- fiscal plan to reflect manifesto commitments, outcomes of consultations, Dr. Singh says
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Tuesday, attended the Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly of the Republic of Suriname, held as part of the official programme marking the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Following the parliamentary proceedings, Prime Minister Phillips joined the President of Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons at Onafhankelijkheidsplein to witness the ceremonial Military Parade, which showcased the nation’s armed forces and symbols of national pride. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips, at the events (Office of the Prime Minister)
The Dharmic Rama Krishna School joined the Ministry of Human Services & Social Security in launching the national 16 Days of Activism. The students created their own inspiring orange corner, featuring a support resource station, an orange photo booth of strength, and a wall of brave voices, each filled with messages of hope and empowerment (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security)
Several UK companies here as part of fifth trade mission to Guyana
- 40 percent of stakeholders from previous visits
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on behalf of President Irfaan Ali welcomed the fifth United Kingdom (UK) Trade delegation to Guyana as well as newly appointed Member of Parliament in the UK and UK Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean, Paulette Hamilton, to Guyana during a welcoming ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, on Tuesday.
The parliamentarian is in Guyana for the first time, and the trade mission is spearheaded by the British High Commission in collaboration with the Caribbean Council, the British Chamber of Commerce (Britcham) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and industry (GCCI).
The delegation includes a number of British companies interested in exploring investment opportunities and fostering business partnerships locally, and are drawn from several sectors including construction, education, shipping and logistics.
Delivering the keynote address at the forum, Dr Singh alluded to the British and Caribbean representatives’ announcements at the forum that 40 percent of the companies who have come to Guyana on trade missions have been able to close transactions or enter a partnership in Guyana, which he noted is a remarkable success rate as he thanked all the local and foreign officials involved in the hard work to achieve this success, while also recognising the tremendous role played by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, in assisting in promoting Guyana to the rest of the world.
“It shouldn’t come as a surprise, because the Guyanese economy is growing
so rapidly that there exist opportunities for investment and opportunities for doing business in literally every single sector of the economy,”
Dr Singh said.
He added that while a lot is happening in the oil and gas sector through remarkable discoveries made, and the country now producing 900,000 barrels of oil per day, importantly, the story of Guyana is not built on oil alone.
Dr Singh pointed out that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) led by President Irfaan Ali, emphasis will continue to be on a strong and resilient economy.
“We were in government prior to the discovery of oil and even at that time we recognised the importance of a more resilient economy which necessarily meant a more diversified economy, an economy whose sources of growth would come from multiple sectors, a wide array of sectors and we invested a lot of policy effort at that time to diversify the economy; an economy that then, was a pre-oil economy, when oil was being searched for and even before that and a lot of our policy efforts at that time went into diversifying the economy,” the minister highlighted.
He added that what the discovery of oil has done is allow government to do more and to do more quickly.
“So, the emphasis continues to be on economic resilience, which necessarily means a more diversified, productive economy and we have in Guyana a convergence of opportunities that allow us to have multiple opportunities for economic diversification. We are very fortunate in this regard,” Minister Singh posited, as he listed the non-oil extractive sectors such as bauxite, manganese and other minerals which
record success, Finance Minister says
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh (centre), is flanked by Paulette Hamilton M.P. the UK’s trade envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean (second from right); Regional Director for the Commonwealth Caribbean for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, D’Jamila Ward (second from left); Sherwyn Naughton, Country Director for Trade and Investment at the British High Commission (first from right); and Chris Bennet, Managing Director at the Caribbean Council (first from left) (Delano Williams photo)
have been in production for many years, and which will continue to be important for future growth opportunities in the country.
The finance minister concluded by assuring the UK representatives that government is committed to the linkage formed by the two countries.
“You have in this government, a government that is committed to this partnership and recognises the importance of unlocking economic growth, the importance of resilience in economic growth and managing our affairs in such a manner to ensure we have a diversified economy that is resilient for the long term. We are also committed to our environmental creden-
tials in that, while we are an oil and gas producer, we are also a net carbon sink, a net negative emitter and will continue to be, because of our vast standing forests and many of you are operating in jurisdictions where that matters as well,” Minister Singh underscored.
Also delivering remarks at the forum, UK Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean, was Ms Hamilton, who said that when she first took on her role and was learning more about the Caribbean and individual markings of opportunities in the region, a standout factor was the growth and the future growth potential of Guyana.
“This is truly an exciting time for Guyana and its
people. I don’t have to tell you the figures. 43.8 percent GDP growth in 2024 with projections of 10.6 percent in 2025-, and double-digit growth for the next three years is astounding to say the least. What has been most impressive about it, is despite 40 oil discoveries in 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil resources, the story of Guyana was not built on oil alone,” she added.
Alluding to this second anniversary of the removal of visa restrictions for Guyanese visiting the UK, as well as the second anniversary for direct flights from Guyana to London by British Airways, Alain Archibald, Charge D’Affaires at the British High Commission who spoke on behalf
of High Commissioner Jane Miller, said that all this has created an explosion in terms of British-Guyana trade relations, adding that it has boosted Guyana/Britain Trade relationship with business services at the end of last year totalling 1.6 billion pounds, an increase of nearly 20 percent on 2023’s.
Meanwhile, Chris Bennet, Managing Director at the Caribbean Council said the council has been working with Guyana for years and recalled that during first oil in 2020, when the first UK Trade delegation arrived, it was quick to see that the country was one that was rolling up its sleeves wanting to get things done.
“It is one thing to have the revenues and the opportunities in oil, but it is quite something else to actually make something happen with it, and I think that we can all see that that is what is happening.
Things are getting done and it is a testament both to the private sector and to the government that they are working closely together, they have vision, they have leadership and they are really delivering to the people of Guyana,” he added, pointing to all the things done in the last years as being impressive.
Also delivering remarks at the event were D’Jamila Ward- Regional Director for Commonwealth Caribbean, Department for Business and Trade, Anand Harilall -Director and Secretary at the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana and Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott, Secretary and Councillor at the GCCI.
The UK trade delegation will be in Guyana between the period November 2528,2025 and will participate in a number of engagements with government and the private sector. (DPI)
China ready to offer technical expertise in cultivation of dragon fruit, bamboo -
CHINA stands ready to provide technical expertise to Guyana to support in the cultivation of dragon fruit, various bamboo species, Chinese grass and other fruits and vegetables.
This was according to Head of Economic Commercial Consular at the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Li Hanqing during an
other vegetables, fruits
engagement with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at his Regent Street office, on Tuesday.
The discussion focused on fostering continued economic co-operation between the two nations, particularly in the areas of rice cultivation and other agricultural crops, the Agriculture Ministry said.
In addition to offering
the support of technical expertise, Hanqing also indicated that study tours in various agricultural fields would be considered for Guyanese students in 2026.
Minister Mustapha highlighted the potential benefits for Guyana in leveraging China's advanced technology in rice cultivation, specifically in areas such as salt tolerance and
yield enhancement.
The minister emphasised the long-standing relationship between Guyana and China and expressed his anticipation of continued collaboration in the agricultural sector.
The minister was joined by Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaneshwar Deonarine.
China stands ready to provide technical expertise to Guyana to support in the cultivation of dragon fruit, various bamboo species, Chinese grass and other fruits and vegetables
Work advances on Budget 2026
- fiscal plan to reflect manifesto commitments, outcomes of consultations, Dr. Singh says
By Shamar Meusa
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has confirmed that work on Budget 2026 is advancing well, with some government ministries and agencies having already submitted their initial proposals, and stakeholder consultations ongoing.
Dr. Singh made this known in an invited comment to reporters on the sidelines of the UK-Guyana trade mission, during which he noted that the new administration, though freshly re-elected, benefits from continuity and a consistent policy direction.
“We are a brand-new government having been re-elected to office, but we are a government that has the advantage of continuity as well, having been in office in
the previous term and having been in office previously and previous terms,” he said.
He added that both the government and the governing party take pride in maintaining a stable and predictable policy environment. This, he said, is key to guiding national development and sustaining public confidence.
Against this backdrop, the Finance Minister underscored that the administration’s manifesto, presented to the country ahead of the September 2025 elections, will serve as the foundation for the 2026 national budget.
“In September 2025, we went to the electorate with a very comprehensive agenda for the next five years,” he said.
Dr. Singh added: “That comprehensive agenda was reflected in our manifesto, which addressed both the overarching framework and
specific policy commitments and sectoral objectives.
He said: “Work has certainly already started on budget preparation, various ministries, and government agencies have already prepared their respective budget submissions and those budget submissions, as you can imagine, flesh out in greater detail… the various commitments, the various policy objectives and commitments that we would have articulated in the agenda.”
vision, the bold and exciting vision of our President, and the leadership of our party and leadership of our government, and also a fairly comprehensive articulation of the things that we’re planning to do in the various sectors.”
This, he disclosed, will frame the policy direction and spending priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
Dr. Singh said that some ministries and agencies have completed their initial submissions, which flesh out
With this, Dr. Singh said that the coming weeks will be an intense period of work as the government intends to intensify engagements in the lead-up to budget 2026.
Further, the Finance Minister stressed that Budget 2026 will begin delivering on the promises made to the electorate.
He said: “The budget will see us beginning to deliver immediately on the commitments that we gave in the manifesto, because it is our intention, in this term of office, to continue to do as we have always done, which is to ensure that we deliver our entire manifesto to the people of Guyana.”
Dr. Singh further noted that the Ministry of Finance has begun its series of technical engagements with government bodies, the private sector and other stakeholders. He said: “We in the Ministry of Finance have already started our engagement with the various agencies… in addition, engagement with other stakeholders, private sector groups, etc., because as you know, we also engage in an ongoing, close consultation with the private sector, and other stakeholder groups, as part of our policy formulation and budget preparation processes.”
Gov’t has been careful to build resilient macroeconomic framework
- to withstand global price fluctuations, Finance Minister
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has said that the government has deliberately structured the country’s macroeconomic framework to withstand fluctuations in the global commodities market, including fluctuating oil prices.
Dr Singh, in an invited comment on Tuesday, said while Guyana is experiencing rapid growth, it remains deeply integrated into the international trading system and is therefore exposed to external economic pressures.
“We operate as part of a global trading system and we continue to be a small, open economy. That’s the reality. Notwithstanding that we were growing, and we’ve been doing very well, we continue to be a small, open economy in a very large, open and dynamic, global economic and trading space,” he said.
Dr Singh reminded that Guyana’s economy is still significantly reliant on primary commodities, making it vulnerable to shifts in external market conditions.
He said: “We continue to be an economy in which primary commodities are a significant contributor to overall economic activity, and so the reality is that we are operating in an environment where there is, and will be, commodity price movements, and different commodity price volatility. You quite rightly point out that oil prices have been, in recent times, [on] a relatively downward, trajectory.”
With this, Dr Singh noted that the administration closely monitors international economic trends and incorporates this analysis into national planning.
He said: “We keep a close eye on external market developments. This is why we devote a whole chapter in the budget speech to the global environment. This
is why we devote to the mid-year report, an entire chapter on global economic developments, because we pay close attention to the global context.”
Dr Singh said that the government’s economic thinking has long centred on building resilience, noting: “We have always emphasised the importance [of resilience], President Ali himself, Vice President Jagdeo himself and yours truly, we have always, everybody who speaks on the economy now, has always emphasised the importance of resilience, and resilience means numerous dimensions.”
Resilience, he added, must include the capacity to absorb and adapt to global price changes, particularly in oil.
Dr Singh said: “When we speak of a more resilient economy, we’re speaking of an economy that is resilient to ebbs and flow of global economic developments, including commodity price
movements. So, all of the structures that we have built, you know, all of the entire policy framework that we have articulated, is built and designed to ensure that we are resilient to movements in oil prices.”
While acknowledging that higher oil prices would yield greater revenues, the minister emphasised that economic planning is not dependent on such favourable conditions.
He said: “Now, obviously, as an oil-producing country, we would like oil prices to remain strong or high or as high as possible, because that has an impact, of course, on the revenues that we receive, because that’s a function of production and of prices.”
Dr Singh, however, made it clear that Guyana’s macroeconomic framework is intentionally structured to withstand price drops.
He related: “I’m happy to say to you that we have been careful as a government to build structures and to build a macroeconomic framework that is still ex-
tremely resilient, and that they withstand… that has sufficient resilience to be able to withstand movement in oil prices.”
As a government, Dr Singh said that they have always been at pains to be very clear that a macroeconomic framework cannot be built on the assumption that oil prices will remain at certain prices.
He said: “We, as a government, have always said that, that you cannot build a macroeconomic framework
around an assumption of oil prices being at $98 or $100 a barrel you know, forever… we’ve also been at pains to ensure that we don’t build our frameworks on the assumption of oil prices being at an elevated level forever.”
When asked about possible changes in investments for the upcoming budget, Dr Singh stated that everyone will see where the government invests more and less when the budget is presented.
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh
Auditor General’s 2024 report…
Govt’s $59B investment to keep agriculture as pillar of non-oil economy validated
ACCORDING to the 2024 Auditor General’s Report, the Government of Guyana invested more than $59 billion in key agricultural agencies last year to strengthen the country’s non-oil economy and ensure that critical institutions remain equipped to fulfil their mandates.
The report shows that $35.706 billion was provided as current subventions, while an additional $23.327 billion was disbursed as capital support to 11 statutory bodies.
The Auditor General’s report lists the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) among the largest recipients, with $19.525 billion in current funding and $13.034 billion in capital allocations during 2024. NDIA is responsible for maintaining Guyana’s drainage and irrigation systems, which are crucial for controlling flooding, supporting rice production and safeguarding low-lying coastal communities.
As for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), it received $10.289 billion in current funding and $5.219 billion in capital support. GuySuCo remains one of the country’s largest employers and a major pillar in sustaining economic activity across sugar-dependent communities.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)—Guyana’s lead agency for crop research, pest management and technical agricultural support—received $2.414 billion in current allocations and $2.205 billion in capital subventions.
The institute plays a central role in expanding non-traditional
agriculture, improving yields, and supporting farmers across the country.
Other beneficiaries include the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA); the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC);
the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA); Hope Coconut Industries Limited; the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Food Safety Authority.
These agencies collectively support livestock production, rice exports, agro-processing, food testing, and farmer education, sectors that continue to anchor Guyana’s nonoil GDP.
The Auditor General noted that while some agencies must improve their timeliness in submitting financial statements and laying audit reports before the National Assembly, the
Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged these findings and has initiated steps to address the gaps.
The multi-billion-dollar allocations highlighted in the AG’s report reflect the government’s continued push to strengthen agriculture, which remains essential for national food security, export diversification, and rural employment.
These agencies, according to the report, serve core national functions and remain critical to preserving stability and growth in Guyana’s non-oil economic sectors.
Health Minister highlights achievements in healthcare, plans for further advancement
- at Joint UN Stakeholder Consultation
THE Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Tuesday, attended a high-level Joint Stakeholder Consultation on Health and Wellbeing, hosted at the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) office in Georgetown.
According to information from the Ministry of Health, the consultation brought together key stakeholders from government, regional health authorities, hospitals, clinics, and United Nations agencies, including United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United National Population Fund (UNFPA), and United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Woman (UN Women).
The event forms part of the United Nations’(UN) ongoing process to develop the new Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) for the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean islands, covering the period 2027–2031. This framework aims to guide and strengthen collaboration between the UN and the Government of Guyana in advancing national priorities, with health and wellbeing expected to remain a central pillar.
Minister Anthony, in his remarks at the event, underscored the ministry’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the country through both infrastructure expansion and innovative health programmes.
“Our work in health and wellbeing is about more than treating illness it’s about prevention, early detection, and creating a system that supports the long-term wellness of all Guyanese,” the minister said.
He highlighted recent achievements, including the opening of six new regional hospitals, ongoing construction of eight more including paediatric and specialised facilities and the establishment of 25 new health centres over the last three years, with 10 additional currently under construction. Additionally, the ministry is expanding health posts in underserved areas to increase access to primary care.
Minister Anthony also outlined the ministry’s programmes in prevention and wellness, such as strengthened maternal and child health services, expanded immunisation coverage supported by UNICEF, and school health screenings for nearly 70,000 children in primary and nursery.
Efforts are also underway to address chronic non-communicable diseases, nutrition, lifestyle factors, and mental health, alongside disease control and elimination programmes for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB), malaria, filaria, and other neglected infections.
“The engagement of national and international stakeholders in consultations like these allows us to align priorities, share lessons learned, and plan
The Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Tuesday, attended a high-level Joint Stakeholder Consultation on Health and Wellbeing, hosted at the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) office in Georgetown
future interventions that are evidence-based and contextually relevant. Together, we can shape a healthier future for Guyana,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the government’s focus on developing human resources in health, including training programmes for nurses, doctors, administrators, and technicians, supported through collaborations with PAHO and other partners.
The consultation provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and priorities in the health sector, ensuring that the upcoming UN Co-operation Framework reflects shared goals and strengthens collaboration in health and wellbeing across Guyana.
From Awareness to Action
GUYANA is at a crucial moment in the fight against gender-based violence. As the country began the 16 Days of Activism on November 25, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security unveiled a range of initiatives that show real government commitment.
However, intent alone is not enough. For this campaign to bring about real change in a nation where about half of women have faced some form of violence in their lives, Guyana must turn these initiatives into lasting, systemic accountability.
Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud's focus on three key areas—awareness, breaking stigma, and supporting survivors—shows a promising
shift in how Guyana addresses this ongoing social issue.
The Orange Corner of Support initiative effectively redefines violence prevention as a shared responsibility rather than just a private family issue, breaking the damaging silence that has historically allowed offenders to act without fear.
Another innovative effort is the National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal, which offers market incentives for gender compliance. This marketplace approach recognises an important fact: lasting behaviour change often needs institutional and reputational consequences instead of just moral persuasion. Companies that do not meet standards face public scru-
tiny, while those that do are recognised for their efforts.
Yet, without enforcement, innovation is just for show. The seal system, the Orange Corners, and the awareness workshops are good starting points, but Guyana's history with gender-based violence shows that more is needed. The country’s legal framework has greatly improved—the Family Violence Act of 2024 is a significant advance— but there are still major gaps in implementation.
Police officers who now have more authority to intervene in domestic violence cases will act only if cultural attitudes change. Orange Corners will encourage real support only if communities see them as valid alternatives to traditional pow -
er structures. The Gender Equality Seal has no value if companies view enforcement as weak.
Including men through initiatives such as the "Big Brave Circle" is a smart and necessary move. Men are not just an add-on in solving this issue; they are crucial. When prominent male leaders—ministers and community members—talk openly about mental health, wellness, and respectful behaviour, it allows other men to reflect on their own roles in these issues.
However, this effort could become superficial if it is reduced to a one-off event. It is vital to integrate men as stakeholders in accountability structures, not only in awareness campaigns.
A significant question remains: will these initiatives last beyond December 10?
The 16 Days are recognised globally every year, but gender-based violence is an everyday reality in Guyana.
The ministry’s commitment to regional community advocacy and free legal support suggests a desire for continuity, but government resources are always limited.
Civil society groups, private sector partners, and faith communities must acknowledge that this moment is an opportunity for them to take charge.
The necessary groundwork is in place; the narrative is changing; the political will seems evident. The crucial question is whether Guyanese society will choose accountability over
comfort.
Guyana has a thorough and effective model for responding to gender-based violence that has gained regional attention. It would be ironic and tragic if this model, like many promising policies, ended up looking more impressive on paper than in reality.
The 16 Days of Activism should not be just a national performance; they need to be a starting point for breaking down the deep-rooted patterns of violence in Guyana's society. This work requires collective courage, strong institutional discipline, and the bravery to confront not only distant offenders but also neighbours, colleagues, and perhaps oneself.
Mid-year report confirms the buoyancy of Guyana’s economy
Dear Editor,
THE strength of any national economy is directly linked to the policy direction of the sitting government, particularly its management of economic development, investor confidence, and national security. The recently released 2025 Mid-Year Report once again confirms the remarkable performance of Guyana’s economy.
According to the report, overall real GDP grew by an estimated 7.5 percent in the first six months of 2025, with total real GDP growth
for the full year projected at 15.2 percent. Equally noteworthy, is the performance of the non-oil economy, which expanded by 13.8 percent in the first half of the year and is projected to grow by 13.9 percent for all of 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive year of strong growth in both the oil and non-oil sectors. These outcomes are not accidental. They reflect the clear and deliberate policy direction of the PPP/C Government under leadership of President Irfaan Ali. There is an inimitable connection between the government’s
strategic priorities and the results we are now witnessing across every major sector.
President Ali has repeatedly emphasized the importance of building an economy that is resilient and diversified, one that will thrive long after oil production tapers. He has identified several pillars that support this vision, including empowering small businesses and communities; advancing energy security and the green transition; promoting innovation and digital transformation; and expanding tourism, the creative sector, and the blue economy.
Government investment in these areas is already bearing fruit. The manufacturing sector continues to outperform expectations, reflecting both private-sector confidence and a supportive business climate. The construction sector, boosted by the government’s aggressive housing programme and strong private investment, recorded an impressive 29.9 percent growth in the first half of 2025. This includes the ongoing development of new housing schemes and multiple hotels now under construction.
The services sector also demonstrated steady expansion, growing by 6.6 percent in the first half of the year. Increases were noted in wholesale and retail trade, administrative support services, finance and insurance, and professional and technical services, clear evidence that citizens and businesses across Guyana are participating in and benefiting from this growth.
Confidence in the economy is further reflected in rising banking credit, with real estate mortgages increasing by 11.4 percent to $173.5
billion and similar surges in lending to the private sector and private citizens. I am extremely proud of the government’s proactive commitment to economic diversification, expanding agriculture, strengthening food security, developing tourism, and supporting small businesses and the yielded results. The expansion of Guyana’s private sector is evident and it is clear that the initiatives of the Government are clearly working.
One Love, Alvin Hamilton
Dharmendra, Jimmy Cliff were an essential part of my teenage years
IN days apart, two international icons have passed away. Dharmendra, Bollywood actor from India and Caribbean reggae singer from Jamaica, Jimmy Cliff. Both of them were cultural icons for me, both of them were an essential part of my teenage existence.
I had a unique cultural evolution. I was born in a south Georgetown ward named Wortmanville that was at the time 98 percent African. I think there may be a one or two percent decrease in that percentage.
But for all you know, Wortmanville may still be 98 percent African. I went to primary school in Wortmanville that was 99 percent African. All my boyhood friends in Wortmanville were African Guyanese.
I grew up as a West Indian who embraced soul, rhythm and blue, ska, rocky stead and reggae and calypso. I knew almost every soul song and reggae tune. Jimmy Cliff emerged as the more sophistical reggae singer in the early and mid-seventies dethroning Ken Lazarus who reigned supreme in the mid and late 1960s.
Jimmy simply took over reggae and gave it more depth and more philosophy. Jimmy’s reggae music was not about pop music it was about making music out of philosophy.
There is no question in my mind that Bob Marley got philosophical inspiration from the lyrics of Cliff.
Songs “Like many rivers to cross, “You can get it if you really try, “The harder they come,” among
others, were not simply ordinary reggae music.
Of all his philosophical songs, the one I like the best is a typical pop song, without any philosophical meaning, named “Reggae Nights.” I like “Reggae Nights because it reminds me of my time in Grenada working for Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and a phenomenal Caribbean experiment in revolution that may have changed the way the world saw revolutionary nation-building but ended up in tragedy.
“Reggae nights” was extremely popular in Grenada at the time. I would say that outside of four Bob Marley hits, “Reggae Nights” is my fifth best reggae song.
At the same time I was a West Indian in Wortmanville, I was a Hindu youth too. My mother was a devoted Hindu. She did not live to see her granddaughter from me but no one could have persuaded me not to give my daughter a Hindu name. It never occurred to me that I could go for another cultural identity. My daughter’s name is Kavita, Hindu word, meaning poetry. Of course, my wife is Muslim, so my kid’s other name is Muslim – Farah.
Through the influence of our mother my brother and I never missed an
Indian film coming to Guyana. Four cinemas in Georgetown in the 60s and 70s showed Indian movies – Rio in Albouystown, Hollywood in Kitty, Empire on Middle Street and numero uno – Liberty on Garnet Street in Newtown Kitty. I never missed a Dharmendra movie.
He was my second-best Hindi actor after Rajesh Khanna. Dharmendra unfortunately never achieved mega-stardom the way Rajesh did because in the 1970s Rajesh smothered every major female and male Hindu actor. In those days, the Hindi screen was Rajesh and Rajesh was the Hindi screen.
What each movie-goer did at the time was that they would have a favourite actor who was number one but they put Rajesh in as separate space. And that is what I did. Dharmendra was on the top of my list but Rajesh was special. This is what my mother did too. Dharmendra was her favourite but Rajesh was special to her.
I have a lot of memories of Jimmy Cliff and Dharmendra, both in my teenagerhood and as a freshman at the University of Guyana. If you are too young to be acquainted with the music of Jimmy, then please see one of the Caribbean’s best films that
put reggae on the global map – “The Harder They Come” starring the man himself.
India is going to miss one of the greatest talents it produced in Dharmendra. Jamaica is going to miss one of its greatest sons, Jimmy Cliff. You never forget these people and you never will because they were there in your life as you broke out into the world. I remember
Jimmy Cliff because his music was in life in Wortmanville and dominated campus life at UG at the time I was a student there.
I remember Dharmend ra because his movies reminded me of the opportunity I never had of going to High School.
I got my GCEs doing afternoon lessons at Guyana Oriental College on Thomas Street which is now Eureka Labs. Many
afternoons, some of us would miss classes and off to Liberty to see Dharmendra. I wish both of them didn’t have to die. But we all do.
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.
The Orange Economy in Guyana
Dear Editor
CHANCES are that most people reading this article have never heard of the Orange Economy (OE). This is nothing to worry about because, in Guyana, it is a fresh idea that is now being developed.
The Orange Economy is grounded in creative and ideas-based value. Specifically, the OE refers to the ways in which economic value is generated through creative work, innovation, and intellectual property.
The OE spans multiple sectors and activities, including but not restricted to, tourism and cultural heritage, sports, film, television and visual media, arts and crafts, music, the performing arts, literature and publishing,
fashion and design, and nature.
Research shows that on a world scale, the OE is massive by any measure. It employs over 50 million persons world-wide and it is estimated that it will contribute 10% of global GDP by 2030.
The creative industries are expected to contribute more than US$3 trillion in 2025. By another estimate, if the OE were a sovereign nation, it would rank as the world’s fourth largest economy.
During the Office of the President two-day stint in Region Six, President Ali outlined the Orange Economy at the conceptual level, as well as the ways in which this innovation will contribute to the diversification of
the economy, provide opportunities for businesses across sectors, and allow hinterland regions to be more structurally integrated into national development.
The OE is particularly important to young people, because most of the jobs in this area are held by those between the ages of 18 and 29.
President Ali committed his administration to develop the requisite infrastructure (both visible and invisible) in order to facilitate the emergence of the OE.
The forthcoming Guyana Development Bank which will be capitalised with at least US$200 million is one policy measure, among others, that will help to push the Orange Economy from concept to actual practice.
During the OP Region Six outreach, the president talked extensively about Orange Economy-linked projects currently in progress, as well as new ones coming on board.
The stadium at Palmyra, for instance, is more than a piece physical infrastructure. Rather, it will be at the centre for a slew of economic activities where small and medium-size businesses will
thrive.
Sporting events will see hotel rooms and restaurants filled up, shops filled with customers, and event-linked jobs will abound.
The President unveiled a major development for 63 Beach where 100 cabins will be built. Sixty of the 100 will be owned and operated by young women, an initiative that is consistent with the administration’s intent to
empower women and draw them in more systematically into the mainstream business environment.
In Region Six and elsewhere in the country, much can be done to leverage the economic potential of our numerous cultural festivals, sports activities, the flora and fauna and the rich history of this nation.
Sincerely,
Dr Randy Persaud
U.S.-based Sunita Travel Agency opens branch at Turkeyen
SUNITA Travel Agency, on Tuesday, opened its local office here in Guyana at Lot 31, Area F, Plantation Turkeyen, bringing 18 years of expertise in world-class service and making bookings simple for air travellers.
Manager of the travel agency, Sunita Seegobin, said, during the simple opening ceremony, that the agency started out from a small office in Queens, New York in 2007 and today, it is a striving business in the United States.
She stated that she and her husband Ramnarace known as “Naresh,” left Guyana many years ago and they have now returned to invest in the country, playing a part in its development. She emphasised that their aim is to make bookings simpler for Guyanese. Additionally, they are hoping to build a strong clientele here in Guyana.
Seegobin later informed the gathering that the opening of the Guyana office was her husband’s dream. She said that he played an integral role from beginning to end.
According to her, the partnerships with a number of airlines and other stakeholders made the dream a reality. The U.S. team is keeping that office functional while the Seegobins concentrate on the Guyana office.
Meanwhile, representative of Caribbean Airlines, Dion Inniss, said that the travel agency has delivered excellent customer service in the U.S., and he knows they will do the same thing here in Guyana.
He pointed out that it is the trusted customer care
that has earned the company a wide clientele abroad and opening an office here in Guyana, is a bold investment, which is a clear signal of the confidence in the growing travel service industry in Guyana.
Inniss urged the company officials to remain transparent, serve with integrity and to centre the operations on customer care and introduc-
to him.
Sometime between 2007 and 2008, he stumbled upon the travel service in Queens, New York and has been using them since.
Medina told the large gathering that she has been living in the U.S. for the past 25 years and she only utilises Sunita Travel Agency. She said she will continue to use them because of the excellent
ing innovative bundles for air travel. He assured them that Caribbean Airlines stands with the travel agency.
During the opening ceremony, frequent flyers Hugh Ross and Nalini Medina gave testimonials about why they have chosen Sunita Travel Agency for all their air travel needs.
Ross stated that he had to come to Guyana for a funeral and he turned to Sunita Travel Agency for all his bookings. He said all he had to do was pack and leave since all his travel arrangements and details were forwarded
customer service. Also giving remarks was Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) Chief Executive Officer, Jagdesh Haripersaud, who is a family friend and a firsthand witness to the travel agency’s growth over the years.
He said Sunita Travel Agency is more than buying a plane ticket as it offers world-class service.
Following the ceremony, the ribbon was cut signalling the official opening of the brand-new office. A tour was conducted subsequently.
The cutting of the ribbon to signal the official opening of Sunita Travel Agency’s office in Guyana
Cananda’s Newfoundland, Labrador companies explore local energy opportunities
- during ‘highly productive’ trade mission to Guyana
CANADA’S Energy NL recently concluded a highly productive trade mission to Guyana, held from November 17 to 21, aimed at strengthening commercial ties, exploring emerging energy opportunities, and supporting Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) companies as they engage with one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly developing economies.
According to a press release, the mission, supported by Fiscal Frontier, featured six NL companies offering expertise across energy services, engineering, environmental management, and supply-chain solutions.
Over the past week, the delegation participated in targeted business-to-business meetings, industry briefings, and site visits designed to align Canadian and Guyanese capabilities.
The delegation held discussions with private-sector leaders and major energy operators active in Guyana’s expanding oil and gas sector, including ExxonMobil Guyana, SBM Offshore, Saipem, and MODEC.
Prior to these engagements, the Guyana Office for Investment provided an in-depth market overview, followed by strategic guidance from the High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Sebastien Sigouin.
High Commissioner Sigouin underscored the importance of in-market presence, noting that Guyana’s relationship-driven commercial environment rewards com -
The mission underscored the natural alignment between Newfoundland and Labrador and Guyana—two regions with deep experience in offshore resource development, a strong commitment to safe and sustainable operations, and a shared focus on building long-term, locally grounded partnerships.
Canada’s Energy NL recently concluded a highly productive trade mission to Guyana, held from November 17 to 21
panies that invest the time to understand local priorities and build trust on the ground.
The mission also included a roundtable session with a coalition of business-support organisations and chambers of commerce, offering the NL companies a broader view of opportunities not only in offshore petroleum development but also in renewable energy, digital transformation and supply-chain resilience, all areas where Canadian firms can offer complementary ex-
pertise, while supporting Guyana’s long-term development vision.
A key highlight of the mission was a networking reception hosted at the Official Residence of the High Commissioner of Canada.
The event brought together Guyanese industry leaders, private-sector representatives, and long-standing partners in bilateral co-operation, creating a meaningful platform for relationship building and future collaboration.
“The collaboration between Energy NL, its member companies and partners in Guyana continues to generate meaningful economic opportunities,” said High Commissioner Sigouin in his remarks.
He added: “Canada is proud to support the growth of these business relationships, which reinforce our shared commitment to innovation, responsible energy development and sustainable, long-term investment.”
Energy NL has maintained
a sustained presence in Guyana for nearly a decade, leading multiple trade missions and helping NL companies understand and contribute to the evolving local landscape.
This fifth trade mission builds on years of co-operation and sets the foundation for deeper engagement that respects Guyana’s local content framework and supports capacity-building within the country’s growing energy ecosystem.
Energy NL reaffirmed its commitment to assisting member companies as they pursue international opportunities, emphasising that their technical expertise is intended to complement—not compete with—local industry.
By focusing on partnerships, skills development and knowledge exchange, NL companies aim to support Guyana’s economic goals while contributing to a responsible, sustainable and inclusive energy future.
Minister Bharrat highlights Guyana’s leadership on forest finance, Jurisdictional REDD+
- just energy transition at COP30 in Belém
MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, has completed a series of high-level engagements at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, where he reaffirmed Guyana’s leadership in global forest finance, jurisdictional REDD+, and a fair, science-based energy transition.
Minister Bharrat delivered Guyana’s national
statement to the COP30 plenary, following and reinforcing the direction set by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the World Leaders’ Summit, which preceded the COP.
The Minister stressed Guyana’s commitment to a just energy transition grounded in climate science, sensible economics, and fairness, reflecting the realities of developing countries and the urgent need for prac-
tical finance, technology, and co-operation to implement real solutions.
A central part of Minister Bharrat’s programme was leading a series of events for the Forest and Climate Leaders’s Partnership – nearly 40 countries working together to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.
Minister Bharrat cochaired, alongside UK Minister for Climate, Katie White, the All-Mem-
bers Meeting of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP). Nearly 40 countries participated.
Minister Bharrat welcomed new members into the Partnership and underscored that the FCLP continues to grow as countries seek practical pathways to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.
He spoke of Guyana’s ability to advance an ambitious forest agenda because of the value now being placed on Guyana’s forests by global carbon markets, and emphasised that other forest countries must have access to finance that is predictable, fair, and aligned with development priorities
ADVANCING THE FOREST FINANCE ROADMAP
Minister Bharrat highlighted continued progress on the Forest Finance Roadmap, which was produced by the FCLP in partnership with the Government of Brazil and supported by UNEP.
The roadmap was shaped by the FCLP’s All-Members Meeting hosted earlier this year in Guyana, and it presents a menu of options for scaling forest finance, including expanding demand for high-integrity jurisdictional REDD+ forest credits and advancing Brazil’s proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) as part of a broad suite of solutions for long-term forest finance.
At an event hosted by the Government of Brazil at COP30, Minister Bharrat joined UK Secre-
tary of State Ed Miliband to underscore the importance of the roadmap as a practical tool to move from debate to delivery.
CHAMPIONING HIGH-INTEGRITY JURISDICTIONAL REDD+
Throughout his programme in Belém, Minister Bharrat emphasised the central role of high-integrity, jurisdictional REDD+ as one of the most credible pathways for delivering forest finance at scale. Guyana remains the first country in the world to issue and sell national-scale ART-TREES credits, demonstrating how market-based finance can support development while keeping forests standing. Revenues generated from Guyana’s jurisdictional system are invested into the priorities of the LCDS 2030, with more than 20% flowing directly to Indigenous Peoples and local communities across the country – supporting health, education, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
“Stable, predictable finance allows countries and communities to plan for sustainability,” Minister Bharrat said. “And when that confidence exists, real results follow – for forests, biodiversity, and people.”
ADVANCING SCIENCE-BASED AND ECONOMICALLY SOUND ENERGY TRANSITION
Minister Bharrat also outlined Guyana’s work to support a fair global energy transition through the delivery of the LCDS 2030 energy programme,
which includes major solar farms, distributed solar systems for Indigenous communities, the forthcoming gas-to-energy project to reduce emissions and strengthen grid reliability, and preparatory work on future renewable opportunities such as hydropower.
The Minister emphasised that a credible global energy transition must be grounded in climate science, supported by sensible economics, and anchored in fairness for developing countries that need both energy security and pathways to decarbonise.
Minister Bharrat also held bilateral meetings with officials from Brazil, Belize, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and others. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration around the Forest Finance Roadmap, advancing jurisdictional REDD+, and ensuring that forest countries speak with a stronger, more unified voice in global climate processes.
Speaking at an event at the conclusion of his visit to Belem, Minister Bharrat affirmed Guyana’s determination to help lead global ambition in the years ahead: “We have workable solutions. The roadmap is clear. Jurisdictional REDD+ is proven. A just energy transition is essential. Now the international community must move fro m ambition to action. Guyana will continue to lead by example that is balanced and grounded in real world experience.” (DPI)
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
‘We don’t see
bad children;
we
see children with promise’
-
Minister Walrond says; affirms govt’s commitment to rehabilitation of young offenders
MINISTER of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Andre Ally, on Monday, conducted an official visit to the Juvenile Holding Centre as part of the ministry’s continued focus on rehabilitation, protection, and youth development within the justice system.
According to information from the Home Affairs Ministry, the visit was facilitated by Deputy Director of the Juvenile Holding Centre, Shondel Shipley.
Former Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee and Psychologist, Raiza Khan, was also in attendance, providing technical insight into the psychosocial needs and rehabilitative priorities of juveniles in detention.
During the engagement, Minister Walrond met with several youths at the facility, and listened to their experiences, aspirations, and concerns.
“Visiting the Juvenile Holding Centre today, I had the privilege of listening and talking to some of our young people who possess great potential,” Minister Walrond said, adding: “We do not see bad children; we see young people with so much promise and so much life.”
She assured the resi -
dents that they remain a priority of the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“Just rest assured that you are not alone. You have a Government and a Minister working to make sure that when you leave here, you leave feeling full of hope, despite what you have gone through,” she said.
Reaffirming the ministry’s duty of care, Minister Walrond added: “We will care for you as long as you are under our remit, our supervision, and our care, and we are going to fight hard to ensure that you receive only the very best.”
She encouraged the juveniles to highlight their needs so that the ministry can strengthen the programmes offered at the facility.
“Tell us what you need, [whether it is] more books, more remedial education, because we want you to see that your life can be improved, and we are here to help make that happen,” the minister said.
Walrond also emphasised that her engagement with the young people will be ongoing, noting: “This is our first meeting, but it will not be our last. Now that I have seen your faces, I know who to ask about and how to make sure your needs are known.”
Reiterating her broad-
er policy commitment, she said: “As Minister of Home Affairs, I am committed to strengthening policies that focus on skills-training and ensuring the right resources are deployed for the benefit of all juveniles under our care.”
Permanent Secretary Ally echoed the minister’s commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of every child at the facility.
“We are here to ensure that your welfare and educational interests are protected, and that the staff care for you as they would their own children,” he said, adding: “We are committed to doing everything possible to keep you safe, comfortable, healthy, and educated.”
He also encouraged the youths to remain hopeful, noting: “This may be a bit of a rough patch, but I want to encourage you to stay positive and keep your head up. Your past does not determine what your future will be.”
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs to assess and enhance programmes related to education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and reintegration planning for juveniles as they work toward successful futures.
Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Andre Ally, on Monday, conducted an official visit to the Juvenile Holding Centre as part of the ministry’s continued focus on rehabilitation, protection, and youth development within the justice system
Labour Ministry probes workplace concerns at Aurora gold mines after videos surface
THE Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has launched a full investigation into a series of videos circulating on the Team Mohamed’s Facebook page alleging unsafe working conditions, wage grievances and other labour-related
concerns at the Chinese-owned Zijin Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc. Zijin operates a gold mine at Aurora in Region Seven.
According to the Ministry, no formal complaints were ever filed prior to the release of these videos mak -
ing this the first time the matters have been brought to its attention.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry said it is treating the allegations with urgency and has already activated the technical arm responsible for workplace inspections.
“The Honourable
Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, has instructed the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into the allegations presented in the videos,” the release confirmed.
The Ministry said it will engage all partiesworkers, management, and any other relevant stakeholders - to gather facts and determine next steps.
One of the videos highlights claims relating to wages, salaries, and fringe benefits. In response, the Minister urged both workers and the company to use the
process, in line with the country’s Labour Act, which aims to ensure that both parties are satisfied following its conclusion.”
The Ministry stressed that the La -
formal dispute-resolution mechanisms available under Guyana’s labour laws.
According to the release, Minister Griffith “encourages all interested parties, including both employees and employers, to visit the Ministry to initiate a peaceful conciliation
bour Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act provide the foundation for regulating employer-employee relations, workplace safety, and dispute resolution.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s mandate, the release stated, “The Ministry remains dedicated to ensuring that all workers in Guyana are treated fairly and work in safe, healthy environments.”
Minister Griffith reiterated that the Ministry will continue to enforce the law firmly while strengthening systems to protect workers’ rights across all sectors of the economy.
However, it highlighted that the Government remains focused on strengthening these protections and enforcing compliance.
A snippet from the video (News Source pic)
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith
Over 30,000 requests made for SoesdykeLinden Highway lands as demand surges
Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of the Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission, Enrique Monize, (second from left) on Tuesday revealed that some 30,000 requests have been made for land in the Soesdyke-Linden Highway area
GUYANA’S housing sector is undergoing more development than ever, with demand for housing at an all-time high, and so too are the systems surrounding land development and management.
This was revealed by Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of the Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission, Enrique Monize, during the closing ceremony of the Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM) Project.
Speaking to guests
at the event on Tuesday, Monize highlighted that some 30,000 requests have been made for land in the Soesdyke-Linden Highway area. As the commission continues to work on the distribution process, he said the heightened interest, coupled with the success of the SLDM project, reflects the blossoming growth of Guyana’s housing and land sector.
Monize described the growing number of housing requests as unprecedented in Guyana’s history, noting the provision of over 50,000 house lots
which was supported by the commission.
“The commission has seen the largest demand from the public and completely processed in the approval stage approximately 9,000 applications for land for various purposes, various acreages, totalling over 150,000 acres.”
He added, “The demand is so much that we currently have over 30,000 requests, just simply requests, for land in one location.”
Moreover, he noted that the commission has
Dr Gillian Smith, a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), (centre) emphasised the pivotal role the Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM) Project has played in creating and enabling an environment for advancing sustainable land-management practices in Guyana
made significant strides in responding to government requests, and has advanced work in policy, planning, technology, training and human-resource development. “We are proud to say that we have so far been able to deliver on almost all of the requests by government and in a timely manner.”
He added, “The commission saw the policies and plans of the government and decided that technology, training of a dedicated workforce and some amount of innovative planning were need-
ed.”
Taking a deeper look at the SLDM project, Dr Gillian Smith, a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said the initiative was pivotal in creating and enabling an environment for advancing sustainable land-management practices in Guyana.
By improving land-administration systems, streamlining land services and strengthening decision-making processes, she noted, the project has positioned Guyana to fos-
ter long-term economic, social and environmental development in keeping with the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. Through strategic collaboration between national institutions, regional and local bodies and international development partners, the project delivered major advances in technical capacity, data and information systems, institutional frameworks and operational practices.
“This joint effort not only enhanced our national
2020 elections fraud trial continues today
THE 2020 elections fraud trial resumed on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.
When the matter was last called on Tuesday, defence attorney Eusi Anderson raised concerns about several proposed exhibits and disclosure materials that the defence says it has not yet received.
In response, the court
had a list of outstanding items circulated, and the defence is now expected to formally indicate which specific documents and materials remain outstanding, so the prosecution can address the gaps.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Komal Pitama is among the key witnesses expected to take the stand shortly as the case continues.
The trial concerns allegations of electoral fraud
arising from the disputed General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020.
Those facing charges include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO, Roxanne Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; former Health Minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)
government, Volda Lawrence; and People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) member, Carol Smith-Joseph.
Also on trial are former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staffers Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller.
The defendants’ legal representation includes seasoned attorneys Nigel Hughes, Dexter Todd, Darren Wade, Eusi Anderson, and Ronald Daniels.
Collectively, the defendants face 19 charges ranging from conspiracy to defraud to misconduct in public office.
Due to the charges arising from the same set of circumstances, the matters have been consolidated. Each defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges and secured their release by posting significant cash bail.
The prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhanie, argued that each defendant played a “critical role” in the deliberate effort to inflate votes for the APNU+AFC and reduce votes for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).
In the weeks that followed the contentious March 2, 2020, vote, Guyana’s judiciary was inundated with multiple applications and appeals filed by various political actors over the electoral process.
The saga lasted five months before a national recount, led by GECOM and a delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), confirmed the PPP/C’s victory and ultimately led to the swearing-in of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on August 2,
2020.
The recount confirmed that the PPP/C had won the elections with 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC coalition 217,920.
The initial election results, announced by former CEO Lowenfield, claimed an APNU+AFC victory.
The APNU+AFC coalition 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.
The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections had found that there were collusion and collaboration between senior GECOM officials to divert votes to the APNU +AFC, instead of safeguarding and preserving the integrity of the electoral system.
Chairman Stanley John and commissioners — former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith made these findings based on evidence from the many witnesses who testified, along with the reports of the international observers.
“…our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for
the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election, and that they did so – to put it in unvarnished language of the ordinary man – for the purpose of stealing the election,” they said in their report.
The report found that Lowenfield blatantly made decisions and employed procedures in direct contradiction to the law and the will of the people.
The findings revealed too that GECOM staffers had ignored specific instructions from the court, used materials that were illegal and or manipulated, and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers whenever objections were raised.
After careful scrutiny, the CoI commissioners concluded that there was a conscious and deliberate – even brazen –effort to violate the provisions of section 84(1) of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA)
In so doing, certain “senior GECOM officials” abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality and demonstrated a bias for the APNU+AFC and, in the course of events over those days, showed an “open connection” with that party, and by their efforts sought a desired result for the coalition.
As such, the commissioners said that after consideration and analysis of the evidence, Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers “were principally responsible for clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No. 4.”
Over 30,000 requests made for Soesdyke...
PAGE 13
capacities, but also laid the groundwork for a more resilient land management solution that aligns with national development priorities and global sustainability commitments,” she added. “The project stands today as a demonstration of what coordinated partnership, shared responsibility and sustained effort can achieve in promoting sustainable land management and safeguarding land resources for future generations.”
Dr Smith noted that the SLDM project has been years in the making, advancing steadily since 2018 despite major setbacks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this period, she said, national partners
worked together to deliver reforms, adding, “We have all worked together to deliver reforms and to deliver new technology, new ideas, new innovation in policy, geospatial modernisation and sustainable land restoration.”
Describing it as one of the most ambitious land-governance efforts undertaken in recent years, she highlighted its wide reach, engaging more than 20 national and regional agencies and training over 600 people including farmers, students, planners and technicians, contributing to what she called “a strong ecosystem for land governance.”
She explained that capacity building extended well beyond classrooms, with hundreds of Guyanese gaining hands- on
skills. Under one component alone, nearly 100 farmers, 30 miners and almost 170 community actors were trained to assess land degradation and apply sustainable land-management tools. The project also drew on expertise from Brazil, Italy, Canada and across the Caribbean, supporting work in geology; LIDAR mapping; digital land administration; soil restoration and climate-smart agriculture, expertise that Dr Smith said has created impact that lasts.
According to Dr Smith, what truly defines the project’s success is that it strengthened and complemented Guyana’s own land-development agenda. “This project has been successful because of the
national ownership,” she emphasised, crediting the leadership of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission for embedding innovations into long-term national systems.
Among the achievements she outlined were advances in geospatial
infrastructure; digital transformation, including a next-generation lease system; institutional strengthening; upgraded equipment and improved access for more than 10,000 land users.
Though the initiative officially closes on Decem-
ber 31, Dr Smith stressed, “The project comes to an end on the 31st of December this year, but the systems, the skills and the partnerships built through this project are laying the foundation for the next generation of land administration.”
Faster Local Content Certificate approvals from January 2026
BUSINESSES seeking Local Content Certificates will benefit from significantly faster and more predictable approval timelines beginning January 2026, as the Ministry of Natural Resources rolls out a structured processing system aimed at strengthening service delivery and improving the ease of doing business in Guyana.
The new framework implemented through the Local Content Secretariat sets clear turnaround periods for all classes of applicants.
According to a release form the ministry on Tuesday, the shift is part of the administration’s wider drive to modernise public services and eliminate long-standing delays that have affected business operations.
The secretariat made it
clear that the revised approval periods will begin only when an applicant’s documentation is fully submitted, emphasising that the goal is to deliver consistency, transparency and a disciplined approach to certification.
In its statement, the ministry underscored that the improved model “ensures that processing periods are consistent, transparent, and aligned with the government’s commitment to a more responsive Public Service.”
An updated checklist of required documents will be posted on the petroleum.gov. gy website ahead of implementation, allowing companies to prepare complete submissions from the outset.
The announcement builds on three years of measurable gains under the Local Con-
tent Law. According to data released by the ministry, payment timelines once stretching beyond three months have already been cut from over 90 days down to 30, giving local suppliers faster access to cash flow and reducing financial strain.
Spending by oil companies on Guyanese businesses continues to climb steadily. In 2023, operators invested US$720 million in local goods, services and manpower, while preliminary figures indicate spending reached US$743 million in 2024, reflecting not only procurement and contracting, but also training, employment, and talent development.
More than 1,000 Guyanese businesses have now been awarded Local Content Certificates, illustrating the scale of local participation in
the sector.
The business community has already endorsed the overhaul.
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in a statement issued on Tuesday, said it “commends the Local Content Secretariat on the move to improve its processing time for local content certificates.”
The chamber noted that the initiative “focuses on efficiency, provides guided timelines and allows businesses to access this crucial document on a timely basis.”
The GCCI, which has held ongoing consultations with the secretariat on matters including transaction turnaround and updates to the Local Content Act Schedule of Services, said it expects the new approval regime to
strengthen the overall business environment.
“The GCCI looks forward to continued dialogue with the LCS and the effective implementation of this decision, which is anticipated to improve the ease of doing business in Guyana,” the statement added.
The ministry is also preparing to digitise the process further. Alongside the Local Content App, launched earlier this year to connect suppliers with contractors and streamline procurement visibility, the secretariat will introduce a new online application portal in January.
This, officials say, is in-
tended to “optimise efficiencies in the process” and reduce the need for in-person submissions as application volumes continue to rise.
The improved processing timelines, coupled with the expanded digital infrastructure, signal a major advance in the administration of local content and reinforces the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government’s broader policy posture, building a business climate that is faster, fairer and more responsive as Guyanese participation continues to deepen across the oil-and-gas supply chain.
CARICOM SG spotlights growing threat of digital abuse against women, girls
THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has said that it stands in solidarity with the global community in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December).
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, in a message, highlighted the urgent need to confront violence
silence and stigma, all of which have allowed violence against women and girls to become normalised in far too many communities,” Dr Barnett said.
This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” addresses the alarming rise of digital violence against women and girls, fuelled by artificial intelligence,
Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett
against women and girls, including the growing threat of digital abuse. She reaffirmed the Region’s commitment to building safe, inclusive societies where every woman and girl can thrive and highlights the work of member states and the secretariat in this regard.
“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joins the global community in recognising the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, during which four important days will be observed: the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, Human Rights Defenders’ Day on 29 November, World AIDS Day on 1 December and Human Rights Day on 10 December.
“The campaign underscores that violence denies women and girls the enjoyment of the full complement of their human rights. CARICOM joins this global call to action against harmful gender norms, impunity,
online anonymity, and weak legal accountability.
“Despite the internet’s potential for empowerment, women and girls now face increased threats, including cyber harassment, deepfake attacks and relentless online abuse. UN Women reports that 1.8 billion women and girls lack legal protection from technology-facilitated abuse, with less than 40% of countries having relevant laws. The escalation of AI-driven abuse has made it faster, more targeted and harder to detect, with deepfake pornography disproportionately affecting women,” Dr. Barnett said.
She reasoned that the rise of the “manosphere”, a network of online communities promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny, adds to the growing threat to gender equality; it negatively affects the mental and physical well-being of both women and men, and deters women from participating in
CARICOM
CARICOM SG spotlights...
FROM PAGE 17
digital spaces.
“With billions of people online, digital platforms are increasingly being used to spread hate, harmful stereotypes, reinforce sexist ideologies and portray feminism negatively among young men and boys,” Dr Barnett said.
Social media is being used to amplify these divisive messages, causing real-world impacts on attitudes and behaviours, affecting careers, shaping culture, causing fear and contributing to extreme acts of violence.
“There is an urgent need to devise effective approaches to counteract toxic online environments. Multifaceted efforts must include research; policy advocacy; support for survivors; public education about gender equality and healthy relationships; youth-focused programmes; digital literacy and cultural change,” Dr Barnett related, adding: “Emphasis should continue to be placed on legislative reform; hiring of more women in the digital space; swift removal of harmful content; and deceleration of the spread of misogynistic ideas.”
According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner.
Prevalence surveys conducted between 20172019 in five CARICOM member states, sampling women and girls 15-64 years old, indicate incidence rates as high as
one in two women. The social and economic consequences are concerning, with potential costs in healthcare, legal services and lost productivity. This underscores the need for a comprehensive response in member countries.
Dr Barnett said: “CARICOM member states have been implementing measures to address violence against women and girls by promoting gender equality, strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing support systems for survivors.
“The CARICOM Secretariat remains committed to supporting member states in developing and implementing polices to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including through facilitating training of frontline professionals, including police, healthcare workers and social-service providers, to better respond to cases of gender-based violence.”
She went on to say: “Today, we honour the courage of survivors, amplify their voices and commit to remain united in the pursuit of justice and equality. The eradication of violence against women is not only a moral and vital human-rights imperative, but a prerequisite for sustainable development and prosperity. In a Region of some 16 million people, more than half of whom are women and girls, we are individually and collectively responsible for creating safe, inclusive, and equitable societies, where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.”
West Indies ‘brimming with confidence’ ahead of test series
CMC – HAVING been competitive in both the preceding T20I and One Day International series against New Zealand, West Indies head coach, Daren Sammy, said the team was brimming with confidence ahead of its upcoming Test series.
The visitors last defeated the Kiwis in a Test series in the Caribbean in 2012 and will be searching for their first Test series win in New Zealand in over 30 years.
In fact, the West Indies have not won a Test match in New Zealand since 1987, when they drew the threematch series 1-1.
Despite their underwhelming record against the hosts, Sammy said he was impressed by his team’s mindset heading into the first
Test, which bowls off on December 2. The regional team will play a two-day warmup match against a New Zealand XI beginning on Wednesday.
“In the [T20I and ODI] series, we created so many opportunities to win. When I look at the seven games that were played, we were in contention to win five of them, but we let it slip away, but credit must go to New Zealand on how they’ve made home a fortress.
“I was quite impressed with the positives that we had coming out of that series and now we’re in the Test match arena. We haven’t won here since 1995 – that’s 30 years – so we have a challenge on our hands,” Sammy told members of the media following a practice session on
Monday.
“But I was just watching these guys prepare and the intensity at training today is something that we’ve spoken about and to see the immediate reaction to the things that we want to see, I’m quite happy with the way preparations are going.”
Sammy said the West Indies were looking to upset New Zealand in the threematch series and end the year on a winning note.
He pointed out that the team had impressed in their last Test match against India and he was looking forward to them continuing in that vein. “First in order to win you must be able to compete, and we have to compete.
“I’m just watching the Ashes and the Test match
went two days, so you know it’s not only West Indies. Then I watched a Test match in South Africa with India, and I don’t think it went into the third day either. We came from India, and we pushed them into a fifth day in a Test match, something that has not been done in a while in India,” Sammy said.
“We might not have the numbers behind us coming into New Zealand, but I think the mindset that we have here and what we’re trying to create here is good, and it boils down to execution…One thing we’ve shown over here is that we challenge them. In the T20I series, in the ODI series, I don’t think the results reflected on how we played.”
20th Diamond Mineral Water International Hockey Festival launched
THE Guyana Hockey Board, on Tuesday, launched the 20th edition of the Diamond Mineral Water International Hockey Festival at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The competition is set to run from Thursday November 27 to Sunday November 30. This year sees top local sides Old Fort, Pepsi Hiker, GCC and Saints Hockey Clubs battling club teams from Trinidad and Tobago.
Vice President of the Hockey Board, Tricia Fiedtkou, said, “I cannot express to you how extremely proud
and excited I feel knowing that the Guyana Hockey Board, with the support of the Demerara Distillers Limited brand, has managed to overcome many challenges to make this Festival a reality year after year. Each year is different and this weekend, in the newly-refurbished and air-conditioned Cliff Anderson Sports hall promises to be no less exciting.”
She added, “Sports tourism is extremely important to Guyana since we cannot offer the blue water beaches but visiting teams can experience the eco-tourist attractions,
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
- Action slugs of on Thursday at CASH
culture and reknowned hospitality of our country.”
Brand Executive of the title sponsors Demerara Distiller Limited, Raveena Mangal, said the company looks forward to assisting the longest running hockey festival in Guyana and the Caribbean and to provide athletes with platform to perform.
“Now in its very impressive 20th year, each year we look forward to Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey tournament. It has been signature event in our annual calendar and its competitive spirit continues to elevate the sport. Our long-standing partnership with the Guyana Hockey Board has a meaningful impact, providing athletes with valuable opportunities to compete, grow and strengthen their skills. Diamond Mineral Water is proud to play a part in the advancement of sports nationwide.”
Ansa McAl is also sponsoring the master’s division with Brand Executive, Triston Freeman, saying that the company was delighted to continue its support of the historic competition.
“We are very excited to be a part of this tournament
again; over the last decade, we have thrown our support behind the hockey federation and sports in general. We have always been supporting sport initiatives and programmes, whatever sports in Guyana and we are very interested and happy to be a part of this tournament. For the first time the tropical rhythm brand will be headlining on behalf of Ansa McAl, a brand that is very inclusive.”
Trophy stall will this year be sponsoring trophies while the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports has also given support through the usage of the renovated facility.
The clubs will battle for a purse of US$10,000 dollars in the men and women open and master Over-40 and master Over-50 categories with all games being played at the Sports Hall.
The organiser said the introduction of two veterans’ divisions is mainly because the World Cup indoor hockey tournament is set to be held in Nottingham, UK in March 2026.
The GHB is expecting to field teams in several age groups including one from the women.
South African build lead past 500 against India
(ESPNCRICINFO) –
SOUTH AFRICA ensured their first series win in India in 25 years by building on their lead for nearly five hours. While the declaration, setting India more than they have ever been set at home, seemed a touch conservative, the visitors went to stumps needing eight wickets on the final day to take away all 12 WTC points from this Test and consign India to their second whitewash at home in 12 months after 12 years of spotless series record.
As it often happens in such match situations, the same pitch that South Africa batted on, looking untroubled for 70.3 overs, began to look unplayable in the 15.5 India got to play. Marco Jansen didn’t even bother with swing and seam, and began to bounce Yashasvi Jaiswal before getting him out on the cut shot. Simon Harmer, who has out-bowled the home spinners, continued his dream series with a dream offbreak to bowl KL Rahul through the gate, and came desperately close to getting B Sai Sudharsan out lbw.
The day began with cu-
riosity around how much South Africa valued the 12 full points from this match vis-a-vis ensuring they give India no chance to threaten their series lead. Turns out they were in no mood for adventure.
Especially as the ball started to turn more consistently in the first session of the fourth day than it had done at any point before.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar got long spells in. Jadeja got Ryan Rickelton
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caught at extra cover, but then India did what they have struggled to do all Test: get wickets on defensive shots. Jadeja beat Aiden Markram’s outside edge and hit the off stump, Washington got one to bite at Temba Bavuma’s glove and settle in the hands of backward short leg.
As three wickets fell for
18 runs, South Africa remained slightly cautious. Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi, though, managed to keep the threat of spin out with their sweeps and reverse sweeps. After Rishabh Pant missed a stumping off Stubbs, the No. 3 batter limited his options to just the sweeps whenever he wanted
to force the pace.
Stubbs and de Zorzi added 101 for the fourth wicket, 41 of those in sweeps and reverse sweeps. Like Stubbs in the first innings, de Zorzi fell one short of a fifty, beaten on the sweep for a change. It was mid-afternoon and South Africa led by 466, but they still continued to bat at normal pace.
Only after the lunch break did Stubbs get a move-on to try to complete a Test hundred, but even this charge was not frenetic. The team management gave him all the time as he scored 32 from the last 19 balls he faced, taking the lead past the 542 that Australia attained in Nagpur in 2004.
He slog-swept Jadeja to go from 88 to 94, but Jadeja slowed the ball down to beat a repeat attempt. Stubbs still was the highest run-getter in the series (163), and would need a big effort from someone in the final innings to be eclipsed.
That effort wasn’t coming
from the openers. India have done this to many a visiting side - just when everybody thought they had been too conservative with the declaration, the pitch would magically change its nature and wickets would start falling.
Something similar happened when Jansen ran in and started bowling short. In the first over itself, he had Jaiswal fending uncomfortably. One didn’t pop up, the other landed just short of second slip. While Jaiswal managed to ramp him once, he fell to his favourite cut shot again.
Since Jaiswal’s debut, nobody has scored more Test runs with the cut off fast bowlers than his 291, but no one has got out as often as his seven times. Nobody has played as many false shots as he has on the cut to the fast bowler: 68. He averages 41.57 on the cut against fast bowlers, but has fallen to this shot four times in his last eight innings.
KL Rahul was done in by a jaffa •Nov 25,
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Inaugural CBO Boxing Day card vital to boxing revival
- Allicock to headline against DR’s Yendy Rodriguez - Former CABOFE president Abdool
PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) and former Caribbean Boxing Confederation (CABOFE) Peter Abdool said that the formation of the Caribbean Boxing Organization headed by Guyanese Seon Bristol could be a game changer for the regional sustenance of the sport.
“Mr. Bristol’s initiative addresses many things. First of all, it helps to produce more fights which is important, it bring on board other promoters like himself who will learn various aspects of the sport, especially how they operate and so on and it’s essentially an imperative for the sport to be sustained across the Caribbean; it is not just a Guyana Initiative,” Abdool said.
The CBO’s first card of the return of the Boxing Day activity will be headlined by Olympian Keevin Allicock and AMBC Bronze medalist Desmond Amsterdam.
Abdool, a board member
of the World Boxing Council (WBC) says with the likes of Barbados, Trinidad, St Martin, Bahamas, Jamaica, St Lucia, Grenada and Curacao already signed on, the CBO has already had a tremendous start to its effort.
He added that it helps to set the tone of what is going to happen in the Caribbean with respect to boxing in the future.
On the Boxing Day card, Allicock who has a flawless international record in his three outings on the professional scene in the featherweight category, comes up against Yendy Rodriguez of Dominican Republic.
The other main event features Bahamas’s Rasheild Williams and Jamaica Nico Yeyo in the squared circle. In the middleweight division, former Caribbean Champion Amsterdam will compete in his second professional bout against Wilson Fernanedez of Dominican Republic.
The under-card features
Barbados’ Tyreec Tait against Grenada’s Rickenson Henry and Trinidad’s Tianna Guy will take on Dominican Republic Carl Paniague.
sional boxing administrator, Abdool, says that the tone of the first card is one with a Caribbean flavour.
The other bout on the night sees Guyanese Terrence Adams fighting Anthony Joseph.
The long-time profes -
‘While the first two main bouts are Keevin Allicock and Desmond Amsterdam, they are notably fighting people from the Dominican republic and on the card I see there is a Barbadian, Trinidadians, Bahamian which we will see for the first time and so on; so it is likely to
be an extremely entertaining event because I think what has happened is the promoter got together and essentially picked the best of their fighters from the various countries, so what we are going to get I would imagine is going to be a treat.”
The organiser hopes to stage one fight annually in all eight nations signed on to the CBO in each territory.
West Indies drawn in group C with England, Bangladesh
(ESPNCRICINFO) - INDIA
have been grouped with Pakistan; Sri Lanka with Australia and Ireland; England with West Indies and Bangladesh; and New Zealand with Afghanistan and South Africa at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in February and March.
The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7 and ends on March 8, with the marquee India-Pakistan fixture scheduled for February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The ICC revealed the groups and fixtures at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The complete first-round
groups are as follows:
Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
The final of the tournament will be played in Ahmedabad or Colombo on March 8 - if Pakistan qualify it will be in the latter. Similarly the two semi-finals are in Kolkata - or Colombo if Pakistan qualify - on March 4, and Mumbai on March 5.
The other venues for the event are Delhi and Chennai in India, and Kandy in Sri Lanka. Both
the R Premadasa Stadium and the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo will host games, and all the group matches involving Sri Lanka or Pakistan will be played in Sri Lanka.
The other teams in Group B - Australia, Ireland, Oman, Zimbabwe - will also play all their group matches in Sri Lanka. India and Netherlands are the only teams with group matches at four different venues, including one in Colombo.
The games start at 11am (0530 GMT), 3pm (0930 GMT) and 7pm IST (1330 GMT).
The format for the tournament is the same as the previous edition in 2024 in the USA and the West
Indies, where the 20 teams were divided into five groups of four. The group stage runs from February 7 to February 20.
The top two teams from each of the groups progress to a Super Eight phase from February 21 to March 1 where they will be further divided into two groups of four each.
The Super Eight groups are as follows assuming these teams qualify from the first round; if another team qualifies, they will take the place of the team from their group that failed to make it:
Super Eight Group 1: X1 (India), X2 (Australia), X3 (West Indies), X4 (South Africa)
Super Eight Group 2: Y1 (England), Y2 (New Zealand), Y3 (Pakistan), Y4 (Sri Lanka)
Each team will play the other three in their Super Eight group, with the top two from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. Unlike at the 2024 World Cup, where teams like India played two matches in three matches in five days and the pitches became an issue, the ICC has decided not to hold multiple matches at a venue within a short span of time. One exception though is the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where four matches will be played in six days - on February 7,8, 11 and 12.
Yendy Rodriguez of Dominican Republic
Keevin Allicock
RAN Sevens Championship….
Coach Lewis says Green Machine rebuilding for the future
NATIONAL Rugby head Coach, Stephen Lewis, told Guyana Chronicle that while the results in the recently concluded Rugby America North (RAN) Sevens was not as expected, it was the beginning of the rebuilding phase for the squad.
The 2025 edition of the tournament, held in Trinidad and Tobago saw the green machine crash out in 6th place.
“[It was] a mixed weekend - some very good performances and a couple of disappointing ones; wins against Jamaica and Cayman Islands. We lost to Barbados in the quarter finals and then lost to Mexico in the final game 147. [Our] stand-out performer was Lionel Holder, the captain for the weekend and he performed really well. For
the women, they beat Barbados and their final record was 2 wins and 4 losses; that is a good performance from them,” the head coach said.
He said the unit is still on the path to becoming powerhouses which will take some more time.
The head coach added, “So all in all, it’s a rebuilding programme at the moment, so this type of international experience is vital.
These players can learn to improve in the programme and get better; so all in all a mixed weekend. Good to see Guyana back onto the international stage and competing.”
Mexico captured the women’s title after defeating Jamaica in the finals 22-19 with the Guyanese women playing the regional tournament again after nearly a
decade finishing 5th place overall.
In the game for fifth place against Barbados, they won it 14-7.
Earlier in the competition they suffered a heavy loss to Trinidad 39-0 and Mexico 43-0.
They stopped Barbados 10-5, then went down to
Bermuda narrowly 19-14 and then Jamaica 43-0.
Meantime, Canada beat Barbados 31-nil in the men’s finals. Guyana’s men’s team reached the quarter final but lost to eventual finalist Barbados 36-5.
They bounced back thereafter to get one over arch rivals Jamaica 14-12 in another tense match-up. Afterwards they faced off with Mexico in the 5th place match-up but lost narrowly in a nail-biting clash 12-7.
The Guyanese had beaten Cayman Islands 24-5 in their final group clash. On the opening day on Friday, they battled Trinidad with that match-up ending 14-14 after a thrilling showdown.
Republic Bank U18 Football League... Chase maul President College to stay flawless
CHASE Academic Foundation continued their unbeaten run in the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Secondary School Football League with a 10-nil whipping of President College over the weekend.
Chase’s leading scorer Bryan Wharton was again the man with the golden boot as he recorded a fiver with goals in the 9th, 15th, 27th, 32th and 34th.
Isaiah Ifill also supported well with a brace for Chase, while the
other goals were scored by Nyron Barrow, Shaquan David, and Darius Chester. The win was Chase’s sixth in the league moving them to 18 points to lead the points table.
Three Mile Secondary was defeated by Charlestown Secondary
3-1. Charlestown Secondary’s goal scorer was Nicholas Nieuelder with a double with Dilshawn Alleyne scoring the other goal. South Ruimveldt Secondary went down to West Ruimveldt Secondary 1-nil with Joel Griffith responsible for the lone
goal. The win moves West to five wins and 15 points to second place on the table with Three Miles third on four wins on 12 points. Abram Zuil Secondary also handed Dolphin Secondary a walkover victory.
Guyana national female rugger Tricia Monroe on the go against Bermuda.
GRFU head coach, Stephen Lewis
2026 Men’s T20 World Cup...
West Indies drawn in group C with England, Bangladesh
Guyana Hockey Board Committee member, Shaundel Grant, DDL brand executive, Raveena Mangal, Guyana hockey Board VP, Tricia Fiedtkou and Ansa McAl Business executive, Triston Freeman
Daren Sammy
The West Indies have been drawn alongside England, Bangladesh, Nepal and Italy in group C of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup
