Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-10-2025

President Ali engages FIFA President and Saudi Minister of Sport on sports development collaboration

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali recently held high-level discussions in Riyadh with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The meeting formed part of President Ali’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Guyana’s partnerships in global sports development. Discussions between President Ali and FIFA President Infantino focused on advancing a Government–FIFA partnership to establish mini-arenas across Guyana, with special emphasis on hinterland communities.

In August, President Ali announced that more than 4,000 youths from across South Georgetown would soon benefit from a new FIFA-certified pitch, along with a 300-metre athletic track within the compound of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School.

He emphasised at the

time that the initiative was designed not merely as an investment in sport, but as part of a broader ecosystem of education, community upliftment, and youth development.

“It’s about nurturing confidence; capable and responsible citizens who can build prosperous lives for themselves and their families. With combined investment, dedication and focus, we will ensure that our children are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow—to step into a future that is bright, rewarding, and full of promise,”

President Ali said.

President Ali had previously mandated that all public schools dedicate Fridays to physical education classes. This initiative forms part of a larger national drive to tackle screen addiction among children, reduce sedentary lifestyles, and instil lifelong habits of health, teamwork, and discipline.

Ultimately, the President

stated, the goal is to create an ecosystem where communities can thrive and children have access to quality education. He outlined plans to develop a robust sports infrastructure that will benefit future generations and enhance Guyana’s cultural and economic landscape as the nation seeks to elevate its sporting profile.

The 2025 national budget allocated GY$8 billion to sports development. Key projects include the completion of the Palmyra Stadium and the construction of a new international stadium at Crane, West Coast Demerara. A further GY$2 billion has been designated for associated works at Palmyra.

An additional GY$1.3 billion has also been allocated for the completion of multi-purpose sports facilities in Anna Regina, Bayroc, Mackenzie, and New Amsterdam, as well as sports halls in Leonora, Lethem, Mabaruma, Mahdia, and Mongrippa Hill.

Guyana mobilises humanitarian aid for Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa

– Prime Minister Phillips leads co-ordination with Private Sector, GDF, and CDC

PRIME MINISTER,

Brigadier (Ret’d), The Honourable Mark Phillips, currently performing the functions of President, on Wednesday, convened a high-level meeting with key national stakeholders to coordinate Guyana’s humanitarian response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to finalise the logistics of the country’s initial relief deployment.

The first phase of Guyana’s support will include the provision of essential supplies, such as generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws, to assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts.

These resources will be mobilised through a joint initiative between the Government of Guyana and the private sector, under the co-ordination of the CDC and the direct stewardship of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Phillips was joined by CDC Director General, Colonel Nazrul Hussain, PSC Chair, Mr. Gerald Gouveia Jr., along with representatives of the GDF and other private sector entities committed to the national relief effort.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Phillips expressed solidarity with the Government and people of Jamaica, emphasising that Guyana stands ready to assist in any way possible.

“Guyana stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Jamaica during this challenging time,” he affirmed. “We remain com-

mitted to the principles of regional co-operation and collective resilience that define us as members of

the Caribbean Community

The co-ordination meeting marks the begin-

ning of Guyana’s humanitarian support mission to Jamaica, reinforcing the country’s longstanding

commitment to regional unity and disaster response co-operation within CARICOM.

During engagements with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, President Ali advanced discussions on the development of mini-arenas in Guyana

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President, meets with key national stakeholders to co-ordinate Guyana’s humanitarian response to Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica

(CARICOM).”

WTC Georgetown workshop strengthens export readiness, inclusive trade capacity

OVER 40 local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and exporters recently received certificates after completing the “Successful Exhibiting: Effective Trade Show Planning and Marketing” workshop hosted by the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG).

The workshop, part of the Centre’s launch-week series themed “Connecting Markets, Capital, Compliance & Growth”, aimed to equip Guyanese enterprises with the skills to compete effectively in regional and international trade fairs through improved branding, compliance, and digital readiness.

Lead facilitator Sandra Ann Baptiste, CITP and

CEO of Caribbean Signature, delivered an engaging, interactive session on exhibitor strategy and tradeshow readiness. Drawing on decades of international marketing experience, Baptiste guided participants on transforming simple booths into compelling brand stories using visual appeal, storytelling, and buyer engagement.

“Every display tells a story,” Baptiste emphasised. “When you step into a trade show, you’re not only representing your business, you’re representing Guyana. Preparation is everything: from booth design and signage to greeting visitors, following up, and closing opportunities.” She highlighted practical techniques

such as booth lighting, placement, personality, and digital follow-ups, stressing that visibility alone is insufficient—conversion is key.

Devin Warner, Central Packaging Manager at the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), discussed the Corporation’s incubation, packaging, and logistics services, which enable MSMEs to meet export standards. “The GMC bridges small producers and international markets,” he said, noting support for market intelligence, product development, transport, cold-storage services, and marketing to build sustainable brands.

Denzil Bess, Founder and CEO of Triumphant Customs Brokerage and Logistics, underscored compliance. “Before you export anything, consult a licensed customs broker,” he advised. “Proper paperwork prevents delays, pro-

The certificate presentation highlighted the workshop’s role in advancing WTC Georgetown’s mission to equip Guyanese businesses with the tools to innovate, ensure compliance, and compete confidently in international markets

tects your investment, and earns the trust of overseas buyers.”

Participants described

the workshop as both practical and inspiring. Stacey Reece called it a “timely reminder and real eye-opener,” while Mawazo Porte highlighted its value in fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing. Mark Singh praised the initiative for offering insights to elevate businesses to the next level and encouraged more such sessions.

Ramsey Ali, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), who spoke at the opening, applauded

WTCG’s focus on inclusivity. “It’s remarkable that the Centre is focusing not only on large corporations but also on micro and small enterprises,” he said. “That inclusivity is essential if we’re to see real, broadbased export growth.”

As participants received their certificates, the workshop reinforced WTC Georgetown’s commitment to empowering Guyanese businesses to innovate, comply, and confidently compete on the global stage.

ERC launches first-ever Harmony Club at Stella Maris Primary

IN a move to foster unity, acceptance, and respect among young learners, the Guyana Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) officially launched its first-ever Harmony Club at Stella Maris Primary School on Woolford Avenue on Wednesday.

The pilot initiative is the first step in a nationwide program aimed at instilling values of harmony and inclusion in students, with plans to expand to nine additional schools in Georgetown and ultimately every school across Guyana by 2026.

Speaking at the launch, ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeen-Ul-Hack emphasised the importance of teaching harmony from an early age. “This afternoon is about smiling, being happy with each other, and showing love and respect,” he said. “Some of us are Christians, Hindus, or Muslims. Guyana has multiple religions and races. Knowing and respecting this diversity strengthens unity.”

Mr. Ul-Hack highlighted the impact of simple

Both

the students and teachers of Stella Maris Primary are enthusiastic about Ethnic Relations Commission’s which will be held once a week and will be facilitated by one of the school’s teachers

acts of kindness, citing a photograph that circulated after an explosion on Regent and King Street in Georgetown. “We are all children. We felt sad about the explosion… She is our daughter, our sister, a Guyanese related to all of us,” he said, underscoring the shared humanity that binds the nation. He also stressed the importance of early education at home. “Who is your first teacher? Your mother. Your first school? Your home. Respect your first teacher and your first school, and

Officer, the headmistress, and school staff for their support.

bring that respect to your second school and teachers. Treat everyone with respect, the man selling snow cones, your friends, and classmates. What you give to others is what you receive,” Mr. Ul-Hack stated.

The Harmony Club initiative seeks to cultivate love, peace, and unity among students. “Help others, do not hurt others. When you practice harmony at school, it spreads to the community,” he added, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Deputy Chief Education

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development) Volika Jaikishun reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the program and encouraged students to set an example. “Respect your first teacher and home, and bring that respect to your second school and teachers. Respect all persons, including children from other schools, neighbours, and the community. Showing respect and love builds a peaceful, happy country,” she said.

Dwijendra Rooplall, Head of the ERC’s Public Education and Awareness Unit, noted that the pilot at Stella Maris Primary is part of a broader plan inspired by schools in Canada, where the concept of Harmony Grounds was first introduced.

“We were given permission from the Ministry of Education to start our pilot with five schools. One of those schools is Stella Maris Primary,

where we are today. From the inception, the headmistress, the deputy headmistress, and the teachers have been very welcoming and supportive of this initiative,” he said.

By beginning with young children, the ERC aims to instil values of tolerance, cohesion, and

kindness that will carry forward into society. Through the expansion of Harmony Clubs nationwide, the commission envisions a generation of students who embrace diversity, practice empathy, and contribute to a more harmonious Guyana.

Mr. Shaikh Moeen-Ul-Hack, Chairman of the Guyana Ethnic Relations Commission, addresses students and staff at the launch of the first Harmony Club at Stella Maris Primary

GUYANA is standing on the cusp of an extraordinary transformation, one that could redefine its economic, social, and technological destiny for generations.

With its new-found oil wealth, the country has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move from resource discovery to national prosperity, from potential to performance.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s recent remarks at the ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Saudi Arabia highlight both the ambition and the urgency of this national project.

At the forum, President Ali outlined a sweeping vision to position Guyana as a competitive global player, not only through energy, but also through human-capital development, technology, and sustainable growth.

His remarks reflect a nation determined to ensure that oil becomes the catalyst for long-term development rather than a fleeting windfall.

The government’s approach is multifaceted: Massive investments in education, healthcare, and digital infrastructure aim to build resilience and ensure that citizens directly benefit from economic expansion.

Guyana’s move towards affordable, competitive energy production is especially critical, as it will power industries, attract investment, and lay the groundwork for a technology-driven economy.

Equally significant is the country’s entry into the digital age. The planned hyper-scale data centre, the introduction of electronic identification cards, and a growing focus on artificial intelligence all point towards a future where digital transformation becomes the backbone of governance and commerce.

These initiatives could make Guyana a technological hub for the wider Caribbean.

Yet, while the pace of development is impressive, the path ahead demands careful navigation. Oil has been both a blessing and a curse for many nations.

Without transparency, robust governance, and public accountability, the promise of prosperity can quickly give way to inequality and discontent.

Guyana must ensure that the wealth generated from its oil sector truly benefits every citizen, not only through improved infrastructure but also through fair opportunities, quality education, and strong institutions.

Equally important is the government’s commitment to sustainable development.

President Ali’s assurance that traditional sectors such as agriculture and forestry remain central to the national agenda is encouraging.

Guyana’s leadership in food security and its global recognition for forest preservation give it moral and strategic weight in climate negotiations. Balancing industrial progress with environmental responsibility will be key to maintaining that credibility.

President Ali’s call for international partnerships, to import technology, talent, and proven models, reflects a pragmatic

understanding of Guyana’s limitations. However, this must not come at the expense of empowering local expertise. Foreign partnerships should complement, not overshadow, local capacity-building.

Guyana’s transformation is undeniable. The nation is no longer a quiet player in the global south but a rapidly rising voice in international development.

As the government steers this new course, it must remain steadfast in its duty to ensure that growth is inclusive, transparent, and sustainable.

The promise of a new Guyana lies not merely in oil wells or data centres, but in the empowerment of its people; the true drivers of national progress.

If Guyana can pair its economic ambition with integrity, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion, it will not only transform its own future but also stand as a model for developing nations navigating the complexities of modern prosperity.

Transformation matched by vision Huawei launches eKit in Guyana

GUYANA’S first authorised Huawei eKit retail and distribution hub was launched on Tuesday and was hailed as a symbol of confidence in Guyana’s economy and digital future.

The launch of the eKit here and the flagship store marked a milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey.

Delivering feature remarks at the ceremony was Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, who stated that the establishment of the store is an investment that aligns with the government’s vision for a digital-first economy.

He went on to note that, with initiatives like this, businesses can access affordable technology and smarter connectivity.

McCoy said, “The establishment of this hub under Huawei ekit will

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy (Delano Williams photos)

foster greater solutions for businesses and consumers alike. It complements the government’s efforts to improve access to technology and broaden connectivity.”

The minister went on to speak on the government’s mandate to lead a more

Project Manager, Janelle Persaud

advanced and digitised economy.

“You’ve seen all the work we’ve undertaken as a government and continue to roll [out] as part of our digital transformation programme connecting our people from hinterland to coastland to ensure access and equal opportunities to this wonderful information and communication tech-

nology,” he said.

McCoy further added that the government’s agenda aims to build a citizen-centric digital ecosystem powered by innovation, efficiency and security.

“Through initiatives such as the Electronic Identification (e-ID) system, the MyGuyana Citizen Portal, and the establishment of Guyana’s first sovereign AI Cloud, the government is modernis-

ing public services, enabling digital finance, and expanding secure online access across the country,” the minister noted.

Meanwhile, Project Manager, Janelle Persaud, told the gathering that when they first started thinking about bringing Huawei eKit to Guyana, they were not only driven by the opportunity to sell devices but also to position themselves alongside the country’s current transfor-

mative trajectory.

“We were driven of course by the opportunity to sell devices or technology, but significantly, this investment was a way to position ourselves alongside Guyana’s current transformative trajectory, one defined by connectivity, infrastructure, growth, and well, possibility,” she said.

With the first location

The reason CARICOM does not have the death penalty

I BEGIN this commentary here with the assertion of my belief in the death penalty. Secondly, no sovereign nation should be coerced by big powers in the international system to adopt the values of the cultures of those countries. Culture varies from one part of the globe to another.

Each culture has its own validity. The morals and values of each country should be preserved. We eat out of a leaf at Hindu weddings. I see nothing wrong with that. The wedding guests should have a choice but the country should not frown on eating from a leaf.

In the United States, because of the way it is involved with its frontier culture, it has become impossible to pass gun control legislation. A citizen can enter a store and buy any type of gun he chooses. Powerful countries want to continue the colonial or imperialist tradition of shaping the culture and sociology of post-colonial nations.

On his first visit to Africa, President Obama, at a joint press conference that the world was watching, told President Kenyatta that Kenya should not discriminate against gay rights. The Kenyan president was forceful in his reply.

That Kenyan response today remains one of the most seminal moments in the post-colonial world’s rebuff of the habit of the West to reshape the world of developing nations.

Kenyatta told Obama that gay rights are not a national concern in Kenya because the right to basic necessities that the US has and that the Kenyans need is the country’s priority. He told Obama, like the US, when

Kenya achieved those things, then it could move to gay rights.

So, we come to why no CARICOM state has resuscitated the death penalty, which has been in abeyance for over four decades.

Guyana’s last hanging was in 1997. Since then, the death penalty has been suspended.

One of the reasons why CARICOM has not carried out state execution is because of relentless pressure by the European Union using aid as leverage.

There was the infamous case of Gregory Smith, who assassinated Walter Rodney. France refused to extradite Smith from French Guiana because Guyana at the time had the death penalty. So Smith killed and lived as a free man.

This pressure by the EU is a colossal contradiction in world politics and highlights the neocolonial relations between the postcolonial world and its former European empires.

The closest bond in international relations the past 80 years is the US and the EU. The trade, finance, banking, and geopolitical relationships between the EU and the US are complex, labyrinthine, and fraternal.

In another million years, the EU would not have that kind of bonding with any post-colonial country or even a post-colonial continent. Yet the US has one of the highest rates of state executions in the world, with the appalling statistic of more Africans being on death row even though the African population is about 12 percent. And there is the perennial question as to if justice was open and fair in relation to many of those Africans

who were executed from the time the 19th century began right up to the present time.

But the EU has not exerted any pressure on the US to stop state executions. The reason is obvious. The US cannot so the EU picks on weaker nations in the international system and uses aid as a threat.

Take Saudi Arabia. The EU’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is a billion times stronger than the EU’s friendship with CARICOM nations. But Saudi Arabia has a high rate of state executions.

The Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, three years ago said on the Freddie Kissoon Show that the abolition of the death penalty is a matter for the Guyanese people to decide. He opined that if it should be abolished, that decision should come from the people of Guyana. Obviously, we are talking about a referendum.

To save itself from retaliation from the EU, CARICOM nations should put the ques-

tion to each citizenry within the bloc.

The EU cannot tell a nation that it should ignore the choice of a voting public based on the results of a referendum. My opinion is once that referendum is not held, the EU is going to hold the CARICOM nation at ransom.

The Guyana government has taken the position that the terrorism act on Regent Street this week in which death resulted carries the death penalty. It is an acknowledgement or perhaps a reminder that Guyana still has the death penalty.

If found guilty, the terrorist that planted that bomb at that gas station on Regent Street should face the death penalty as soon as all appeals are exhausted.

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 Ltd.

Huawei launches eKit ...

located at the Royal International Hotel, Persaud stated that there is a plan to roll out multiple locations across the country with a focus on working closely with resellers and small businesses to increase access and affordability.

Meanwhile, Lin Liang, Director of Commercial and Distribution Sales for

Multi Countries at Huawei said eKit has a wide solution in education, healthcare, retail and hospitality.

“By taking this initiative to provide our ultimate technology to Guyana, I do think this sub-brand will give a robust performance to our small and medium business owners to adapt the most cost effective and leading tech-

nology in Guyana”

The Huawei eKit was described as a sub-brand designed to serve the distribution market with scenario-based solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises. Currently in over 100 countries, the platform is slated to deliver highspeed, stable and secure technologies from smart

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classroom tools and hospitality networks to home automation and security systems.

Persaud noted that the eKit devices are the “less glamorous” workhorses that power business operations such as routers, switches, access points, surveillance systems and smart collaboration tools.

Unregistered migrants to face deportation after E-ID rollout

— Home Affairs Minister warns following deadly fuel station blast

ILLEGAL migrants here in Guyana will be given a grace period to become registered and processed upon rollout of the Electronic Identification (E-ID) card system; if anyone fails to do so within the prescribed time frame, they will be deported and the necessary legal sanctions will be imposed.

This was asserted by Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond at Tuesday evening press conference following the capture of a Venezuelan national, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, who has been identified as the prime suspect in Sunday night’s deadly explosion at the Mobil Fuel Station on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, which claimed the life of six-yearold Soraya Bourne and left four others injured.

Peodomo had entered Guyana’s borders illegally with the explosive device hours before on Sunday.

Acknowledging that the country’s borders are easily breached by Venezuelan nationals, Walrond noted that the E-ID was being fast tracked and any foreign national entering Guyana must be registered at legally designated points of entry.

According to Minister Walrond, the E-ID Resident Card will ensure compliance with national regulations, including those of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), while also providing secure access to both government and private sector services.

Minister Walrond emphasized that E-ID Resident Cards issued to non-citizens will remain valid only for the duration of their approved legal stay, after which they will automatically become invalid.

She cautioned against claims that the Government’s monitoring of foreign nationals is intended to “legitimize illegal migrants,” calling such statements false and malicious.

The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to modernizing public services, protecting borders, ensuring the safety of citizens, and enhancing national security through the responsible use of technology.

The government had be-

“We have cards for citizens, and we have cards for non-citizens. And what we will do is for the persons who are in Guyana illegally, they will be given a grace period in which to come to register and have this E-ID card, [without which they] will not be able to access, any services…,” Walrond told reporters.

gun the large-scale implementation and distribution of E-IDs.

The biometric cards will not only offer citizens preferential treatment in certain areas but will also strengthen border control by monitoring who is entering the country. The cards will be important for daily transactions, including opening bank accounts, and are a critical part of Guyana’s wider digital transformation agenda.

Walrond asserted that those who fail to register within the grace period will be deported.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken told reporters that the process will commence within the next two weeks.

He noted that while the police have been monitoring the country’s ports, E-IDs

will be used as an additional mechanism to better manage entry into the country.

He noted, too, that following Sunday’s tragedy the joint services have boosted countrywide security.

“We have beefed up all the border locations in terms of policing and the rest of the areas. If you are on the road tonight, you are going to see patrols on the road too. Yes, we have beefed up all the regions to ensure that the Police are comfortable. The Police are safe, but more importantly, the public are safe. At the stations, we are comfortable in that regard with the SOPs we put in place,” Commissioner Hicken said.

According to police, Pe-

odomo arrived in Guyana at about 08:00 hours on Sunday morning—the same day of the explosion—and is believed to be a member of a well-known “Syndicato” gang in Venezuela called “Tren de Aragua”

The suspect allegedly entered Guyana illegally with the explosive device just hours before the attack.

“What we can confirm is that he came last Sunday at 08:00 hours and he was supported by other accomplices, both Venezuelans and Guyanese,” Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said.

Investigators were informed that Peodomo was armed with a switch, which he activated shortly after placing the device and exiting a vehicle parked near the gas station.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the Spanish-speaking suspect walking into the compound with two bulky black plastic bags before 19:30 hours. When he was prevented from dumping them in a nearby bin, he walked toward the western side of the premises.

Moments later, a massive explosion erupted near the bottled cooking gas storage area, ripping through the

compound and destroying the vehicle in which little Soraya Bourne and four of her relatives—Jenica Hooper (27), Yvonne Jonas (71), Seddia McIntosh, and Reshard Lord (11)—were seated. The blast also damaged several other vehicles and nearby buildings.

Hicken added that local investigators are also working with regional and international partners, including INTERPOL, to verify the suspect’s background and possible affiliations.

According to the Commissioner, the evidence gathered so far will be used to establish charges under Sections 309A and 309B of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, which address acts of terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.

Additional charges, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and malicious damage to property, are expected, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Prior to his capture, police had issued a Wanted Bulletin for Peodomo and announced a $5 million reward for credible information leading to his arrest.

Collaboration fuelling local content successes

–– ExxonMobil Guyana President says

AS Guyana’s oil and gas sector continues to expand, the conversation around local content remains a central focus for stakeholders across the industry.

During a recent press engagement, Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration in building sustainable local capacity.

Routledge reflected on the Local Content Act of 2021, noting that while the legislation’s first schedule set vital benchmarks, real progress has come from the partnerships forged between government, industry, and national training institutions.

“What has been happening pragmatically over the last several years is that... we’ve committed to work -

ing proactively with the government on building up the capacity in the industry, matching the demand with the supply,” he said.

He cautioned against the unintended consequences of fixed targets, such as over-investment in areas where demand may not align with supply. Instead, he advocated for a more dynamic approach that fosters smart partnerships and encourages foreign direct investment while ensuring Guyanese businesses and workers are well-positioned to benefit.

“We haven’t seen a need from the government to push additional targets because of the level of collaboration that’s happening across the industry, between government and the private sector, and also the national training institutions.

“As long as we are all working together, I believe that is the most constructive way, and probably the fastest way, to efficiently build local capacity,” Routledge added.

The EMGL official’s comments come as local private sector bodies have called for a review of the Local Content Act to increase Guyanese participation. While acknowledging these calls, his remarks suggest that the current collaborative model yields tangible results and may offer a more sustainable path forward.

The company has reported that GY$87 billion was spent directly with 1,800 local vendors for the first half of the year alone and some $600 billion since 2015.

Guyanese currently make up about 70 per cent of the oil and gas workforce.

Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond

Survivors recovering after deadly gas station explosion

THE survivors of Sunday night’s deadly explosion at the Mobil Service Station on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, are recovering steadily, even as the government continues to provide full support to the affected families.

Delivering an update during a joint press conference on Tuesday evening, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond said that the three injured children and one adult are receiving medical treatment and have shown positive signs of recovery.

“The adult is, first of all, doing as can be expected. They are recovering. The two children have been able to start eating; they are still hospitalised and will be kept in the hospital for a few more days. The adult has a fracture and is expected to be released in a day or two. The other

children are currently out of surgery. The plastic surgeon is looking at the child who had many lacerations as a result of the glass, but they are all recovering well,” Minister Walrond said.

She added that the government has pledged continuous support to the families, particularly that of six-yearold Soraya Bourne, who tragically lost her life in the explosion.

“We have assured, first of all, little Soraya’s mother, whose name is Samantha Bourne. I’ve spoken with her; we’ve given a pledge of government support in whatever regard. In terms of when she wishes to lay Soraya to rest and all related support. We’ve already started and we’ve assured her, and will continue to assure her, of our support,” Walrond noted.

The Minister explained

that additional assistance is also being coordinated through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of Education, given that the injured children are all school-aged.

“In relation to the parents and the family of the two children who are hospitalised, it’s an entire family unit and we will continue to support them. They are getting support through Human Services, and the Minister of Education has also reached out to them,” she said.

Minister Walrond reaffirmed the government’s position that justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.

“The penalty for terrorism, under the section as quoted by the Commissioner, is death and we will be pursuing that in the courts. We will be making a case for the

Sunday, October

Gov’t rejects false claims on E-ID cards

—Minister Walrond reaffirms initiative aims to strengthen national security, modernise public services

MINISTER of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, has firmly rejected what she described as “false and misleading” claims circulating on social media regarding the new Electronic Identification (E-ID) cards, emphasising that they are aimed at strengthening national security, modernising public services and not for legitimising illegal migrants.

See full statement

from the Minister below:

I categorically reject the false and misleading statements circulating on social media regarding the issuance of the new ��������������������

. These claims are misinformed, irresponsible, and clearly intended to create

public confusion about a legitimate national security initiative.

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���������� for migrants who meet the required legal criteria — such as those holding valid work

permits.

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is designed to ensure compliance with national regulations, including those of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), while also providing secure access to government and private sector services.

�� - ���� ���������������� ���������� issued to non-citizens will remain valid only for the period of their approved legal stay,

after which they automatically become invalid.

Attempts to portray the Government’s monitoring of foreign nationals as an effort to “legitimize illegal migrants” are entirely false. These statements are malicious, mischievous, and intended to sow public discord — tactics that serve the narrow interests of those who peddle misinformation.

The Government of Guyana remains firmly commit

I urge all citizens to rely only on ����������������, ���������������� ���������������������� and to reject divisive narratives that undermine national unity.

death penalty,” she declared.

The deadly blast occurred on

26, destroying several vehi-

cles and damaging nearby buildings. Investigators have since arrested the prime suspect, Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomoo, who has reportedly confessed to the crime.

Election fraud trial: Police witnesses testify

AS the election fraud trial continued on Wednesday, several police officers took the stand in relation to a voir dire that commenced earlier in the week.

A voir dire, or trial within a trial, is a legal process held to determine the admissibility of certain evidence, such as confessions, video recordings, or statements made to police, before it is presented to a jury or admitted into the main trial.

The press cannot report on a voir dire, as publishing details could prejudice the

Region

fairness of the ongoing trial.

As the proceedings being heard before the Acting Chief Magistrate continued on Wednesday morning, the prosecution called officer Komal Pitamber to continue the evidence.

Subsequently, two other officers were brought to provide testimony in the case.

Earlier this week, it was noted that voir dire proceedings were being held to determine the admissibility of video-recorded interviews submitted by the prosecution as evidence against former

Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

The proceedings are set to continue on Thursday.

Facing charges are 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.

Collectively, they face 19 conspiracy charges, and are represented by a robust defence team.

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 Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In the weeks that followed the contentious March 2, 2020, vote, Guyana’s judiciary was inundated with multiple applications and appeals filed by various political actors over the electoral process.

The saga lasted five months before a national recount, led by GECOM and a delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), confirmed the PPP/C’s victory and ultimately led to the swearing-in of President Dr. Irfaan Ali on August 2, 2020. The recount confirmed that the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC coalition’s 217,920. The initial election results, announced by former CEO Lowenfield, claimed an APNU+AFC victory.

One communities receive new equipment to support livelihoods, employment

–– Labour Ministry expands training, employment opportunities

THE Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, led by Keoma Griffith, on Tuesday, conducted a high-level outreach visit to Region One, engaging staff, regional officials, and residents during visits to the Ministry’s Port Kaituma and Mabaruma offices.

The visit formed part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its regional presence, improve service delivery, and ensure that citizens in hinterland communities benefit equitably from national development programmes.

During the visit, Minister Griffith joined the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, and her Legal Adviser, Ms. Mariam Ming, at a commissioning ceremony where several communities received much-needed equipment to boost local livelihoods.

Among the items handed over were boat engines, heavy-duty machinery, and caterpillar trucks, distributed to the communities of Hobedia, Morawhanna, Hotoquai, Smith Creek, Arukamai,

Arau, and Lower Kaituma.

Minister Griffith emphasised that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable employment and skills development.

“The investments we’re making are directly in the people — directly into all of you here,” the Minister told residents. “You all have the opportunity to take hold of these programmes to improve your lives, enhance your skill sets, and become more productive while generating income.”

Throughout the engagement, officers from the Ministry, regional programme heads, and residents discussed key issues affecting labour relations and workforce readiness in the region. Participants also offered recommendations for improving the delivery of government services and expanding training opportunities.

Minister Griffith and his team were warmly received by Regional Vice Chairman Mr. Paul Perre; Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol P.S.

Ashley; Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Seewchan; Prime Minister’s Representative, Ms. Margaret Lambert; NDC Chairman, Mr. Keith Parker, and other regional and sub-district officials.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Minister Griffith conveyed appreciation on behalf of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, reaffirming government’s commitment to equitable national development.

“We are working tirelessly to put systems in place that improve access to services

and enhance opportunities for all citizens, regardless of where they live,” the Minister said. “Your concerns have been heard, and this government remains committed to addressing the challenges raised.”

The Region One outreach is part of a broader national strategy by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning to promote employment, workforce training, and community-based economic growth across Guyana’s regions.

Faith, family, and fortitude: Nickesha RossLong’s journey to UG graduation stage

WHEN Nickesha RossLong walks across the stage at the University of Guyana’s 59th Convocation in November, she will do so with tears of gratitude and triumph.

For the Registered Nursing Assistant from Chesney, Corentyne, Berbice, the moment represents not just academic success but the culmination of years of perseverance, faith, and unwavering family support.

For more than 13 years, Ross-Long has served as a Registered Nursing Assistant, dedicating her life to caring for others. To her, nursing is not just a job — it is “a ministry of compassion.”

Her empathy for patients, particularly those struggling with mental health challenges or recovering from suicide attempts, inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Guyana, even while completing her studies at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing for her Registered Nursing (RN) qualification.

“It wasn’t easy,” she recalled. “Balancing school, work, and family was overwhelming at times. My grades weren’t where I wanted them to be, and I doubted myself. But my faith and my family kept me going.”

At the heart of that encouragement was her sister, Mrs. Natoya Ross-De Santos, a lecturer at UG’s Turkeyen Campus, who consistently reminded her of her potential.

“Some days I thought she was too hard on me,” Nickesha said with a laugh, “but now I see that it was exactly what I needed.”

Ross-Long’s academic journey began with a Diploma in Psychology, but one of

Nickesha Ross-Long will be graduating with a BSc Psychology in November when the University of Guyana hosts its 59th Convocation Exercise

her lecturers, Ms. Kendall, recognised her promise and encouraged her to advance to the degree level.

Just as she took that leap, she was also accepted into the Registered Nursing programme she had been striving toward for years. Instead of choosing one, she courageously decided to do both.

Her determination was further tested when she had to complete a six-month online GED programme through Amity University, all while juggling nursing practicals, lectures, and family life.

“My Thursdays were for nursing practicals, weekends for studying, and weekdays for UG. It was exhausting, but I kept reminding myself that God would see me through.”

Her husband, Kurt, became her anchor throughout the process. Stationed overseas for work, he ensured

she had the financial and emotional support needed to continue. “He bought me a car so I could travel from Corentyne to Georgetown safely for classes. And whenever I said I wanted to quit, he reminded me that I could finish,” she shared.

Her children — Kiara (16) and Keifer (12) — also became part of her success story. “They demanded good grades from me because I demand good grades from them,” Nickesha said proudly. Kiara would prepare meals for her mother’s late-night

returns, while Keifer kept her company over the phone during long drives.

There were sacrifices too.

“When my son was preparing for his Secondary School Entrance Exams, I couldn’t help him as much as I wanted, so I got him a tutor — and he did well,” she reflected. Her mother, Ann, also played a crucial role, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Even at work, her colleagues rallied behind her.

Her supervisor arranged night shifts so she could attend classes during the day.

“I hardly slept, but I was

determined,” she admitted. Among her classmates, she found a circle of supportive friends who helped one another stay focused through long study sessions.

Now, as she prepares to celebrate 17 years of marriage next month and to proudly don her graduation gown, Ross-Long stands as a symbol of perseverance.

“I thank God for everything, for my family, for those who encouraged me, and for giving me strength when I felt weak. It wasn’t easy, but with faith and sup-

port, all things are possible.” Her story is more than one of academic achievement. It is a testament to the power of faith, love, and determination, a reminder that no dream is too far when guided by purpose and grace.

When Nickesha RossLong steps onto the University of Guyana graduation stage, she will do so not only as a graduate but as a beacon of inspiration for every woman who has ever dared to chase a dream, no matter how challenging the journey.

Nickesha Ross-Long, her Husband Kurt Long and Children Kiara and Keifer

From childhood curiosity to courtroom confidence: The journey of Attorney-at-Law Lucrecia Gray

By Faith Greene

THE dream began long before she understood what a subpoena was or why witnesses were sworn in.

As a child, Lucrecia Gray sat captivated by episodes of Judge Judy, her eyes fixed not on the drama of the disputes, but on the woman behind the bench, authoritative, fair, and unflinching in her pursuit of justice.

“I didn’t understand everything then,” Gray recalled, “but I knew people came before the judge with a problem, and the judge’s

role was to help solve it based on evidence. That idea — of fairness, of truth — stayed with me.”

On Monday, that early fascination blossomed into fulfilment as Gray was formally admitted to the Bar of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, granting her the right to practise law in all the courts of the Republic.

The admission ceremony took place before Madame Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty at the High Court in Georgetown. Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-Law Leslyn

Charles, who praised Gray for her “academic excellence, perseverance, and the promise of lifelong dedication to service.”

A PURPOSE BORN FROM COMPASSION

For Gray, law was never just an academic pursuit — it was a calling rooted in empathy and a sense of justice.

She recalled feeling “uneasy” as a child when she saw others being treated unfairly.

“I didn’t always know what my rights were or if others’ rights were being

violated, but I knew when something wasn’t right,” she said. That awareness, combined with a love for learning, would later propel her toward the study of law.

After earning a degree in International Relations from the University of Guyana in 2018, Gray returned to pursue her Bachelor of Laws degree in 2020.

Her studies eventually led her to the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, from which she graduated on October 4, 2025.

FAITH, RESILIENCE,

AND A CALLING TO SERVE

Gray described her journey to the Bar as one marked by faith and perseverance.

“There were moments when my passion faded and I questioned whether this path was truly my calling,” she admitted. “But whenever I thought of myself advocating for others — even when it was uncomfortable or unpopular — I felt peace, because I knew I was doing the right thing.”

She views the legal profession not merely as a career, but as a sacred duty. “Being an attorney is more than a profession. It is a gift, a calling to serve with mind, heart, and purpose,” Gray said. “It means standing as a guardian of fairness, ensuring that truth is never silenced by power, and that justice is not reserved for a privileged few.”

Her philosophy is

deeply humanistic: “It means seeing people not only through the lens of their circumstances, but through their humanity, extending dignity, compassion, and understanding, even when it is inconvenient to do so.”

WORDS OF GUIDANCE AND WISDOM

In her address, Madame Justice Kumar-Chetty offered both congratulations and counsel, reminding Gray of the three guiding duties that will shape her career: to the court, to her colleagues, and to her clients.

“Your duty to the court is your highest obligation,” the Justice advised. “Your loyalty must always be to the cause of justice and the rule of law. Never mislead the court, suppress the truth, or allow ambition to compromise your integrity.”

She also emphasied the importance of collegial respect in a profession often defined by opposition.

“The legal profession, though adversarial, is a fraternity. Treat your colleagues with courtesy — whether opponents or peers. Never confuse arrogance with confidence, or hostility with strength. True professionalism is measured not by how loudly one argues, but by how well one maintains composure and dignity under pressure.”

Finally, she urged Gray to serve her clients with “competence, diligence, and compassion,” noting that the duty to clients, though listed last, “is by no means the least important.”

A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE

As she begins her career, Gray carries with her not only academic achievement but also a deep sense of moral purpose. She intends to serve with “integrity, humility, and courage,” recognising that her voice and education are “not ornaments to be worn with pride, but tools to be used with purpose — for the voiceless, the forgotten, and those who stand at the margins of justice.”

With her admission to the Bar, Attorney-at-Law Lucrecia Gray steps into her new role — not merely as an advocate in the courtroom, but as a steadfast guardian of fairness, guided by faith, purpose, and an unwavering belief that justice must always serve humanity.

Newly appointed Attorney-at-law, Lucrecia Gray with Madame Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty (Delano Williams photo)

Lucrecia Gray, Attorney-at-Law (Delano Williams photo)

Deadly fuel station explosion: Police actively examining all evidence to determine the motive, possible wider connections

INVESTIGATORS are working assiduously to determine the motive and possible border connections behind last Sunday’s explosion at the Mobil fuel station on Regent Street, Georgetown, which resulted in six-year-old Soraya Bourne’s life tragically ending and four others being left injured.

So far, a total of nine persons, including the prime suspect, are in custody.

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, through a press statement on Tuesday, announced a major breakthrough in the investigations and confirmed the arrest of Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a male Venezuelan national, who was apprehended at Vergenoegen Sideline Dam East Bank Essequibo.

A special investigative task force was established from the onset and the investigation was coordinated from the highest level of the force, the Commissioner said, noting it was with continuous oversight by himself and his executive leadership team.

In collaboration with the

Safe City Command Centre and allied intelligence agencies, the force was able to utilise video-forensic analysis, digital tracking, and data correlation to trace the suspect’s movements before and after the incident.

Acting on credible information and through inter-agency co-ordination and field intelligence, investigators were able to locate the suspect at Vergenoegen Sideline Dam, East Bank Essequibo, where he was captured on Tuesday in a co-ordinated operation led by a Superintendent.

THE DIRECTION OF THE INVESTIGATION

The main suspect, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a male Venezuelan national, is presently in custody assisting with ongoing investigations, the Commissioner reported. Investigators are also working closely with regional and international counterparts, including INTERPOL, to verify the suspect’s background and possible affiliations,” the statement read. Investigators were informed that Peodomo was

armed with a switch, which he activated shortly after placing the device and exiting a vehicle parked near the gas station.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the Spanish-speaking suspect walking into the compound with two bulky black plastic bags before 19:30 hours. When he was prevented from dumping them in a nearby bin, he walked toward the western side of the premises.

Moments later, a massive explosion erupted near the bottled cooking gas storage area, ripping through the compound and destroying the vehicle in which little Soraya Bourne and four of her relatives-Jenica Hooper (27), Yvonne Jonas (71), Seddia McIntosh, and Reshard Lord (11)—were seated. The blast also damaged several other vehicles and nearby buildings.

CCTV analysis led to the interception of a silver motor car (licence plate PSS 7874) used to transport Peodomo.

Based on the evidence gathered thus far, detectives are establishing the elements to support the charges of Sections 309A and 309B of

Prime suspect was positively identified by his accomplices – Crime Chief

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has confirmed that the prime suspect in Sunday night’s deadly Mobil Service Station explosion has been positively identified and has since confessed to his role in the attack that claimed the life of six-yearold Soraya Bourne and injured four others.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday evening, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said the identification was made by one of the suspect’s accomplices, effectively eliminating any doubt about his involvement.

“The prime suspect was positively identified by one of his accomplices. Moreover, the suspect, as I mentioned before, confessed his involvement in this particular crime. There is no issue about identification any longer,” Blanhum stated.

The suspect, identified as Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomoo, a Venezuelan

national, was arrested earlier Tuesday during a coordinated operation in Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo.

According to investigators, Peodomoo entered Guyana illegally on the morning of the explosion and is believed to be affiliated with a Venezuelan criminal network known as the Syndicato gang. Blanhum said Peodomoo

the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, which address acts of terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.

Additional charges relating to murder, attempted murder, arson and malicious damage to property are being actively pursued,

pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“The Guyana Police Force remains resolute and relentless in its duty to protect the public, ensuring that any act of terror or violence is met with decisive and lawful

action,” the Commissioner said.

The investigation remains active as investigators continue to examine all evidence to determine the motive, origin and any wider connections surrounding the attack.

arrived in the country at around 08:00 hours on Sunday, carrying the explosive device used in the attack. Surveillance footage captured him walking into the Regent and King Streets gas station compound with two bulky black plastic bags. Moments later, the explosion ripped through the See page 14

Sol Guyana launches internal review following deadly Regent Street explosion

–– company pledges full co-operation with authorities as probe intensifies

SOL Guyana Inc., the authorised distributor of Mobil fuels in Guyana, has launched an internal review in collaboration with its retailer following Sunday night’s tragic explosion at the Regent Street Service Station in Georgetown, which claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several others injured.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the company said it is deeply saddened by the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, while also expressing gratitude to emergency responders and law enforcement for their swift action.

“Sol Guyana Inc. (Sol), the authorised distributor of Mobil fuels in Guyana through its Mobil Branded retail network, is deeply saddened by the tragic explosion

that occurred on Sunday, October 26 at the Regent Street Service Station in Georgetown. Our sincere condolences go out to the family of young Soraya Bourne who lost her life, and our heartfelt thoughts remain with all those injured or affected. We also extend our appreciation to the emergency services, authorities, and our retailer for their swift and professional response,” the statement read.

The company confirmed that authorities led by the Ministry of Home Affairs and supported by the Guyana Police Force are conducting a thorough investigation, noting that the matter is being treated as a criminal act.

“At this time, authorities led by the Ministry of Home Affairs are on-site conducting a thorough investigation. The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that the incident

is being treated as a criminal matter and that an individual believed to have caused the explosion has been identified and is presently in police custody, assisting with the investigation,” Sol stated.

Sol further assured the public that it is fully co-operating with the investigation and will continue to work closely with officials as inquiries progress.

“Sol remains fully committed to co-operating with the relevant authorities as the investigation continues and has also launched an internal review in collaboration with the retailer,” the statement continued.

The company acknowledged widespread public concern over the incident and reaffirmed its dedication to safety, stating that it is taking all necessary measures to safeguard its employees, customers, and the wider

community.

“We recognise the public concern surrounding this devastating incident and reaffirm that the safety and well-being of our team, customers, and community remain our top priority,” Sol emphasised.

The company also committed to sharing verified updates as they become available and urged the public to rely on official information sources.

“Sol will continue to share verified updates as they become available and urges the public to follow official safety guidance and avoid the affected area while investigations are ongoing.”

The explosion, which occurred late Sunday evening at the Mobil Service Station at Regent and King

Streets, resulted in widespread damage to nearby buildings and vehicles. Police have since arrested Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomoo, who has reportedly confessed to planting and detonating the explosive device.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation will proceed under anti-terrorism and criminal law provisions, with the state expected to pursue charges of murder, terrorism, and arson.

From page 13

Jonas (71), Seddia McIntosh, and Reshard Lord (11)—who were seated in the vehicle.

The blast also damaged several other vehicles and nearby buildings.

The Crime Chief confirmed that the suspect has been co-operating with investigators and provided details of the incident, including how he activated a switch to detonate the device after leaving the scene.

“Among other things that he mentioned to us is that the device… he brought it in from Venezuela to Guyana. He also indicated that the device had a switch, which he activated when he exited the vehicle which was parked within the vicinity of the gas station,” Blanhum said.

He added that investigators are working to determine whether the act was part of a larger organised operation or a lone-wolf attack, noting that nine persons remain in police custody, including Venezuelan and Guyanese nationals.

Blanhum said local law enforcement is also collaborating with INTERPOL and regional counterparts to verify the suspect’s background and connections to transnational criminal groups.

The Safe City Command Centre and intelligence-led policing systems played a critical role in tracking the suspect’s movements and securing his capture, with AI-enhanced CCTV footage providing investigators with key leads.

Authorities have since indicated that the suspect will face multiple charges, including terrorism, murder, attempted murder and arson, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Prior to his capture, police

The Regent Street Service Station in Georgetown where six-year-old Soraya Bourne lost her life and several others were injured after the explosion

area, killing Bourne and injuring four of her relatives-Jenica Hooper (27), Yvonne

Allottees to begin identifying house lots at Wismar

Housing Development by end of November

– $2B first phase nearly complete; Phase Two works advancing

ALLOTTEES of the new Wismar Housing Development, Phase One, in Region Ten, will soon be able to visit and identify their house lots, according to Minister of Housing, Collin Croal.

The Minister made the announcement on Wednesday during a site visit to the development alongside Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn.

The visiting team also included Regional Housing Officer, Ms. Leticia Drakes; Head of Enforcement, Mr. Nigel Hoppie; Community Development Director, Mr. Gladwin Charles; Senior Surveyor, Mr. Shaquille Mayers; and other engineers and technical officers from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

Minister Croal noted that Phase One infrastructural works were largely completed, while land clearing has commenced for Phase Two. The purpose of the

visit, he said, was to assess the quality and pace of the ongoing works and to familiarise Minister Benn with the development as the Ministry prepares for the next stage.

“In another week, we will begin showing persons their lots,” Minister Croal confirmed. “By the end of November, all allottees can rest assured that they will be able to physically identify and see the specific lots allocated to them.”

Earlier this year, the Ministry held allocation exercises that significantly reduced the backlog of housing applications in Region Ten. Minister Croal reaffirmed that the government is committed to helping beneficiaries move swiftly from allocation to homeownership.

Phase One of the Wismar Housing Development represents an investment of nearly $2 billion, while Phase Two is valued at approximately $3.5 billion. With land clearing already

underway, contractors have been mobilised and timelines established for the completion of infrastructural works.

“There is a completion target of May 2026, but we have engaged adequate contractors because we want to finish ahead of schedule,” Minister Croal stated. He also noted that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, will soon convene a meeting with all housing contractors to ensure efficiency and quality delivery across all projects.

Minister Croal further underscored the administration’s commitment to building 40,000 homes nationwide, with Region Ten identified as a key beneficiary of this national housing drive.

“We want a strong push for homeownership. That is the bottom line,” he said. “We are working to remove the stress and obstacles that families often face when building on their own. The

Ministers of Housing, Collin Croal and Vanessa Benn, flanked by Ministry of Housing officials, making decisions at Wismar Housing Development, Phase One, in Region Ten

goal is to create a system where people can own and occupy their homes more easily and quickly.”

Minister Benn, meanwhile, used the opportunity to encourage contractors to adhere to deadlines and maintain high standards to ensure that allottees gain access to their lots as planned.

The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the CHPA, will continue its

technical assessments, planning, and stakeholder engagements to facilitate the start of home construction at the new Wismar Housing Development in the coming months.

Guyana showcases regional leadership in combatting domestic violence at Caribbean High-Level Symposium

– Minister Persaud, Attorney General Nandlall highlight Hope, Justice Centres and landmark Family Violence Act 2024

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, recently represented Guyana at a two-day High-Level Symposium to Advance State Responses to Address Domestic Violence in the Caribbean, held in Barbados.

Joining her were Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, and Consultant Darshan Ramdhanie, QC, as part of a strong Guyanese delegation.

The event brought together Attorneys General, legal and policy experts, and regional and international stakeholders, under the joint hosting of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Attorney General of Barbados, Hon. Dale Marshall, SC, MP.

Both Minister Persaud and Attorney General Nandlall served as panellists, showcasing Guyana’s leading role in developing innovative, survivor-centred approaches to addressing

gender-based and domestic violence.

During her presentation, Minister Persaud highlighted the One-Stop Centre Model through the Hope and Justice Centres — the first and only facilities of their kind in the Caribbean.

She also shared insights into other pioneering national initiatives, including the Brave Centre, the 914 emergency hotline, and the Legal Pro Bono Programme, all of which strengthen Guyana’s comprehensive response to domestic and family violence.

The Guyanese delegation also discussed the recently enacted Family Violence Act 2024, which Attorney General Nandlall described as the first and only legislation of its kind in the Caribbean, aimed at enhancing protection mechanisms for victims and improving coordination among justice and welfare systems.

Minister Persaud noted that the symposium revealed shared regional challenges, including domestic violence, murder-suicides, and system-

ic response gaps, which mirror many of the issues faced in Guyana. She emphasised that collaborative dialogue and joint policy frameworks are vital to achieving longterm change.

A major outcome of the event was Guyana’s participation in a new Regional Agreement, signed by Attorney General Nandlall alongside representatives of seven Caribbean nations.

The agreement commits countries to collective action in combatting domestic violence, adopting models and strategies that Guyana has already successfully implemented.

Reflecting on the symposium, Minister Persaud described one of the most moving moments as hearing from a survivor of domestic violence who also lost her daughter to the same tragedy. The survivor’s court victory, Persaud noted, has the potential to influence regional legal precedents and reshape how courts across the Caribbean handle similar cases.

“We have much more to do to tackle gender-based,

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC with other officials at the two-day High-Level Symposium to Advance State Responses to Address Domestic Violence in the Caribbean, held in Barbados

domestic, and family violence,” Minister Persaud affirmed. “But it is conversations and commitments like these, shared across countries, that strengthen our collective efforts and move us closer to real and lasting change.”

Guyana’s participation reaffirmed its growing leadership in advancing human rights, gender equality, and justice reform within the Caribbean, through both legislative innovation and practical, community-based interventions.

GCCI launches Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre to empower local businesses, farmers

THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has officially commissioned its Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre, a pioneering facility aimed at empowering small business owners, particularly women-led enterprises and farmers, through training, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives.

The Centre, located on the middle floor of the GCCI’s headquarters at Waterloo Street, was commissioned on Tuesday and represents a significant step in promoting inclusive economic growth and

officers who will provide beneficiaries with a range of services, from business development and marketing to financial education, proposal writing, and compliance support.

INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT

In her remarks, GCCI President, Kathy Smith, described the Centre as “a bold idea built on the foundation of a strong desire to see micro and women-led businesses, as well as farmers, thrive and develop sustainably.”

“This facility represents

our portfolio of services and support.”

Donald Cole, WUSC Country Coordinator for the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean Project, underscored the longstanding partnership between the GCCI, WUSC, and the Ministry of Agriculture, which has given rise to initiatives like Guyana Agri Connect and the Agriculture Symposium.

“The Centre being opened here today is a practical next step in that journey,” Cole said.

“It offers training in business fundamentals, digital tools, food security,

Developed in collaboration with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and funded by Global Affairs Canada, the facility features a training room, boardroom, and offices for technical officers

entrepreneurship in Guyana. Developed in collaboration with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and funded by Global Affairs Canada, the facility features a training room, boardroom, and offices for technical

an opportunity—an opportunity for MSMEs in Guyana to access invaluable training and information,” Smith emphasised. “And I am not speaking of just members of the GCCI. Any woman entrepreneur or farmer can walk up these stairs and access

food safety, and sustainable production. It is also a place to test products, showcase them, and meet buyers and service providers.”

CANADA APPLAUDS

PRIVATE SECTOR LEADERSHIP

Representing the High Commission of Canada, Head of Cooperation, Adam Loyer, praised the GCCI for investing in the future of Guyana’s entrepreneurs and agricultural sector.

“Through this initiative, the GCCI is demonstrating how the private sector and civil society can serve as catalysts for inclusive development, bringing together farmers, buyers, service providers, and financiers into one ecosystem,” Loyer remarked, encouraging continued collaboration among stakeholders.

In his feature address, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, commended the GCCI for its leadership and said the Centre stands as “a beacon of opportunity for empowerment and innovation.”

“This Learning Centre is more than just a physical space—it is a space of potential, a space where ideas can become enterprises and enterprises can become engines of sustainable growth for our

nation,” the Minister stated.

He noted that women currently represent 33 percent of Guyana’s farmers, and the government’s goal is to have 50 percent of new agriculture ventures led by women and youth by 2030.

“By fostering collaboration and continuous learning, this Centre will help ensure that our agriculture and business sectors grow together, strengthening food security, supporting job creation, and expanding private sector development,” Mustapha added.

Brian Edwards, GCCI’s Junior Vice President and Chair of its Agriculture Committee, described the Centre as a catalyst for transformative change.

The development of the Learning Centre was made possible through contributions from several private-sector partners, including Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Giftland OfficeMax, AdNation Guyana, Lodestar Inc., Pinnacle Solutions Inc., Dynotech Construction Chemicals Inc., Green State Oil and Gas Services Inc., Guyana Payroll Solutions Inc., Comfort Sleep, Brava, Professional Print and Design, Unicomer Guyana Inc., J.R.P Contracting Services, and ExxonMobil Guyana.

With its commissioning, the Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre marks a transformative step in Guyana’s drive to create a more inclusive and resilient business environment—one where women, small business owners, and farmers have the resources and support to lead the country’s next wave of innovation and growth.

“This initiative embraced the Inclusive Market Systems approach, which challenges us to go beyond quick fixes and instead address the barriers of market exclusion and fragmentation,” Edwards explained. “True transformation requires a foundation—a starting point that creates enabling conditions for systemic change.”

E-ID system fast-tracked as new measure against illegal border entry – Min. Walrond

THE government of Guyana is cognisant of the fact that its borders are porous and can be easily breached. To tackle this challenge, the rollout of the Electronic Identification (E-ID) card system is being fasttracked.

During a media briefing on Tuesday evening, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, announced that any foreign national entering Guyana must be registered at legally designated points of entry.

The topic of E-ID cards and border security was brought to the fore in light of the horrific explosion on Sunday that claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne.

“For Venezuelan migrants who come here through our ports, they are all registered and their details are taken,” Minister Walrond explained.

The main suspect responsible for the explosion at a Mobil gas station on Regent Street, and several of his accomplices, are said to be Venezuelan nationals who entered Guyana illegally by boat on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 08:00 hours.

and have this E-ID card,” Min Walrond said.

The E-ID cards will differentiate between citizens and non-citizens. It will also integrate personal data into a secure digital and physical card for accessing government and private sector services.

immigration records, and can be used for both digital and physical transactions.

The application process is relatively easy and involves booking an appointment online or at a service centre.

“What we will do is that for the persons who are in Guyana illegally, they will be given a grace period to come to register

Minister Walrond also noted that persons who fail to register themselves will face deportation and sanctions.

“[Without] this card, you [non-citizens] will not be able to access any services,” the minister stressed.

This E-ID will link to other systems, including TIN, bank account, and

The documents needed for registration will be listed. After you prepare them, follow the steps at the service centre to finish your application.

You will be notified when your card is ready for pick up. (DPI)

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during his address to the gathering at GCCI’s headquarters at Waterloo Street

Elderly woman released on own recognisance following neighbour dispute

A 72-year-old woman from Meadow Brook Gardens was, on Monday, released on her own recognisance after appearing before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of provoking the peace.

The defendant, Sandra Johnson, stood before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where she denied the allegation that, on October 4, 2025, at Lot 52 Meadow Brook Gardens, she provoked her neighbour, Selessi Campbell.

According to the prosecution, the incident reportedly arose after Johnson allegedly placed bottles in front of Campbell’s yard, leading to a heated dispute between the two. The court heard that the parties have had ongoing issues due to

the close proximity of their homes.

Johnson, in her defence, told the court that the bottles in question had originally been on her property and that she merely moved them over to Campbell’s side. She further explained that long-standing tensions between herself and her neighbour have contributed to repeated confrontations.

Campbell, who is also facing a related charge in the matter, did not appear in court on Monday.

After reviewing the circumstances, Magistrate Azore granted Johnson her release on her own recognisance, meaning no bail payment was required.

The matter has been adjourned until November 19, 2025, for continuation.

Guyanese to apply for passports online by year-end

GUYANESE will be able to apply for passports online before the end of the year, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, confirmed on Wednesday.

Appearing on the ‘Starting Point’ podcast, Minister Walrond said that, despite earlier setbacks, the government remains on track to

meet its deadline. The new digital service launched by the government aims to eliminate the long queues that have plagued the passport office for years, consequently making the process faster, hassle-free and more convenient.

“We [the government] have gone a long way with

the contractor in terms of digitising the biometric system. This has already started in the passport office, but where the service is fully online, that is going to be by the end of the year,” she explained.

Additionally, the system will also enable applicants to book appointments online

and access services closer to home, as the government continues to decentralise operations countrywide.

In support of this effort, new service centres are being established in every region, where citizens will be able to access passport facilities and a wide range of government services under one roof.

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, navigates the platform along with immigration staff

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the online passport portal is part of a larger plan, which aims to digitalise all govern -

ment services by the second quarter of 2026, creating a more transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused system. (DPI)

Fish cage farming expands in Region Nine under Agriculture Ministry’s aquaculture drive

– initiative boosts food security and livelihoods in hinterland communities

THE Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture has taken another significant step toward strengthening sustainable aquaculture in Guyana’s hinterland, with the recent installation of fish cages in the Region Nine communities of Nappi and Shulinab.

The move forms part of the Ministry’s Cage Culture Initiative, which aims to promote climate-resilient food systems, enhance food security, and create new livelihood opportunities for residents across interior regions.

In Shulinab, one fish cage was assembled and installed in the Sawariwau River, marking the communi-

A fish cage being assembled and installed

ty’s first venture into cage culture aquaculture. Meanwhile, in Nappi, five cages were assembled— two of which have already been installed in the Nappi Reservoir, with the remaining three scheduled for installation in the coming weeks.

As part of the rollout, Fisheries Extension Officers conducted training sessions with villagers on cage management, feeding practices, and harvesting techniques, ensuring community members are equipped to maintain and expand the initiative successfully.

The Ministry described the project as a key element of its national aquaculture expansion strategy, which seeks to diversify local food production and empower rural and hinterland communities through sustainable, small-scale aquaculture enterprises.

By advancing cage culture farming in remote areas, the Ministry of Agriculture contiNues to promote self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on imported fish, and support economic resilience in indigenous and hinterland communities.

Canadian Chief Justice leads trauma-informed Justice workshop for Guyanese Magistrates

–– initiative aims to strengthen gender-sensitive and culturally aware judicial practices in Guyana

MAGISTRATES across Guyana’s Magisterial Districts, on Tuesday, participated in a specialised workshop focused on “Applying a Trauma-Informed, Gender and Culturally Sensitive Approach to the Application of Justice.”

The one-day session, held on October 28, 2025, was fa-

three women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence in her lifetime. The situation is even more alarming in Guyana, where studies suggest that one in every two women has faced some form of violence.

Recognising that many survivors of gender-based violence live with long-term

which underscore the need for empathy, confidentiality, and survivor-centred support in all aspects of justice delivery.

By the end of the training, Guyanese magistrates gained deeper insight into how trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally aware judicial practices can

cilitated by The Honourable Chief Justice Melissa Gillespie of the Provincial Court of British Columbia, Canada.

The training was a collaborative effort between the Judiciary of Guyana and the Justice Education Society (JES) Guyana, with funding from Global Affairs Canada. It forms part of a broader initiative to enhance the judiciary’s capacity to deliver gender-responsive justice for women and girls who are survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

According to global data from the World Health Organization (2013), one in

trauma, the workshop emphasised the importance of a trauma-informed approach— an evidence-based framework that acknowledges the links between violence, trauma, and adverse health outcomes.

This method, widely adopted in developed countries, promotes judicial and service-delivery practices that are sensitive to survivors’ experiences and that avoid retraumatisation during the legal process.

The session also drew on the Guiding Principles for Working with Survivors of Gender-Based Violence,

improve the administration of justice.

The knowledge gained is expected to help magistrates integrate best practices into court proceedings, ensuring that survivors are treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion.

The workshop represents a continuing effort by Guyana’s judiciary, supported by international partners, to modernise its approach to justice and strengthen institutional responses to gender-based violence within the country’s legal framework.

Magistrates across Guyana’s Magisterial Districts, on Tuesday, participated in a specialised workshop

The Honourable Chief Justice Melissa Gillespie of the Provincial Court of British Columbia, Canada, during her address to Guyanese Magistrates

Fertility rates in Caribbean, Latin America continue to decline - ECLAC warns

–– region faces below-replacement birth levels, driven by social and economic shifts

THE Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has reported that fertility rates across the region continue to fall below the level needed to maintain a stable population.

According to the newly-released Demographic Observatory 2025 – “Low Fertility in Latin America and the Caribbean: Emerging Trends and Dynamics,” the region’s total fertility rate in 2024 stood at 1.8 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1.

ECLAC’s findings reveal that 76 percent of countries and territories in the region recorded fertility rates below this threshold in 2024. The report, prepared by the Latin American and Caribbean Demographic Centre (CELADE), highlights a striking variation in fertility rates across nations—from 0.94 to 3.3 children per woman.

Among Latin American countries, Chile (1.14), Costa Rica (1.32), Uruguay (1.40), and Argentina (1.50) registered the lowest rates. In the Caribbean, Puerto Rico (0.94), the British Virgin Islands (1.05), and Curaçao (1.07) showed similarly low numbers.

ECLAC emphasised that the region’s shift to low fertility occurred at a remarkably fast pace, beginning in the latter half of the 20th century. The decline, it noted, stems from several transformative factors: falling child mortality, greater access to education—particularly for women—increased female participation in the labour force, expanded availability of modern contraceptive methods, and progress toward gender equality.

These changes, according to the report, have reshaped reproductive preferences, allowing individuals and families to better regulate fertility

and delay childbearing.

CHANGING REPRODUCTIVE PATTERNS

The region’s demographic profile shows a gradual increase in the average age of fertility, which fell from 29 years in 1950 to 26.9 years in 2010, before rising again to 27.6 years in 2024. ECLAC attributes this upward trend to postponed childbearing and a decline in adolescent pregnancies.

Indeed, the report notes a 38.8% decrease in adolescent fertility over the past decade—from 69.9 live births per 1,000 women aged 15–19 in 2014 to 50.3 in 2024. Countries such as Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Uruguay recorded the most significant progress in reducing teenage pregnancy rates.

While the decline marks a positive shift—

driven by stronger public health and education programs—ECLAC cautioned that adolescent fertility rates in the region remain among the highest in the world, reflecting persistent structural inequalities and gaps in access to sexual and reproductive health services.

INEQUALITIES AND POLICY CHALLENGES

The report also exposes stark inequalities in reproductive behaviour across socioeconomic groups. In lower-income households, women tend to have more

children than they ideally wish, while in higher-income groups, fertility often falls below the desired number of children.

ECLAC interprets this imbalance as evidence of uneven access to sexual and reproductive health services, as well as challenges in balancing family and work life.

To address the demographic shift, ECLAC is calling on governments to adopt comprehensive, gender-sensitive policies that support individuals’ right to freely decide the number of children they wish to have.

These policies, the report suggests, should in -

clude expanding affordable childcare and care services, ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health, promoting workplace equality, and eliminating the “motherhood penalty” that discourages women from combining career and family aspirations.

ECLAC concludes that the region’s future demographic stability will depend on how effectively countries align population policies with broader social and economic development goals—ensuring that reproductive choices remain both informed and freely exercised.

Caribbean MegaBounce rescheduled to November 7–10 amid Hurricane Melissa precautions

THE region’s largest inflatable entertainment experience, Caribbean MegaBounce, has been postponed to November 7–10, 2025 due to travel disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

The technical team responsible for setting up the massive inflatables has been temporarily grounded to prioritise safety amid the severe weather.

“The safety of our team, attendees, and communities is always our top priority,” said Jonathan Beepat, Founder of Wildfire Entertainment, which organises the event.

“While we’re disappointed by this delay, we remain committed to delivering the same world-class experience our Caribbean MegaBounce family expects. We thank everyone who has already purchased tickets for their patience and understanding.”

Organisers announced that the event’s specialised technical crew—responsible for assembling the massive inflatable structures—has been temporarily grounded as the team prioritises safety amid the severe weather system affecting the northern Caribbean.

All tickets purchased for the original October 31–November 3 dates will remain valid for the new dates. Ticket holders will not need to exchange or repurchase tickets.

The four-day event will now take place at the YMCA Grounds, Thomas Lands, kicking off on Friday, November 7 from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Weekend sessions on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9 will run from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering extended family-friendly fun. The grand finale is set for Monday, November 10, also from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Despite the date change, the excitement remains unchanged. The YMCA Grounds will be transformed into an inflatable wonderland, featuring: a 15,000-square-foot main bounce house, a 600-foot, four-lane obstacle course; a towering mega slide; and multiple themed inflatable installations.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a live DJ booth will provide non-stop music throughout the day.

Admission prices remain the same: $4,000 for children aged 2–11, $5,000 for adults, and a family package of $16,000 for two adults and two children. All tickets include unlimited access to attractions with same-day re-entry privileges. Attendees are reminded that socks are mandatory to participate on any inflatable attraction — “No socks, no bouncing.”

Tickets are available at: Beepats (Regent Street), Giftland OfficeMax (Giftland

Mall, Turkeyen),

Mattai’s The Food Mart (Water and Hope Streets), YMCA Grounds, Thomas Lands, Bad Monkey Merch Stores at Amazonia Mall, Giftland Mall, Movietown Mall, and Leonora Mall

Beepats serves as Title Sponsor, supporting the event through giveaways featuring Santal juices, Goya cookies, and other treats. Coca-Cola and Sterling Products have joined as Silver Sponsors, with Sterling offering complimentary ice cream for kids. Guysons and Cevon’s Waste Management are also key supporting partners, contributing to the event’s vibrant community focus.

“We appreciate the support of the Guyanese community and look forward to bringing Caribbean MegaBounce to Georgetown on November 7th,” Beepat added. “This postponement allows our technical team to arrive safely and ensures we deliver the premium, professionally managed experience that families deserve.”

With a successful track record in Barbados, Jamaica, and Antigua, where thousands of families attended, Caribbean MegaBounce promises a memorable and safe experience for Guyanese audiences.

The production team brings over 30 years of combined expertise in entertainment and large-scale event management.

Boodram and Vieira predict...

slower in Group 4 qualifying (Vieira vs. Boodram), proving the intensity of their rivalry even before the move to complete GT3 machinery.

The introduction of the GT3 class is not merely an addition to the race day; it is a calculated revolution for Caribbean motorsport.

For years, the region’s top-tier, Group 4, has struggled with stagnant growth and failed to attract new, competitive machinery.

In a bold strategic move in 2023, the GMR&SC looked beyond regional confines to the broader motorsport world, adopting the globally recognised GT3 standard. This class features the most iconic names in sports car racing: Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens, Audis, and

(From back page)

Porsches, and is regulated globally by the FIA.

The AJM Racing entry, piloted by local star Nasrudeen Mohamed, means Guyana will field two GT3 cars in the debut race. With a few more cars expected to join the grid, this weekend will be a crucial test for the GMR&SC's new vision and for every team across the region, which will be watching the class unfold.

The successful staging of this event is viewed as the first step in placing Guyana firmly on the international racing map, potentially paving the way to host a future leg of the GT3 Americas Series.

movement today and play full-court basketball. Because of that, Kerr said he believed depth was a major key to success in today's game.

Despite not playing in the modern game, Jordan is more than qualified to talk about the issue. In addition to having a sterling resume as a player, he rarely missed games. During his first eight seasons in the NBA, Jordan played in no fewer than 78 games in just one season, and that one season he broke his foot.

Jordan was limited to just 17 games in 1995-96, when he returned at the end of the regular season following his first retirement. In his final

National Sports Awards set...

his performance in the CONCACAF Nations League, where he secured both the Best Young Player Award and the Top Scorer Award. He guided the 'Golden Jaguars' to a historic promotion to League A.

He faces stiff competition from Bodybuilder Nicholas Albert, who earned his IFBB Pro Card in 2024; Olympian Emanuel Archibald and

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

STRATFORD

08:47hrs Dickens

09:17hrs First Candidate

09:47hrs Wandering Eagle

10:17hrs Precious Metal

10:47hrs Be Aware

11:17hrs Motazzen

11:47hrs Joining Force

12:17hrs Broken Vow

BATH

08:55hrs Takeitorleaveit

09:25hrs Yorkies Dream

09:55hrs Dancing Tiger

10:25hrs Bobby Dassler

10:55hrs Kiss And Run

11:25hrs Cameley Days

11:55hrs Roman Spring

12:25hrs Sub Thirteen

SOUTHWELL

12:30hrs Shafi

13:00hrs Birdcall

13:30hrs Lightning Touch

14:00hrs Dapper Guest

14:30hrs Top Of Pleinmont

15:00hrs Divot

15:30hrs Shimmering

The Junior Sportsmanof-the-Year category features four rising stars: track athletes Kaidon Persaud and Malachi Austin, swimmer Raekwon Noel, and chess prodigy Sachin Pitamber.

The shortlist for Sportswoman-of-the-Year includes two of Guyana’s premier squash players, Nicolette

Sands

16:00hrs Imola

16:30hrs Spun To Gold

IRISH RACING TIPS THURLES

09:30hrs Menas Miracle 10:00hrs A Nod To Get Away

10:30hrs Due Course

11:00hrs Found A Diamond

11:30hrs Kilashee

12:00hrs Tudorista

12:34hrs Lennon Grove

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS TURFFONTEIN

08:10hrs The Ultimate King

08:45hrs Miss Hannigan

09:20hrs Big Unit

10:00hrs That's My Baby

10:35hrs Lady Sabrina

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

BELMONT RACING TIPS

Race 1 Credit Risk

Race 2 Factory Setting

Race 3 National Identity

Race 4 Margarita Molly

Race 5 Obliterator

Race 6 Power Seeker

Race 7 Collect The

Data

Race 8 Orie

(From page 34)

five seasons in the NBA — including the two that came with the Washington Wizards after his second retirement — Jordan played in all 82 games four times. His only missed time over that period came during the 200102 NBA season, when Jordan dealt with a knee injury. Due to his multiple retirements, Jordan is tied for 113th with 1,072 games played. A handful of modern players, including Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and James, sit above Jordan on that list, and there's an argument load management helped them reach that point. (Yahoo Sports)

(From back page)

Fernandes and Ashley Khalil, competing against Taekwondo athlete Ceili Peterson and bodybuilding star Rosanna Fung.

Meanwhile, sprinter Athaleyah Hinckson stands out in the Junior Sportswomanof-the-Year nominations. Hinckson made history by claiming Guyana’s first-ever gold medal in the CARIFTA Games Under-17 Women’s 100m, followed by a victory at the South American Under-20 Championships.

Fellow track sensation Tianna Springer joins her, the CARIFTA 400m champion.

Coach-of-the-Year: Julian Edmonds (Running Brave Track Club, coach to Austin and Hinckson), goes head-to-head with Ryan Hercules (cricket) and Joseph “Bill” Wilson (Guyana Defence Force Football Club).

Association-of-the-Year: Four proactive bodies are nominated: The Guyana Basketball Federation, Guyana Chess Association, Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, and the Guyana

Golf Association. Sports Official-of-theYear: Male: GBF president Michael Singh, FIFA referee Shavin Greene, Vidish Sookram (bodybuilding), and Kerwyn Johnson and Female: Natasha George, Denisha Isaacs, and Aileen Bowman-Joseph.

Media Awards: Five journalists will be recognised for their outstanding sports coverage: Rawle Toney (Kaieteur News), Michelangelo Jacobus (Stabroek News), Jemima Holmes (Guyana Times), Akeem Greene (News Room), and Eric Collymore (NCN). Corporate Sponsor-ofYear: A strong field of eight businesses has been shortlisted: NAMILCO, ANSA McAL, ENet, Bluewater Shipping, MVP Sports, ExxonMobil, Trophy Stall, and Sublime Security.

Director Ninvalle stressed that the November 8 ceremony will celebrate athletic success and the dedication, discipline, and unity driving the nation's sporting development.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday, October 30, 2025)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Keemo Paul-5/15 (Mirpur, 2018) (2) Shakib Al Hasan-5/20 (Mirpur, 2018)

Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the first T20 in the current WI/BANG series?

(2) Who won the Man of the Match award? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

National cricketer Ashmead Nedd.

Michael Jordan...

Antetokounmpo drops 37 in dominant effort over Karl-Anthony Towns

A TRADE sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the New York Knicks is unlikely. But this is the kind of effort that makes Knicks fans salivate at the thought.

Antetokounmpo dominated a big-man matchup against New York's Karl-Anthony Towns Tuesday night to lead the Bucks to a 121111 win over a Knicks team on the short list of favourites to win the Eastern Conference.

Antetokounmpo generally got whatever he wanted in

the paint while shooting 16 of 22 from the field en route to 37 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and a steal. Towns, meanwhile, failed to crack double figures in scoring while posting just eight points, 12 rebounds, two steals and a block. He shot 2-of-12 from the field and finished the game with five fouls.

With the game's outcome in hand in the final minute, Antetokounmpo added an exclamation point at Towns' expense. He beat Towns off

Shreyas Iyer on road to recovery after surgery

THERE is an update on Shreyas Iyer's health, though nothing alarming. Cricbuzz can confirm that the 30-year-old recently underwent surgery and has totally recovered since. As is being reported by Cricbuzz over the past few days, he remains stable and out of the ICU.

Sources close to Iyer have informed this website that he required surgery for a spleen injury sustained while taking a catch during the third and final ODI against Australia at the SCG last week. While diving forward to complete the catch on the run, he suffered an awkward fall, which resulted in a ruptured spleen and necessitated immediate surgical intervention.

The surgery was apparently a minor procedure, but it has required Iyer to rest for at least five more days, possibly even up to a week.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian team management in Australia, which had assigned him a doctor, have been closely monitoring his condition through Dr. Rizwan Khan, the Indian team physician. The BCCI, it is learnt, is also arranging travel for a member of the Iyer family to Sydney.

As of Tuesday, Iyer has been taking phone calls, eating home-cooked meals arranged by local friends, and even managing his routine chores on his own. An update on his condition was also shared by Suryakumar Yadav.

"We spoke to him at least on the first day when we got to know that he had an injury. I called him first. Then I found out that he did not have a phone. So I called the physio, Kamlesh. He told me that he

the dribble from midcourt, then soared into the paint for a dunk over Knicks forward OG Anunoby.

It added up to the type of overwhelming effort that Knicks fans could reasonably dream about raising New York's profile from a contender in a depleted East to a legitimate threat to compete for an NBA championship. That is if there were a path to a trade.

As of now, a trade will have to remain a pipe dream.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Oct. 7 that the Knicks and Bucks actually engaged in trade talks regarding Antetokounmpo and that the Knicks are the only team that Antetokounmpo

is stable. On the first day, I don't know how, but he was looking good. We have been talking for two days now. He has been replying. If he is replying on the phone, it means he is stable.

"There is also a doctor there, so it is looking good. I mean, he is good. He is talking. Everything is normal. He said that he will take care of himself for a few more days. But he has been replying, talking to everyone, so it is good," the India T20 skipper, currently in Canberra, said.

Later on Tuesday evening, the BCCI stating that Iyer's injury was 'promptly identified, and the bleeding was immediately arrested' while confirming that his condition is stable. "A repeat scan done on Tuesday, 28th October, has shown significant improvement, and Shreyas is on the road to recovery.

The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, will continue to monitor his progress," the BCCI further added. (Cricbuzz)

would want to play for outside of Milwaukee.

For what it's worth, both Antetokounmpo and Bucks head coach Doc Rivers largely shut those rumors down in the days that followed.

Still, with all the assets the Knicks have parted with to assemble their current roster and a $150 million extension for Mikal Bridges that keeps him off the trade block until Feb. 1, there's little the Knicks could muster together to entice Milwaukee to part with a generational talent.

Antekounmpo was asked directly about the ESPN report on Tuesday night and wanted nothing to do with it.

"I don't read that," he said, via The Athletic's Eric

He was then pressed a little further and gave a very similar answer to what he said earlier this month.

"I don't remember that," he said. "Right now, I'm here representing my team. And that's it. We beat the Knicks. That's all.

Doesn't really matter ... I didn't read that article. I try to stay away from all the rumors and, what you call it, speculation, trades and all this. It doesn't concern me one bit. I try to involve myself [in my play] and I try to win games."

(Yahoo Sports)

Nehm.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in a dominant mood

Shreyas Iyer injured himself while taking a catch in the final ODI in Sydney

Wolvaardt and Kapp power South Africa into Women’s World Cup final

LAURA Wolvaardt's batting masterclass and Marizanne Kapp's five-for propelled South Africa into their maiden World Cup final, off the back of a 125run victory over England.

Wolvaardt's breathtaking 169 in the first semi-final in Guwahati carried her side to 319 for 7 from their 50 overs, the second-highest score in World Cup knockout matches.

(Scores: South Africa 319 for 7 (Wolvaardt 169, Ecclestone 4-44) beat England 194 (Sciver-Brunt 64, Capsey 50, Kapp 5-20) by 125 runs)

Asked to stage the second-highest successful chase in women's ODIs - behind Australia's 331 to beat India earlier in this tournamentEngland fell short in the face of the brilliant bowling of Kapp, who took 5 for 20. Those wickets included two in the first over of the reply, as England lurched to 1 for 3, and the prize wicket of Nat Sciver-Brunt who had built a century stand with Alice Capsey. Later in the innings, Kapp took two more wickets in as many balls to put South Africa on the brink of victory.

South Africa face the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and India today for the title on Sunday, which will be their third consecutive World Cup final, after they finished runners-up at the T20 events in 2023 and 2024.

Wolvaardt was a class above in the South Africa

batting line-up. Her innings was full of trademark elegant drives early on, followed by a brutal leg-side assault as she hit the accelerator in the closing stages. She was supported by Tazmin Brits, who scored 45, but later went off during England's innings with what appeared to be a wrist injury after landing awkwardly in the field, followed by Kapp's rapid 42 off just 33 balls. Wolvaardt shared a seventh-wicket stand worth 89 with Chloe Tryon, who finished unbeaten on 33 herself.

Sophie Ecclestone overcame a shoulder injury suffered in the previous match against New Zealand on Sunday to finish with 4 for 44 but, apart from her bowling figures, and fifties for Sciver-Brunt and Capsey, there was little to celebrate for England. Only two others - Danni Wyatt-Hodge and tailender Linsey Smith - reached double figures. As if determined to model South Africa's bowling performance on Wolvaardt's batting masterclass, Kapp removed Amy Jones with a ball of the highest quality in the first over. A fuller delivery outside off stump jagged back in between bat and pad and clattered into off stump. Heather Knight was more complicit in her dismissal three balls later when, with leaden feet, she prodded at one that shaped away from outside off and edged onto her stumps. The dismissal gave Kapp figures of 2 for 0

...South Africa smashed England by 125 runs to qualify for their maiden ODI World Cup final

from her first five balls.

Ayabonga Khaka made it three England ducks in a row just two balls into the second over, when she drew a faint edge off Tammy Beaumont with one that straightened off the pitch for caught behind.

South Africa let England off the hook somewhat, as Sciver-Brunt and Capsey took them from such a poor start to 108 for 4, when Capsey fell moments after reaching her maiden ODI half-century. Capsey had been dropped on 28 by substitute fielder Nondumiso Shangase at long on off the bowling of Sune Luus as South Africa struggled to make further inroads with Kapp off the field. Sciver-Brunt, meanwhile, narrowly avoided being run out as she retreated to the bowler's end.

No sooner had Capsey reached fifty, that she picked out Nadine de Klerk at midoff with Luus the bowler

once more. Either side of her dismissal, Sciver-Brunt reached her own half-century, powering Luus over long-off for six, while Brits put down a difficult chance leaping to her right at midwicket. She fell heavily, forcing her off the field in pain and clutching her arm.

Kapp struck in the second over of her return spell to remove Sciver-Brunt, caught behind after she was enticed to drive at a length ball, which wobbled away ever so slightly off the seam and brushed the outside edge. In her next over, Kapp had Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean caught behind off successive deliveries. The energy with which she roared to celebrate her last wicket matched that of her first.

Wyatt-Hodge, playing just her second match of the tournament after being brought in for Emma Lamb to bolster a struggling middle-order, faced just sev -

en deliveries for 2 not out against New Zealand. With more time in the middle here, she managed 34 off 31. When she and Smith fell to Nadine de Klerk, however, it was all over for England.

South Africa's resounding victory was a result of their ability to get out of trouble. They fell from 116 without loss to 119 for 3, as Ecclestone took a sledgehammer to the excellent structure laid down by Wolvaardt and Brits, with two wickets in the space of four balls.

Brits could have been out for 1 off what would have been the sharpest of return catches by Lauren Bell. She had attempted a reverse-sweep off Ecclestone's fellow left-arm spinner, Linsey Smith, before ending up in an awkward heap as the ball struck her front pad well outside off stump. When Brits tried it again, it was her undoing, as Ecclestone speared one in full on middle and leg and drew a bottom edge onto the stumps.

Anneke Bosch, brought into the starting XI to boost the batting which had failed so miserably against England last time these sides met, lost her off stump as she charged at Ecclestone, yorked herself, and departed for a three-ball duck.

Bell put down another tough chance leaping to her left at short fine leg off Kapp, on 36 at the time. But Kapp added just a handful more runs before Ecclestone returned with immediate

impact, with Kapp skying a fuller ball outside off stump high over mid-on where Dean ran back and settled underneath it.

Another cluster of South Africa wickets fell when Annerie Dercksen, apparently having failed to learn from Brits' downfall, tried to reverse-sweep Ecclestone. She hit the ball into the pitch outside off, then again through her swing. The second impact ricocheted into the stumps.

Having lumped Dean for a massive 82 metre six over wide long-on, Wolvaardt bided her time through Ecclestone's final over. She then helped herself to 13 of the 15 runs to come off the next, by Sciver-Brunt, including another six over long-on, followed by a pulled four through backward square.

Sciver-Brunt conceded 14 off her next over, which also included Wolvaardt's third maximum. This time, the shot was over deep midwicket, and she raised her 150 with a similar effort off Smith, who leaked 20 off the over, all but one of them to Wolvaardt.

When Wolvaardt finally holed out to Capsey as she launched Bell down the ground, she walked off to warm congratulations from her opponents, as well as the gratitude of her team and the rapture of the crowd, who knew they had witnessed something special. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Michael Jordan criticises load management in NBA: 'It shouldn't be needed'

CHICAGO Bulls legend

Michael Jordan isn't a fan of NBA players taking days off to rest. Jordan criticised the idea of load management Tuesday, saying the practice "shouldn't be needed."

Jordan made those comments during another appearance on "MJ: Insights to Excellence." Host Mike Tirico asked Jordan for his thoughts on load management, which wasn't really a thing when he played in the NBA.

Jordan made it clear he wasn't a fan of the idea, saying he wanted to prove himself to the fans every night. "It shouldn't be needed, first and foremost," Jordan said. "I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove. It was something that I felt like the fans are there to watch me play. I want to impress that guy way up on top who probably worked his ass off to get a ticket, or to get money to buy the ticket."

Tirico interjected at that point and asked Jordan if he really cared about the opposing fan sitting all the way at the top of the arena. Jordan replied, "Yeah, because I knew he was probably yelling at me and I wanted to shut him up."Jordan continued: "You have a duty that if

they are wanting to see you and as an entertainer, I want

to show," he said. "If the guys are coming to watch me play, I don't want to miss that opportunity.

"Now, physically, if I can't do it, then I can't do. But physically if I can do it, and I just don't feel like doing it, that's a different lens."

Jordan then talked about a situation early in his career where he rolled his ankle and was told by a veteran on the Bulls that he should take a seat on the bench. Determined to make a name for himself, Jordan taped up the ankle and continued to play through the injury.

The NBA legend was careful not to call out spe-

cific players by name when discussing the issue of load management. The practice, in which players will occasionally miss games or not play in back-to-back games due to rest, rose to prominence in recent seasons.

A number of NBA stars engaged in the tactic, including LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Kawhi Leonard.

It reached a point where the NBA had to step in and introduce new rules to prevent teams from resting players as frequently.

Coincidentally, Jordan's former teammate and current Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked

about load management following his team's win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. Kerr explained that everything is measured today, including the distance players run and the speed at which they are zooming around the court. He added, "Compared to 25 years ago, 20 years ago, it's dramatically different. So the stress on these guys' bodies, I think is way more than what it was in the past."

Kerr said that while the NBA was more physical in the era in which he played, he believed it was harder for players to constantly be in

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The off-side strokeplay was gorgeous as always, but centurion Laura Wolvaardt showed she could go the other way too (ICC/Getty Images)

Chicago Bulls and NBA legend Michael Jordan

Windies secure rare T20I series win despite shoddy effort

CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh, (CMC) – The West Indies’ bowlers starred in an otherwise unimpressive performance to carry their team to a 14-run victory over hosts Bangladesh in the second T20I here on Wednesday and seal a rare series win.

Skipper Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze scored half centuries that put the regional side in a superb position to post a formidable total at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, but from 106 for one in the 12th over, the West Indies suffered yet another collapse to finish on just 149 for nine in their 20 overs.

Their fielders then dropped four catches, but spectacular work from their bowling trio of Romario Shepherd, who was named Player-of-the-Match, Akeal Hosein and Jason Holder, bailed them out of trouble, as they restricted Bangladesh to 135 for eight.

It gave the visitors an unassailable 2-0 advantage in the best-of-three series and assured them of only their second T20I bilateral series win in their last nine encounters.

The victory was set up by their bowlers, whose efforts were all the more impressive considering the several opportunities that went abegging in the field.

Needing to score at a reasonable seven and a half runs an over on a good batting pitch, Bangladesh’s opening pair of Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan were pegged back from the start

Hassan should have been dismissed in the second over with just three runs to his name, but Brandon King spilled the catch running back from cover point after the batsman miscued his pull off Holder.

It didn’t prove costly though, as Holder had him caught by King at extra cover in his next over, to leave Ban-

gladesh 13 for one.

Captain Litton Das hit Jayden Seales for three boundaries in the following over, but was then given a reprieve on 20 when he was dropped by Sherfane Rutherford at midwicket off Shepherd’s bowling.

Fortunately for the Windies, Das only added three more runs before he was

Guyana Football Federation and ISG agree partnership to boost Women's Game

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has renewed a key strategic alliance with the International Supporters Group (ISG), signing a new two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to accelerate the development of women's football across the nation.

The agreement, formally sealed on October 28, 2025, focuses on creating sustainable pathways for Guyanese female players by enhancing player development, building coaching capacity, and significantly increasing the global profile of the Guyana Women's National Team (GWNT), often nicknamed the 'Lady Jags'.

GFF President Wayne Forde and ISG President Rebecca Vaughan finalised the deal, which aims to unlock new opportunities for female players of Guyanese heritage both at home and abroad.

The Canadian-based non-profit ISG will utilise its established network across North America and the UK to secure college scholarships and professional club placements for GWNT players, providing a crucial bridge from the national programme to international football.

The partnership also commits the ISG to supporting several critical areas: grassroots player development, Which Invests in the foundation of the women's game; Coaching Internships, which facilitate North American placements for GWNT coaches to upgrade their skills and capacity; and fundraising, which generates resources specifically for GWNT operations and player scholarships.

GFF President Forde welcomed the continuity of the partnership, stressing the importance of the diaspora's involvement.

"We are happy to have our football community from the diaspora supporting the strategic development of women’s football," Forde said, encouraging other Guy-

anese diaspora members to explore similar collaboration opportunities with the federation.

ISG president Rebecca Vaughan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique strength of the joint effort.

"Our greatest strength comes from harnessing the power, passion, and talent of both the homeland and the wider diaspora community," Vaughan stated.

The ISG maintains that 100 per cent of the resources it raises directly support player development and high-performance pathways for the GWNT.

Both organisations share an ambitious vision: ensuring every young girl who dreams of representing Guyana has a realistic opportunity.

85 for three in the 13th over.

Hasan eventually brought up his ninth T20I half century by slapping Shepherd through cover for four, but once Shepherd had him caught by King with Bangladesh still requiring 33 from 18 balls, the West Indies eased to victory.

Hasan made 61 off 48 balls, striking three sixes and three fours.

But once Athanaze, who made 52 off 33 balls, inclusive of five fours and three sixes, was dismissed by spinner Nasum Ahmed moments after reaching his second T20I half century, the West Indies lost their way.

comprehensively bowled by Hosein to make the score 48 for two in the eighth over.

A diving Jayden Seales then dropped Towhid Hridoy at deep backward square leg after he scored just five, but he made amends two overs later by holding onto a stunning catch inches of the turf running in from deep midwicket, as Bangladesh slid to

Shepherd then dismissed Jaker Ali for a pedestrian 17 off 18 balls, before Holder bowled Shamim Hossain for one and Hosein had Rishad Hossain caught at long off for a duck, to see the hosts crumble to 133 for seven, with just three balls remaining in the contest.

Hosein took 3-22, Shepherd claimed 3-29 and Holder 2-20.

Earlier, after choosing to bat, the West Indies recovered from the early loss of Brandon King for 1, courtesy of a 105-run partnership between Hope and Athanaze.

Ahmed then picked up the wicket of the struggling Rutherford with his next delivery, and when Hope, who brought up his ninth T20 half century off 30 balls, spooned pacer Mustafizur Rahman to point to be out for 55 off 36 balls, the Windies fell to 112 for four in the 13th over.

Last match hero Rovman Powell scored just three and Jason Holder only made four, and it took the efforts of Roston Chase (17 not out) and Romario Shepherd, who made 13, to get them up to their eventual total.

Rahman was Bangladesh’s best bowler with 3-21, Rishad Hossain snared 2-20 and Nasum Ahmed 2-35.

The third and final T20I will be played on Friday.

Shew memorial dominoes feature set for tomorrow

THE GNIC Sports Cub on Woolford Avenue will be abuzz tomorrow night with the staging of a feature dominoes encounter among International 6, Regal and Cold Fusion.

The match is being played in memory of the late dominoes enthusiast Maniram Shew who passed away recently and is being sponsored by Trophy Stall and the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL).

Shew, who died just over two weeks ago, following a prolonged illness, was cremated last Thursday at the Memorial Gardens, Princes Street, Georgetown.

“Manni,” as he was popularly known, was the founder and skipper of International 6 dominoes team which participated in numerous tournaments in and out of Georgetown.

In 1996, International 6 joined with Doctors dominoes team for a tour of Barbados where they engaged the Royal Barbados Police Force and other teams in a memorable tournament.

Shew was also the proprietor of Shew’s General

Devi Sunich, wife of Trophy Stall proprietor, Ramesh Sunich, hands over one of the trophies to Frederick Halley who also represented International 6

Store of Leopold Street, Georgetown, following the death of his parents.

The funeral was preceded by a wake at his residence on Leopold Street and a night of refection at Everest last Wednesday night. He was a Life Member of the Camp Road Club.

The International 6 team will include Intikhab “Corbie” Ali and Muntaz “Bhajie” Ali while Regal

will come from Frederick Halley, Ian John, Ronald Beharry, George Griffith, Clayton Gitten; Rafman and Markie. Former Police Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud will lead Cold Fusion. All three teams will be awarded trophies as well as the top player in each team. Members of the Shew family are also expected to be in attendance.

Player-of-the-Match Romario Shepherd celebrates one of his three wickets against Bangladesh in the second T20I

International Supporters Group (ISG), signing a new two-year Memorandum of Understanding

IN a significant move to boost grassroots football and community development, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has advanced discussions with FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, regarding a vital Government/FIFA partnership focused on installing mini-arenas, particularly targeting hinterland communities.

The discussions took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where President Ali is attending the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9).

The meeting included His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Bin Faizal

Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, underscoring the high-level engagement on the initiative.

This push for mini-pitches is directly linked to the FIFA Arena programme, a flagship global initiative aimed at establishing at least 1,000 new mini-pitches worldwide by the time of the FIFA Congress in 2031.

FIFA President Infantino confirmed the programme during the International Sum-

President Ali, FIFA President advances plan for mini football pitches in hinterland

mit on Sports for Sustainable Development in Paris in July 2024.

Its core mission prioritises underserved communities and schools, especially in disadvantaged urban and rural areas, by providing safe, accessible spaces for children to play, learn, and grow. Football is intended to catalyse inclusion, education, and positive change.

This high-level meeting builds on recent developments.

In mid-October 2025, President Ali confirmed his

government's support for developing and installing several mini-pitches in Guyana next year as part of the FIFA Arena programme, following a phone conversation with President Infantino on a Sunday.

INFANTINO

Under President Wayne Forde, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has already announced a "transformational project" to install the first two state-of-the-art all-weather mini-pitches under the FIFA Arena Project.

Location 1: Haslington,

Boodram and Vieira predict thrilling GT3 Racing at South Dakota on November 2

THE Caribbean Clash of Champions is poised to deliver a new level of motorsport spectacle this November, but the highly anticipated GT3 debut has been dealt a dramatic early blow.

Veteran rivals Franklyn Boodram (Trinidad and Tobago) and Mark Vieira (Guyana) are set to headline the Guyana Motor

Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) flagship meet on November 1-2 at the South Dakota Circuit.

However, the pre-race hype, promising "quick times and clean racing," has been overshadowed by a major logistical hurdle for the Trinidadian contender.

Franklyn Boodram's formidable machine—the Renault Sport R.S. 01 (a

550hp, Nissan-powered, carbon-bodied monster)— has been held up at sea.

The delay is officially attributed to shipping issues caused by the ongoing hurricane season, which immediately raised concerns over whether the car would arrive in time for the opening practice and qualifying sessions.

Despite the setback,

Boodram remains resolute, expressing confidence that his team can overcome the late-game challenge.

The ambition is clear: once the car hits the tarmac, Boodram aims to challenge the prestigious track record.

At the November 2023 'Clash of Champions,' Vieira was only a fraction

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earmarked for the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA).

Location 2: Retrieve, designated for Linden's Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA).

According to the GFF boss, the pitches, manufactured by Edel Grass BV of the Netherlands, have already been shipped and are scheduled to arrive in Guyana on December 3, 2025.

Each pitch costs US$98,000 (G$21 million).

A FIFA team and the manufacturer will handle the

installation, testing, and commissioning of these initial facilities. Subsequently, management, maintenance, and operations will fall under the respective Regional Associations, guided by clear GFF policies and regulations.

This partnership between the Government, FIFA, and the GFF marks a major step toward providing accessible, quality infrastructure, laying a strong foundation for the future of Guyanese football, especially in historically overlooked regions.

National Sports Awards set for November 8

FLASHBACK: Winners the 2024 National Sports Awards

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) will honour Guyana's top sporting talent at its prestigious Annual National Sports Awards on November 8, celebrating the country's outstanding athletic achievements in 2024.

National footballer Omari Glasgow is in the running for the coveted Sportsman-ofthe-Year award. The 21-yearold forward, Guyana’s alltime leading goal scorer with 21 goals in 33 international appearances, is a strong favourite.

Glasgow's exceptional season was highlighted by

Following a thorough review of submissions from national federations, the NSC's selection committee has concluded its deliberations, ensuring a transparent and merit-based process, as commended by Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.

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His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Bin Faizal Al Saud (right), Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and President Dr. Irfaan Ali in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mark Vieira’s Porsche 911 GT3

Franklyn Boodram’s Renault Sport RS 01