial infrastructural undertakings.
Painting a picture of even greater prospects, Dr. Ali pointed out that upon completion of the new bridge and the gas-to-energy project, a new wave of manufacturing and agro-processing will be unlocked, placing the region at the heart of the country’s energy-led transformation.
He cited, too, the construction of a new stadium in the region that will add to the diversification of the local economy.
“Together, this development will not only spur economic growth, but will also foster a vibrant and dynamic
social environment, drawing talent, tourism and opportunity from across the nation,” the Head of State said.
He pointed out that with supportive monetary policies, the government has encouraged an expansion of credit to the private sector by an increase of 62 per cent.
There were notable credit increases in mining to 25.8 per cent, agriculture at 95. 6 per cent, manufacturing 57.9 per cent, and services at 60.9 per cent.
“When you look at the spread of lending, and the areas in which you've seen
accelerated lending, it tells you about a diversified economic portfolio.
It tells you about an economy in which the different sectors are stratified for more balanced growth; expansive growth, and it tells you about an economy that is rising on every single front,” President Ali said.
He noted, too, that while the government has seen greater lending in the different sectors, there has also been a decline in non-performing loans.
The non-performing loans ratio, which was 11.1
per cent in 2019 dropped to 2.7 per cent by December 2023, and 2.1 per cent last year, the lowest in the Caribbean.
Dr. Ali said: “As we confront the next five years, we're going to work with you on co- investment and co-financing opportunities.”
The government, he noted, will be investing in a facility that will provide interest-free loans to small and medium-sized enterprises to target the market size, and ongoing development of the region, creating even more stimulus for commercial and business activity.
Dr. Ali, who is seeking re-election at the upcoming September 1 polls, further urged the gathering to reflect on the momentum that has been built.
He said: “From farm belt to economic powerhouse, from a gateway to destination, from promise to performance, this is Region Three's moment, and we must seize it.”
In closing, he said: “We have seen in the previous [APNU+AFC] government what economic impact, social impact, the region would have undergone because of a government that did not understand the economic structure of this region… Because of a government that did not care about the economic structure of this region, once vibrant communities were set on the bread line of poverty because of poor governance, poor policies, and an inability to understand how the economy of the region works.”
GECOM appoints election officials
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday administered oaths of office to all 20 appointed Returning Officers (RO) and Supernumerary Returning Officers (SRO) for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
This was according to a press release from GECOM, which stated that they were administered their Oaths of Office by GECOM Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, at a simple ceremony held in the GECOM boardroom.
According to the commission, the oath-taking cer-
emony marks a key step in preparations for the conduct of the elections, since the Returning Officers will be responsible for overseeing the electoral process in their respective districts, while the Supernumerary Returning Officers will have responsibility for the respective sub-districts in districts Three, Four, and Six, as provided for in the Representation of the People Act (RoPA).
Against this backdrop, they noted that political parties can visit the offices established in the respective districts to obtain information in relation to the electoral process and key statutory timelines.
Scenes from the ceremony on Monday
Construction commences on modern $2.6B
Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School
facility to accommodate over 1,000 students; to feature science, ICT, agriculture, performing arts blocks
SET to be outfitted with modern laboratories and sports facilities, the new Christiansburg/Wismar Secondary School in Linden, Region 10 will boast the design of a full-service educational environment to prepare young learners for success.
The ceremonial sod turning ceremony for the $2.66 billion secondary school was held at the project site on Monday.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his remarks at the event, said: “The larger story behind this initiative is that it is a continuation of the PPP/C’s administration’s broader commitment to Guyana’s education system.”
The facility is being built under the “Guyana Strengthening Human Capital through Education Project”, a World Bank-supported initiative aiming to improve access to, and quality of secondary and technical/vocational education across the country.
“This $2.6 billion investment will deliver the most modern secondary school in
Guyana, right here in Linden,” Prime Minister Phillips said.
Construction of the school will begin immediately on some 244,000 square feet of land, and will comprise nine purpose-build blocks totaling approximately 67,000 square feet.
It is expected to be completed within 17 months, and will be constructed by PowerChina Jiangxi electric power construction company limited.
The new school will feature an administrative building housing the principal’s office, staff room, conference room and a ‘tech’ bay.
According to the Prime Minister, the facility will also feature a multi-purpose hall to support assemblies, events and performances, as well as certified fully-outfitted
classrooms.
There will also be a dedicated science block, which will feature three laboratories to support hands-on practical learning.
The school will also include a technology and vocational training block equipped for instruction in metal work and woodwork, along with a Home Economics facility designed for food and nutrition, clothing and textile and home management.
Further, to ensure that learners have a holistic experience, the facility will feature a performing arts block, which will house a music room and dance studio, while an agricultural block will provide students with opportunities to engage in modern farming techniques and agriculture science. Additionally, there will
be a fully-equipped information technology laboratory, a language ‘lab’, and a library to support literacy and research.
BUILDING SYSTEMS
The Prime Minister said: “Guyana is a country that builds systems to sup-
port education and build futures for our children.
We have modernised our infrastructure across all 10 administrative regions, and by the end of this year, 22 new secondary schools will be operational throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.”
The facility, he said, will be seen as a ‘launch pad’, replacing the existing secondary school, which saw mass overcrowding of classrooms and aged equipment.
The Prime Minister said: “Linden is a place where students write code, and careers in healthcare, teaching, aviation, agriculture and more. We are, therefore, building a launch pad to enable students to do so right here in their hometown, Linden.”
“We are investing in you without any condition. This is pure development,” he added.
The new school will accommodate over 1,000
She said: “We were clear when we were coming into government; even before we came in, and we were seeking your views about what it is you might want to see when we got into government, if you were to trust us with your vote.”
The government, she stressed, is committed to supporting schools in Region 10, and ensuring that students have access to quality education.
Simultaneously, support is being given to educators. To this end, the government has trained 384 teachers in Region 10 in the last four years, raising the training percentage to 100 per cent. Meanwhile, the minister noted, too, that the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has qualified 2,402 people from Region 10 for foreign universities.
students, and aligns with the government’s push to achieve universal secondary education.
“It’s not only about access for us, for us. We want to make sure, once you get into those schools, that you have a higher quality,”
Education Minister Priya Manickchand said in brief remarks.
Manickchand further highlighted the government’s education strategy, which includes better access, higher quality education, lifelong learning opportunities, technical vocational education, and an efficient system.
“We have been able, with that expansion, to move or train teachers from that 68 to 72% that we’ve been stuck at for about 15 years, including under our government before, to now having 100 per cent our teachers trained or in training, a first ever party for Our country, Guyana, and of course, in the Caribbean. Now, that’s a big deal!” she said.
Ultimately, all these investments are aimed at setting a clear path for the nation’s children to excel in Guyana’s buzzing economy and compete on the global front.
“We will put our children on a platform where they could compete better, go on to tertiary education better, and do more with their lives and for their families and communities,” Manickchand said.
The sod for the $2.66 billion secondary school was turned on Monday by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Education Minister Priya Manickchand; and World Bank Group Representative for Guyana Diletta Doretti, joined by students and regional officials (Ministry of Education Photos)
Education Minister Priya Manickchand and World Bank Group Representative for Guyana Diletta Doretti along with students of the Christiansburg/Wismar Secondary School in Linden, Region 10
The Weight of Truth
SAMUEL Sandy’s startling revelations on the Starting Point Podcast are more than just another political shift; they expose how ethnic politics and manipulation nearly destroyed Guyana’s democracy in 2020.
As a former PNCR Regional Vice-Chairman with first-hand knowledge of electoral fraud, Sandy’s choice to state publicly that “the APNU+AFC lost the elections” has significant implications for a nation preparing for the September 2025 polls.
Sandy’s testimony is particularly impactful because it comes from someone within the opposition, armed with what he describes as “dated photo evidence” showing discrepancies between the Statements of Poll he submitted and what Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo declared.
His account aligns disturbingly well with the findings of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, which concluded that senior GECOM officials made “shockingly brazen attempts” to steal the elections.
The commission’s report pointed to Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers, and Clairmont Mingo as the main figures behind the attempts at electoral sabotage, confirming Sandy’s insider perspective.
What makes Sandy’s bravery even more notable is the personal cost he faced in a society where politics is divided along ethnic lines. Living in Golden Grove, a PNC stronghold, Sandy knew the social and political consequences of speaking out in his own community.
His struggle between “supporting the hope of our large section of society and that of personal integrity” shows the broader
moral crisis created by ethnic politics when party loyalty overshadows democratic values.
The implications of Sandy’s revelations go beyond historical validation. As Guyana approaches the 2025 elections with significant oil wealth at stake, the nation stands at a critical turning point.
The opposition remains divided and seems stuck in the past regarding the lies of 2020. The recent breakdown of coalition talks between APNU and the AFC, marked by the AFC’s rejected proposal, shows an opposition more focused on power-sharing than addressing their core credibility issues.
Aubrey Norton’s refusal to recognise the truth about 2020, despite Sandy’s direct pleas, indicates an opposition leadership that seems more invested in grievance politics than in honest reflection.
Sandy’s support for the PPP/C, alongside other shifts from APNU, hints at potential changes in Guyanese politics.
His decision is more than political manoeuvring; it shows a growing understanding that Guyana’s democratic institutions and economic future cannot be secured by parties willing to undermine electoral processes.
As the country gears up for the September elections, Sandy’s choice of integrity over ethnic loyalty presents a path forward to move beyond the tribal politics that have long limited Guyana’s democratic potential.
The key question now is whether other Guyanese will follow Sandy’s lead, prioritising national interests over narrow ethnic ties as their oil-rich nation stands on the brink of remarkable prosperity.
Guyana’s experience with coalition governance fell below expectations
Dear Editor,
THE inability of APNU and AFC to agree on satisfactory terms and conditions shows the inherent challenges of coalition arrangements.
When in opposition, a political party faces many obstacles, particularly the lack of political power or influence to effect desired changes for its constituents. The situation becomes more complex if a dominant political party holds governmental authority.
Despite being out of power for 23 years up until 2015, APNU, in collaboration with the AFC, believed that they could oust the PPP/C due to accusations of widespread corruption and ineffective governance.
Consequently, they created the Cummingsburg Accord (CA), outlining their shared interests and governance priorities. Any disagreements during the negotiations were either resolved or mitigated in pursuit of what they considered the “greater good,” which was to remove the PPP/C from executive power.
The APNU+AFC 2015-2020 coalition
understood that prolonged internal conflicts would benefit the PPP/C. Through policy implementation and extra-constitutional actions, they therefore signalled their determination to retain executive power and keep the PPP/C in opposition for an extended period.
The APNU+AFC coalition’s 2015 elections victory left the PPP/C disheartened, fearing their chances of reclaiming power were slim. They felt that the coalition would consolidate its executive power by any means necessary, including electoral rigging.
In their moments of despair (immediately after the 2015 elections results were declared) a group of PPP/C leaders approached Dr Bharrat Jagdeo imploring him to return to active politics and take control over the PPP/C.
Being a Guyanese nationalist imbued with vast political experience, and to save Dr Cheddi Jagan’s party from disintegration, Dr Jagdeo acquiesced to their request.
Dr Jagdeo decided to restructure the party and restore its operations. Rebuilding the PPP/C at every level was prioritised, with
a particular emphasis on youth and women participation.
Grassroots mobilisation was an essential aspect, leading to a series of community-based meetings across all regions to clarify the party’s vision, development plan, and implementation strategies. This approach contributed to the establishment of the political culture of “taking governance to the people” in 2020.
The source of political disagreements between APNU and the AFC differs from that of the PPP/C. APNU and the AFC have prioritised the distribution of parliamentary seats and ministerial positions over creating a clear vision and development strategy for the country.
This approach mirrors the situation in the early 1960s when Dr Cheddi Jagan invited the PNC to join the PPP in a coalition. The PNC leader, Mr Forbes Burnham, requested equal ministerial roles and control of the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance.
Similarly, those coalition discussions lacked any coherent plan for national development, with power allocation being the
primary focus.
Despite the PPP/C’s efforts at rebuilding between 2015-2020, the APNU+AFC coalition had a fair chance of victory at the 2020 elections. However, their decision to close four sugar estates backfired, thinking it would weaken the PPP/C.
This inhumane action cost them the elections’ victory. The key lesson here is that political leaders should avoid vendetta politics and prioritise national interests over personal or sectional issues.
The effectiveness of coalition governance in Guyana is still uncertain. Supporters claim that it benefits a diverse society, but internal power struggles are challenging.
The 2015-2020 coalition governance fell below expectations.
Supporters must show that it is superior to the “winner-takes-all” system which encourages political competition and development relies on democracy that fosters competition.
Yours truly, Dr Tara Singh
The reason the PNC-AFC dialogue died
AUBREY Norton had no idea at the beginning of 2020 that he would one day be the leader of the PNC, yet Norton opposed nine seats being awarded to the AFC going into the 2020 elections.
Norton, at the time, was not in the war room of the PNC, but he knew the essential PNC leadership was no longer enamoured with the AFC.
Given Norton’s feelings on the AFC in 2020 and given the way he always felt about Raphael Trotman and Nigel Hughes, even Nelson Mandela, if he was alive, could not persuade Norton to enter into a meaningful covenant with the AFC.
The day Norton became the leader of the PNC was the day any electoral union with the AFC disappeared. Before we enter that discussion, let’s look at the antecedents of the dead 2025 dialogue.
This lack of interest in the AFC extended to David Granger himself. Granger and top PNC leaders felt that in the 2020 election the AFC should not be treated with any importance. Two approaches were adopted to sideline the AFC. One was the PNC’s acceptance of Moses Nagamootoo to be retained for the PM post.
Granger insisted even though he knew that the AFC wanted Ramjattan to be the PM candidate. Granger persisted with Nagamootoo with one expectation in mind: that the PNC will insist and the AFC will back down because the AFC was always afraid of losing power and have the PPP laugh at them.
It did not happen this time. The marriage between AFC and PNC in 2020 had become so strained that the AFC was
livid at the thought of Nagamootoo being picked by Granger to be PM candidate. But Granger was not to be outflanked. Granger had a plan to minimise the AFC in the 2020 campaign.
APNU brought in a white British consultant and the foreigner’s advice was that the 2020 campaign must concentrate on the man, Granger and no one else. Granger then told the AFC that this was the strategy.
After that man’s advice, the PNC did two things. It was reluctant to have any AFC speaker to be a featured presenter at campaign rallies. The AFC was relegated to ordinary public meetings.
Secondly, the PNC decided against campaign posters having Ramjattan’s visage next to Granger’s.
After the August 2020 defeat, PNC leaders were assertive in their demand that the AFC must not get nine seats. Norton was one of those who held that view. Granger is a strange man. He defied PNC leaders and unilaterally decided on the nine seats.
Granger said it was a principled arrangement with the AFC, and it should be honoured. Whether you like Granger or not, he – and he alone – insisted that AFC get the agreed nine seats because it was the principled thing to do.
By the time Granger and Joe Harmon rode off into the sunset, the PNC-AFC thing was done with forever. The coalition was a thing of the past. It so happened that Aubrey Norton became leader and the song of a PNC- AFC election alliance was sung out. It is none other than Nigel Hughes that said all along that the PNC was not interested in a 2025 election
How can a party be
unity team.
Hughes knew that because of the way the PNC was behaving. We come now to the paramount reason why the dialogue collapsed.
Norton believed deep in his heart that the AFC is dead and is looking for resurrection through an alliance with the PNC. Norton believes that any formula the AFC presented – 50-50; 60-40; 70-30, it will result in the preservation of the AFC and the PNC has no business in keeping the AFC alive.
What Norton and other PNC leaders wanted was a unity team but without any conditions stipulated by the AFC. This meant the PNC would participate in the election with the AFC but it begins and ends there – there will be no written document about what the AFC should and will get.
Before Nigel Hughes became head of the AFC, there were no whispers much less open words in the AFC that there
would be a coalition. It was Nigel Hughes who promoted the unity slate after he became leader.
As Juretha Fernandes said when the talks collapsed, there was never any decision by the AFC that the AFC and PNC would negotiate a consensus candidate.
Unfortunately, Hughes hardly knows anything about politics. He put two items on the table that up to this day the ire of Norton is still boiling in reaction.
One is a percentage formula, the other is a consensus candidate facilitated by the AFC but the person must not be Norton or from the PNC. No dilution of those two proposals could have mollified Norton.
He was done with the AFC.
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.
trusted
to
run
gov’t if it is unprepared for constitutionally due elections?
Dear Editor,
THE allegations by the PNC-led APNU/ AFC and several of the one-man, one-woman parties that the PPP called elections early giving themselves unfair advantage is pure balderdash, sheer nonsense.
Several of the leaders of small parties and even the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the PNC, Aubrey Norton, have complained that the President and the PPP have deliberately called elections early, robbing the opposition parties of preparatory time. In the case of Aubrey Norton, he complained that they were preparing to have tee-shirts as part of the election paraphernalia, but the time is now too short for them to procure tee-shirts and other paraphernalia.
Not only is the allegation nonsense, it is total dishonesty. The constitution caters for elections to be held no later than five years after the commencement of the last parliament, with a three-months grace period.
The 12th parliament commenced on September 1, 2020. Therefore, the elections are constitutionally due by September 1, 2025. The constitution provides for a three months leeway, and, thus, the President had the option of choosing a date between September 1 and December 1, 2025.
By constitutional mandate, unless the president opted for an earlier date than September 1, the elections date of between September 1, 2025 to December 1, 2025 was known since September 1, 2020, almost five years ago.
If the President had chosen a date before
September 1, essentially calling snap elections, that would have been a date that would have come as a complete surprise and political parties might have had good reasons to accuse the President and the PPP government of giving themselves an undue advantage.
But the President and the PPP government have kept their promise that elections would be held on time, within the constitutional deadline, which was known since September 1, 2020 and was always for between September 1, 2025 to December 1, 2025.
That many of the parties are not ready, that they have been caught with their “pants down” is a demonstration of their incompetence and their unpreparedness for government. The allegation that the President “tricked” them is sheer excuse.
Let us be clear, President Irfaan Ali and the PPP government had the option of a surprise. They could have dissolved parliament long before September 1. The government decided to wait for their full term.
Those who wanted to run for the presidency, to run to form the next government, should have been prepared for elections by September 1, if not before.
The government has been unequivocally faithful to the constitution of Guyana.
If political parties were caught with their “pants down” for a simple thing like anticipating the elections date, the real question is how can they be trusted to run government? Yours
Sugar workers ‘will not be fooled’ by Nagamootoo’s attempt to rewrite ‘sordid record’ of APNU+AFC
The following is the full text of a statement from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU):
–– ashes of destruction in sugar industry still being righted to this day, GAWU says selectively. His government bluntly refused even to consider such an assessment, telling GAWU, and now President Irfaan Ali, among others, on February 03, 2017, that if we wanted such a study, we should do it ourselves.
“ THE GAWU notes a social media post by former Prime Minister (PM) Moses Nagamootoo titled “Martyrdom or Mockery.”
After reading the post, which was also published on other social media [pages], it is evident that the former Prime Minister is mocking the truth. From all appearances, the erstwhile gentleman is attempting to rewrite the sordid record while he occupied a senior role in the APNU+AFC Government from 2015 to 2020.
In his post, Mr. Nagamootoo talks about the ILO’s socio-impact assessment of the closure of estates in a most convenient and, in our view, misleading manner. Though the former Prime Minister may feign ignorance, he knows well, in our
minds, that thousands of temporary workers were denied work opportunities when his government decided to close estates.
Those workers never received compensation or assistance, but were left to fend for themselves. This was highlighted in the study and deliberately ignored by the former government official.
But given the former PM’s chameleon-like attributes, we should not be amazed.
While Mr. Nagamootoo seeks to highlight one element of the ILO’s study, we suggest he read on. The subsequent pages and chapters speak to the human toll of the closure. The report highlighted the social upheaval, the economic bleakness, and the tragedy that repeatedly played out in many homes due to the decisions of the ex-PM and his colleagues in the then government.
Of course, we are highly doubtful that the former high-ranking government
official was unaware of the consequences of their decision. Indeed, they were conscious and fully aware of the implications.
To come now and shed crocodile tears is simply appalling. On March 29, 2015, Mr. Nagamootoo’s then colleague, Khemraj Ramjattan, at a public meeting at Whim highlighted the importance of the sugar industry and declared to those present, “… we will not in any way close the sugar industry…”.
In the August 15, 2015, Kaieteur News, the former PM reportedly said “…there was no question of Government scaling down or abandoning the industry.”
Yet weeks later, the two joined the chorus in the coalition with the decision to close Wales Estate. These facts, Mr. Nagamootoo, are not the invented obfuscations as you seek to pontificate.
It is oxymoronic that Mr. Nagamootoo seeks to cling to the ILO’s examination
It says a lot about responsibility in office and compassion for our people. Again, it’s not hard to distinguish between facts and figments of one’s imagination.
The ex-PM, true to form, attempts to hoodwink the nation and tells us that the redundancy payments to the sugar workers were as he puts it, “…initially delayed…”. Does he not have any shame?
The then Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, admitted publicly that the Coalition
Government did not budget to pay the jobless sugar workers. As history records, a hurriedly supplementary allocation was approved to partially settle the workers’ entitlements.
This was in stark contradiction to the law and it was after the courts ruled that the workers receive their outstanding entitlements with interest in an effort to cure, in some sense, the illegality that was perpetuated against them.
Mr Nagamootoo attempts to burnish his care and compassion for the sugar workers and the sugar industry.
Of course, his record speaks unequivocally. Under his tenure as PM, sugar workers’ wages remained frozen, the industry was massively downsized, and prog-
ress was markedly reversed. No amount of propaganda or airy-fairy writings can erase the legacy of destruction under a government in which Mr. Nagamootoo was a senior leader. Today, the ashes of that destruction are still being righted, and the deep cuts inflicted are being healed.
“The sugar workers, their families and their communities are keenly aware of these truths. They will not be deceived and misled.
As Mr. Nagamootoo puts it, the sugar workers will see through his gaffe. If he chooses to write on sugar, once more, we urge him to begin with the phrase “once upon a time…” as all that will follow will be truly fiction, hypocrisy, and deception.”
“If they can breach their own constitution, what will they do with Guyana’s?” – Ramsaroop says about AFC
WITH fewer than two months to go before the September 1 General and Regional Elections, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is bleeding leaders and crumbling under internal fractures.
On Monday, AFC defector, former party Vice-Chairman and Member of Parliament, Deonarine “Ricky” Ramsaroop bluntly questioned whether the AFC could lead Guyana given their disregard for their own constitution.
He wrote in a comment under an online news report: “If they can breach their own constitution, what will they do with Guyana constitution?”
The damning incitement from the party’s former Vice-Chairman raised further questions about the AFC’s credibility.
The AFC’s move, last week, to expel three of its members and sitting opposition coalition parliamentarians, Ramsaroop, Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes for joining APNU, was swiftly challenged.
The former party members who have threatened legal action, are relying on Article 5(7) of the AFC’s Constitution that states: “The National Executive
may expel from the Party any person who while being a member, retains or accepts membership in another political party or movement, provided that in every case any such person shall be given one month within which to resign either from the AFC Party or from the other party or movement.”
They have argued that only the AFC’s National Executive Committee has the authority to expel a party member.
According to reports, they branded their expulsions as “distressingly manifest the AFC’s leadership’s contempt for the Constitution in bypassing the NEC to execute these expulsions.”
In a press release issued by the AFC last week, the party stated that it had written to the three former members seeking clarification about their status.
After receiving no response and conducting its own verification, the AFC confirmed that the individuals had formally aligned themselves with the APNU and had been named as candidates on that party’s list for the upcoming elections.
As a result, the AFC has cancelled their mem-
Former Vice Chairman of the AFC and Member of Parliament, Deonarine ‘Ricky’ Ramsaroop
bership, citing constitutional grounds and party principles.
The defection has sent ripples through the opposition landscape, with Fernandes named as APNU’s Prime Ministerial Candidate—a significant development given her previous public denial of any such offers.
On Sunday, Hughes admitted on the televised show ‘Caribbean Tea’ that the AFC does not wield the same level of political support it did in 2015 when it was first elected to government through a coalition with the APNU.
“No, the AFC is not of the same strength it was in 2015,” he said.
‘Guyana Together’ engages trade unions on repeal of anti-gay laws
INCLUSION, an end to workplace discrimination, and the call for legal protection for all workers were the main themes at a Trade Unions Convening held last Wednesday as part of the Guyana Together campaign, under the theme, “Strengthening Solidarity: Building Trade Union Support for Guyana Together.”
According to a press release from the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), the dialogue, which was held at Herdmanston Lodge, saw participation by members of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Workers Union (GPTWU), the United Minibus Union (UMU) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).
According to SASOD: “This important conversation was aimed at deepening dialogue with the trade union movement around sexuality, gender, and human rights; to examine the urgent need for legislative reform to protect all workers, regardless of
sexual orientation and gender identity; and to engage in collaborative advocacy for legal change.”
Among the other issues raised is the impact of workplace discrimination on production. Harvey Tambron, GAWU Vice-President, reiterated his union's commitment to ending all forms of discrimination within the workplace.
“Our union will not con-
done any discrimination,” Tambron stated, adding:
“That is our policy, and we continue to work on ensuring respect and acceptance in the workplace.”
Union leaders were briefed on local laws that directly affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, as well as understanding how trade union advocacy could assist with their representation of
NGSA results to be announced tomorrow
THE results of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) are set to be announced tomorrow, Education Minister Priya Manickchand has said.
Manickchand, in a post on her official Facebook page, said: “We had said that we would announce the NGSA [results] on or before the 26th of June before it was written… I’m very glad to tell you that we are going to be announcing the results of NGSA 2025 on Wednesday 25th of June.”
She went on to add that she shares a sense of excitement, as the results will show how well the country’s education sector has recovered, just a few years after the COVID-pandemic, which had caused the closure of schools and placed restrictions on learning.
“That really hit us and continues to hit us now, but I’m also excited not only because we will be announcing how well chil-
Education Minister, Priya Manickchand
dren did, but we are so much closer to universal secondary education,” Manickchand disclosed.
To this end, she stated that with the country inching closer to universal secondary education, all students will have access to a high school education and
do well, as the government is working to ensure everything is in place for that to happen.
Against this backdrop, she added: “So, it’s a really exciting time to be in Guyana, A really nice time to be a student; you have more trained teachers than you have ever had all across Guyana, you have textbooks, you have schools, you have labs, you will have digital schools.”
At the end of the twoday secondary placement examinations in April, Manickchand had disclosed that some 15,813 children were registered to write the examinations.
However, some 15,497 children were present on the first day of the exams, which marked the highest turnout post COVID-19. Added to these, some 115 pupils with special education needs were also facilitated, while some 91 pupils sat the exams in Spanish.
complaints the organisation received are related to the right to work.
Union representatives acknowledged this reality.
“There are still no laws that ensure discrimination based on sexuality is prohibited,” Mortimer Livan, GPSU Organising Secretary lamented.
“If workers are not protected, they would not perform and we do hear complaints on how discrimination affects their work,” Gissel Nelson, GPTWU President said.
Meanwhile, all the unions say they are working to raise awareness within workplaces.
activities aimed at building alliances with trade unions to endorse the campaign’s goals while actively supporting the call for decriminalising same-sex intimacy and legislative changes to protect LGBT people from work-related discrimination.
“Guyana Together recognises the critical role trade unions play in shaping public opinion and advocating for inclusive policies in the workplace and beyond.
Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson pointed out that 35 per cent of the human rights
During this dialogue, there were commitments to work with the Guyana Together campaign to educate unions and workers on inclusive best practices in the workplace.
Wednesday’s conference is the first of a series of
“As part of the Guyana Pride Festival, the Guyana Together campaign will host the “Pride at Work” Symposium on Tuesday, June 24, which will bring together trade unionists, private sector leaders, United Nations officials and LGBT people directly impacted by work-related discrimination to discuss multi-sectoral, collaborative advocacy to repeal these anti-gay laws,” SASOD said.
workers who face discrimination due to their sexuality and gender.
GPSU Organising Secretary, Mortimer Livan
GPTWU President, Gissel Nelson GAWU Vice-President, Harvey Tambron
Success of EU-funded community-led conservation efforts hailed by Ambassador René van Nes
AMBASSADOR of the European Union (EU) to Guyana, René van Nes, visited Region One to mark the successful completion of the first year of the EU-funded project, “Developing the Capacity of the Barima-Mora Passage Communities in Natural Resources Governance.”
According to a press release, the three-day visit, which ran from June 5–7, included field tours of community-led initiatives and key ecological sites,
reflecting the EU’s continued support for locally driven conservation efforts in Guyana. During the visit, Ambassador Van Nes toured the Shell Beach Protected Area, the Smith Creek Wiri-Wiri Pepper Factory, the Morawhanna shade house site, and the proposed mangrove restoration site in Aruka Mouth.
The itinerary also included meetings with the Regional Democratic Council and the Blue Flame Women’s Group, highlighting the EU’s support for
multi-stakeholder and gender-inclusive projects.
A key highlight of the visit was the Mangrove Conservation Dialogue held at the Imbotero Research Centre on June 6, under the theme “Planning Together for the Conservation of Mangroves in the BMP Communities.”
The event brought together community members, local leaders, conservation partners, and EU representatives to reflect on year one achievements, and to plan future strategies for
Community members passionately shared their experiences and delivered inspiring presentations on how they benefited from experiential exchanges to various parts of Guyana, including Iwokrama, North and South Rupununi, and Warapoka Village, which enhanced their understanding of conservation, natural resource governance, leadership, and sustainable eco-tourism enterprises.
Youth participants also spoke about how they are applying their drone training to monitor environmental changes and support local conservation efforts.
Additionally, they highlighted the establishment of community-led beekeeping enterprises, another key success funded under year one of the EU-supported project.
The project, implemented by the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) with support from Conservation International-Guyana (CI-Guyana),
has made significant strides in building community capacity through experiential exchanges, the formation of Village Mangrove Action Committees (VMACs), and the launch of green enterprises such as bee-keeping. The EU Ambassador’s visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between Guyana and the European Union in supporting biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous and coastal communities.
mangrove conservation in the Barima-Mora Passage (BMP).
EU Ambassador with Barima Mora Passgage Community Representatives - Beneficiaries of the Project
138 skilled graduates join workforce as BIT continues to drive national development
A TOTAL of 138 individuals, including 72 women and 56 men, have graduated from the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) technical and vocational programmes, positioning themselves to take up employment or launch their own businesses in key sectors across Guyana.
The graduates, who received training in Commercial Food Preparation,
noting that BIT has trained over 13,000 individuals in the last four and a half years, with over 60 percent of them being women.
“Every programme we do has a relationship to national development,” the minister stated, pointing out that the government has spent over $1.5 billion on BIT training programmes. “There are more opportunities available now for academic and skills
Graduates of the Commercial Food Preparation programme.
Plumbing, Cosmetology, Electrical Installation, and General Building Construction, were equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge aimed at enhancing their employability and fostering life-long learning.
During the graduation ceremony, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton emphasised the transformative impact of the government’s investment in skills training,
development than at any other time in Guyana’s history.”
He reminded attendees that all BIT programmes are offered free of cost, funded through government and international support, including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Basic Needs Trust Fund.
Minister Hamilton encouraged the graduates to make the most of their opportunities, declaring, “You have
a responsibility to ensure that you succeed. If you fail, you have no one else to blame but yourself.”
The minister also underscored the growing demand for skilled workers in Guyana’s rapidly expanding hospitality and construction sectors. He highlighted that 22 hotels are currently in the pipeline, creating an estimated demand for 6,000 workers, alongside the government’s goal of building 10,000 houses annually.
BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn, reflected on the institution’s long-standing commitment to national service, celebrating 115 years of employment and training initiatives. He urged graduates to see their skills as tools to serve the nation.
“The skills you’ve acquired are not to be used in isolation. You will be successful when you realise you’re serving people and serving your nation,” Maughn said.
Meanwhile, Region Four Technical Officer Rima Rohee praised the programme’s broader impact: “This certification is more than just a piece of paper. It adds value and confidence to the trainees when it comes to job employment,” she stated.
Rohee affirmed that BIT continues to instil positive values and create purposeful opportunities for its students. “We are proud of what we have achieved and even more excited about what lies ahead,” she added.
As Guyana’s economy continues to grow and diversify, BIT remains a vital force in preparing citizens to actively participate in and contribute to the country’s development.
Sophia man charged with triple armed robbery in Ann’s Grove
RAFAEL Hintzel, a 33-year-old resident of Lot 135 Red Road, Sophia, has been charged with three counts of Robbery Under Arms following an alleged armed robbery committed in Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, last November.
Hintzel was arrested by police on June 20, 2025, in connection with the incident, which reportedly occurred on November 4, 2024, along the Ann’s Grove main access road.
The charges stem from complaints filed by three victims: Dexroy Singh, also known as “Bow,” a 30-yearold barber of Ann’s Grove;
Kishon Pompey, known as “Breeze,” a 25-yearold construction worker of Ann’s Grove and Lawrence
Pellew, called “Delwin,” a 20-year-old construction worker of Dutch Four Housing Scheme.
Hintzel appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court earlier today, where the charges were formally read. He pleaded not guilty to all three counts under Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
The magistrate granted Hintzel bail in the sum of G$350,000. The matter has been adjourned to August 6, 2025, for report and disclosure of statements as investigations continue.
From Left: BIT CEO, Richard Maughn, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, and Technical Officers of Region Four, Rima Rohee and Deborah Mc Beth (Japheth Savory photo)
Rafael Hintzel
Election fraud trial…
Discrepancies in tabulation prompted objections from PPP/C candidates, diplomats –former PSC observer testifies
FORMER Private Sector Commission (PSC) observer Christopher Nascimento took the stand on Monday in the ongoing election fraud trial, recounting a series of events surrounding the controversial tabulation of votes in Region Four following Guyana’s March 2020 general and regional elections.
Those charged with electoral fraud include People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph and former Health Minister under the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, Volda Lawrence.
Also facing charges are former Chief Election Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers and former Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.
Also charged are former GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings and Michelle Miller.
Collectively, they face 19 conspiracy charges and are represented by a robust defence team.
Due to the charges arising from the same set of circumstances, the matters have been consolidated. Each defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges and secured their release by posting significant cash bail.
Nascimento’s testimony was led by lead prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC, before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Nascimento, a seasoned elections observer, said that on election day he was assigned to four polling places and found the process orderly and transparent.
“I sat in, I watched… I was satisfied with the conduct of the elections,” he testified, noting he had reported his observations back to the PSC.
However, things took a dramatic turn on March 4, 2020, when he visited the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Command Centre at Ashmins build-
ing on High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown.
There, he recounted observing the Region Four vote tabulation and verification process, where political party representatives and foreign diplomats—including the British and Canadian High Commissioners and United States and European Union Ambassadors— were present.
At the time, the U.S. Ambassador was Sarah-Ann Lynch; the British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; the Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee and the EU Ambassador, Fernando Ponz Cantó. Nascimento recalled that representatives from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) began objecting to the tabulation, arguing that the figures being called did not match those on their Statements of Poll (SoPs).
“They were saying that what was being displayed [on the screen] was not a SoP,” he stated, adding that he himself was familiar with what a SoP looked like and could immediately tell that what was projected ap-
peared to be a spreadsheet.
The witness said that a SoP is a distinct document bearing several specific features.
According to his testimony, it is clearly labelled on the left-hand side as a Statement of Poll and contains details such as the place of poll, the electoral division, and the name of the Returning Officer. He said it also includes a list of all contesting parties, their corresponding symbols, and designated spaces where the votes for each party are recorded.
He testified that former Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield later entered the room, examined the screen, and halted the process after noting discrepancies. “He looked at a document, then looked at what was on display and said the numbers were not matching,” Nascimento recalled.
On March 5, 2025, he related hearing Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo abruptly declare his intent to announce the election results, despite the tabulation being incomplete.
“To my astonishment, I heard Mingo start to make an announcement that he
was going to declare the results of the elections,” he said.
He said he mounted the stairs and witnessed an uproar as PPP/C leaders, including now President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, vocally objected.
Mingo eventually halted his declaration, Nascimento recalled.
Further, he returned to the Ashmins Building on March 12, 2025, where he observed Clairmont Mingo and a GECOM clerk resuming the vote count.
He stated that representatives from the PPP/C again raised objections, leading to the process being halted by GECOM Chairperson Claudette Singh.
“She [Justice Singh] said the Chief Justice [Roxane George, SC] had made a [decision] and she wanted time to study it,” he testified.
He said that when he returned the following day, March 13, 2025, he discovered that the tabulation had been moved to a much smaller room.
“I sat among the international diplomats,” he said, noting that Mingo made a stern announce -
ment stating that he would not tolerate objections and banned laptops and phones.
According to him, this triggered protests—including from diplomats— prompting Mingo to reverse the ban.
Despite the resumption, Nascimento said the information being displayed remained concerning. “What I saw on display was not what I would recognise as a SoP, it looked like a spreadsheet,” Nascimento testified.
He said PPP/C representatives continued to object to the process, while representatives from the APNU remained silent throughout the proceedings.
“The clerk started to count rapidly—so fast that it was impossible for anyone to follow. That raised another round of objections. At that point, the international diplomats whom I was sitting around—one or two of them—turned to me and said, ‘Kit, this is nonsense. We are leaving.’ They got up and left, and I left shortly after.”
According to Nascimento, the process was once again disrupted, this time by APNU representative Carol Smith-Joseph, whom he said shouted at Mingo demanding that he proceed with the count and disregard the objections being raised.
He stated that her outburst prompted a response from now Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, which quickly escalated into a heated exchange between the two.
The witness added: “I myself turned to the person and said, ‘On what authority are you interrupting these
proceedings?’ She then said some not-so-nice things to me. She made some insulting remarks.”
When asked to clarify what exactly Smith-Joseph said to him, Nascimento stated that she asked, “Who the f*$k are you?” He stated that he did not return to the Ashmins Building after March 13, 2020.
He said he later learned that GECOM had relocated the tabulation process from the Ashmins building to its own office.
Nascimento has concluded his evidence-in-chief and is expected to return to court on Wednesday, when the trial resumes for further cross-examination.
It is the prosecution’s case that each defendant had a “critical role” to play in the wilful endeavour to inflate votes for the APNU+AFC, and deflate votes for the PPP/C.
In the weeks that followed the March 2, 2020, vote, Guyana’s judiciary was inundated with multiple applications and appeals filed by various political actors over the electoral process.
The saga lasted five months before a national recount, led by GECOM and a delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), confirmed the PPP/C’s victory and ultimately led to the swearing-in of President Ali on August 2, 2020.
The recount confirmed that the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC coalition’s 217,920.
The initial elections results, announced by former CEO Lowenfield, had claimed an APNU+AFC victory.
The APNU+AFC coalition had received 171,825 votes, while the PPP/C received 166,343 votes, according to Lowenfield’s election report. Following the PPP/C’s return to office in August 2020, criminal charges were filed against the defendants.
GECOM made the decision to terminate the contracts of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo in August 2021, after the allegations of fraud came to light.
Volda Lawrence
Clairmont Mingo Carol Smith-Joseph Keith Lowenfield
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty
Roxanne Myers
Christopher Nascimento
Gov’t proud to support generation of creators
–– Minister McCoy says
MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs Kwame McCoy has said that the government is committed to fostering an enabling environment for creators to thrive.
The minister made these remarks while addressing the recently held Caribbean Content Creators and Influencers Summit in Georgetown.
He noted that the gathering served as a signal that the Caribbean’s creative economy has arrived at a defining moment, and that the voices, stories and platforms are not only valid, but vital to growth, inspiration and leadership.
McCoy said: “Content creators are no longer on the margins. You are nation builders. You influence
culture, shape perception, and increasingly drive real economic outcomes. From tourism to fashion, agriculture to the energy sector, your stories give life to our ambitions, and visibility to our people.”
To this end, he indicated that Guyana is proud to support a generation of creators who are not only entertaining, but also educating, mobilizing, and imagining new futures for themselves and their communities.
He said, “Our government is committed to fostering an enabling environment where talent can thrive, from investments in ICT and training to support for platforms that unlock opportunity.”
With this, he indicated that this commitment reflects the government’s core belief that development
must not leave anyone behind, and that young people must not be asked to wait their turn.
McCoy told the gathering: “As Guyanese prepare to make important national decisions in the coming weeks, there is perhaps no better time than now to affirm the value of voices like yours; voices that challenge.
“Voices that uplift, build, and inspire. Voices that separate facts from fiction, and indeed. Voices that serve as bastions against the destructive forces of division, misinformation and disinformation.”
Further, he indicated that the summit could be a catalyst that sparks a movement across the Caribbean, where every young person knows they have the power to shape not just content but the paths of a generation.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs Kwame McCoy has said that the government is committed to fostering an enabling environment for creators to thrive
Guyana, India deepen Forensic Science Partnership with official visit from NFSU delegation
THE Ministry of Home Affairs, on Monday, welcomed a high-level delegation from India’s National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, for an official working visit aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation in forensic science, law enforcement, and criminal justice.
The delegation, which is in Guyana from June 22 to 27, 2025, builds on the strong foundation established during bilateral talks between His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, during the latter’s historic visit to Guyana. That meeting signalled both countries’ commitment to deeper cooperation in science, technology, and security.
This visit also follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 17, 2025, between the Governments of Guyana and India, and Guyana’s participation in the All-India Forensic Science Summit held in New Delhi on April 14–15, 2025.
The visiting NFSU team comprises Prof. (Dr.) Naveen Kumar Chaudhary and Prof. (Dr.) Satish Kumar, accompanied by Mr. Manoj Kumar of the High Commission of India in Guyana.
A strategic meeting hosted by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andre Ally, brought together senior security and forensic officials, including Colonel Sheldon Howell, Acting Chief of Defence Staff
and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA); Ms. Charis Griffith, Acting Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL); and Ms. Sonia Herbert, Director of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Academy. Also present were senior science officers from various departments within the GFSL.
Minister Benn opened the session by extending condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana to the Government of India and families affected by the recent tragic plane crash in India.
He reaffirmed Guyana’s solidarity and emphasised the growing bond between the two nations.
Describing the visit as pivotal to Guyana’s ongoing efforts to modernise its criminal justice system, Minister Benn underscored the government's goal to build a robust forensic infrastructure, supported by long-term collaboration with NFSU.
The delegation’s itinerary includes operational tours of key institutions such as the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), and the University of Guyana.
They will also participate in meetings with law enforcement and security agencies and attend an official reception hosted by the Indian High Commission.
The engagement focuses on: Knowledge-sharing on forensic science best practices, training models, and
quality assurance systems; Exploring capacity-building and technical support initiatives; and discussing collaborative research and institutional partnerships for long-term development.
The NFSU representatives expressed their appreciation for Guyana’s hospitality and conveyed eagerness to pursue joint initiatives, including academic exchanges, forensic training programmes, and applied research.
A major highlight of the discussions was Guyana’s reaffirmed commitment to establishing a Caribbean Regional Centre of Excellence in Forensic Science.
This initiative, aligned with President Ali’s vision, aims to position Guyana as a regional hub for cutting-edge forensic training, investigation, and scientific innovation.
The proposed Institute of Excellence in Forensic Science is expected to: Support Guyana’s national security and justice reform goals; provide advanced certification and training for local and regional professionals; build a network of qualified forensic trainers; and foster innovation in evidence-based criminal investigations throughout the Caribbean.
As Guyana and India continue to broaden their diplomatic and technical collaboration, this visit marks a significant step toward a shared vision of safer societies driven by scientific expertise, advanced technology, and global partnerships.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andre Ally; Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Colonel Sheldon Howell; Charis Griffith, Acting Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL), in discussion with India’s National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) officials, at the Ministry of Home Affairs
Labour Ministry hosts seminar at Rose Hall to promote workplace rights, compliance
THE Ministry of Labour on Monday hosted a Labour Seminar at Fraser’s Hall in Rose Hall Town, Region Six, bringing together employers and employees to educate them on their rights and responsibilities under Guyana’s labour laws.
Led by Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine, the seminar aimed to promote greater awareness and compliance in workplaces across the region. The session directly engaged numerous workplace representatives and is estimated to have indirectly reached approximately 150 employees.
Supporting presentations were delivered by Labour Officers Mr Emanuel Ramdhial, Ms Latoya Clarke, and Mr Hardat Malchan; Recruitment and Manpower Officer, Ms Rabina Mohamad; Occu-
pational Safety and Health Officer, Ms Nazmoon Prittipaul; and Regional Co-operative Development Officers Ms Keshri Jailall and Mr Jason Gladstone.
In brief remarks, Mr Deonarine reiterated the ministry’s mission since its re-establishment in August 2020—to deliver impactful and accessible technical services that support workers and employers alike. “We are not a ministry that builds homes or schools—we provide technical services,” Deonarine noted, highlighting innovative tools such as the Skills Connect app, which connects job seekers with employment opportunities and simplifies access to labour-related assistance.
He emphasised the success of outreach programmes such as this one, pointing to a more than 20 per cent de-
crease in labour complaints over the past year as a sign of growing compliance and awareness. Participants were urged to take the knowledge gained back to their workplaces to foster better practices, safer working environments and adherence to national labour regulations.
Also in attendance were Senior Labour Officer Mr Prandatt Basdeo and Labour Officer Mr Prowell Allick, both of whom underscored the importance of continued education and collaboration between the ministry and the workforce.
The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed its commitment to improving labour standards and service delivery across the country through ongoing engagement and innovative tools designed to empower both employers and employees.
Police Force enhances transparency with body-camera training for traffic ranks
IN a move to bolster accountability and improve policing standards, ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department and the Heavy Duty Course 1/2025 cohort underwent a comprehensive training session on Saturday, focused on the use, operation, and maintenance of 500 newly acquired body cameras.
The training, held at the Officers' Training Centre in Eve Leary, was conducted by Sergeant Matthews of the Police Information Technology Department. Participants received in-depth instruction on the features of the bodyworn cameras, including their capabilities to capture digital, audio, and video evidence—vital tools in modern policing.
These body cameras are part of the Force’s broader strategy to enhance transparency, support ongoing investigations, and ensure professional conduct during law enforcement operations. The new devices will be decen-
tralised across the country's regions and deployed during patrols, traffic duties, and other operational activities.
Present at the session were several senior officers, including Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh; Superintendent Raun Clarke; Assistant Superintendents Sherwin Henry and Garvin Boyce; and Inspectors Ulene Morris and Richard Trotz, underscoring the leadership’s commitment to advancing the Force’s technological capacity.
The initiative marks another step in the Guyana Police Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public trust and improve the quality of service delivered to citizens.
The seminar aimed to promote greater awareness and compliance in workplaces across the region
Superintendent Raun Clarke and Assistant Superintendent, Garvin Boyce (centre), flanked by ranks who participated in the training in use of body cameras for digital, audio, and video evidence collection.
Newly acquired body cameras
Police probing alleged $13M armed robbery at Fantasy Game Lounge
- wanted bulletin issued for security guard
Police are actively investigating an alleged armed robbery involving G$13.1 million, reportedly carried out by an on-duty security guard at the Fantasy Game Lounge, located within Giftland Mall, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. The incident occurred around 05:30hrs on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
The stolen cash is said to be the property of Sylvia Thomas. The primary suspect is a 24-year-old security guard attached to Castle Security, who was assigned to the Fantasy Game Lounge
at the time of the incident. He was armed with a 9mm service pistol and 17 rounds of ammunition.
According to the police report, 21-year-old Raywat Sankar, a supervisor at Fantasy Game Lounge, was on duty along with a 27-yearold female floor supervisor. Sankar reportedly exited the cashier area to assist in cleaning the gaming floor, as there were no customers present.
During this time, the armed suspect allegedly approached both staff members, brandished the firearm, and discharged a round into the
air before demanding that Sankar open the electronic door to the cashier’s room.
Complying with the order, Sankar and the female supervisor were forced into the cashier's room, where the suspect instructed Sankar to open the vault and place all of the money into a garbage basket.
The suspect then exited the building with the cash.
Surveillance footage from Giftland Mall captured the suspect walking out along the Giftland access road before turning west onto the Railway Embankment, where
he entered a waiting motorcar bearing license plate PZZ 5690, which then drove off westward.
Detectives responding to the scene recovered a single 9mm spent shell. Subsequent efforts to locate the suspect have so far proven unsuccessful.
A search of the suspect’s home yielded no recovery of the stolen cash, and efforts are ongoing to trace the getaway vehicle.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to pursue leads.
Head urges Australia to move on quickly from Lord's loss
AUSTRALIAN batter
Travis Head wants his team to move on quickly from their recent loss to South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship Final as the side gets set to commence the new cycle against the West Indies in Barbados.
The Aussies have little time to lick their wounds following their five-wicket loss to the Proteas at Lord's in the Ultimate Test earlier this month, with their new World Test Championship campaign commencing with a three-match series against the West Indies in the Caribbean commencing tomorrow.
Head believes the quick turnaround from the World Test Championship Final to the West Indies series is a positive for his side and has urged his teammates not to dwell on the loss to the Proteas when they take on the Caribbean side.
"There's added motivation to go out there and play well," Head said of the first Test in Barbados.
"We didn't play well (against South Africa) and it's unfortunate.
"We put two years of hard work into one week and didn't quite go to plan and the opposition played really well, so there's another motivation.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, June 24, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) R. Shepherd-2/33 (1st T20)
(2) L. Dawson-4/20 (1st T20)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) How many dismissals Shai Hope effected in the recent WI/ENG T20 series?
(2) How many Jos Butler effected?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
BEVERLEY
09:15 hrs Commander Of Life
09:45 hrs Hope Queen
10:15 hrs Dr Rio
10:45 hrs Gincident
11:15 hrs Forever Penywern
11:45 hrs Quirke On Parole
12:20 hrs Art Of Fox
BRIGHTON
09:30 hrs My Boy Jack
10:00 hrs Local Boy
10:30 hrs Kinswoman
11:00 hrs Banksman
11:30 hrs Miss Dandylion
12:00 hrs Thorne Hall
NEWBURY
12:40 hrs Dibble Dabble
"We've got two more years to build, and this is another first look at it, so I think if you dwell on it for too long or if you look back you forget about what's moving forward.
"As hard as that is, we play so much cricket and are so used to that but of course we care and of course it's not ideal but at the end of the day you can't change it, so you have to move on you have to get back on the horse and you have to play good cricket.
"I think a lot of guys are wanting to do that, we've had a little bit of time to reflect and I've got time to prep and we're going to another Test series that we're hopeful to play well in."
Watch the full match highlights as Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada led the way as South Africa bested the defending champions Australia to clinch the World Test Championship mace at Lord's.
Australia will be without the services of key batter Steve Smith for the opening Test against the West Indies, with the veteran righthander still recovering from the finger injury he picked up while fielding during the loss in the World Test Championship Final.
13:15 hrs Stardinia
13:45 hrs Miss Honey
14:15 hrs Anzac Day
14:45 hrs This Farh
15:15 hrs Follow Your Heart
15:50 hrs Spanish Star
SOUTH AFRICA
RACING TIPS
KENILWORTH
08:30 hrs Set To Musuc
09:00 hrs Arbitration
09:40 hrs War Chariot
10:20 hrs Sweet Conifer
10:55 hrs Night Tiger
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
FINGER LAKES
Race 1 Saratoga Weekend
Race 2 Digital Currency
Race 3 Chigazteca
Race 4 John's Protege
Race 5 Magic Bleach
Race 6 Joyful Departure
Race 7 King's Leap
Former No.1 ranked Test batter Marnus Labuschagne is also missing having been dropped by the Aussies, with teenager Sam Konstas and fellow batter Josh Inglis named as their replacements for the first Test at Kensington Oval.
Head expects Labuschagne to work his way back into the Test setup quickly and is also predicting Inglis to thrive when filling in for the injured Smith.
Inglis scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka at the start of the year and Head believes the 30-yearold is capable of performing well once more.
"It feels like he's played a lot more than he has for Australia as he has been in the squad for a long time and he has been around the group for a long time," Head noted.
"Once he gets his extended stay on the team I think he will excel.
"He's been waiting for a good amount of time to get a crack and it's exciting for Josh." (ICC Media)
Aussie batter Travis Head
Massy WCPL 2025 squads confirmed
THE squads for the 2025 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) have been officially confirmed following the successful completion of the player draft.
Each franchise will feature a 15-player squad comprising four overseas stars and 11 local talents, as they prepare for another thrilling season of women’s T20 cricket in the Caribbean.
Barbados Royals aim for historic three-peat
Defending champions Barbados Royals will once again be led by world number one all-rounder Hayley Matthews, who has captained the side to consecutive WCPL titles. The Royals retain a strong Caribbean core with the return of Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, and Aaliyah Alleyne, and welcome Kycia Knight to her home franchise for the first time.
On the overseas front, the Royals are bolstered by the return of Australian wicket-keeper Georgia Red-
mayne and Sri Lankan opener Chamari Athapaththu, both integral to last season’s championship run. They are joined by Indian off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, who shifts from the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Australian multi-sport athlete Courtney Webb, adding fresh versatility to the squad.
Trinbago Knight Riders set sights on redemption
After finishing runners-up in 2024, the Trinbago Knight Riders are determined to reclaim the title they last held in 2022.
Deandra Dottin remains the squad’s cornerstone, supported by an exciting group of young talent including Jahzara Claxton, Zaida James, Jannillea Glasgow, and Samara Ramnath - all 21 years old or younger. They’ve complemented youth with experience, drafting players like Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams, and Abigail Bryce. Their overseas lineup is spearheaded by Australian all-rounder Jess
Canada qualifies for Men's T20 World Cup 2026
CANADA has completed an undefeated run on their road to booking their ticket for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The hosts of the Americas Regional Final confirmed their place at the tournament on Saturday, beating The Bahamas and watching Bermuda lose to the Cayman Islands, putting them in an unassailable lead.
The side then closed out with a win over Bermuda on Sunday, finishing three wins clear of their nearest rival for tournament tickets.
Kaleem Sana and Shivam Sharma each picked up three wickets as Canada bundled out Bahamas for just 57. The chase was wrapped up in just 5.3 overs, with Dilpreet Bajwa smashing an unbeaten 36 off 14 balls to seal a dominant win and qualification.
The side was clinical in its close out to finish the campaign, chasing down Bermuda's 131 with over four overs to spare.
Having featured at last year’s Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, Canada arrived into the Qualifiers as one of the favourites to progress through.
Jonassen, returning Indian pacer Shikha Pandey, and South African power-hitter Lizelle Lee, who makes her WCPL debut. Rising leg-spinner Salonee Dangore also joins the side, adding depth to the bowling unit.
Guyana Amazon Warriors chase maiden title on home soil
With all matches of the 2025 tournament being played at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, the Guyana Amazon Warriors will look to harness home support as they chase their first WCPL title. The team retains a wealth of experience with Stafanie Taylor, Karishma Ramharack,
and Shermaine Campbelle anchoring the squad.
The Warriors have a strong local presence with seven Guyanese players in the lineup. They welcome back English World Cup winner Lauren Winfield-Hill and South African speedster Shabnim Ismail, returning for her third season
The squad also secured Laura Harris, a key contributor to the Royals’ 2023 and 2024 triumphs, and Australian leg-spinning all-rounder Madeline Penna, who adds dynamic balance.
The 2025 Massy WCPL will take place from September 6th to the 17th at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Each team will play four group-stage matches, with the top two sides advancing to the final to compete for the coveted WCPL title.
WCPL SQUADS
Barbados Royals: Hayley Matthews, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Aali-
yah Alleyne, Kycia Knight, Steffie Soogrim, Shamilia Connell, Sheneta Grimmond, Qiana Joseph, Trishan Holder, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Chamari Athapaththu, Georgia Redmayne, Courtney Webb, Shreyanka Patil
Guyana Amazon Warriors: Stafanie Taylor, Ashmini Munisar, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Chedean Nation, Plaffiana Millington, Britney Cooper, Kaysia Schultz, Shemaine Campbelle, Karishma Ramharack, Nyia Latchman, Realeanna Grimmond, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Shabnim Ismail, Laura Harris, Madeline Penna Trinbago Knight Riders: Deandra Dottin, Shabika Gajnabi, Shawnisha Hector, Rashada Williams, Nerissa Crafton, Jahzara Claxton, Zaida James, Jannillea Glasgow, Keila Elliott, Abigail Bryce, Samara Ramnath, Jess Jonassen, Lizelle Lee, Shikha Pandey, Salonee Dangore. (CPL)
Matthews honoured as top women’s player, Shamar & Alzarri also awarded
The Nicholas Kirton-led side kickstarted its campaign with a comprehensive win against Bermuda by 110 runs. The result was followed by a 59-run win against Cayman Islands and a 10-wicket trumping of Bahamas in the first round of games between the teams.
In their second outing against Cayman Islands – a contest cut short to five-oversa-side – Canada registered another comfortable win after putting together 82 runs on the board, and eventually seizing the game by 42 runs.
Canada joins the list of 10 teams already qualified for the 20-team event, alongside co-hosts India and Sri Lanka.
The other qualified sides include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan.
Seven more teams – two from the Europe Qualifier (to be played from 5–11 July 2025), two from the Africa Qualifier (to be played from 19 September – 4 October 2025) and three from the Asia–EAP Qualifier (to be played from 1–17 October 2025) – will join the Men's T20 World Cup. (ICC Media)
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – WEST INDIES Women’s captain, Hayley Matthews, predictably took home the top women’s awards, while fast bowlers Shamar and Alzarri Joseph were also awarded when Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) held their eighth awards gala here at Wyndham Grand Barbados on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Matthews, the number one Women’s T20I all-rounder in the world and the second-best
ODI all-rounder and T20I batter, copped the Women’s
ODI and T20I Player of the Year awards following an impressive 2024.
Meanwhile, Shamar Joseph, who broke onto the international scene with an outstanding performance during last year’s tour of Australia where he bowled the West Indies to their first victory there in 27 years, was named Test Player of the Year.
The unrelated Alzarri Joseph was also in winners’ row, claiming the award for Men’s T20I Player of the Year, while white-ball captain Shai Hope captured the Men’s ODI Player of the Year award.
Montra Jaguars, Cotton Tree, Mahaica Hawks...
curing a coveted spot in the national finals slated for Sunday, August 3rd at the National Stadium in Providence, commencing at 2:00 PM.
Beyond the national final berth, the Berbice zone champion will also pocket a significant $300,000 prize, along with a specially crafted trophy, and will have the opportunity to compete for an additional $1.7 million at the National Stadium.
The runner-up in the zone final will receive $100,000. Cricket enthusiasts in
Berbice are in for a thrilling weekend of tapeball action as the road to the national finals begins.
The national finals will offer even greater rewards, with the runner-up taking home $700,000, a trophy, and medals, while each losing semi-finalist will receive $300,000.
Individual brilliance will also be recognized throughout the tournament, with prizes including: MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 +
trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000).
The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garnered significant support from a wide range of sponsors, including Kares Engineering Inc, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer
Domestically, Nicholas Pooran was named Regional T20 Player of the Year, Mikyle Louis took home the award for West Indies Championship Player of the Year, while Justin Greaves was named the CG United Super50 Cup Player of the Year.
Among the women, Kycia Knight walked away with the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup Player of the Year award, and Plaffiana Millington claimed the CWI T20 Blaze Player of the Year award.
(From page 23)
Centre, Impressions, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor’s Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.
Realeanna Grimmond is set to make her WCPL debut
West Indies Women’s captain, Haley Matthews
T&T fall agonisingly short as Saudi Arabia advance to Gold Cup quarter-finals
TRINIDAD and Tobago came within inches of scripting a dramatic entry into the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-finals, but their campaign ended in heartbreak on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia at the Allegiant Stadium. The result sees Saudi Arabia advance from Group D, while the Soca Warriors bow out of the competition after a valiant but ultimately insufficient effort.
Knowing only a win would secure their place in the knockout stage, Trinidad and Tobago made a dream start when Dante Sealy unleashed a stunning left-footed strike in the 10th minute, rocketing the ball into the top left corner and giving T&T a deserved early lead. The Soca Warriors continued to press and showed urgency in possession, but a mixture of wastefulness in front of the goal and resolute Saudi de-
fending, kept the score at 1-0 heading into half-time.
The Green Falcons clawed their way back in the second half, and in the 60th minute, Feras Albrikan pounced on a loose ball from close range to level the score. The equaliser came after Saleh Alshehri’s attempt was denied by the crossbar, only for Albrikan to finish the rebound and silence the T&T supporters.
Trinidad and Tobago pushed desperately for a late winner, knowing a draw would not be enough, but Saudi Arabia held firm to finish with four points (1-11) and claim second place in Group D. The Soca Warriors exit the tournament with two draws and a loss (0-2-1), narrowly missing out on progression after back-to-back deadlocks.
Meanwhile, over in Arlington, Texas, the United States secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Haiti to com-
plete a perfect group stage record (3-0-0) and finish atop Group D. Malik Tillman opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clever diagonal header off a Brenden Aaronson cross, before Louicius Don Deedson replied in the 19th with a well-placed strike to level the score.
The U.S. continued to press and came close through Patrick Agyemang, who was denied in the 24th, and Quinn Sullivan, who struck the crossbar in the 30th. The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when Agyemang produced the match-winner, evading Haiti’s goalkeeper Johny Placide and finishing sharply from a tight angle.
Haiti, who needed a win to have any chance of advancing, finished bottom of Group D with one point (01-2), while the United States now await the second-place finisher from Group A in the quarter-finals.
Chase: 'I know how to bring...
ended up making the decision to come back."
Chase said he was "very excited" to take up the new role and that he was not ready to play Test cricket last year.
"I was very excited to get the captaincy. I mean, it is a very prestigious job," he said. "One that many greats before me have done. So, it was a very proud moment for me when I got the news.
"I was asked in 2024 about coming back. But at
that time, I was still finding my feet and trying to get into the franchise leagues. So, I wasn't quite ready and had the time or the availability to come back into the Test arena. But after I had the conversation with Sammy and Bascombe, I decided that this was the right time for me to come back."
Chase, who has scored 2265 runs in 49 Tests with five hundreds, said that West Indies are ready for the Aus-
World Athletics confirms receipt of four applications for transfer of allegiance from Jamaica to Türkiye
TRACK & Field’s global governing body, World Athletics, has confirmed the receipt of four applications for transfer of allegiance from Jamaica to Türkiye.
According to reports from TVJ Sports, the applications have neither been reviewed nor approved by the National Review Panel.
“The NRP will review these applications through the standard procedures over the next few months, during which the athletes may not compete for any federation, and reach its decision,” World Athletics said.
“It should be noted that should the applications be successful, there is a standard three-year waiting period before an athlete can represent their new member federation,” they added.
World Athletics reportedly did not disclose the names of the four athletes.
These developments come after reports throughout the last week surrounding Olympic medallists Roje Stona, Rajindra Campbell and Wayne Pinnock as well as World Under-20 record holder Jaydon Hibbert
going through the process switching their allegiance from Jamaica to Türkiye.
It was reported that Stona, Campbell and Hibbert had already completed the process while Pinnock was still pending.
All four athletes are said to be part of a broader initiative driven by Turkish sporting authorities and facilitated by a prominent American sports agent.
According to sources, each athlete is set to receive a minimum of US$500,000,
along with generous monthly stipends and six-figure bonuses for medals earned at global championships. Reports further suggest that the athletes have agreed to eight-year contracts, effectively committing to Türkiye through the 2032 Olympic cycle.
The JAAA, in a statement issued on Friday, said they have yet to receive any official requests for the transfer of allegiance for any Jamaican athlete. (Sportsmax)
Jofra Archer makes first-class cricket comeback after four years
BARBADOS-born England cricketer, Jofra Archer, has finally made his return to first-class cricket for the first time in four years.
Archer is currently in action for his club Sussex against Durham in the County Championship Division One game which began on Sunday at Chester-le-Street.
(From page 23)
tralia challenge. "I wouldn't call it [playing Australia] pressure," he said. "They're obviously the No.1 team in the world. We're just looking to go there and play our best cricket, execute the plans that we spoke about in our team meetings and the data that has been presented to us.
"So, we're just looking to go there and give a full 100 [percent] effort and play some hard cricket." (PTI)
At the time of publishing, Archer had taken 1-19 in 10 overs as Durham were 115-3 in their first innings replying to Sussex’s 361 off 106.5 overs.
Archer made some valuable runs during that innings with 31 off 34 balls.
The 30-year-old last played four-day cricket in May 2021 before undergoing surgery for a persistent right elbow injury.
Since then, a number of back and elbow injuries have kept Archer away from redball cricket, with him only playing ODIs and T20Is
England pacer, Jofra Archer
for the 2019 World Cup winners. Just a few weeks ago, the 30-year-old was scheduled to make a red-ball comeback for the England Lions (A team) against India A, but a thumb injury, suffered during this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), did not heal in time. Archer’s last Test match came in February 2021 in India, England’s opponents in the ongoing first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar home series. (Sportsmax)
Part of the action in the T&T, Saudi Arabia game
World Under-20 record holder Jaydon Hibbert
Tongue keeps England alive after Rahul and Pant tons
INDIA were given the upper hand by wonderful centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant before Josh Tongue's devastating burst kept England in the first Test.
Opener Rahul stroked a classical 137 and Pant a typically entertaining 118, putting India on course for a fourth-day declaration.
But Tongue took three wickets in four deliveries to help dismiss India for 364, setting England 371 to win. India lost their last six wickets for 31 runs.
(Scores: First Rothesay Test, Headingley (day four of five)
India 471 (Gill 147, Pant 134, Jaiswal 101) and 364 (Rahul 137, Pant 118; Tongue 3-72)
England 465 (Pope 106, Brook 99, Bumrah 5-83) and 21-0)
Faced with pulling off their second-highest successful chase in a Test, England survived six overs on Monday, three bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. The hosts are 21-0.
It sets up the prospect of a grandstand finale on
Tuesday with all four results possible. It could be another Headingley classic.
Left-hander Pant became only the second batter to make hundreds in each innings in a Test on this ground and the second wicketkeeper to do so anywhere.
Rahul was put down on 58 by Harry Brook at gully, while Pant survived edges through vacant slip regions on 31 and 45, Tongue the bowler on all three occasions. Pant also drove past a diving Ben Stokes on 75 off Shoaib Bashir, but it would have been a sensational catch.
This ground has history for extraordinary finishes and big run chases, though England have to deal with a pitch that is increasingly producing venomous bounce from a length.
Under Stokes, England have committed to never playing for a draw, so their approach on Tuesday could be an examination of philosophy, made more intriguing by a mixed weather forecast.
Fabulous fourth day sets up fitting finale
Just when this fabulous,
fluctuating Test looked to have taken a decisive direction, it turned again. India are strong favourites, even if England chased 378 to beat them at Edgbaston three years ago.
Much of the day belonged to Rahul and Pant. What made their batting all the more impressive was the way they survived the morning session, when England collectively produced their best bowling spell of the match.
Chase: 'I know how to bring the best out of players'
…Windies new Test captain has limited leadership experience but backs his ‘calm style’ ahead of the home Test series against Australia
ROSTON Chase, West Indies' new Test captain, believes that he can bring the best out of his players with his "calm style".
Chase, 33, last played a Test match in March 2023 and had previously led West Indies in two white-ball internationals but, despite the lack of recent game-time in red-ball cricket and limited captaincy experience, he was picked as the Test captain.
Chase's first assignment as Test captain is a threematch series against Australia at home, which begins in Bridgetown on June 25.
"I've never captained a senior team in terms of the West Indies team or Barbados team (in Tests). But I've captained eight teams in the West Indies before," Chase said during an interaction
calm style [as captain]. I really know how to bring out the best in the players that I have."
Chase will work with Daren Sammy, who has taken charge as West Indies all-format coach from April this year.
After Shubman Gill chopped Brydon Carse on to his stumps from the seventh ball of the day, India were three down and 98 ahead.
The lead was 129 when Brook, arguably England's best fielder, put down Rahul, while England's post-lunch tactics were bizarre and not in keeping with Stokes' usual aggression.
Needing wickets to get into the game, Tongue bowled to Pant without any slips. The first edge went
Kares One
through first slip, so England put a catcher there. The next edge went through second slip.
If England deserve criticism for missing chances, they deserve praise for hanging in the contest. Tongue blew away the lower order to keep the target within reach.
England opted for this scenario when they chose to field first. They now attempt a pursuit on a ground that has produced six successful chases in excess of 250only the Melbourne Cricket Ground has had more in Test cricket. Four of those six chases in Leeds have come in the past eight years.
Given England's regular rate of scoring, a dry day on Tuesday should give them enough time. However, they will be up against the genius of Bumrah on the increasingly difficult surface.
And what if the weather makes the chase even more fanciful? Do England possess the pragmatism to leave Leeds level in this five-match series?
Rahul and Pant are the two most experienced members of the new-look India
top order, and they needed all of their nous to guide their team into the ascendancy.
They played contrasting roles in their stand of 195. Rahul, with orthodoxy, showed sound judgement and solid defence. When England over-pitched, he played his trademark cover drives.
Pant battled with himself. There were a number of occasions early in his stay when a swipe, dance or attempted scoop could have been his undoing. He chastised himself and settled into a disciplined innings. England's chances came either side of lunch. Only after Pant reached 50 did he begin to open his shoulders. Bashir, England's least-threatening bowler, was belted for two straight sixes in the same over.
Rahul took 202 deliveries to reach three figures, Pant watchfully took 22 balls for his final five runs in the 90s, yet still had a century in 130. Unlike the first innings, there was no somersault to celebrate. (BBC Sport)
T10 Tapeball Blast… Montra Jaguars, Cotton Tree, Mahaica Hawks among 16 teams for Berbice zone
THE Berbice zone of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast is set to ignite with 16 teams vying for supremacy on June 28th and 29th, 2025.
facilitated by FanCode, the official broadcaster for West Indies." I think I'm a good leader. Obviously, I'm not perfect. I'm still learning."
"I did most of my captaining in my early days like school level and local divisions. I think I have a
"The captaincy conversations that I had would have been with the coach, Darren Sammy, and Miles Bascombe from the board," Chase said. "I've been out for two years, but after Sammy approached me about coming back because I always wanted to come back and play Test cricket.
"I was exploring the white ball and the franchise cricket for a bit. And he asked me about coming back and I thought about it and I
(Turn to page 22)
Finalists from the 2024 edition, Montra Jaguars, will be looking to go one step further this year, but will face stiff competition from fellow returnees Cotton Tree Die Hard and Mahaica Hawks, among other talent-filled teams from Berbice, before they can reach the national finals.
Other teams in the Berbice zone are Champ XI, Crabwood Creek, Bath Sports Club, Corriverton Spartans, Line Path Select XI, Ethan XI, D’Edward Sports Club, New Amsterdam XI, Tucber Park, and Name Brand Titans, who played in the 2023 edition of
Ground).
The intensity then shifts to the Albion Sports Complex on Sunday, where the zone's champion will be crowned under lights.
Play is scheduled to commence at 9:30 AM local time each day, and entry for all spectators is free.
the tournament.
Saturday's action will be split across two venues: the #48 Ground and the Rose Hall/Canje Ground (Welfare
Tournament Co-Director, John Ramsingh, is enthusiastic about the Berbice leg, stating, "Berbice marks the beginning of our expansion, and we are eager to witness the talent within this county. We anticipate high-octane cricket and encourage fans to rally behind their local teams. Ultimately, both the teams and their supporters will emerge as winners."
The stakes are high, with the Berbice zone winner se-
(Turn to page 21)
KL Rahul gets a hug from Rishabh Pant after completing his century (Getty Images)
Roston Chase succeeds Kraig Brathwaite as West Indies Test captain (AFP/Getty Images)
Guyana
Kevlon Anderson of the Montra Jaguars plays a shot in the 2024 final against the eventual champions, Titans All-Stars
Gilgeous-Alexander
‘caps’ MVP season by leading Thunder past Pacers for NBA title
SHAI Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled. It was over. The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions.
The best team all season was the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the visiting Indiana Pacers — who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes — 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.
"It doesn't feel real," said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. "So many hours. So many
moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It's crazy to know that we're all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this."
Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season.
Only Golden State (88 in 201617) and the Bulls (87 in 1995-1996) won more.
It's the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There's nothing in the
rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title.
In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner.
"They behave like champions. They compete like champions," Daigneault said. "They root for each other's success, which is rare in professional sports. I've said it many times and now I'm going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they're champions."
The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an Achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away.
"Deflated, but proud of every-
thing we've accomplished," Pacers guard TJ McConnell said.
Montreal's Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, which still is waiting for its first NBA title. The Pacers, who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship, had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn't have enough in the end.
Home teams improved to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s. And the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history.
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was part of the Toronto team that won in 2019, Thunder guard, Alex Caruso, was part of the Los Angeles
Lakers team that won in the pandemic "bubble" in 2020, Milwaukee won in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Pacers forward Thomas Bryant and Denver prevailed in 2023, and Boston won last year's title.
And now, the Thunder get their turn. The youngest team to win a title in nearly a half-century has reached the NBA mountaintop.
The Thunder is the ninth franchise to win a title in NBA commissioner Adam Silver's 12 seasons. His predecessor, David Stern, saw eight franchises win titles in his 30 seasons as commissioner.
"It really hurts on the one hand," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. "On the other hand, this team has given all of Pacer Nation something to be very proud of." (CBC Sports)
Joseph grateful for Men’s Test Player of the Year honour at CWI/WIPA Awards Gala
A phenomenal first year in Test cricket for Guyanese speedster Shamar Joseph culminated with him taking home the award for Men’s Test Player of the Year 2023-24 at the 8th CWI/ WIPA Awards Gala at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle on Sunday.
Joseph, whose debut series against Australia last January took the cricket world by storm, copped the top prize thanks to 29 wickets in eight matches at an average of 26.75 and a strike rate
of 38.6.
In those eight games, the 25-year-old already has three five-wicket hauls with two of those coming in the aforementioned Australia series.
He picked up 5-94 in 20 overs on debut in Adelaide in a game that the hosts won by 10 wickets before his match-winning career best 7-68 in the second innings of the second test that the West Indies famously won.
“It’s an amazing feeling for me,” Joseph told CWI media officer Jerome
Foster in an interview after receiving his award on Sunday night.
“This is my first time winning any award and my first time experiencing an award ceremony also, so it’s a great feeling. I just want to keep putting in the performances that will help me to get more of these going forward,” he added.
Joseph’s next opportunity to shine in Windies colours will be during the three-test series against Australia set to start tomorrow at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. (Sportsmax)
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrates with his team after they won the NBA championship Sunday night
West Indies and Guyana speedster Shamar Joseph is seen receiving his award from CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow on Sunday night