President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday joined other world leaders at a luncheon organised by the Clinton Global Initiative on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York (Photo: President Ali/Facebook)
Final phase of load testing ongoing ––as construction of new Demerara River Bridge nears completion
On the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday held bilateral discussions with Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for International Cooperation (Photo: President Ali/Facebook)
Guyana balancing energy development, climate goals
–– President Ali tells UN
GUYANA is positioning itself as a model for balancing economic development with environmental responsibility and stewardship, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasised during a recent address to the United Nations (UN).
Emphasising the dual challenges of energy security and climate change, the Guyanese leader outlined Guyana’s strategy to manage and transition from fossil fuels while maintaining strong economic momentum.
“Guyana is demonstrating that economic development and environmental stewardship can advance together. By using natural gas as a bridge away from heavy fuel oil and investing in hydropower, solar, wind, and other renewables, we aim to lower electricity. costs for our citizens and businesses while ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy,” the President said. At the core of this approach is a plan to use natural gas as a transitional fuel, reducing reliance on heavy fuel oil. Simultaneously, the country is investing heavily in renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar, and wind.
These initiatives are expected to lower electricity costs, support business growth, and guarantee universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
“Guyana is pursuing an ambitious energy infrastructure and investment plan. While climate change is an existential threat, the reality is that the world still requires energy, sourced from petroleum to power growth and development, for which there is growing demand,” the President explained further.
President Ali described the country’s energy strategy as ambitious, designed to modernise infrastructure while addressing the urgent climate crisis. He acknowledged that while climate change represents an existential threat, global energy demand continues to rise, driven in part by emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and rapid digitisation.
Guyana’s position recognises the continued role of petroleum in powering global development, particularly for small and developing economies.
He stressed that sustainable development requires a holistic approach, ensuring that energy access is
not compromised even as countries transition toward low-carbon futures.
Earlier this week the concrete pour was completed on the foundation for the second gas turbine at the country’s flagship gas-to-energy project.
This covers the 300 MW combined cycle plant and the NGL facilities being executed by Lindsayca Guyana Inc.
On Phase II, which envisions a second 300 MW power plant and NGL facility, President Ali was updated that seven submissions have been received, and discussions are underway to finalise the pre-qualified firms before moving immediately to EPC and financing arrangements.
This highly anticipated project will see a 200-kilometre pipeline bringing gas from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity Floating Production fields onshore. Upon arrival at this West Coast Demerara facility, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be constructed in Wales.
After completion, the GtE project will have significant impact on the country’s economy, attracting sustainable investments across var-
ious sectors, and creating numerous job opportunities.
The cost of electricity is expected to decrease by 50
per cent, resulting in more affordable and stable electricity for the people of Guyana.
On the climate front,
Guyana recently hosted the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in July 2025, which convened over 140 countries and institutions.
The resulting Georgetown Declaration called for biodiversity to be treated as a global public good, fully integrated into climate strategies and financial frameworks.
In building on the global pledge to double protected areas by 2025 and achieve the ‘30 by 30’ goal by 2030, President Ali said the summit underscores the importance of innovative financing tools such as biodiversity credits, green bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps.
President Ali, Saudi Minister of State discuss bilateral matters
President Dr Irfaan Ali addresses the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (OP photo)
Earlier this week the concrete pour on the foundation for the second gas turbine at the gas-to-energy plant was completed (OP photo)
President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday held bilateral discussions with Adel al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia. The Guyanese Head of State is among dozens of world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York (OP photos)
–– as construction of new Demerara River Bridge nears completion Final phase of load testing ongoing
THE highly anticipated Demerara River Bridge (DHB) entered its final phase of load testing on Thursday as a series of load assessments were conducted on the state-of-the-art cable-stay structure.
Project Manager, Patrick Thompson, on Thursday, confirmed that the load tests marked a significant milestone in the ambitious project, which is now on track to open shortly.
While exclusively speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Thompson stated that the testing, which commenced last Monday, followed strict international standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
He stated: “We are now able to do the load test here because largely the bridge structure is complete, the
paving is completed on the main cable stay bridge, as with the rest of the bridge, and so we now could tension the cables, measure any sort of vibrations from the usage of the bridge.”
20 fully loaded trucks were carefully positioned on the structure to simulate heavy traffic conditions, while experts monitored the bridge’s performance under stress.
During the operation, advanced sensors recorded stress, strain, deflection, stiffness, and tower displacement, along with the load forces on the supporting cables. These measurements are critical to confirming the bridge’s strength, durability, and safety before its commissioning.
“The successful completion of this testing marks another important milestone in
the project, ensuring that the new Demerara River Bridge will provide safe and reliable service for decades to come,” Thompson said.
The Guyana Chronicle reported earlier this week that the bridge had undergone a series of successful load tests and, according to Thompson, the results “were better than design requirements.”
Guyana’s transportation
before September ends.
The US$260 million bridge being constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited will have a lifespan of 100 years and offer toll-free access. It will operate around-theclock and accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour. The new bridge features four
infrastructure will be further boosted when the bridge is officially opened to the public.
With the bridge now entering its final stages of preparation, the President reiterated confidence that the long-awaited structure will be opened to the public well
lanes, and stretches 2.6 kilometres, linking Nandy Park on the East Bank Demerara to the West Bank Demerara.
More than 50,000 daily commuters are expected to benefit from the new tollfree bridge, resulting in an estimated $3.5 billion in annual savings.
One aspect of the final load testing being conducted on Thursday
––
Auditor General highlights, submits 2024 report, review of asset management
Real-time audits, improved recovery of overpayments
AUDITOR General Deodat Sharma on Thursday presented the Report of the Auditor General for the Year 2024, to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, in keeping with the statutory deadline of September 30.
He has also issued 18 Performance Audit reports to date (this includes this presentation).
al Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for the period January 01, 2021 to June 30, 2024, were handed over in the Members of Parliament Lounge at the Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown. He announced that with the Performance Audit, they are currently looking at four audits, two of which are expected to be finished by the end of this year, and
According to the Auditor General, this report will be laid in the National Assembly by the Speaker, after which it will become a public document.
The 2024 report on the public accounts of Guyana, and on the accounts of ministries/departments/regions for the fiscal year of 2024, and a Review of Asset Management at the Nation-
the remaining two, next year.
Furthermore, the Auditor General underscored that his Office has, in the last year, undergone a number of training and development sessions.
Addressing the Speaker, Sharma said, “Two Engineers from the Works and Structures Department attended a workshop
facilitated by the Public Procurement Commission on Contract Management. This area forms a fundamental part of the work carried out by the Department in the review of projects across Guyana.”
By understanding the Public Procurement, Common Procurement Fraud Schemes and Summary Red Flags and Contract Management, Sharma said
contractors, “the Finance Secretary, (Sukrishnalall Pasha), is there to ensure that all of these contractors either repay the money or to ensure that they do the work that they were paid for,” he said.
In the oil and gas sector, Sharma said he currently has around three/ four members of staff. This is fairly new and will be approved by the Public
overpayments found are now recovered and not disputed by the contractors of the ministries/ departments.
In his efficient presentation, the Auditor General affirmed that the office conducts real-time audits with some of the ongoing projects, adding that although they continue to see overpayment of
Accounts Committee at a later date.
He disclosed that in this area, the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF) facilitated a workshop on Auditing the Oil and Gas sector for Members of Parliament and Officers at the Audit Office.
This, he said, has further strengthened the Office’s competence in this
Union calls off BOSAI strike
WORKERS of the BOSAI Bauxite Mining Company in Linden are set to return to work today following an agreement brokered by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning that brought an immediate end to the strike action.
According to a statement from the ministry, Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine chaired negotiations between the company’s management and representatives of the National Association
––
full staff
of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).
The discussions concluded with the signing of a Terms of Resumption agreement on Thursday, September 25. Under the agreement, the Union committed to calling off the strike with immediate effect, ensuring that all workers resume duties today. The terms also provide that there will be no victimisation
resumption expected today
by either party, and that the status quo ante will remain in place until further talks are held.
In addition, the parties agreed to meet at the Ministry of Labour on Monday, September 29, 2025, to commence conciliation aimed at addressing the underlying issues that triggered the industrial action.
“The Ministry of Labour remains dedicated to foster-
sector, where three officers attended the Crude Oil Training, facilitated by the Ministry of Natural Resources, focusing on Marketing Terminology and Sovereign Hedging Programmes.
At the same time, he said CAAF hosted several sessions on how to conduct effective Public Accounts Committee, Report Writing and Questioning Techniques
tinued co-operation and support.
Meanwhile, the Speaker in his remarks reminded the Auditor General that he is responsible for auditing every government department/agency, and anywhere our tax dollar goes.
“You have the responsibility for preparing the audits for all of those resources. So, this is a mon-
for Performance Audit Hearings with the former Public Accounts Committee. This was done in order to improve the effectiveness and relevance of the performance-audit reports.
Expressing sincere appreciation to his staff, the Finance Secretary, Accountant General and the Heads of Budget Agencies and their teams, for their con-
umental task, and those of us who have traversed over the past four decades or so, participation in our government system would understand how far Guyana has come. Being today a leader not only in CARICOM as it relates to our public accounts, in order to general functions, but throughout the Commonwealth,” Mr Nadir said.
ing a harmonious industrial relations climate, and welcomes the constructive step taken by both parties to end the strike and pursue conciliation in good faith,” the release stated.
Monday’s conciliation is expected to bring the root causes of the strike to the table, with the aim of achieving an amicable and fair resolution for all parties involved.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir and Auditor General, Deodat Sharma
These documents compiled by the Auditor General will be laid in the National Assembly by the Speaker, after which they will become public
Guyana’s Moral Clarity
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali’s speech at the 80th UN General Assembly shows Guyana’s rise as a strong voice for international justice during a crucial time in global affairs.
Speaking as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Ali provided a clear evaluation of current crises that call for urgent international action rather than empty diplomatic moves.
Guyana’s unique role as both a Caribbean nation and a Security Council member allows it to speak out in ways that larger countries cannot.
Ali’s direct confrontation of what he called genocide in Palestine, along with his steady support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, proves that smaller states can take the lead where major powers are held back by political interests. This moral clarity stands out, especially considering Guyana’s own land disputes, which add weight to its demands for upholding international borders.
Ali’s description of Israel’s actions as “mass extermination” instead of legitimate self-defence matches the growing evidence from international organisations, including UN investigators who have noted possible
genocidal deeds.
With over 64,000 Palestinian casualties reported and vast destruction of civilian infrastructure, Ali’s condemnation reflects the widening global agreement that Israel’s actions go far beyond acceptable limits.
Ali’s attention to Haiti highlights the severe humanitarian crisis affecting Guyana’s Caribbean neighbour. With more than 5,600 people killed in gang violence in 2024 alone and over one million internally displaced, Haiti serves as a critical example for international intervention.
The President’s focus on historical injustices, especially the financial burdens imposed after Haiti’s independence, shows a deep understanding of how colonial legacies lead to current suffering.
His call for strict enforcement of the arms embargo and strong support for a UN-authorised mission reflects a pragmatic view that security needs to come before political solutions. However, Ali’s insistence on processes led by Haitians demonstrates respect for sovereignty, setting Guyana’s approach apart from traditional actions by larger powers.
Ali’s renewed calls to lift the US embargo on Cuba highlight an issue that has cost
the Cuban economy over $5 billion each year. The ongoing embargo, which affects healthcare, education, and basic services, exemplifies unilateral pressure that undermines international law.
Guyana’s position mirrors the wider frustration of the Global South with approaches that exploit economic vulnerability against smaller nations.
Despite pressure from powerful countries to soften its stance, Guyana’s reaffirmation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity shows consistency in upholding international law. With Russia controlling about 20% of Ukrainian land and over 40,000 civilian casualties reported, Ali’s position aligns with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter that Guyana committed to uphold as a Security Council member.
President Ali’s speech reveals why Guyana’s Security Council membership matters beyond just having a seat at the table. As the country looks towards the end of its term in December 2025, it has used its platform to stand for principles over political manoeuvring.
The President’s warning that the UN’s “noble mission will ring hollow if it allows power to prevail over principle” highlights
the challenges international institutions face when dealing with powerful nations.
Guyana’s actions during its Security Council term, framed by the theme “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity,” demonstrate how smaller nations can lead with moral courage in global matters. By consistently applying international law in various conflicts, regardless of the parties involved, Guyana has shown that effective diplomacy requires the bravery to address uncomfortable realities.
As President Ali said, “our generation will be judged not by the eloquence of our declarations, but by the substance of our deeds.”
Guyana’s readiness to label the situation in Gaza as genocide, demand justice for Ukraine, and advocate for Haiti’s recovery while calling for an end to Cuba’s economic chokehold embodies the principled leadership the international community urgently needs.
In a time when major powers often prioritise their own interests over institutions, Guyana’s moral clarity serves as both inspiration and criticism, illustrating what is achievable when nations choose conscience over convenience.
Minister Mustapha meets NAREI, GLDA, AIEP staff to outline government’s 5-year Agricultural Agenda
ON Thursday, Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, met with staff from the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Government’s Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) as part of a series of meetings to discuss the implementation of programmes and policies for the next five years.
During the meetings, Minister Mustapha noted that while much was accomplished over the last five years, significant work remains to further expand and modernise Guyana’s agriculture sector.
At NAREI, the Minister emphasised that the Institute remains the backbone of Guyana’s agricultural innovation system, and that the work of its staff directly impacts productivity, sustainability, and rural livelihoods. He underscored that the success of the sector depends heavily on their scientific leadership and practical solutions.
While engaging staff at the GLDA, Minister Mustapha stressed that the Authority’s policies and practices must be firmly grounded in science. He highlighted the need for modernising and expanding genetics, breeding, animal health, biosecurity, and extension services.
As part of the Authority’s animal health and biosecurity
framework, he also reinforced the importance of disease surveillance and vaccination programmes, describing them as national priorities.
At the AIEP office, Minister Mustapha said that more young people are getting involved in agriculture as a result of the government’s policies and investments, which have created access to resources and growth opportunities. He explained that the AIEP—an initiative of H.E. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali—is one such programme that has become a regional and international model for fostering agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.
Overall, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s
commitment to strengthening the capacity and resources of every agency within the Ministry of Agriculture. He noted that investments are being made in research infrastructure, climate-smart technologies, improved extension services, and staff training and development. He also urged staff to remain committed and connected to the people they serve, as collective effort will be key to executing the Government’s agricultural mandate.
Minister Mustapha was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Vikash Ramkissoon, and the Ministry’s Director General, Mr. Dhaneshwar Deonarine. (MoA)
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha held separate meeting with the staff of the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Government’s Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) to discuss the government’s five-year Agricultural Agenda (MoA photo)
OP-ED Why back-to-school time shouldn’t mean back to unhealthy food marketing
By Renée Thomas-Venugopal
AS a parent experiencing “First Day of School” for the first time, it was both exciting and overwhelming.
I spent the last few months eagerly shopping for all the essentials a toddler needs to thrive in pre-school.
Yet this new journey was also an eye-opener to the unethical back-to-school marketing targeting kids. My public health brain couldn’t help but notice how unhealthy, ultra-processed products are cleverly designed to attract children and how they’re promoted as essential for your child’s lunch kit.
Like most parents, I believe it’s important to en -
sure our children are nourished with healthy foods and snacks during school.
The saying “healthy body, healthy mind” reminds us that nutrition supports physical health as the foundation for learning and well-being.
That’s why it’s disheartening to see unhealthy foods normalised through pervasive advertising.
Even more concerning, these unhealthy food companies and fast-food restaurants continue to target children and youth to maximise their profits and flood our markets with their products while obesity, diabetes, and other preventable illnesses rise.
We need more voices speaking out and stronger advocacy to curb these un -
ethical practices in the region. The Healthy Caribbean Coalition’s campaign, Let’s Do Better for the Children reinforced what we already know: we cannot allow unhealthy products to be marketed to children.
As parents, we share a responsibility to advocate for healthier environments for them. Undoubtedly, parents cannot do this alone. It requires a collective effort from the community to make meaningful change.
As the saying goes, “when you know better, you do better” and we know these products are harmful, so we need to protect our children from them.
We also know, if the burden of non-communicable
diseases continues to rise, there are serious implications for our nation’s productivity and our already resource-constrained health system.
Therefore, our governments must act now to implement strong policies that ban marketing of unhealthy food products to our children.
The Let’s Do Better for the Children campaign is a stark reminder to all of us that we have a role to play in creating the future we want for our children.
As parents, we often speak to ourselves and discuss these challenges, but sometimes it never leaves the room. However, if we bring our voices together, we can push the needle on creating healthier environments for
our children.
Whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, friend or policymaker we should all want what’s best for our nation’s children. It’s time to end the marketing of unhealthy food products to children. Our children deserve a strong healthy start to their lives and it is our responsibility to make that happen.
About the author: Renée Thomas-Venugopal is an Instructor at St. George’s University and a member of Grenada’s National Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Commission.
She is passionate about strengthening Caribbean health systems and promoting health equity through teaching, research, and
advocacy. Her volunteer work supports healthier communities, focusing on education, prevention, and improved access to care.
Ministers Parag, Indar tackle schools’ utilities issues with rapid-response task force
MINISTER of Education, Honourable Sonia Parag, and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Honourable Deodat Indar convened a meeting on Thursday afternoon to address urgent utilities issues facing schools across the country.
Consequently, the Ministers have formed a rapid-response task force to tackle these issues, along with what seems to be the systematic destruction of several water distribution networks in the hinterland region.
The meeting, held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education, Brickdam, Georgetown, also included Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, Chief Planning Officer of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Mischka White-Griffith, Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ms Tiffany Harvey, Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, Mr Marti DeSouza, Head of the Ministry of Education’s Buildings Unit, Mr Gerron Parker, and a team of techni-
cal officials from GWI. Even as investigations continue with the hope of apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators, Thursday’s meeting discussed several measures that can bring both immediate and long-term relief to residents, teachers, and learners.
In the coming weeks, the established taskforce will examine repairs to the damaged infrastructure, enhanced security at key locations such as the water wells, and importantly, the construction of water reservoirs, which will provide a more resilient and sustainable solution for the 250+ communities and satellite villages in the Hinterland, especially during the dry season.
In addition to the Hinterland water supply issues, Ministers Parag and Indar also went through a list of all schools from Regions One to 10 that have issues with utilities.
In addition to water issues, several electrical issues in schools across the regions were highlighted.
Minister Indar has assured Minister Parag that all
of the issues that fall within his remit will be remedied within six weeks’ time.
Minister Parag and her team have committed to either partnering with other government ministries and/or agencies to ensure that all issues affecting students and teachers are resolved as hurriedly as possible. (MoE)
Renée Thomas-Venugopal
Education Minister Sonia Parag makes a point to Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar during a meeting on Thursday (MoE photo)
The Hinds/Campbell showdown in APNU
TERRENCE Campbell, the PNC’s parliamentary leader is facing two choices and depending on which one he endorses, his entry into politics will take on a humiliating face.
Campbell in a recent interview noted that the 12 APNU parliamentarians should be seen by Guyanese as “an opportunity for change.”
A vibrant press and a strong political society have to ask Campbell what he means by “opportunity for change” given that the WPA is part of APNU which has a seat in parliament. He went on to add that the work of the 12 will be in the interest of all Guyanese and not party supporters.
One choice is to go the way he has enunciated, in which by targeting the nation as a whole his party will be a multi-racial player. The competing alternative has to do with the WPA component of APNU. There is nothing even vaguely multi-racial about the two-man entity named WPA – Tacuma Ogunseye and David Hinds.
Campbell must be pressed to answer questions about the presence in his midst of Ogunseye and Hinds just as Aubrey Norton answered questions about Hinds, and in doing so committed political suicide. In endorsing the political backwardness and extremist obsessions of Hinds, Norton lost votes from moderate African Guyanese.
So, it is now Campbell’s turn to tell the nation how he feels about (1), Ogunseye’s politics and (2), Hinds’ ethnic bible. Here is the first question in relation to Ogunseye. Did Campbell read and see what Ogunseye said about the use of violence against an elected government? If no, Campbell must check it out. But let’s inform Campbell of
what Ogunseye advocated.
Addressing a public meeting, he urged the security forces to use their guns against the government.
PNC leader Norton when asked for his reaction said, “I agree with his message.” Campbell should state if he agreed with Ogunseye’s violent incitement for which he has been charged for inciting racial hostility.
How does Campbell promise that the PNC will be for all Guyanese not only APNU supporters when there is nothing in Hinds’ daily sermons that speak of Guyanese but only African Guyanese. Let’s remind Campbell what his fellow ANPU parliamentarian said about then senior PNC parliamentarian, Geeta Chandan.
Ms. Chandan objected to insults about the Indian race in Guyana by an African woman speaking at an ANPU meeting. Hinds denunciated Chandan and described her as a slave–catcher. When as a guest on the Freddie Kissoon Show, he was reminded of his comments against Chandan, Hinds explained that she should keep her mouth out of Black people business.
I quote Hinds below and ask Campbell for his take on the following words of Hinds: “Me bin ah Better Hope Market/ Mon Repos Market a couple years ago, and me see a crowd. Me say eh eh, what a crowd deh… they say is a lady selling black pudding; me is a black pudding man, me go up and say eh eh this black pudding ga fuh sweet. When me go, is not a black lady selling the black pudding; well, I almost fall down dead. You left Plaisance, BV, Buxton fuh go Mon Repos Market fuh buy black pudding?”
What does Campbell believe Hinds was
getting at? Does Campbell accept that Hinds was being racially insensitive?
Elson Low said on the Freddie Kissoon Show he had spoken to Hinds about his words. Christopher Ram, a friend of Hinds, denounced him on the Freddie Kissoon Show about his racially charged output. How is Campbell going to manage a new look PNC/APNU while coping with the ethnic philosophy of Hinds?
Campbell said on a podcast that he intends to campaign in PPP constituencies and he cited Babu John and Port Mourant. Two questions arise. Who is he going to take with him on these campaigns and will Hinds be there with him? Secondly, when the Indian people ask Campbell about Hinds’ constant talk about this race and that race, what is going to be the reaction of Campbell?
There are a lot of questions Campbell has to answer about David Hinds and how
he manoeuvres in that minefield will decide whether he ends up being a despised figure or someone who can rescue the PNC and return it to its glory days. I predict an ugly experience for Campbell as he and Hinds do their thing separately. It is easy to predict what is going to happen among the 12 APNU parliamentarians. Campbell is going to want to sound conciliatory.
He has already said where possible he is going to work with the government. And as soon as Campbell says one thing, Hinds is going to go on social media and contradict him by singing ethnic songs. Campbell has his work cut out for him.
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.
Guyana reports gains on women empowerment, inclusion
–– highlights plans to accelerate programmes, policies to protect, support women and girls
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has emphasised the role of strategic policymaking in advancing gender equality in Guyana, outlining initiatives that have reshaped women’s participation in society.
During his address to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Ali stated that while global implementation of the landmark declaration remains uneven, Guyana’s reports marked progress in empowering women and girls through targeted policy interventions and investments.
“In Guyana, the dividends of strategic investments in leadership and capacity building for women
and girls, are evident. More women have assumed leadership roles in government, in parliament and in public and private sectors,” the President said.
The country has seen an increase in the number of women holding leadership roles across government, parliament, and both public and private sectors. These advancements are attributed to sustained efforts in leadership development and capacity building, aimed at equipping women with the tools needed to excel in various spheres of influence.
“We have achieved gender parity in education at all levels and advanced the socio- economic empowerment of women through land and
home ownership and diverse job opportunities in traditional and emerging sectors,” President Ali said.
Two die after pickup crashes into parked, unlit lorry on Soesdyke-Linden Highway
POLICE are investigating a fatal accident which occurred at about 00:00 hrs on Thursday, September 25, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway in the vicinity of Loo Creek, which resulted in the death of two persons and the hospitalisation of another.
Confirmed dead are Da Tai Lei, a 54-year-old Chinese National from Lethem, Rupununi and Edward Singh, an 87-year-old resident of Lethem.
In a statement, the police said the accident involved Motor Lorry #GAH 5391, driven by Liston Marcus, a 31-year-old from Ruimveldt Georgetown; and Motor Pickup #PAE 6499, driven by Da and occupants of the pickup, namely, Wen Wu Lei, a 41-year-old Chinese National, and the elderly Singh.
“Enquiries disclosed that the lorry was left parked (unattended) by the driver at about 22:50 hours, after allegedly developing mechanical problems, on the western side of the
The mangled pickup being removed from the accident scene
Soesdyke-Linden Highway at Loo Creek. The parked lorry was facing north, without any reflectors or any other warning appliances, placed to the rear, front, or side to alert other road users. Motor Pickup #PAE 6499, which was proceeding north along the western drive lane of the Highway at a fast rate, collided with the rear of the lorry.
As a result, the pickup driver, along with the occupants, received injuries to their bodies. They were extracted from the vehicle by the police and
public-spirited citizens and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where Da Tai Lei and Edward Singh were pronounced dead on arrival by the Doctor. Win Wu Lei is currently at the hospital receiving treatment for his injuries, with his condition regarded as serious,” the police said in its statement.
The bodies of the two deceased are at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem examinations.
The lorry driver is in custody, assisting with the investigation.
To further facilitate women’s full integration into the workforce, the government is expanding childcare services. Plans include the establishment of day and night care centres, designed to support working mothers and ensure that family re -
sponsibilities do not impede professional advancement.
Women represent a large share of beneficiaries in housing and social programmes, with a homestead Programme specifically designed for single mothers.
This project targets single mothers as homeowners. The programme not only offers housing but also economic opportunities by including farmsteads with shade houses for crop cultivation and solar energy setups, empowering single mothers to generate income.
The Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, launched in 2021, has empowered over 11,000 women by providing free vocational and entrepreneurial training.
WIIN includes courses in diverse areas such as project management and leadership.
Meanwhile, initiatives like the Hope and Justice Centre provide counselling, legal aid, and other critical services to abuse victims.
The introduction of the Family Violence Act 2024 marked a pivotal legislative reform. The Act broadens the definition of family violence to include physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and threats. It also acknowledges financial dependency as a barrier for victims seeking to leave abusive situations, ensuring that legal and social support mechanisms are in place.
The government has also implemented a hotline and is currently examining several initiatives to help women, such as a panic button to trigger security response in times of danger.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
Minister Singh thanks Region Six for strong support in 2025 General and Regional Elections
WITH strong support from the East BerbiceCorentyne Region, a region which had the second highest margin of victory recorded for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in terms of regions in the 2025 General and Regional Elections, when
compared to the combined Opposition, Senior Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Wednesday told Berbicians that this was no surprise as Berbice had been the region that felt the brunt of bad policies by the APNU/AFC administration.
This was in compari-
son to the development it is experiencing currently through good policies implemented by the ruling party. The minister who has commenced his second stint as Finance Minister under the Irfaan-Ali led administration was at the time speaking at the launch of the Berbice
Minister Singh and officials at the Berbice Expo launch where he thanked Region Six for the strong support during the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections (MoF photo)
Expo and Trade Fair.
Addressing businesspersons at the Berbice Expo launch, Dr. Singh said, “It is a great pleasure to be home again in Region Six, it is the first time I am speaking publicly in Region Six since the first of September 2025 General and Regional Elections. I wish, on behalf of President Irfaan Ali and on behalf of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and the entire leadership and executive of the PPP, to thank all of Region Six for your very strong support on the first of September. At the results of the elections you will see that Region Six returned the PPP across all ten regions with the second highest margin…”
The minister compared the development Region Six residents experienced during the restoration and rebuilding efforts by the PPP/C of Guyana’s economy during the 1992-2015 period and he commended the Region for its continued support noting that it was as a result of them being able to see the difference between the two administrations in office and the impact on their Region.
“Region Six saw the return under the APNU/ AFC during the 20152020 of the bad policies, closing of the sugar industry, the neglect of the environment for doing business, policies that saw the imposition of punitive taxes that caused hardship on businesses and households and the removal of benefits that took away income from families ….you saw this in Region Six, you saw what the closure of the sugar industry
did to the market and market vendors, to the shops on the public roads and in the backstreets, with everybody having to struggle with reduced disposal income-what that did to every business, and it was therefore no surprise that Region Six played a critical role in returning the PPP into government,” Dr. Singh underscored. He expressed appreciation that citizens in that Region understood what continued development in their region would mean in terms of political choices.
“Over the years, Region Six has always stood with the PPP/C and this I believe is not an accidental occurrence. I believe the support for the PPP/C reflects the deep and profound understanding amongst the people of Region Six that amongst all competing political alternatives, it is the PPP/C that on every occasion and in every period in our country’s history, that has stood on the side of the Guyanese people, whether it be on questions of democracy, economic growth and development and whether it be on the question of social improvement of the circumstances in which the well-being with which our people live, and the circumstances of the Guyanese people,” Minister Singh concluded.
The PPP/C now has an expanded mandate gaining 36 seats in the National Assembly following the 2025 General and Regional elections compared to the 33 seats it had in its previous term. (MoF)
VPAC accuses Walton-Desir of ‘opportunism, weaponising feminism’ –– as fallout over sharing of parliamentary seat deepens
AMANZA Walton-Desir of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) is facing searing accusations of “bullying, dishonesty, opportunism, and betrayal,” and weaponising feminism to deflect accountability from her Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) allies.
Less than a month after securing a seat in the National Assembly following the September 1 General and Regional Elections, the party has descended into acrimony over how the seat will be shared among the three members.
On Wednesday, Walton-Desir was adamant during a live broadcast that she would be the representative in parliament and revealed that she was threatened by someone in the VPAC camp.
Without naming the individual, Walton-Desir said: “A line has been crossed; I will not tolerate threats… To the young man who sent me a WhatsApp message [saying]: ‘I am giving you one last chance to reconcile with VPAC or else,’ I do not take threats and bullying.”
Although there was no direct talk about a squabble over the seat, Chairman of VPAC, Dorwain Bess in a video posted on his party’s Facebook page on September 21, seemed confident of his representative in parliament.
VPAC responded in a statement on Thursday and while denying all allegations, the party accused Walton-Desir of weaponising her gender despite being embraced
as a female leader, stating that instead of confronting racism, she chose to play the “victim.”
“That is not leadership, it is cowardice dressed up as feminism,” VPAC wrote.
At the heart of the dispute is the agreement that the parliamentary seat secured would be rotated among the three equal partners.
However, the party said Walton-Desir “tore up that pact the moment it suited her” and “anointed herself sole powerbroker.”
“That is not leadership. That is theft,” the party said, as it opined that her live broadcast proved she is “unfit” to speak about inclusivity.
However, the rift further widened when a VPAC member pressed the leaders to denounce a “blatantly racist public statement,” and according to them, Walton-Desir and the leader of the People’s Movement Nigel London refused.
Walton-Desir, VPAC claims, refused to answer directly and instead conducted a live broadcast alleging that she was threatened.
“That was a lie. A deliberate, malicious lie. No threats were made. VPAC demanded only an answer. Do you condone racism, yes or no? Rather than face the truth, Walton-Desir weaponised her gender, crying victimhood and pretending that being held accountable was an ‘attack on a woman.’ That is disgraceful. It is not courage, it is manipulation,” VPAC said.
The party further stated
that she enjoyed their full support as a female leader, and it never demanded the prime ministerial slot.
However, behind closed doors, according to VPAC, “she bullied partners, sidelined allies, and treated the coalition as her personal property.”
“Walton-Desir cannot rewrite the truth. She cannot sell betrayal as leadership. She cannot silence her partners by twisting their words into ‘threats.’ What she has shown is that her loyalty is not to principle, not to inclusion, and not to the people, but to herself alone,” VPAC wrote.
Meanwhile, the People’s Movement on Thursday added its voice to the brewing controversy and released a statement defending Walton-Desir.
“We reject any bullying tactics directed toward the leadership of the Forward Guyana Movement. Partnerships thrive through dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding. When parties refuse to attend discussions or to engage meaningfully in meetings, it does a disservice not only to the coalition but to the Guyanese people whom we are collectively called to serve,” Theodore Adams, the party’s chairman wrote.
Walton-Desir formed the Forward Guyana party and later joined forces with the People’s Movement and VPAC after leaving the Aubrey Norton-led People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) ahead of the elections. Together, the three parties make up the FGM.
Elections fraud trial…
Ramson recounts efforts to manoeuvre locked doors, barricades to deliver recount letter to Mingo
By Feona Morrison
THE elections fraud trial continued on Thursday before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson giving sworn testimony about his experience during the controversial tabulation and verification of votes for Region Four in the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Led into evidence by prosecutor Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat, Ramson recalled key events surrounding the actions of then Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, on March 5, 2020, at the Ashmin’s Building, where the vote verification exercise was being conducted.
According to Ramson, he personally saw Mingo with what appeared to be documents in his hand as he entered an office that day. “I saw Clairmont Mingo, and he walked and went into an office with what appeared to be documents in his hands,” Ramson testified.
He explained that about an hour later, the course of the process abruptly shifted. “So, I was on the ground floor where they were doing the verification exercise, and a gentleman by the name of Joseph Eastman, who worked for GECOM [Guyana Elections Commission], came into the room and said that the declaration for Region Four had just been made and we were required to leave the room immediately.”
Mingo, according to him, had made the purported decla-
ration.
Ramson said election observers, representatives of political parties, and possibly some GECOM staff were present, though he admitted he could not recall everyone in detail.
He noted that the announcement triggered immediate concern. “I, along with other persons, made our objections known. But what I saw shortly after was what was purported to be a declaration for Region Four circulating on social media,” he stated.
Asked by Prosecutor Rahamat why he objected, the minister was clear: “Because I know that the verification exercise was not completed, and I also know what the law said — that it was required to be done to ascertain [the number of votes] based on the Statements of Poll (SoPs). So, if that had not been done, then a declaration cannot be made.”
He recounted that once he saw the declaration circulating, he moved to take formal action.
“I prepared a letter requesting a recount. I signed the letter and sought to deliver it to where Mr. Mingo would have gone on the second floor. So, I went up the stairs to deliver the letter, but the office was locked. All the handles from the doors were removed. I was rapping and pushing on the doors, and the doors would not open. I also sought to deliver the request to the Chairperson of GECOM, retired judge Claudette Singh. It was unsuccessful because all the doors’ handles were removed.”
The minister emphasised that the situation was highly unusual. He stressed: “The han-
dles for the doors on the second floor were removed from the outside so no one could turn the handles.”
When Prosecutor Rahamat pressed him on why it was so important to persist in delivering the letter, Ramson offered a passionate explanation. “Because we had to protect our democracy. Our country should never face the hardships that go with having a rigged election and an unelected government. I’ve seen across the world how that damaged many countries, and I also saw how it damaged Guyana in the late 1980s. There is a direct correlation between having an unelected government through a rigged election and the fortunes and well-being of the country. I didn’t want to see that happen for us as a country.”
Ramson testified that the standoff continued for hours.
“About two hours after, medical personnel came. They were also rapping on the doors and waiting for someone to open them, but they were unsuccessful. They were there for a good 20 minutes, or maybe more. A number of persons, including Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Mark Phillips (now Vice-President and Prime Minister, respectively), began coming upstairs, expressing their concerns for the well-being of the chairperson. They were banging on the door, and eventually they were able to get one of the doors to open.”
During the course of his testimony, Ramson was also asked whether he had observed members of the then-incumbent A Partnership for National
Volda Lawrence Clairmont Mingo
Carol Smith-Joseph Keith Lowenfield
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty Roxanne Myers
Enrique Livan (NCN photo)
Charles Ramson
President Ali makes call to confront crises affecting Guyana, global community
AS the United Nations (UN) marks its 80th anniversary, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali used his address to the General Assembly to issue a powerful call for the global community to confront the escalating crises facing both individual nations and the world at large.
Dr. Ali made a strong appeal for renewed global commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development goals (SDGs) and climate resilience.
Framing the UN as the “premier organisation for multilat-
eralism,” President Ali said it was “difficult to imagine our world without the United Nations”, while calling for honest reflection on the state of global affairs as the UN marks its 80th anniversary.
"Conflicts are raging as geopolitical tensions intensify, food insecurity is worsening, displacement is growing, human rights are being ignored, and climate change is threatening lives and livelihoods," he told world leaders.
He noted too that the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), once a roadmap for progress, are now under serious threat due to shrinking development and budget support.
President Ali emphasised that the survival of people, economies, and the planet depends on an urgent and people-centred approach to achieving the SDGs. This, he said, must prioritise ending poverty and hunger, protecting children, supporting persons with disabilities, and empowering youth.
"Peace, stability, and sustainable development cannot exist in isolation from the urgent need to address climate change, which poses an existential threat to the most vulnerable and to our shared future," he declared.
Reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to climate action, President Ali highlighted the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, its leadership under the REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard, and its success in the carbon credit market. He underscored that economic growth and environmental responsibility can advance hand in hand, and that “nature has tangible value” which must be rewarded.
In addition to environmental leadership, the president stressed the urgent need for renewed financial commitment to develop-
ment, including fulfilling Official Development Assistance pledges and addressing unsustainable debt burdens that limit progress in developing nations.
He also drew attention to Guyana’s role in hosting the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in July 2025, which convened over 140 countries and institutions. The resulting Georgetown Declaration called for biodiversity to be treated as a global public good, fully integrated into climate strategies and financial frameworks.
"Building on the global pledge to double protected areas by 2025 and achieve the '30 by 30' goal by 2030," President Ali said, the summit underscored the importance of innovative financing tools such as biodiversity credits, green bonds, and debtfor-nature swaps.
Guyana, he added, is actively pursuing these avenues to generate sustainable income for forest communities and strengthen biodiversity protection.
A recent partnership with the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change will see the development of a National Biodiversity Information System, enabling more effective, data-driven conservation planning.
Works ongoing to assemble Cacique Crown for twin towers
Works are ongoing to assemble the Cacique Crown
AS the new Demerara River Bridge (DRB) nears its official opening, its striking twin towers will soon be crowned with the design of the Cacique Crown, which stands as the second-high-
est national award in the Order of Service of Guyana.
The Guyana Chronicle visited the site of the bridge on Thursday and witnessed the assiduous efforts to assemble the structures, which will crown Guyana’s skyline.
While speaking to this publication, project manager Patrick Thompson explained that the tower crown was conceptualised by the designers and when completed they will be lit.
“In a synopsis, the tower crown has a height of about a two-storey building. So, it's fairly tall, very strong. It's a steel structure.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
Preparations underway for next parliament
- Isaacs confirms receipt of letter from CEO declaring 65 persons to be MPs
NOTING that preparations have started, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, announced on Thursday that he is awaiting the proclamation of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, appointing a time, date, and place for the first sitting of the National Assembly, which will pave the way for the swearing in of the 65 Members of Parliament (MPs) and the election of a Speaker.
Speaking on the sidelines of the presentation of the Auditor General’s report on Thursday at the Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown, he informed members of the media that he had received the letter from the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) declaring 65 persons to be MPs with effect from September 22, 2025.
Isaacs said at the first sitting, the members will take the vote, and a new Speaker of the National Assembly will be elected.
“Apart from that, there is a lot of clerical work to be done. Preparation of registers, letters to the Accountant General for the members to be paid their salaries and allowances, the division list and the whole works, we've started to work on that,” he said.
The Clerk of the National Assembly explained to the media that as long as persons are declared to be members of the National Assembly by the Guyana Elections Commission, they will be paid. This payment is made through the bank or they can receive cash.
Alongside this, the Clerk said he will have a briefing session for all new members and continuing MPs.
He explained that the emphasis would be placed on the way in which they conduct themselves in the National Assembly.
Additionally, in relation to the election of the Leader of the Opposition, the Clerk stated that according to the standing orders, the first business of the new parliament would be the election of the Speaker. This election of the Speaker would be conducted by Mr. Isaacs.
“The normal thing, I'll ask persons to nominate someone, or they may nominate two or three persons, then I'll have an election. So, the persons with the highest vote will become the Speaker and the person will take the chair and do the election of the Deputy Speaker. Then the other members, I would administer the vote to them,” Mr. Isaacs said.
A separate meeting, he noted, will be held for the election of the Opposition Leader. “There would be a separate meeting, maybe at the first, or if convenient, for the second sitting of the National Assembly. I would convene a meeting chaired by the Speaker of all opposition members only and they would …nominate a person or persons to be the Leader of the Opposition. If there is more than one person, we have the vote again.”
Mr. Isaacs underscored that only opposition members would be invited to that meeting.
Regarding the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Isaacs related that there is an average of $3.5 million remaining on the capital funds, and $8 million on the current funds.
Work ongoing...
FROM PAGE 16
It was fabricated in China, but it's being put together on the ground here in Guyana,” he said.
Guyana’s transportation infrastructure will be further boosted when the bridge is officially opened to the public.
With the bridge now entering its final stages of preparation, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has reiterated confidence that the long-awaited structure will be opened to the public well before September ends.
The US$260 million bridge being constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited will
This will be given to the new Leader of the Opposition.
Moreover, the Clerk affirmed that they would continue to use the Arthur Chung Conference Centre for the sittings. Committee meetings, however, will be held at the Public Buildings.
Mr. Isaacs has given 53 years of service to the Government of Guyana. He was an Assistant Clerk from 1992 to 2002 and has held the position of Clerk of the National Assembly since 2002. He announced that he will be demitting office in 2027.
have a lifespan of 100 years and is expected to offer tollfree access to all users. It will operate aroundthe-clock and accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour.
The new bridge features four lanes, and stretches 2.6 kilometres, linking Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara to the West Bank of Demerara.
More than 50,000 daily commuters are expected to benefit from the new tollfree bridge, resulting in an estimated $3.5 billion in annual savings.
Public Buildings (Photo: Parliament of Guyana/ Facebook
Guyana stands ready to share experience, partner with others to advance global food systems - President Ali tells UN
GUYANA is positioning itself at the forefront of regional and global efforts to transform food systems, with President, Dr Irfaan Ali using his address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly to call for bold action to tackle hunger, ensure food security and build resilience in agricultural production.
Highlighting Guyana’s leadership within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), President Ali spoke
of ongoing efforts to implement the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda through “Vision 2030,” a strategy aimed at boosting food production, ending hunger and strengthening food security across the region. He noted that Guyana’s experience proves how strategic investment and strong political will can drive real transformation in both national and regional food systems.
“Our experience demonstrates that strategic investment and political will can transform national and regional food systems,” the Head of State said.
Beyond the Caribbean, President Ali called for a global transformation of food systems to make them more resilient, sustainable, and equitable, particularly by strengthening local production and reducing dependence on volatile international markets. He warned that current global food systems remain too vulnerable to external shocks, disproportionately affecting developing nations and small economies.
With growing global concern over food insecurity, particularly in the context of conflicts, climate change, and economic instability, the President positioned Guyana as a willing and capable partner in global co-operation.
“Guyana stands ready to share its experience and partner with others to ensure nutritious food for all,” President Ali added.
Out of 186 countries, only Guyana produces enough food to feed all its citizens without foreign imports, according to a recent study published in Nature Food.
Nature food had investigated how well each country could feed its populations in seven food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, plant-based protein and starchy staples.
Worldwide, the study found that 65 per cent of countries were overproducing meat and dairy, compared to their own populations’ dietary needs.
It also found that Guyana was the only country that could boast total self-sufficiency, while China and Vietnam were close behind, being able to produce enough food in six out of seven food groups.
Just one in seven of the tested countries was judged self-sufficient in five or more categories.
Assistant Accountant remanded over alleged theft of more than $5M from GECOM
DIKIMBIE Gittens, a 30-year-old Assistant Accountant of Onderneeming, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was on Thursday charged for the alleged theft of over $5 million belonging to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The police in a statement said that the accused was arrested on Monday, September 22, 2025, and charged for allegedly committing the offence, Larceny by Clerk or Servant. On Thursday, he appeared
at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Her Worship Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where the charge was read to him.
He was not required to plead. Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned to 15th October 2025 for report, the police said.
It was explained that Gittens is accused of stealing a little over $5 million from the GECOM Secretariat at Barrack and Fort Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, sometime between September 15 and 16, 2025.
President Ali at a shade house in Guyana
Sandals Chairman urges more niche manufacturing for tourism sector
THE Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, believes there is tremendous scope for niche manufacturing to provide a range of products to supply the region’s hospitality industry.
“The opportunity for niche manufacturing in the Caribbean is massive. We would love to see our bathroom amenities come in locally made refillable bottles, scented with Caribbean botanicals, and that our takeaway containers, straws and utensils are biodegradable and manufactured just down the road,” Stewart told Caribbean Business & Travel.
He said the coffee grounds that would otherwise be considered waste can be transformed into clean-burning biofuel.
Steward said: “This is the circular economy in motion - waste is no longer waste, but a resource waiting to be harnessed. If we rethink our approach as a region, secure investments in the opportunities for sustainability, we can turn these ideas into reality.”
In a wide-ranging interview with the annual Caribbean business publication, Stewart underscored the need for a collaborative regional effort to unlock the potential of niche manufacturing.
He said: “First, governments can incentivise sustainable product innovation by providing grant funding and simplified licensing for eco-manufacturers. Second, the tourism industry must take the lead in aggregating demand and creating consistent offtake agreements that make local manufacturing financially viable. Finally, technical support and training programmes can help upskill artisans and small producers to meet hospitality standards.”
The Jamaican business executive believes there is incredible potential for new partnerships that will allow the private sector, governments and entrepreneurs to come together and build a green supply chain that delivers world-class experiences while generating real economic value
at home.
Stewart observed across the region, the need to strengthen the link between tourism and agri-business is growing exponentially.
He said: “At Sandals, we don’t just serve food, we serve heritage, pride, and a better tomorrow. Our central procurement team works closely with farmers, cooperatives, and government ministries of agriculture, and has set the example of the benefits of sustainability by investing in logistic solutions that make regional trade more seamless and efficient.”
To further exemplify the cross-linkages and sustainability practices, Stewart alluded to Sandals’ partnership with the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO), which spans 17 countries.
Stewart contends that a resilient Caribbean economy is built on partnerships between governments, investors, entrepreneurs, and the private sector and highlighted the importance of bold, forward-looking investment and collaboration to develop a regional green supply chain that elevates local artisans, creates jobs, and delivers unforgettable guest experiences rooted in authenticity.
Stewart pointed to the strength of “Brand Caribbean” as a collective identity that celebrates the rich diversity of the Caribbean while presenting a unified message to the world.
“I’m more encouraged than ever that we are taking meaningful steps toward elevating brand Caribbean, not just as individual islands, but as a unified, world-class region. A stronger regional partnership, cohesive marketing efforts, strong investment in the region and a shared recognition that sustainability and cultural preservation are central to tourism expansion.”
“Tourism is more than an industry. It’s the heartbeat of the region. When we collaborate as one, we don’t just compete, we lead,” declared Stewart.
At the February 2025 CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Barbados, Stewart offered to
share the expertise of the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) to train tourism industry workers throughout the region.
He noted that Sandals is more than a brand. “It’s a legacy forged in the heart of the Caribbean and carried forward by people who care deeply, people
who live and work in the very communities our success depends on.
“For us, success is measured not just by occupancy rates, but by the well-being of the communities we serve and where our team members raise families, find purpose and build futures.”
Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart
Ramson recounts efforts to manoeuvre locked...
FROM PAGE 12
Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition at the time when Mingo appeared on the balcony of the Ashmin’s Building holding documents. “No, I didn’t see anyone of APNU+AFC. However, I did see Volda Lawrence and James Bond, who were candidates for the APNU+AFC. I saw them shortly after the purported declaration was made, going up to the second floor of the Ashmin’s Building.”
Lawrence is one of the nine defendants facing electoral fraud charges.
Around 18:00 hours that day, Minister Ramson said he saw Mingo surrounded by police, walking quickly toward the
back of the building and then exiting.
Ramson said he called out for Mingo, knowing that his duty was to deliver the recount request.
Despite his efforts, he testified that he was unable to deliver the letter and was informed that he had to leave the building, or risk being arrested.
According to him, he told the police that the SoPs were on the ground floor and expressed his concerns about their security and who would take custody of them.
Once he was assured by the police that election observers and two representatives from each political party would be allowed to remain to monitor
the SoPs, Ramson said he left for home but continued to stay updated on the situation at the Ashmin’s Building.
He said he returned to the Ashmin’s Building the next day to deliver the letter to Mingo. He testified that the area was heavily barricaded and, as he approached, he observed that the entire building was closed. He eventually met Roxanne Myers, to whom he explained the reason for his visit. He said Myers told him that Mingo was not there, but that his clerk would receive the letter requesting the recount. Ramson said he then left the letter with Michelle Miller, Mingo’s clerk, who is also facing charges.
Thereafter, he faced
cross-examination by various defence lawyers.
BACKGROUND
Ramson’s testimony adds to the growing body of evidence being presented in the ongoing election fraud proceedings, which centres on allegations of attempts to manipulate the results of the 2020 General and Regional Elections in Guyana. The matter is scheduled to continue when the trial resumes today before Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty.
Those facing charges include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former Health Minister Volda Law -
rence, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph and former GECOM staffers Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller.
They collectively face 19 charges ranging from conspiracy to defraud to misconduct in public office. Each has pleaded not guilty and secured bail.
The defence team—comprising Nigel Hughes, Dexter Todd, Darren Wade, Ronald Daniels, and Anderson—has sought to cast doubt on prosecution witnesses.
The prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, maintains that the defendants each played a “critical
role” in attempts to inflate votes for the APNU+AFC coalition while reducing those of the PPP/C.
Initial results announced by Lowenfield had declared an APNU+AFC victory, with 171,825 votes to the PPP/C’s 166,343. But after five months of court battles and a Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-supervised recount, the PPP/C was declared the winner with 233,336 votes to APNU+AFC’s 217,920, leading to Dr Irfaan Ali being sworn in as president on August 2, 2020.
The fallout from the disputed process prompted GECOM to terminate the contracts of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo in August 2021.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
NEWMARKET
08:15hrs Ptotest
08:50hrs Revoir
09:25hrs Touleen
10:00hrs Opera Ballo
10:35hrs Isle Of Jura
11:10hrs Enoch
11:45hrs Man Of La Mancha
HAYDOCK
09:15hrs Ribble River
09:50hrs Monarch’s Gold
10:25hrs Clear Force
11:00hrs Poker
11:35hrs Albeseeingyer
12:10hrs Klassleader
12:40hrs Roland Garros
NEWCASTLE
12:00hrs Dancingintherain
12:30hrs Max Of Stars
13:00hrs Vencedora
13:30hrs Woody Y Fernández
14:00hrs Livonian
14:30hrs Beauty Blossom
15:00hrs Missmimi
15:30hrs Ocean Odyssey
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
FAIRVIEW
08:20hrs Master Forrester
08:55hrs Wishes And Dreams
09:30hrs Dowser
10:05hrs Mercantour
10:40hrs Thunder Master
IRISH RACING TIPS
DUNDALK
11:40hrs Best Suggestion
12:15hrs Carrigans Grove
12:45hrs Yellowstone Lake
13:15hrs Pinball Wizard
13:45hrs Sierra De Credoa
14:15hrs Madam Celeste
14:45 hrs Quickshot
15:15 hrs Chopsticks
AMERICAN RACING TIPS BELMONT Race 1 Higher Force Race 2 He’smyhoneybadger Race 3 National Archive Race 4 Pazz The Soy Sauce Race 5 I’m Wide Awake Race 6 A Little At First
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who won Qualifier 1 in CPL 2025? (2) Who claimed the Man of the Match award? Answers in tomorrow’s issue (Friday September 26, 2025)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) TKR (2) Nicholas Pooran (TKR)
Afridi, Rauf and Ayub set up a Pakistan vs India Asia Cup final
IT has taken more than 40 years but we finally have it.
An India-Pakistan Asia Cup final. Pakistan scrapped their way into the title clash after defending 135 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
After Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in three powerplay overs, Pakistan's spinners tightened the screws, finding sharp turn and grip. After bagging his fourth duck in six innings in the Asia Cup, Saim Ayub produced a double-strike and ensured Bangladesh's batting effort spiralled out of control.
It was one of those bizarre games where the team that hit more sixes ended up losing. Pakistan had managed just five sixes and Bangladesh had matched that tally by the 10th over of the chase. They eventually finished with seven sixes, but as they searched for more on a pitch that perhaps wasn't conducive to that style, they kept holing out.
Pakistan's batters had suffered a similar meltdown earlier in the day, but Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz did enough to drag them to 135 on a used surface, a total that at the end
of the day was enough by 11 runs.
PAKISTAN'S SLOW START
Taskin Ahmed, rested for Wednesday's game against India, hit the ground running by dismissing the in-form Sahibzada Farhan for 4. He became the third Bangladesh player after Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, to 100 T20I wickets.
In the next over, offspinner Mahedi Hasan had Ayub flapping a catch to mid-on for a three-ball duck - his fourth duck in six innings in the Asia Cup and ninth in 45 T20I innings. Only Umar Akmal (10 in 79 T20I innings) has bagged more for Pakistan.
Fakhar Zaman was also going nowhere, managing only 12 off 18 balls in a powerplay that saw Pakistan score only 27. Only Hong Kong had scored fewer runs in a powerplay in this Asia Cup.
After taking the catches of Farhan and Ayub, wristspinner Rishad Hossain dismissed Fakhar (13 off 20 balls) and Hussain Talat (3 off 7) in successive overs.
Shaheen Afridi delivered figures of 3 for 17 in the must-win fixture • AFP/Getty Images
When Mustafizur had captain Salman Agha inside-edging behind with his trademark off-cutter, Pakistan were 49 for 5 in the 11th over.
HARIS, NAWAZ BAIL
PAKISTAN OUT
The first six of Pakistan's innings came in the 13th over when Afridi launched Tanzim Hasan Sakib into the top tier over midwicket.
In the next over, he hit Taskin for another six before
miscuing a full-toss to the keeper. After being dropped on 1 and 3, Afridi got to 19 off 13 balls.
Nawaz could have been dismissed on 0 had Parvez Hossain not dropped a regulation catch.
He went on to make 25 off 15 balls. Haris also played his part, taking on both Rishad and Mustafizur during his 31 off 23 balls. Pakistan crashed 80 runs in their last eight overs.
BANGLADESH FADE AWAY IN CHASE
While Afridi was on the money with the new ball at one end - his powerplay figures read 3-0-11-2, including a customary first-over strike - Bangladesh went after the bowlers at the other end. When Faheem Ashraf erred too full, Saif Hassan pounded him over mid-on for six.
In the next over, he picked Haris Rauf away for a six and a four. In his next over,
however, Rauf bounced back to draw a leading edge from Saif, which was grasped by Ayub at point.
Nurul Hasan then started with a first-ball six, though off a top edge, but Bangladesh couldn't sustain their hitting and kept finding the boundary riders. Shamim Hossain, who top-scored for Bangladesh with 30 off 25 balls, was their only batter to pass 20.
Bangladesh's slim hopes faded away when Afridi returned with the old ball and had Shamim caught by Talat, who was not needed with the ball on the day. Bangladesh were missing their regular captain and key batter Litton Das who was on the bench for a second successive game with a side strain.
Jaker Ali, the stand-in captain, was among a long list of batters who holed out while attempting to clear the boundary.
Pakistan had an injury scare when Rauf collapsed in his follow-through in the 18th over, but he continued to bowl, finishing off his spell and locked in an India-Pakistan final on Sunday.
JULIAN Mohabir is the Pegasus Young Knights Challenge Champion, after playing spectacularly in the inaugural chess competition hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) at the Pegasus Chess Club last Sunday, September 21st, 2025.
The twelve-year-old secured the title over young Vir Narine by scoring the same number of points, but winning the championship prize based on tie-break criteria, which considered factors such as opponents' strength and head-to-head results in the seven-round rapid competition.
Both Mohabir and Narine finished the event with six points, but the tie-break favoured Mohabir and secured his victory. The young competitors agreed to a draw in their sixth round against each other.
Mohabir, who has an
ELO rating of 1457, secured his wins against newcomer Mekhel Murphy, Dunamis Singh, Lester Thomas, Javier Davenand, and former U-12 Chess Champion, Jeremy Cole. His two half points resulted from the games with Aiden Tinnie and Narine.
Ten-year-old Narine, who has been steadily improving his performance and recently gained an ELO rating of 1426, won against Sanjay Suman, Arian Tinnie, and newcomers Ace Patel and Mark DeFreitas. His win against the Girls’ U-12 Chess Champion, Kataleya Sam (1503), was his most accomplished one yet after he forced a win through a positional game. His two draws were against Aiden Tinnie and Mohabir.
Placing third is eleven-year-old Abel Fernández Ciria with 5.5 points. Fernández Ciria, who holds the U-12 Open Championship title and an ELO rating
of 1477, won against Avery Munroe, Raiden Ruplal, Lester Thomas, Rebha Lachhman, and Amaya Sharma. He suffered a loss in his fourth round against young Aiden Tinnie after drawing with Cole in the third round.
Copping the fourth-place prize is Javier Davenand, rated 1437, who ended the competition with 5 points. The eleven-year-old had victories over Vrinda Narine, Amaya Sharma, Chelsea Harrison, and Sam. His sixth and seventh rounds resulted in draws against Cole and Arush Ramnarine, while his one loss came from round five against the tournament champion, Mohabir.
Fifth place went to Aiden Tinnie with five points. Tinnie, who recently gained his ELO rating of 1525, drew
his games with Mohabir and Narine and suffered a loss against Sam. His wins were against Vasu Meghan, Joshua Patterson, Francis Thomas, and Sanjay Suman.
The Best Female prize went to Sam, who placed sixth in the competition with 5 points. The current U-12 Girls’ Champion holds a conditional Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title. She will earn the WCM title when she reaches the required rating points.
The inaugural Pegasus Young Knights Challenge for U-12 players was played at the venue of the Pegasus Chess Club, Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston. Forty-four players competed in the seven-round rapid tournament with a time control of 15 minutes and
5-second increments added to the clock after each move. FIDE Arbiter and Technical Manager of the GCF John Lee overlooked the games with the assistance of the Pegasus Chess Club attendants.
The GCF has reached a new milestone, fielding FIDE-rated players in an U-12 competition for the first time in the federation's history. This achievement is a testament to the GCF's efforts over the last five years, according to President Anand Raghunauth.
"We've seen a dramatic increase in our number of junior chess players and their performance," he said. With this growing pool of rated talent, the GCF is poised to make its mark on the international stage, with its sights set on improving junior performance.
The Federation is also aggressively positioning the
club as a meeting place for players of all ages. "Chess is for everyone from 6 to 60 years old. Pegasus Chess Club offers free coaching to anyone who becomes a member and it is open on Sundays from 11AM to 6PM," GCF Public Relations Director Shiv Nandalall pointed out.
The GCF expresses heartfelt thanks to the participants and their parents for their support and to the Pegasus Suites for the venue and to Sunshine Snacks for providing snacks to the participants. The tournament is one of many that the federation will host at the Pegasus Chess Club. The venue is the ideal place for players to relax, play, and learn in a comfortable environment. Persons who wish to join the chess club can visit guyanachess. gy.
Guyana Chess Federation
September 24th 2025
CWI congratulates Sampson on being CPL breakout player
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has congratulated Quentin Sampson on being named the Breakout Player of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), following an outstanding debut season with the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Several young players put their hands up for the award with eye-catching performances during the August 14 – September 21 tournament, having earned their opportunity through standout performances in the CWI Breakout League earlier this year.
Notably, Ackeem Auguste shone for the St. Lucia Kings, highlighted by a fluent 73 against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while spinner Navin Bidaisee impressed with the ball, capturing seven wickets for the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots at an economy rate of 8.04. Also
putting their names on the map with respect to the development of talent throughout the region were Jediah Blades, Nathan Edward and Karima Gore.
Sampson, however, stood out for his consistency and match-winning impact. In eight matches, he scored 241 runs at an average of 40.16 and a strike rate of 153, including a career-best 76 that helped secure victory for his team. His ability to rise to the occasion underlined his talent and temperament at this level.
“Quentin’s performances, as well as those of others this season, are both pleasing and encouraging for West Indies cricket,” said Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket.
“They have shown that our emerging players can step up and deliver when they are given the opportunity.”
One Guyana Unification softball men’s categories bowl off today
…Exorbitant prizes expected to fuel performances
THE stakes are high and all the teams are raring to go when the men’s category of the One Guyana Unification softball extravaganza bowls off today at several venues around Georgetown and the East Coast, Demerara.
The exorbitant prizes, including a Toyota Vitz Car for the Legends Over-50 Most Valuable Player (MVP) and motorcycles for the MVPs in the Open and Masters categories, are unprecedented in the history of the sport in Guyana and are expected to fuel performances.
This was made possible through the efforts of title sponsors Regal Stationery & Computer Centre in conjunction with the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc, the Office of the President, Vice-president, Prime Minister and the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport.
Following Tuesday’s launching and draw, held at
the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) ground on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, some mouthwatering games are in store for today’s opening day.
In what is regarded as the “Group of Death,” in the Open Group B category, featuring Ariel Guyana Knight Riders, Speedboat and Regal All Stars, it promises to be a battle royale as only two of the teams will advance to Saturday’s semi-finals.
Ariel Guyana Knight Riders, who have only lost one game since their entry into the arena five years ago, start their campaign against Speedboat, the very team they surrendered last year’s Prime Minister’s Cup to, before rebounding to beat them in the Vice-president tournament a month later.
Following that morning game, there’s non-stop action with Ariel Guyana Knight Riders battling with Regal All Stars after lunch in what promises to be another in-
One Guyana President’s Cup Squash 2025…
Five doubles matches highlight opening night
THE One Guyana President’s Cup Squash 2025 served off on Wednesday evening with five doubles matches on the International Standard Doubles Courts at the National Racquet Centre (NRC) on Woolford Avenue.
The Squash family is a tightly-knit one, and Wednesday evening’s small turnout included mostly relatives and friends of the players.
In the Girls Doubles, the pair of Joey McDonald and Tehani Munroe defeated Ella Fernandes and Alexis Arjoon 11-2, 11-5
MIXED DOUBLES:
Louis Da Silva and Avery Arjoon beat Anna Perreira and Reagan Rodrigues 11-1, 11-2. In the Juniors Mixed Doubles, Egan Bulkan and Rylee Rodrigues won their match against Zoey McDonald and Maxwell Viapree 11-2, 11-3.
Ethan Bulkan and Emily FungA-Fat got the better of Alexis Arjoon and the multi-talented Zion Hickerson 11-2, 11-7.
Juniors Mixed Doubles saw action between the pair of Justin Ten Pow and Avery Arjoon, who teamed up to defeat Malia Maikoo and Justin Goberdhan 11-7, 11-9 The action was scheduled to
continue last evening with more ‘Doubles’ matches. After a break today, the ‘Doubles’ matches will conclude tomorrow. The individual category is set to commence next Tuesday. (Sean Devers)
triguing affair. Team Double V make up the other team in Group B.
Group A comprises of Ephan X1, Tourism Guyana, Name Brand and Hyde Park All Stars.
The Over-50 Legends category also promises to be an exciting affair with the MVP prize being an added incentive.
Two of the six participating teams, in contention, Regal Legends and New York Softball Cricket League (NYSC), the only overseas team, are once again in the forefront with the visitors coming out victorious when the two last met in New York in late June.
Regal Legends batting will be led by the pugnacious Uniss Yusuf and will be boosted by former Guyana Under-19 batsman Troy Gobin and debutant Richard Driffield while the Sahadeo brothers, Erapalli and Ravi, have been “thorn in the flesh” of Regal Legends over the years.
Not to be outdone are Berbice’s Jai Hind, who won last year’s Prime Minister’s Cup but lost to Regal Legends in their return clash in the Vice-president tournament. Former Guyana national player Vejai Seonarine is at the helm of the Berbice team.
On paper, Ariel Masters and Regal Masters are the teams expected to rule the roost in the Masters Over40 Division with the former comprising the likes of Richard Latiff and Chien Gittens while Regal Masters will counter with the flambouyant Patrick Rooplall and Lennox Mark among others.
The winners of all three men’s categories will take home a whopping one million dollars, while the women’s winners will cart of $400,000.
The finals in all the categories are set for the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda on Sunday. (Frederick Halley)
Ethan Bulkan drives to the front wall as Zion Hickerson (2nd left) prepares to retrieve in action in the Juniors Mixed Doubles
Justin Ten Pow (left) plays a backhand shot off the glass in the Juniors Mixed Doubles on Wednesday at the NRC
Tehani Munroe (2nd left) executes a powerful forehand shot in the Girls Doubles on Wednesday evening at the NRC
South American Junior Swimming C/ship… Rodrigues captures national backstroke record
- Guyana’s Phillips re-elected to CONSANAT executive
Jadeja appointed Indian VC for West Indies
CMC – In a significant development, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been named the vice-captain of the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against West Indies.
This marks Jadeja’s first official appointment as vice-captain in the longest format, though he has previously held the role in ODI and T20I teams.
Shubman Gill will continue to lead the side for his second Test series as captain, having debuted in the role during the recent tour of England.
The squad sees a major leadership change from that England tour, as Rishabh Pant, who was the deputy then, has not recovered sufficiently from his foot fracture to be available for selection.
With Pant absent, the wicketkeeping duties fall to Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadee-
san, with Jurel expected to be the first-choice gloveman.
The squad also welcomes back pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. His inclusion is notable given the tight scheduling; the first Test in Ahmedabad begins on October 2, just three days after the Asia Cup final in Dubai on September 28, where Bumrah is expected to feature prominently.
The selection panel has made several changes from the expanded squad that toured England. Alongside Pant, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, and Shardul Thakur have been left out. Their places have been taken by all-rounder Axar Patel, batter Devdutt Padikkal, and wicketkeeper Jagadeesan.
This series against West Indies, comprising Tests in
Ahmedabad (October 2) and Delhi (October 10), is India’s second engagement in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
India currently sits third in the WTC standings with 46.67 percentage points. Australia leads the table with a perfect 100%, followed by Sri Lanka at 66.67%.
West Indies are yet to open their account, having been swept 3-0 by Australia in June-July.
India’s Test Squad for West Indies Series: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-Captain), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, N Jagadeesan (WK).
TOP national women swimmer’s Ariel Rodrigues has set a new national record in the woman 100 metres backstroke on Wednesday in Brazil at the ongoing South American Junior Swimming Championship.
Rodrigues, who is the country’s lone athlete representative at the South American Junior Championships, entered the race with a personal best time of 1 minute 12.39 seconds which she achieved at the Junior Pan American Championships last month.
She put on a superb showing to record a time of 1 minute 11.49 seconds, a huge
improvement for the young swimmer at the South American Championship which is her new personal best and national record in the event.
Rodrigues also set a new personal best in the women's 50 metres freestyle. She entered with a best time of 31.90 and completed the distance in a time of 30.87 seconds.
Rodrigues is also set to compete in the 50 metres freestyle with an entry time of 27.83 seconds, 50 metres backstroke with a PB of 33.12 seconds, and 100 metres freestyle in which she has a best of 1 minute 01.82 seconds.
She is accompanied by coach Christol Thom and President of Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Yolema Phillips. Meanwhile on the sidelines of the South American Junior Swimming Championship was the elections of the South American Swimming Confederation (CONSANAT).
Guyana Swimming Association President Yolema Phillips who is also accompanying the team was re-elected to serve as Treasurer for another term in the executive of the South American Swimming Confederation.
Ariel Rodrigues before the 100-metre backstroke
Guyana’s team at South American Junior Swimming Championship, Coach Christol Thom, Swimmer Ariel Rodrigues and GASA Head Yolema Phillips
GASA & CONSANAT Executive Yolema Phillips
CWI congratulates Sampson on being CPL breakout player
Quentin Sampson receiving his award from CWI CEO Chris Dehring
Ravindra Jadeja seen here giving Mohammed Siraj a pat on the back, will deputise the Indian side for the West Indies Series
