- spotlights direct interventions, structural realignment for poverty, cost of living reduction - says PPP/C gov’t will make taxation system less complex
Air travel to the Amerindian village of Karisparu in Region Eight is now safer and more dependable following a $314.4 million upgrade to the community’s airstrip. The investment has transformed the once uneven, sand-gravel runway, which was prone to waterlogging during heavy rainfall, and poor aircraft performance in dry conditions, into a fully functional concrete surface. According to the Ministry of Public Works, the upgraded airstrip retains its original alignment, and now measures 720 metres in length, and 15.24 metres in width, featuring a 125mm-thick concrete surface, along with a 30-metre by 30-metre aircraft apron. The apron is a vital component of the airstrip, which provides an area for an aircraft to be serviced or readied for subsequent flights. The key elements of the rehabilitation work include topographic and engineering surveys, the application of a 150mm sand-gravel levelling course, followed by a 150mm sand-gravel base course, and finally the placement of the 125mm concrete surface (DPI photo)
101 NOT OUT! A member of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Difficult Circumstances Unit on Sunday joined Geraldine Agatha Quintyn, affectionately called ‘Gee’, as she celebrated her 101st birthday. In a Facebook post, the ministry said that Grandma Gee was born in Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice, to Ram Dutchin and Beatrice Farrell, and is the last surviving child of ten siblings, which included her beloved twin sister, Rosalind. She has four surviving children, two stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. After the passing of her husband, Samuel Quintyn, in 1964, she spent most of her life in Kitty, and worshipped at the St. George’s Cathedral. To mark the momentous occasion, she was presented with a gift basket (MHSSS photo)
- Gaskin says, notes both parties
APNU, AFC ‘continue to ignore’ 2020 elections impasse
- Gaskin says, notes both parties failed to regain trust of electorate five years on
YEARS after the controversial 2020 General and Regional Elections were held, former Minister of Business under the then APNU+AFC administration, Dominic Gaskin, has said that both parties continue to deliberately ignore the political crisis that followed and have failed to take meaningful steps to regain the trust of the electorate.
Gaskin made this known while speaking on the Starting Point podcast, during which he offered his assess -
ment of the then-coalition’s approach to the elections impasse.
Asked whether the APNU and the AFC had heeded his earlier calls to “honour the will of the people” and work to regain the support of swing voters, Gaskin responded, “Simple, no. I've seen nothing over the last five years from either APNU or the AFC that says to me, ‘Look, we've examined the situation, we've done some internal agonising and investigations, and here's our take on it.’”
He added, “Their
comfort zone seems to be just ignoring it and hoping it will go away.”
3rd and August, when the new government was sworn in …that five-month period, pretending it didn't happen and worse yet, even referring to the current government as [illegitimate]. It doesn't help the opposition to do that,” he stated.
Further to this, he emphasised that this position did not regain the trust of the people.
over the last five years and not be too swayed by... the sweeteners that you hand out in the last few weeks of your campaign,” he said.
Against this backdrop, the former minister, while noting that he is no longer affiliated with any political party, criticised the opposition’s posture following the swearing in of President Dr Irfaan Ali in August 2020.
“Ignoring what took place between the elections, March
As the country enters another election cycle, he disclosed that while last-minute campaign promises may gain the two parties some votes, most people are likely to vote on the basis of performance.
“Yes, you can make last-minute campaign promises. You’ll get a little bit of traction. But by and large, people will vote for you based on your performance
During the 2020 elections impasse, Gaskin called out the coalition, noting that it had been deliberately fooling supporters with exaggerated claims of electoral fraud and urged the party to be honest and accept the defeat.
“The claims of fraud were grossly exaggerated and unfortunately designed to fool party supporters, who had placed their faith in the coalition, into believing that there was actual evidence of serious elections rigging by the PPP/C,” Gaskin had written at the time.
Former APNU+AFC minister Dominic
President Ali outlines comprehensive support plan for Guyanese
By Naomi Parris
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the Government of Guyana, through direct interventions and the structural realignment of the taxation system, will continue to invest in its people by building out an ecosystem that supports a good quality of life, promotes the reduction of poverty and reduces the cost of living.
The Head of State during a live Sunday broadcast noted that while the government has already rolled out a slew of measures and have expanded social services, these will be further accelerated should the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration return for a second term.
“I am going to outline to you this very deliberate and clear strategy that supports a specific social welfare programme, an enhancement programme that looks at a system where the taxation system must not add any burden…in the five years ahead of us, the taxation system will become less complex,” President Ali said.
Further, he assured his
viewers that the focus is on systemic policies that address both short-term and long-term challenges, promoting economic growth and social safety nets.
“It would allow more income in the pockets of people. We will ensure that every segment of the population grows but more direct initiatives are pursued at the family level, the lower income level, the middle-income level, supporting our young professionals so that they can have a high-quality life.”
The government he noted will be further enhancing access to essential services like health, education, and water infrastructure.
“Those are things that will continue to support, because they're essential in addressing vulnerabilities. So, for example, the increase salaries for public service and our public servants, and… support [for] our farmers, the increases in old-age pension, public assistance grants and programme, the NIS pension, Because We Care grant for school children, that will be expanded.
He added: “So we have
crafted some very specific issues in addressing poverty, in addressing cost of living, all aimed at ensuring all of our country grow in this period of economic expansion.”
Already too, the government has committed to slashing electricity and cooking gas costs by 50 per cent when its flagship gas-to-energy project comes on stream.
This he noted is an essential service that will see direct relief.
“So, when you have not only accessibility and reliability, but the cost of energy coming down by half that is directly addressing poverty, because this is an essential service. Similarly, with the gas project coming on stream, cooking gas is going to come down substantially. We are targeting cylinder of cooking gas at $1,000. Now that, again, is another essential item, that's another essential item that will reduce poverty that will save for the household.”
Further, he emphasised that community wealth will be at the core of the government’s economic expansion. According to him, these will
- spotlights direct interventions, structural realignment for poverty, cost of living reduction
- says PPP/C gov’t will make taxation system less complex
see co-investment and grants for small and medium-sized enterprises, expanded parttime job programmes with skills training, incentivised lending through lower interest rates and reduced collateral requirements, community housing subsidies for low-income families and direct support to the arts, forestry, fishing and mining sectors.
For example, the president stated: “We're removing every cost associated with education from the ordinary family: textbooks,
primary education, secondary education, free university education, transportation grant, Because We Care grant, expanding the school feeding programme.”
Over the past five years, more than 200 taxes have been repealed, while social programmes have been broadened to include all sectors of society. Measures have been introduced to offer subsidies and direct support for housing construction and improvement, with a particular focus on assisting poor and vulner-
able families. Initiatives to encourage banks to lower interest rates and ease collateral requirements for low-income groups have also been explored.
“These are the things that we're going to pursue in a comprehensive way in the next five years as we address poverty costs of living and economic expansion directly at a community level, and the regional level, and a national level,” President Ali emphasised on Sunday.
Renowned American journalist’s visit highlights growing ties between Northern Brazil, Guyana
AS Guyana’s oil-fuelled economic boom ripples across the northern tier of South America, its neighbours are moving quickly to position themselves within this emerging zone of growth.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Brazil’s frontier state of Roraima, where officials are accelerating efforts to integrate with their rapidly rising neighbour to the north.
A recent visit by Newsweek journalist and six-time Emmy Award-winning television producer Arick Wierson has spotlighted this unfolding transformation.
Wierson, who has dubbed the cross-border development zone that encompasses Roraima, Guyana and Suriname as the “Golden Arc,” travelled to Roraima to meet with state leaders and examine how the region is aligning itself with
Guyana’s trajectory—and what it could mean for the future of trade, infrastructure and diplomacy across the continent.
Wierson’s visit comes on the heels of a high-level Roraima state delegation to neighbouring Guyana led by Governor Antonio (“Denarium”) Oliverio García de Almeida, who met with President, Dr Irfaan Ali and senior Guyanese ministers to discuss a broad range of cross-border co-operation initiatives. The proximity of these two visits underscores what many in the region are increasingly seeing as an inflection point in the deepening relationship between Brazil’s agricultural frontier and Guyana’s burgeoning energy economy.
“There is a sense of inevitability to what’s happening here,” said Governor De -
narium during his meeting with Wierson in Boa Vista.
“The success of Roraima is, in many ways, a function of the success of Guyana. We’re talking about a logistics and infrastructure corridor that will not only open up oppor-
tunities for Roraima, but for all of northern Brazil.”
THE ‘GOLDEN ARC’ VISION
Wierson has taken a particular interest in what he calls the “Golden Arc”—a vast, underdeveloped belt
stretching across northern Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname.
“It’s rare to see this kind of synchronised growth potential across three adjacent regions,” he said. “Roraima is the fastest-growing state in Brazil. Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in the world. And Suriname, with its offshore oil fields just now beginning to come online, is next. This corridor is poised for a decades-long boom that could rival the Gulf region’s transformation in the late 20th century.”
Some analysts have also begun referring to these emerging markets as the “Jaguar economies”—early efforts to give shape and identity to a region undergoing extraordinary change. Wierson acknowledges the value of such branding. “Whether you
call it the ‘Golden Arc’ or the ‘Jaguar Economies,’ they all speak to the power and urgency of what’s unfolding here,” he said. “This is one of the most profound economic transformation stories in the world today—and yet it still flies largely under the radar, not just in the United States, but in Europe and beyond. It’s beginning to gain attention, but it deserves far more.”
Unlike the Gulf region, where oil wealth led to monolithic, resource-dependent economies, the Golden Arc’s development trajectory is more diversified. “In this region,” Wierson added, “oil is a catalyst, but it’s not the endgame. It’s about agriculture, logistics, renewable energy, and sustainable development. That’s the real opportunity.”
Governor Denarium TURN TO PAGE 5
President Dr. Irfaan Ali speaking during Sunday’s live broadcast
Governor of Roraima, Antonio Denarium (right) with renowned American journalist, Arick Wierson
Norton’s claim on sports funding falls flat against facts
AUBREY Norton falsely claimed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration does not support athletes or sports in Guyana while speaking at a public meeting on Saturday. The Department of Public Information (DPI) set out to fact-check this spurious statement and found that it is categorically false.
Here are the facts:
UNPRECEDENTED INVESTMENTS
Between 2020 to 2025, total investments in sports amounted to $17.6 billion. These budgetary allocations resulted from careful and strategic policy decisions that aimed to upgrade infrastructure countrywide and improve talent development, access and international visibility. The President Ali-led government has placed high importance on longterm plans for sport development, whereas the APNU, while in government, rolled out nothing but ad-hoc initiatives with little to no strategic or long-term plans. These investments have led to upgrading more than 400 community and school sports grounds
and Nine, ongoing construction of the cricket stadiums in Palmyra, Anna Regina and McKenzie, World Athletics-certified Bayroc Track in Region 10 and the renovation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Guyana National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre to international hosting standards.
TALENT
through the Ground Enhancement Programme, which ensures day and night sporting access in all 10 administrative regions.
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS
These include: the completion of the first Doubles Squash Court in Guyana and the Caribbean, multi-purpose indoor sports halls in Regions One, Three, Seven, Eight
The massive investments in sports resulted in a 400 per cent increase in athletes’ performance, resulting in 534 medals being captured by Guyanese over four years (20212024). Athletes such as Tianna Springer, Malachi Austin, and Carlos Petterson Griffith made history for Guyana as they dominated on the global stage in their respective areas, with Griffith earning Guyana a spotlight on the world record-breaking stage.
The National Sports Academy (NSA), launched in 2021, aims to further draw and hone talent from across the ten administrative regions. Athletes from Mabaruma, Orealla and Bartica now represent Guyana on international teams, further solidifying President Ali’s vision of a One Guyana by having an inclusive policy towards all aspects of governance.
The PPP/C government has provided financial aid for athletes participating in the Olympics, CARIFTA Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan-American Games and international football and cricket tournaments.
POLICY AND GOVERNANCE
Significant legislative achievements were also made: These include passing of the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies Bill, passing of the National Horse Racing Authority Bill, restored the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, ending years of governance gridlock in cricket and the launch of the National Sports Policy 2024-2034 that aligns with
the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which includes areas of gender equality, youth empowerment, decent work and health.
Legislation and longterm policy plans by the PPP/C government ensure there is transparency and greater accountability in sports, a stark contrast to the APNU governance, where policy was absent and key reforms were never finalised.
Additionally, in 2024 alone, there was a 100 per cent increase in the number of tournaments Guyanese athletes participated in (102 tournaments in 2024 versus 51 in 2023), and over 800 athletes represented Guyana regionally and internationally that year.
Guyana’s athletes are thriving because of the unprecedented support they have received under the PPP/C administration. No amount of political mischief can erase the evidence of progress etched in medals, infrastructure, and opportunities for Guyanese athletes. (DPI)
APNU leader and presidential candidate, Aubrey Norton
Major security boost for Regional Police Division 4B as
new facilities commissioned
IN a landmark move to bolster public safety and community development, the Government of Guyana recently unveiled four stateof-the-art police facilities in Regional Division 4B, setting new standards for policing and social outreach.
These include the new Regional Division 4B Headquarters, the Providence and Herstelling/Farm Police Stations, and the Diamond Police Training Facility, together representing a comprehensive investment in policing, social services, and community empowerment.
MODERN FACILITIES TO ENHANCE SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
The flagship of the day’s activities is the Diamond
Divisional Headquarters, a purpose-built command centre constructed for G$195.8 million.
Equipped with advanced operational features, including holding cells, interview and ID parade rooms, a witness room, and dedicated offices for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Traffic Division, the facility is designed to improve coordination and response times across the region and beyond. Specialised spaces such as a child-friendly interview room and a domestic violence support and waiting areas underscore the Ministry’s commitment to creating safer, more inclusive environments that prioritise the protection of vulnerable populations.
Administrative areas in-
clude offices for the Divisional Commander and Deputy Commander, the Court Superintendent’s office, a conference room to facilitate inter-agency collaboration, and an IT and Command Operations Room to enable intelligence-led policing and real-time decision-making.
The Providence Police Station, rebuilt for G$65.2 million, now features male, female, and juvenile lockups, witness and ID parade rooms, child-friendly areas, and a domestic violence interview and waiting area.
It also houses an armoury, evidence room, and offices for CID, Traffic, and general enquiries, alongside new living quarters that promote officer welfare and ensure round-the-clock security cov-
Renowned American...
FROM PAGE 3
echoed the sentiment, outlining a vision for turning Roraima into a continental gateway. “With the development of deep-water ports in Guyana, the expansion of the Linden–Lethem Road, and potential future rail links, Roraima can become a critical transshipment hub—connecting Brazil’s interior to Atlantic shipping routes. We can’t even begin to fathom how this will transform border towns like Bonfim and Lethem, let alone the economic landscape of northern Brazil.”
HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENTS
Governor Denarium’s recent diplomatic push to Georgetown marked a major step in tightening cross-border ties. In high-level talks with President Ali, he pressed for deeper alignment on infrastructure, trade, and energy—key pillars of regional integration. At the top of the agenda: new pathways for Brazilian agricultural exports to flow through Guyanese ports.
Wierson’s follow-up visit served as both a media spotlight and a barometer of international interest in the region. His discussions with Governor Denarium and Vice-Governor Edilson Damião Lima touched on infrastructural plans, regional trade, and political transition—Denarium is widely expected to step
down in 2026 to run for Brazil’s Senate, making Damião his successor.
“The fact that international media is beginning to take an interest in what’s happening here is no coincidence,” said Vice Governor Edilson Damião. “You don’t often see major global journalists making their way to Boa Vista, but that’s starting to change. It’s a sign of what’s to come—a harbinger of growing global attention as the world begins to understand the strategic importance of this emerging corridor between Brazil and Guyana.”
A STRATEGIC CORRIDOR
The Bonfim–Lethem crossing, long an isolated and underused outpost, is now envisioned as the beating heart of a new continental artery. With international capital flowing toward in -
erage.
The newly-constructed Herstelling/Farm Police Station expended at a cost of G$82.47 million, meets national standards and addresses the critical need for increased police visibility along the East Bank corridor, a rapidly developing area previously reliant on support from neighbouring jurisdictions.
COMMUNITY
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SKILLS TRAINING
The Diamond Police Training Facility, built at a cost of GYD $98.5 million, expands access to essential community development programmes. Offering courses in computer literacy, sewing, home economics, and other vocational skills, the facility aims to increase employability, reduce recidivism, and promote long-term social reintegration, particularly among youth and at-risk groups.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ROAD SAFETY
As part of the commissioning events, Minister of
Home Affairs Honourable
Robeson Benn and Permanent Secretary Andre Ally also distributed protective helmets and sports equipment to Commander DeHearte and his team. The helmet distribution is part of the Ministry’s broader national campaign to enhance road safety and encourage responsible behaviour among motorcyclists.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Andre Ally stressed the personal responsibility involved in road safety: “If you love someone, make sure they wear a helmet. Better yet, if they don’t absolutely need to ride, encourage them to avoid it altogether. The risks are just too high.” PS Ally added, “Every one of us has a responsibility, not just to enforce road safety, but to influence our friends, families, and communities. Speak up when you see reckless riding or poor road habits.”
A Vision for a New Policing Culture.
Minister Benn concluded with a forward-looking vision for the Guyana Police Force:
“We need a new kind of policing, grounded in empathy, discipline, and restraint. Don’t respond with the first impulse. Be professional. Be understanding. These new facilities must be matched by a new culture in the Guyana Police Force. Infrastructure alone doesn’t change lives, people do.”
The commissioning of these stations and training facilities demonstrates the Government of Guyana’s comprehensive approach to public safety, balancing modern enforcement capabilities with education, rehabilitation, and community engagement to build safer, stronger, and more inclusive neighbourhoods. (MoHA)
frastructural projects on both sides of the border—and Guyana’s oil-driven boom capturing global attention— the potential for coordinated regional development is very real.
“This isn’t just about exporting soybeans or importing gasoline,” Wierson noted. “It’s about connecting economies, building infrastructure, and redefining South America’s north.”
If Governor Denarium’s vision holds, and if regional co-operation continues to deepen, the corridor between Boa Vista and Georgetown may soon be as familiar a talking point in international trade circles as the Panama Canal or the Trans-Amazonian Highway.
And with seasoned eyes such as Wierson’s helping to tell the story, the world may be paying closer attention than ever before.
Wierson (right) and Edilson Damiäo, the Vice Governor of Roraima
One of the recently commissioned police facilities
Solid Governance
IN a political climate increasingly marked by noise and distractions, it is refreshing, indeed, necessary, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is choosing to campaign on substance: its record of governance, transformative development and vision for Guyana’s future.
Attempts by opposition voices to suppress this discourse speak more to their own insecurities than any legitimate concern for democratic decorum.
At a recent press conference, PPP/C General Secretary and Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo offered a firm rebuttal to those who accuse the gov -
ernment of politicising development.
According to Dr Jagdeo, the very idea that a ruling party should not campaign on its achievements is not only absurd, but also deeply anti-democratic. Governance and campaigning are not mutually exclusive, especially not when progress is visible, measurable and life-changing for the average citizen.
Critics who reduce infrastructural development to routine functions—or worse, question its relevance with cynical catchphrases such as, “you can’t eat roads,” ignore the economic logic and social benefits of capital investments.
As Dr Jagdeo rightly
noted that under the APNU+AFC administration, capital spending was stifled in favour of recurrent expenditure. The result? A nation stagnating under the weight of shortsighted financial planning and a bloated bureaucracy. Today, under PPP/C leadership, the narrative has changed. Guyana is undergoing a transformation that is not cosmetic, but structural.
From the expansion of road networks such as the Heroes Highway to the opening of regional health facilities such as the Diamond Regional Hospital, the government is delivering real value to its people.
These aren’t vanity
projects; they are vital arteries of economic activity and social mobility. Less time spent in traffic and more lands opened up for development means lower costs, increased productivity and greater opportunities for citizens. These are tangible benefits that can be quantified—and felt. What’s more, the shift in public sentiment is evident. President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has aptly noted the growing number of former APNU+AFC officials now publicly endorsing the PPP/C.
From former Vice-President Sydney Allicock to MPs and regional leaders, the exodus from the opposition signals a powerful
truth: the PPP/C’s agenda of progress is attracting support across party lines.
Importantly, these endorsements are not opportunistic. As President Ali has stated, they come from a place of conviction—a shared belief in a unified vision for national development. In contrast, the APNU+AFC continues to flounder without a coherent policy platform, fixated more on political power than on governance.
Their record during the 2020 elections, marred by attempts to derail the democratic process, remains a stark reminder of the type of politics Guyana cannot afford to revisit.
2025 General and Regional Elections, voters will have a clear choice — regression or progress.
On one hand stands a party with a proven record of infrastructural expansion, economic growth and democratic renewal. On the other stands a fractured opposition with little more than slogans and stalled ideas.
Dear Editor, I AM writing as a Guyanese who cares deeply about our country’s future. Ambassador Nicole Theriot’s recent remarks in Guyana shouldn’t be dismissed; they are a wake-up call to all of us. She warned in
no uncertain terms that the candidacy of Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, a businessman recently sanctioned by OFAC, threatens our ties with both the U.S. government and American companies. She said that anytime a U.S.-sanc-
In the lead-up to the
The PPP/C has every right to campaign on its accomplishments—and every reason to be proud of them. The people of Guyana deserve a government that not only builds roads, but also understands where they lead. And right now, all roads point toward progress.
US Ambassador’s comments on the Azruddin Mohamed candidacy instructive
tioned person steps into government, “it is concerning for us and problematic in multiple ways”.
Let that sink in. This isn’t political spin, it's a blunt message. Our international relationships may suffer unless we deal with this issue
clearly and urgently. She added that if Mohamed wins a seat even in a committee, the U.S. would have to be very careful. Support for initiatives could dry up, and direct collaboration could disappear. She also addressed what many of us fear,
American investors pulling out. “All these U.S. companies want to come to Guyana, I don’t want that to change,” she said, warning they might “de-risk or cut ties” if someone under sanction gains political influence. That’s not just diplomatic chatter
it’s a risk to our economy and livelihoods.
The reason? OFAC sanctions were issued against Mohamed and his father on June 11, 2024, for alleged large-scale tax evasion and corruption involving over $50 mil-
Why this extensive honouring of Mr. Thomas?
IS there another person whose name is emblazoned on four streets in this country? I did not know there was a fourth street named after the plantation owner, Thomas. I read where the Ministry of Public Works sent out a national advisory that a part of the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor will be closed to facilitate the completion of the new river bridge.
The notice asked drivers to divert to Thomas Street in that area. So, there is Thomas Street in Kitty, Thomas Street in North Cummingburg, Thomas Road where the Guyana Defence Force headquarters is located and there are Thomas Lands, which is a Georgetown ward that include Camp Ayanganna, the National Park, among other places. And now I know there is a Thomas Street in Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara.
I have long argued
during my 36 years as a newspaper columnist that Guyana should name buildings, streets, and scholarships among other things after great or brilliant or patriotic Guyanese whose contributions were enormous. I have argued that when you put these people’s names in the public realm, those who didn’t know about their existence will now have a chance to examine a part of Guyana’s history.
Guyanese know about one of the best wicketkeeper/batmen cricket produced, and he is an iconic wicketkeeper/batsman from India – Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Long before Dhoni was born, India had produced a swashbuckling wicketkeeper/batman that maybe few in Guyana know about. He was from the 1970s. His name is Farokh Engineer.
Last week, the English club that Engineer played for – Lancashire - - named a stand after him. This cricket club is inside one
of the most famous cricket grounds -- Old Trafford. When you go to see cricket at Old Trafford, you may sit in the Farokh Engineer/ Clive Lloyd Stand. The stand has a double name. The other name is the great cricketing hero that played for Lancashire, Guyana, and the West Indies -- Guyana’s icon, Clive Lloyd.
What will happen in England is that if you didn’t know about these two giants, you will know now. Guyana for some esoteric reason is reluctant to go down that justified road. Over the decades in my columns, I have made some suggestions, I would like to repeat them and by repeating, I don’t mean for the second time. I have made these suggestions more than three times already.
Here is my list.
Ron Robinson. He will be celebrating soon at the Theatre Guild, 70 years in theatre and 60 years in radio.
Rohan Kanhai, one of the best batsmen the West Indies has produced. He is a son of Berbice and should have something in Berbice named after him.
Eddie Grant. He remains the only musical superstar Guyana has given to the world. When I went to the University of Toronto to study and students knew I was from Guyana, they would talk to me about the music of Eddie Grant.
Janet Jagan. She was a Guyanese giant who defied brutal colonialism and subsequent brutal, locally grown dictatorship under Forbes Burnham and one of the avenues she channelled her energy into was journalism.
Desmond Hoyte. He paved the way for free and fair elections and chose to live in his humble private residence on North Road while he was president. That street should be renamed after him.
Shruti Kant, originally from India, made Guyana
his home and pioneered one of the most successful private high schools in Guyana’s history on Thomas Street in North Cumingsburg. Shruti is one the nicest, modest and caring humans I have ever met. Name western Thomas Street after him and name eastern Thomas Street, Hospital Street. All Guyanese know Thomas Street is famous for the Georgetown Hospital. So, keep Thomas Street in Kitty, keep Thomas Road, keep Thomas Lands, keep Thomas Street in Peter’s Hall and rename western Thomas Street after Shruti.
Father Andrew Morrison, Jesuit priest. Father taught all Guyanese between the 1970s through the 1980s what courageous journalism should be. I think UG should rename the building that houses its Mass Communication programme, the Andrew Morrison School of Journalism. Or maybe there should be a
post-graduate scholarship in his name.
There is a perennial point I have been making. There is no significance in the names South Road and North Road. Those appellations arose in a time that has lost its meaning. In changing their names, no historical motif will be damaged because they are not named after some historical figures.
Guyana has one of the youngest populations in the world and they must be allowed to reflect on where their country came from and who made superb contributions. I would like to see a street named after Palestine to inform Guyanese that the worst government in history came from Israel.
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.
US Ambassador’s comments on...
FROM PAGE 6
lion in gold exports. Immediately after that, Guyanese banks moved fast, all commercial banks have cut ties with the Mohameds to protect themselves. It’s a textbook example of how a sanctioned individual triggers a compliance shutdown.
Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo later reaffirmed the government's stance; no in -
dividual is worth risking the future of all Guyanese. He made it clear that engaging with OFAC-sanctioned persons puts our entire financial system at risk. And rightly so. From where I stand, this isn’t about targeting one person. It’s about protecting the fragile trust we’ve spent years earning. In 2014, Guyana was
grey-listed by the FATF for lapses in anti-money laundering laws. It took snap elections in 2015 and urgent reform to avoid full blacklisting, a scenario that could have strangled our ability to trade and grow.
Electing a sanctioned figure now could trigger all that damage again in different ways. It sends a message that
compliance doesn’t matter. It reminds investors that our legal frameworks are weaker than portrayed. These are not far-fetched hypotheticals, they are documented risks.
Ambassador Theriot also shared that U.S. Embassy officials will watch the upcoming elections closely as observers. Her presence means she’s monitor-
ing whether Guyana remains committed to transparency and rule of law. This is a crossroads. We can’t let short-term popularity choices undermine our long-term standing. We need leadership that reinforces anti-corruption, respects global standards, and keeps doors open both diplomatically and economically.
As a Guyanese, I refuse to see our nation stumble because we didn’t take compliance seriously. If we tolerate the candidacy of an OFAC-sanctioned person, we risk not just a tinge of embarrassment but a genuine crisis. Let this moment lead us forward not backward.
Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton
Juretha Fernandes, a picture of Machiavellianism
IN the midst of still active negotiations between the APNU and the AFC to reach a formal agreement to rerun to an electoral coalition partnership for the 2025 election, Juretha Fernandes blindsided the AFC by conniving with two other AFC parliamentarians to work out an alternative deal with APNU that landed her the prime ministerial spot on the APNU ticket.
If ever there was a picture of Machiavellianism in Guyanese politics, this situation is an apt depiction. During the negotiations for a second reboot of the APNU+AFC coalition, AFC threw its negotiating heavyweights at APNU. The AFC even brought in reinforcements from Jamaica in the person of Alston Stewart, a veteran politician linked to the PNP of Jamaica and a personal friend of former
Jamaican Prime Minister, PJ Patterson.
With all that firepower, it is not surprising that AFC attempted to carry such a hard bargain. They started by making loud, and at times, unrealistic proposals to APNU. Some could even be considered barefaced. I digress, after sharing parliamentary camaraderie for over 13 years; three plus years in joint opposition to President Ramotar, five years together in government and another five in opposition to President Ali, it will make compelling mind-boggling analysis to try to understand why there was still so much distrust between the AFC and the PNC.
Given the proposals put forward by the AFC for the coalition 2025 reboot, it is clear the AFC did not find PNC to be a trustworthy partner. The voting public
picked up on this and asked themselves, if these longterm partners cannot trust each other, why should we trust either of them? The answer to this question is easily visible to even those with severe political visual impairment.
Those in the AFC fancied themselves as skilled negotiators, and by their own cockiness, transitioned from negotiating to grandstanding. While on their grandstanding odyssey, they became unsuspecting sitting ducks.
In a grand plan to supplant Nigel Hughes, Juretha and the rest of Ramjattan’s created ‘Apple Dumpling Gang’ were busy working out an alternative clandestine deal with the PNC. This gave the PNC every incentive to stall the coalition talks.
With all the political experience in Alston Stewart,
Raphael Trotman, David Patterson, Cathy Hughes and others on the AFC executive, they were outfoxed by a rank political neophyte whose only known MO is subterfuge. As a perennial opportunist, Juretha Fernandes’ politics is littered with political guile.
While only a political toddler in the AFC, Juretha in 2016, was instrumental in the rise of a group called Bartica Independence Green Alliance (BIGA) to challenge the APNU+AFC at the LGE. She fancied herself as having solid political support in Bartica. Word on the street, at the time, was that she harboured the grandiose thoughts of being Mayor of Bartica. The people of Bartica absolutely and unequivocally rejected Juretha Fernandes and BIGA. When things did not work out for her, she abandoned her co-conspirators, scrapped the group, and crawled back to the AFC.
Juretha then worked her way into Centre for Change through the youth arm and enchanted certain busybodied leaders with her conniving magic. The youth leader, Cynthia Rutherford, was ousted and she ended up in her place on the executive.
Later, Juretha found her way as the Confidential Secretary of PM Nagamootoo, on Ramjattan’s recommendation. Then a rift developed between Ramjattan and Nagamootoo over 2020 PM Candidacy for the APNU+AFC. Many AFC insiders believe that Juretha was a double agent pretending to support Nagamootoo while firmly in Ramjattan’s camp. Whomever succeeds as the PM, she would have been in
their good graces. You do not have to guess what her route to parliament was; it is one for the ages. On her next political adventure, the word in the AFC has it that she was part of less than honourable attempts to wrest leadership from the middle-class formation. Nigel Hughes thwarted those plans and since then he had crosshairs on the head for the next round of political subterfuge.
I do not believe that this is the end of Juretha’s political dagger wielding.
During her odyssey with BIGA, Nigel Hughes provided financial and logistic support for the group against contrary advice from many of us in the AFC. Today, he is learning the harsh lessons of supporting roguery and political sleight of hand, it came back to bite him. This is a lesson Aubrey Norton is yet to learn.
This partnership between Juretha and Norton on the one hand and Juretha and her conspiring AFC compatriots, on the other, are all in danger of her pangs of deceit. When it suits her purpose of opportunism, she will not hesitate to pull out her dagger.
Either Norton is perceptive or by sheer luck, he managed to take an action which exposed Juretha and gave him the upper hand. He sent Juretha to headline a public meeting in her hometown of Bartica. As they did to Juretha and BIGA in 2016, they did to Juretha and APNU in 2025, a resounding rejection. Returning to her hometown, riding high as prime ministerial candidate in the largest opposition party which has always won that town and region,
one would expect a major wave of support. It was a major embarrassment, if there ever was one, Juretha was speaking to a tiny group of people made up of activists accompanying her from Georgetown and local party activists from Bartica. Aubrey knows that Juretha does not have any constituency, even in her place of birth. He can now use that information to silence Juretha and the entire AFC defecting cohort, whenever the need arises. That script is still writing itself, hold for the intrigue to come.
Ultimately, Juretha is campaigning with hopes of replacing Brig. Mark Phillips as PM. The two candidates could not be more contrasting. PM Phillips is a bastion of trustworthiness with a rich track record of dedication and service; we can close our eyes and trust him to act honourably.
Given our system of government, the PM is the natural successor to the president, and it is important that we do not choose a party whose prime minister could connive her way to the presidency, or the president has to constantly keep looking over his shoulders wondering what his 2IC may be scheming. Neither do we want a situation where our president has to devise schemes of his own to keep his PM at bay. Avoid the prospects of this kind of drama and re-elect Mark and Irfaan
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Guyana secures US$30M loan to expand water supply
THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US$30 million Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) to aid in Guyana’s efforts to enhance its water and sanitation infrastructure.
According to the IDB, CCLIP aims to enhance the resilience, quality, and sustainability of the services provided by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), including drinking water and sewerage services. Approximately 151,560 people will benefit from improved access to safe and reliable water services.
With the IDB credit line, Guyana can continue its effort to upgrade and transform the potable water supply sector.
It is said that GWI will also undergo a digital transformation, enabling the adoption of modern technologies and tools to improve operational management, reduce costs, and increase revenue.
In addition, the US$30 million CCLIP has a repayment term of 25 years, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), and will also benefit from a co-financing contribution of US$36.33 million to be financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Additionally, the main objective of the investment includes the construction of a new water treatment plant at Diamond, along with approximately 15 kilometres of transmission pipelines and interconnections to facilitate the integration of the new plant with existing distribution networks.
public awareness campaigns.
With the programme’s support for reducing Non-Revenue Water initiatives, work will be undertaken to advance Guyana’s leak-detection and repair efforts, along with
Meanwhile, enhancements are underway across the East Bank of Demerara, East Coast Demerara, and Cummings Lodge systems, with the integration of management information systems, improved metering, and increased operational efficiency.
The IDB also approved a Specific Investment Loan (ESP)
of US$15.57 million to improve the water and sanitation infrastructure in Guyana.
Aiding the government’s push for potable water nationwide, a 38
per cent increase was seen in 2020 and over 90 per cent in 2025, with the primary objective of achieving 100 per cent potable water coverage by year’s end.
Over the past five years, Guyana has embarked on a transformative journey in the water and sanitation sector to increase potable water supply by constructing new water treatment plants, installing transmission mains to improve the quality of service to citizens nationwide, and drilling new wells in both coastal and hinterland communities to extend access to safe water supply. (DPI)
One of the water- treatment plants in Guyana
Capacity building key to Guyana’s future in global oil supply chain
- GOGEC President says
AS Guyana continues to rise as an oil-producing nation, the focus must now shift towards sustained capacity building to ensure local suppliers are not only participating in the industry but are also leading it.
This is according to
he said that Guyana has moved from being an emerging player in the global oil and gas industry to one of the world's most dynamic oil-producing countries and an energy frontier that is being watched closely by the world.
President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chambers (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad, who was at the time speaking at the recently held Guyana Supplier Forum.
He stated that the forum was more than an industry event but serves as a milestone that represents how far Guyana has come as a nation in a relatively short space of time.
In less than a decade,
Key to this, Prashad added, is the inclusion of Guyanese businesses in the oil and gas supply chain.
He used the opportunity to hail ExxonMobil Guyana for its early commitment to local engagement, noting that the proactive engagement helped set the tone for what is seen flourishing today, a dynamic and expanded eco-system of Guya -
nese-owned businesses supporting the sector.
He added that the formalisation of local content through legislation further deepened this participation. “The Local Content Act formalised and accelerated this process. It gave us a legal and policy framework to ensure greater participation and more structural engagement between operators and suppliers.”
Beyond policy, the GOGEC president indicated that it has been the people of Guyana who have truly driven this progress.
“The true success of local content has been driven by the dedication, adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit of our Guyanese people,” he noted.
Despite the progress, Prashad stated that the road ahead remains long, stressing that when the progress is celebrated, they must also remain cognisant that this is just the beginning.
“There is still a long road ahead to ensure that local suppliers are not just included but positioned to lead. To achieve this, we must continue to focus on capacity building, which is very important so that our local suppliers can meet international standards and compete with the best,” he remarked.
President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chambers (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad (Japheth Savory photo)
RG’s first National Youth Conference inspires future leaders in environmental protection
RECOVER Guyana (RG) has been an advocate for the environment, and the well-being of humans through opportunities that enrich and empower lives and foster environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.
With the aim of “building a greener tomorrow,” the organisation has hosted several events targetting youths, encouraging them to contribute to the cause. Some of their most notable projects include SHOUT, ENGAGE, and the National Water Purification Project, which has helped to shape the future generations of environmental advocates.
Recently, the organisation hosted its inaugural National Youth Conference for Mangrove Conservation, in partnership with Jan De Nul, which brought together 150 youths from across Guyana, and local and international experts, policymakers and educators with the aim to highlight the vital role of mangrove ecosystems in climate action, coastal protection, and community resilience.
In his welcome remarks, the Founder of Recover Guyana, Dr. Dave Lalltoo, said the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to scale up its impact. By 2030, Recover Guyana aims to save over 25 million through its water-purification project, train 1,000 youths through ENGAGE, and continue its nationwide efforts in capacity-building, environmental education, and community mobilisation.
He added, “Every one of
these actions is designed not just to respond to today’s threat, but to build lasting systems of protection for our people, our biodiversity and our precious mangroves.”
Meanwhile, Project Manager at Jan De Nul, Davy Spriet, said losing mangroves isn’t just an ecological problem, it is a direct threat to our safety, our food security and our future.
“This isn’t just about environmental protection, it is about empowerment. It’s your chance to be part of a movement that builds a better world, one mangrove at a time. It’s about igniting that passion within you to create lasting, positive change, not just for today, but for the true, flourishing future, where the economic value of mangroves is fully recognised and protected for all,” Spriet added.
Further, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, in her remarks pointed out that mangroves are the superheroes of our forests, noting that biodiversity and mangroves are being depleted around the world.
“The UK has a number of initiatives that we are implementing around the world in terms of preventing mangrove loss; and some of those are being applied here in Guyana. We have one project…we worked with the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, where we work with young women to teach them how to fly drones,” High Commissioner Miller said, explaining that these drones are used to monitor either increases or decreases in mangroves along the coastland.
She added that they are also working alongside the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in the Barima-Mora Passage to support local efforts, and the Global Green Initiative (GGI).
The High Commissioner advised that youths gain knowledge about the importance of mangroves and to become advocates for change and mangrove conservation and protection.
“There are things that you can do. Positive action that you can do. But the first thing for you to do is to recognise the importance of mangroves, increase your awareness, increasing your knowledge and then you can work with others,” High Commissioner Miller stated.
The conservation, according to Recover Guyana, marked a significant step toward a more informed, resilient, and youth-empowered approach to environmental protection in Guyana.
Alongside its partners, Recover Guyana continues to lead national initiatives in green entrepreneurship, community outreach, and sustainability-focused training. These programmes address some of Guyana’s most urgent development challenges, including food security, pollution, and access to clean water, while also equipping young people with the tools to become active stewards of Guyana’s natural resources.
To see more from Recover Guyana, persons can visit and follow the organisation on Facebook, where updates are shared regularly.
President and Founder of Recover Guyana, Dr; Dave Lalltoo, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller; Project Manager at Jan De Nul, Davy Spriet; educators and members of the executive committee of Recover Guyana, alongside advocates for mangrove conservation (Recover Guyana photo)
New real-time chat feature added to the iMatter app
A NEW addition to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s iMatter app was launched last Friday by subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud.
The new feature is a real-time chat function designed to better support victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
According to the ministry, this brandnew upgrade offers users the ability to communicate directly with trained officers, legal professionals, and counsellors through a secure and confidential messaging platform.
Notably, the chat function is especially critical for individuals
who may be unable to place a phone call due to safety concerns or the presence of an abuser. In such situations, messaging offers
a discreet and potentially lifesaving alternative to speaking out loud, the ministry said.
Through the chat, individuals can request assistance, seek legal guidance, or access emotional support services.
Additionally, the chat feature allows ministry personnel to engage with individuals who are already in the system, enabling follow-up and case management engagements.
Importantly, the feature is designed with survivor safety as the top priority. Before any in-person intervention is made, officers will use the chat to assess whether it is safe to proceed, ensuring that the individual is not put at risk.
The launch of this feature took place at the Hope and Justice Centre in Vergenoegen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) further reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to expanding accessible, survivor-centred services across the country.
This development marks a significant step forward in using technology to provide responsive, compassionate, and effective support to those experiencing violence.
It was recently highlighted that the ministry has advanced efforts to combat domestic and gender-based violence locally.
Dr. Persaud, during the launch of the BRAVE programme for men, had said that the ministry is exploring ways to link the GPS-enabled panic button to the iMatter app. She affirmed that the aim of her Ministry’s multi-pronged approach is timely intervention that saves lives.
The panic button was announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a PPP/C manifesto consultation earlier this month, where he said his government will introduce a digital panic button system to help victims of domestic violence to alert security agencies and receive emergency assistance quickly.
The iMatter application was launched in March of 2021 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre during the “We Lift” Women’s Expo and was made available in the Google Play and Apple Stores in 2022.
The app has several categories including sexual violence and disability, sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking in persons, domestic violence, child abuse, and elderly abuse.
The app has been modified several times since its launch to ensure victims are heard and receive the help or assistance they need.
Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud (Photo: MHSSS/Facebook)
Newborns to get $7.6B over next five years - President Ali
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a major financial commitment of $7.6 billion over the next five years to support Guyanese newborns, as part of a wide-ranging social-development initiative introduced in the 2025 National Budget.
Speaking at a public meeting held last Friday at Industry, East Coast Demerara, President Ali reaffirmed the government’s vision to strengthen Guyanese
investing from day one in the future. And we want you to double that. If you double that, we can back that up with increasing the grant,” the Head of State declared last Friday.
This announcement builds on the March launch of the cash-grant initiative for newborns, which President Ali described as a “historic moment for Guyana.”
At that time, he had stated:
“Children are not just our future, but our present. Every newborn
tance, it is a long-term investment in the future of Guyana,” the President affirmed.
Additionally, he assured parents that the grant is not a privilege but a right, reinforcing that every child, regardless of their parents’ background or circumstances, will receive this financial support from birth.
The initiative is part of a broader governmental thrust to enhance family welfare and create equitable opportunities for all
families and support the nation's future from the moment of birth.
“We want to grow families. We want to grow our population. That is why we are giving you $1.5 billion on current estimate of 15,250 newborns.”
“In the next five years, if you use that estimate on a newborn initiative alone, we will be giving the first-dayold Guyanese $7.6 billion in the next five years. We are not only investing in the past and the present, but [also]
represents a promise, a blank page waiting to be written,” the Head of State remarked.
Emphasising the importance of nurturing the next generation, President Ali declared that the birth of a child is a national heritage, a new national asset that must be protected and supported. He stressed that the grant is not a financial burden on taxpayers, but rather a strategic investment in the nation’s future leaders.
“This cash grant is not just financial assis-
President, Dr Irfaan Ali during last Friday’s address at a public meeting held at Industry, East Coast Demerara
ments in maternal and neonatal care, including strengthened primary healthcare and better support for highrisk pregnancies. The expansion of neonatal care to regional
hospitals has further eased the burden on central institutions like the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The grant for newborns has been widely
lauded for its timely financial relief to families and is viewed as a cornerstone of the government's broader agenda to invest in Guyana’s future generations.
Guyanese children, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds. The grant applies to all babies born on or after January 1, 2025.
According to official statistics, over 2,052 babies were born across the country between January and February of this year. More than 17,000 births are anticipated by the end of 2025, up from 14,742 in 2024.
The Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, had previously highlighted improve -
Singing comes naturally for Ezzie Crandon
By Michel Outridge
GROWING up in church, singing came to Ezzie Crandon naturally. He wasn’t the only singer in the family and had begun singing when he was just three years old.
His first public performance was when the late President of Guyana, Desmond Hoyte, visited his home village of Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice and he sang for him.
Eventually, his singing was restricted to church alone. It later took off when he got opportunities to perform in Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
Crandon also per -
other areas to perform.
He noted that he sang at the Wesleyan Church in Berbice before he became an Adventist 12 years ago.
Crandon told this publication that in addition to his gospel singing talents, he performs at events such as weddings, graduations, national events, including at the Umana Yana, for Easter productions, among others.
He has a great appreciation for all types of music since the messages are all positive, especially those about black development and freedom.
The singer, while being interviewed, recalled losing his singing voice for four months due to an illness. He saw this as a sign that he should share his gift of singing freely with others.
Today, Crandon, who came from humble beginnings, lives at Providence, East Bank Demerara with his wife and sons and attends Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church at Smyth Street, Charlestown.
ages his own production company and likes to share his talent with others.
Crandon worked at the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for years and is presently in his final year of the Communication Studies degree programme at UG.
According to him, his sons are also gifted singers, emphasising that they display more talent than he did at their age. He is considering taking them abroad so that they can receive the necessary train-
formed locally in almost every region and participated in many musical productions given that he was multi-talented and could coordinate music well.
The devoted Christian remembers visiting places such as Orealla, Pomeroon, Linden, the North West District, Essequibo and
Among his favourite artistes are Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, and Lionel Harris. He also has a deep love for classical music.
The 42-year-old father of three boys said he often gives back to society freely since he views his talent as something bestowed by God, and as such, feels compelled to share it with others without expecting money.
ing to perfect their voices and utilise their talent effectively.
Meanwhile, Crandon stated that it has been his lifelong dream to pursue studies in music philology, and he hopes to embark on that educational journey one day.
He added that he man-
Singer, Ezzie Crandon
Ezzie Crandon singing in church
Modern $107.6M Diamond Fire Station commissioned
THE Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday offi-
cially commissioned the long-awaited Diamond Fire Station. The modern facility, constructed
at a cost of $107.6 million, represents a significant investment in national fire safety and emergency-response infrastructure.
interagency coordination, and training workshops.
To support its proactive approach to fire safety, the station includes a Fire Prevention Officer’s
pacity-building, while the laundry area caters to hygiene and uniform maintenance needs. A comfortable waiting area is available for visitors,
The commissioning ceremony was led by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, alongside Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, Regional Police Commander 4B Wayne DeHearte, Divisional Officer Hemchandra Persaud, and senior officials from the Guyana Fire Service.
The Diamond Fire Station is outfitted with a comprehensive range of modern amenities designed to enhance operational efficiency, support personnel welfare, and deliver faster, more effective emergency response services. At the heart of the station is a fully equipped control room, which serves as the nerve centre for dispatching units and monitoring fire-related incidents in real time. A spacious conference room facilitates strategic planning sessions, team briefings,
office, a dedicated space for developing community outreach programmes, conducting inspections, and promoting fire-prevention awareness across the region.
The station also features a specialised Emergency Medical Services (EMS) office and storage area, allowing for better management of medical supplies, emergency kits, and quick coordination of life-saving assistance during fire and rescue missions. A dedicated IT room supports digital operations, while the finance and administrative offices enable efficient recordkeeping, personnel management, and logistical planning.
Staff welfare is also a top priority. The station is equipped with a fully functional gym, promoting health and physical readiness among firefighters. A training room ensures continuous ca -
civilians, and clients seeking public fire-service support.
Finally, the station includes well-appointed senior and junior living quarters that provide round-the-clock accommodation for on-duty officers, ensuring rapid mobilisation and preparedness at any hour of the day or night.
The commissioning of the Diamond Fire Station not only marks the advancement of physical infrastructure but also embodies a broader vision of responsive, community-focused public safety.
As additional stations are slated for commissioning, the government is steadily building a robust regional safety network, one that ensures every resident across Guyana has timely and reliable access to essential emergency services. (MoHA)
The recently commissioned Diamond Fire Station (MoHA photo)
Guyana Consulate in New York to host Emancipation Day event on Thursday
THE Consulate General of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana has planned an Emancipation Day observance event on July 31, 2025, at the Medgar Evers College, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium in Brooklyn, New York.
According to a press release, the event which will be held from 18:00hrs to 20:00hrs, will feature esteemed guest speaker Professor John Edward Greene, Chancellor of the University of Guyana.
The programme will also include keynote remarks from Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Am-
bassador Michael E Brotherson, Consul General of Guyana to New York, and other distinguished officials.
“Emancipation Day is an important occasion that honours the abolition of slavery and pays homage to the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of our African ancestors. Their enduring spirit paved the way for many of Guyana’s cultural and political achievements. This event will encourage reflection on our shared history and reaffirm our collective responsibility to the values of freedom, justice and dignity, principles that remain central to Guyana’s development and prosperity,” the release said.
It added that this year’s event will feature vibrant cultural performances, a libation ceremony, authentic Guyanese and African cuisine, dances, and artistic expressions that celebrate the African influence on Guyanese society, all reflecting the diversity that defines us as Guyanese and highlighting our commitment to national unity.
All members of the Guyanese diaspora in New York and beyond are invited to attend this meaningful occasion.
“The diaspora, particularly in New York, remains a crucial player in shaping an inclusive future for all Guyanese. The diaspora’s continued cultural and
economic contributions are crucial to Guyana’s global presence and development trajectory, and the Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring full participation of each Guyanese,” the release emphasised.
Gill, Washington, Jadeja tons script India's great escape
(ESPNCRICINFO) - An epic series will be decided at The Oval. England led, 2-1, after 20 tense days of Test cricket, but were denied a decisive win by five sessions of doughty, determined batting in which India lost only two wickets.
Not even Ben Stokes, battling cramp and a shoulder injury, could pull this one off, and was forced to settle for only the second draw of his captaincy tenure.
India were 1 for 2 at lunch on the fourth day, frazzled after more than 150 overs in the field, and still trailing by over 300 runs. But Shubman Gill's new-look side underlined their character with two mammoth, match-saving partnerships; Gill put on 188 with KL Rahul, and Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja put on an unbroken 203 to ensure India escaped with a draw.
They can no longer win the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, but will travel down to London today, battered, bruised and bullish. India's batters not only saved this match, but ground England's bowlers down: They spent 257.1 overs in the field in Manchester, including 143
in the second innings, and now face a three-day turnaround before Thursday's fifth Test.
The finale was farcical: Stokes offered a draw at the start of the last hour, but Gill had no interest, instead allowing his two allrounders to complete their centuries. England were incensed, serving up some 35mph lobs, but India's players celebrated on the balcony as their batters filled their boots.
"It's going to happen in a flurry, lads," Ben Duckett had promised his team-mates during the second session. In fact, it never happened at all. It is long established that no captain had ever won a Test match at Old Trafford after winning the toss and choosing to bowl; Stokes asked his team to defy history, but they could not.
It was Gill who had walked in to face a hat-trick ball in the first over of India's second innings shortly before lunch on the fourth day. When he walked back off just over 24 hours later, he had become only the third man to score four hundreds in a Test series as captain, going past 700 runs for the tour. Every time he has reached 20, he has gone on to score a century. He was supported by two marathon efforts from his spin-bowling allrounders. Washington batted at No. 8 in the first innings, but was promoted to No. 5 after Rish-
abh Pant's injury, and made his maiden Test hundred, while Jadeja capped his stellar series with the bat. Much as it frustrated England, both players deserved centuries, and had earned the right to make them.
Stokes' bowling fitness was uncertain overnight: He did not bowl at all on the fourth day after a heavy workload in the series, and a five-wicket haul in the first innings, having retired hurt during his century. But he shared the old ball with Liam Dawson early in the day, and threatened to break the game open, creating two early chances in an eight-over spell. He grimaced after every ball he bowled, and repeatedly stretched out his right shoulder, but Stokes bowled with good pace, and found variable bounce on a good length outside the righthanders' off stump. He had Gill dropped early on, Ollie Pope failing to cling onto a stinger at short cover, but then trapped Rahul on the back pad to have him lbw for 90. It was a brilliant spell, one which exposed just how much England had missed his bowling on the fourth evening. Stokes was in pain, then inflicted some on his opposite number: he found some steep bounce to strike Gill on the helmetvia the glove - with a lifter which exploded from a good length.
Australia one away from whitewash
CMC – Australia are one match away from clean-sweeping the West Indies on their tour of the Caribbean after securing an exciting three-wicket win in the fourth T20I here at Warner Park on Saturday.
West Indies did well to get up to 205 for nine from their 20 overs after suffering a top-order collapse, but led by superb power hitting from Glenn Maxwell and half centuries by Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, Australia reached 206 for seven off 19.2 overs.
The result gave the visitors a commanding 4-0 lead in the five-match series, with the final match slated to be held on Monday at the same venue.
It also means the home side has yet to win a match after having been swept 3-0 in the preceding Test series.
Similarly to the previous three matches in the series, Australia won the toss and elected to field first.
West Indies found themselves in a spot of bother early on at 67 for four, due mainly to the efforts of pacer Xavier Bartlett.
Playing in his first game of the series, Bartlett dismissed openers Brandon King and Shai Hope cheaply for 18 and 10 respectively.
Roston Chase was then spectacularly caught one-handed at mid on by a leaping Glen Maxwell for a duck, before Sherfane Rutherford, who had looked good in his 31 off just 15 balls, sliced leg spinner Adam Zampa straight to backward point where captain Mitchell Marsh took the catch.
Despite the early losses, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell kept the run rate above 10 runs an over.
However, Hetmyer fell when he skied Sean Abott to deep backward point where Mitchell Owen took a stunning catch diving at full length, as West Indies slid to 111 for five at the halfway mark.
With just eight runs added, Powell picked out deep midwicket to be out for 28 from 22 balls to leave the home side in danger of being bowled out inside the allotted overs.
However, Romario Shepherd, who belted 28 from 18 balls, Jason Holder
fell to 129 for three in the 10th over.
Blades then accounted for the wickets of Owen and Cooper Connolly for two and a duck, respective -
(26 off 16 balls), along with useful contributions from Akeal Hosein, who finished unbeaten on 16 and Matthew Forde, who made 15 off just seven deliveries, got them up to a respectable total.
Zampa led the way for Australia picking up 3-54, while Hardie (2-24), Bartlett (2-39) and Abbott (261), provided good support.
The home side got off to a dream start when left-arm pacer Jediah Blades trapped Marsh lbw with the second ball of the innings without a run on the board.
Player-of-the-Match, Maxwell, and Inglis then added 66 runs in six overs, with the latter dominating the partnership.
Inglis hit Blades for three fours in the third over and then blasted Shepherd for four consecutive boundaries in the ensuing over.
He moved into the 40s by reverse sweeping Forde for four and then hitting him over midwicket for six and brought up his 50 off 28 balls by scampering two runs off Holder.
Inglis didn’t last much longer, though, flicking Shepherd straight to Rutherford at deep backward square to be out for 51 off 30 balls with 10 fours and one six.
His departure ignited a flame inside Maxwell, who had only contributed eight runs off five balls.
Maxwell hit Shepherd for a six and four to end the seventh over and then clubbed Forde for two sixes in the ninth over.
Shepherd was hit for two more sixes to move Maxwell within sight of a half century, but he picked out Holder at long on off the bowling of Akeal Hosein, to be dismissed for 47 from 18 balls, as Australia
ly, to see Australia slump to 134 for five.
Cameron Green, who hit an unbeaten 55 from 35 balls, inclusive of three
sixes and three fours, then added 51 runs with Aaron Hardie, who made 23, and then shared a valuable 18-run partnership with
Bartlett to see Australia to victory.
Blades
his four overs.
was West Indies’ best bowler with 3-29 from
Glenn Maxwell hit 47 in 18 balls (Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty Images)
CWI expresses condolences on the passing of Wehby
SOME people serve cricket with a bat or ball in hand. Others, like Don Wehby, serve it with quiet conviction, deep love, and the courage to help shape what the game must become. Don never walked onto a cricket field in maroon, but he carried West Indies cricket in his heart. He was the definition of a true fan: Loyal in spirit, unwavering in belief, and committed not just to the glory of the past, but to the possibilities of the future.
His love for this game was matched by his desire to see it governed with purpose and integrity. In chairing the Cricket West Indies Governance Reform Task Force, Don authored what we now call the Wehby Report
One
(2020), a bold and necessary call to reform. It was a framework rooted in principle, shaped by consultation, and guided by the belief that West Indies cricket, like the region it represents, deserves the very best of itself. He believed governance was not about control, but about stewardship, about honouring the dreams of every young boy or girl who picks up a ball or watches the maroon take the field with wonder in their eyes. Through his corporate leadership at GraceKennedy, and as Chairman of CG Insurance, Don ensured that belief was backed by action. His support helped sustain the game during difficult times, and he remained a valued voice of conscience,
always asking not what was easy, but what was right.
President of Cricket West Indies, Dr. Kishore Shallow, said, “Today, we mourn the passing of a man who never sought recognition, only progress. Don Wehby gave to West Indies cricket not for applause, but out of deep conviction, and in doing so, he gifted us what is now regarded as a model for our future. His legacy reminds us that true leadership does not crave the spotlight; it quietly lights the path for others to follow. Through his authorship of the Wehby Report, and his unwavering commitment to good governance, Don challenged us to be better, to lead with integrity, and to serve with purpose. While we have
Basketball Premier league… Victory Valley Royals dethrone champs, Ravens, for the win
VICTORY Valley Royals, long known for their basketball prowess in the mining town of Linden, came out on top in a Linden versus Georgetown affair at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Game Two of the One Guyana Basketball Premier League finals.
North Ruimveldt Ravens, who defeated Stabroek Ballers in the 2024 edition to take the inaugural title, topped their conference playoffs against the odds this year to earn a chance to defend their title against powerhouses Victory Valley Royals.
Ravens were hoping for another momentous comeback after losing the opener of the Best of Three playoff series, 74-70.
However, Royals had other plans, showing passion and aggression after the
opening whistle to lead by 5 points, 20-15, as they sought to capture the Club title. At the end of the first half, it seemed like it was an open-and-shut case, with Royals putting in a monster performance to stretch the lead, 42-28, going into the break-up by 14.
Ravens’ Nikolai Smith stepped up as they closed the gap in the third to one point, 57-56, with Smith recording 25 points.
Ryan Stephney also put in a vintage showing with 18 points, with 13 from Jude Corlette.
Royals, led by their top scorer in the League, Harold Adams, showed they were a force to reckon with as Adams had a game-high 31 points to keep Ravens at bay. Adams led a fourth-quarter rout, along with Yan -
nick Tappin (14) and Orlan Glasgow (17) to change the momentum and eclipse Ravens in the seven-point victory, which effectively ended the three-match series.
Meanwhile, in the clash for third place, Bounty Colts defeated Pacesetters, 88-82.
The month-long league was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission, and organised by the Guyana Basketball Foundation.
The League’s regular season featured 22 teams evenly split in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conference drawn from all across the country.
The Royals, for capturing the One Guyana Title, now have bragging rights, a million dollars in cash, and the coveted national club league trophy.
made meaningful strides in implementing his vision, we are now bound by duty and gratitude to complete the journey he began. West Indies cricket is stronger because Don Wehby cared, and we honour his memory best by continuing the work with the same clarity, humility, and resolve he so graciously embodied.”
Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring said: “As a fellow countryman and friend for over forty years, I knew Don not only as a brilliant corporate mind, but as a man whose quiet strength and moral clarity left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He loved West Indies cricket with the same passion he brought to every aspect of his life;
purposeful, principled, and deeply rooted in regional pride. Don was never one for fanfare, but his contributions were seismic. His work on the Governance Task Force was more than reform; it was vision grounded in courage. Jamaica has lost a son of distinction, and the Caribbean a champion of progress. I am honoured to have walked alongside him in this era, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and all who mourn his passing.”
Don Wehby served as an Independent Director on the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) from April 2013 to 2017, contributing significantly across multiple leadership roles. Notably, he chaired the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee,
ensuring robust oversight during his tenure. In 2016, he was appointed to lead a Cricket West Indies (CWI) task force focused on corporate governance reform, where he reviewed key reports, including the Patterson and Wilkin reports. Demonstrating continued trust in his leadership, he was reappointed in April 2019 as Chairman of CWI Governance Reform Task Force, charged with driving the implementation of landmark governance recommendations.
Cricket West Indies extends our deepest sympathies to his beloved family, friends and colleagues. May we continue the work he began, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
CWI welcomes PMSC proposal on cricket
CMC – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has wholeheartedly welcomed the recent proposal put forward by the Bureau of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Cricket.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CARICOM and the PMSC called for sweeping reforms in West Indies cricket, while expressing deep concern over the sport’s current state and demanding immediate action from CWI.
They voiced alarm over the sport’s decline, particularly in Test cricket, citing failures in youth development, governance, and longterm planning.
CARICOM leaders also highlighted years of inaction on major reform proposals, including the 2007 Patter -
son Report on governance, the 2015 Eudine Barriteau Report, and the 2020 Wehby Report on CWI restructuring.
In a statement issued by CWI on Saturday, it said its president, Board of Directors, chief executive officer, and Secretariat of Cricket West Indies welcomed the proposal.
“We deeply appreciate the ongoing interest and involvement of regional Heads of Government in the future of West Indies cricket and reaffirm our commitment to open and constructive engagement.
“CWI views the proposed committee, comprising a broad cross-section of regional stakeholders, as a valuable opportunity to not only candidly address the challenges we face, but also to explore practical pathways
to strengthen and sustain West Indies cricket,” the statement read.
“We will encourage our six shareholder members, the territorial cricket boards, to participate actively and share their insights in this important process.
“We reiterate our strong desire for collaboration with CARICOM and all stakeholders, as reflected in our consistent participation in meetings of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket since 2023 and in various courtesy engagements with regional leaders.
“CWI remains confident that, through collective effort and a shared vision, we can return West Indies cricket to the highest standards of excellence both on and off the field,” it further added.
Guyana
EDFA Men’s 2025 Senior league kicks off
‒ MCYS pours $4M into the league; GFF supports with $1.5M
THE East Coast Demerara 2025 senior football league kicked off yesterday at the Plaisance Community Centre, ECD, with a victory for Buxton United, while Golden Star and Plaisance played to a 2-2 draw.
In the opening match, Buxton United showed their class by beating BV/Triumph United, 4-2, on the newly-renovated and resurfaced Plaisance Ground.
Both teams seemed to enjoy the condition of the ground, which was neatly cut and with lush green grass.
Tishawn Gordon (6th), Phillip Williams (9th), Imgram Rahaman (42nd), and Shemar Fredricks (50th)
were the goal scorers for Buxton United.
Royden Chapman (20th), and Siquan Ferguson were the scorers for BV/Triumph United.
In the feature game, home team Plaisance United and Golden Stars, of Golden Grove played to an exciting 2-2 draw.
Akeem Thomas (7th), and Leron Charles (16th), scored for Plaisance, while Nigel Grant (19th), and Dequan Clarke (30th), netted for Golden Stars.
Earlier in the evening,
The Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, in his address, reminded the
Tertiary Basketball League
LTI, UG
players, club executives and spectators of the promises he’d made and delivered upon.
Those included the upgrade of the Plaisance Sports Club Ground, which was a swamp a few years ago, the equipping of the Plaisance, Victoria, Buxton, and BV Grounds with lights; and soon to commence complete upgrade of the Golden Grove Ground.
Minister Ramson informed that the monetary support towards the League is part of the commitments made to the East Coast Football Executives to partner with them in developing the potential of youths across the
Trojans earn place in finals
THE Linden Technical Institute (LTI) and the University of Guyana were the winners on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall when Youth Basketball Guyana staged the semifinals of their ongoing Tertiary Basketball League.
The opening semifinals saw the LTI edging New Amsterdam Technical Institute by two points, 54-52.
Leron Joseph led Linden in the scoring column with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Stefan George was equally as good for his 20 points.
The Berbice outfit of New Amsterdam Technical Institute had good minutes from Jerome Trim with 20 points and 10 rebounds, with Nohoj Baird chipping in with 12 points. They were however unable to close out the contest despite pushing Linden to the limit.
The other semifinals were a blow-out with the University of Guyana Trojans taking a lopsided victory over the Government Technical Institute, 63-33.
UG Trojans’ points came primarily from Chris Perez, Alafin Joseph and
East Coast, both on and off the field.
He said that infrastructural improvements on the grounds at BV, Buxton, Victoria, Golden Grove, ‘Melanie’ and Paradise are underway, as he highlighted the importance of meeting the sporting needs of the youths of the East Coast and other communities across the country.
When the League is completed, top teams will walk away with cash incentives and trophies, while the winning team will enter the 2026 season of the Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League playoffs to qualify as a permanent member of that division.
In an address to the audience, Third Vice-President
of the Guyana Football Association, Dion Innis pledged support of the umbrella body, and handed over $1.5 million dollars cash towards the work programme of the EDFA.
Innis charged the young footballers to “Make this a season of pride, unity, and excellence”, and reminded that “when football is strong on the East Coast, football at the national level is made even stronger”.
He also reminded that the East Coast has consistently given generations of excellent footballers to Guyana, including some of the leading names in football such as Ramroop, Carl Cole, Dwain ‘Dungin’ Jacobs (Golden Stars), the Late Osmond Jeune (Victoria Kings), and
Omari Glasgow (BV/Triumph United) among others.
In brief remarks, President of the East Coast Association Rickford Profitt noted that the Association will continue to lobby support from the government and the private sector to ensure that quality facilities and opportunities for talent exposition are made available to each footballer of the East Coast.
Accompanying the minister to the opening was Chairman of the National Sports Commission and Co-Director of the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation Kashif Muhammad.
The other games which were scheduled for yesterday, Sunday July 27, were postponed due to a cultural activity at the same venue.
Persaud dips below best in 100 metres butterfly World Aquatics Championships
Peter Langevine.
Perez had a good allround game registering 63 points and five steals.
He got strong support from Joseph who was amazing on both ends of the court with 17 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and six steals.
Langevine also came to the party with 14 points and seven rebounds.
GTI’s best shooter on the day was Akira Moore with eight points.
The tournament is sponsored by G-Boats Inc, ENET, Halliburton, and Fireside Grill n Chill.
TWO-time Olympian Aleka Persaud was off the mark on Sunday in her women's 100 meters butterfly as she swam a pedestrian time of 1:06.49 at the World Aquatics Championship in Singapore.
It was in stark contrast with her participation in Barbados earlier this year where she stopped the clock in a personal best time of 1 minute 04.93 seconds which stands as the national record in the event.
National coach Sean Baksh says that Persaud was on target to improve on her personal best at the halfway mark but seemed to have lost steam in the second 50 metres.
Baksh says that he believes that the 25 hours of travelling two days prior to the meet may have tak -
en its toll on her legs but he believes she should be more solid and back to her best next Thursday in her 100 freestyle event where she also holds the national record.
Meanwhile, Raekwon Noel who is the first male swimmer to qualify directly for the event for Guyana will suit up for the 100- and 200-metres butterfly event. He will first dive into the pool tomorrow in the 200 metres then the 100 on August 1st.
At the PANAM Aquatics Championship in Colombia earlier this year, Noel qualified for the World Aquatics Championship through the B standard in the 200 metres freestyle event.
In the event he rewrote the history book with a new national record in the 200
meters butterfly.
He also set national records in the 400-metre, 800 metre and 1500-metre freestyle as well as the 50-metre and 100-metre back stroke at the PANAM event.
Baksh says he expected a good showing from the young land shark Noel who has been in Singapore for a couple of weeks.
“Raekwon had been in Singapore since the 16th and he had been training with his coach in the USA, he is working very hard, he was at the pool with me this morning (Sunday) I’ve seen where he is and he is doing quite well.”
The swimmers and coach are also accompanied by Guyana Amateur Swimming Association President, Yolema Phillips.
UG Trojans and the Government Technical Institute battling it out in the YBG Tertiary League
Guyana Amateur Swimming Association President Yolema Phillips and Sean Baksh with the Olympic duo
From left: Mr. Kashif Muhammad; Minister Charles Ramson Jr.; Mr. Rickford Profitt; Mr. Dion Innis; and Mr. Dwayne Duncan
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Cricket Chair and Guyana’s President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali
