--highlights disciplined management and strategic
De Kinderen Hospital treated over 8,000 patients since opening its doors CARICOM kilo walk unites region in push for sustainable energy solutions
By Feona Morrison
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has highlighted Guyana’s disciplined and strategic management of its burgeoning oil sector, emphasising that careful planning and responsible stewardship are turning the nation’s energy wealth into lasting national development.
Speaking on Friday evening at the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber’s Annual Awards Presentation Dinner at the Marriott Hotel, he announced that a far-reaching national economic expansion and infrastructure integration plan will soon be made public.
The President framed the upcoming strategy as a defining roadmap for the next half-decade, one he characterised as unparalleled in ambition and national impact.
“This journey that we are on is now getting fired up,” he told the audience of private-sector executives, policymakers, Cabinet members, diplomats, and industry leaders.
He promised that “in the coming days, I will open with great clarity the economic expansion, infrastructure integration and development projections for our country over the next five years.”
The announcement comes
as Guyana moves deeper into a wave of historic investment, propelled largely by rapid developments in its energy, logistics, and industrial sectors.
The President pointed to Wales and Berbice as the country’s new strategic anchors—regions he said will form the nucleus of a modern, integrated national energy ecosystem.
At Wales on the West Bank of Demerara, he said more than US$4 billion is expected to flow into projects over the next five years,
including the gas-to-energy initiative, power generation facilities, a fertiliser plant, fabrication operations, manufacturing and industrial zones, marine infrastructure, and gas bottling and logistics services.
In Berbice, he highlighted plans for a second gas project, the establishment of a deep-water port, expanded industrial activities, and a gas pipeline estimated at more than US$2 billion.
Together, these two regions are expected to push close to US$10 billion in
fresh infrastructure and energy-linked development.
“That is remarkable by any standard,” President Ali said. “If that can’t excite you and excite us as a people, I don’t know what will.”
Dr Ali also underscored the scale of Guyana’s rapidly rising oil production. Output is expected to close the year at roughly 930,000 barrels of oil per day, up from 650,000 earlier this year, and projections place Guyana at a conservative 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030.
Yet he tempered this opti-
mism with a note of caution, citing forecasts of an oversupply in global energy markets between 2025 and 2030.
“This industry is price-, cost-, technology-, politically-and regulatory-sensitive,” he stressed. “Every element of risk associated with doing business is associated with this industry. It is not an easy task to manage and balance those risks.”
But infrastructure and production alone will not determine the country’s success. President Ali placed heavy emphasis on human capital, insisting that the pace of transformation requires a workforce capable of matching its momentum.
“The greatest complaint in the private sector today is on human capital management. Businesses complain of being unable to find workers,” he said, urging Guyanese workers to pursue upskilling, increased productivity, and a mindset committed to high performance.
A workforce lacking in maturity or efficiency, he warned, can erode competitiveness and weaken national progress.
President Ali added, “We must understand that our human capital has to develop at the same pace the economy demands of it.”
The President acknowledged the sense of optimism surrounding Guyana’s
extraordinary growth, but appealed for measured expectations and a long-term outlook.
President Ali said that Guyanese are living in a time described as Guyana’s golden era, a period in which the nation will be the envy of many and admired by the world.
“We cannot afford to be swept away by the tide of optimism,” he cautioned. “Our future is glorious, but we must remain disciplined, prudent and clear-eyed.”
Reiterating his administration’s priorities, President Ali said the government remains focused on converting oil revenues into durable national assets—infrastructure, human capital, energy security and a diversified economy capable of thriving long after the volatility of the market.
Fortunately, he emphasised that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has an unparalleled track record of managing national resources with strategic foresight, unmatched by any other political force in the country’s history.
“The Guyanese economy is not drifting; it is being guided, protected, and anchored by steady, competent hands. The economy is in safe hands—your hands, our hands, the nation’s hands—working together,” he declared.
--President
SINCE opening on August 11, the De Kinderen Regional Hospital in Region Three has attended to over 8,000 patients. More than 500 have passed through the radiology department, about 100 patients have been treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), and approximately 100 new births have been recorded, including 11 over the past weekend.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali made an impromptu visit to the facility on Saturday to meet with patients, their families, and hospital staff.
During his visit, the President spoke with family members of patients receiving treatment for various ailments. One family member described the hospital’s care as “excellent,” while another commended the President for his surprise visit and encouraged more such interactions.
Several others expressed satisfaction with the services, noting that the facilities were “good” and well-maintained.
Speaking with hospital staff, the President was informed that each doctor attends to about 25 patients per shift during the day and two patients per night. The radiology department performs an average of 10 CT scans daily. Prior to the hospital’s opening, patients had to travel to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for these services.
President Ali praised the hospital staff for their dedication and professionalism, noting the importance of providing quality healthcare close to home.
The $6.6 billion facility boasts a range of modern facilities designed to provide comprehensive care to patients in Region Three. The hospital has 75 inpatient
beds, each featuring air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms, ensuring comfort and privacy for patients. It is equipped with two operating theatres and a minor theatre to handle a variety of surgical procedures.
Critical care services are available around the clock, with a 24-hour accident and emergency department, as well as pharmacy and laboratory services that operate continuously to meet patient needs. The hospital’s imaging suite includes a CT scanner, digital X-ray, and ultrasound capabilities, providing essential diagnostic support for both routine and complex cases.
Specialised care units further enhance the hospital’s capacity to treat patients with varying medical requirements. These include a
delivery ward, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a High Dependency Unit (HDU), and a Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit (NICU), ensuring that patients—from newborns to critically ill adults—receive appropriate and timely care.
The hospital represents a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to building an advanced healthcare system for Guyanese citizens, bringing high-quality, accessible medical services closer to communities outside the capital.
POLICE in Regional Division 4A are investigating a serious accident that occurred around 12:30 hrs on Friday, November 29, 2025, on Lama Street, Tucville, Georgetown. The collision involved Guyana Police Force ATV CR 6202, which was being driven by a Police Sergeant attached to the Brickdam Impact Base, and motor lorry GAG 7559, driven by a Cuban national.
A video of the accident shows that the police ATV was travelling west along Lama Street while the lorry was heading in the opposite direction. From the video, the cop allegedly swerved
into the path of the lorry. The impact threw the Sergeant onto the roadway, leaving him with injuries to his body.
The injured rank was picked up in a conscious state by the driver of a white car and taken to the Guyana Fire Service Headquarters. He was later transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he remains admitted with a fractured left leg and other injuries.
Police said the driver of the lorry is currently in custody, and the vehicle has been lodged at the East La Penitence Police Station. Investigations are ongoing.
VETERAN communications specialist and respected academic, Karen Davis, has passed away, prompting an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, students, and public officials.
In a statement posted online, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, said he was deeply saddened by the news.
“It is with a heavy heart that I’m coming to grips with the news of the passing of renowned academic and veteran communication specialist, Karen Davis. Over the many years of my career, I’ve come to admire and share in the boundless joy and generosity of spirit that Karen exuded as a person, with an uncanny degree of humility and gentleness on every occasion.”
Davis, who served for decades in Guyana’s communications sector, was widely known for her commitment to strengthening standards in both media practice and communications education. She lectured at the University of Guyana, where she contributed to training dozens of the country’s young journalists and public relations professionals.
Davis also held senior roles in the state media, including editorial and managerial positions, and was often described as a mentor whose steady guidance
shaped newsroom culture and communication strategy across several institutions. Her work in academia and industry made her one of the most influential commu-
nication practitioners of her generation.
Minister McCoy noted that her professional legacy will continue to resonate throughout the sector.
“Her professional mark in both communication academia and industry practice leaves an impactful legacy that will serve as a beacon for practitioners across many generations,” he said.
“The state media has lost a friend, and the communication industry is poorer without her astute and steady hand of exceptional assuredness. I wish to express my profound condolences to the Davis family, friends, and colleagues of our beloved Karen Davis. May her soul rest in peace and rise in eternal glory.”
Davis’ contributions to national communication development, her dedication to mentorship, and her qui-
et but influential leadership have been widely acknowledged as Guyana reflects on her life and work.
Irfaan Ali’s announcement of Guyana’s national economic growth and infrastructure plan marks a significant moment for the country.
Nearly US$10 billion is set for investment in Wales and Berbice alone. With projections of 1.3 million barrels of oil production daily by 2030, the government hopes that rapid industrial growth and infrastructure improvements will help Guyana evolve from merely an oil-producing nation to a regional economic leader.
However, amid this exciting vision is a tough truth: ambition without discipline and skill is an expensive illusion. The infrastructure plan is truly impressive. The Wales Development Zone will
Dear Editor,
I WELCOME the engagement by Hemdutt Kumar on the matter of the Orange Economy (OE). Allow me to first deal with an overarching generalisation by Mr. Kumar before I proceed to the concerns about the OE.
According to Kumar, “As it [the OE] is in its conceptual stage, I think it would be prudent to add some valuable insights that would see us moving away from the current disconnected, piecemeal and the usual ad-hoc manner of implementing new policy agendas, instead pursuing such lofty goals
host gas-to-energy projects, fabrication facilities, and industrial zones. Meanwhile, Berbice will become the heart of a secondary energy network, complete with a deep-water port and extensive gas pipeline system.
The proposed bridges—the Berbice River crossing, the Corentyne River link to Suriname, and wider four-lane highways through different regions—promise to turn geography into economic opportunity.
When explained clearly, these projects hold real value, positioning Guyana as a key infrastructure hub in South America with true regional integration potential.
Yet, President Ali’s own cautious words should be taken seriously: “We cannot afford to be
swept away by the tide of optimism.” History is full of examples of resource-rich countries that wasted their wealth through poor management, corruption, or the creation of useless infrastructure that failed to deliver economic returns. The main question for Guyana is not whether its ambition matches the scale of oil revenues, but whether it can execute its plans as well as it speaks of them.
The President pointed out the biggest concern: the serious lack of skilled workers.
The private sector’s main complaint is not about inadequate infrastructure or lack of capital, but about the shortage of qualified workers. No bridge, port, or industrial area works efficiently without a workforce that has tech-
nical skills, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence.
This is not just a training issue. It is a cultural necessity that requires immediate and ongoing investment in technical education, vocational training, and merit-based growth in both public and private sectors.
Additionally, the government’s goal of turning oil wealth into useful assets—like roads, ports, energy infrastructure, and workforce development—must bring real benefits to everyday Guyanese.
Projects that mainly serve multinational companies while ignoring local communities risk creating anger instead of prosperity. The development agenda for Region Six, which includes facil-
ities for childcare and elderly care, reflects a solid understanding that inclusive growth is essential.
The five-year timeline is incredibly tight, yet the President stated clearly: “it will get done.” That confidence must be supported by open governance, solid project management, and the political will to hold contractors and officials accountable.
The change Guyana envisions is achievable and reasonable. However, this administration needs to balance optimism with realism, combine ambition with responsibility, and remember that infrastructure is meant to serve the people. Guyanese should pay close attention as the government moves from planning to action.
in a more holistic, constructive and meaningful way.”
This is an uncalled-for criticism because the record of successive PPPC administrations has proven otherwise. The PPP produced a massive, multi-volume National Development Strategy in the late 1990s. In 2009, the LCDS was fully articulated.
The latter itself was revised in the form of the LCDS 2030. There is a track record of moving from ideas to policies, and policies to outcomes.
insufficient consultation with the public. Two points are in order here.
Firstly, the Region 6 outreach was exactly what Kumar says does not exist, namely, consultation with villagers, civic groups, and issue/sector-oriented constituents. The entire PPPC cabinet, plus PPP MPs, and Presidential Advisers were engaged in the process.
Now, on the Orange Economy, Kumar worries that there might be
For instance, Minister Ramson and I had extensive consultations at Line Path, Skeldon. The same happened at Lochaber (Canje West), where Minister Waldron
and I engaged over 60 persons from that area.
Secondly, I don’t think it has yet occurred to Kumar that he is doing exactly what public participation looks like, namely, to engage the idea of the Orange Economy in the media.
White Papers are the outcomes of an iterative process. You just do not get a few experts and send them off to come back with a document devoid of debate and input from the public. The Ali administration is engaged in this process in multiple ways, the Region 6 outreach being clear evidence for
my claim.
Finally, Kumar should know that Guyana has extensive experience with idea-based value (IBV) creation. The LCDS, which is a quintessential IBV economic strategy, has earned this country close to US$ 1billion to date. The task at hand now is to build out the tangible and intangible infrastructure. This is well on the way and will be reflected in the next budget.
I HAVE no formal training in psychology. The closest I have come to understanding psychology is my reading of Sigmund Freud as part of my philosophy courses. I read Freud extensively and think, like Karl Marx, civilisation owes him an indelible debt. You cannot understand the economic distribution of a country’s wealth unless you understand its class structure. We owe that to Marx. You will only understand why people do the things they do if you understand the explanation of the mind as outlined by Freud. My profound reading of Freud provides me with a tiny bit of understanding of psychology. And I do believe the Guyanese nationality has a questionable psychic shape. What takes place in this country you simply do not find elsewhere in the nations of Planet Earth. When I see what takes place in Guyana,
I yearn for the scientific impossibility of the invention of a time machine that will take you back into the past, where the Guyanese psyche was normal and functional. Nothing in this country makes you feel that the psychology of the nation is crystallising into more modern ways of examining the conscience and soul of the human. Where are the minds of Guyanese who see an ocean of moral aberrations? And except for those in the ruling party and government who feel they have an obligation to rebut degenerate falsehoods against the government, not one independent mind sees an obligation to enlighten the young population of Guyana. Where to start is mentally taxing. I start with politics. I read a Facebook offering by PNC parliamentarian, named Dexter Todd. I have no respect (I say so unapologetically) for the political
mind of Mr. Todd based on the abominable nonsense that comes out of his mouth quite often. I have done several columns on the utter political stupidities that he mouths off. Space will not allow for a reproduction.
Todd posted that the 2025 election was peaceful but not free and fair. Todd is a politician who sits in the highest forum in Guyana – the National Assembly. Guyanese, therefore, need to show Todd that he has an obligation to his constituencies to outline the shape of the voting on election day in September 2025 and how that process was not free and fair. Not one independent mind is going to see it necessary to call out Todd.
What passes for journalism in this country is a caricature of the basic tenets of journalism. Two private newspapers have become so insanely hostile to the government that they are
drowning in anti-government hate. I walk the streets of this country, and for the past five years, I have heard people say that Kaieteur News and Stabroek News are more effective in opposing the government than the PNC.
There hasn’t been one independent mind that has offered an analysis of how and why these newspapers have become so professionally debased. I have seen no criticism of Alissa Trotz, who lives in Canada, on the shameless way in which she runs her column titled “The Diaspora.”
We have two despicably hypocritical civil society groups – the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and Transparency InstituteGuyana – whose crass double standards would have been met with critical assessments in all the other countries in the world. This explains why you often hear people exclaim, “Only in Guyana.”
These two bodies are simply incredible. They were silent on the attempted rigging of the 2020 general election because they favoured the losing incumbent. In the 2025 election, they attempted to cast aspersions on the credibility of the election by the malignant accusation that truckloads of foreign East Indians from Commonwealth countries voted.
The fact is that the people were Commonwealth citizens, and their employers transported them to vote.
GECOM is on record as saying these organisations were up to mischief, particularly the GHRA. In Guyana, outside of government circles, we see no independent mind that assesses the hypocrisy of these two entities.
Like Dexter Todd, Mrs. Amanza Walton-Desir has now gone into parliament. She speaks for the Guyanese people. Walton-Desir was a frenetic participant in the
Adrianna Younge protest. She is on record as saying that the teenager was brutally murdered. Two weeks ago was the birthday of Ms. Younge. It was an opportunity for Mrs. Walton-Desir to inform the nation about the brutal murder, but no one asked her to describe what she thought happened to Ms. Younge. No one in Guyana has publicly asked Mrs. Walton-Desir to comment on the acerbic accusation by her colleague, Dorwain Bess that she reneged on a fundamental principle that underpins life itself. Guyanese remain silent on these social anomalies, and in so doing, they are miseducating the next generation.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Dear Editor,
THE year 2025 was truly the year of peace, culminating in a tremendous success for the National and Regional Elections. For the first time in Guyana’s history, the political campaigns and post-election activities were smooth and entirely devoid of outlandish threats and violence. Across the country, Election Day was marked by peaceful and quiet proceedings.
Significantly, Guyanese learned the results within twenty-four hours after polls closed, and the nation accepted the landslide victory of the PPP/C.
The preparation for the elections was extensive, guided by the necessary legal adjustments in the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA). The amendments to ROPA were passed
by the National Assembly on June 2, 2025, specifically to strengthen the electoral system and prevent attempts to derail the election process.
The reforms, tested for the first time in the 2025 elections, included new transparency measures such as real-time online publication of the Statements of Poll (SoPs) on receipt by designated returning officers.
The implementation of these changes by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and their overall legally-based conduct of the Elections is deserving of rich commendations. It is noteworthy that GECOM has been praised for delivering what the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) describes as one of the ‘most transparent, credible, and professionally
managed elections in Guyana’s modern history.
It is also significant that in preparation for the 2025 National and Regional Elections, UNDP offered valuable human resources, professionals came into Guyana and worked thoroughly to prepare for the holding of free and fair elections.
The PPP/C Government, with a sincere concern for highly credible Elections, also provided all the necessary support for UNDP Experts and technical staff to work along with the GECOM secretariat in preparation for the 2025 Elections.
With the technical assistance from UNDP and funding support from the United Kingdom, GECOM was able to implement a series of reforms and develop a powerful system for a successful, orderly, and
peaceful election.
The UNDP’s involvement in Guyana is part of its global expertise in supporting numerous countries around the world.
Significantly, UNDP technical staff was able to guide, develop and prepare a full-proof communication system resulting in an effective and clear communications strategy; a branding manual along with the Crisis Communication Protocol, to ensure clearer, timelier and more consistent public information dissemination.
For the 2025 elections, a media code of conduct and a media policy were also introduced to guide responsible coverage of the electoral process.
Highly successful was the training of more than 100 journalists on electoral law, procedures, and ethical reporting to strengthen ac-
curacy and fairness in media coverage.
Additionally, civic and effective voter education campaigns were rolled out across the country.
The voters’ education took into consideration our demographic and Geographic diversity, including youths, women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The PPP/C, as the incumbent, was very open and proud of its achievements.
The explanation and talk of achievements and promises were open to verified information.
GECOM was able to train and prepare 13, 925 polling officials while the preparation of 2, 790 polling stations was securely procured, verified, and distributed under strict oversight by polling party agents. Election Day activities
went smoothly because of GECOM’s thorough preparation.
Further, the local and international observers were very visible.
The polling agents must also be complemented. Mere words are not enough to praise all the highly responsible Guyanese who participated directly and indirectly in making sure that the “accurate Statements of Poll” were available in the most transparent way.
Today, as Guyanese prepare to celebrate a joyous Christmas, the nation welcomes PEACE! President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and the winning PPP/C must continue to make our Country the pride of the Caribbean.
Sincerely, Neil Kumar
OVER the last 40 years, there has been much talk about restoring Georgetown to its former glory. Some bold plans and visions were placed in the public domain for consumption about the benefits that residents of the city, and by extension Guyana, would accrue.
Then, the local powers that be enlisted the support of the citizens and the private sector to make the restoration efforts possible. The monuments, sites, historical places and buildings, flora and fauna would come alive again once Georgetown was restored. Somewhere along the line, the restoration efforts became lazy and were crawling on their knees. Nobody wanted to be seen as associated with them because by 1996, there was a shift in culture and focus of the management of the George-
town City Council, headed by former prime minister Hamilton Green. Green would dominate the council, turning its focus to national politics. Municipal politics took a back seat to the selfish, self-centred, partisan and wicked ways of local politicians, which created an even bigger and longer-lasting crisis for Georgetown. They were not concerned about the residents’ needs in the Green era. City Hall was then seen as a fortress for the People’s National Congress, Green and racist politics. After all, the residents were treated as collateral damage. Businesses were forced to suffer with garbage not collected for weeks and months. Both commercial and residential residents were burdened by steep taxes imposed by the successive local municipalities in George -
town.
Then, the public was told Georgetown needed a bailout of millions of dollars from the central government. It continued facing severe shortages, strikes, work stoppages, a lack of new technical and professional human resources, drainage issues, and mismanagement.
PNC and Green made a mess of City Hall, effectively locking the PPP out and keeping the residents in mental bondage so that they could vote for them. They were hell-bent on changing the narrative from 2011 to 2018. They were alleging that the PPP was to be blamed for starving the city of resources. They were using the poor and unfortunate vendors to fight their battles, throwing in the political shots and hiding behind their backs. The vendors are not without blame, as many of them saw
the destruction caused by the parking meter scandal and the Durban Park saga over the years, but still rallied to the call of PNC.
Many of them played wrong and strong, insisting they were squatting to make ends meet. They were the new line of defence of the political bigwigs in the PNC. And then Georgetown Mayors Chase-Green and Ubraj Narine encouraged the squatting, which spread like wildfire over the years.
Now, Mayor Alfred Mentore had inherited the same old crookish ways of operating. He did absolutely nothing to deal with squatting in the capital over the years.
He sat with the new Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, and other local officials, lauded the plans discussed at the Housing Ministry with a smile on his face, but backstabbed the entire process, showing discomfort and shock at the ministry’s attempt to turn a new leaf with Georgetown.
This is worrying not only for the trust and future negotiations on the restoration of Georgetown, but also considering the crass nature of politics.
Firstly, restore Georgetown and do it fast. Do it alone, if needs be. The city is a mess. Its drainage and sewage apparatus are in a deplorable state and crying out for urgent attention. Similarly, the weeds, overgrown grass, and other debris must be addressed.
The physical aspects of the city which the Georgetown Restoration Plan will change are indeed bold and visionary.
They require focus and renewed energy. The city’s restoration is not an event. It is a process. The central government can ill-afford to make a U-turn on its bold promise to revitalise and remodel Georgetown.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development must stick to its plan and go ahead, firing on all cylinders. It will get all of the Georgetown Residents who are non-political, rational and objective on board with its hallmark and revolutionary programme.
Secondly, the city’s management must stop playing both sides of the field.
Mayor Mentore disappointed the government when he walked back on his stance that Georgetown needs this change. He and other councillors were present when the first segment of the plan was discussed.
Maybe the old, wicked ‘green’ spirit that haunts the city council has awoken and decided to clog Mentore’s consciousness, removing objectivity and the bigger picture from his sight.
Shamefully, Mayor Mentore allowed himself to be concerned by the cries of a small group of confused vendors. The old PNC ways started to kick in. He caved and started as if he were campaigning. Soon, whispers engulfed the Stabroek Market Square, the town. The whispers spoke of betrayal and political treachery. They alleged the vendors were victims of some ‘plot’. It is a lie. It is misinformation and disinformation. The political opposition, the PNC and WIN, is in the business of practising opportunistic politics. They are fearmongering and getting the vendors worked past exhaustion. These are the desperate politics of desperate men and women who do not have any real issues to complain about.
The PPP/C government will not displace a single person. Not a single person will be forced to beg bread. The government has plans to develop, restore and remodel Stabroek Square and many other areas in Georgetown. If there are plans to move the vendors squatting illegally on private property, the government will consult and will find an alternative location where vendors can ply their trade.
Mentore, the PNC and the WIN party must be condemned. They are damaged spikes in the wheel of Georgetown’s development and forward movement. Thirdly, the government must realise the need to recruit a PR for the restoration initiative who will interface with the public on matters such as these.
Minister Manickchand and her ministerial colleagues cannot be reasonably expected to do it alone. They need urgent help in framing the narrative and setting the tone, or else this project could
succumb to harsh public criticisms from political leeches and desperate political elements like WIN.
Thirdly, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision of a restored Georgetown will only be realised if the plan is allowed to work. So, it requires a culture shift and change. Citizens must feel pride and responsibility for their environment. They must practise cleanliness and end the lawlessness of dumping garbage.
The old buildings, open spaces, parks, monuments, and architecture of Georgetown need a modern touch if we are to restore Georgetown. Therefore, citizens must adopt a behavioural change to improve the area. And the change starts with every Guyanese household and community.
Finally, for far too long, the residents and businesses in Georgetown have had to suffer. They are tired of bearing the consequences of poor management, lack of vision, and oversight at the Georgetown City Council level.
Essential services are under attack, and workers are facing discomfort. It’s time for Georgetown to undergo surgery to correct its faults if it is willing to breathe and look good ahead. Break the cycle of desperate politics at the city council so that Georgetown could break free and be completely restored to its former glory.
The president has outlined his broad and overreaching vision. Now, Georgetown has some of the most talented professionals, engineers and labourers that can help make this dream of a restored city a reality. Will you be on the side batting for change and a reformed, modernised, and responsible culture that sees all residents enjoying a restored Georgetown?
Or, will you be an opposition obstruction to change and progress, like the WIN and PNC, and live life in a cesspool of dirt, flirt, and deplorable conditions? Decisions, decisions….
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
AZRUDDIN Mohamed
and his supporters continue to demand that Speaker Manzoor Nadir convene a special sitting of the National Assembly so he can be sworn in as Leader of the Opposition. It is a curious demand, one that seems less about leadership and more about optics, less about public service and more about self-image.
In the past week alone, Azruddin and his motley crew, whom he may have paid handsomely for an hour or so of placarding, staged two protests. On Friday, he boldly claimed that the Speaker is in cahoots with the government to deny him the title of Leader of the Opposition.
Interestingly, they staged their protest, not outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, where it might get less media exposure. Instead, they assembled in front of the now-empty Parliament Building and steps from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where only a few weeks ago he entered in cuffs, the first legal platform in his extradition proceedings.
The title of Opposition Leader, after all, will not save him from extradition to the United States, though he surely knows that. What it will do, unfortunately, is leave a smudge on Guyana’s hard-earned reputation, something he has not contributed an ounce of gold towards. You don’t have to like the current administration to recognise that Guyana’s standing at the diplomatic level and among the respected chambers of commerce internationally is purely a result of their hard work.
What is Azruddin chasing? The answer is simple: A headline. If he goes down, he is determined to take the reputation of our country with him. He and his sup -
porters prefer a headline that reads “Leader of the Opposition in Guyana’s National Assembly extradited” rather than “Azruddin Mohamed, gold-smuggling business tycoon, extradited.” The first drags the country’s institutions into the dock; the second keeps the shame where it belongs - on the individual, not the Republic.
One does not have to be uncharitable to see Azruddin’s devious calculations. Political recognition, especially a constitutional title, changes the narrative. Once he becomes the Opposition Leader, any move against him will be framed not as a matter of justice but as a national insult. The lines shift from “Is this businessman answerable?” to “Is Guyana being disrespected?” That is a very convenient shield for someone facing 11 serious charges that include gold smuggling, wire and mail fraud, and money laundering.
For Azruddin’s true believers, he is a victim who needs the armour of high office to protect him from foreign overreach. The title is reputational detergent. Once he is branded as the official alternative to the government, extradition appears to be an attack on democracy itself. The goal is not to clear his name in court, but to make any attempt at accountability politically radioactive.
But Guyanese should ask a different question: why should the office of Leader of the Opposition be turned into a human shield? That office is meant to check executive power, scrutinise spending, and represent those who do not support the government. It is not supposed to double as a public relations strategy for a sanctioned and indicted businessman. To pretend otherwise is to admit that our most important insti-
tutions have become tools in individual legal battles.
The international optics are not a minor side issue. Guyana is under greater scrutiny than ever due to its oil and gas industry, governance issues, and its role in regional security.
Imagine the signal it sends if the world’s databases, news archives, and diplomatic cables have to record that the official Opposition Leader of this country was extradited. That is not just a line in one man’s biography; it becomes a stain on the political judgment of an entire nation.
By contrast, if the headline reads “Azruddin Mohamed, business tycoon, extradited,” the damage is largely personal. The state may still face questions, but the core story is about an individual’s criminal behaviour and the outcome of a legal process. Guyana does not need to volunteer its constitutional offices as co-defendants in that narrative.
None of this is an argument against due process. Azruddin, like any other citizen, is entitled to the presumption of innocence and to defend himself vigorously. But the presumption of innocence does not obligate Parliament to bestow titles as a kind of moral insurance policy. The bar for occupying high constitutional office should rise when serious questions exist, not be lowered to accommodate them.
This is why the current agitation is so troubling. It suggests that for a certain class of powerful men, the answer to legal risk is not transparency and accountability but a bigger title and a louder crowd. If that script is allowed to succeed, Guyana will have announced to the world that the fastest way to bend the law is to get elected.
The people of Guyana must decide which headline they want to live with. Will future generations read about a country that used its institutions to shield one man’s reputation, or a Republic that
insisted that political office is not a refuge from serious allegations? The placards may fade, but the headline will not.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions ex -
pressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
GUYANA is now producing around 900,000 barrels of oil per day. What is meaningful about this development lies in how rising production impacts revenues for the state and the government’s ability to improve people’s lives through its expanding public investment program.
The step-up has direct implications for public finances. The government has projected that oil sales and royalties would deliver about US$2.5 billion in 2025.
With Yellowtail entering its first full year of production in 2026, annual inflows are expected to rise above US$3 billion, even
with global crude prices somewhat dampened by oversupply.
Higher volumes give the state a more predictable revenue stream, allowing for robust medium-term budgeting, as it has since oil production began.
The administration is currently preparing its 2026 national budget, and the size of the spending program will reflect the impact of this year’s additional revenue. Guyana will see consecutive increases in the funds available for public investment as production climbs. This fiscal space is already shaping the country’s development. Major infrastructure projects have accel-
erated, supported by an increase in government spending and spillover economic activity linked to the petroleum sector.
This transformation is visible through the construction of new hospitals, schools, roads, and bridges across the country.
Both private and public investments have risen to meet the demands of a quickly growing economy.
The construction boom, driven in part by confidence in long-term oil-driven economic growth, continues to reshape the face of the country.
Oil revenues have also cata -
lysed growth beyond the petroleum industry, with expansion observed, and expected to continue in sectors like services, logistics, agriculture and manufacturing.
The government has also been investing and stimulating investment in diversification, targeting agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and renewable energy as sectors capable of generating broad-based development.
While oil remains the main growth engine, these sectors benefit from its spillover effects.
Guyana’s growing global profile is another outcome of its rising production. International com -
panies have been drawn to the country, and interest in its crude continues to grow.
Europe has been the largest buyer of Guyanese oil for years, making the country an important supplier. Guyana’s new production milestone is important for supplying crude oil to the world, but also for the way it gives a small economy the means to remake itself.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
AS the country’s offshore oil boom continues to reshape Guyana’s economic landscape, President Dr. Irfaan Ali used Friday’s address at the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber Annual Awards Dinner to highlight a transformed private sector.
He described it as “innovative, driven, result-focused and highly motivated.”
“I read a headline where the banking sector is becoming very aggressive — one bank challenging persons to move over with them for lower interest on loans, reduced collateral and expedited processing,” he said, applauding the changing mindset and energy among local businesses.
That “one bank” appears to reference Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), which in recent months has launched several new programmes and service enhancements.
Last week, Demerara Bank Limited, Guyana’s only 100 per cent locally owned commercial bank, announced the launch of its “Switch Your Mortgage” promotion, allowing customers to transfer their mortgage from any financial institution at no cost.
According to DBL, the bank will cover all legal fees, court filing fees, and processing costs in full.
More recently, commercial banks in Guyana have expanded their digital offerings, allowing customers to open accounts online. Cus-
tomers can also apply for housing, vehicle, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and overdraft loans, as well as Visa credit cards, all through their e-banking platforms. Speaking on Friday, President Ali welcomed this shift. He commended the private sector for evolving “from a mood of complaining to a private sector that is innovative, driven, result-focused and highly motivated.” He attributed this transformation to a new generation of entrepreneurs and a clearer national vision — “and that is the most important aspect for development.”
Dr. Ali noted: “This is because of the infusion of wider membership, younger membership, and the infu-
sion of clarity and vision of where the country is going…”
President Ali has issued challenges to commercial banks to accelerate innovation and drive digital transformation, encouraging them to support Guyana’s economic growth by becoming more proactive in capital formation and moving beyond traditional roles.
The government is gearing up to transform Guyana’s banking sector with the launch of the Guyana Development Bank, which will provide collateral-free loans up to a set limit at a 0 per cent interest rate, aiming to expand access to credit, support businesses, and drive economic growth.
THE Ministry of Education has set the record straight following claims circulating on social media suggesting that teachers’ access to internet services in schools is being restricted. In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry clarified that no policy, directive, or guideline has ever been issued to limit internet access, and no such restrictions have been implemented or authorised. The ministry emphasised that the claims circulating online were misleading and unfounded.
It was noted that internet access in schools is designed to support teaching, learning, research, and school operations. In line with global best practices, security filtering and monitoring are applied to ensure safe and appropriate use of the network, particularly in classrooms and learning spaces with minors.
According to the ministry, teachers are not
restricted from accessing legitimate educational platforms, and any occasional technical issues with devices, such as tablets or laptops, are likely localised problems that should be reported through ICT support channels rather than being seen as an issue of national policy.
According to the ministry, the government is undertaking multi-million-dollar investments to expand ICT access in schools across the country. These initiatives are designed to benefit both teachers and students, ensuring that all members of the education system have access to reliable internet connectivity and modern digital tools. Over the past five years, the ministry’s ICT budget has increased significantly, reflecting a clear policy direction to modernise education delivery and provide equitable access to technology across Guyana’s schools.
According to the ministry, a number
of key initiatives are already underway or have been implemented. These include the construction and upgrading of computer laboratories in primary and secondary schools, the expansion of ICT resources for online, blended, and remote learning, and the largescale procurement of computing devices, servers, and network equipment.
Additionally, the education ministry has been rolling out the installation of wholeschool networks, which provide wired and wireless connectivity throughout school campuses, and deploying interactive smart boards and digital teaching tools nationwide.
The ministry noted that these measures are guided by the ICT in Education Policy and Master Plan, a comprehensive framework that establishes ICT integration as a central pillar in transforming Guyana’s education system. The policy aims to prepare students with the digital skills required for the 21st century, while also supporting teachers with the resources they need to deliver high-quality, technology-enhanced education.
The ministry, in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), has successfully delivered internet connectivity to 1,033 schools nationwide, including 385 nursery schools, 489 primary schools, and all secondary schools across Guyana.
Over the last two years alone, 365 hinterland and remote schools have been connected to high-speed internet, while 134 schools have transitioned from LTE services to fibre-optic connectivity. These upgrades have significantly improved the reliability, speed, and bandwidth available for both teaching and administrative purposes, allowing schools to better integrate digital tools into everyday learning.
A major ongoing programme is the Whole-School Network Initiative, which aims to provide comprehensive internet coverage across entire school campuses. In 2025, the initiative targets 118 nursery schools, 143 primary schools, and 85 secondary schools, with installations either already in progress
or scheduled to commence. The ministry stated that this initiative will continue until every school in Guyana is fully equipped with both wired and wireless networks, providing a robust infrastructure capable of supporting modern educational technologies.
These networks serve as the backbone for a variety of technology-driven solutions, including school administrative systems (EMIS), classroom technology integration, digital libraries, interactive learning spaces, the Connecting Classrooms platform, digital literacy development, teacher training, and access for GOAL learners and other online students. The ministry emphasised that the expansion of these networks is part of a broader effort to ensure that every student and teacher has access to high-quality digital resources, regardless of location.
As part of the national CSEC Mathematics Intervention Programme, the ministry has equipped 18 hinterland secondary schools with interactive smart boards and high-speed internet. This enables expert Mathematics teachers to deliver lessons to students in remote locations via Microsoft Teams, ensuring equitable access to quality instruction regardless of geographic location.
The ministry said this programme demonstrates its commitment to bridging digital divides and ensuring that students in all regions have access to modern learning resources.
THE National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) continues to lead Guyana’s national response to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with renewed focus on awareness, prevention, treatment, and support services.
As Guyana observes World AIDS Day 2025 under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” the Ministry of Health, through NAPS, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening public education and expanding access to services.
Activities already underway include last Friday’s National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy Conference, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, and today’s World AIDS Day walk.
According to NAPS, these efforts form part of its broader mandate to increase sensitisation, promote safer sexual practices, and advance the national goal of ending HIV by 2030. In alignment with the international theme,
the organisation has adopted its own localised message for 2025: “Communities Leading Equity in Action.”
Dr. Keisha Chin, National STI Programme Coordinator, said NAPS has intensified its work this year by expanding and optimising its combination prevention services. This approach includes widening access to HIV and STI testing and increasing the number of sites offering these services across the country.
“When persons visit any of the testing sites, they can be screened for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and at some locations, rapid swab tests for gonorrhoea and chlamydia are also available,” Dr. Chin explained. She noted that NAPS aims to make its services as comprehensive as possible to ensure early detection and treatment.
NAPS has also extended its outreach to communities identified as hotspots, areas where services can be improved, or locations where there is a general need for greater public health support. The organisation continues to expand its care, treatment,
and support network across both public and private facilities, with further growth planned at newly commissioned hospitals. Field teams are deployed regularly to ensure that prevention products remain accessible in high-risk areas. This includes condoms, lubricants, and NAPS’ branded “prep for sex” or “lash bags,” which contain prevention commodities along with the organisation’s HIV self-testing kits.
In addition to community outreach and testing, NAPS provides Continuing Medical Education Sessions (CMEs) for healthcare workers, social workers, and allied health personnel. These sessions cover updated treatment guidelines, current STI trends in Guyana, and information on where services are available.
“Our goal is to bring healthcare standards in Guyana in line with international best practices,” Dr. Chin said. “We want to ensure that in any public facility, citizens can access reliable testing, care, treatment, and support services.”
A NEW $30 million water system was commissioned in the remote community of Silver Hill on Friday, marking the end of strenuous walks to the creek for approximately 90 per cent of its residents.
The upgrade introduces potable water access directly to homes, fulfilling what many describe as a long-awaited “dream come true.” The scope of the works included three major components: the drilling of a new water well, the installation of a sustainable photovoltaic pumping system, and the laying of approximately 3km of distribution network.
The successful implementation means the vast majority of Silver Hill residents now have water access close to their homes, eliminating the tiring daily chore of accessing water from the creek.
Raffina Lund, a lifelong resident of Silver Hill, expressed profound gratitude during the commissioning ceremony.
“I was born and grew up at Silver Hill. And I’ve been a resident for actually my entire life,” she said. “Growing up and living without water close
to the home, it was a struggle. With this well, I just want to say thank you. Thank you so much. This is like actually a dream come true.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Raymond Baldwin, who expressed not only relief at the intervention but also pride in his crucial role in bringing it to fruition. Baldwin was one of the residents actively involved in laying the distribution network, taking great pride in shaping a new future for his community.
“For years we have been using creek water for everything. Since the beginning of this project, I have helped with the laying of pipes and it has been very beneficial for me and the community, because now everybody is getting potable water, and it even helps in the little kitchen gardens we have in the yard,” he shared.
He also commended the government’s grassroots approach to leadership which sees essential services and direct contact with residents in previously overlooked communities.
“I think it is a good step that the government has taken for small communities along
The National AIDS Programme Secretariat conducted a World AIDS Day
session at the Cyril Potter College of Education recently
the highway. We look forward to taking care of this well as the years go by,” Baldwin affirmed. Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, who commissioned the system, noted that the water being produced from the well is low in iron content, which means it is safe for consumption.
He said that the government, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has drilled about 131 similar wells in remote and hinterland communities over the last five years, underscoring a commitment to expanding potable water access across the country.
“We have to modernise, we have to move away from [relying on water from creeks and rivers]. So through [GWI] we are divulging those resources to ensure that we have universal access to water that is clean, and usable for cooking,”
While 90 per cent of households gained direct home access, the remaining 10 per cent of Silver Hill can access potable water via the standpipes located at strategic points of the community. (DPI)
IN a unified call for sustainable energy practices, participants flooded the streets at dawn as CARICOM successfully hosted its annual Regional Kilo Walk, promoting renewable energy awareness, healthy lifestyles, and climate-smart living across the Caribbean.
The event on Saturday drew government officials, youth leaders, NGOs, private sector groups and community advocates who made their energising trek along the Railway Embankment road, stepping in visible solidarity.
The 2025 theme, “Invest, Innovate, Sustain: Leading
the Charge in Renewable Energy Frontiers”, underscores the shared responsibility of regional leaders and citizens in transforming the Caribbean Community’s energy systems. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d.) Mark Phillips, attended the event, highlighting the benefits of renewable energy in the region. He emphasised the importance of a unified effort in encouraging behavioural change that promotes sustainable development.
‘Today our walk had a powerful two-fold purpose, we walked to strengthen our physical and mental health, and we walked to inspire the kind of behavioural change that supports our region’s transition to a prosperous, sustainable low-carbon energy future,” he said.
He also mentioned the impact of continued collaboration between all sectors
in spreading awareness on eco-conscious developments in the region.
“Addressing this challenge requires participation of all sectors of society, the government, the private sector, communities and individuals. Therefore, we must continue to lead in advocacy, innovation and resilience,” the prime minister emphasised.
The event was facilitated by the CARICOM secretariat in collaboration with the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy Efficiency (CCREE) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).
As energy month concludes, the government remains committed to supporting ongoing regional initiatives aiming to transform the energy landscape and secure a cleaner, greener Caribbean Community.
(DPI)
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, delivered the keynote address at the opening of the Rupununi Expo on Friday evening, where she joined Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Consular General to Brazil Rodger King, Deputy Mayor of Lethem Indira Singh, and other officials.
In the ministry’s press release, Rodrigues noted that expos held across the country this year have played an important role in promoting business engagement and showcasing Guyana’s expanding economic potential.
She said the Rupununi Expo, in particular, offers a unique opportunity for exhibitors to forge new partnerships, explore emerging markets, and highlight the region’s capabilities.
Rodrigues reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Region Nine develops at a pace consistent with other regions. She pointed to the Linden–Lethem Road and the Kurupukari Bridge—two major infrastructure projects currently underway—as transformative investments that will significantly improve travel, strengthen supply chains, and facilitate the movement
of fresh produce, livestock, and value-added products. The ministry noted that once completed, the Linden–Lethem corridor is expected to evolve into a major economic zone. The press release also announced that, for the first time, the ministry has secured a seat on the planning committee for the Rupununi Rodeo.
Plans are in progress to enhance the annual event, and the ministry is encouraging businesses to expand accommodation to meet increasing demand during the rodeo season.
According to the release, Region Nine is positioned for substantial economic growth, with new opportunities expected to emerge as infrastructure and investment continue to advance.
RESIDENTS of Great Falls, Region 10, now have improved access to potable water following the commissioning of an upgraded water supply system.
According to a press release issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, the development will directly benefit approximately 250 residents, marking a major improvement in the delivery of essential services in the hinterland.
The upgraded system was commissioned on Friday by Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, during a modest ceremony attended by local and regional officials. The ministry noted that the improvements
now provide 95 per cent of the community with water directly to their taps, while the remaining five per cent continue to access water via standpipes at the village river banks.
The $15 million project included the development of the existing water well, the installation of a new photovoltaic pumping system, and the rehabilitation of both the well and trestle site. The upgrades ensure that residents now receive water directly to their homes, providing particular relief to staff and patrons at the village primary school and health centre, who previously had limited access to clean water.
Village Toshao, Sydney Allicock, highlighted the project’s importance, noting that residents previously relied on river water that had become heavily polluted due to ongoing mining activities. He stressed that the new system eliminates health risks and prevents potential
outbreaks of waterborne illnesses. “We are thankful to the government because they have provided this well. If we did not have this well, we would’ve had outbreaks of many sicknesses and diseases in this area,” he said.
Minister Indar emphasised that the provision of safe drinking water is a key part of the government’s vision to close the gap between coastal and hinterland communities and achieve 100 per cent access to potable water nationwide.
“This is about making sure that we deliver to people in the hinterland community, access to water that they can use to cook and drink,” he said. The minister further highlighted that this initiative reflects the PPP/C’s hands-on governance approach, led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, which prioritises tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, particularly those in remote areas.
“The heart of the Presi-
dent is with the poor people. He’s always meeting people, trying to find ways and means for his government to help people and to bring government services to people,” Minister Indar added. The upgraded system, with its photovoltaic pumping technology, ensures a reliable and energy-efficient water supply capable of meeting the village’s current and future needs. By providing water directly to homes, schools, and the health centre, the system reduces the need to collect water from the river, improving daily life, supporting health, and enabling residents to focus on education and livelihoods.
Moreover, Minister Indar emphasised that this project reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to hinterland development, demonstrating a clear focus on improving access to basic services and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
MITHAI, Sal Sev and Fudge are beloved Guyanese staples — nostalgic snacks many of us first enjoyed during our school days and still reach for today, whether homemade or neatly packaged on supermarket shelves.
It is this enduring love for traditional treats that inspired Maliyah’s Kitchen, a Guyanese business located on Pike Street in Georgetown. Born during the stillness of the COVID-19 pandemic, the venture began when founders Mark and Alyssa Singh turned their passion for authentic local snacks into a new income stream, ultimately transforming it into a thriving enterprise.
Now, the business is successfully certified under the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Made in Guyana Certification Mark programme and the GYS 901 Certification programme.
Mr. Singh recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of businesses, public transportation and more, the idea was born.
“Most of the time was spent at home during the pandemic and we would watch movies and eat. While purchasing items like mithai, Sal Sev, and fudge, we started paying attention to how other agro-processors and businesses packaged their products. We then said to ourselves, ‘Why don’t we try making and enhancing these products to make them more attractive and into a business?”
They then decided to start producing Mithai, Milk
Powder Fudge, and Sal Sev, aiming to make their snacks stand out from others on the market. But transforming a cherished passion into a credible business was no easy feat, he emphasised, highlighting that the learning curve was both steep and rewarding.
As the entrepreneurs work to scale up production without compromising flavour, securing funds from banks and other financial institutions, accessing markets, and understanding food safety regulations were among their biggest challenges.
However, with constant work, he said, “what inspired us to start this venture is to have proper, local, authentic and traditional snacks well-packaged in the supermarkets and shops.”
Determined to preserve authenticity, they adhered to traditional recipes while incorporating modern production techniques to ensure
take another significant step, pursuing certification under the GNBS 901 programme. To her, this programme represented more than compliance; it was a strategic investment in the company’s internal foundation.
their snacks remain authentic and meet market demands.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) played a pivotal role in their journey. As the family worked to transition from homemade lunches and snacks for parties and other customers to supermarket shelves, they learnt about the GNBS and its Made in Guyana Standards Mark at a GuyExpo event.
Mr. Singh said after learning about the programme and understanding the benefits it could bring to their products, the decision to pursue it came naturally.
Following a rigorous process, the business received its certification on April 22, 2024.
“When people, both locally and regionally, hear that you are vetted by the GNBS, they know you have gone through a rigorous process. We always wanted to stand out from everyone else,” the businessman said.
The Made in Guyana standards mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products. It focuses on enhancing the national competitiveness of authentic Guyanese products certified under the programme, while also building and promoting brand recognition for those products.
Achieving the Made in Guyana Standards Mark boosted the business’s visibility, strengthened consumer confidence, and opened new business opportunities. “It gives you more visibility. It gives more assurance to the consumers and retailers that this is a good product...We feel privileged to know that we have been recognised at that level. We are very proud,” Singh explained.
As the business continued to evolve, Alyssa decided to
This programme is based on the National Standard “GYS 901 – Quality Management System for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).” It outlines a quality management system tailored to MSMEs, incorporates essential occupational safety and health requirements, and serves as a stepping stone to ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Achieving this certification, she said, is a milestone TURN TO PAGE 20
THE Human Resource Management Association of Guyana (HRMAG) was officially launched on Saturday at Fresh Café on Carmichael Street, Georgetown. The newly established organisation aims to elevate the role of human resource professionals and, by extension, improve organisational performance across the country.
HRMAG is led by its
Founder and President, Loyette Williams Morris, who outlined the association’s mission to “build people, build Guyana,” and to ensure that young professionals view HR not merely as a job, but as a meaningful and impactful career.
The launch featured a panel discussion with Williams Morris; attorney-at-law Lemar Williams; and Anita Ramprasad, Founder and
CEO of Prestige Management Consultants and Catalyst Coaching. The panel explored the evolving landscape of human resource management and the importance of strengthening HR capacity as Guyana continues to experience rapid economic and workforce growth.
In her feature remarks, Williams Morris, who currently resides in Jamaica, said her travels across the Carib-
bean inspired the formation of a local HR association, noting that each country she
visited had an established body dedicated to advancing the profession. She stressed that companies depend heavily on HR professionals for guidance and organisational stability. “We deserve a seat at the table because we have so much to give, and this is where it starts. We’re going to elevate each other,” she said.
Williams Morris emphasised that the association intends to collaborate widely within the HR community, rather than create competition. She noted that as Guyana’s labour market evolves, the country must be prepared to welcome professionals into a structured and well-developed HR environment.
“This is why we are starting here and building it up,” she said. “I hope that as this community continues to grow, we’ll see even greater development in the years ahead. I expect that
two years from now, we will have a new president, a new body, and an even stronger foundation.” HRMAG is a non-profit organisation focused on advancing HR practice in Guyana by connecting HR practitioners, business leaders, and students. Its aims include strengthening professional networks, supporting organisational development, and influencing the broader world of work through mentorship, training, advocacy, and community initiatives.
Membership is open to HR professionals across all sectors, business leaders and employers, students pursuing HR or related studies, and practitioners in industrial relations and organisational development.
For more information, the public can visit HRMAG’s Facebook page or contact the association at 592-752-2979 or Hrmag25@gmail.com.
a taste of tradition...
that reflects the brand’s maturity and direction. “I think it is a very positive development for us and MSMEs. It is a proud moment. It is a great accomplishment. I feel honoured to have it.
I will adhere to the rules you have to follow to keep the standards. It is something I want to do because it helps to make my business better and manage paperwork...”
Alyssa said.
The business received its certification on November 26 at the GNBS’ National Quality Awards (NQA) ceremony. The certificate was handed over by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, to Alyssa and Mark Singh.
Having worked with the Bureau on two certification programmes, she noted that the agency’s staff were very encouraging. “You guys helped us 100 per cent. Whenever we needed help, we could have called anytime and were provided with assistance. The team guided us every step of the way,” she shared.
For other small businesses considering certification with the GNBS, she offers simple yet powerful advice: “start early, stay committed, and don’t shy away from the process.”
Looking ahead, Maliyah’s Kitchen GY has no intention of slowing down. Plans include expanding the product line, increasing production capacity, building a more substantial online presence, and entering regional markets, while continuing to serve authentic Guyanese flavours and uphold the highest standards of excellence.
Businesses thinking about applying for the Made in Guyana Standards Mark or any other GNBS Certification can contact the GNBS’s Certification Services Department. The application forms, along with detailed requirements, can be found on the GNBS website https://gnbsgy.org/ certification/ (GNBS stakeholder feature)
By Shaniya Harding
THE Guyana National Museum came alive with the sounds of drums, flutes, and dancers as Masquerade made its official national comeback, one that Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, says is welcomed, needed, and will receive the support of his ministry.
Speaking at the launch of Guyana’s first-ever Masquerade Day, an event which signalled a renewed push to preserve Guyana’s oldest festive performance tradition, Minister Jacobs said traditional art forms such as Masquerade remain central to Guyana’s cultural identity and economic future, pledging talks, training, and support to make it a bold, vibrant addition to Guyana’s orange economy.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Jacobs began by acknowledging the requests made by the Chairman of the Masquerade Association of Guyana, Jocelyne Josiah, pledging support for the association and its efforts to revitalise the art form. Noting that work was already underway to support the creative sector, Minister Jacobs reminded attendees of the President’s recent announcement on expanding the Orange Economy and explained that creative industries are “so uniquely placed” in Guyana because they are anchored in diverse cultural roots.
To move this plan forward, the minister announced that in early January, the ministry will host a major national stakeholder meeting.
“Very early in January, you will see a major stakeholder engagement where we will speak to everyone in the creative industry. And you would also be a part of that, on how we can take Masquerade, but not just Masquerade, the Irish culture and the entire creative industry forward.”
He added, “We are going to continue to diversify this economy, and Masquerade has a significant and important role to play in that diversification,” Minister Jacobs stated. This engagement, he noted, will be part of Guyana’s wider effort to tap into what he described as
a trillion-dollar global sector.
Minister Jacobs also used the occasion to reflect on the cultural meaning of Masquerade, describing it as one of the oldest and most exciting traditions in our cultural tapestry. He reminded the audience of its blend of African, European, and Indigenous influences, noting that researchers consistently point to Masquerade’s uniqueness.
“Creating a style that exists nowhere else in the world,” he said, referencing familiar characters such as the banjo player, the mad cow, Mother Sally, and the horsehead dancer - figures that, for many Guyanese, define Christmas.
He said Masquerade remains inseparable from the festive season. “Let’s be honest, there’s no Guyanese Christmas without a Masquerade,” he told the crowd, adding, “Before you even see the dancers, the rhythm tells you exactly what’s coming.” He encouraged citizens to embrace performers on the streets this holiday season, saying such support keeps the tradition alive, adding, “Turning every street corner into a stage and every gathering into a celebration. Today we honour the legacy by giving Masquerade the national recognition it deserves. As the Minister within the Ministry of Culture and Sport, I want to reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to developing and expanding this art.”
The minister also called on young people to take greater ownership of their cultural heritage.
“While this is one step in preserving and safeguarding this culture, the persons who will take this forward are the youths,” he said. He noted that the next generation of drummers, repertoires, and dancers must be encouraged, adding, “Wave with pride, dance with pride, and keep it alive with pride.”
The Assistant Director of Tourism, Sunalie Ragubar, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, also underscored the cultural and economic value of Masquerade. She said the Ministry welcomed the launch of Masquerade Day.
Ragubar emphasised Masquerade’s growing role in cultural tourism,
explaining that it stands as a major element of our cultural tourism and a growing complement to the tourism industry.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
CARLISLE
08:15 hrs Drop Kick
08:45 hrs Juby Ball
09:15 hrs Blofeld
09:45 hrs Pierrot Jaguen
10:15 hrs Saligo Bay
10:48 hrs Torosay
11:23 hrs Loveable Reprobate
LEICESTER
08:55 hrs Lucy The Wire
09:25 hrs Close Combat
09:55 hrs Swindon Village
10:25 hrs Akimos
11:00 hrs There Runs Mary 11:32 hrs Highnury Hill
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
GREYVILLE
08:20 hrs Strutting
09:00 hrs Call Me Jane
09:35 hrs Dawn Surprise
10:10 hrs Moving In 10:45 hrs Navajo Dancer
IRISH RACING TIPS
FAIRYHOUSE
08:05 hrs Binge Worthy
08:35 hrs Narciso Has 09:05 hrs
Onethreefivenotout
09:35 hrs Koktail Brut
10:05 hrs Gold Dancet
10:36 hrs Teahupoo
11:11 hrs Luker’s Tipple 11:41 hrs Grangeclare Park
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, (CMC) – WEST Indies middle order batsman, Kavem Hodge, believes the team will be tested mentally in their upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand.
The Windies will face off against the home side in the opening Test on December 2 and will be hopeful of winning their first Test series in New Zealand in over 30 years.
Speaking after the team’s penultimate training session on Saturday, ahead of the opening Test, Hodge admitted that it was the mental aspect of the game where he expected them to be tested most in the Test series.
“The most important thing is just the mental aspect. We know when you get to this level everybody has the skill, everybody has the talent, so I think how we gel together as a group and prepare mentally and be ready for the challenge [is important].
“We know New Zealand has a really good record at home and that’s something we have
to be up to the challenge for, so I think that’s the most important thing, just being ready mentally,” Hodge said.
The 32-year-old, who was recalled to the team after missing the preceding Australian and Indian Test series, scored an unbeaten 55 during their lone warm-up match earlier this week against a New Zealand XI. He said while the team performed well during that two-day match, it gave them the chance to get acclimatised to the conditions in New Zealand.
“I think most of the time we’ve been here is just about adapting to the conditions. Obviously, it’s different from back in the Caribbean; the pitches have a lot more bounce and the fast bowlers have a lot more seam movement, so it was really good to spend some time in the middle.
“I think the guys stood up pretty well; the openers got some time in the middle, and the fast bowlers got a run out, so it’s been pretty good,” Hodge said.
• From Page 31
In came Oswald Fraser who proceeded to score two goals to seal the contest for Future Vets 4-2.
T&T Masters also dominated GCC Vintage 5-2 in the over 50 class.
Roger Daniel scored a hat-trick with Colin Young supporting well with a pair of goals.
The Masters over 40 saw GCC ‘The Sequel’ drawing with Hikers, Hikers then narrowly beat Old Fort Expendables 2-1.
Day two also saw a brief opening ceremony, President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Phillip Fernandes praised sponsors Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) for their continuous support over the years and
Sunday, November 30th, 2025
its impact it has had on the sport’s growth over the past two decades.
While DDL Brand Communications Manager Schemel Patrick said that the competition’s longevity in Guyana and the wider Caribbean is a testimony to their commitment and support.
Minister within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports Steven Jacobs lauded the company for their contribution to sports and challenge them to go even further to fulfill their corporate social responsibility.
He said the ministry will continue to work along with the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) to realise their dream of an artificial turf in harmony with President Irfaan Ali’s vision for the country to continue to grow as a hub for sports tourism.
LOS ANGELES — In one sweeping motion, Luka Dončić threw his former team’s defensive coverage in disarray, leaving him face-to-face with Cooper Flagg — the Mavericks rookie thrust into the spotlight following Dončic’s emotional departure from Dallas nine months ago.
Dončić swung his arms and shifted his body to his right — the side Flagg was desperately attempting to shield — and charged toward the rim. With the Mavericks’ hopes of help defence eliminated, Dončić was presented with a gift — and he opened it with the veracity of a wide-eyed child on Christmas Day.
In actuality, Dončić’s basket was a muted response to Flagg’s midrange jumper over him a few possessions earlier. Lost amid the high stakes of Friday’s NBA Cup group play finale — the Lakers had already punched their knockout stage ticket while the Mavericks had reached their limit — was the first matchup between Dončić and Flagg, and the first matchup between the Lakers and Mavericks since Nico Harrison’s firing earlier this month.
The intertwining of DNA between both franchises is undeniable, stronger than a late November meeting. Players and coaches have switched sides over the years. And on Friday evening, there were a few other underlying storylines at Crypto.com Arena; a tale of two franchises heading in opposite directions, the juxtaposition of a team with an array of multi-faceted creators and one still searching
THE Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has omitted at least eight cricketers from the final draft list of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) auction after they were placed in the red-flag zone due to their activities in the last edition, a move linked to suspected matchfixing. Earlier, BPL governing council member and BCB Vice-President Shakhawat Hossain told Cricbuzz that the board would not include tainted cricketers in the draft to ensure the upcoming season remains free from controversy. According to the latest draft list sent to franchises on Sunday, seen by Cricbuzz, at least eight cricketers who appeared in the previous list have now been excluded based on a report prepared by the BCB Integrity Unit headed by Alex Marshall.
Bangladesh cricketers Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mosaddek Hossain, Shofiul Islam, Alauddin Babu, Sunzamul Islam, Mizanur Rahman, Nihaduzzaman, and Munir Hasan Khan have been left out. A BCB official said they were omitted as they were found in the red-flag zone, adding that nothing more could be disclosed on the matter.
The decision follows a 900-page report submitted by a three-member independent inquiry committee formed after widespread fixing allegations in the previous BPL season. The report is understood to have identified 18 to 19 individuals, including 8 to 10 players, suspected of varying degrees of involvement in fixing during the tournament.
Later, the BCB issued further clarification, stating, “The BCB takes all allegations of corruption extremely seriously. In preparing for BPL Season 12, the Governing Council received advice from the Independent Chair of the Integrity Unit on steps necessary to safeguard the League. Based on that advice, several individuals, including some players, have not been invited to participate in this year’s tournament.”
The decisions have prompted significant debate within Bangladesh cricket circles, with many observers awaiting further details from the board while franchises assess how the omissions may impact team composition and competitive balance heading into the high-profile tournament. (Cricbuzz)
for stability, and Anthony Davis’ first matchup against the Lakers since being traded.
But the Dončić-Flagg tilt was the most important affair on the docket.
And to be fair, Flagg didn’t shy away from the moment. On multiple occasions, his aggression and versatility were on display — whether it was going band for band with Dončić, stepping in LeBron James’ way to send the
40-year-old to the ground in a transition-saving play, or trying to make the right reads.
“I think he’s a good player,” Dončić said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with the first pick. He has a lot on his shoulders. But I think he will be a great player.”
Flagg finished with 13 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, but ultimately proved no match for Dončić, who finished with 35 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds on 10-for-18 shooting in a 129-119 win.
Such is life these days in the city of angels. The Lakers have historically been a one-name town. Magic. Shaq. Kobe. Kareem. LeBron.
Now, Luka. This is his team, his city. Dončić entered Friday’s game averaging 38.5 points, 9.3 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game — despite a usage rate that has skyrocketed to a career-high 44.9 per cent since James’ return. That Dončić is churning out production for himself while remaining a central figure for his teammates — assisting on nearly 42 per cent of their shots, per Cleaning the Glass — is nothing short of MVP status. (Yahoo Sports)
FAF du Plessis’ long association with the IPL has drawn to a close after the 41-yearold opted to not enter the upcoming IPL auction.
The South African veteran announced on social media on Saturday that he will not be playing the IPL for the first time in 14 years. Instead, he will be embarking on a new journey by playing in PSL 2026.
Du Plessis made his IPL bow in 2012 for Chennai Super Kings, scoring 398 runs in his debut season.
It remained his most productive season until the 2020 edition where he surpassed 400 runs for the first time. Du Plessis had a stellar career with CSK for many years that saw him win the title with them in 2018 and 2021.
From 2020-2024, du Plessis went through his most productive phase as a batter in the IPL.
He finished just two runs short of his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad’s tally for most runs in the 2021 edition and then finished second-best again in the 2023 edition, this time for his new franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru whom he was captaining.
Bought by Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2025 edition, du Plessis had a moderate campaign where he scored just 202 runs at an average of 22.44.
“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year,” du Plessis wrote in a social media post. “It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back. This league has been a massive part of my journey. I’ve been
lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else.
“Fourteen years is a long time, and I’m proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this
certainly isn’t a goodbye - you’ll see me again.”
Having already played for Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi previously, du Plessis confirmed that he will be a part of the upcoming edition. “This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will
be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” he wrote.
“It’s an exciting step for me - a chance to experience something new, to grow it as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy.” (Cricbuzz)
MEG Lanning carried Melbourne Stars to the top of the Women’s Big Bash League 2026 points table as her team downed their city rivals Melbourne Renegades by 45 runs at the Junction Oval.
Lanning’s unbeaten 73 set the team up to post 160/5, after which the bowlers put in a combined effort to keep the chasers in check. Leg spinner Maisy Gibson picked three, Kim Garth snared a couple while four others chipped in with a wicket each for the Stars. Rhys McKenna fell early after Stars were asked to bat, but Lanning pushed the team to 45/1 in the Powerplay. She and Amy Jones kept the boundaries coming until the 10th over when the latter was dismissed by Georgia Wareham. Annabel Sutherland then combined with Lanning for a 70-run stand off the next 43 balls. Sutherland and Lanning smashed three sixes in a 21-run 17th over from Sarah Coyte. Wareham dismissed Sutherland in the next over and kept the Stars to just 10 runs off the last 12 balls. The score, however, was enough as the Renegades couldn’t get going in chase. Renegades’ attempt disintegrated in a jiffy as they lost Courtney Webb and Naomi Stalenberg inside the PowerPlay and then suffered a double-wicket blow in the seventh over, where they lost Alice Capsey and Wareham. Deandra Dottin attempted to push on, but she too was stopped in the 10th over, by McKenna. From 57/5, Tess Flintoff and Nicole Faltum threw their bats around briefly until the 13th over. Once this pair was separated, there was no real
way back for the Renegades. Issy Wong hit two and a six in her 11-ball 20 but that was merely consolatory. Her run-out in the 17th over ended the Renegades innings on 116. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 48-ball 81, featuring 12 fours and a six, powered Hobart Hurricanes to
a seven-wicket win over Perth Scorchers and return to the top of the WBBL table on Saturday. Sciver-Brunt’s knock anchored a commanding chase of 187 after the early dismissal of Lizelle Lee and she found ideal support in Danielle Wyatt-Hodge. The pair
Meg Lanning’s unbeaten 73 set the team up to post 160/5
stitched a 135-run stand for the second wicket that flattened the Scorchers’ attack. Wyatt-Hodge’s 38-ball 55 ensured the required run rate was never an issue and by the time both batters fell in the space of a few deliveries, Hurricanes were firmly in control.
LEON, Mexico, (CMC )– JAMAICA reigned supreme in Group A to advance to the main draw of the 2025 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup, on Thursday.
However, the news was not as good for either Guyana or Saint Lucia, who were both eliminated at the group stage.
Jamaica played unbeaten to progress to the main draw where they will face Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
In their opening match against Saint Lucia, the Jamaicans dominated the
contest on their way to a 21-7 victory.
Saint Lucia opened the scoring, but Jamaica stamped their dominance during a 12-0 run that changed the complex of the match.
Saint Lucia finished the tournament without a win after going down to Guyana 17-15 in their second game, to set up a winner take all clash between Guyana and Jamaica.
Jamaica won the decisive game 19-14, ending the match on a 6-1 run after the scores were locked at 13.
A CRUCIAL halfcentury in the run chase from skipper Litton Das helped Bangladesh win the second T20I and claw back in the series on Saturday.
Chasing 171 for victory, Bangladesh was coasting at one stage with Litton looking in great touch. His wicket gave Ireland an opening to claw back but the home side held their nerve and completed their third-highest successful T20I chase with two balls to spare.
Opting to bat, Ireland got off to a flier with Tim Tector and Paul Stirling scoring 27 from the first two overs. Stirling then took on Mohammad Saifuddin for 16 in his opening over before finally departing. Tim continued to make merry though as Ireland scored 75 in the powerplay to set the tone. From thereon, 200 should have been the target for the visitors but Bangladesh managed to stage a fightback.
Mahedi Hasan bagged the crucial wicket of Tim and then managed to remove Harry Tector in the same over to peg back the opposition. He struck again in his final over as well to finish with excellent figures of 3/25 and reduce Ireland to 103/4. That enabled
Bangladesh to slip in some quiet overs as Ireland struggled for momentum. Eventually, they could only finish with 170 on the board following Lorcan Tucker’s 41.
In reply, Bangladesh also got off to a positive start with Parvez Hossain taking charge. Tanzid Hasan couldn’t get going but Litton and Parvez combined to smash 18 in the final over of the powerplay to power the hosts to 66/1 by the end of the sixth over.
Parvez finally fell to a reverse sweep at the halfway mark and if not for a stroke of luck, Bangladesh could have lost Litton too in the following over when Gareth Delaney caught the skipper near the boundary only for the towel tucked behind to flick the cushion. Adding to
their frustration, Litton hit Delaney for a boundary in the very next over which was then followed by Saif Hassan clearing the ropes straight down the ground. Litton then nailed the slogsweep for another six to bring up his fifty and at this point, Bangladesh were firm favourites needing just 42 from the final five overs. However, with both set batters departing in the space of four deliveries, Ireland’s hopes received a big boost. Ireland appeared to be in with a real chance when a run out pegged Bangladesh back further but Saifuddin smacked a couple of fours and a six to calm down the nerves as Bangladesh got the job done in nervy fashion in the final over.
(Cricbuzz)
A COLLAPSE of 9 for 30 from Sri Lanka set up Pakistan’s six-wicket win in the tri-series final in Rawalpindi. It was an innings of two halves for the visitors, who accumulated 81/1 in the first 10 overs, only to lose nine wickets for 33 runs in the next 9.1 overs.
Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz picked three wickets each and Pakistan chased the 115-run target with eight balls to spare. Put in to bat on a dry and cracked pitch, Sri Lanka made a strong start, adding 56 runs in the powerplay for the loss of Pathum Nissanka, who was bowled by Shaheen Afridi’s slower ball as early as the third over. But from thereon, Mishara counterattacked, picking as many as 17 runs off Salman Mirza in the last over of the powerplay. Kusal Mendis played the ideal foil, rotating strike and allowing Mishara to score quick runs at the other end.
Mishara’s fifty, his second in two games, came off 37 balls and put Sri Lanka in front at 84/1 in the 11th over but the team slipped into a collapse starting with the wicket of Kusal Mendis.
Mohammad Nawaz had him caught in the deep and that opened the door for Pakistan to slice through the middle and lower orders. Saim Ayub followed up with the wicket of well-set Mishara and Abrar Ahmed then
went on to dismiss Kusal Perera and Pawan Rathnayake in the space of three balls. Nawaz then struck twice again, bowling Janith Liyanage and Wanindu Hasaranga. From there, the collapse only worsened, with Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana falling to Shaheen Afridi’s slower balls. Salman Mirza ended the innings on 114 by knocking back Dushmantha Chameera’s stumps in the 20th over.
It was a straightforward chase for Pakistan. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub added 46 runs for the first wicket, with their team fifty coming up in 7.5 overs. Ehsan Malinga broke the stand, bowling Farhan who was trying to go for a slog across the line.
Babar Azam and Saim Ayub then added 29 quick runs for the second wicket but Sri Lanka struck again through Hasaranga, who
Ayub
low. Ayub’s dismissal suggested that conditions were not easy to bat but Sri Lanka never had enough runs on the board.
and Salman
and add
were
to
a-ball 23-run stand for the
staying on in the company of Fakhar Zaman to deliver Pakistan to yet another triseries victory. (Cricbuzz)
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) –West Indies Under-19 captain, Joshua Dorne cracked a scintillating, unbeaten century to lead his side to an impressive four-wicket victory over England Under-19s in the sixth Youth One Day International here on Saturday.
With the Windies in dire straits at 89 for five in pursuit of England’s total of 221, Dorne scored 102 not out off just 101 balls to pilot them to 222 for six off 38.1 overs at the National Cricket Stadium and give them an unassailable 4-2 lead in the seven-match series.
The home side got off to a horrible start when Zachary Carter was caught behind off the bowling of James Minto without a run on the board in the second over of their chase.
Minto struck again by dismissing fellow opener Tanez Francis in the same fashion to leave the score six for two.
Kunal Tilokani and Dorne brought stability to the innings during a 79-run partnership that left the match in the balance.
But when Manny Lumsden claimed the wicket of Tilokani for an attacking 49 off 29 balls, the Windies lost the wickets of Shamar Apple for one and Jonathan van Lange for a first ball duck, to see them slump to 89 for five.
With England in the ascendancy, Dorne found a worthy partner in Matthew Miller, with their 92-run partnership for the sixth wicket transforming the complexion of the match.
By the time the latter was run out for a well-played 43 off 48 balls, the West Indies had recovered to 181 for six and installed themselves as favourites to win the match.
Shaquan Belle then scored a patient, unbeaten 14 off 34 balls, and together with his captain shared an unbroken partnership of 41 to complete the recovery.
Dorne reached his century in the 37th over
by hitting Minto for two boundaries and then scampering two runs, before Belle eventually hit the winning runs.
Earlier, van Lange took four wickets to restrict England, who were bolstered by efforts from their lower order.
England too found themselves in trouble at 82 for four, but skipper Farhan Ahmed scored a fighting 54 and Joe Moores made 42 to help them bolster their total.
The pair added 92 runs for the sixth wicket that saw the visitors recover to 198 for five in the 43rd over.
When medium pacer Miller dismissed Ahmed, van Lange cleaned up the lower order by accounting for the wickets of Ralphie Albert, Lumsden and Alex Green in quick succession to bring an end to the innings.
Van Lange ended with figures of 4-17, Miller took 2-15 and Vitel Lawes 2-38.
The seventh and final Youth ODI is scheduled for Monday.
scored twice in the opening six minutes to stun Tottenham Hotspur and pick up their first away win of the season.
Kenny Tete opened the scoring with his first goal in almost two years, a shot from the edge of the area which was deflected in.
The second goal was a disaster from a Spurs point of view as Guglielmo Vicario came out of his box and gave the ball away with Harry Wilson curling into an empty net
Monaco had only won one of their previous five games in all competitions
from 35 yards out.
Spurs were wretched in the first half - and Fulham’s Samuel Chukwueze hit the post as the visitors threatened to blow them away.
Thomas Frank’s hosts did improve after the break and Mohammed Kudus’ sweet volley into the top corner gave them hope.
But Spurs could not find an equaliser and were booed off by their own fans at full-time. They sit 10th in the table, just one point above 15th-place Fulham. (BBC Sport)
TAKUMI Minamino scored the only goal as Monaco beat Ligue 1 leaders and champions Paris St-Germain.
The Japan international fired into the bottom corner from 16 yards out from Aleksandr Golovin’s cross.
The hosts had to finish with 10 men though when Thilo Kehrer was sent off for a professional foul on Ibrahim Mbaye after a video assistant referee review.
Monaco brought on Paul Pogba late on for his first home appearance for the club and only his second game in more than two years after a doping ban.
PSG pushed for an equaliser in injury time but Vitinha had a shot saved and Joao Neves missed with a header.
Monaco move up to sixth, while PSG could lose top spot to Marseille later. Marseille, two points behind PSG, play Toulouse at 20:00 GMT. (BBC Sport)
SAINTS Hockey Club grabbed an impressive win on Friday when action continued in the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival at the renovated Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Saints, after a tough opening day, showed their pedigree to finish with an 8-4 win over Bounty GCC. National player Jabari Lovell was fabulous for his side, converting three field goals and two penalties to finish with five goals in the contest.
Shomere Garnett, Shakeem Fausette and Keeland Cummings scored the remaining goals in the victory. Tariq Marcano led Bounty GCC’s effort with a double. Saints also came back later in the evening to draw with Pepsi Hikers 4-4 in the men’s open category. Trinidad and Tobago Police Squad then achieved a 6-1 win over Old Fort Top Form. T&T’s skipper Jordan Reynos had his way with Old Fort’s defence as he ended with a hat-trick with Akim Toussaint scoring a pair of goals.
Shawn Ovid scored T&T’s other strike with Shaquon Favorite scoring Old Fort’s consolation goal. Bounty GCC also bounced back from their loss to also beat Old Fort Top Form 4-2.
In the Women’s Open division, T&T Police Squad stopped Saints Hockey Club’s ladies 4-1. Brittany Hingh scored a triple in the win with her skipper Sheniece Auguste accounting for the other goal.
The ladies from the Twin Island Republic also lost to GBTI GCC 3-1, Gabriella Xavier starred for GCC with a brace. Marzana Fiedtkou also returned to action with a goal of her own in the win.
While T&T Police Squad drew when they came up against Hikers women 2-2.
In the other women’s games
GBTI GCC beat Old Fort Inferno 2-1 and Saints got the better of Old Fort Inferno 4-3.
Old Fort Inferno saved their best for last, edging Hot Flashes 4-2. The win was compliments of strikes off the stick of Carolyn Gordon, Ketanna Percival, Tinashe Henry and Temmara Clarke. Pepsi Hikers’ women claimed a win over Hot Flashes as well 6-4. After a tight contest that saw several lead
TODAY, at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue, the curtain will come down on the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Schools’ U18 Football tournament.
The final round will see a tussle for the top three spots with defending champions Chase Academic Foundation, West Ruimveldt, and Charlestown and South Ruimveldt within touching distance of a top three finish.
Chase lead the standings with a perfect record of 6 wins in 6 matches on 18 points and are front runner for the League title
However, the next three top teams are not mathematically out as yet, West Ruimveldt have the most realistic chance as they are on 15 points after 5 wins and a loss on 15 points, they would need to win big and hope Chase lose to clinch the title.
Charlestown and South Ruimveldt with 4 and 3 wins respectively will do battle to claim the second place which assures them a place in the KFC Goodwill International Football tournament next month.
changes, a hat-trick from Maria Munroe settled the contest as they took the win comfortably in the end 6-4.
In the masters category there were huge wins for T&T Masters and Future Veteran teams. In the Masters over 50, Future veterans defeated GCC vintage 4-2.
Ezekiel Moses got things going three minutes into the game, Devin Hooper then ran in back-to-back goals to put them in front before Clay Bobb scored for Future Vets to level the score 2-2.
• Continues on Page 26
Today, President’s College will first come up against Abram Zuil Secondary, Three Miles Secondary play South Ruimveldt Secondary followed by Dolphin Secondary coming up against leader Chase Academic Foundation and West Ruimveldt playing in the blockbuster clash against Charlestown Secondary at the Carfesta Avenue Ground.
Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca says the teams have worked hard to still be in with a chance in the final round.
“All these teams placement we have to wait until the last day
of play to decide or confirm their positions and for us that is very Important.
“We can be at this stage not to clearly announce a winner or position in the league speaks volumes for the effort that is put in by the teams, the coaches for this competition.”
He thanked the sponsors Republic Bank, the student athletes and all the supporters of the competition.
While the Banks’ Regional Manager, Commercial and Retail Banking Stanton Grant encouraged the youngsters to play hard and play fair.
“After about a month of fierce competition, we are getting ready for the final showdown today.
“It is good to see the positive impact the sport of football continues to have on our youths through our social investment initiative the ‘power to make a difference’ Republic Bank is proud to support programmes that strengthen communities and give young talent a space to shine,” Grant concluded.
The teams are vying for $300,000, $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 along with trophies and medals for places 1-4th with all monies going to a school programme to be under taken by the schools.
The league also serves to ready the top teams with matches for the December KFC showpiece.
Individual awards will go towards highest goal scorer, best goal keeper and most disciplined team.
The wining team along with the second place side will earn the right to face teams from Suriname, Brazil, Jamaica and Trinidad in the highly anticipated KFC
IN a championship defined by intense rivalry, Barbados dramatically edged hosts Guyana in a razor-thin final count to claim the overall 2025 ENet Senior Caribbean Squash Championship title on Saturday, denying Guyana their bid for a fifth consecutive regional title.
The final result at the National Racquet Centre came down to an unprecedented scenario: a total tie between the two regional heavyweights. Guyana clinched the Men’s Team title, while Barbados secured the Women’s Team title.
The Veteran categories also cancelled each other out—Guyana won the Women’s Vets, while Barbados took the Men’s Vets.
With the overall trophy deadlocked, the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA)
was forced to consult the record books and implement a tie-breaker based on match and point differentials across the entire team segment.
It was here that Barbados managed to accumulate the narrowest of margins to seal the victory.
The men’s team final provided immediate drama, going down to the decisive fifth match, which Guyana ultimately won 3-2.
The high-octane battle saw the scoreboard yo-yo back and forth: Guyana’s Sunil Seth fell to a hard-fought defeat (3-11, 2-11, 11-8, 11-2) in the opener.
Samuel Ince-Carvalhal levelled the proceedings, showing resilience to defeat the experienced Shawn Simpson (11-6, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6).
win over Guyana’s top seed, Daniel Ince (11-6, 11-5, 11-7).
The reliable Shomari Wiltshire tied the match again, dominating Rhett Cumberbatch (11-3, 11-7, 11-3).
The pivotal clincher belonged to JasonRay Khalil, who sealed the men’s team title for Guyana by dispatching Alex Stewart in three straight games (11-6, 11-3, 11-9).
As widely anticipated, the women’s final ended 3-2 in favor of Barbados, whose depth at the top of the roster proved too much for the hosts.
Barbados’ individual stars secured the necessary wins early: Margot Prow eased past Guyana’s Ashley Khalil (11-6, 11-2, 11-6).
and Women’s Champion Megan Best secured the crucial point by defeating Mary Fung-A-Fat (11-7, 11-3, 11-5).
Taylor Fernandes-Henry fought hard but ultimately went down (5-11, 11-5, 3-11, 5-11).
Despite the loss, Guyana’s lower-order players showed serious fight to earn their two points: Kirsten Gomes defeated Eboni Atherly (12-10, 11-4, 7-11, 11-8), and Larissa Wiltshire battled fiercely to overcome Sumairaa Suleman in four games (6-11, 1311, 11-9, 11-5).
Though the Women’s Vets title went to Guyana, and the Men’s Vets to Barbados, the tight head-to-head point differential ultimately handed the overall trophy to the visitors, marking a stunning end to a fiercely contested tournament.
CAPTAIN Ben Stokes said allegations of arrogance against his England team are “too far” and admitted he was “completely wrong” to refer to critics as “has-beens.”
England have come under heavy scrutiny for the manner and response to their crushing defeat by Australia in the first Ashes Test.
The tourists threw away a dominant position to lose inside two days in Perth, then opted not to send any of the XI from the first Test to play in an England Lions match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.
Former Australia pace bowler Mitchell Johnson called England “arrogant” and “cocky Poms” who are at risk of “serious embarrassment”.
Stokes told BBC Sport: “You can call us rubbish, call us whatever you want. We didn’t have the Test match that we wanted to.
“Arrogant might be a little bit too far, but that’s OK. We’ll take the rough with the smooth. I’d rather words like ‘rubbish’, but ‘arrogant’, I’m not so sure about that.”
The negativity towards the England team was fuelled by comments made by Stokes before their Ashes warm-up game against England Lions.
The plan to play only one three-day match against the Lions prior to the first Test was questioned by former England captains Lord Botham, Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan.
“Everyone knows it was a slip of the tongue,” said Stokes. “I got the words I said there completely wrong. I think everyone knows that.
“Has-beens is a horrible word. It’s the only thing that managed to come out of my mouth in that moment.
“I’m going to be one of those one day. It’s a complete wrong wording and I think everyone does know that it’s not at all what I meant by that.”
Stokes was speaking as England began five days of training in Brisbane in the run-up to the second Test - a day-nighter at the Gabba which begins on Thursday, 4 December.
England’s session at Allan Border Field on Saturday morning was curtailed by rain.
Three players from the Ashes squad who did not play in Perth – Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts – have joined the Lions for their two-day pink-ball match in the capital.
Of the remaining 13 in Brisbane, only Mark Wood was not present for the optional session and the fast bowler is set to miss the second Test with a recurrence of a left-knee issue. (BBC Sport)