House lot allocations to surpass five-year target of 50,000 today
GUYANA’S housing sector continues to record historic milestones as the Ministry of Housing and Water moves to surpass 50,000 house lot allocations by the close of its ongoing ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive in Region Six.
This latest two-day allocation exercise, which began on Friday at the State House in New Amsterdam, marks the Ministry’s third such event in
Region Six for 2025 and is aimed specifically at moderate-, middle-, and high-income earners.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, described the mo-
ment as a “defining point” in the government’s ambitious housing programme.
“With the conclusion of this event, we will officially surpass 50,000 house lots allocated since taking office in August 2020. This
is a major milestone that demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering on our promises,” Minister Croal announced to a jubilant crowd of prospective homeowners.
Croal noted that Friday’s distribution exercise forms part of the broader ‘Dream Realised’ initiative—one that reflects the government’s commitment to equitable development in all ten administrative regions of Guyana. “This is our third major housing event in Region Six in just six weeks,” he said. “And we are reaching this landmark because of strong leadership, people-focused planning, and the trust of the Guyanese people.”
The Minister recalled that when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government took office in 2020, there were over 70,000 pending housing applications in the system.
Today, thanks to intensified outreach and land development efforts, tens of thousands of Guyanese families are now closer to homeownership.
He emphasised that this achievement is not only about numbers but about dignity, stability, and opportunity for families across the country.
“We have expanded eligibility criteria, reduced application waiting times, and made it possible for young people 21 years and older to access land—a right that was once considered a distant dream,” he added.
Region Six is among the major beneficiaries of this housing push. To date, over 4,545 house lots have already been distributed across the region, with the current exercise covering an additional 815 acres in areas such as Bohemia, Whim, Kilcoy-Chesney, and the newly planned Mid-Providence/Glasgow zone.
The Ministry has also opened up over 1,039 acres for residential use in the Upstand area and is pushing forward with new developments in Track E, G, I and beyond.
Infrastructure development is being implemented alongside the allocations, including plans for two major access roadways, one connecting to the main public road in New Amsterdam and another to the western corridor. These interventions aim to enhance urban connectivity and ensure accessibility in the newly established communities.
“This work is not easy,” Croal cautioned. “Land development requires planning, surveying, infrastructure, and financial resources. While Guyana has land and water, transforming those resources into serviced lots is a complex process.”
The Minister also addressed the government’s efforts to balance competing national priorities—such as the revitalisation of the sugar
Region Five farmers to soon benefit from 54,000 acres of land
–– for livestock farming, rice, cash crop cultivation
PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Friday, unveiled a suite of transformative initiatives aimed at advancing Region Five’s agricultural sector during a meeting with farmers at the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) compound.
Hundreds of cash crop and rice farmers turned out to hear the President outline plans set to be implemented over the coming weeks and months.
Central to these plans is the construction of a major canal, similar to the Hope Canal, which will significantly improve drainage and irrigation in the region. Once completed, the project is expected to unlock some 54,000 acres of land for rice, cash crops, and livestock cultivation.
The president said the governments want to “sit with you (farmers) and to see … with the farmers on board [how] we can find the mechanism through which these lands will be not only allocated but also how we
are going to do the planning.”
To promote livestock diversification, the President announced that the government will provide direct asset transfers to farmers. Each farmer will receive 10 impregnated Black Belly sheep to increase yield and boost production.
Similar support will be extended to swine, egg, and cash crop production farmers.
“What we are looking to do is to transport assets to each farmer directly … in sheep production,” he explained before saying, “We are going to identify all the farmers in sheep production and work with each of you directly. The same thing for those who want to go into egg and cash crop farming.”
A special development fund will also be created to enable co-investment in agricultural projects that promise greater benefits for farmers.
With over 3,000 farmers in Region Five producing vegetables such as celery, the government will also construct climate-smart greenhouses and hydroponic systems for backyard farmers.
These initiatives are expected to boost yields, build climate resilience, and add value to produce, while also encouraging more women and youth to enter the agricultural sector.
“If we can have the women and the young people in our community more attracted to agriculture, then it gives greater opportunity for expanded disposable income.”
Also, “I’ve asked the minister and the Ministry of Agriculture to identify all of the districts, areas where we have concentrated, cash crop farmers, and then for us to identify lands through which we are going to invest in building a state-of-the-art modern facility,” the President said.
President Ali further directed the Ministry of Agriculture to identify areas with large numbers of cash crop farmers for the construction of modern agricultural facilities. Plans also include building new feed mills in every district using modern technologies to process grass
and legumes into animal feed pellets.
The government will distribute one million high-yield coconut trees to replace ageing stock to revitalise Region Five’s coconut industry. The first batch of seedlings is expected to arrive within two months.
A new packaging and labelling facility will also be established to process coconut water for both local and export markets.
Rice farmers will benefit from investments in modern storage and drying facilities to help stabilise prices and reduce post-harvest losses. Farmers with 30 acres of land or less will be eligible for fertiliser grants or direct cash assistance.
A new wholesale market equipped with cold storage will be established in the region to reduce spoilage and improve profitability. This move will eliminate the need for farmers to transport produce to Georgetown, enabling them to sell locally.
“Because every time you move back-to-back with your produce, the damage increases,” he said.
Looking ahead, the President said technology will be incorporated into key agricultural services, including real-time extension support via mobile phones.
He emphasised that Region Five plays a vital role in the government’s broader food security strategy and export ambitions. As such, the administration remains committed to making strategic investments that support the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
President Ali also encouraged farmers to help identify priorities and solutions that could shape the government’s development agenda for 2025–2030.
During the meeting, the President listened attentively to issues raised by rice and cash crop farmers, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive, farmer-driven development. (DPI)
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali delivering his address
CCJ to honour outgoing president, Justice Saunders, with ceremonial sitting
ON Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will convene a Ceremonial Sitting at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain, Trinidad to honour the distinguished service of the outgoing President of the Court, Justice Adrian Saunders.
According to a press release, the sitting will commemorate Justice Saunders’ retirement from office after almost three decades of dedicated service to the Caribbean including 20 years at the CCJ, seven years of which he served as the Court’s third President. His tenure ends on 3 July 2025.
Reflecting on the occasion, he stated, ‘it is truly an honour to have served the people of the Caribbean for almost thirty years.
Both at the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and here at the CCJ, I have had the privilege of working alongside a distinguished panel of judges and a committed team of staff, all of whom share an unwavering dedication to justice, regional development, and institutional excellence.’
Justice Saunders is a native of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the first citizen of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States to serve on the Bench. He began his judicial
career in 1996 with his appointment to the High Court of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC). He was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2003 and served as the acting Chief Justice between 2004 and 2005.
During his tenure at the ECSC, he was deeply involved in judicial reform initiatives, including the introduction of court-connected mediation and the development of the Court’s first Judicial Code of Ethics.
In 1998, he earned a Fellowship of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute (CJEI). He was the Course Director of the CJEI’s
Intensive Study Programme for several years and is currently one of the Institute’s Vice Presidents.
Due to his active engagement in advancing judicial integrity, Justice Saunders was also appointed to serve on the Advisory Board of the Global Judicial Integrity Network by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
In 2005, Justice Saunders became one of the inaugural judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
He is a founding member of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) which provides judicial education for judicial officers
throughout the region and served as the Association’s Chairman from its inception in 2009 to 2019.
In 2018, he was appointed President of the CCJ and has served for approximately seven years, the maximum term allowed for Presidents of the Court. As President, he led the development of the Court’s Strategic Plans and was instrumental in enhancing the Court’s administrative structure and public outreach.
The Special Sitting, like all CCJ hearings and judgment deliveries, will be live streamed on the Court’s YouTube page
House lot allocations to surpass ...
industry, agriculture, and urban growth— while ensuring the housing programme remains on track.
He credited the sector’s achievements to the continued support and vision of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, under whose lead-
ership the housing programme has expanded rapidly.
“Our only real constraint is the capacity of contractors to keep up with the pace of development,” Croal noted.
As site visits for newly allocated lands are scheduled to begin next
week, Minister Croal reaffirmed the government’s pledge to ensure that every Guyanese, regardless of income, has the opportunity to own a home.
“Surpassing 50,000 house lot allocations is not just a target. It is a reflection of the transformation we are driving together as a nation. Let us continue building Guyana, one family, one home, one community at a time.”
is
with provisions for schools, health centres, police stations/outposts, commercial and industrial zones, and recreational spaces
President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders
The development
poised to become a modern residential hub,
Canadian investigator concludes ‘no evidence of foul play’ in death of Adriana
–– commends police efforts in investigation after initial response
–– says has never in his career seen that level of
pathological work on any deceased individual
MR. Leonard McCoshen, the distinguished (retired) Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigator who came to Guyana to investigate the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, has concluded that there was no evidence of foul play.
In a report submitted by Mr. McCoshen, he pointed out that for the purpose of his investigation, he was given over 400 pages of documents and a quantity of digital forensic evidence in various formats.
McCoshen revealed that after reviewing all of the material, “it is very apparent to me that members who investigated this incident took the utmost time and considerable effort to speak to any and all persons that had any information to provide relative to the incident”.
He stated that upon completion of his work, he can say that “the statements that were taken are reasonably well detailed”.
McCoshen said it was also apparent that as new investigative information was gathered, further clarifying statements were obtained from witnesses or other people to ensure the accuracy and validity of the investigative file.
“Overall, it is my opinion that the members of the Guyana Police Force that conducted this investigation after the initial response did an exemplary job, and should be commended for their effort and diligence under very trying circumstances. They spoke to all
He further disclosed, “The facts surrounding a great deal of care in documenting the movement of the body of Adriana Younge after she was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital is exceptional, and something that I have not seen before.”
of the witnesses who would cooperate with them, and gathered all of the relevant information that was possible. They also made extensive efforts to speak with those witnesses who were not forthcoming,” he stated.
According to McCoshen, if a thorough search had been done of the pool by properly trained and properly equipped people at the onset, “this investigation would have very likely not garnered the international attention and political pressure that it finds itself in today”.
NO EVIDENCE OF FOUL PLAY
The following is a “summary of findings” in McCoshen’s report:
“After spending a considerable amount of time reviewing all of the evidence and information that has been provided to me, it is my belief that there is
no evidence of foul play in this matter, by persons named or unnamed, in the investigational information that I was provided.
This belief is based:
a. On the video evidence from Lot 7 Tuschen Public Road that no person(s), including Adriana Younge, were seen leaving, under other than normal circumstances, from the area of the Double Day Hotel from the
BIT CEO: Skilled workforce ‘More urgent than ever’ amid Guyana’s economic growth
–– 13,000 trained
“THE demand for a rightly skilled workforce has never been more urgent,” declared Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn, as he addressed stakeholders at BIT’s Appreciation Dinner and Award Ceremony on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana.
The landmark event formed part of the agency’s 115th Anniversary celebrations.
Against the backdrop of rapid global industrial transformation and Guyana’s own evolving economic landscape, particularly with the emergence of the oil and gas sector, Maughn underscored BIT’s unwavering mission to support national development through inclusive skills training, workforce preparation, and occupational certification.
time she arrived until the time that she was noticed to be missing;
b. None of the persons present at the Double Day Hotel saw or recorded in any format any evidence that Adrianna Younge either left or was taken from the pool area.
c. There was no evidence of foul play, by any persons, named or unnamed found during any of the medical procedures that were done on the body of Adrianna Younge. This included but was not limited to the physical examination of her body by several doctors, an extensive battery of X-Rays and a CT scan.
Of note, in all of my service in the RCMP and since, I had not ever seen this level of medical or pathological effort done on any deceased person. Having three very highly qualified and experienced pathologists conduct an examination is something that
comes.
“As we commemorate 115 years of service, we are not just reflecting on our past—we are charting a future where no one is left behind,” Maughn affirmed.
in five years
“From the impact of COVID-19 to the changing nature of work, educators, policymakers, and employers have had to confront labour shortages and the pressing need for new competencies,” Maughn stated. “BIT remains steadfast in equipping Guyanese—regardless of gender, geography, or ability—with the skills to meet those challenges head-on.”
Since its founding in 1910, BIT has grown into a cornerstone of Guyana’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. In the past five years alone, more than 13,000 individuals have been trained and certified under flagship programmes such as the National Apprenticeship Scheme, the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE), and the National Training Pro-
gramme for Empowerment (NTPE).
A key highlight of the CEO’s address was BIT’s pioneering approach to gender inclusivity in non-traditional fields. From 2020 to 2024, 1,393 women were trained in technical disciplines including Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation (362), Electrical Installation (240), Photovoltaic Installation and Repairs (187), and Welding and Fabrication (114). At the same time, women continued to advance in sectors such as Commercial Food Preparation (1,703), Cosmetology (1,350), and Information Technology (424).
BIT has also made purposeful strides in ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are integrated into Guyana’s workforce. Over 334 PWDs were engaged in training programmes in areas such as Website Development,
Digital Marketing, Computer and Small Electronic Repairs, and Shade House Farming—accounting for 3% of the total training population during the same period.
Equally significant is BIT’s success in bridging the urban-rural divide. Over 2,000 residents from hinterland and riverine communities have received training in recent years, a direct outcome of BIT’s regional expansion into Regions One, Three, Four, Six, Eight and Nine.
Looking to the future, Maughn outlined a strategic vision focused on six priorities: expanding access to training; introducing micro-credentialing; operationalizing Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR); strengthening industry partnerships; enhancing lifelong learning; and building robust data systems for tracking out-
I have never seen or heard of before.
d. There was no evidence of foul play, by any persons, named or unnamed at any time during the course of this investigation. There is concrete video evidence, and no evidence by any people who were interviewed, that Bhojnarine Bhola was at the Double Day Hotel during the time that Adrianna Younge was known to be there and be alive on April 23, 2025.” It is apt to note that Mr. McCoshen has over 30 years of experience as an investigator of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He had spent 20 of those years attached to the Serious Crimes Branch (SCB) in the Major Crimes Unit (MCU), with the mandate to investigate serious, complex and sensitive matters, mainly homicides and deaths where foul play was suspected.
“Together, let us honour our legacy, embrace innovation, and remain steadfast in our resolve to train, empower, and transform lives.”
The ceremony also honoured outstanding staff, trainees, and partners whose contributions have shaped BIT’s continued success in developing a skilled, resilient Guyanese workforce.
Retired RCMP investigator
Leonard McCoshen
Track record speaks volumes
AS Guyana approaches another pivotal general and regional election, the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has made its stance unmistakably clear: this election is not about gambling on uncertainty, but choosing proven leadership backed by a solid, measurable track record.
At a recent press conference, PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo underscored what many across Guyana already sense, that the nation stands at a crossroads where the choice between stability and political experimentation must be made with serious consideration.
“This election is not about taking risks,” Dr. Jagdeo said, a sentiment that resonates in a climate where development, prosperity, and national transformation are visibly accelerating.
The PPP’s commitment to transpar-
ency is matched only by its confidence in the performance of its leadership, especially that of President Dr. Irfaan Ali. In just a few short years, Dr. Ali has become a respected figure not only within the region but on the global stage.
His fluency in national planning, economic and social policy, and international diplomacy has elevated Guyana’s profile and attracted transformative opportunities for its people. Jagdeo rightfully noted that few leaders today possess both the political acumen and command of policy that Dr. Ali has consistently demonstrated.
The government’s achievements, from job creation and housing expansion to improved healthcare and education services, reflect not just campaign promises, but actions taken and lives changed. The PPP has listened to the
people and responded with tailored policies that address both immediate concerns and long-term needs. The results are evident across the country.
With the September 1 polls looming, political aspirants have begun rolling out lofty promises.
Yet many of these proposals mirror initiatives already underway or completed by the current administration, a telling sign of imitation rather than innovation.
It is clear that no opposition party can credibly lay claim to a comparable record of delivery.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that internal polling reflects strong national support for the PPP/C — support earned not through rhetoric, but through results. The party’s preparations are not last-minute campaigns hastily assembled for votes, but the product of a year-
long, methodical strategy that includes the development of a new manifesto, supported by ongoing public consultations and informative publications. This is governance in motion, not politics in theory.
In an era where democratic principles have come under pressure, it was the PPP that defended the sanctity of Guyana’s elections during the tumultuous post-2020 period. That fight was not just for power, but for the protection of the people’s voice — a stance that should not be forgotten.
Leadership must be judged by both its vision and its ability to deliver. The PPP has delivered. In a time when progress is tangible and future prospects are bright, Guyana must choose wisely. The case for continuity is not based on loyalty but on logic, and the evidence is hard to ignore.
PPP’s unstinting patriotism
Dear Editor,
THE walkout of the National Assembly by the PNC/APNU/AFC members during the debate on the motion, which was intended to show solidarity and unity of the Guyanese political forces in light of Venezuela’s ridiculous claims on Guyana’s territory, was really shameful and borders on anti-patriotism. The excuse used to show opposition to the government was the lack of consultations. Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo debunked this and gave dates when the draft motion was in the hands of the
opposition.
However, even if Mr. Norton was correct and there was no consultation with the opposition, it does not justify the walkout on such a vital national issue. The walkout would surely be seen in Caracas with some satisfaction. If the opposition can take such an action on such an issue, how far will they go to oppose and try to depose the PPP/C administration. When the PPP was in the Opposition between 1964 and 1992, this issue came up on several occasions. PPP leader and members came out in full support of the PNC government in face of the threat to our territorial integrity. When the Vene-
zuelan occupied our half of the Ankoko island PPP and PYO members took to the streets, together with PNC and YSM members in a massive show of solidarity.
In 1975 when the threat to the PNC regime looked serious from Venezuela, the PPP changed its political line from non-cooperation with the PNC regime to one of ‘Critical Support.’
It is apposite to recall that this was shortly after the PNC massively and blatantly rigged the 1973 elections.
In that massive rigging exercise by the PNC regime, hundreds of PPP members and supporters were arrested and two of them, Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth
Parmanand were shot and killed at No. 64 Village on the Corentyne. Despite the repression, the PPP came out to show total unity and solidarity. Dr. Cheddi Jagan told the whole country that he wanted it to be clear to all foreign forces that the PPP would stand solidly behind the then PNC government in the face of any attempt to attack our country. That, Mr. Norton, is real patriotism.
Yours respectfully, Donald Ramotar, Former President
Nomination Day set for July 14
–– applications for party symbols must be submitted by June 22, GECOM announces
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has officially approved the work-plan for the conduct of General and Regional Elections, scheduled for September 1, 2025.
The decision was taken during the Commission’s statutory meeting held on Thursday, May 29.
In a statement released on Friday, GECOM announced: “Political parties desirous of contesting the upcoming elections will be required to submit their respective Lists of Candidates on the 14th July, 2025 i.e., Nomination Day”.
The Commission has also advised that applications for the allocation of party symbols must be submitted by June 22, 2025.
To finalise the Official List of Electors (OLE), a short Claims and Objections
exercise will be conducted from June 16 to June 20, allowing eligible persons who will be 18 years or older by June 30, 2025 to register.
GECOM wishes to remind registered voters who have changed their address that “any elector who [has] changed their residential address from one electoral division/district (Region) to another, will have to go [to] the polling station associated with their previous address in order to vote in the elections”.
The Commission says it is moving forward with implementation of the plan “to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner”.
This was confirmed by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)-nominated GECOM Commissioner Sase
Gunraj during an invited comment on Thursday, following a meeting with officials from the electoral body and the nominated commissioners from both sides.
“It was well interrogated by the commissioners from the other side as well. They asked a plethora of questions, and so, eventually, it was approved,” Gunraj told the Guyana Chronicle.
He explained that the work-plan sets out a list of tasks which has to be executed between now and elections, including the holding of elections.
Some of these tasks, he said, would be related to the preparing of ballot papers, publishing notices, etc. Each of these tasks, he explained, has a time ascribed to it.
On Tuesday, a meeting was held with commissioners following President Dr.
Irfaan Ali’s announcement that General and Regional Elections will be held on September 1, 2025.
Gunraj had told members of the media that Tuesday’s meeting was the first since that announcement, and that they had all received a work plan from the Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud earlier in the day, and were set to discuss same.
As Tuesday’s meeting got underway, the opposition-nominated commissioners, Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman, staged a walkout.
Gunraj noted that while he cannot predict that there will be such a recurrence from those commissioners, his team remains committed to ensuring that the deliverables are met in time for the polls.
“We are committed to ensuring that the deliverables for holding the elections are met and that whatever presence etc that is necessary to ensure that is done and whatever work that is necessary to ensure that is done, will be done,” he said.
Guyana to again serve as President of Security Council
GUYANA’S Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, on Friday, at UN Headquarters in New York, as the country prepares to once again assume the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for June 2025.
The high-level meeting marked an important milestone as Guyana readies itself to lead the Council’s agenda during its upcoming one-month presidency term.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett was accompanied by a delegation of Guyanese diplomats
including Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Trishala Persaud; Political Coordinator Neishanta Benn; Alternate Political Coordinator, Marissa Edwards; and First Secretary Royston Alkins.
This will be Guyana’s second time holding the prestigious position during its current 2024-2025 term as a non-permanent Security Council member, having previously served as President in February 2024.
The country’s previous presidency was widely praised, with UN General Assembly President Ambassador Dennis Francis describing Guyana’s role
on the Council as “outstanding.”
Francis noted that “When Guyana opened its mouth, everyone listened, because what was being put forward was of such substance and depth that it could not be ignored”.
Guyana has been pursuing five priority areas during its tenure: climate change, food security, peacebuilding and conflict resolution/prevention, women and global security, and youth and children in peace and security.
These priorities align with the country’s overall theme of “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity” for its Security Council membership.
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, on Friday, at UN Headquarters in New York, as the country prepares to once again assume the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for June 2025
The politicisation of this tragedy must come to an end
YOU didn’t need to go to university to study politics to know that as soon as the Adriana Younge tragedy made the news that hyped-up anti-government minds in the opposition parties, including PNC, AFC, WPA and even ANUG (which I think has been damaged over the performance of two of its leaders on the Freddie Kissoon Show) began their conspiracy journey.
Two dimensions of this tragedy were evident. One is the emotions and feelings of the family. Even if dispassionate analysis was applied to the circumstances that showed no sadistic murder was committed, the state of mind of the parents was that they wanted to exhaust all avenues. You couldn’t ask the parents to be reasonable and logical and look at all the circumstances in a holistic way. They were overcome with grief and wanted all types of medical investigations to be pursued. You cannot blame them then and because of their extant state of mind, maybe you still cannot blame them now.
The other dimension was that all the opposition parties and anti-government haters in civil society saw an opportunity to rally against the government. So they milked the feelings of the Younge family for partisan, political purposes. It is here where dimension one and dimension two merged.
The opposition got hold of the family and promised them to make the death a
national tragedy for which the police and the government must take blame. What happened is that the opposition began to offer resources to the family. The Younge family was then placed in a labyrinth.
On the one hand, they needed all the resources they could get and all the solidarity they got. And they got it from the government including the President, Vice–President and Dr. Vindhya Persaud.
But the solidarity from the government ran into initial problems because the family was being influenced not to trust the government even though President Ali appeared graphically sympathetic in ways that could not have been questioned.
The family thus could not get out of the labyrinth of politicisation. Since the opposition had undue influence on them and since the opposition was prepared to go to hell to help them, the family rested their faith in the opposition (but a certain family member, not the father or mother, was a key to making the issue political).
The family believed that the girl was killed and the father genuinely was parachuted into a paroxysm of chagrin when he found out that the autopsy did not reveal homicide. He believed she was killed and the opposition milked his feelings.
It was after the autopsy that the Younge family became part of the opposition story to dramatise and politicise
the tragedy. The family was told that the three pathologists and the family doctor and family lawyer were “infiltrated.”
This explains the alienation from the family by the two professionals with the lawyer taking to social media to protect his reputation.
After the autopsy, the opposition went into intellectual and political mediocrity. I will explain why below. They pinned their hopes on homicide not because they believe in it but because it was the crucial political game that the opposition had to play.
It was their trump card. An interesting development took place the week following the autopsy between the family and the two opposition parties.
The family wanted a second autopsy because they sincerely felt more medical investigation might reveal something. So they asked their known resource-providers to arrange a second autopsy.
The opposition knew a second autopsy was a self-employed trap but they could not get out of it. The opposition knew a second autopsy was a bomb that would explode on their lap because it would not differ from the first one which was a top-class examination.
But they could not get out of the fam-
ily’s request even though there were concerns about the Trinidadian pathologist. It was the fiasco of the Trinidadian angle that tangled up the opposition.
The family said since the Trinidadian doctor looked like he wasn’t coming, the family asked their resource-providers to go international.
The opposition had no choice but to arrange and finance travel to the US and to organise visa facilities.
We have come to the end of an extraordinary conspiracy.
There is absolutely, and I use absolutely again, no way anyone can use that second autopsy to say the girl was brutally murdered.
Two post-mortems by four doctors did not find any evidence that Adriana Younge was murdered and the murder took a certain angle which the autopsy revealed. To continue with murder chants will lead to wild speculations which medical science will not be able to prove.
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.
Guyanese make up majority of stakeholders in local construction sector –– Dr. Jagdeo says
AS Guyana undergoes its rapid transformation, its own citizens are spearheading its progress, as People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that it is mostly Guyanese contractors who are executing various projects.
He made these remarks during a press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, on Thursday.
The PPP General Secretary was at the time responding to a story from another news outlet which suggested widespread involvement of Chinese in Guyana’s construction sector.
“I pointed out that there is a fallacy that the Chinese are getting billions or hundreds of billions of dollars of work.... If you go down by the big road that’s being expanded there, the Guyanese contractors by the National Park. Those are Guyanese contractors. People who have grown over the years from not being able to get anything under APNU now to doing that high quality work here,” he said.
Dr. Jagdeo also said: “I spoke of the $300 billion that we’re spending
in housing to develop all those plots. And I said, based on information from the ministry, not a single Chinese contractor is doing any of those work.”
The General Secretary, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice President, further noted that out of the $300 billion being spent on housing development, not a single contract has been awarded to a Chinese company.
He emphasised that 40,000 house lots have already been developed, with another 25,000 expected by year-end, all executed by Guyanese contractors.
He said: “It’s all done by Guyanese. $300 billion for all the housing development. 40,000 that’s developed so far and another 25,000 house lots before the end of the year. That is being done by Guyanese.”
He then said on the Heroes Highway, about 10 percent of its construction went to the Chinese.
All the community roads are done by Guyanese, he affirmed while noting that the Linden-Soesdyke Highway is being done by a Guyanese and Trinidadian company.
“The only contracts that the Chinese have, big
contracts in this region, are the Timehri to the Stadium Road to widen the road four feet and repave it. The East Coast Road, but they already subcontract the delivery of sand and stone to the locals, and the bridge in this region and now they want to contract in Berbice but that hasn’t started as yet, that’s it. And then the transmission main they got I think one or two of the lots on the transmission but that has not started as it,” he said.
Even with the number of sandpits increasing to 67 from 17, all are Guyanese-owned.
“Every one of those sand pits are given to Guyanese people,” he said.
However, he noted that those persons may have a Chinese national operating it, but the licenses are given to Guyanese.
Since the return of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, small contractors across the length and breadth of Guyana are benefitting from more opportunities.
During an end-of-year press conference, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill clarified that small contractors are not being sidelined in the country’s
development. On the contrary, he emphasised that small contractors play a critical role in Guyana’s progress.
According to the minister, these contractors are essential to the successful implementation of various infrastructural projects, and are key contributors to the country’s ongoing growth and transformation.
The government, he assured reporters, remains committed to providing opportunities for small businesses to thrive, as
part of the national development agenda.
Minister Edghill also highlighted that the Ministry of Public Works has created numerous employment opportunities for youths across various sectors, including working alongside engineers on critical projects.
While acknowledging that there are some delinquent contractors, the minister stressed that this group is minimal.
Further, in April of this year, the Ministry of Pub-
lic Works, under the leadership of Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, signed a total of 293 contracts for a range of infrastructural projects across Region Six.
The contracts represent a substantial $4.2 billion investment in Region Six’s infrastructure.
According to officials, a majority of the contracts were awarded to female contractors— an encouraging sign of growing gender inclusivity in the sector.
Minister Rodrigues: Housing agenda is about ‘promises kept, lives transformed’
“TODAY is not just about numbers, it’s about promises kept and lives transformed,” declared Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, as she addressed hundreds of elated Berbicians on Friday at the State House in New Amsterdam.
With her statement, the Minister set the tone for the launch of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CH&PA) third Dream Realised housing drive for 2025, which will see close to 1,800 residents
of Region Six becoming proud landowners. The twoday initiative marks a pivotal moment in the government’s mission to expand equitable housing access while transforming communities across Guyana.
Delivering her address, Minister Susan Rodrigues, celebrated the moment as both a personal and national achievement.
“With the 1,800 house lots being distributed here, we have effectively met our ambitious target of 50,000 allocations before the end of our first term,” she told the crowd, which included se-
nior officials from CH&PA, ministry staff, and hundreds of excited allottees.
Minister Rodrigues acknowledged that Region Six has become a regular stop for the housing ministry — and for good reason.
“Since the start of the year, we’ve returned to this region multiple times — accompanying President Dr. Irfaan Ali, hosting outreaches, and launching housing drives. That’s because we’re committed to transforming lives here through home ownership,” she said.
Reflecting on the challenges faced upon assuming office in 2020, Minister Rodrigues pointed to the nearly 70,000-application backlog inherited from the previous administration and the dismantling of the Ministry of Housing under the former government.
“In contrast, housing has always been a hallmark of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) developmental agenda — from 1992 to 2015, and again since 2020. We understand the power of homeownership to bring stability, security, and hope.”
She also highlighted the programme’s positive social impact, particularly for women and youth. More than 50% of the allocations in the past five years have gone to young people aged 21–35,
and a growing number of single women are becoming homeowners — a shift that the minister said promotes financial independence and counters domestic vulnerability.
“Our housing drive is not just about land — it’s about economic empowerment. The infrastructure we’re putting in, and the private investment that follows, ensures the value of your land appreciates. That’s how we build generational wealth,” she noted.
So far, 3,555 house lots have been distributed in Region Six. The Overwinning Housing Development is expected to become a key residential and economic hub, complementing other transformative projects
in the region, including: A permanent, toll-free Berbice River bridge, A state-ofthe-art regional stadium, A new regional hospital, and the Palmyra Development, featuring housing for professionals, hotels, and entertainment complexes.
“These projects will bring jobs, services, and pride to the region,” Minister Rodrigues said. “No longer will you need to travel to Region Four for quality healthcare or entertainment — people will be coming here instead.”
As the government moves forward with its comprehensive housing strategy, the minister assured citizens that the work is far from over.
“Our General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has made it clear — our housing drive will not stop. We are committed to ensuring every eligible Guyanese has access to land, a home, and a future filled with opportunity.”
In closing, Minister Rodrigues thanked the allottees for placing their trust in the government.
“Together, we are not just building homes. We are building communities, empowering families, and shaping the future of Guyana — one house lot at a time.”
Ramkarran returns as Bar Association President
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Kamal Ramkarran has been re-elected, unopposed, as President of the Bar Association of Guyana at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting, which was held virtually on May 30, 2025, via the Zoom online platform.
According to information from the Bar Association of Guyana, the meeting saw the election of the Bar Council for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with several key positions filled without contest.
Joining Ramkarran in leadership roles are Attorneys-at-Law Teni Housty and Arudranauth Gossai, who were both elected unopposed as vice presidents.
Attorney-at-Law
Yashmini Singh was also re-elected, unopposed, as Secretary of the Association for a second consecutive term, reflecting continued confidence in her stewardship.
Counsel Chevy Devonish stepped into the role of Assistant Secretary, also unopposed, succeeding Attorney-at-Law, Gabriel Benn, who was elected treasurer after serving as Assistant Secretary during the previous term.
The Bar Council’s membership for the coming year is rounded out by attorneys Robin Stoby, SC; Keoma D. Griffith; Horatio Edmondson; Pratesh Satram; Rea Harris; and Mohanie Anganoo, all of whom were elected unopposed as coun-
cil members. The election process was overseen by Attorney Kashir A. Khan, who served as the Returning Officer.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues
Re-elected President of the Bar Association of Guyana, Kamal Ramkarran
50 families in Bethany/Supenaam Creek benefit from gov’t solar power initiative
By Indrawattie Natram
FIFTY families in the Amerindian community of Bethany, located in the Supenaam Creek area of Region Two, are now enjoying the life-changing benefits of solar energy, thanks to a robust and forward-thinking initiative by the Government of Guyana.
The distribution exercise was led by Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Member of Parliament Tandika Simone Smith, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, the Prime Minister’s
Regional Representative Arnold Adams and other regional officials.
The team spearheaded the delivery of Solar Home Energy Systems—a transformative component of the government’s broader national agenda to build a modern, inclusive, and energy-resilient Guyana.
This initiative targets rural and off-grid communities, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the country’s developmental journey.
Each solar unit distributed included a 160watt solar photovoltaic panel, a charge controller unit, a 48-ampere-hour lithium-ion battery, two nine-watt LED lamps, one
12-watt desk fan and two USB ports for mobile and electronic device charging.
Speaking to residents, Director General Ramraj reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to bridging the energy divide in hinterland and remote areas.
“These systems provide more than just electricity— they offer comfort, connectivity, and convenience to families who have long lived without access to the national grid,” he explained.
“This initiative reflects the government’s determination not to leave any community behind.”
Ramraj further emphasised that transitioning to
Man gets 10 years for setting friend on fire in deadly camp attack
CHRISTIAN Joseph, 23, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the unlawful killing of his friend and the attempted murder of the man’s partner, following a horrific gasoline-fuelled attack at a mining camp in 2022.
Joseph, known as ‘Son Son’ of Kitty, Georgetown, had been indicted for the capital offence of murder in the death of Sheldon Harry but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
He also admitted to maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on Harry’s girlfriend, Greisi Andrade, with intent to maim, disfigure, or disable her. Joseph was sentenced to 10 years for the killing and two years for the attack on Andrade.
Justice Navindra Singh, at the Essequibo High Court, ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
Joseph was represented by attorney-at-law Bernard Da Silva, while State Counsel Caressa Henry led the case for the prosecution.
The gruesome incident occurred on June 5, 2022, at a mining camp at Panty Creek, Puruni River, Essequibo, where Joseph and Harry, 22, known as ‘Black Boy’ of Parika, of Puruni Backdam worked on neighbouring gold dredges.
According to the facts presented in court, the events unfolded around 7:00 hrs after a heated argument between Joseph and his girlfriend, Miriangil, led to screaming in their camp.
Miriangil called out to
Andrade for assistance and began packing her belongings.
While Andrade and Miriangil were at Harry’s camp, Joseph showed up with a cutlass and threatened Harry. When his girlfriend refused to return with him, Joseph left—only to return moments later with a bucket of gasoline and a piece of wood.
Both Harry and Andrade attempted to flee, but Joseph gave chase. He caught up with them and doused them with gasoline before igniting them.
Harry’s partner managed to drag him to a nearby river in an attempt to extinguish the flames. Bystanders rushed to help, and Harry was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to severe burn injuries on June 20, 2022.
A post-mortem revealed he died from bronchopneumonia due to septic burns covering 50 to 55 per cent of his body. Parts of the attack were recorded by Andrade on her mobile phone.
Following his arrest, Joseph told investigators, “It was not my intention… I was just bluffing and the fire light.”
He claimed that Harry had collided with him, causing the gasoline to spill. The court, however, found the attack to be deliberate and unprovoked.
Justice Singh imposed the custodial sentence ac-
clean, renewable energy is not just an environmental priority, but also a moral responsibility, especially toward historically underserved populations.
“This is more than energy access, it’s about dignity, opportunity, and inclusion,” he stated. “The people of Bethany and Supenaam Creek are part of the Guyanese story, and this government is committed to ensuring that every citizen—no matter how remote their location—has access to the tools for a better future.”
The impact of the initiative was visibly felt in the community, with many residents expressing heartfelt gratitude.
cordingly, ordering that the time the convict spent in pretrial custody be deducted from the sentence.
“We are very happy for the panels, which will assist our children to study in the nights,” shared one appreciative parent.
Toshoa of Bethany, Sonia Latchman, extended gratitude on behalf of her community. She said that the request was made and she is happy that it is being delivered.
The solar panel being distributed by MP Tandika Simone-Smith
Christian Joseph
Sheldon Harry
Greisi Andrade
Improved internet speeds, network security, decreased bandwidth costs
–– among benefits to be derived from Guyana’s first Internet Exchange Point (IXP)
By Shamar Meusa
GUYANA’S first Internet Exchange Point (GYIXP) was launched on Friday, aimed at bringing improved internet speeds, along with stronger network security and reliability, and decreased bandwidth costs.
The launch of the IXP, a collaborative effort between the Office of the Prime Minister, National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and the University of Guyana, took place at the Prime Minister’s office and was hailed as a crucial step in Guyana’s digital transformation.
An IXP is a physical location where different internet service providers (ISPs) and other network operators come together to exchange internet traffic. Such a facility allows local internet ex-
change for ISPs to be interconnected, thus facilitating access to local online content without routing same internationally.
Delivering remarks at the launch, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips stated, “By facilitating
the interconnection of the networks of our local internet service providers, GYIXP is expected to tangibly improve network performance, security, resiliency, and costs… and most importantly, lower the barriers not just to connectivity, but to meaningful
connectivity.”
The Prime Minister underscored that the IXP also brings economic and entrepreneurial benefits: “Nationally, an IXP has the potential to revolutionise the national digital landscape and can exponentially increase internet-based entrepreneurship and national development opportunities – including domestic content production.”
Phillips went on to note that this comes as part of the government’s broader national ICT agenda.
He reiterated that in 2020, the PPP/C committed to developing infrastructure and promoting the use of ICTs across Guyana to secure a prosperous future, and thus far, it has delivered and even exceeded the promise.
National ICT Advisor, Darryl Akeung said that Guyana’s first IXP is currently housed at the University of
Guyana and its members include E-Networks, One Communication Guyana and the National Data Management Authority, and noted that a management committee will govern the GYIXP.
Additionally, the advisor stated that this is a non-profit undertaking that has been years in the making, with the University of Guyana providing the necessary accommodation while the dedicated bandwidth is being provided free of charge by the NDMA.
“I’m proud to announce that the Guyana IXP is fully equipped and the routing of local traffic has begun in May 2025. This is a significant accomplishment, made possible by the Office of the Prime Minister, University of Guyana, the NDMA, E-Networks and One Communication,” Akeung said.
Additionally, PM Phillips explained that while there are
more than 1,500 IXPs active globally, fewer than 120 are located in Latin America and the Caribbean.
He said, “Before now, if you made a call across one network to another, it had to be routed through Miami and back to Guyana; now the routing is being done in Guyana.”
As such, Phillips pointed out that GYIXP represents a strategic step toward securing Guyana’s digital sovereignty by reducing reliance on international links and preserving the ability to maintain access to local services and businesses.
He praised the collaborative efforts that brought the GYIXP to life, noting: “This is made possible not only through the Government of Guyana’s efforts, but also those of the University of Guyana in providing a neutral space to house GYIXP, and the internet service providers who support and participate in this initiative. Your efforts are to be applauded, and your contributions to Guyana’s development are much appreciated.”
Further to this, the Prime Minister highlighted that GYIXP aligns with regional and international frameworks such as the CARICOM Single ICT Space, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean’s Digital Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Guyanese-Canadian lawyer endorses President Ali for second term
GUYANESE-CANADIAN lawyer and civil rights advocate, Selwyn Pieters, has endorsed President, Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term, commending his authenticity and commitment to national development.
“President Ali is as real as it comes,” Pieters said in a video.
He also highlighted the tremendous progress that has been taking place since the government assumed office in 2020.
Pieters pointed to key developments taking place, such as the rehabilitation and construction of roads, the massive transformation in Berbice and the state-of-the-art Demerara River Bridge, to name a few.
“This President genuinely cares about people,” he said.
September 1, 2025 is the day when General and Regional Elections will be held.
A government is in place for five years from the date when the National Assembly meets after any dissolution – meaning five years after Parliament first met on September 1, 2020 – as per section 70 (3) of the Constitution. The last General and Regional Elections were held on March 2, 2020.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and National ICT Adviser Darryl Akeung (at centre), along with the team at the launch on Friday
GOAL graduation: 2,000 to be awarded certificates, diplomas, degrees
–– further 9,179
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh on Friday announced that almost 2,000 Guyanese are slated to graduate from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme during its third graduation ceremony set for June 9 and 10, 2025 at the National Cultural Centre.
According to a press release, another 9,179 Guyanese have been awarded scholarships for this year, bringing the total number of persons being granted scholarships since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took office to 39,000, nearly doubling the 20,000 scholarships the government
“But in addition to that, the award of these new scholarships also represents at an individual and personal level, a triumph for those who would have undertaken and completed an academic program,” Dr. Singh said.
During the announcement, Dr. Singh, while congratulating the 9,179 persons awarded scholarships this year, said the list of awardees will be published in the national newspapers tomorrow, and they will be notified via email throughout the course of the new week.
persons awarded scholarships in 2025
it would benefit in excess of 11,000 current students and all new students.
“This will relieve students of having to bear the cost of university education at UG, whether by way of cash or student loan. In 2025, reflecting the abolition of tuition fees, $13.4 billion is allocated to finance UG’s operations,” the minister had emphasised.
The government also last year launched its student write-off programme in keeping with its 2020 Manifesto promise.
“In keeping with our Manifesto commitments regarding making university education more accessible and affordable, we have begun Phase I of the debt writeoff process for persons with outstanding University of
had promised to grant to Guyanese in its 2020 Manifesto.
“The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), as it has come to be known popularly, is a flagship initiative of this People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government. It was initiated by President Ali, in the first instance, in our Manifesto as we prepared for the 2020 elections, and it aims to provide educational opportunities to those who wish to upgrade their qualifications, including by obtaining post-graduate qualifications as well as to give opportunities to those who might otherwise had not have access to post-secondary education,” Minister Singh emphasised.
“What we are witnessing today as we prepare to graduate 2,000 persons, and to award a further 9,000 persons with new scholarships is exciting testimony to two things: One, testimony to the Government’s delivery of a commitment that we made, and as we started, or even before we started the current term of office, the GOAL scholarship programme has demonstrated the delivery of yet another one of our commitments.
The batch of persons graduating under GOAL this year, hail from all regions, countrywide, and have completed programmes from a number of international universities in various disciplines.
Dr. Singh pointed out that the 9,179 scholarships granted this year range from certificates to PhDs, and will be offered, through 22 internationally accredited partners including University of East London (UK in partnership with UNICAF), Jain ‘deemed to be’ University in India, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Amity University and University of Suffolk (UK in partnership with UNICAF).
This year’s third graduation ceremony, being held under the theme “Enhancing the Nation’s Human Capacity”, is in keeping with the Government of Guyana’s development vision. It also holds special significance, as it coincides with the fifth anniversary of GOAL since it was launched by the government to transform access to tertiary education for thousands of Guyanese in every region across the country.
Effective January this year (2025), Government has made access to education at the University of Guyana free of cost. In his 2025 Budget presentation, Dr. Singh noted that UG will be tuition free from January 2025 and that
Guyana (UG) student loans.
“To date, $2.5 billion in loans were written off for over 3,700 persons, and we continue to urge persons to apply for their loan write off so they can be relieved of this historic obligation,” Dr. Singh had said.
Meanwhile, adding further to its provision of easier access to education and relieving citizens of the cost attached, government went a step further this year when President Ali announced in April last that the Government of Guyana will fund the examination fees for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) for at least eight subjects for each student.
The Head of State made the announcement during a public meeting in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).
The initiative is slated to benefit every single child in public and private schools, and will add to the initiative the government has already implemented since its return to office in 2020 of annual cash grants to every school child.
‘I took the opportunity to serve’
––Minister Parag reaffirms commitment to public service during electoral fraud trial
Minister
Government and Regional Development,
MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, on Friday, completed her testimony in the ongoing electoral fraud trial, using the witness stand to reaffirm her commitment to national service amid cross-examination by defence attorney Eusi Anderson.
The trial, unfolding at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, involves multiple high-profile officials accused of attempting to manipulate the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Minister Parag, a former attorney in private practice and a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) during the elections, told the court that her transition into public office was not driven by personal gain but by her desire to serve the people of Guyana.
In a line of questioning seemingly aimed at uncovering political alignment, Anderson asked whether, during the tenure of the A
Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government between 2015 and 2020, she held any government contracts or played a role in shaping public policy.
Parag responded firmly, “no sir,” stating that during that period, she neither received nor applied for any government job, nor was she invited by the then government to do so.
She stated that she had been in private legal practice and began offering pro bono legal services to the then Office of the Opposition, led by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), starting in May 2019.
When asked whether she saw her current position as an upgrade from private practice, Parag responded: “Well, I was in private practice. I don’t know what is an upgrade… I moved to a different portfolio, and I was given the opportunity to serve the people, which I took.”
“I’m working like I always do,” she said, maintaining that her work ethic
and sense of duty remained consistent across both roles as minister and an attorney.
He then asked whether she considered herself a friend of the APNU+AFC government, to which Parag responded, “I wouldn’t say that.”
Pressed on the differences in her circumstances before and after taking office—including police protection at her home, a diplomatic passport, and access to a state-assigned driver—Parag acknowledged the changes. She noted that these were the benefits of her ministerial role.
During the exchange, Anderson implied that Parag’s ministerial appointment depended on the PPP/C’s success in the 2020 elections and questioned whether she had a vested interest in the party’s victory.
In response, Parag said: “I had a vested interest in the national issues in the country as a citizen.” When pressed further, she agreed that she would not have been appointed a minister had the
PPP/C lost.
Her testimony concluded on Friday, and the matter is scheduled to continue on June 23, 2025.
Those charged with electoral fraud include People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph and former Health Minister under the APNU+AFC government, Volda Lawrence.
Also facing charges are former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers; and former Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.
Also charged are former GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller.
Collectively, they face 19 conspiracy charges and are represented by a robust defence team.
Due to the charges arising from the same set of circumstances, the matters have been consolidated. Each
defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges and secured their release by posting significant cash bail.
It is the prosecution’s case that each defendant had a “critical role” to play in the wilful endeavour to inflate votes for the APNU+AFC, and deflate votes for the PPP/C.
In the weeks that followed the March 2, 2020, vote, Guyana’s judiciary was inundated with multiple applications and appeals filed by various political actors over the electoral process.
The saga lasted five months before a national recount, led by GECOM and a delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), confirmed the PPP/C’s victory and ultimately led to the swearing-in of President Dr. Irfaan Ali on August 2, 2020.
The recount confirmed that the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC coalition’s 217,920.
The initial elections results, announced by former CEO Lowenfield, claimed an
APNU+AFC victory.
The APNU+AFC coalition received 171,825 votes, while the PPP/C received 166,343 votes, according to Lowenfield’s election report.
Following the PPP/C’s return to office in August 2020, criminal charges were filed against the defendants.
GECOM made the decision to terminate the contracts of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo in August 2021, after the allegations of fraud came to light.
AFC out, Norton aligns with WPA's controversial David Hinds ahead of 2025 elections
AS preparations intensify for the 2025 General and Regional Elections, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Coalition has reaffirmed its alliance with the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a move that effectively aligns People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Leader Aubrey Norton with the party’s controversial Co-Leader, Dr. David Hinds. In a statement issued on Friday, APNU declared that it is “prepared for the General and Regional Elections 2025,” expressing confidence
in winning “a free, fair and transparent election.”
But the coalition’s political calculus may come under scrutiny, given the prominence of Hinds, whose inflammatory rhetoric has frequently sparked national debate and condemnation.
Dr. Hinds, known for his provocative commentary on race and politics, has drawn ire for using terms like “lick bottom” a Creolesed insult likening certain African Guyanese to political sycophants particularly those who support the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Leader, Aubrey Norton and Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Co-Leader, Dr. David Hinds
He contends that such rhetoric is aimed at awakening racial and political consciousness, but critics argue that his language fosters divi-
sion and deepens ethnic rifts. Hinds had even thrown his full support behind the “scrapes” responsible for the recent wave of looting,
destruction and terror that rocked the nation recently.
He described the riots not as criminal acts, but as a “transformative” uprising, and referred to the lawless destruction as “torches of freedom.”
Hinds had stirred the pot by stating bluntly that victims of looting and government “must take it in y’all behind,” while proclaiming his solidarity with the very youths being blamed for robbing stores and setting fire to property.
His comments, again, have triggered widespread
condemnation, with politicians accusing him of glorifying lawlessness and undermining efforts to restore peace.
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has since launched an investigation into Hinds’ statements, citing serious concerns about the potential impact on social cohesion.
Even within APNU circles, some figures have privately expressed discomfort with Hinds’ tone, accusing him of stoking racial animosity under the guise of advocacy.
of Local
Sonia Parag Volda Lawrence Keith Lowenfield
Carol Smith-Joseph Clairmont Mingo Roxanne Myers
Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty
Guyana launches ‘One-Health Project’ to bolster national emergency preparedness
THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, officially launched the Guyana One Health Project at the Aiden Hotel in Georgetown, on Friday.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Health, the launch, marked a critical milestone in Guyana’s continued efforts to strengthen its pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities.
Funded through a grant from the Pandemic Fund and credit support from the World Bank, the project aims to fortify Guyana’s resilience to health emergencies using a One Health approach, a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and transdisciplinary model that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The project development objective is to strengthen Guyana’s capacities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies through a One Health approach and, in the case of an eligible crisis or emergency, respond promptly and effectively to it.
In his keynote address, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, underscored the project’s scientific foundation and strategic importance.
“We thought it was important that we situate the proposal into things that we really needed. If we’re going to do a good One Health Project, we also needed to understand what was going on with the animal population”, the Health Minister said.
Dr. Anthony emphasised that the project is rooted in lessons learned from COVID-19 and is designed to address health threats at their source including those originating from animals.
Also delivering remarks was Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service. Dr Singh highlighted Guyana’s longstanding engagement with international financing institutions
“We demonstrated our capacity to absorb and successfully deploy AIDA resources. I also want to publicly acknowledge the United States of America for your continued support for AIDA, recognising the remarks made by the US Treasury Secretary on the importance of multilateral institutions”, he stated.
The One Health Project aligns with Guyana’s commitment to advancing the International Health
More health centres to soon offer nicotine-replacement therapy
MORE health centres across Guyana will soon be equipped to offer nicotin- replacement therapy to further counter the dangers of smoking.
Since the launch of the first tobacco-cessation clinic in 2024, some additional 20 centres have been equipped to offer this service to anyone interested in quitting tobacco.
To supplement the existing facilities, the Ministry of Health will today, World No-Tobacco Day 2025, hand over nicotine-replacement therapy to health centres, starting with the addition of nicotine lozenges into the system.
This was according to Technical Officer for Tobacco Control, Dr. Sheliza Gopie, on a recent broadcast of ‘Health Matters’.
Regulations and aims to improve key public health systems, enhance multi-sectoral coordination, and strengthen veterinary and environmental health capacities.
Also present at this event were Permanent Secretary, Malcolm Watkins; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh; Technical Project Lead Dr. Anand Persaud and other directors and senior officials.
The hope is for this service to be available at every health centre countrywide by the end of the year.
Dr Gopie said that the nicotine-replacement therapy is to help those persons who may want to quit smoking, as they have not been successful with counselling alone. She added that the gum and nicotine patch will be added over time.
In addition, Dr Gopie mentioned that last year, they also visited schools in seven regions, where they interacted with over 5,000 students. These students were interested in learning about the effects and dangers of not only cigarettes, but also new devices such as hookahs and e-cigarettes.
Recently, the ministry
The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, officially launched the Guyana One Health Project at the Aiden Hotel in Georgetown, on Friday
Excluded from APNU/WPA partnership, AFC wants alliance with ‘like-minded’ people
–– welcomes US-sanctioned Mohamed into the race for office
EXCLUDED from the recently announced partnership between the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Working People’s Alliance (WPA), the Alliance For Change (AFC) has officially announced that it will be contesting the September 1 General and
Regional Elections, and will be forging alliances with “like-minded” individuals to contest.
This was disclosed by AFC chairman, David Patterson, during the party’s Friday press conference, when asked whether the party is considering the possibility of part-
nerships with other parties or individuals.
Patterson said that as the name of the party suggests, they intend to have “alliances” heading into the elections.
“The name of our party since our establishment is alliance, and we will be having alliances with per -
sons, like-minded persons, to contest the 2025 elections,” Patterson said.
Further to this, the party was questioned by members of the media, specifically about US-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed, throwing his hat in the race and whether the AFC
believes this will take away from their support base.
To this end, the Leader of the AFC, Nigel Hughes, stated that he welcomes Mohamed into the election cycle as it gives the electorate a wider range of choices.
He said: “I welcome Mr Mohamed, which means I welcome the competition and I welcome it for many reasons, but particularly because it gives other persons a choice and it forces us to improve our game.”
Last year June, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on businessmen Nazar and his son Azruddin Mohamed, along with their companies for alleged gold smuggling, money laundering and tax evasion.
Questioned whether the AFC has engaged in talks with Mohamed for a possible coalition heading into the elections, he said that his party has not engaged in any discussions.
However, while he did not rule out any possible collaboration with the businessman, Hughes said that there are three months ahead on the road to the election and indicated that he cannot predict the future. He went on to add that whatever is in the “best interest of Guyana,” he will endeavour to support and participate[in].
More health centres to soon offer ...
completed training with persons across Guyana in tobacco cessation.
Help is provided to patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Spirometery Department. They can be contacted on 227-2403. To join this clinic persons are required to have a referral from the health centres in their communities.
Additionally, there are a number of satellite stations with a spirometery clinic around the country.
Some of these are at the Festival City Health Centre, the Enmore Polyclinic, Kitty Health Centre, Campbellville Health Centre and the Industry Health Centre. Hospitals around the country also offer this service.
This includes the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Linden Hospital and the New Amsterdam Hospital.
Taking a look at it globally, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) says that an estimated 37 million children age 13 to 15 years use tobacco worldwide, and in several countries, the e-cigarette rate use among young people is greater than that of adults.
World No-Tobacco Day is observed on May 31, annually, and is being observed under the theme: ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products’.
This year’s theme aims to reveal the strategies used by tobacco and nicotine industries to make their products enticing, to young people in particular.
Leader of the AFC, Nigel Hughes
Jones, Beaumont dismantle Windies
(ESPNCRICINFO) - England’s experiment with Amy Jones at the top of the order paid dividends as she and opening partner Tammy Beaumont scored centuries in a 108-run victory over West Indies in the first ODI in Derby.
It was Jones’ maiden international century after 12 years and more than 200 games across formats for England, helping to set a lofty victory target of 346 after captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who chimed in with a 35-ball fifty, won the toss.
Linsey Smith, the left-arm spinner on ODI debut following a career resurgence in 2024 after nearly five years on the
outer, claimed a five-wicket haul to bowl West Indies out for 237 with 10 balls to spare despite a 91-run opening partnership between Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph.
Jones and Beaumont both scored at better than a run a ball and shared a 222-run stand for the first wicket as England reached 345 for 6.
Jones had opened the batting 22 times previously in ODIs, but not since the 2019 Women’s Ashes - and 18 times in T20Is, most recently during the World Cup in Australia five years ago.
But perhaps in a sign of what was to come, she had opened with Beaumont in all seven of her innings for The Blaze in this year’s domestic one-day cup competition and scored 80, 52 and 41 in her last three outings there.
Jones’s innings was chanceless until, on 92, she drove the ball hard back at bowler Jahzara Claxton who couldn’t hold on despite getting both hands to it. Karishma Ramharack missed a similarly well-struck return catch off Jones in the next over.
Jones displayed excellent placement and timing, highlighted by a beautiful cover drive off Zaida James for four followed by two more boundaries off the same bowler, threaded expertly between backward and cover point and plundered over mid-on. She brought up her half-century in
59 balls with a single into the leg side off Matthews. Beaumont was more circumspect in raising her fifty although an assertive six over wide long-on, also off Matthews, put her in touching distance and she met the milestone off 74 balls with a cut single off Afy Fletcher. Beaumont signalled a remarkable shift in tempo when she followed backto-back fours off Aaliyah Alleyne immediately with another six pulled over deep square leg. Her third maximum came off Claxton through wide long-on and she showed great innovation moments later to uppercut a four through deep third before edging Claxton’s next ball just past wicketkeeper Mandy Mangru for four more.
Suddenly Beaumont had
moved to 92 off 93 and it became a century race between the openers after they posted a first-wicket stand worth 200 for only the fourth time in England Women’s ODI history. Beaumont reached the landmark first, having faced just 22 balls for her second fifty, as she struck two fours in three balls off Ramharack for her 11th ODI ton. She could have fallen three balls later had Mangru held a faint edge as Beaumont looked to work a Ramharack delivery fine and she capitalised with another six over wide long-on off Matthews.
Jones brought up her century with a four through extra cover off Cherry-Ann Fraser, prompting a satisfied smile to spread across new head coach Charlotte Edwards’ face.
Rohit rides his luck, Bairstow returns with bang
• From Page 36
MI’s total was built on the back of a blazing start from their new opening pair.
Jonny Bairstow, replacing Ryan Rickelton who has left on international duty, smashed a 22-ball 47 on his debut for his third IPL team. Rohit, meanwhile, made his fourth fifty and highest score of the season.
MI chose to bat a day after Punjab Kings, sent in, had been bowled out for 101 at the same venue. This was a different pitch, however, with even bounce and none of the seam movement of Qualifier 1.
Even so, GT could have had MI in trouble early, only for Gerald Coetzee and Kusal Mendis - the latter making his IPL debut - to put Rohit down on 3 and 12. Within minutes,
GT were firmly on the back foot, with Bairstow tonking Prasidh Krishna for 26 runs - though two of his boundaries came off the edge - in the fourth over.
Bairstow fell in the eighth over, but MI kept punching. Rohit’s use of the sweep against GT’s spinners was particularly noteworthy, bringing him 27 runs - the most he’s scored with variants of the sweep against spin in any IPL innings for which shot data is available - off just six balls. He slowed down after reaching his half-century, only scoring 31 off his last 22 balls. Here was another parallel with Sai Sudharsan’s innings: he scored 28 off his last 21. And just like Sai Sudharsan and Washington, Rohit and Bairstow put on
off 44 balls.
Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont added a double-century partnership • Getty Images
Johnny Barnwell, sport lover and fan dies at home
LOCAL sport enthusiast and ex-corporal Johnny “Overseas” Barnwell, a respected veteran and cherished member of our community, passed away earlier this week after a prolonged illness.
Ex-corporal Barnwell served the Guyana Defence Force with distinction, notably rendered to the 11th Infantry (Jaguar) Battalion and the GDF Sports Corps.
Barnwell, known to many, was Games Master at Queen's College, helping to shape generations of young minds, instilling in them the virtues of teamwork, sportsmanship and the pursuit of personal bests.
His influence on the playing fields and courts of Queen's College will resonate for years to come.
Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell
Khalil, Gomes bag Women’s Doubles silver in South American Squash Championships
Guyana’s Ashley Khalil and Kirsten Gomes secured a hard-fought silver medal in the Women’s Doubles final at the South American Senior Squash Championships in Brazil on Thursday evening.
The Guyanese duo faced a tough challenge against
Chile’s Ana Maria Pinto and Giselle Delgado in the title decider. Despite a spirited performance, Khalil and Gomes eventually succumbed 10-11, 5-11.
This silver is Guyana’s only medal so far at the championships, with other doubles pairings exiting in
the quarter-finals and singles players falling in the earlier rounds.
Focus now shifts to the team event, where Khalil and Gomes will be joined by Jason-Ray Khalil, Samuel Inc-Carvalhal, Gabrielle Fraser, and Michael Alphonso Jr, representing Guyana.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Saturday, May 31, 2025)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Sai Sudharsan-679 runs (GT)
(2) Noor Ahmed-23 wickets (CSK)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Who hit the highest individual score in the preliminary round of IPL 2025?
(2) What were the best bowling figures in a single match?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue.
Elite league Season 7
The Guyana Defence Force will be in action this weekend in the GFF Elite League
GDF, Monedderlust aim for vital wins as action resumes
THE Guyana Football Federation Elite League season 7 is set to continue on Saturday and Sunday at two venues around the country.
Tonight, at #5 Ground in Berbice, hosts Monedderlust FC will go up against Ann’s Grove United FC.
Monedderlust has four wins and four losses this season and are sixth in the 10team league table while Ann’s Grove is one from the bottom with one win and two draws in eight outings.
They are only one win above 2025 league debutants Mainstay Gold Star.
The lone clash kicks off at 15:00 hours at the Berbice ground.
Meanwhile, Sunday will witness another matchup; this time Defending champions Guyana defence force team will play Essequibo’s mainstay gold star at the GFF National Training Centre (NTC), Providence starting at 19:00 hours.
The champions, GDF, are getting back to their form of old after a forgettable start to season 7.
The soldiers are fourth in the standings with four wins and a draw with two losses while mainstay are rooted to the bottom of the table with no win out of eight clashes this season.
The league table is headed by last year runners-up, Slingerz FC, with a flawless
showing this season, eight wins in as many outings, defeating all comers including the champions.
Next on the table are Western Tigers with six wins and a draw on eight points while the Guyana Police Force are third with five wins and two draws in eight.
The league features 90 games over a six-month period with the top side in Season 7 collecting two million dollars and being awarded an automatic qualifying spot at the CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championships.
The 2nd place team will collect $1,200,000, 3rd Place $800,000 and 4th Place 500,000.
Shallow wants Pooran to play Test cricket
CMC – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr Kishore Shallow has admitted that he would love to see T20 star Nicholas Pooran along with some of the region’s best cricketers play Test cricket for the West Indies.
Speaking during an interview on WESN TV on Thursday, Dr Shallow said he believed players such as Pooran and Shai Hope could help transform the fortunes of the Test team, which languishes eighth in the ICC rankings ahead of only minnows Bangladesh, Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
Last month, the 29-year-old Pooran was named Wisden’s Leading T20 Cricketer in the World after a sensational 2024 where he scored a record 2331 T20 runs scored at an average of 40. Pooran also smashed 139 sixes to eclipse Chris Gayle’s previous record of 135 sixes set in 2015,
“I’m very hopeful that eventually Nicky P will be back in the One Day International setup as well. That would be a good first step, and then the likes of Shai Hope and the others,” Dr Shallow said.
“I think they have all said to Daren Sammy that they would like to play Test cricket and hopefully, we could see our talent pool expand as a result of that and it will have greater depth in terms of our players to choose from.
“It would certainly help us, and I think that one of the things that has affected us in the past with our rankings is the unavailability of players from time to time, which is why Daren Sammy has embarked on this approach to have these discussions well in advance of series so we can have more commitment about players being available more consistently.”
Sammy bemoans West Indies lethargic starts on tour
• From Page 36
“We’ve played a better brand of cricket over the last 15 to 18 months and here we just find ourselves finding it hard to start away from home, which is something we have to rectify,” Sammy said.
Sammy said while the West Indies’ performance was forgettable, it was especially disheartening to see that his troops did not follow the game plan. Furthermore, he said the team looked out of sorts in all departments.
“It’s good when batsmen play out of their skin, but when you know you have a plan and you haven’t really given it a chance to work, that’s the most annoying thing.
“Today our bowlers weren’t disciplined enough. We saw how England came out and stuck to a simple plan. It’s a wicket that requires you to be straight and use the square boundaries from a straight line, they showed us how it’s done,” Sammy said.
“Our skills were not on par in any of the power plays and we were chasing the game
from early. I mean, 90 runs from the first 10 [overs], you will always find yourself on the defensive and we were playing catchup from then.
“And when you have set batters on a really good track it’s always hard to contain them, but again, execution, field placement, just knowing what skill is required and believing in your execution, we were all over the place today,” he said.
Despite the heavy loss, Sammy said he still believed the West Indies had the ability to bounce back in Sunday’s second ODI in Cardiff and level the three-match series.
However, he said they would have to be at their best against an England side they defeated in their last ODI series in 2024.
“Before the game started, we were only three points behind England, but today they played a brilliant game and we still have the calibre of players that can come out and win, but it takes a process which is accessing what the conditions bring, deciding what is required and then you back yourself in the delivery. We’ve not ticked those boxes and until we do, we will find ourselves chasing the eight [sic] ball,” he said.
CWI Presidents Kishore Shallow
MCYS backs GBBFF One
Guyana Bodybuilding Tour
THE new administration of the sport of bodybuilding in Guyana, headed by Roger Callender has embarked on a novel Bodybuilding tour set to showcase the sport and its top athletes to new audiences around the country.
Calendar told Guyana Chronicle that this tour is set to get in full swing after commitments from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), led by the Honourable Minister Charles Ramson Jr.
The head of the bodybuilding fraternity said that, after meetings with the Minister, they have new plans for the future of the sport, adding that the Ministry’s approval and support of the initiative augur well for its success.
Minister Ramson expressed strong support and enthusiasm, recognising bodybuilding's potential to reach even greater heights across the nation.
Callender told Guyana Chronicle, “Getting the support of the government is a tremendous boost for Body-
building in Guyana; we are deeply appreciative of the support. Bodybuilding is not just a love for us; it is a passion and we will be able
to spread it across Guyana and bring bodybuilding and fitness to everyone and take the sport to newer heights.”
He said, “This will help
produce the next set of bodybuilders for the new era that is coming as well as Kids’ fitness that we are looking to push also which will serve as the nursery for the sport in the years to come and the government’s support will be integral to this development.”
The GBBFF boss added that this marks a new era for bodybuilding in Guyana, with year-round competitions now added to the national calendar
In addition to the three stable competitions, the Novice, intermediate and senior Mr. Guyana competition, the tour is set to include new classic shows in Berbice, Linden, Essequibo and Lethem.
Winners from each regional event will ultimately face off in the grand finale, the prestigious Mr. Guyana Championship in Georgetown.
The tour is set to feature entertainment and intense competition with the action commencing, at a date to be announced, in Essequibo.
Archery Guyana welcomes Archers
Archery Guyana marked a significant milestone in its continued mission to grow and decentralise the sport across the country with the official launch and affiliation of Archers Paradise, the newest addition to its family of clubs. The modest but meaningful ceremony was held on the evening of May 29, 2025, symbolising an exciting step forward in widening accessibility to the sport.
Delivering remarks at the event, President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, expressed her delight at the club's establishment, stating, “It brings me great pride to witness the emergence of Archers Paradise at Lot 49 North New Road, Vreed En Hoop. The Federation remains steadfast in its vision to make archery available across Guyana, beyond the capital and into our thriving communities. Today, we welcome a club that represents opportunity, inclusion, and a new generation of archers.”
The ceremony was attended by a small gathering of supporters and Federation stakeholders. Notably present were Mr. Kenrick Cheeks, Head Coach and Vice-President of Archers Paradise, and Mr. Ganesh Somrah, President of the newly launched club, who both shared their excitement for the club’s future. According to President Ganesh Somrah, he is enthused at the potential of the club’s
Eagles, Royals win playoff series
Last year’s One Guyana Basketball Premier League finalist Stabroek Eagles and Linden Victory Valley Royals booked spots in the quarter finals stage of this year’s league playoffs after wins on Thursday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Eagles going into their second match of their first round, best of three playoff series played like champions, putting on a domineering display against Guyana Defense Force. Eagles won it 81-68 with Zion Gray leading the charge with 25 points with 17 from Michael Turner and 15 from Michael Richards.
They narrowly led at the half 37-36 but stepped on the gas in the third and fourth quarters to outplay their opponents 61-54 in the third before finishing it off 81-68 in the final quarter to win the series 2-0.
Meanwhile in the second clash of the evening, Royals beat Plaisance Guardians in almost identical fashion winning it 80-68. Veteran Royal and national player Harold Adams and Orland Glasgow were perilous in offence as they finished with 26 and 23 points respectively.
Yannick Tappin also played well for his 13 points as they led 17-8 at the end of the first quarter, 35-25 at the half, and 53-46 after the third period before winning it comfortably 80-68 at the end of regulation time.
The playoffs continue with the top teams from the Harpy Eagles and Jaguar conferences. Royals and Eagles now join defending champions North Ruimveldt Ravens and Worthmanville Pacesetters in advancing to the quarter finals.
The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, and National Sports Commission.
The League featured 22 teams evenly split in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conference drawn from all across the country battling for bragging rights, top dollars and the coveted trophy.
to national fold
role in nurturing local talent and building a strong archery culture on the West Coast of Demerara.
Also representing the national governing body were Archery Guyana's Directors Mr. Ryan McKinnon and Mr. Saeed Karim, who congratulated the club’s leadership and
pledged ongoing support to ensure successful integration and growth within the national framework.
Archers Paradise will now join the ranks of affiliated clubs under Archery Guyana, participating in competitions, development programmes, and coaching certification ini-
tiatives, bringing the sport closer to aspiring archers in outlying areas.
With Archery Guyana continuing to promote Olympic values and provide structured opportunities for athletes, the addition of Archers Paradise signals a promising trajectory for archery in Guyana.
One Guyana Basketball Premier League
Paradise
In photo from left to right: Mr. Ryan McKinnon, Mr. Saeed Karim and Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon from Archery Guyana handing over Certificate of Affiliation to President of Archers Paradise, Mr. Ganesh Somrah. On far right is Vice-President Mr. Kenrick Cheeks of Archers Paradise.
Roger Callender and Minister Charles Ramson Jr.
MI eliminate GT to set up Qualifier 2 with PBKS
(ESPNCRICINFO) - Strip away everything else, and you can more often than not reduce T20 contests to a simple count-off: who hit more sixes? Mumbai Indians (MI) hit 17 in the IPL 2025 Eliminator, and Gujarat Titans (GT) hit eight.
Rohit Sharma top-scored for MI with 81 off 50 balls; B Sai Sudharsan top-scored for GT with 80 off 49. The difference lay in MI’s hitting depth. Five of their batters cleared the boundary at least three times each.
This hitting depth took MI to the second-highest total in any IPL playoff game, and ensured that GT’s target always remained just out of reach, even though their chase, advantaged by dew, remained alive almost until the end.
Rohit Sharma, right, had a new opening partner in Johnny Bairstow. • BCCI
And there was one other difference between MI and GT, a difference MI can call on against every other team in the tournament: Jasprit Bumrah. His raw figures were impressive enough - 1 for 27 in four overs - and he also produced the moment of the match, a pinpoint leg-stump yorker to bowl Washington Sundar between his legs, and end an 84-run fourth-wicket stand with Sai Sudharsan.
Bumrah followed up with an 18th over that went for just nine runsdespite containing a six - and that
left GT with 36 to get off the last 12 balls. It became 24 off six after Trent Boult’s 19th over, and while it was possible - especially with Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan at the crease - it’s an equation that usually favours the bowling team.
• Continues on Page 32
Sammy bemoans Windes lethargic starts on tour
CMC – Following Thursday’s 238-run thrashing at the hands of England in the opening One Day International, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy says the team’s lethargic start while on tour is a cause for concern.
The defeat, the West Indies’ second largest in ODIs while batting second, came on the heels of the regional team’s 124-run loss to Ireland in their ODI series opener just over a week ago.
Speaking in a post-match press conference, Sammy said it was an issue that needed to be addressed urgently.
“We were really outplayed today by a team that is also searching for a new identity, but that display was just not good enough. • Continues on Page 34
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy speaking to reporters during a post-match press conference on Thursday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)
Kirsten Gomes (left) and Ashley Khali.