Irfaan Ali, several
Stabroek Square beautification begins
- vendors assured they will not be removed or their livelihoods disrupted in any way
THE Ministry of Local Government plans to beautify the Stabroek Square by creating a space similar to what exists opposite the Parliament Buildings, which once complete will be accessible to vendors, shoppers, commuters, and other members of the public.
As part of the beautician exercise, the floor will be raised, park benches will be installed, decorations will go up and a space for artistes to perform will be made available.
Subject Minister Priya Manickchand said no vendor will be removed from the area even while construction is taking place.
This assurance came after vendors voiced their concerns about the erection of a fence around the area allegedly without their knowledge or input.
The beautification of the space is occurring where vending is not currently happening and is expected to be completed in time for the festive season.
The ministry said it is very conscious that the Christmas season is upon us and expressed hope that the beautified space will increase sales for vendors operating on the square and nearby, in a safe, relaxing environment.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Alfred Mentore and several city councillors were among those at a meeting held on Thursday in the boardroom at the Ministry of Housing, where they viewed a video presentation
on what the Stabroek Square would look like when the works are complete and what that would involve.
This is according to the ministry’s Facebook page, which indicated that the response from the City Council was, "lovely, lovely. This is what is needed.”
The ministry stated that on the night when it held a going forward engagement where all stakeholders were invited, this concept was publicly presented to all present, albeit not on
screen.
“The minister has also spoken publicly of the revival and restoration of the Stabroek Square which is the intention,” the ministry said adding that shortly, the repairs to the market’s roof will begin. It was reiterated that the Ministry and the City Council sat down together and discussed the roof repair project.
“We understand and acknowledge that the erection of
will benefit. Where families and children, tourists and artistes, can enjoy their shopping experience and where more sales are likely to happen,” it said.
SAFETY OF VENDORS
PRIORITISED
At Stabroek Square where a crowd of mostly vendors had gathered, Dr. Josh Kanhai, Deputy Permanent Secretary attached to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, told the media that
the ply board around the area may have caused some alarm, but we are advised that this is necessary for the safety of those in the vicinity and is common practice when civil works of this nature is ongoing.
“This construction will finish in under two weeks. We are further advised that two vendors could be displaced temporarily by this construction, and instructions have been given that will minimise that effect,” the ministry’s post said.
It added that the ministry will also engage those vendors directly.
“While there were forces who wanted the vendors removed and thought this was a good opportunity to do that, it was the ministry that insisted that development must have a human face and that no vendors will be moved at this point.
“We ask that parties external to this process not be opportunistic and stoke divisions for narrow political gain.
“At the end of this process will be a place where vendors, shoppers and commuters alike
he is on the ground to see the cordoning off of an area to facilitate some construction works being done.
He said there was a meeting about a week ago where the local government team presented a beautification plan for the square which will be done in two phases.
Dr. Kanhai added that the meeting was held in the presence of the mayor, other stakeholders, and the plan was accepted.
He stated that given that the ministry had a going forward party about two weeks ago, the minister herself was there talking and socialising with the vendors.
According to him, she would have told them about the plan and that would have included putting down garbage bins.
He explained that Minister Manickchand was out there and she talked about the plan to beautify the area and perhaps what was missed is the cordoning off of the area, which is for the safety of the vendors.
Dr. Kanhai said the duration
The walled-up section of Stabroek Square
Dr. Josh Kanhai interacts with vendors and others on Thursday morning as the beautification project got underway (Sachin Persaud photos)
‘Leadership is not an entitlement; it is a trust’
By Naomi Parris
OUTLINING the importance of responsiveness, delivery, and co-operation across Guyana’s regional democratic organs, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday mandated the newly sworn in chairperson and the vice-chairperson of the respective regions to honour their contracts with their respective constituents and deliver services to people that are second to none.
“Leadership is not an entitlement; it is a trust…
needs.
Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) are expected to be the engine of regional development, bringing government services directly to communities.
“I expect you to intervene early, not far after a problem has grown. I expect you to innovate, not indicate. I expect you to engage with citizens directly and regularly. When people see their leaders, walking their communities, listening to their concerns and acting on their needs to develop confi -
the rationale is clear. The oath binds you publicly and solely to fidelity, impartiality, integrity, and service. It is not a ritual. It is a contract, a contract between you and your constituents,” the Head of State said after administering the oath to nine of the ten of the elected regional officials at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
The government aims to enhance public infrastructure, health care delivery, and education services as well as promote safer communities. Regarding this, he urged the regional leaders to be proactive in their response to citizens’
- President Ali says, urges regional leaders to turn the page on political rivalry; work in unity, with commitment
keep them informed, consult them, engage them, respect them. RDC’s have a sacred responsibility in improving the quality of life in our regions,” he added.
‘TURN THE PAGE ON POLITICAL RIVALRY’
Further cementing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) philosophy of service to the people, President Ali charged the new leaders to now focus their energies on ensuring co-operation prevails.
“Today, let us turn the
able link between central administration and local communities.
The regional leaders who were officially sworn in on Thursday are as follows:
Region One (Barima-Waini) - Brentnol Ashley was sworn in as Regional Chairman, while Paul Pierre will serve as Regional Vice-Chairman.
In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Devin Mohan was sworn in as Regional Chairman, while Humace Oodit was elected as Regional Vice-Chairman.
dence in institutions that serve them, people must see and believe in the regional democratic councils,” he said.
The President stressed that citizens have a right to expect faster action, visible improvements in their livelihoods and trustworthy governance from their leaders.
He disclosed that the government is rolling out a suite of community-based initiatives to address the immediate needs in various regions; these range from improvements to infrastructure, recreational facilities, water and sanitation, garbage disposal and road safety.
“Meet the citizens,
page on political rivalry and open a new chapter, one of unity of purpose, collaboration and commitment to the common good. The people of Guyana have given you a mandate to build, not divide, to deliver, not to stall progress, but to accelerate it,” he said adding:
“They expect development. They expect leadership. They expect solutions, not excuses. This is why I want to emphasise two critical words that will define our success, responsiveness and delivery.”
He reiterated that the regional democratic councils constitute the second tier of government, serving as a critical and indispens-
Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Sheik Mohamed Ishan Ayube was sworn as Regional Chairman, while Anjanie Narine as Regional Vice-Chairwoman.
In Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Clemsford Belgrave was sworn in as Regional Chairman, and Deoraj Nauth as Regional Vice-Chairman.
In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Ricardo Dwain Phillips was sworn in as Regional Chairman, and Kleon Lindey was elected Regional Vice-Chairman.
Meanwhile, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Junior Basant was sworn in to serve as Re-
gional Chairman and Sahid Khan as Regional Vice-Chairman, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), June Shondelle J. Shurland-Gittens was sworn in as Regional Chairwoman, and Alden Christopher Marslowe was elected as Regional Vice-Chairman.
In Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Tercellia John was sworn in as Regional Chairwoman, and Samantha John Vice-Chairwoman.
In Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Vania Albert was sworn in as Regional Chairperson and Daniel Aguilar Regional Vice-Chairperson.
Meanwhile in Region 10, the election of a new
Chairman for the region had ended in a tie.
The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Dominique Blair secured nine votes, the same number as Mark Goring of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party.
The tie leaves the final decision in the hands of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, who will be required to convene a special meeting to cast the deciding vote.
And according to President Ali, Minister Manickhand will do so within the constitutional timeframe as the process is still ongoing.
President Irfaan Ali delivering remarks at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (DPI photos)
Region Two Chairperson, Devin Mohan
Region One Chairperson, Brentnol Ashley
Region Three Chairperson, Sheik Mohamed Ishan Ayube
Region Four Chairperson, Clemsford Belgrave
Region Five Chairperson, Ricardo Dwain Phillips
Region Six Chairperson, Junior Basant
Region Seven Chairperson, June Shondelle J. Shurland-Gittens
Region Eight Chairperson, Tarcellia John
Region Nine Chairperson, Vania Albert
IDRF celebrates outcomes of CAD$2.9M SPAR Project
By Faith Greene
THE International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) hosted a closing ceremony for its SPAR Project: “Safeguarding the Human Dignity and Rights of Populations At-Risk for Ill-Mental Health Across Guyana”, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, on Thursday.
The project was launched in 2022 through a partnership between IDRF and the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada), at a cost of CAD$2.9 million, and has worked to strengthen mental health literacy, reduce stigma, expand community-based support, and improve access to early identification and referral services for individuals at risk across Guyana.
This event showcased the project’s impact over the last four years, highlighting community-level achievements, and celebrating the contributions of government partners, educators, civil society groups, and
local communities engaged in strengthening Guyana’s mental health response.
For more than 20 years, IDRF has worked alongside Guyanese partners to support health, education, and community empowerment initiatives across the country. The SPAR Project represents a significant milestone in IDRF’s ongoing commitment to improving mental health outcomes and safeguarding the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his remarks during the formal portion of the ceremony, said that one of the things that government has done, was to go to parliament where they would have created and passed a new legislative framework that is more oriented to human rights.
The minister said Guyana was at one point, one of the places with a high suicide rate.
Acknowledging that that needed to change, government decided that one way of chang-
ing is to pass special legislation to prevent suicide in Guyana.
“We can't do that if we think it's just a health sector problem or a health problem. This is a societal problem. All of us got to be involved. And so, one of the things that we created under that piece of legislation was to ensure that we have a Suicide Prevention Commission; and, we wanted, if somebody attempted suicide, that must be reported within a very urgent time frame so that we can identify that this is an issue and that we can respond appropriately. And so that was one of the things that we built in,” Minister Anthony stated.
He added that they also recognised that there is no strategy in place for mental health. Government working with their partners at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), ensured the creation of a mental health strategy.
The minister emphasised that only a few years ago, there were only around two psychia-
trists in Guyana. Today, there are several more. To solve the challenge of accessibility to mental health services, in every region there is a resident psychiatrist.
Dr. Anthony underscored, “We want to make sure that we put the psychiatrists in different regions so that people who need these services can go to the psychiatrist within that particular region. And it's changing the dynamics of mental health illnesses, because now we have somebody to go to.”
The health minister mentioned that there is hope to train more persons who will be deployed across regions. They have already started post-grad training for doctors in Guyana. The use of modern technology is also considered, as government has in place telemedicine apparatus in 81 sites across Guyana.
While these are widely known to be used for other health purposes, the minister noted that in cases of persons who need mental health support, they will be connected to a psy-
The closing ceremony for SPAR showcased the project’s impact over the last four years. Further, it highlighted community-level achievements, and celebrated the contributions of all stakeholders engaged in strengthening Guyana’s mental health response
chiatrist at the Georgetown Public Hospital at any of these sites.
Dr. Anthony announced, “That's a service that we offer.
So, you can say we're breaking ground in terms of telepsychiatry; and before the year comes to an end, we want to add another 50 sites across Guyana. So, we're expanding this network.”
Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastien Sigouin said the SPAR
Project has had a great impact, and has shown that much more can be done, and that there is a deep desire within the Guyanese society to address the root causes of mental health challenges in homes, communities and schools nationwide.
It is projects like this, he said, that can make real differences in communities and families that are affected by these challenges.
Stabroek Square beautification...
FROM PAGE 2
of the project is about 15 days and the contractor will be working around the clock to complete it. The construction of a fence is part of the first phase. It is expected to be three to three and a half feet high, which will give the square a bit more character. The floor will be done, and a Christmas Tree will be set up in time for Christmas.
He pointed out that the ministry has assured vendors that they will not be removed from the area when the beauti-
fication work is done. According to him, the minister has made it clear that she doesn’t want any of the vendors to be hampered in any way.
“It’s Christmas time and this is the only means of these vendors for their families and she has taken that stern stance even though forces were against her to have the vendors completely removed. She stands with the vendors not to be removed unless they have a plan for them, they will not be hampered form doing business,” Dr. Kanhai said.
He added that the plywood wall that was put up on Thursday will remain there for a little while until the posts are installed.
Dr. Kanhai said in addition to the fence and the Christmas Tree, there will be benches. He said that phase two will be even more beautiful as it will bring some order to the square and will give vendors a sense of hope to attract both buyers and visitors.
One of the two vendors who are affected by the plywood wall told the Guyana
Chronicle that she arrived at 02:00 hrs and saw some people putting down some iron posts on the road and she enquired what was happening.
She was told they have to erect a fence for the beautician exercise to take place, but she maintained that she wasn’t informed that a wall would be erected.
The vendor said that she was previously assured by Minister Manickchand that she can sell at the location where she was for the past eight years. The woman pointed out that she has already invested heavily for the Christmas season.
While she has no issues with the beautician process and welcomes it with open arms, she was concerned about the non-communication regarding the fence.
Another vendor said he is being allowed to sell from his stall, but his main concern is where will he now park his vehicle because the route 45 bus park was reduced significantly due to the walled-off area.
Vendors and others gathered at Stabroek Square
Voir dire hearings progress as electoral fraud trial set to resume today
THE electoral fraud trial stemming from the disputed March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections continued on Thursday before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty, with the proceedings dominated by evidential challenges and procedural hearings.
Thursday’s session opened with a voir dire held to determine the admissibility of certain evidence tendered by the prosecution. A voir dire is a hearing to decide if evidence is admissible in court, sometimes involving a "trial within a trial" where evidence is presented and arguments are made.
The voir dire concerned testimony from Bebi Mohammed, who served as a People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) counting agent during the 2020 elections.
Mohammed produced several documents as part of her evidence, but defence attorney Nigel Hughes objected to their admission, questioning their relevance, the manner in which they were prepared, and whether Mohammed was qualified to produce them.
Those objections contributed directly to the need for the voir dire hearing.
While the specific evidence examined during the voir dire cannot be disclosed, the Chief Magistrate, after concluding the exercise, directed both the prosecution and defence to put forward submissions before she rules on the admissibility of the documents.
Defence attorneys also
indicated that another voir dire will be required, this time concerning former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staffer Enrique Livan, one of the defendants.
That hearing will address the admissibility of statements allegedly linked to Livan and it is expected to take place as the trial progresses today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
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 (PNCR) 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 are being represented by a robust defence team, including attorneys Nigel Hughes, Dexter Todd, Eusi Anderson, Darren Wade 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 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 won the elections with 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC coalition’s 217,920.
The initial elections 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 have 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.
Volda Lawrence Clairmont Mingo
Carol Smith-Joseph Keith Lowenfield Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty Roxanne Myers
Enrique Livan Michelle Miller Sheffern February Denise Babb-Cummings
A Significant Seal
WITH the launch of the National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal, Guyana has made a significant move to address a major issue in our national development.
The reality remains that Guyanese women are stuck with a labour force participation rate of just 40.27 percent, which is only about two-thirds of the global average.
They also face violence, discrimination, and various barriers that limit their economic potential.
This seal was created after extensive discussions with nearly 1,000 people across 37 sessions from 2021 to 2025. It represents a real change from mere words.
As Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud pointed out at Wednesday’s launch, “this is not merely a policy; it is an actionable programme with
measurable indicators.”
This difference is important. Guyana has a history of gender-equality promises that have fallen flat due to a lack of real enforcement. The seal, with its annual awards system and workplace-certification requirements, aims to turn good intentions into accountability for companies.
It is particularly impactful because it openly documents failures in the workplace. Research from the ministry showed that women aged 20 to 30, who are in their peak working years, often face violence during this time.
Many women hold back from participating in the workforce because they fear losing their jobs if they seek protection orders or go to court over family issues. Immigrant workers, both men and women, experience ongoing sexual harassment and exploitation without proper support.
Child-care institutions penalise women who are just a few minutes late, while many workplaces lack even basic hygiene protections for men.
The key question now is whether organisations will genuinely pursue the seal as a means of real change, or whether it will just serve as another corporate badge—a bronze or silver plaque displayed in lobbies while toxic cultures continue behind the scenes.
If there are cases where compliance checks are inconsistent and accountability can vary, a poorly enforced gender seal might inadvertently validate workplace practices that only seem to improve.
The government, along with the private sector and civil society, must ensure thorough and transparent auditing.
Workers need channels to report violations without fearing retaliation. Importantly, the seal should also reach beyond formal jobs to improve conditions for immigrant workers and those in the informal sector. These groups are especially vulnerable but are often overlooked in formal workplace initiatives.
According to UNFPA support, Guyana is now leading the Caribbean in this effort. That distinction brings responsibility. The world is watching to see if a developing nation can effectively turn gender policies into real, respectful work environments. The issue isn’t whether the seal is well-intentioned.
It’s whether society has the dedication, consistency and real commitment needed to implement it, transforming this seal from a symbol into something substantial.
42,000 traffic tickets issued; errant drivers urged to pay or lose licences
–– as police prepare to roll out smart meters, cars for better traffic management
SINCE the implementation of Guyana’s automated speed-ticketing system through the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) project in April, some 42,000 tickets have been issued for traffic offences.
This is according to President, Dr Irfaan Ali, who while speaking at a business event earlier this week, urged drivers with outstanding tickets to pay for to do so or risk their vehicular licences being suspended.
Radar speed signs and speed cameras were installed across Guyana to monitor vehicular speeds and traffic patterns.
If a driver’s contact details are registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), they will receive a notification via SMS or email with details of the violation. If their contact details are not registered, a physical ticket will be delivered to their address
“We have already have [sic] close to 10,000 persons paying their road tickets electronically and in another few days you will see the offenders published in the newspaper with their outstanding
The automated speed cameras detect vehicles exceeding the speed limit, and tickets will be generated automatically without manual processing.
amounts in terms of tickets; and I used this forum to calmly appeal to those who have outstanding payments to do [so] within the next 48 hours or your licences will be suspended,” the President said.
The President noted that the systems put in place are bringing about results and the government will continue to make the necessary investments in these technologies to promote a safer use of the country’s roadways.
To this end, he disclosed that in the coming weeks, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be acquiring new speed meters and smart vehicles to enhance its efforts.
“Our police cars and po-
lice ranks will be equipped with smart meters and smart cars …so that electronically everything will be recorded and stored, removing that human interface and allowing technology to help people to do better because we have it in us to do better,” he added.
The President had previously stated that the automated speed-enforcement system, combined with real-time traffic monitoring, represents a critical step forward in ensuring compliance with traffic laws, reducing accidents, and ultimately saving lives.
This system is fully automated and autonomous, ensuring impartial and consis-
tent enforcement. No manual intervention is possible, making it impossible for offenders to manipulate or bypass fines. All violations must either be paid for or contested in court.
In January, data gathered through the use of newly established traffic cameras and the installation of new radar speed signs, provided invaluable insights into the behaviour of road users, particularly when it comes to speeding.
The data, which was collected over the course of several days, revealed that between seven per cent and 11 per cent of road users are exceeding speed limits during peak hours.
Last year, the government began the installation of smart cameras along several major highways across the country, which have captured more than 60,000 instances of drivers speeding.
More recently, the GPF and the NDMA began installing new radar speed signs connected to advanced cloud infrastructure as part of the SRIS Project.
The signs are designed to monitor vehicular speeds and traffic patterns, and the data generated from these signs will be used to implement strategies aimed at reducing speeds and improving road safety across Guyana.
Azruddin’s statements on extradition case ‘troubling, cause for concern’
- President Ali says
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday affirmed that the ongoing extradition case against the embattled father son duo, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed, will follow due process.
Speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of an event, the Head of State, expressed his thoughts on the recent statements publicly made by Azruddin, who has suggested that the extradition matter could take “at least five years or more” to conclude.
According to Dr. Ali, such comments are troubling, noting that anyone before the judiciary who would speak with such certainty of an outcome should be cause for concern.
“I don’t know why he believes he is in charge of the court. Making a definitive statement like this is concerning to me, and I’m sure it’s concerning to the judiciary, because he is making a statement that is
very bold, as if he is aware of a system that will deliver to him a certain result,” President Ali said.
Meanwhile, the President noted that the government remains committed to ensuring that all legal processes are followed as the case unfolds.
“We believe in due process. We believe the Mohameds must have due process, and they are having that due process.”
He reminded though that it is the local courts’ duty to determine whether there is enough evidence that constitutes a crime in the United States of America.
“I want to remind you that it is not for the courts of Guyana or the magistrate to try this case, it is for the magistrate to determine whether there is enough evidence that constitutes a crime in the US, and for the extradition to take place based on that,” the President said adding:
“The grand jury has
already determined that there is enough evidence for the extradition to take place, So I think it’s a simple proceeding, and we await due process.”
The extradition proceedings at the magistrates’ courts here is supported by documents already submitted by US authorities outlining the alleged offences
The father and son have been hit with an 11-count indictment in the U.S. Florida Southern District Court. The pair face 10 counts jointly, while Azruddin is charged with an additional count related to the importation of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ into Guyana.
Court documents allege that Azruddin and his father conspired to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax
evasion scheme.
The indictment was issued by a grand jury in October.
According to the filings, Nazar owns 90 per cent of Mohamed’s Enterprise, with Azruddin holding the remaining 10 per cent. The two face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the most serious charge.
In June 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanc -
tioned Nazar and Azruddin for engaging in gold smuggling and public corruption, including the alleged defrauding of the Guyanese government of over US$50 million in unpaid duty taxes.
U.S. authorities are believed to have launched their investigation into the Mohameds in the mid2010s, supported by intelligence sharing and law enforcement co-operation between Guyana and the United States that dates
back to around 2016–2017.
The probe involved several U.S. agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The two businessmen are expected to make another appearance at court today as the proceedings continue to unfold.
Gov’t support to go beyond cash bonuses - President Ali
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has once again assured the Guyanese populace that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration remains steadfast in honouring the commitments it makes to the nation.
The Head of State emphasised that the government’s vision extends far beyond the immediate expectation of a cash bonus, pointing instead to a broad developmental framework designed to uplift citizens’ lives in a sustainable manner.
“Whilst you may restrict your thoughts to just a cash bonus, this government has a very elaborate agenda for the upliftment of your life, for the improvement of your life, for building prosperity for you, for building prosperity for your community, for empowering you, for giving you the opportunity to live a life in which you have access to the best health care, best education, home ownership,
reduced interest rates, access to low-interest business development loans and grants with no collateral, access to textbooks, expanded school feeding programmes, expanded infrastructure, com-
munity infrastructure, building out facilities to support women’s health,” President Ali said on Thursday, while speaking to reporters.
The President reiterated that the administration remains focused on expanding opportunities across all sectors, ensuring that the benefits of national development are felt in every community.
It was previously reported that the government will unveil a comprehensive package of measures before the end of the year aimed at empowering all categories of Guyanese, including persons living with disabilities, the elderly, women, children, farmers, and small business owners.
“I’m going to announce a comprehensive slew
of measures that would include, of course, cash transfer to families before the end of the year. That will take us not only into the next year but will take us into our cycle of government in the next five years,” the Head of State said during an interview earlier this month.
He emphasised that the administration is pursuing a holistic approach that goes beyond immediate financial relief to address the diverse needs of citizens.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise public services, the President noted that the entire system is being digitised to ensure efficiency and transparency in the distribution of benefits.
To this end he encouraged the public to open bank accounts in preparations of electronic transfers. Meanwhile, President Ali also announced that the government will be giving $150,000 to each fisherfolk as part of an effort to better support these workers.
Back in August, President Ali had disclosed that Guyanese fisherfolk can expect more direct support, training, co-investment opportunities and a climate fund to enhance their lives and the local industry.
President Ali had then outlined plans to adopt newer technologies, training and equipping fisherfolk with the tools needed to ply their trade with greater precision.
NDP wins elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines
IN a landmark political transformation, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has secured victory in the 2025 national elections, concluding a quar-
ter-century period outside the government’s central leadership.
Dr. Godwin Friday, the party leader, will become the island’s sev -
enth prime minister since its 1979 independence, after winning a tightly contested electoral race against long-serving former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.
The NDP’s strategic campaign culminated in an early securing of nine parliamentary seats, effectively ending Gonsalves’ extended political tenure.
As the new prime minister prepares to assume office, national attention will focus on his proposed policy initiatives and potential strategies for addressing the island’s economic and social challenges. (St Vincent Times)
The father, son duo is expected to appear before the court today
Questions for the Canadian High Commission in Guyana
BY now most Guyanese in and out of the land, knows that the current Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Sebastian Segouin wants Guyanese to ask the Guyana Government to accept the findings of the EU Election Observer Team to the 2025 national poll held last September.
My article yesterday (Thursday) was about this topic. After its publication, it occurred to me that I forgot to ask an extremely pertinent question of the High Commissioner. The UN Independent International Commission on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.
The inquiry found that the Israeli security forces committed four of the five genocidal acts as contained in the 1948 Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. My research indicates that the Canadian Government has not adopted the report.
Now is it not logical to of Mr. Segouin why his government has not formally endorsed the UN findings on genocide in Gaza?
Given the political and moral perspectives that compelled Mr. Segouin to appeal to the Guyanese people should he not see he has the moral obligation to ask the Canadian people to beseech their government to accept the UN report? There is more moral compulsion for Mr. Segouin to do so because he is part of the Canadian population and Canadian nationality.
He is a stranger to most Guyanese and is not part of the Guyanese world. So, if he can advocate that Guyanese pressure their government to accept the findings of the EU Observer Election Team why can’t he do the same for his own country with regard to the UN report?
Here is another question for the High Commissioner. I would not know how Canadian ambassadors interact with the nations they are
assigned to. I presume Mr. Segouin would since he probably reads the annual report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa which would carry the submissions of each ambassador.
Is Mr. Segouin aware of how the Canadian Ambassador reacts to the apartheid system that the Palestinians live under in Gaza and the West Bank and the perpetuation of genocide since 2023? Has the ambassador in Israel ever saw it fit to appeal to the Israeli people advising them that they should take action on the genocidal acts their government is perpetuating in Gaza?
Let’s quote Mr. Segouin once more (we did so yesterday) because when you examine his address to the Guyanese people then you see how exigent it becomes of the Canadian Ambassador in Israel to directly address the Israeli population. Mr. Segouin wrote: “Democracy belongs to the Guyanese people. So, speak up, call on your elected representatives, on your National Assembly,
on your government to take action and make the changes needed so that your electoral process is truly free and fair. It’s your right and your responsibility”.
If Mr. Segouin can go that far in Guyana why can’t his counterpart in Israel do the same? Both men will not comment on Israel and guess why? Israel is seen as special to the Western world while Guyana is way down the pecking order. But why is Israel special to the West? There is at an absolute level, no reason why Israel should be an exceptional country to the Western world.
Israel is one of the world’s most mediocre nations. Its economy rests on the patronage of the US.
Every cigarette smoked, every KFC chicken eaten, every beer drank, every jet
fighter that roars in the sky in Israel is dependent on American patronage. You take away American generosity tomorrow and Israel falls into nothingness. Compared to Guyana, Israel is a pauperized country with no resources. Guyana’s agriculture can feed the population of Israel.
Israel is no phenomenal or great country in the international system. It is 8,000 square miles with 8 million people. Any high school boy that studies engineering knows that in modern warfare, 8000 square miles can be flattened within hours.
To compare the firepower of Iran and Israel is to compare Jaspit Bumrah with a onelegged village cricketer.
When Israel attacked Iran this year, and Iran retaliated, the political leadership of Israel felt that the US
would have intervened. It did but not in the way Israel felt it would. The US did a sham bombing and claimed it incapacitated Iran’s nuclear programme. No one in the world believes that. The next bombing of Israel by Iran will destroy Israel forever.
To conclude, neither the Canadian Ambassador in Israel nor the Canadian High Commissioner in Guyana will speak about Israel, the way Mr. Seguin spoke about Guyana.
This is because of the basic contempt the West has for the Global South.
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
GTA steps up tourism development drive
–– as demand for new experiences grows
AS Tourism Month comes to an end, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) said tourism-development efforts across the country have been accelerated, accompanied by unprecedented growth in the sector which was highlighted recently with the launch of seven new immersive tourism experiences.
According to Senior Product Development Manager at the GTA, Candace Phillips, this development is being pushed by stronger partnerships, a surge in new tour operators and an increased demand for diversified travel experiences. This momentum, Phillips said, is reshaping how new destinations and products come on stream.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Phillips highlighted the robust, collaborative process needed for a tourism business to be launched.
She explained that devel-
oping a tourism product begins with interest from communities or private operators, who often approach the GTA seeking support to build or refine experiences in their areas.
“Our job is basically to work with Indigenous communities or the private sector towards developing new tourism experiences,” she said, noting that engagement can start with a village council reaching out, an operator requesting assistance, or even the authority identifying a promising location through social media.
Once contact is made, the team conducts a thorough site or product assessment to determine whether an experience is viable. This includes checking market interest, safety, investment needs and whether the product aligns with current traveller demand. “We would go to a location or to try the product to determine viability, if it can actually work, if there is a target market for it. Are
there guests who are going to be willing to come to a particular location for a particular experience? Does it make sense to put investment into this? Or is it just one of those things that will never quite develop because there isn’t an interest?” Phillips further explained.
A core part of the GTA’s work involves capacity building. Phillips highlighted that community-based tourism operators and guides receive training in areas such as CPR and first aid, culinary skills, packaging and pricing, mixology, tour guiding and operations management. The aim is to ensure that stakeholders understand the tourism ecosystem and are equipped to serve their target markets.
But the work does not stop at capacity building as after a product is developed, the GTA conducts several rounds of testing to ensure safety and quality before
‘City & Guilds’ push to certify more skilled
Guyanese
–– Executive Director says international recognition key as Guyana prepares workforce for the global market
By Shaniya Harding
THE City & Guilds Professional Recognition Awards programme is being promoted as a brand-new educational avenue and pathway for Guyanese workers with years of practical experience but no formal certification.
During an information session at the National Library on Thursday afternoon, Executive Director of City & Guilds in Trinidad and Tobago, Selwyn Bhajan, highlighted why it is relevant to Guyana and what being a part of the programme would look like.
Bhajan explained that the programme was born out of a need he personally witnessed in the Caribbean, where thousands of skilled workers became unemployed without any formal certification to back their abilities.
This pushed him to search for a competency-based system that could validate real-world experience for unqualified industry professionals. This led him to City & Guilds. “Within a week, we had people who could run a factory or a distillery, now [buying] a maxi-taxi, start a roti shop or are looking for a security job because they have no certification,” he shared. This experience inspired the development of City & Guilds in Trinidad and Tobago and, today, across the wider Caribbean.
“I looked for a compe -
tency-based programme that people can use to match their qualifications with their professional experience,” he added.
Bhajan noted that Guyana faces a similar challenge, with thousands of skilled workers across traditional industries and emerging sectors requiring credentials to compete on the international stage.
Moreover, he stressed that local qualifications alone do not always allow young people to enter the global job market. “You cannot just give the Guyanese qualification and expect a young person to be able to enter the world market. It is a global village now,” he stated, reinforcing why City & Guilds’ competency-based international recognition ensures wider job opportunities. Moreover, Bhajan explained that the Professional Recognition Awards allow applicants to be certified at levels equivalent to advanced diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and a fellowship comparable to a PhD. Admission is based entirely on documented competence, and completion is also largely dependent on competency and commitment rather than just exams or classroom attendance. Explaining the structure of the course, he shared that, “There are no pass and fail. You just have to bring yourself to put the information in a particular way that shows you are qualified. Th only way you fail is if you drop out or do not complete
of Product
itating a recent tourism operations and
Lethem Business Incubator (GTA
any public launch. Development cycles can vary significantly says Phillips, with some ventures taking a year. But in other cases, it can stretch over a few years depending on how quickly communities or operators advance.
Phillips noted that the sector has undergone a noticeable transformation in the last few years, which ushered in a new wave of operators such as Blackwater Adventures, Wanderlust Adventures Guyana and 592 Tours.
available to domestic, business and international tourists seeking to experience Guyana.
Collaboration among operators has also increased, something she believes has strengthened product quality and broadened the overall market. The GTA itself has expanded its presence, working with more communities and partnering with a wider range of tour companies than ever before.
Phillips said.
Looking ahead, the GTA is prioritising stronger regional tourism associations, which Phillips believes are essential for decentralised development. “Each region and each location being developed based on their unique offering. Not trying to replicate, but trying to complement and see how you can create diversity and add more options to the tourism offering from the country.”
the course.” He added.
The programme, he emphasised, is designed for mid-career professionals who want to strengthen their résumés while gaining global credibility. Participants receive a digital badge, a formal certificate, and a statement confirming how their award compares to traditional degrees. “People like yourself want to be part of the global village and be recognised and credited for competence and intelligence,” Bhajan said, “You get a digital badge, a certificate, and an official statement showing whether it is equivalent to a bachelor’s or a master’s.”
Bhajan and his team are also seeking local representatives who will help establish and manage the programme in Guyana. These persons will be trained and supported to guide applicants through the template-based process. “We are also looking for a few individuals here who will be our City & Guilds representatives. We will train you to bring the knowledge to the people of Guyana,” he stated.
Bhajan said the initiative forms part of a wider effort to ensure Caribbean professionals are equipped to operate in a competitive global market. He noted that with the right local partnerships, Guyana can quickly build a network of certified workers whose skills are formally recognised beyond the region.
“With having new blood, we saw the interest in diversifying the Guyana product portfolio,” she said, adding that these entrants have pushed into new areas, introduced fresh concepts and added creative additions to common experiences such as the Georgetown city tours. This diversification has broadened the options
The authority now records its highest number of licensed tourism enterprises and has significantly increased the number of trained tour guides. From a marketing standpoint, the GTA has engaged multiple international representation firms and boosted Guyana’s global visibility. “For a small agency, we are basically diversifying ourselves, elevating the work that we do across Guyana,”
Phillips emphasised that tourism works best when every experience is interconnected. “
Now more than ever we need a sector that really demonstrates that no human is an island, that every experience hinges on another one,” she said, before emphasising that the GTA remains focused on sustaining growth and expanding the country’s tourism footprint, safely and sustainably.
Senior Manager
Development at the GTA, Candace Phillips, facil-
management training session at the
photo)
Minister Walrond engages Linden CPGs
- emphasises their role in Guyana’s drive for safer, stronger communities
COMMUNITIES across Linden and the wider Region 10 will see strengthened citizen-security efforts, after Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond meet with Community Policing Groups (CPGs) on Wednesday.
The meeting saw an interactive session spearheaded by Minister Walrond aimed at reinforcing the government’s push for deeper collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
During the engagement with CPG representatives
from all 27 groups in the district, the minister stressed that community policing remains one of the administration’s most effective tools for addressing crime and improving safety at the grassroots level. “Community Policing Groups are one of the most important tools we have to change the trajectory of crime and traffic deaths in our country,” she said. “When you meet with residents, listen to their concerns and bring those issues to us, it helps us take them back and work towards
practical solutions for your communities.”
Moreover, Minister Walrond noted that her vision for a more vibrant, coordinated community-policing movement is shared by the leadership of the Guyana Police Force, adding, “When I took up this office a few months ago, the commissioner and I agreed that we must build a more vibrant community-policing movement across the country, and he is fully on board with that vision,” Minister Walrond noted. “We’ve already seen tremendous
benefits where these groups are active.”
Throughout the session, the minister highlighted how CPGs are helping to bridge long-standing gaps between law enforcement and the public. By visiting neighbourhoods, holding community meetings, conducting voluntary patrols and sharing information, members create what she described as “the backbone of strong community relations.” She added, “If people don’t feel that they can trust the authorities, we will never be able to solve issues
of crime and all the other ills that come with it. People have got to feel that they can come to you and be heard.”
Touching on domestic violence, Minister Walrond highlighted the important role CPGs play in preventing domestic and family-related crimes. “Sometimes it is the neighbour who hears what is happening in the home next door, the woman who is being battered, the children who are crying, who can make the difference,” she further stressed. “A child or woman being exposed to abuse must feel there is a trusted adult in the community they can turn to; you represent that mother figure or father figure, even before the police arrive.”
She further noted that while serious crime has declined nationally, domestic and family-related offences remain an area of concern.
“For the most part, serious crime is down in Guyana thanks to the Guyana Police Force and the hard work of our ranks,” Minister Walrond said. “But many of the offences we continue to see are linked to domestic and family relationships. That tells us we must tackle these deeper societal issues together, government, police and communities’ side by side.”
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the institutional support for CPGs, including more active involvement from the commissioner’s office in deployment and resourcing. However, she emphasised that community policing must remain rooted in volunteerism.
“We have decided that the Guyana Police Force, through the commissioner’s office, will be more active-
ly involved in the deployment and resourcing of these groups, because you are critical to keeping our citizens safe and secure,” she shared.
Additionally, she underscored that the true strength of community policing rests on service, not payment.
“The real strength of community policing comes when these activities grow out of your volunteerism and your desire to see the best for your communities,” Minister Walrond reminded the group.
“When you go out on patrol, it should feel like you are doing it for family and friends, not because of how much you can be paid, but because you care about what happens where you live.”
Region 10 currently has 27 Community Policing Groups with a combined mem bership of 441. These include Block 42, Speightland (DOR), Moblissa (East), Old England, Coomacka Mines/ Three Friends, Cinderella City, Moblissa (Chinese Road), Kara Kara, Kwakwani, Ituni, Fruitville, Fudersville (DOR), Hururu Mission, West Watooka, Canvas City, Wisroc, Rockstone, 58 Miles Mabura, Andyville, Success Avenue, Melalli, Block 22, Mabura, Muritaro, Blueberry Hill and Block 56 Kalaru Walrond thanked members for their ongoing service, noting that Wednesday’s forum marks the start of a series of nationwide engagements aimed at reorganising, energising, and expanding CPGs.
“This is just the first of many such engagements,” she said. “We want active, functional groups, and we want you to know that you have a partner in government as we work together to keep every community in Guyana safe.”
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond addresses members of the various Region 10 Community Policing Groups on Wednesday (Ministry of Home Affairs photo)
The meeting saw an interactive session spearheaded by Minister Walrond aimed at reinforcing the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen citizen security and deepen collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and the communities they serve (Ministry of Home Affairs photo)
2025 elections were professional, transparent, conducted in a free and fair manner
––
ERC says in election observer report handed over to GECOM
ON November 27, 2025, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) formally handed over its Elections Observation Report 2025 to the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, at GECOM Headquarters in Georgetown.
The submission marked the conclusion of the commission’s accredited observation duties and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful and inclusive democratic processes.
Representing the ERC during the handing over were its Chairman Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hack, Deputy Chairman, Charles Ogle, Commissioners Neaz Subhan and Krishna Sharma and the Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Gomin Camacho. Also, present from GECOM were the Chief Election Officer, Mr. Vishnu Persaud.
The ERC’s Elections Observation Report revealed that the elections were conducted peacefully, professionally, transparently and in a free and fair manner in accordance with national law.
The report also states that voters from all racial and ethnic groups were able to freely exercise their franchise without intimidation, discrimination, or obstruction. While minor inconsistencies were noted regarding the placement of ballot compartments and
visibility of signage, they did not compromise the integrity, professionalism or inclusiveness of the process.
According to the report, the campaign period for Elections 2025 was highly competitive, with significantly less infractions as compared to the 2020 electoral cycle.
It further highlighted that Election Day, September 1, 2025, was observed as orderly, calm, and free of tension, allowing for voters to exercise their democratic rights without hindrance. The report also commended GECOM for effectively administering the electoral procedures professionally and in accordance with national electoral laws.
The ERC’s Investigative Unit recorded 29 cases during the 2025 election-monitoring period, as compared to 124 cases in 2020. This decrease was attributed to several factors, including increased levels of transparency and efficiency by GECOM.
Unlike the prolonged period in 2020, these improvements contributed significantly to a stable environment with fewer opportunities for ethnic tension or misinformation to escalate.
The report also stated that amendments to the Representation of the People Act, including the public posting of Statements of Poll (SOPs), electronically for public assessment
several ERC officials
after the close of Poll and stronger penalties for obstruction or interference with voting, added to existing measures to further enhance transparency, foster stability, and increase public confidence in the electoral process.
The ERC believes this contributed to the decline in ethnic tensions during the 2025 Elections.
The ERC also expressed appreciation to GECOM, the Guyana Police Force, political parties, party agents, its accredited observers, constituency bodies and partner organisations. The Commission also thanked the Guyanese electorate for the very important role they played in ensuring that the electoral process, pre and post, was peaceful and reiterated its readiness to continue working collaboratively to ensure that future elections remain peaceful, harmonious, and reflective of the will all the people of Guyana.
The ERC’s Elections Observation Report 2025 is available on its website www.erc.org.gy (ERC)
ERC’s Chair Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hack hands over the Election Observer Report 2025 to GECOM Chairperson Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh. Also pictured are the Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud (left) and
McCoy rubbishes Azruddin Mohamed’s confidence in delayed extradition
–– questions
MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, has issued a scathing statement over the ongoing extradition proceedings involving businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, raising concerns about attempts to delay their transfer to the United States.
McCoy directly questioned Azruddin Mohamed’s confidence that the extradition process could drag on for years. “What gives Azruddin Mohamed the confidence, the surety, that this extradition to the United States will drag on for five years? Who is in his
pockets?” he asked.
‘who is in his pockets’
The minister stressed that these are “not idle questions,” noting that they point to “something deeper, something worrying, especially when we consider the recurring pattern of judicial missteps and questionable legal conclusions that seem to have been trailing this case.”
He argued that Azruddin appears “both arrogant and foolish enough to think that all his manoeuvring can manufacture a delay of the inevitable.”
According to Minister McCoy, this behaviour is a continuation of a long-established pattern, reflecting a
belief that wealth can shape outcomes.
“It is the same old behaviour we have seen before—the belief that his money can stretch far enough to shape outcomes, to bend justice and to rewrite consequences,” he said.
Highlighting the broader implications of the case, the minister stated that the allegations surrounding the Mohameds reveal a long-standing family practice.
“When we examine the matters for which Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed are implicated, it becomes impossible to ignore the pattern. What we see is a family tradition built on the philosophy of spending to escape the law,” he explained.
The minister described the conduct as part of a “mafia-like operation—do what you want, spend as much as you can, dodge accountability at all costs.” He warned that this kind of behaviour undermines public confidence in the justice system.
“It is precisely this corruptible type of behaviour, this attempt to buy time and favour that we must guard against. Because when individuals like this test the system, it is not just their integrity on trial, it is the cred-
Anna Regina Secondary wins debating competition
THE Region Two Department of Education proudly celebrates with the Anna Regina Secondary School following their outstanding achievement as the national champions of the Ministry of Agriculture Hydromet Office’s 60th Anniversary Debating Competition.
This prestigious national event brought together 10 top-performing secondary schools from across Guyana, each displaying
remarkable intellect, confidence, and debating skill. After several rounds of intense and thought-provoking exchanges, Anna Regina Secondary School emerged victorious, defeating Berbice High School in a compelling final round to claim the championship title. The competition aimed to empower young people by sharpening their research and public-speaking skills, while promoting greater understanding of
ibility of our institutions,” McCoy said.
Concluding his statement, he challenged the judiciary to uphold justice despite the pressure. “Let us see whether the confidence the Mohameds exudes, the belief that he can kick the matter down the road and avoid extradition, will find the judiciary wanting or whether justice will rise above his money, his arrogance and his manipulation,” he stated.
On the morning of October 31, both father and son were taken into custody in Georgetown in connection with the extradition request from the U.S.
The extradition proceedings involving Nazar and Azruddin continued today before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The Mohameds—owners of Mohamed’s Enterprise— remain on $150,000 bail each.
Conditions of their bail required them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station, measures intended to ensure their availability for ongoing legal proceedings. The father and son have been hit with an 11-count indictment in the U.S. Florida
Southern District Court. The pair face 10 counts jointly, while Azruddin is charged with an additional count related to the importation of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ into Guyana.
Court documents allege that Azruddin and his father conspired to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.
The indictment was issued by a grand jury in October.
According to the filings, Nazar owns 90 per cent of Mohamed’s Enterprise, with Azruddin holding the remaining 10 per cent. The two face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the most serious charge.
In June 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Nazar and Azruddin for engaging in gold smuggling and public corruption, including the alleged defrauding of the Guyanese government of over US$50 million in unpaid duty taxes.
hydrometeorological issues—a field critical to Guyana’s development and resilience.
Regional Education Officer Ms Shondelle Hercules, following the victory extended heartfelt commendations to the students and teachers of Anna Regina Secondary School for their commitment, discipline, and exceptional performance. “
You have truly made Region Two proud,” she said.
U.S. authorities are believed to have launched their investigation into the Mohameds in the mid-2010s, supported by intelligence sharing and law enforcement cooperation between Guyana and the United States that dates back to around 2016–2017.
The probe involved several U.S. agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Mae Thomas, the former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Labour, was also sanctioned for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for facilitating the awarding of government contracts to the Mohameds.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy
Nazar Mohamed (left) and Azruddin Mohamed
China releases arms control white paper in new era
–– ‘document injects positive energy, safeguards developing nations’ rights’
By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan
CHINA’S State Council Information Office on Thursday released a white paper titled “China’s Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation in the New Era.” An expert told the Global Times that at a time when the existing international arms control mechanisms are facing challenges, the white paper issued by China injects positive energy into the global arms control and nonproliferation process and fully safeguards the rights of developing countries.
Apart from the preface, conclusion, and annexes, the white paper has five sections: “Grim Realities: International Security and Arms Control,” “Position and Policies: China’s Arms Control in the New Era,” “Playing a Constructive Role in International Arms Control,” “Leading International Security Governance in Emerging Fields,” and “Strengthening International Cooperation on Nonproliferation and Peace-
ful Uses of Science and Technology.”
The white paper reiterated that China upholds a firm commitment to a policy of no-first use of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy of self-defence. It said that China was compelled to make the strategic choice to develop nuclear weapons at a particular point in history to deal with nuclear threats and blackmail, break the existing nuclear monopoly, and prevent nuclear wars. China’s nuclear weapons are not intended to threaten other countries, but for defence and self-protection. China has never used nuclear weapons to threaten other countries nor deployed nuclear weapons outside its own territories and has never provided a nuclear umbrella for other countries.
Whether confronted with nuclear threats or blackmail during the Cold War, or in a complex international security environment with growing strategic security threats
See page 16
China releases arms control white ...
at present, China has always committed to its policy of nofirst-use of nuclear weapons, firmly upheld a nuclear strategy of self-defence, and promoted the modernization of its nuclear forces to safeguard China’s own strategic security and overall global strategic stability, according to the white paper. The white paper noted that China properly develops missile technologies for self-defence. China has a vast territory and must deal with a complex and volatile security environment. To safeguard its security and sovereignty and deter wars, China requires modern military equip-
ment and capabilities adapted to its conditions and needs. China’s development of missile technologies and missile defence capabilities is motivated exclusively by self-defense and does not target any country or region.
“Amid the current turbulent international security landscape, frequent outbreaks of regional conflicts, and severe challenges to the existing international arms control mechanisms, China’s release of the white paper injects positive energy into the global arms control and nonproliferation process. It demonstrates China’s active efforts to advance international arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation, highlighting China’s role as a responsible major country and
its positive and constructive contributions,” Guo Xiaobing, Director of the Centre for Arms Control Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Thursday. China previously issued white papers on arms control in 1995 and 2005. Pointing out new highlights in the new version, Guo told the Global Times that this white paper, for the first time, puts forward China’s vision for arms control - justice, co-operation, balance and effectiveness - emphasising the balance of rights and obligations. It explicitly opposes abusing the concept of national security and export control measures and exerting restrictions on developing
countries’ rights to peaceful use of technology, Guo said.
Second, it is the first time to specifically address international security governance in emerging fields, detailing governance in the areas of outer space, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence, Guo said, noting that China advocates for strengthening the construction of a global governance system that takes into account the positions and interests of developing countries.
Third, the white paper summarises China’s arms control policies and practices since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, highlighting many new practices and approaches. For example, in the field of nuclear arms control, in
2024, China submitted a working paper to the second session of the Preparatory Committee for the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), calling on the five nuclear-weapon states to conclude a treaty on mutual no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and also maintaining that nuclear-weapon states should undertake not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states, Guo said.
Guo believes that the release of this white paper fully demonstrates the transparency of China’s nuclear policy to the international community. He said that “since possessing nuclear weapons, China has consistently and clearly adhered to the policy of no-first use of nuclear weapons, which is of great significance in avoiding the risk of nuclear conflict and maintaining global strategic stability.”
The white paper said that China upholds a firm commitment to a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy of self-defence, stressing that China’s greatest contribution to international nuclear arms control lies in the fact that it has the most stable, consistent and predictable nuclear policy among all nuclear-weapon states. “China’s nuclear weapons policy has remained remarkably consistent since 1964, consistently keeping its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security,” the expert noted.
The white paper highlighted that “China has always exercised the utmost restraint regarding the scale and development of its nuclear weapons. It never has and never will engage in any nuclear arms race with any other country in terms of level of expenditure, quantity, or scale of nuclear weapons. In order to demonstrate its determination to avoid provoking a nuclear arms race, China has conducted the smallest number of nuclear tests among all nuclear weapon states and has closed down its nuclear weapon research and production facilities in areas including Chongqing and Qinghai.” “In September 2024, China notified relevant countries in advance of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean,” read the white paper.
Guo said that by publicly presenting these facts in the white paper, China demonstrates its efforts in participating in and advancing the international arms control and disarmament process. It clearly conveys China’s nuclear intentions to the outside world and represents a significant endeavour to enhance trust between China and other countries.
In the chapter “Playing a Constructive Role in International Arms Control,” the white paper urged Japan to thoroughly destroy the chemical weapons it abandoned in China. During World War II, in flagrant violation of international law, invading Japanese troops used chemical weapons on a large scale in China. A total of 1,791 instances of chemical weapon use has been documented with confirmed dates, locations, and casualty records. The resulting casualties exceeded 200,000. After its defeat, Japan abandoned a large quantity of chemical weapons in China to cover up its crimes. Since the end of World War II, these abandoned chemical weapons have resulted in more than 2,000 poisoning casualties, gravely endangered the lives and property of the Chinese people
as well as the environment.
“The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) clearly stipulates that a state party which has abandoned chemical weapons on the territory of another state party shall provide all necessary financial, technical, expert, facility as well as other resources for the purpose of destroying these weapons. After the CWC entered into force, the governments of China and Japan signed two memorandums, in 1999 and 2012, on destroying the chemical weapons abandoned by Japan, to advance the destruction process. However, due to insufficient attention and input from the Japanese side, the destruction plan has missed four deadlines. To date, the Japanese side has not yet provided comprehensive, detailed and accurate information on the whereabouts of its abandoned chemical weapons. Progress in excavation and recovery in some regions has been slow; there are still technological bottlenecks in underwater and underground detection; and the treatment of contaminated waters and soil remains unresolved,” reads the white paper.
Guo said that the extended section on chemical weapons abandoned by Japan in the white paper reflects China’s expectation for Japan to actively co-operate in eliminating the threats posed by these weapons. This includes providing comprehensive, detailed, and accurate information regarding the locations of chemical weapons abandoned by Japan in China, increasing investment, and collaborating with China to complete the necessary disposal work. The white paper also emphasises that destroying its abandoned chemical weapons in China is Japan’s unshirkable historical, political and legal responsibility, and also an international obligation stipulated by the CWC.
Introducing the white paper, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Thursday that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. At this significant historical juncture, the Chinese government’s release of the white paper is of great importance, demonstrating China’s sense of responsibility and commitment as a major country in actively leading global security governance and upholding international peace and security.
When asked about the white paper, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson at the Chinese Defense Ministry, said at a regular press conference on Thursday that China has consistently participated constructively in global security governance, striving to advance the processes of international arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, and has played an important role in promoting world peace and stability.
No matter how the international landscape may change, China will work with all peace-loving nations to improve global security governance, uphold international fairness and justice, advance the multilateral arms control process, maintain global strategic stability, and inject more certainty and positive energy into a world of turmoil and transformation, jointly building a community with a shared future for humanity, Jiang said.
GNBS hosts fifth national quality awards
THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) hosted the fifth edition of its National Quality Awards (NQA) on Wednesday evening at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.
An annual event, the NQA recognises local companies that demonstrate excellence in applying standards and quality systems in the production of goods and delivery of services.
A total of thirty-five awards were presented across various categories, recognising businesses and entrepreneurs for their commitment to standards and quality in Guyana. These included micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as large entities.
The NQA was launched in 2017 and is Guyana’s first quality systems-based awards programme.
It encourages businesses to strive for excellence and enhance their impact both locally and internationally.
The National Quality Awards was strengthened in 2021, with revised award categories and a heightened emphasis on sustainability and safety, reflecting the evolving priorities of the business landscape.
Reflecting, Executive Director of the GNBS, Trevor Bassoo, said in 2017 only 16 companies participated, some of which were represented on Wednesday. This, he said, demonstrates continuous improvement and drive to excellence.
Over the years, participation has increased from 16 to 52 in 2023, and over 100 in 2025. He said that this means that a hundred of Guyana’s enterprises have successfully advanced their internal systems to produce quality goods and services.
As head of the GNBS, Bassoo said the organisation is pleased to see an unheeding surge in businesses and organisations that are quality conscious and committed to providing better products and services to customers.
The executive director remarked that this progress is reflected in the organisation’s certification programmes, which have been part of the remarkable growth in the past few years.
Delivering the feature address at the evening of celebrations and recognition ceremony, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said award systems like the NQA exist in many countries and have become common after the global expansion of total quality management in the 1980s.
According to the PM, these were introduced because countries recognised that productivity, export readiness and competitive-
ness improved when firms adopted standardised management systems.
“Pursuing quality, therefore, is a steady, practical effort. It requires businesses to review their processes, strengthen documentation, train staff, and make incremental improvements that build reliability over time,” he said.
Continuing, PM Phillips explained that the National Quality Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of companies and highlighted progress across sectors.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues told attendees that their contribution to Guyana’s economy is tremendous.
“We understand the value of the private sector to Guyana’s economy, and in job creation. We thank you for your ingenuity, your innovation, and your steadfast dedication to growing your business and contributing to the growth of our country,” the minister expressed.
As Guyana advances toward national standardisation, the minister pointed out that the GNBS has been actively expanding its work, where this year alone, the agency has developed and adopted 22 new national standards covering items such as salt, ice cream, milk, helmets, and liquid petroleum gas.
Altogether, the GNBS has developed more than 600 standards to date with 11 additional standards currently awaiting approval across various standards, surpassing all of our key performance indicators for 2025, the minister boasted.
She revealed that to support the work of the Bureau, government continues to invest heavily in new facilities and training; the most recent being the GNBS’ newly opened state-of-the-art building, which now houses 26 laboratories. These will allow the Bureau to expand its testing and calibration services.
The awards ceremony featured the presentation of awards to several persons including former President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsay Ali, who received an Honorary Award.
Also awarded were several entities including Sterling Products Limited, Guyana Deepwater Inc., Durable Wood Products Inc., Industrial Supply of Guyana, Dunae Trading Company Inc., Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation- Pathology Laboratory, TSV Delights, and Universal Health Care.
The GNBS’ National Quality Awards recognises local companies that have demonstrated excellence in applying standards and quality systems in the production of goods and delivery of services (Delano Williams photo)
Tropical Shipping Guyana makes donation to RCGC
COMMITTED to community and youth development, Tropical Shipping Guyana on Thursday made another impactful donation to the Rotary
Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) at its Kingston office in Georgetown.
The company’s Country Manager, Glenis Hodge in her presentation placed
emphasis on the fact that the initiative forms part of Tropical Shipping’s longstanding community relations programme, which supports impactful, sustain-
able youth and educational projects, and other efforts that strengthen resilience across the 30 plus regions it serves.
Mrs. Hodge said Tropical Shipping views community engagement as an essential part of its mission.
“Our community relations programme provides continued support for the countries and islands where we serve, contributing to sustainability, growth, and development. Good partnerships are required to make this happen, and we value our collaboration with organisations like Rotary Georgetown Central,” Hodge affirmed.
The Country Manager noted as well that the company remains committed to investing in youth development initiatives that help young people build skills, access opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society.
She disclosed that Thursday’s donation demonstrates Tropical Shipping’s commitment to youth development in a rapidly growing Guyana. It is hoped that this valuable contribution helps more youths to benefit from educational and developmental activities, opening doors of opportunities and supporting our nation’s continued progress.
Meanwhile, President
of the RCGC, Lloyd David pledged to utilise the funds received by Tropical Shipping in their efforts to uplift and change lives in each community they go into.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Rotary Club, David said, “The Rotary Club of Georgetown Central is extremely grateful to Tropical Shipping for the funding provided over the last three years. These funds have enabled the Club to deliver on its annual projects, particularly those related to education and literacy in Guyana. RCGC will continue to collaborate with donors like Tropical Shipping to impact lives and change communities across our country for good.”
David announced that the club will be able to donate several items to the less fortunate, and other organisations that need supplies to enhance their activities.
For more than 30 years in Guyana, and over six decades globally, Tropical Shipping has supported programmes that are aimed at strengthening communities and fostering long-term development.
Tropical Shipping has reaffirmed its intention to continue in these efforts as it expands its reach within the dynamic shipping industry.
Tropical Shipping Guyana’s Country Manager, Glenis Hodge (third from left), with her team, and President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, Lloyd David (third from right)
EU report ‘disconnected from reality’ –– R3PSInc Head
REGION Three Private Sector Inc (R3PSInc) Chairman, Halim Khan, is calling into question the credibility, analytical depth and overall grounding of the European Union Election Observation Mission’s (EU EOM) final report on Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections, describing the document as disconnected from on-the-ground realities and overly reliant on political assertions.
In a forthright assessment aligned with earlier concerns raised by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, Khan said the EU’s conclusions fail to meet the standard expected of an international election evaluation.
“The EU report lacks depth, lacks context and lacks connection to what happened on the ground,” Khan asserted. “It relies too heavily on political complaints rather than objective observation. That is not how you assess an election.”
Khan referenced President Ali’s televised response, in which the Head of State questioned the independence of certain EU-hired personnel and challenged several sections of the document, including claims of an “uneven playing field” and “incumbency advantage,” which the President noted were unsupported by facts.
R3PSInc Head
Halim Khan
Khan said the EU failed to recognise that many of the government’s programmes it cited were long-standing commitments outlined publicly in budgets and manifestos.
“Delivering on a manifesto is not an ‘advantage,’ it is governance,” he said. “Any analysis must differentiate between state resources being misused and a government implementing the development agenda it was elected to carry out.”
He added that the EU’s minimal treatment of major electoral reforms currently underway—including constitutional review, campaign finance discussions and broader institutional strengthening—reflected a lack of nuance.
At the same time, Khan acknowledged that not every aspect of the electoral process was without fault, pointing to the EU’s finding that 59 per cent of polling stations lacked independent access for persons with disabilities.
“That is a legitimate point and one the government has already committed to addressing,” he noted.
However, he stressed that the credibility of the overall document is weakened when valid observations are placed alongside what he described as subjective or poorly supported conclusions.
“As a private sector leader, I welcome scrutiny. But scrutiny must be fair, rigorous and grounded in facts,” he said.
Khan urged international partners to adopt a more comprehensive, context-driven approach when assessing Guyana’s elections, noting that such analyses shape global perceptions, investor sentiment and broader confidence in the country’s democratic and economic direction.
“The 2025 elections were peaceful, credible and widely accepted,” he stated. “Reports must reflect that reality—not distort it.”
He reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to supporting continued reforms, constructive engagement with all observers and sustained efforts to enhance voter accessibility, transparency and institutional resilience.
“The task ahead is to keep improving,” Khan said. “But improvement begins with honest, factual assessments, not flawed analyses.”
Region Two police engage residents of Onderneeming Sandpit
RANKS of Regional Division Two met with residents of the Onderneeming Sandpit, Essequibo Coast, on Wednesday, as part of the Guyana Police Force’s ongoing community outreach efforts. The engagement was held from 12:30 hours to 14:00 hours.
The team, led by Inspector Bridgemohan and supported by Corporal Doodnauth and Constable Persaud, spent the afternoon interacting with residents to listen to their concerns and offer guidance. Issues raised were addressed on the spot, reflecting the division’s commitment to
maintaining open communication with the public.
During the session, officers highlighted the importance of confidentiality when reporting matters to the police and emphasised the need for residents and law enforcement to maintain strong, cooperative relationships. They
also encouraged the reporting of noise nuisances and urged youths in the area to join the Police Youth Group, noting the positive opportunities it provides.
Residents were informed about the free computer
Region Two police ranks engage residents during Wednesday’s community outreach See page 21
Region Two police engage residents ...
From page 20 training that is available through the Zara Computer Training Center at the Suddie Police Academy.
Other key discussions focused on family violence, community safety,
the strengthening of partnerships through training, and plans to increase patrols in the area. Officers also reminded residents to remain alert to unfamiliar individuals entering the community and to report any suspicious activity promptly.
Regional Division Two continues to conduct community engagements across the region as part of its broader initiative to promote safety, build trust, and enhance collaboration between the Police and the public.
Tector brothers and Humphreys stun Bangladesh in Chattogram
(ESPNCRICINFO) - After the Tector brothers - Tim and Harry - powered Ireland to an above-par score, their bowlers ensured a 39run win over Bangladesh in the first T20I in Chattogram. The hosts have now lost four T20Is in a row while the visitors won their first match of the year.
Harry struck five sixes in his unbeaten 45-ball 69, after his younger brother Tim had given Ireland a sound start, with a 19-ball 32. The Tector brothers struck big ones in both ends of the Ireland innings, before their bowlers managed to bowl through the wet conditions due to dew in Chattogram.
Fast bowler Mark Adair, playing his first international series since his knee surgery in August this year, sunk Bangladesh in the powerplay. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys took 4 for 13, and took three wickets with the wet ball in his fourth over.
Adair forces Bangladesh to crash Humphreys had Tanzid Hasan caught at mid-on in the first over to give Ireland a perfect start with the ball. Adair got a wicket-maiden in his first over back in competitive cricket after five months.
He removed Litton Das playing a double-minded cut, easily caught inside the circle for one. Bangladesh sunk to 5 for 3 in the fourth over, when Adair had Parvez Hossain Emon caught at midwicket. Saif Hassan, recently elevated to the vice captaincy in the T20I side, struck the team’s first boundary in the fifth over.
He however was clean bowled by Barry McCarthy, who replaced Adair after he bowled a scintillating spell that read 2-1-3-2.
Jaker, Hridoy offer brief respite Towhid Hridoy tried to haul Bangladesh out of a
desperate situation, with four wickets down and the required run-rate touching 12 per over.
He struck Josh Little for four over mid-off, before hitting Gareth Delany for a square-cut boundary. Both Hridoy and Jaker Ali lofted Delany for a six each in the tenth over, as Bangladesh looked to this middle-order pair to get them out of trouble. Jaker however continued his batting struggle, getting caught at deep third after making 20 off 16 balls.
Returning to bowl his last over, Humphreys had quite the mixed bag. He had Tanzim’s wicket with the first ball, caught at long-on. Humphreys bowled three wide deliveries, struggling to keep the wet ball in his grip.
He however dried up his hands real good, when he had Rishad Hossain lbw and Nasum Ahmed stumped off consecutive deliveries.
After the eighth wicket
fell, Ireland dropped several catches mainly due to the wet ball. Hridoy meanwhile reached his fifth half-century, apart from adding 48 runs for the ninth wicket with Shoriful Islam, but it had little consequence on the match.
Tim Tector blazes along the ground
When Ireland batted first, captain Paul Stirling struck three early fours before it was the Tim Tector show. He clattered Shoriful for four boundaries in the third over, which went for 18 runs. Stirling fell in the fifth over after which Tim was joined by Harry, and the Tector brothers exchanged more boundaries from either ends.
Tim’s inside-out shot over the covers brought up Ireland’s fifty in the seventh over, before he struck Tanzim Hasan through point. Rishad removed Tim in the ninth over, when Tanzim took the catch at long-on.
President Ali commits additional...
GSA for its ability to “host an event of this magnitude on such notice and execute brilliantly.”
GSA and CASA President David Fernandes was ecstatic, stating: “Seeing these championships come alive is like winning a hardearned match.”
President Ali linked sports investment directly to the national economic strategy, noting that “Sports is a major component of the orange economy.”
The “Orange Economy” refers to the creative industries—like arts, media, and gaming—where intellectual
property and creativity drive economic value.
Corporate sponsors echoed the message of unity and growth. Robert Hiscock, Head of Mobile Networks at ENet, stated: “CASA reminds us how powerful sport can be in bringing people together, and Guyana’s squash is a shining example.”
ExxonMobil Guyana’s Socio-Economic Manager, Launa Carson, added that the “success of the sport is linked to the union of the association as they pull together to achieve the objectives.”
The infrastructure commitment builds on the G$68
million investment in stateof-the-art doubles squash courts, a facility unique in the region.
With these new assets, the GSA is already setting
ambitious goals, aspiring to host the Junior Pan American Championships in the near future, further cementing Guyana’s status as a regional sporting hub.
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Chameera, Mishara take Sri Lanka to the final with a thrilling win
(ESPNCRICINFO) - Dushmantha Chameera held his nerve in a clutch final over to ensure Sri Lanka did not throw away a win they had spent the rest of the evening working for. He conceded three runs in the final over, building on a magnificent opening spell to deny Pakistan victory by six runs in a 184-run chase.
The stakes were higher for Sri Lanka than they were for Pakistan, with a victory required for a place in the final, or it would be Zimbabwe playing that game on Saturday. And Sri Lanka played with a hunger they have rediscovered since they finally won a game on Pakistan soil on Tuesday.
Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara’s 36-ball 66-run stand got them off to a flier, with Mishara ending up with 76 off 48 balls, and cameos lower down the order got them to 184. Right from the
CG United Super50 Cup...
Trinidad secures spot in tomorrow’s final
CMC – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force have secured a spot in Saturday’s CG United Super50 Cup final after thrashing the Leeward Islands Hurricanes by eight wickets in their final preliminary game here on Thursday.
With the win at the Queen’s Park Oval, T&T overtook Barbados Pride to go top of the table after the Pride’s match against the Guyana Harpy Eagles was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
While the Red Force are assured of a top two spot, the Pride, who ended the preliminary rounds on 29 points, will have to wait on the outcome of the day/night match between third-placed Windward Islands Volcanoes and Jamaica Scorpions.
The Volcanoes entered the final round of competition on 17 points, five less than the Red Force.
However, with a maximum of 16 bonus points up for grabs, the Volcanoes need
to secure at least 13 points if they too are to leapfrog the Pride and qualify for the final.
T&T cruised to victory on the back of half centuries by Tion Webster and Amir Jangoo, which propelled them to 214 for two in 43.1 overs after they bowled out the Hurricanes for 213 in 49 overs.
Webster and Cephas Cooper added 84 runs for the first wicket to give the home side a solid start, before the latter was bowled by off spinner Rahkeem Cornwall for 28.
Jangoo joined Cooper at the crease and helped to maintain T&T’s grip on the game in a partnership of 88 runs. Just when it looked as though Webster would see his team to victory, he edged a delivery from left-arm pacer Nathan Edward behind to be caught for 83 off 117 balls, inclusive of 10 fours and one six.
From a position of 172 for two, Jangoo, who recently returned to the squad after touring New Zealand with
the West Indies, shared an unbroken partnership of 42 with Jyd Goolie, who scored an unbeaten, run-a-ball 23.
Jangoo finished on 72 not out from 85 balls and struck eight boundaries. Earlier, pacers Ricky Jaipaul and Terrence Hinds snared three wickets apiece to knock the wind out of the Hurricanes.
Hinds had Kofi James caught behind for eight, dismissed Carlon Bowen-Tuckett for five and bowled Mikyle Louis for 13 to leave the Hurricanes 31 for three.
Captain Karima Gore led a fightback with a stubborn knock of 39, Jahmar Hamilton made 71 batting at number six, while Rahkeem Cornwall scored 20 to get their side up to a respectable total.
However, Jaipaul accounted for the wickets of Hamilton, Jewel Andrew and Cornwall, to ensure there would be no late fireworks.
Jaipaul was the pick of T&T’s bowlers with 3-32 and Hinds claimed 3-50.
half-century kept Pakistan fighting on until the bitter end. A 56-run stand between Salman and Usman Khan brought Pakistan back into contention, and Mohammad Nawaz brought Pakistan right to the brink. The hosts were favourites when a six over cover reduced the equation to 10 in the final over, but Chameera got a wicket, nailed his Yorkers and squeezed Pakistan out.
Mendis, Mishara
nail the early overs
Earlier in the evening, Pakistan strangled Sri Lanka in the first three overs. It started with a beautiful delivery Salman Mirza kissing Pathum Nissanka’s off bail. But when Faheem Ashraf was thrown the ball for the fourth over, Kusal Mendis picked his moment.
late flurry put Sri Lanka on course to a match-defending total.
Salman stakes a T20I case Salman has played every single Pakistan game this year, but has never convinced as a T20 batter. Today, finding himself in the sort of situation where what was required of him closely matched his best attributes, the Pakistan captain got stuck in. He began sedately, as he tends to do, but then worked himself into touch and took the game deep. Through the middle overs, his ability to play spin was on full display as the boundaries came regularly enough and the runs kept ticking over.
outset, Chameera hampered Pakistan with three top-order wickets in his first two overs. The chase looked as good as dead after the loss of the first four, with 43 runs on the board, but captain Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten
Three boundaries saw helped him plunder 16, and Mohammad Wasim disappeared for 15 more when he replaced Ashraf for the powerplay’s final over.
Even the spreading of the field struggled to contain Mendis and Mishara. When Nawaz came to bowl in the eighth over, Mendis cut him for four before Kamil Mishara slapped him for six. A
When Sri Lanka turned to pace, Salman kept the pressure up, picking up 10 off Dasun Shanaka, smashing Eshan Malinga for six to keep Pakistan on track. Increasingly, by the end, Sri Lanka’s ability to starve Salman of the strike would prove crucial to holding Pakistan at bay; the final three overs, Salman was at the non-striker’s end for all but five balls, with his unbeaten heroics going in vain.
Dushmantha Chameera finished with a match-winning four-for • PCB
President Ali commits additional US$25,000 to the Jamaica relief at Senior CASA opening
THE 2025 ENet Senior Caribbean Squash Championship team segment commenced Wednesday night, officially opened by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who used the platform to pivot from regional disaster to unified ambition.
After stepping in to host the championships following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, Guyana announced a US$25,000 pledge toward Jamaica’s recovery efforts, immediately underscoring the political and collaborative spirit of the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA).
The President’s pledge
will be added to the tournament surplus already committed to relief by the Guyana Squash Association (GSA).
“We are all part of one family in this region,” President Ali affirmed at the Royal International Hotel. He emphasised that the aid, which already includes commitments to repair infrastructure in Jamaica, highlights the region’s shared responsibility as the island rebuilds.
The Team Showdown: Fifth Title or Bajan Upset?
With individual titles already swept by a dominant Barbados contingent, the high-stakes team competition now begins, running through
November 29.
Host nation Guyana is hunting a monumental fifth consecutive overall team title, setting up a dramatic showdown with its regional rivals.
Eight nations are competing for glory, but the competition carries extra weight because qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games is at stake. With hosts Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Barbados already qualified, the team championship serves as a critical battleground for the other competing nations vying for the two remaining allocated Caribbean spots.
Third President’s Futsal Championship...
GENEQUIP is latest corporate entity to support
WITH action set to kick off on December 9 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, corporate Guyana continues to lend support towards the hosting of the 2025 edition of the President’s Futsal Championship which will see some 70 teams (senior, junior and women) competing.
Yesterday, Harold Baboolall, Senior Sales Accounts Manager of General Equipment Guyana Ltd. (GENEQUIP) handed over a sponsorship cheque to Co-Director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Kashif Muhammad.
Baboolall said that the company has been following the progress of the tournament since it started and is happy to see that it is growing.
“We are very happy here at GENEQUIP to be supporting this tournament. It is great to see the Kashif and Shanghai group being the organiser and bringing back year-end entertainment for Guyanese here and the thousands who will be coming home for Christmas. This is one of the ways our company fulfils our corporate and social responsibility.”
Baboolall also commend-
ed the organisers for adding a schoolboy’s segment to the tournament which will see a total of 20 schools competing for supremacy.
Muhammad in response thanked Baboolall and GENEQUIP for their contribution which he said will aid in pulling off a quality tournament. Meanwhile, the contest-
ing schools will on Friday morning be receiving their uniforms for the tournament, they have already received a competition ball to aid in their preparations. Friday’s activity will take place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 11:00hrs. The competition rules will also be discussed.
President Ali charged the athletes to perform with distinction, noting that their performance is an inspiration: “Give your best; every game you play, you will be viewed by younger athletes, who see you as their future. Let this championship be the one that creates history for you. Let it elevate you.”
In a major announcement made during the opening, President Ali detailed significant infrastructure enhancements for the National Racquet Centre, solidifying
the nation’s push to become an elite sports tourism destination.
He revealed that the recently commissioned international-standard squash courts will soon be fully air-conditioned, and plans are underway to build dedicated athlete accommodation within the compound.
The President stressed that this enhanced complex must serve not just tournaments, but the wider Caribbean, allowing regional and international athletes to train
in Guyana.
“We’re investing in courts all across the country,” President Ali confirmed. “Equipment is being distributed in schools, community centres and villages, and we now have people in the hinterland playing squash. Full facilities will soon be available in hinterland regions.”
The GSA was praised for its quick organisational pivot. Cristy Campbell, Vice-President of the Guyana Olympic Association, applauded the TURN TO PAGE 24
Cevon’s Waste Management donates motorcycle for ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal MVP
CEVON’S Waste Management has thrown its support behind the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Tournament with the generous donation of a brand-new motorcycle, which will be awarded to the competition’s eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The presentation took place ahead of tomorrow’s highly anticipated final at the Retrieve Tarmac in Linden, marking another significant moment in the tournament’s continued growth and community impact.
New Era Entertainment Co-Director Andrew Major was on hand to receive the motorcycle on behalf of the tournament organisers. During the brief presentation ceremony, Major expressed sincere gratitude to Cevon’s Waste Management for its meaningful contribution to the event. He noted that such partnerships help elevate the level of competition while rewarding athletes for their commitment and outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
Tomorrow’s climactic encounter is set to feature defending champions YMCA as they seek to retain their title against a determined Silver Bullets lineup. Both teams have delivered impressive performances throughout the
tournament. With the added incentive of a motorcycle awaiting the eventual MVP, individual players will also be eyeing the opportunity to etch their names into the tournament’s history.
Meanwhile, Hard-knocks will battle DC Ballers in the earlier third-place playoffs.
The winner of the event will pocket $1,500,000, while the eventual second, third, and fourth place fin-
ishers will receive $750,000, $350,000, and $200,000, respectively, and the corresponding accolade.
On the individual level, the eventual Most Valuable Player will ride away with a motorcycle. It was also disclosed that a $300,000 economic grant will be awarded to a player or fan to aid their academic development. Each team must put forward a candidate for the aforesaid scholarship.
Harold Baboolall, Senior Sales Accounts Manager of GENEQUIP hands over the sponsorship cheque to Kashif Muhammad
New Era Entertainment Co-Director Andrew Major (left) receives the MVP prize of a motorcycle from Cevon’s Waste Management representative Morris Archer Jr
Sandiford leads I-CEE Grand Prix 2 Chess Tournament
THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) I-CEE sponsored Grand Prix 2 Chess Tournament got underway last weekend at the School of the Nations, setting the stage for a dramatic final weekend of play. After four intense rounds in classical style play, Keron Sandiford has established a decisive early lead in the Open Category, while Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi heads the Female Category.
In the Open Category, from among 30 players, Sandiford continued his winning streak midway through the tournament after his match with Gilbert Williams last Sunday. Sandiford overwhelmed his fourth opponent with two unstoppable centre pawns, which were a major threat, forcing Williams to resign.
In the second and third positions are FIDE Masters (FMs) Anthony Drayton and newcomer Rawle Al -
licock, who are tied on 3.5 points. They were engaged in a fierce battle in the fourth round. Both opponents mobilised their rooks, pawns, and queens within striking distance to attack each other’s king. Faced with severe loss of material and on the verge of losing, Drayton held on tenaciously and courageously fought back.
He advanced his active queen and rooks to threaten Allicock’s king with checkmate. In a dramatic twist, Drayton offered his opponent a draw by perpetual check (continuously attacking Allicock’s king without obtaining checkmate) and Allicock accepted. The two opponents shook hands and signed the truce after just over 40 moves.
Former Junior Champion Joshua Gopaul defeated reigning Junior Champion Kyle Couchman in round two in a marathon encounter. Gopaul gained a decisive edge with his stronger rook
- Joshi leads for women
dominating Couchman’s weaker Bishop in an exciting endgame. Gopaul’s rook created mayhem, although Couchman stubbornly resisted. The former junior champion eventually scored a breakthrough, trading his rook in exchange for Couch-
GBA to close out ‘busy season’ with National Open Championships
THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will close out what President Steve Ninvalle describes as “a busy and productive year for amateur boxing in Guyana” when the National Open Championships punch off from December 19–21 at the National Gymnasium.
The three-day tournament, the GBA’s final statutory event for 2025, is expected to bring together the country’s best gyms and top amateur fighters, all vying for the coveted title of “National Champion” in their respective weight classes.
With competition at the elite, youth, and junior levels, the National Open is widely regarded as one of the most important showcases of local boxing talent.
According to Ninvalle, this year’s tournament carries added significance, particu-
larly for the senior boxers.
“The Senior National Championship is considered the stepping stone for those aspiring to move into the professional ranks. It gives us and the wider boxing fraternity a clear picture of who is ready for that next stage,” Ninvalle said.
The GBA president pointed out that 2025 has been a landmark year for the sport’s development, highlighting the association’s work in expanding opportunities for young boxers, strengthening coaching programmes, and ensuring more frequent competition.
“We’ve focused heavily on development throughout the year,” Ninvalle noted, adding, “from grassroots to senior levels, we’ve seen improvement, commitment, and growth across the board. This final tournament allows us to bring everything together and
close out what has truly been a successful year for amateur boxing.”
Gyms from across the country, including the Guyana Police Force, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Andrew Lewis Gym, Guyana Defence Force, and several others, are expected to field full-strength teams.
Ninvalle said the association is eager to end the year on a high note and to set the tone for its 2026 programmes.
“We’re looking forward to three exciting days of boxing,” he added. “The National Open is where champions are made, and we expect this year’s edition to deliver quality action and reaffirm the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
The GBA will release the full list of registered boxers and matchups in the coming days.
man’s bishop and introduced a new queen to checkmate Couchman’s king and secure victory.
In the same round, Sachin Pitamber went down to Prince Dunn in a surprise defeat. Dunn’s passed pawn, about to be promoted to a queen, sealed his win against Pitamber on move 46. Dunn’s much stronger position left his opponent without many options, and he secured the win.
Following closely on the points table are Kyle Couchman, Joshua Gopaul, CM Sachin Pitamber, Leslie Campbell, and Micaiah Enoe, all on three points. Finishing off the top 10 are Shiv
Nandalall and Kim Shing Chong, both with two and a half points.
On the distaff side, reigning Women’s Champion WCM Aditi Joshi defeated three of her opponents and drew her match with promising young player Kataleya Sam. Joshi also defeated Ciel Clement, her fourth opponent on Sunday, in a gruelling endgame battle with both kings and a bishop each in battle mode to target the remaining pawns. With two extra pawns, the WCM consolidated her position to regain a powerful queen and a won position. Knowing the outcome, Clement conceded to her opponent on move 43.
In the Female Category with seventeen females, Joshi leads with 3.5 points, but faces serious competition from young star Kataleya Sam, who secured an impressive draw against Joshi to land in second place with three points. Treskolé Archibald and Ciel Clement are also tied on three points. WCMs Jessica Callendar and Sasha Shariff are both tied on two and a half points, along with Italy Ton-Chung. Maliha Rajkumar, Parnita Kishun, Chelsea Harrison, and Saura Ruplall follow up with 2 points each.
The tournament, which boasts a total cash prize fund of $100,000, is set to conclude this coming weekend. The remaining four rounds are scheduled for Saturday, November 29th, and Sunday, November 30th, at the School of the Nations.
The top eight boards of the open category and top four of the female category are live-streamed on lichess. org by John Lee, FIDE Arbiter and Technical Director of the GCF. Full results and pairings can be viewed on Chess-results.com.
The Guyana Chess Federation expresses its gratitude to its dedicated sponsor, I-CEE, for its continued support of chess development in Guyana, and to the School of the Nations for providing the venue.
Henry bought in first round of WPL auction
(CMC) - West Indies Women’s explosive all-rounder Chinelle Henry was bought by the Delhi Capitals for US$150,000 during the first round of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction on Thursday.
The 30-year-old Jamaican along with India’s Shree Charani, tied for the fifth most expensive players to be purchased in the first round at a price tag of 1.3 crore. She was released by UP Warriorz ahead of the mega auction. An elated Henry could not contain her excitement after learning of the news. “I have to be honest, I was really, really nervous
and excited, but I guess I can breathe now.
“I just want to say that I’m really happy to be headed back to India and to be a part of the DC family. I’m literally lost for words,” Henry said in a subsequent video.
“…I have to say that I’m honestly a bit surprised but at the same time really happy. So again, it feels good to be going back to India for my second season in the WPL so see you guys soon.”
Henry joins Hayley Matthews – who will turn out for the Mumbai Indians – as the second West Indian to be picked for next year’s tournament, which starts on January
4. Henry, who is currently in Australia playing for Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League, captained the Barbados Royals to their third consecutive Women’s Caribbean Premier League title back in September after filling in for the injured Matthews. She made her debut in the Women’s IPL last season after being brought in as an injury replacement for Alyssa Healy. In seven matches she scored 163 runs and picked up six wickets. Though she registered just one half-century in the 2025 season, she scored at a staggering strike rate of 196.39 through the competition.
The opening day of the I-CEE Grand Prix
President Ali commits additional US$25,000 to the Jamaica relief at Senior CASA opening
Layne snares three as two-day warm up ends up drawn
(CMC) - FAST bowler Johann Layne bowled impressively to snare three wickets as the West Indies’ two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI petered out into a tame, predictable draw here at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval on Thursday.
After declaring on their overnight total of 346 for five, the West Indies returned to bowl out their opponents for 264 in 73.4 overs on the last day.
Kemar Roach and An -
derson Phillip made early inroads by dismissing Scott Janett and Jesse Frew, respectively, to leave the home side in trouble at four for two. Layne then got in on the action by having Sam Cassidy caught for 28, as the New Zealand XI slipped to 45 for three.
However, a 126-run partnership between Cam Paul, who topscored with 91 and Muhammad Abbas, who made 61, carried them to relative safety. Layne broke the part -
nership when he had Abbas caught behind and four balls later, he sent Marco Alpe packing in the same fashion for a duck, as New Zealand XI slipped to 171 for five.
Spinners Kavem Hodge and Jomel Warrican then polished off the tail by snaring two wickets apiece. Layne finished with 3-33 from his nine overs, while Hodge took 2-32 and Warrican 2-45.
Roach and Phillip, along with spinner Roston Chase each took one wicket.
Johann Layne snared three wickets on the final day of their two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI
President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering