Minister Walrond visits GFS Headquarters, Eccles Fire Station
MINISTER of Home Affairs, Hon. Oneidge Walrond, on Saturday visited the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Headquarters and the Eccles Fire Station where she conducted inspections, observed operational activities, and addressed welfare concerns.
She was accompanied by Chief Fire Officer Mr. Gregory Wickham and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mr. Dwayne Scotland.
The first stop was the GFS Headquarters where she conducted a walk-through inspection of the Service’s appliances to ensure they were fully equipped and in excellent working
condition.
According to a Ministry of Home Affairs Facebook post, she also met with ranks on duty, commending their courage and daily sacrifices, while discussing welfare concerns and possible solutions to strengthen their work environment.
Later, she visited the Eccles Fire Station, where she engaged directly with firefighters on duty and observed their operational activities.
This interaction offered valuable insight into the daily responsibilities of these frontline heroes and deepened her appreciation for their dedication and steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the ministry said.
Minister Walrond inspects firefighting equipment at the GFS Headquarters
Minister Walrond with senior fire officials and firefighters at the Eccles Fire Station on Saturday (Photos: Ministry of Home Affairs/Facebook)
Gov’t advances discussions with partners for local oncology centre
- crucial primary health care initiatives, electronic medical records
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali recently led the Steering Committee meeting for Mount Sinai, Hess Corporation, and the Government of Guyana’s collaboration on primary health care initiatives, the electronic medical records system, and discussions on establishing an oncology centre in Guyana.
The meeting was
held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Government of Guyana entered into a partnership with Mount Sinai and Hess in 2022 to help overhaul the country’s entire health system.
It was announced earlier this year that Mount Sinai will be coming to assist in the
building out of a modern oncology centre here that will treat cancer.
With this, he said that they are not only looking at diagnostics but also building the facilities for treatment.
Outside of that, Dr Ali said that they are also engaging in discussions for rehabilitative care.
President Ali had indicated that transforming
Guyana’s health system was the target and with this in mind, the best possible allies were contacted with Mount Sinai identified as a viable partner.
At that time, he had indicated that the Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation was not only interested in opening the path for the partnership, but was also interested in being di -
rectly part of the collaboration.
Guyana is also building a first-class health emergency system, in collaboration with Northwell Health, to revolutionise emergency response and show faster, more efficient care and coordinated hospital transfer.
Dr Ali had said, “We are not merely making improvements. We are
system
building a system that is second to none, the healthcare system that is modern, responsive, compassionate and world-class.
He noted that Guyana is set to redefine healthcare in the Caribbean with a focus on future-forward transformation and transformative projects to build the future of medicine.
President Ali announces major initiatives to elevate indigenous athletes into national sports
- says they possess the skills to represent Guyana, will be given ‘equal’ opportunities
TO ensure that indigenous athletes have access to opportunities in Guyana’s national sports arena, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced several new measures for them in cricket, football, and volleyball.
He made the announcement when he joined athletes and spectators for day four of the 2025 Heritage Games on Saturday.
The president recently returned from the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.
For far too long, indigenous youth have not had equal opportunities to represent the Golden Arrowhead, the president acknowledged, noting their skills and potential to represent Guyana nationally.
To address this, he said,” I’ve asked Minister Charles Ramson, of course, Sarah, and Jacobs, to ensure that our indigenous communities are given an equal chance to represent the Golden Arrowhead in all of our national sports.”
Already, the head of state said he has instructed the Guyana Cricket Board (CGB) to include a national indigenous team in its competitions and trials.
Retired West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has been appointed as the mentor and coach for indigenous talent in cricket. Similarly, former West Indies cricketer and coach Roger Harper will lead the development of women’s cricket, with special focus on indigenous communities.
“He [Sarwan] will be responsible for working with our indigenous boards and groups to select the first indigenous cricket team that will come into the national cricketing infrastructure and be part of those trials,” President Ali said.
President Ali has given similar directives to the Football Association and the Volleyball Federation to ensure indigenous teams are included in their structures.
As the government moves to install new basketball courts in schools, the future basketball stars will be created.
In addition to equipment handovers for football, volleyball, and cricket, President Ali said by the end of the year Indigenous teams will compete in
The head of state makes a dash back to his crease during a cricket match on Saturday
national tournaments, stressing that this is part of the ‘One Guyana’ vision, where there are equal opportunities for every citizen.
Noting that indigenous youth have excelled in education, health, and other areas, the president told the athletes, “I’m confident that you will also excel in different sports disciplines.“
President Ali was joined by the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr; Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs; Minister of Labour and
Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah BrowneShadeek.
More than 800 indigenous athletes from the 10 administrative regions are participating in the Heritage Games.
(DPI)
The U.S. Navy killed 17 in deadly strikes, now Venezuela is giving civilians guns
WHEN Edith Perales was younger, he enlisted in the National Bolivarian Militia, a civilian force created by the late President Hugo Chávez in 2009 to help defend Venezuela.
"We have to be a country capable of defending every last inch of our territory, so no one comes to mess with us," Chávez said at the time.
Sixteen years on, Perales, who is now 68, is joining thousands of other militia members getting ready for a potential U.S. attack.
The rag-tag force, mainly made up of senior citizens, has been called up following the deployment of U.S. navy ships
in the South Caribbean on what U.S. officials said were counter-narcotics operations.
The U.S. force has destroyed at least three boats it said were carrying drugs from Venezuela to the U.S., killing at least 17 people on board.
Venezuela's defence minister, Vladimir Padrino, said the attacks and the US naval deployment amounted to a "non-declared war" by the U.S. against Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro swiftly called the militia into active duty.
Perales has got his uniform and boots at hand, ready to defend his "bastion" – the Caracas neighbourhood where he lives.
He lives in 23 de Enero, an area in the capital which has traditionally been a stronghold of Chavismo - the leftist ideology founded by the late President Chávez and adopted by his handpicked successor in office, Nicolás Maduro.
A loyal government supporter, he says he is "ready to serve whenever they call me".
"We have to defend the fatherland," he tells the BBC, echoing speeches given by President Maduro in the wake of the strikes on the boats.
The Caribbean is large, they have also pointed out that it is not large enough to suggest that it is part of a planned invasion.
There is little doubt
though that the relationship between Venezuela and the U.S. - which has long been strained - has deteriorated further since Donald Trump returned to office.
The US is among a raft of nations which have not recognised the re-election of Maduro in July 2024, pointing to evidence gathered by the Venezuelan opposition with the help of independent observers showing that his rival, Edmundo González, won the election by a landslide.
Shortly after coming into office for the second time, Trump declared the Venezuelan criminal gang, Tren de Aragua, a terrorist group, which he has used as justification for deporting Venezuelan migrants from the U.S and for the recent military action in the Caribbean.
The Trump administration has also accused Maduro of being in league with drug cartels and recently doubled the reward it is offering for information leading to his capture to $50m (£37.3m).
Maduro has vehemently rejected Washington's accusations and has defended his government's actions against drug trafficking.
But the Maduro government has also co-operated with the Trump administration by taking back Venezuelan migrants deported from the U.S., whom U.S. officials had
accused of being gang members.
After the first boat strike, Maduro also sent a letter to his U.S. counterpart calling for a meeting – an approach which has been rebuffed by the White House.
But his rhetoric internally has remained combative.
Maduro has ordered the Venezuelan military - the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB)to train local militias like the one to which Edith Perales belongs.
These groups are mostly made up of volunteers from poor communities, although public sector workers have reported being pressured into joining them as well.
In the past, the militia has mainly been used to boost numbers at political rallies and parades. Its members tend to be much older than those who join the feared "colectivos" – gangs of hard-core government supporters which have been accused of committing human rights abuses and which are often used to break up anti-government protests. (BBC)
Edith Perales joined the militia years ago (Nicole Kolster/BBC photo)
‘The cost of doing nothing would be unthinkable’ - Jamaican PM cautions UNGA on Haiti
DR. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica and Chairman of CARICOM, on Friday, September 26, urged the international community to act decisively to address the worsening crisis in Haiti.
“The cost of doing nothing would be unthinkable,” Prime Minister Holness warned the gathering of world leaders at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Noting that the security situation remains dire, he called on Member States, particularly those in the UN Security Council, to operationalise the Secretary-General’s recommendations for a transition to a more robust security force in Haiti. This endorsement, he said, must be accompanied by urgent financial and logistical support to ensure the success of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and any future security mechanisms.
The CARICOM Chair commended Kenya’s leadership of the MSS and reaffirmed Jamaica and CARICOM’s active role in efforts to support the restoration of peace and constitutional order
in Haiti.
“Political instability, gang violence, and humanitarian crises in Haiti affect not only the Haitian people, but the entire Region,” Holness said, adding that it laid bare a wider truth:
“Transnational criminal networks trafficking arms, narcotics, and people are existential threats to states, organising violence, and destabilising institutions. Gangs are now global syndicates with resources that rival Nation States.”
Beyond Haiti, Prime Minister Holness used his address to advocate
for reform of the multilateral system, emphasising the need for a more democratic, representative, and responsive global order.
“Multilateralism must deliver fairness for all,” he said, adding that Jamaica envisions a future “where no country is too small to be heard.”
He also addressed the urgent climate financing needs of Small Island Developing States
(SIDS), describing the initial capitalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund as “grossly inadequate,” and urging developed countries to honour their commitments.
Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to constructive dialogue, regional solidarity, and global cooperation rooted in equity and respect for sovereignty.
(CARICOM)
Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honourable Dr Andrew Holness delivering his address to the 80th Session of the UNGA on September 26
Boosting Transparency
THE Government of Guyana's decision to require body cameras for all law enforcement officers at ports of entry marks a significant step in the battle against corruption.
Starting Monday, September 29, 2025, this directive stems from a troubling extortion case at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, where police demanded money from a passenger to return her legal belongings. This quick response shows that accountability is now essential in our security system.
The incident at CJIA is not surprising for those familiar with the ongoing corruption claims against Guyana's law enforcement. The
US State Department's 2024 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report pointed out how corruption within law enforcement allows drug traffickers to evade prosecution.
Local police often drop charges or fail to investigate properly. The report emphasised that weak enforcement mechanisms at ports of entry hinder Guyana's drug control efforts. In this context, the airport extortion case is just the latest sign of deep-rooted issues.
The body camera mandate is not groundbreaking; it is necessary. President Ali had already provided 5,000 body cameras to the Guyana Police Force in May
2025, stating there would be no excuses for officers without them. Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh has credited body cameras with addressing professionalism issues and ensuring officer accountability during public interactions.
The technology has effectively reduced incidents where officers face disruptions while on duty. Still, the CJIA extortion case shows that adherence to body camera protocols is inconsistent.
What makes this corruption especially concerning is its location. CJIA is Guyana's main entry point, the first impression for thousands of visitors and returning citizens. When police
at our primary port engage in extortion, they harm not only the victims but also the country's reputation.
The government's zero-tolerance policy is encouraging, but it needs to lead to real consequences.
The Office of Professional Responsibility's investigation into the involved officers serves as a test for institutional integrity. In the past, some corruption cases have resulted in officers being quietly reassigned instead of prosecuted. This trend of lenient accountability has fostered public scepticism about police reform.
The rollout of body cameras must be thorough and consistent. Commissioner
Clifton Hicken's directive that officers without body cameras should not conduct stops underscores the importance of this initiative. The cameras' specifications—IP67 rating for waterproofing, 256GB storage capacity, and compatibility with national surveillance networks—leave no room for excuses regarding compliance.
However, technology alone cannot fix institutional corruption. As Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram noted, changing the culture requires better training, recruitment standards that prioritise integrity, and mandatory ethics education. The government must
ensure that this body camera mandate signifies the start, not the end, of extensive police reform.
The CJIA incident serves as a clear reminder that corruption flourishes in secrecy. Body cameras provide the transparency that our law enforcement urgently needs.
Citizens deserve officers who protect them rather than extort them, and visitors should experience professionalism instead of exploitation.
The government has made a positive move— now it must guarantee that this technology becomes a solid defence against corruption at every port of entry.
Supporting farmers is investment in Guyana’s food security, rural livelihoods, national stability
Dear Editor,
I READ with concern the recent article by former Minister Winston Jordan, “Subsidies to rice farmers a misuse of taxpayers’ money.” While we can all agree governments must be prudent with public funds, the argument that supporting our agricultural producers is wasteful overlooks both what rice farming means for Guyana now and what it has meant historically under governments that neglected rural producers.
It is absolutely essential and critical that Guyana supports its farmers, rice
growers, sugar workers, the entire farming community in a sustained and meaningful way.
Agriculture is not a luxury, it is a backbone of food security, employment, rural livelihoods and national stability. When farmers receive subsidies, whether in the form of free fertiliser, duty- free machinery, insurance premium support, or price supports for paddy, these are not handouts so much as investments in the food-supply chain, in rural communities, in poverty reduction, and in maintaining domestic production capacity. These are not costs to be lightly
dismissed; they are foundational to a balanced, inclusive, and resilient economy.
To say that subsidies are a “misuse” of taxpayers’ money misses context. Under the APNU administration too many rice farmers and sugar workers were left without dependable support. Many communities felt ignored and underserved. The policies of the previous government often undercut rather than uplifted agricultural producers. If current subsidies are criticised now, I dare to ask where was the concern then, when those producers had little or nothing?
Furthermore, Winston Jordan’s critique must be measured against the reality that those who now voice concerns about what the PPP/C government is doing, had little to say or did little to act when farmers and sugar workers were suffering under neglect.
The newfound voices of concern are more than ironic, and, in many cases, they ring hollow. Those critics have been booted from legitimate representation or have been marginalised because their policies and values simply do not align with what a growing, flourishing agricultural economy de -
mands.
We should not pit taxpayers’ interests against farmers’ well-being. A smart, forward-looking government and citizenry see that investing in agriculture returns dividends, allowing more stable food prices, reduced import dependency, better rural incomes, and social stability. If subsidies are mismanaged, yes, they ought to be monitored, audited, and optimised, but not thrown out as inherently wasteful.
I therefore urge the public, the media and policymakers to recognise that support for farmers is not a luxury, but rather is
a necessity for economic diversity, food security, and social justice. Historical neglect under the APNU administration cannot be used as cover for criticism when efforts are finally being made to do right by the agricultural sector. It should also be taken into account that subsidies must be transparent, well-targeted and efficient, but the alternative, the abandonment of our rural producers is far costlier in terms of social, economic, and political repercussions.
Sincerely, Stephen
Felix
Incredible ignorance, Part 1: David Hinds
VICE-PRESIDENT
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo offered his opinion on the WIN’s collection of 16 seats. He said that there were people who did not want to vote for the PPP/C but gave their ballot instead to WIN rather than the PNCR/APNU. What the analyst has to do is offer an interpretation as to why African Guyanese stayed home or give their votes to WIN.
Search as much as you will, there is one colossal reason for the APNU’s devastation in 2025. The party slipped from 23 seats in 2020 (eight seats were from AFC) to 12. But actually, it is 31 seats in 2020 because in 2020, the AFC on its own could not have brought in even one seat as we just saw in the 2025 polls.
Here is that gargantuan reason. The young African population looked at Aubrey Norton, David Hinds, Tacuma Ogunseye, Mark Benschop and Rickford Burke, the PNCR and the AFC and simply said, they do not speak for us, we do not want them to represent us. It is as simple as that. And Mr. Jagdeo was dead right. They did not want to vote for the PPP/C, so they either stayed home or went over to WIN.
The current leadership of the APNU simply cannot get it as to why they lost so they are making the same mistake since their decapitation on September 1. They are giving off voices and penning words that are identical to the deportment they demonstrated before September 1.
I saw an interview with Aubrey Norton and his ignorance knows no limit. This will be examined in part 2 but for part 1 we look at David Hinds. When African Guyanese look at Hinds they must (not should) reject him as representing the African race. Let’s look at the unprecedented ignorance of Hinds.
First, he argues that Africans did not vote against their race because WIN is an African party with an Indian head. When you examine WIN’s composition then you know that people like Hinds will not stop in their insults to the Afro-Guyanese. So, he deceives African people
by telling them that Africans have ditched their traditional African party, the PNCR/ APNU but they switched over to another African party – WIN. So, Africans still showed ethnic solidarity on September 1.
Hinds is looking ignorant in the eyes of people. WIN is not an African party. If it was, then how come it has an Indian leader? Of course, nothing is wrong with an African party having an Indian head. But this is not the reality with WIN. This African party was solely funded by an Indian man whose sister was his campaign manager, and this African party named its PM candidate hours before elections started.
This African party has an Indian head, but no one knows which African is the deputy leader and how many Africans are in the leadership because there is no leadership structure. But let’s highlight the larger role ignorance plays in the political sermons of Hinds. If Africans accept an Indian man as their leader, why can’t the Indian head of the PPP/C accept and embrace Africans in the PPP/C leadership and offer them genuine authority?
So, the question to Hinds is, are there Africans in the PPP/C that have been accepted as part of the PPP/C’s hierarchy? If he says yes, then he has to apologise to James Bond and Leonard Craig for using scatological grammar to describe their personality because they went over to the PPP/C. If he says no, then by his logic only African folks can reach out to an Indian man to lead them but Indians are incapable of having Africans in their party.
Let’s look at more ignorance from Hinds. Secondly, he refuses to answer if Ganesh Mahipaul betrayed his race by becoming part of an African party. But he accuses Bond and Craig of betraying their race by joining the PPP/C. On refusing to answer if Mahipaul betrayed his race, he told his interviewer, she must ask the Indian people that question.
But did he ask the African people in Guyana if Bond and Craig betrayed their race when he labelled them as people who kiss ass?
Hinds would say he didn’t have to ask them because he is African. So, he speaks for Africans? If he does, then African rejected him because APNU was reduced from 31 seats to 12 and in Buxton, Hinds’ constituency both the PPP/C and WIN collected sizeable votes.
Finally, Hinds spent an hour accusing the PPP/C of rigging the 2025 elections
and oxymoronically spent the same hour exclaiming that the PPP/C did poorly in the elections with billions spent and with Jagdeo as campaign manager and that that
poor showing should cause Jagdeo to resign. Have you ever seen more ignorance than this?
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.
St. Denys/Tapakuma observes Amerindian heritage in style - showcases tourism
Story and photos by Indrawattie
Natram
THE aroma of roasted meats and traditional foods filled the air on Sunday as the village of Tapakuma in Region Two came alive with its Heritage Day celebrations.
Held at the Tapakuma Lake Playfield under the theme, “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture,” the event showcased the village’s vibrant traditions, while highlighting its remarkable growth and future potential, particularly in the area of tourism.
Gracing the occasion was Director General of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs,
Sonia Latchman; Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack, other officials and visitors, who were gathered under beautifully decorated booths. The stalls displayed the richness of Amerindian culture through craft, cuisine and traditional attire.
Saywack extended greetings on behalf of President, Dr Irfaan Ali before stating that the development along with the eight other villages will not stop.
Saywack said that Tapakuma will be receiving modern living quarters for teachers and health staff and that the upgrading of the road is a priority for the Government of Guyana.
According to the regional official, the Regional Dem-
potential
ocratic Council and the Regional Local Government Department will continue to work with the village council to build strong partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of Toshao Keanu Thomas, Deputy Toshao Evadne Singh shared the village’s achievements and outlined its vision for continued development.
“At the heart of our progress lies education,” Singh said, extending gratitude to the government for major investments in schools. The completion of a new nursery school and renovations to the primary school, coupled with the distribution of cash grants, have given families greater opportunities to secure a better future for their children.
She proudly announced the official launch of Tapakuma’s very own Community Scholarship Programme, which began this September. This initiative, developed by the villagers themselves, reflects a deep commitment to education and empowerment.
Singh also applauded the interest shown in the GOAL scholarship programme and the University of Guyana,
as well as the academic successes of the village’s leaners at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.
The village has much to celebrate as Toshao Thomas himself recently began a master degree in Sustainability and Social Responsibility, while two teachers completed their university degrees earlier this year.
More educators are currently enrolled at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), ensuring the continued strengthening of classroom instruction.
Tapakuma also honoured the achievements of Roxanne Pearson, the first resident to graduate as a medex. Her return to the community is already raising healthcare standards. Her presence together with the upgraded Health Post and the consistent distribution of health vouchers are helping to support and improve the residents’ well-being.
On the economic front, Tapakuma families have embraced new opportunities.
From poultry rearing with Black Giant chicks to ginger cultivation, and especially the LCDS Agriculture Support System project, which provides every household with funds to create sustainable ventures, the village is paving a path to self-reliance.
Tourism, too, is becoming a major focus. The newly opened Hadali Tokoro eco-lodges at the village entrance are already attracting visitors and hold great potential for expanding eco-tourism on the Essequibo Coast. The community will soon be having its own resort.
“Tapakuma is a community on the rise—driven by the dedication of its people and guided by a vision for a strong, sustainable, and educated future,” Singh declared.
The celebration was not only cultural, but festive. Children enjoyed bouncy castles while families mingled across food and craft stalls. Visitors from across the Essequibo Coast joined in the merriment, leaving with a deep appreciation for Tapakuma’s culture, achievements, and growing tourism promise.
Persons arriving by tractor for the Heritage Day celebrations
Amerindian craft and delicacies were on sale
Toshao Keanu Thomas
Private sector, GPF to collaborate to help ease traffic congestion
IN an effort to assist in traffic management across Guyana, the private sector and the Guyana Police Force will be working together to ease congestion.
Operations Director of Gaico Inc, Khishan Singh in a recent episode of Spotlight, said that the private sector has frequently met with the Ministry of Home Affairs to tackle the issue.
He said the private sector is considerate of their timing in offloading cargo.
However, he noted that Guyana is a developing state with rapid advancements, which would make it difficult to dedicate roadways for specific vehicles.
Singh noted that the railway road will assist in how the private sector handles cargo in Guyana.
Additionally, Executive Director of Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association, Govindra Raghubansi stated that the country is growing rapidly.
“…A reason for
this growth is that, you know, there’s a lot of construction, oil and gas going on, manufacturing is growing”, he said.
Raghubansi emphasised that, there is room for improvement for the traffic situation in Guyana, noting that there has been an increased amount of container ships coming to
Guyana.
Meanwhile, the private sector is open to the City Revival plan.
Singh and Raghubansi rejoiced noting that they have been waiting for a while for the announcement of such a plan.
“So, we’re excited, and we’re very, very supportive”, said Singh. (DPI)
Operations Director of Gaico Inc., Khishan Singh
Executive Director of Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association, Govindra Raghubansi
Repairs to Paruima Airstrip to be completed within two months – Minister Edghill
REPAIRS to the Paruima Airstrip in Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, are expected to be finished within the next two months, according to Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill.
The approximately $400 million airstrip, which replaced the former grass-patch landing area, was transformed into a durable,
all-weather concrete strip to better support the movement of passengers, goods and services.
However, shortly after completion, surface defects were identified during the liability period, leading to temporary closure.
Minister Edghill explained that the contractor, International Import and Supplies, was instructed to correct the issues at its own expense.
He noted that the com-
pany has gone beyond the original scope of repairs.
“Out of his [the contractor’s] goodwill, he has decided not just to fix the area that had the defects, but he is putting in a new layer of stone,” the minister stated during a recent engagement.
When reopened, the upgraded airstrip is expected to significantly boost connectivity and development for the Amerindian village of Paruima.
Residents had long faced challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, which made landing aircraft on the grassy patch nearly impossible, but this will once again be a thing of the past. Meanwhile, the ministry is advancing similar works on other airstrips in Region Seven, including Eteringbang, Karisparu, and Ekereku Bottom to enhance hinterland transport and accessibility. (DPI)
The ribbon-cutting ceremony to commission the new Paruima Airstrip in Region Seven
The Paruima Airstrip
New eco-tourism experience launched in Region Three
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues (Japheth Savory photos)
THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, on Saturday, joined the Wild Adventures team to launch a new experiential tourism productWaia Green Escapes- at the Waia Lodge, Kamuni Creek, Region Three.
Ushering in World Tourism Day on September 27, 2025, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, Waia Green Escapes offers a unique blend of nature exploration, and cultural immersion.
An open invitation to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, persons can enjoy a thrilling boat ride, immersive cultural exchange, opportunities for wildlife and bird watching, scenic photo opportunities, swimming and water activities, pristine environment and sunset on the demerara river.
The activities include nature walks, trail biking, traditional indigenous fishing techniques at the landing house, creek exploration on a paddle board, or taking a refreshing swim in cool, black waters. Additionally, a sunset river cruise is also in the cards.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA),
Kamrul Baksh, said it is evident that our tourism offering position is aligned with this year’s theme, with Waia as a microcosm of that theme.
He noted that while destinations worldwide are clamoring on sustainability and transformational travel and rejuvenation, in Guyana, we have promoted that product and this type of tourism since the beginning.
Commending Keron
Samuels and Shebana Daniels, the innovators behind this new eco-tourism experience, the GTA Director said, “We want to support individuals, businesses, that raise the level of standard of offering. I really think they've done it here.”
Daniels said Waia was born out of the belief that the beauty, diversity and spirit of Waia deserves to be experienced by all.
The duo has worked in the tourism industry for years in various capacities.
After returning to Guyana from Suriname, their initial idea was to find a place where time with family could be spent.
Subsequent to finding the previously forested area, the pair crafted what they wanted the Waia Lodge to look like. Sharing a deep commitment to
creating opportunities for young people in the community, Daniels said they knew this initiative would bring the vision to reality.
“With the launch of the Waia Green Escapes, we're opening the door to a collection of thoughtfully designed itineraries that go far beyond the typical tour. These are experiences, immersive, memorable, and rooted in authenticity,” Daniels expressed, adding, “We offer the flexibility of tailoring each escape to your needs and your liking.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, opined that the GTA and the hospitality sectors can be successful in the future and have the potential to be one of the main pillars of our economy as we seek to diversify and dynamize the economy.
Speaking directly on the Waia launch, Minister Rodrigues said this experience strongly supports the potential of tourism, doing more than showcasing our natural landscapes.
“We all know that tourism creates opportunities for local communities, supports small businesses, generates employment, and ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared broadly.
So, by developing experience like this outside of Georgetown, we highlight the unique stories, traditions, and landscapes that make each region of Guyana special.” She stressed that building on the success of indigenous community tourism, Waia Green Escapes demonstrates how initiatives led or supported by local communities can enrich our tourism offerings and provide memorable experiences for visitors.
Director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues, Waia Green Escapes’ Shebana Daniels and Keron Samuels, and the President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Mitra Ramkumar
Sports Physiotherapist Jana
Edghill is doing what she loves best
By Michel Outridge PHYSIOTHERAPY
is a great tool for assisting others. That art of administering therapy is an acquired skill that takes commitment, hard work and real drive to ensure a rewarding and successful career.
Jana Gabriela Edghill has been a physiotherapist for the past eight years. She is attached to the Ministry of Health’s Disability and Rehabilitation Services Department and is attached to the senior national team, the Golden Jaguars. For her,
this is a dream come true.
The 31-year-old recently told the Guyana Chronicle that she works at the National Aquatic Centre pool at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, but has a background in sports physiotherapy.
Edghill added that working with the nation-
al football team is like doing any other job, it is just that it is specifically about athletes. She said that it is rewarding to see people complete rehabilitation from sports injuries and regain their full mobility and independence.
Sports physiotherapy is a specialised branch of
Jana Edghill
physical therapy which focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise.
It also aims to enhance athletic performance and accelerate recovery for athletes of all levels, from professionals to recreational participants.
Sports physiotherapists use tailored treatment plans, combining techniques such as manual therapy, exercise, and sports-specific drills, to address the unique biomechanical demands of different sports and help injured athletes return to their activities safely and effectively.
“It is a good job. I enjoy every aspect of it. When my team wins, I win and it is quite fulfilling to be a part of something so good,” she said.
Initially, she wanted to become a medical doctor but that did not happen. As a result of old injuries she had and the experience of physiotherapy, she grew to love this career idea and later learned that such a course was being offered at the University of Guyana (UG).
Signing up was the first step in her new journey.
After four years of studies, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in medical rehabilitation, majoring in physiotherapy. Today, she is a physiotherapist and cannot see herself doing any other job.
Edghill is responsible for the rehabilitation of athletes from sports injuries, accidents, a stroke or neurological injuries and getting them back to full
independence.
She stated that they also assist children with developmental delays to achieve milestones and warded patients who are recovering from surgeries.
“I work with athletes and when they get sport injuries such as dislocation, knee problems and chronic conditions, I have to assist via rehabilitation efforts. So, it is an interesting job and you must know what you are doing, to apply yourself to prevent further injuries to the athlete or patient,” she said.
Edghill reported that she also prepares the athletes for their games and would travel with them to the various local and overseas venues.
Every year on September 8, World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated globally to recognise the invaluable contributions of physiotherapists in improving health, enhancing mobility, and promoting well-being.
The day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community.
It is an opportunity to recognise the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and communities.
Using World PT Day as a focus, World Physiotherapy aims to support member organisations in their efforts to promote the profession and advance their expertise.
This year, the focus was on healthy ageing and falls prevention and how physiotherapy can help in our daily lives.
GYCCE tackles civic education, engagement among young Guyanese
THE Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement (GYCCE), a Region Sixbased non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation, has plans in place to tackle civil education and engagement among Guyanese youth.
The GYCCE was formed in April 2023 by its founder and director, Deodat Persaud. The centre started as one of his Community Action Projects (CAP) during his time in the United States.
Persaud disclosed that he was the first Guyanese to be selected to participate in the Community Solutions Programme in the United States. This was in 2022.
Persaud spent four months at the Georgia Centre for Civic Engagement where he had the opportunity to see firsthand how civic engagement is executed.
Speaking with this publication, he said the centre intends to have more activities geared towards the promotion of patriotism among locals and has a long-term goal to create a local Centre of Democracy.
He explained that the centre aims to engage and inform young people on the contributions made by our past and present leaders, the impact their policies has had on Guyana’s development, and to appreciate their successes and failures.
Another activity in the pipeline for the GYCCE is aimed at developing the public-speaking skills of its participants. This is expected to be rolled out in 2026.
Speaking on current activities, Persaud revealed that they recently conducted a training session in Region 10, where they targeted high school children in forms three and
four (grades nine and 10), teaching them six core modules.
These modules are taught by a group of professionals over a six-hour period. Subsequent to this, participants are engaged in at least a month of mentorship, which seeks to guide them through the implementation of projects.
Similar training has been done in Regions Six, Two, Five, and Seven. The goal is to prepare the youths of today to be tomorrow’s leaders.
According to Persaud, the 14-year-olds of today will be eligible to cast their votes at Guyana’s next national and regional elections and can become local leaders in their respective regions/ communities.
“So, we want to be able to spark a sort of interest in them. So, first of all do not shirk when that opportunity presents for leadership. So that's what we're doing -starting to prepare the next generation of leaders,” he told this publication.
Although it is non-governmental, the Ministry of Education has lent support to the GYCCE, a partnership that is critical in their work.
The centre has also written to President, Dr Irfaan Ali, with the aim of finding ways to partner and advance civic engagement at the national level.
Highlighting more of their work, Persaud said that In Regions Two, Five, Six, Seven, Nine, and 10, 215 students have completed training, along with approximately 50 teachers. In addition to Linden, in Lethem, Region Nine , 27 students and two teachers are expected to graduate from a recently concluded training session.
(Standing in the first row, fourth from right) Founder and Director of the Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement, Deodat Persaud, flanked by Region 10 participants and members of his team (Photo: GYCCE/ Facebook)
- urges parents to do better than their parents did
Human Services Minister advocates for child protection
CONTINUING her awareness outreach, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Saturday, held an engagement with residents of Wales in the Essequibo-Islands, West Demerara region, where she advocated for the safety of children.
Minister Persaud told parents that each child is shaped by their experiences, pointing out that not all children live
in the same house, have the same families or attend the same schools, a fact that we must all be cognisant of.
Pleading for parents to be better for their children, Dr. Persaud told the parents
present that they have felt the effect parenting (whether good or bad) has had on them, and they can choose to follow that pattern, or do better.
According to Minister Persaud, her Ministry has
started parenting programmes that are geared at improving parenting styles.
“Look, nobody is perfect, and sometimes parenting can go wrong. Sometimes your temper can get the better of you, and you do the wrong things. This is to help parents. This is also to help children at the end of the day, so that their parents could do better by them,” the minister said.
Similar to other engagements last week, the minister highlighted other programmes ongoing at her ministry, including the 914 hotline, the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), and the iMatter App.
She spoke on the viral “COPSQUAD” training started in 2021 for ranks of the Guyana Police Force. They are educated on the Child Protection Act, trained on the previous Domestic Violence Act of 1996 and are currently being trained on the Family Violence Act of 2024.
“So police training has to be continuous, and one of the new things you will see is me handing over to the Minister of Home Affairs the training that we want, so that it can be put into the police academy, so that the recruits can be trained, and they have what you call continuing education all the way through,” the minister announced.
Additionally, she mentioned that there are various shelters/ homes for children, child focus counselling for children and a number of other targeted initiatives. No agency, she affirmed, does this alone.
Underscoring the old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”, Minister Persaud said everyone has to be responsible.
She confirmed that
through the Ministry of Education, each school has a guidance and welfare counsellor, and several teachers have passed through social work training.
The Human Services Ministry, along with the Ministry of Education, will be working together to help these persons in areas they need training.
Importantly, the minister also stated that the ministry, in recent years, started a support and field network with approximately 40 religious organisations. Representatives of these organisations have been trained and informed on conflict resolution, gender-based violence, and child protection.
This was done with the aim of them returning to their churches, masjids, and mandirs to train persons there, and so religious leaders are aware of these issues.
“I fully know that the religious network is a very big one and has a lot of influence on people and in communities. So, we are continuing to work with them,” the minister said, adding that the network is still there, and the ministry will continue to train and work with them.
Dr. Persaud highlighted that child abuse is a crime and is a reportable offence. She noted that while religious leaders can intervene and provide counselling, it does not remove the responsibility to report that offence.
Engaging the community in meaningful dialogue to discuss this growing issue, the Minister stated that as people, we have to learn to develop a sense of maturity, and learn to look out for each other, and watch each other’s back, especially in cases related to children.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (Photo: Ministry of Human Services and Social Security/ Facebook)
MoU signed to develop, promote Hope Town as tourism site
THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Chinese Association of Guyana and Wild Adventures, on Saturday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and promote Hope Town, Guyana’s first Chinese settlement, as a tourism product.
In a Facebook post, the ministry said the MoU was signed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues, Stephen Su, President of the Chinese Association of Guyana and Shabana Daniels of Wild Adventures.
In her remarks, Minister Rodrigues commended the initiative, noting that Hope Town represents a site of profound historical
and cultural significance. She emphasised that the partnership will support the preservation of heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and community engagement.
“By supporting sites like Hope Town, we preserve an essential piece of our history. This agreement represents a commendable step in ensuring our heritage is celebrated, shared, and sustained for generations to come,” the minister was quoted as saying.
Hope Town is located along Kamuni Creek, which also provides access to the Santa Aratak villages.
With this new agreement, the three organisations have committed
Police at all ports of entry to now wear body cameras
- following CJIA extortion allegation
STARTING today, all law enforcement officers assigned to Guyana’s ports of entry — including airports and border points — will be required to wear body cameras. This directive came from the Government of Guyana following an extortion allegation against police ranks at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) confirmed that CCTV footage and other evidence support the claim that ranks demanded money from a passenger to release her lawful items. The implicated officers have since been placed
to developing experiences that highlight the settlement’s history and cultural importance while boosting the tourism offerings of the wider community, the ministry said.
under close arrest as the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) launches a full investigation. In a statement, the GPF emphasised its zero-tolerance stance on corruption: “Any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full force of the law.”
The Force also reminded the public that no payments are required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port.
Further, citizens are urged to report any requests for money immediately to the nearest police authority.
Stephen Su, President of the Chinese Association of Guyana; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues and Shabana Daniels of Wild Adventures signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and promote Hope Town, as a tourism product (Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce photos)
Political will, investments transforming healthcare in Guyana
- Carpen tells high-level meeting
Presidential Adviser on Science and Healthcare Modernisation, Dr Mahendra Carpen
GUYANA’S leading cardiologist and Presidential Adviser on Science and Healthcare Modernisation, Dr Mahendra Carpen, has told the international community that the country is setting an example of how political commitment backed by resources can reshape health outcomes.
Dr. Carpen was at the time speaking at a high-level meeting on the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Wellbeing during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He described the NCDs and mental health conditions as among the greatest health and developmental challenges of our time and added that NCDs claim 41 million lives annually while “mental health conditions remain a leading cause of disability worldwide.”
Further highlighting the disproportionate impact on developing nations, he stated, “The burden falls heaviest on low and middle-income countries where health systems are often least prepared to respond.”
To this end, Dr Carpen underscored Guyana’s ongoing effort to change this and noted that the country is demonstrating
what can be done when investments match political will.
“In Guyana, we are demonstrating what is possible when political will is matched by investment,” he stated.
He pointed to major achievements, including the expansion of primary healthcare, construction of new facilities, growth of the health workforce, and the introduction of telemedicine to serve remote communities.
Further, he noted that through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Hearts initiative, Guyana is standardising hypertension and diabetes care, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Additionally, cancer screening programmes for breast, cervical and prostate cancers are also reaching more people earlier, while mental health services are being decentralised in line with a new mental health strategy.
As such, over the past five years, he disclosed that government’s expenditure on health has risen from $35 billion to $143 billion, an increase of some 300 per cent.
He added, “It highlights how strategic and consistent investment can build resilient, people-centred health systems that can tackle NCDs.”
Essequibo Coast Lions Club hosts successful blood drive in collaboration with Lima Regional Hospital
THE Essequibo Coast Lions Club, in partnership with the Lima Regional Hospital, successfully hosted a blood drive.
From the blood drive, 13 units of blood was collected, and these will make an impactful contribution towards saving lives.
President of the Essequibo Coast Lions Club, Ms. Sabriena Harrychan, expressed her joy in hosting such an activity, noting that it meaningfully contributes to the health and well-being of the community.
“We at the club are very thankful to everyone who came forward and donate
blood it means alot to the club and it will go a far way in saving lives,” Harrychan said.
The event was widely promoted through radio and television broadcasts, as well as social media platforms, which helped raise awareness and encouraged participation.
The Essequibo Coast Lions Club extends heartfelt gratitude to the Lima Regional Hospital for their invaluable partnership, and to each donor who stepped forward to support this lifesaving initiative. Your selfless act has truly made a difference.
One of the blood donors and a member of the Essequibo Coast Lions Club
Santa Rosa, West Ruimveldt & St John the Baptist kick off campaigns with a bang
THE Courts Optical Boys under-11 Pee Wee Football Competition kicked off on Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground.
St John the Baptist opened their 2025 campaign with sound thrashing of St Theresa’s Primary 6-nil; the effort led by hat-tricks from Neymar Edwards and Aaron Christian.
Defending champions Santa Rosa Primary then showed their intent
to retain their crown with a 6-nil thrashing of Goed Fortuin Primary thanks to goals from Taz LaRose who scored a helmet-trick and a double from Michael Harris.
Santa Rosa also played again later in the day, this time coming up against North Georgetown Primary and La Rose to the fore again this time to guide them to a needle victory 1-nil.
Potaro Primary also whipped Winfer Gardens
Primary 3-1 and West Ruimveldt stopped St Aloysius Primary 4-nil.
In West Ruimveldt’s victory Yanique Cadogan and Ceon Rajkumar scored with the former scoring a triple.
Clonbrook Primary suffered a tough defeat when they faced Leonora Primary, losing 4-1.
Johnathan Melvin was the man chiefly responsible for the win with a hat-trick of goals in the 3rd, 11th and 29th minutes.
Tilak seals thriller to give India ninth Asia Cup title
(ESPNCRICINFO) - In -
dia blinked. They were 20 for 3 chasing 146. Their world-beating batting lineup was panicking as Pakistan came at them - this time for every reason because there was a title on the line.
A collapse of 9 for 33 had left Salman Agha's men with no room for error and for the most part they coped with it. They got rid of Abhishek Sharma early. That sent jitters through a middle-order that was upended to accommodate Shubman Gill.
A straightforward chase was going pear-shaped. And Tilak Varma felt all of this out in the middle. The quiet of the stands. The belief among the Pakistan players. The doubts of a billion people back home. Somehow, he absorbed it all and produced a really special half-century. Concentrating as hard as he had to, there wasn't a single moment through the innings where Tilak showed emotion. But once it was done, he yelled, he punched, he made little heart signs with his hands and basked in the glory of winning India their ninth Asia Cup title.
FARHAN'S OPENING SALVO
This entire Asia Cup has been a referendum on Pakistan's decision to move on from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. There is credence to the theory that they do not push hard enough
when they bat up the order, and the powerplay is not a time to be shy.
Sahibzada Farhan took that to heart and although he didn't always come up with the goods, he never stopped swinging. A series of slogs took him to 26 off 21. And those same series of slogswhen they started connecting - brought him 50 off 35.
THE PAKISTAN COLLAPSE
Farhan and Fakhar Zaman were able to put one of India's bankers - Kuldeep Yadav - under pressure. The left-arm wrist-spinner's first two overs went for 23. That prompted Suryakumar Yadav to turn to Varun Chakravarthy, whose mystery Pakistan have just not been able to solve. As if on cue, he took down both of Pakistan's top scorers. Farhan and Fakhar were the only two to cross 15. On the back of Varun's incisions, his team-mates came into their own. Axar
Patel took two wickets in back-to-back overs. Kuldeep took three in one single over. Pakistan were 107 for 1 with 44 balls to play. They were bowled out with five balls remaining. A large part of their innings involved the batters going for slogs. In the front 10, they either made good contact or just plain missed. So just one wicket fell. In the back 10, the big hits were all mis-hits. So nine wickets fell.
TILAK'S METHOD
Where all his teammates tried to force the issue, Tilak found ways to trust himself. He was 24 off 26. But he didn't seem to care. Early in his innings, he hit a back foot punch though extra cover for four off Ashraf. There was no pace on that ball. The only way he could find the boundary was if he timed the ball perfectly. And for that to happen, he had to have the measure of this pitch down pat. He did.
Tucville Primary won their contest against Stella Maris Primary 2-nil with both goals coming off the cleat of Dominic Dickson.
Redeemer Primary then edged Smith Memorial Primary 3-2 compliments of a pair of goals from Aaron Lall.
Top side St Stephen’s Primary had a horrid start as they lost to St Gabriel’s Primary 3-nil after strikes from Nathan Ville, Zion Hickerson and Simon Devon.
Marian Academy and Georgetown International Academy also played to a draw.
Genesis Early Childhood Education Centre and Ann’s Grove Primary also played out a stale mate 2-2. Batavia Primary and St Mary’s Primary played to a draw with former champions St Pius Primary and Agatash Primary’s clash also ending in the result.
India won their ninth Asia Cup title, Sep 28, 2025 (AFP/ Getty Images)
GFF sets out a strategic roadmap for Guyana’s football
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has finalised a strategic roadmap for the sport's future after concluding a comprehensive threeday retreat with top FIFA officials at its secretariat in Georgetown.
The process, designed to accelerate development in the South American nation, culminated in a high-level leadership session focused on refining governance structures and improving strategic implementation.
The retreat, led by FIFA Consultant Stewart Regan and FIFA Regional Office Lead Jordan Victoire, delivered a clear, documented vision for Guyanese football.
The final leadership session involved the GFF Executive Committee, and key discussions centred on football's global structure, the clear roles of governing body leaders, and the necessity of effective communication and planning.
Facilitated by FIFA’s guidance, the Federation is now equipped with a clear operational blueprint for growth. GFF President Wayne Forde and the Council, alongside recently ap -
pointed General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, are committed to operationalising these plans immediately.
The resulting development strategy centres on infrastructure growth, robust
Champs GDF thrash Fruta Conquerors
DEFENDING champions
Guyana Defence Force delivered a thumping performance on Saturday, this time against Fruta Conquerors at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre as action continued in the Elite League.
It was a lopsided contest as Abumchi Opara proved imperious in front of goal to capture a helmet trick as he made light of Fruta’s defence. He would open the flood gates in the 10th minute before recording two more goals either side of the break to put GDF up 3-nil.
Second half goals from Queancy Fraser, Makhaya Jarvis, Shakeem Welcome and Stephen McDonald would all but seal the contest.
However, Opara was not done, returning to record his fourth goal before Fraser added to his goal tally with a strike in the 90th minute to cap off the comprehensive 9-nil victory.
Meanwhile Western Tigers defeated Ann’s Grove 6-nil.
collecting
Samuel Garnett scored three unanswered goals in the 30th, 45th and 55th minutes to put them well on their way with a handsome 3-nil advantage.
Late goals would follow
from the likes of William Europe 71', Dwayne James 84' and Daniel Wilson 88' as tigers put on a show for their East Coast counterparts to register a comfortable win 6-nil.
governance, and operational efficiency, aiming for sustainable progress on and off the pitch.
During the retreat, FIFA representatives and GFF leaders held constructive meetings with key government and
football stakeholders. The Federation described these engagements as "positive and constructive," ensuring the new roadmap is grounded in the wider community's needs and aligned with international best practices.
The successful conclusion reaffirms the GFF's commitment to advancing football in Guyana through transparency and collaboration, backed by strong support from the world governing body.
New initiatives aim at developing indigenous athletes
CMC – President of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced several initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of indigenous athletes in the country’s main sports such as cricket, football and volleyball.
While attending the 2025 Heritage Games on Saturday, the President acknowledged that even though indigenous athletes were highly skilled in some sports, they did not have equal opportunities to represent the country on a national stage.
More than 800 indigenous athletes from the 10 administrative regions are participating at the Heritage Games.
President Ali said he had already spoken with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), the Guyana Football Federation and the Guyana Volleyball Federation, to ensure indigenous teams are included in their structures.
He revealed that retired West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has been appointed as the mentor and
coach for indigenous talent in cricket, while former West Indies cricketer and coach Roger Harper will lead the development of women’s cricket, with special focus on indigenous communities.
“He (Sarwan) will be responsible for working with our indigenous boards and groups to select the first indigenous cricket team that will come into the national cricketing infrastructure and be part of those trials,” President Ali said. In addition to donating equipment for football, volleyball, and cricket, President Ali said by the end of the year, indigenous teams will also compete in national tournaments, stressing that this is part of the ‘One Guyana’ vision, where there are equal opportunities for every citizen.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Monday, September 29, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD
83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shai Hope-491 runs (GAW)
(2) Imran Tahir-23 wickets (GAW)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) What was the highest individual score made in CPL 2025?
(2) What were the best bowling figures in a match? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
The retreat, led by FIFA Consultant Stewart Regan and FIFA Regional Office Lead Jordan Victoire, delivered a clear, documented vision for Guyanese football
GDF Hattrick Hero Abumchi Opara
his MVP award
GFF commits support to ‘Physical Education Fridays’ in schools
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has thrown its full backing behind the government’s new “PE Fridays” initiative, a historic nationwide push to dedicate Friday afternoons in public schools exclusively to physical education and sport.
The programme, spearheaded by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Ministry of Education, fosters healthy lifestyles, discipline, and teamwork, drawing students away from device-driven habits and into active routines.
The GFF marked the official rollout yesterday by deploying national team players and federation coaches to schools, giving students hands-on football tuition from the country's top talents. National team stars Jere-
my Garrett and Ryan Hackett joined GFF coaches in de-
MacKenzie Stadium 80% complete
THE MacKenzie Stadium in Linden is nearing completion. Officials have confirmed that the stateof-the-art facility is 80% complete and firmly on schedule to open its doors to the public later this year. The development significantly boosts the sporting infrastructure in Region 10 and across Guyana.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., led a key meeting with contractors and Ministry officials on Thursday, alongside National Sports Commission Chairman Kashif Muhammad, to review the final stages of the multi-million-dollar project.
Minister Ramson Jr. con-
firmed the project is on track for completion this year, emphasising that the new stadium has been delivered with remarkable financial discipline.
"This facility is on the final stage of execution and is scheduled to be completed this year," Ramson stated. "Significantly, when completed, the facility will cost less than the D’Urban Park project, delivering modern infrastructure with responsible spending."
This efficiency point is notable, referencing the controversial D'Urban Park development, which reportedly exceeded G$1 billion back in 2017.
The new facility is designed as a multi-purpose
stadium capable of hosting a wide range of sports and cultural events. It will provide a much-needed venue outside of Georgetown, the capital.
The stadium will feature the same high-standard drainage design utilised at the Guyana National Stadium. This advanced system is intended to keep the pitch and outfield playable throughout the year, regardless of adverse weather conditions.
Once operational, the MacKenzie National Stadium will sit alongside the Synthetic Track in Bayroc, consolidating Linden’s position as a premier regional centre for elite training and competitive sport in Guyana.
livering football sessions to eager students at the South
Ruimveldt Secondary and St George's Secondary Schools, providing role models for the next generation.
GFF President Wayne Forde, General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, and Technical Director Bryan Joseph were all in attendance to witness the landmark launch.
"The GFF strongly supports this initiative, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to use football as a tool for education, development, and nation-building," Forde stated. "We are proud that our national players and technical officials can be actively involved in giving students the best possible experience through sport."
The dedicated PE ses -
sions will run from 13:4hrs to 15:00 hrs every Friday across both primary and secondary schools.
Activities will be wide-ranging, covering disciplines such as basketball, cricket, volleyball, gymnastics, and chess, with football set to play a central role in the physical development drive.
The federation’s commitment follows recent discussions with Steve Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, focusing on grassroots growth and youth engagement.
The GFF reaffirmed its pledge to work closely with the government and schools to ensure football remains key to shaping well-rounded young Guyanese citizens.
52nd CAC Bodybuilding Championships
Burnett and Greene deliver gold for Guyana
RAWLE Greene and Lindon Burnett were the standout performers for Guyana when St Lucia hosted the two-day Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships from September 26 - 27.
Greene and Burnett were part of a seven-member bodybuilding team led by Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation President Roger Callender.
The team took home 12 medals in total.
Rawle Green who is now serial winner at the CAC championship again showed he belonged, snapping up a gold and two silver medals in the Men’s Bodybuilding Seniors, Men’s Classic
Bodybuilding Seniors, and Men’s Masters Open categories.
Lindon Burnett also made a return to the regional stage and showed his ageless physique to capture a gold and silver.
President of the GBBFF Roger Callender after the competition said, “After two days of fierce competition, Guyana’s athletes stood tall and gave everything they had on stage, delivering truly remarkable performances. Their hard work and dedication paid off as the team brought home an impressive 12 medals: three gold, six silver, and three bronze.”
Men’s fitness athlete Ro-
melton Siland strutted his body to the adulation of the
crowd and judges to clinch a gold, a silver and two bronze medals in the Men’s Fitness, Men’s Physique Masters Open and Men’s Physique Seniors categories.
Savta Stephenson also won silver in the Women Bikini Class while in the Men’s Fitness category, athlete Anthony Bailey took home silver and bronze medals.
Melitha Fernandes placed 5th in her class while Jonathan Jeffrey finished 6th.
In 2024, when Guyana hosted the event for the second time in 20 years at the National Cultural Centre, they captured 27 medals including 11 gold, nine silver and seven bronze.
GFF President Wayne Forde (left), footballer Jeremy Garrett and national table tennis player Shemar Britton at one of the sessions
One of the completed stands
New initiatives aim at developing indigenous athletes
Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana has outlined several new factors aimed at developing indigenous athletes
Guyana's gold medal Winner Lindon Burnett (centre) and silver medal winner Rawle Greene (left)