Deeds, Commercial Registry Authority launches services in Linden
THE Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, in collaboration with the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA), on Wednesday, launched services of the DCRA in Linden, bringing increased access to residents of Region Ten.
This was disclosed by Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, who noted that, for the first time, residents of Region Ten would be able to access the crucial services of the DCRA in their region.
This, he said through a post via social media, constitutes the delivery of another promise of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who pledged to have the DCRA establish offices in all the outlying regions
of Guyana.
To this end, an office space has already been identified from which the DCRA will operate at a very convenient location within the township, making its services easily accessible to potential users.
It was noted that residents expressed their gratitude for the initiative and held further discussions with the Attorney General during which they pledged to make optimum use of the various services. In brief remarks, the
Attorney General outlined the main functions of the DCRA and explained the multiple services that it will offer to the people of Region Ten, thereby obviating the need for them to travel at great expense and inconvenience to Georgetown to
access these services.
“One of the core objectives of our government is to extend all services available in the urban centres of Guyana to every region of the country in order to make the lives of our citizens better wheresoever they are located,” the Attorney General said.
It was also disclosed that advertisements will soon be published inviting persons from the region to apply for posts in the new office.
107 medical professionals awarded postgraduate scholarships to boost Guyana’s healthcare capacity
THE Government of Guyana has awarded scholarships to 107 medical professionals to pursue postgraduate studies at leading UK universities, as part of its drive to build a highly-skilled healthcare workforce equipped to meet the nation’s evolving health needs.
The scholarships, administered through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), in partnership with LEARNA UK, will see local doctors and healthcare specialists pursuing advanced degrees at the University of Buckingham, the University of Wolverhampton, and the University of South Wales.
This new cohort of scholars will specialise in areas critical to Guyana’s healthcare landscape, with master’s programmes spanning fields such as cardiology, critical care, neurology, endocrinology, infectious disease, family medicine, haematology, public health, healthcare management, and more.
Students will also earn postgraduate certificates in emerging and complementary disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Cosmetic Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Clinical Nutrition, among others.
The initiative complements existing scholarships being pursued through Medvarsity, and aligns with the government’s broader agenda to expand and modernise Guyana’s health sector by investing in both infrastructure and human capital.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh emphasised that sustained prosperity relies on developing professionals who can deliver services at global standards while responding to the country’s local needs.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has also underlined the importance of building specialised capacity at hospitals and clinics nationwide, with targetted training in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, and public health aimed at improving frontline care and advancing the goal of equitable, modern healthcare for all Guyanese.
Since its launch in 2021, GOAL has transformed higher education access in Guyana, awarding over 39,000 scholarships to citizens in fields ranging from healthcare and education to technology and business. By offering access to world-class training without requiring students to leave their communities, the programme reflects the government’s vision for a future-ready workforce that supports sustainable national development.
Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall
Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority launched services in Linden on Wednesday
‘Quality health is quality life’ – President Ali
commissions new Bath regional hospital
––
announces
By Naomi Parris
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announced the rollout of integrated laboratory services across Guyana, aimed at improving access to primary healthcare and promoting healthier family life.
The announcement was made during the commissioning of the
plans for countrywide integrated laboratory services
He further detailed plans for an integrated, accessible national network of laboratories, including containerised facilities designed to bring diagnostics closer to communities.
“You will see a lot of emphasis being placed on this investment in the coming months and years to support this investment. You will see we’ll
check your sugar levels. So, we are building these facilities to allow ease of access, to enhance family health care, to support healthy living.”
He highlighted Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) as a sample location for this initiative, citing its demographic profile and population dynamics. The region will serve as a model for a holistic fam-
new Bath Regional Hospital in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), a stateof-the-art facility that promises to transform healthcare delivery in the area.
Addressing those gathered at the ceremony, President Ali underscored the government’s vision of linking improved healthcare services to quality of life.
“I want to remind you that quality health care is also linked to quality life, and quality life is about how we treat our bodies and how we take care of ourselves from birth to our pre-determined exit,” he said.
be launching a comprehensive ‘lab’ integration service across our country, just like these containerised police outposts we’ll be putting down containerised ‘labs’ across our country, especially in larger communities, integrating those ‘labs’ with health development and healthcare management.”
The President said these services will be designed to be user-friendly, allowing citizens to stop in on their way to work for basic health checks.
“We want to have these facilities where the population can go; you go to work, you stop in, you
ily health strategy as the government continues its investment in people-centred care.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony outlined the modern features of the new Bath Regional Hospital, and its potential to significantly improve health outcomes in the region.
“This hospital is going to change lives because in this hospital, we have three brand new operating theatres with all the necessary equipment and so and so we are going to be doing elective surgeries there, and we can do emergency surgeries as well,” he said.
The facility includes 75 inpatient beds, an emergency department, a medical imaging unit with a CT scanner, a modern pharmacy, a dialysis unit, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and a maternal care unit.
According to Dr. Anthony, the region previously suffered from limited infrastructure and inadequate equipment, but this hospital marks a new chapter for health service delivery in Region Five.
Additionally, four new health centres have been constructed and fully equipped in the region, accompanied by public health programmes targetting chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
The minister also stressed the importance of compassionate care, calling on healthcare workers to treat patients with empathy and understanding.
“While we have built a beautiful infrastructure, this institution is only going to be as strong and as good as the staff who
are behind the service,” he said.
“People are coming when they are the most vulnerable, and we want to ensure that when people come to us, that we treat them with compassion and we treat them with empathy, so that we are contributing to them getting here faster,” he added.
The commissioning of the Bath Regional Hospital is a significant milestone in the government’s broader plan to build a healthier, more resilient Guyana, with a strong
emphasis on accessibility, community well-being, and quality of care.
The Bath Regional Hospital is the third of six new health facilities that have been commissioned in a wider programme that is being pursued by the Government of Guyana to improve healthcare. The Enmore and Diamond regional hospitals were recently commissioned.
The facilities were constructed under a partnership with China’s Sinopharm International and CAMCE.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
The new Bath Regional Hospital in Region Five, a state-of-the-art facility that promises to transform healthcare delivery in the area (Japheth Savory photos)
Another party accuses WIN of being duplicitous, stealing its ideas
–questions Mohamed’s ability to lead
DEMOCRATIC National Congress (DNC) founder Craig Sylvester has accused the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party of stealing his policy proposals for their manifesto from the DNC without acknowledgement after stringing him along under the guise of political collaboration.
Sylvester, who said he formally offered himself as a candidate for WIN on July 10, wrote in a letter published by Stabroek News, detailing how he was repeatedly told to wait while WIN’s key figures, including Natasha Singh-Lewis, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Campaign Manager Odessa Primus, promised to review his policy proposals and discuss his candidacy with party financier Azruddin Mohamed.
According to Sylvester, that meeting never materialised. And what did, however, was the striking resemblance between the DNC’s development policies and several key points now featured in WIN’s official manifesto.
Sylvester explained that
he first approached Mohamed’s Enterprise six weeks ago, personally handing a DNC brochure to Nazar Mohamed, and requesting that it be passed on to his son, Azruddin. That same day, Azruddin posted about his political ambitions.
“On July 10, 2025, I visited the WIN Campaign office to offer myself as a candidate for the Party. Natasha Singh-Lewis asked me to have a chat with Tabitha Sarabo-Halley to allow me to spell out my ideas for them. Mrs. Halley, along with Duarte Hetsberger and a young man by the name of Fordyce, conducted the interview. Mrs. Sarabo-Halley said subsequently that
they would contact me,” Sylvester said in his letter. Though he submitted a full proposal at their request, he was later blocked from meeting with Azruddin amid what he described as “bureaucratic run-around”.
“I finally met with WIN’s Campaign Manager Odessa Primus, who put me on to Clayon Halley, who she explained was WIN’s point man on the economy. Reflecting that Mrs. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley’s behaviour was now more easily explained, I also saw Natasha Singh-Lewis again, who asked me to document my proposals for the Party and bring it in,” Sylvester wrote, adding that he submitted his documentation to Hana Mohamed, who promised to pass it along to her brother.
By July 14 Nomination Day, Sylvester’s name had not made it to the WIN candidate list. Still, he remained hopeful until he opened WIN’s manifesto and recognised familiar language.
“I had not been included on the Party’s Candidate list, but did have a mixed reaction to seeing some of the DNC’s policies in its brochure on the WIN party’s Manifesto. The WIN party seems to think that the policies in the DNC’s brochure are commonplace ideas available for
The U.S.-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed with former A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) parliamentarians, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, the party’s General Secretary Odessa Primus and former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Agriculture Director, Vishnu Panday at the WIN manifesto launch last Thursday
free copying, and fodder for their political machinery. It is quite apparent now that they were unwilling to compensate me, choosing instead to selectively lift the DNC’s policy proposals to suit their Party’s agenda,” he said. Sylvester also called into question the fitness of WIN’s Presidential Candidate, pointing to a broader concern that “Guyanese must
seriously consider the WIN Presidential Candidate’s obvious inability to speak on the most basic issues which concern Guyanese.”
“His lack of articulateness, expected from someone seeking Guyana’s highest office, must be a concern to everyone, because if he does not have the independence of mind to assert himself on issues, then there must be
someone backstage pulling the strings.
Who that person happens to be is anyone’s guess, but this is a road I do not think we as a people would want to pursue under any circumstance. My last take on this is that it was probably someone’s grand scheme to get the WIN presidential candidate into Parliament,” Slyvester warned.
GCB rebukes Norton’s comments on Global Super League
– says tournament beyond political control
THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has strongly rejected recent remarks by APNU Presidential Candidate Aubrey Norton, who suggested that the Global Super
League (GSL) T20 tournament could be scrapped if his party wins the upcoming elections.
In a sharply worded statement issued on Tuesday, the GCB described Norton’s comments as “ill-informed and fundamentally misguided”, stressing that the tournament is a fully private initiative that falls outside the jurisdiction of any government.
“The GSL is not a government-run programme,” the GCB clarified. “It is privately owned and managed, funded entirely by the private sector, with principal sponsorship from ExxonMobil and other respected corporate partners.”
Adding weight to its position, the Board highlighted that the GSL is chaired by the legendary Sir Clive Lloyd, one of the most celebrated figures in international cricket. His leadership, the GCB said, gives the tournament global credibility and makes it a transformative investment for the country’s sporting and economic future.
“No political administration—current or future—has the authority to discontinue or dismantle the tournament,” the Board stated. “Any suggestion to do so demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the legal, commercial, and operational frameworks that govern such international sporting ventures.”
Launched as a flagship T20 league, the GSL has been credited with elevating Guyana’s presence on the global sporting map. According to the GCB, the league not only creates high-level opportunities for local and regional players but also generates significant economic spinoffs through sports tourism, international broadcasting, hospitality, and wider job creation.
“To suggest its termination is not only reckless and myopic, but an affront to the aspirations of young athletes and the many stakeholders working tirelessly to build a modern cricketing legacy in Guyana,” the Board said.
The GCB reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for the Global Super League and pledged to continue working alongside corporate partners and cricketing stakeholders to secure its growth and long-term success.
“The GSL is more than just a cricket league—it is a platform for national excellence, economic opportunity, and international respect,” the statement concluded.
“Guided by the steady hand of Sir Clive Lloyd and backed by world-class partners, it is destined to become a pillar of Guyana’s modern sporting identity.”
Craig Sylvester
New Bath Hospital equipped with advanced CT scanner
Min. Anthony
A NEW and more advanced CT Scanner at the new Bath Regional Hospital will replace the more than 25-year-old machine currently being used at the Fort Wellington Hospital.
This new machine is part of several new amenities that will provide quality healthcare services to the
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony delivering remarks at the commissioning of the new Bath Regional Hospital
residents of the Mahaica-Berbice region.
Delivering remarks at the commissioning of the $6.6 billion hospital, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony outlined the state of healthcare in the region before the new hospital came on stream.
“Not so long ago, in 2020, when we came to this region, we had two hospitals functioning in the region. And both of them were func-
tioning in a suboptimal way,” he said.
The minister noted that the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital did not have enough space for patients to be comfortably housed. There was also no adequate accident and emergency department.
For many of the much-needed services, residents would either have to travel to New Amsterdam or Georgetown.
The Fort Wellington Hospital, Minister Anthony said, will be closed and repurposed in the future since the new hospital will provide all the services needed in the region. With 75 inpatient beds, three operating theatres, and 24/7 laboratory and diagnostic services, it is designed to handle both routine and urgent medical needs efficiently and effectively. (DPI)
Skilled trades key to Region Three’s economic expansion – R3PSInc Head
AS the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) marks 115 years of shaping Guyana’s skilled workforce, Region Three hosted one of its most interactive celebrations yet: the Try-A-Skill Exhibition and Fair that occurred on Wednesday at the West Central Mall in Leonora.
Under the theme “Skills to Success — 115 Years Journey of Technical Excellence & Workforce Development,” the event had live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and career guidance for youths and adults alike.
Speaking with this publication ahead at the venue, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, described the event as a vital platform to inspire the region’s next generation of tradesmen, technicians, and innovators.
“For more than a century, BIT has equipped thousands of Guyanese with practical
skills that open doors to stable jobs and economic independence. This exhibition is more than just a showcase — it’s an invitation for young people to see that technical skills are the backbone of our development,” Khan said.
He added that Region Three’s private sector is deeply supportive of BIT’s mission, noting that skilled trades are in high demand across the region’s booming construction, manufacturing, and agro-processing sectors.
“From carpentry to information technology, welding to hospitality — our companies need trained people. The ‘TryA-Skill’ Fair brings training opportunities directly to our communities, while also connecting employers with future talent,” Khan explained.
Visitors to the fair can expect live demonstrations of trades and techniques by trainees and instructors, opportunities to participate in hands-on activities, and one-on-one career advice
from BIT officers.
Khan urged parents, school leavers, and jobseekers to take advantage of all opportunities being offered by BIT in order to build sustainable careers without having to leave their region.
“Region Three is expanding rapidly. Our industrial zones are growing, and our local businesses are competing on a bigger stage. Events like this ensure we have the skilled workforce we need to match that growth and keep opportunities right here at home,” he stressed.
As BIT celebrates 115 years of technical excellence, the Region Three Private Sector Inc. says it remains committed to partnering with training institutions, community leaders, and the government to ensure more Guyanese can benefit from skills development that leads to long-term success.
Khan also commended President Dr. Irfaan Ali for the government’s contin -
and vocational training, which he said has been pivotal in expanding BIT’s reach and impact across the country.
R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan (second from left), and Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region Three, Devanand Ramdatt (extreme right) with BIT Technical Officer, Devika Ramsewak and another official at the Try-A-Skill Exhibition and Fair at the West Central Mall in Leonora ued investment in technical
MORE than 2,000 constables, corporals and sergeants will finally pin on new insignia when President Irfaan Ali’s mass promotion order takes effect on August 1, 2025.
In a Force where some officers retired as lifelong constables, this is a seismic morale boost and overdue recognition of thankless service. But promotions alone will not modernise the Guyana Police Force; they must be the gateway to deeper change.
The President’s package is ambitious. Automatic rank upgrades, free tertiary education for every officer, and a quarterly performance scorecard promise to transform policing from a dead-end job into a professional career path.
The reforms build on earlier moves; 600 senior promotions in February, and the rollout of 5,000 body cameras with the blunt presidential warning that there is “absolutely no excuse” for officers to patrol unrecorded. Together, they sketch an institution finally willing to measure itself, and to be measured by the public.
Yet history counsels caution. When the Police Service Commission froze promotions in 2021 amid court battles, careers stagnated and public trust sank. That memory lingers, and citizens will judge this new wave not by the number of stripes sewn but by whether behaviour on the street improves.
Ali’s administration seems aware of the risk: Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram now speaks openly of rogue cops in the dock, and vows “zero tolerance for misconduct”. Ending the culture of impunity is the only way to prevent tomorrow’s inspectors from carrying yesterday’s bad habits into higher offices.
The accountability architecture is, therefore, the true test. The quarterly station audit; tracking maintenance of State assets, community engagement and discipline must be transparent, data-driven, and public.
Body-camera footage must be reviewed, not stored. Scholarships should be tied to course completion and
post-study return of service. And the reformers must resist the temptation to politicise the evaluation process. If the Ali plan marries rank with responsibility, promotions will be the start of a renaissance. If it falters, shiny new badges will merely mask old dysfunction.
The Force, soon to be rebranded the “Guyana Police Service”, now stands on a credibility precipice: Step forward into professional policing, or slip back into the abyss of corruption and public contempt.
For the sake of every rank recognised, and every citizen longing for impartial protection, the choice must be forward.
Food Security in Guyana: A success story backed by data Rewards and Reforms
Dear Editor,
IN recent months, there has been growing commentary suggesting that a large portion of our population is now unable to afford a healthy diet due to rising food prices. While it is true that global food prices have experienced significant increases, largely driven by international supply chain disruptions, inflation, and climate-related challenges, it is important to place this issue within the proper national context.
Over the past few years, the Government of Guyana has taken proactive steps to shield citizens from the worst effects of imported food inflation.
Recognising the global crisis, the government swiftly rolled out a comprehensive package of policies aimed at reducing ag-
ricultural costs and boosting domestic food production.
Among the most impactful of these interventions were the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and agrochemicals; actions that came at a notable fiscal cost to the treasury.
The government also eliminated VAT on agricultural machinery, and reversed previous fees on drainage and irrigation services that had burdened farmers for years.
Beyond tax relief, the government went a step further by directly supporting producers with the provision of free fertilizers, planting materials, and shade houses.
These initiatives were all designed to make farming more viable, and to ensure a steady, affordable food supply for our growing population.
The results of these efforts are both mea-
surable and significant.
Between 2020 and 2024, domestic crop production increased by 28%. Root crop production rose by 65%, spices by 26%, beans and cereals by an impressive 533%, vegetables by 14%, and cole crops by 412%.
In the livestock sector, poultry production surged by 92%, while beef, chicken, mutton, and pork production increased by 23%, 159%, 175%, and 132% respectively.
In fact, these gains have drawn international recognition. A recent study published in “Nature Food” identified Guyana as the only country in the world that is fully self-sufficient in food production to meet the nutritional needs of its population.
This is no small feat, and speaks to the long-term vision and efficacy of the government’s food security policies.
Most importantly, these policies have directly translated into increased food af-
fordability.
According to the 2024 edition of the FAO’s “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report, the percentage of Guyanese unable to afford a healthy diet dropped dramatically, from 41.3% in 2017 to less than 5% by 2024. This sharply contradicts the popular narrative that food has become unaffordable for most citizens due to recent price trends.
While food insecurity remains a pressing global challenge, Guyana stands as a powerful example of how decisive policy and investment in local agriculture can turn the tide. It is crucial that we acknowledge this progress and not allow anecdotal concerns to overshadow the data-driven success we have achieved as a nation.
From Adriana Younge to Baby Skello to Azruddin Mohamed
FROM 2022 onwards, there was absolutely nothing going for the total opposition parties and their surrogates. The PNC was losing top leaders, the AFC making impositions on the PNC for a joint slate, and Burke, Benschop and David Hinds had reached the point of diminishing returns.
The infamous triumvirate (Hinds, Burke and Benschop) have shaped their linguistics to appeal to scrapeheads since the August 2020 inauguration so that after a time they offered nothing intellectual to hundreds of thousands of young Guyanese who want to hear analyses and interpretations. Read Burke after this column when he responds. It is a cussing down rather than a critical analysis of the politics of Frederick Kissoon.
So at the beginning of the year, nothing was happening in Guyana to make people feel that Guyana had a plausible opposition to the ruling party. The only thing tried since September 2020 was the instigated violence in Cotton Tree that month that was supposed to have spread to dozens of other African areas but it did not happen. After Cotton Tree there was a poor attempt to rally Guyanese around the Mahdia tragedy.
That did not work because humans would have revolted against the use of the death of 20 young lives by an alleged arsonist to generate agitation against the government. Only two organisations saw an opening to use the Mahdia tragedy for anti-government purposes - the Trade Union Council which called for the dropping of the 20 murder charges against the accused and Red Thread, which showed more sympathy for the accused than
the families of the 20 victims.
Then came the month of April. The accidental drowning of a young girl named Adriana Younge brought the combined opposition to life. That tragedy was horrendously twisted by the basic instincts of raw human savagery to create country-wide instability. The opposition now believed that they had a trump card to beat the government with.
It didn’t work for two reasons. First, the dead girl’s dignity was sacrificed on the altar of money and politics. Nationwide sympathy for the Younge family evaporated. The culmination of this evil strategy was violence, looting, and robberies on April 28 that, as expected, took an anti-Indian architecture. This was the second dimension of the Adriana Younge tragedy that disgusted the nation.
By June, the steam had gone out of the Younge bandwagon, especially after the third pathologist supported the integrity of the original autopsy. By the end of June, the combined opposition had to look for another bandwagon to keep their electoral hopes alive. They tried Baby Skello. A silly man that maybe could be deemed a musical scrapehead, he was an indecent fellow to insult the feelings of thousands of Hindu worshippers.
He should not have been denied bail but he was. The opposition got an adrenaline shot. PNC stalwart, Sherwood Lowe, led the charge by accusing the government of subtle interference in that judicial decision. But the Baby Skello thing fizzled out because he got bail and it was not an issue that opposition supporters would have taken to the streets for.
The death of the Baby Skello jumbie
meant that the opposition had to go hunting again because elections were drawing close. They found it in Azruddin Mohamed. He became their symbol of anti-government rage because they were crying out that the government was out to get him. Mohamed became the rallying point for them. Then came a moment of madness in Guyanese politics where hilarity met failure.
Once Mohamed announced his presidential run and began recruiting African Guyanese, he was dropped like a hot cake. None of the opposition parties is even mentioning his name. Not one person from any opposition party makes reference to Mohamed.
With a month to go before the election, what is there to galvanise the opposition parties? They have to find something. And unless that something comes up quickly, they are in trouble. At the moment they are grabbing at anything, even though some of the sticks they
pick up to hit the government with are made of porridge. For example, Travis Chase fooled them into believing that the Americans are about to sanction some government minister.
They ran with it with the new boy on the block, Terrence Campbell, who deserted his friend, Nigel Hughes, shouting down that the PPP is in big trouble. No sanctions came, so the search for a new jumbie goes on. I would like to end on a satirical note.
The opposition will seek a big protest march because an old lady is going to slip on a banana skin outside Bourda Market and hurt herself.
The cry will be the government is responsible.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Dear Editor,
ONE of APNU’s newer voices (formally), Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd has attempted to argue that the APNU+AFC coalition did not attempt to rig the 2020 national elections.
This claim stands in stark contrast to the well-documented evidence to the contrary. Todd further contends that the observed “irregularities” point instead to the PPP/C as the party responsible for electoral manipulation.
To support his argument, Todd cites the fact that 88 individuals were permitted to vote by way of an Oath of Identity. In a Facebook video, he emphasises this number as if it carries significant weight in relation to the total number of valid votes cast. But does it?
Let us examine both the legal basis and statistical relevance of Todd’s claim to determine whether voting via an Oath of Identity is lawful, and whether the cited figure has any material impact on the 2020 election outcome.
Guyana’s General and Regional Elections are governed by the Representation of the People Act (Cap. 1:03), 1964 (“ROPA”).
Section 75 of the Act provides that:
“The presiding officer shall, in the event of his needing to be satisfied of the identity of any elector whose name is on the official list of electors, accept in lieu of the prescribed identity paper such other identification as is authorized by the Commission and entailing the same stringency for its generation as to leave no doubt as to its authenticity as in the case of the identity paper and permit an elector to vote in the
same manner as if his identity paper had been produced.”
This provision ensures that a voter is not disenfranchised solely due to the absence of their identification card on election day. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has codified procedures for such cases in its polling manual, which outlines the verification process and confirms that each instance is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Therefore, the use of an Oath of Identity is a lawful and regulated practice, designed to uphold the constitutional right to vote while maintaining electoral integrity.
Assuming Todd’s figure of 88 voters is accurate, these individuals represent 0.019% of the total 460,352 valid votes cast in the 2020 elections. Even if one were to assume—unevidently—that all 88 votes went to the PPP/C, they would account
for just 0.04% of the party’s total 233,336 votes.
This renders the figure statistically insignificant in terms of influencing the overall outcome of the election. To suggest that such a minuscule fraction of votes could materially alter the result is not only misleading but mathematically unsound.
Todd’s argument fails both legally and statistically. The use of an Oath of Identity is explicitly provided for under Guyana’s election law and is subject to stringent procedural safeguards.
Moreover, the number of voters who utilised this provision in 2020 is far too small to have had any meaningful impact on the election’s outcome.
Respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin
Electoral fraud trial: Witnesses visit
Ashmin’s Building, identify areas to court
AS the electoral fraud trial continued on Wednesday, several witnesses were brought to the Ashmin’s Building, which, during the 2020 election was known as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) command centre, to give the court a clearer view of the events that took place.
The visit, which was led by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, occurred after a request was made to the court earlier in the week to have a visit conducted to the site.
That Ashmin’s Building served as a critical part of GECOM’s infrastructure at the time, with many of the
witnesses thus far having recounted the events that unfolded there.
Four witnesses, Minister of Local Government and
Regional Development Sonia Parag; Rosalinda Rasul; former police commander Edgar Thomas; and Kian Jabour were brought into the building separately and were asked about specific aspects of their testimony they had given thus far in the ongoing trial.
As they were called in, the prosecution led the questioning, which was recorded, while specific accounts and measurements were taken.
Members of the media were permitted into the building; however, no filming or recording was permitted.
Key areas identified by the witnesses included a space that at the time was set up as the tabulation centre/room, along with the position in which former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo allegedly made a declaration of results.
Also, Thomas, during his walk-through of the building, showed the court where he came in while responding to a report and encountered GECOM staffer Enrique Livan.
Meanwhile, Jabour, while giving the court his account of what he recalled, pointed out the room he made his
way to in search of GECOM Chairperson Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh on one of the upper floors of the building.
Special prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC, described the site visit as a significant one, as while they were able to hear oral testimony, with this move they were able to visualize some of what occurred.
He told members of the press that the question of a site visit serves to answer a few questions, which include how far a witness may have been from an individual they saw or identified and further determine whether there was something blocking the view, among other things.
During the 2020 General and Regional Elections, Parag served as a party agent for the PPP/C, Rasul as an observer with the American Chamber of Commerce, Thomas as the Commander of Police Division 4 ‘A’, while Jabour acted as an agent for the ANUG.
The defendants include People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) member Carol Smith-Joseph, former Health Minister under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government
Volda Lawrence, former GECOM Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, and former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo
They are collectively facing 19 conspiracy charges in connection with alleged electoral fraud. All the defendants have been granted cash bail following their not guilty pleas. 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 People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). The prosecution is expected to call approximately 70 witnesses.
Subsequent to Polling Day on March 2, 2020, the country’s judiciary was besieged with multiple applications and appeals filed by various political actors over the electoral process.
This lasted some five months before a national recount of the votes took place which confirmed the PPP/C’s victory at the election and the subsequent swearing in of President Dr. Irfaan Ali on August 2 that year.
The recount confirmed that the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC coalition’s 217,920. The initial election results, announced by former CEO Lowenfield, claimed an APNU+AFC victory.
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.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag
Rosalinda Rasul Former Police Commander Edgar Thomas Kian Jabour
Ashmin’s Building, which served as GECOM’s Command Centre during the 2020 election (Delano Williams photo)
The magistrate, prosecution, witnesses among others, visited the Ashmin building site on Wednesday
‘We have a clear plan to build wealth for every household’
–– President Ali tells Rosehall residents, announces plans for further economic empowerment of sugar workers
By Naomi Parris
REIMAGINING the future of the sugar industry and the lives of workers, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has pledged a transformative approach to economic empowerment, declaring that in the next five years, employees will not merely earn a wage, but become co-investors and part-owners in their own future.
Speaking to residents during a spirited public meeting in the historic sugar town of Rosehall, Berbice, the President emphasised the deep-rooted sacrifices of generations who toiled in the cane fields from indentureship to independence, and offered a new promise of shared prosperity.
“We want, in the next five years, our workers not only to have a salary from the sugar estate, but to help them to get newer forms of income by co-investing with them, and giving them an opportunity to be part of their ownership,” the Head of State told the mammoth gathering.
The initiative aims to
shift sugar workers from being labourers bound to the estate to entrepreneurs shaping their own destiny.
Pointing to a series of initiatives and programmes ranging from education to healthcare, the President reminded of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) development agenda.
“We have a clear plan of building and transferring wealth for every single household, so everyone can have a better standard of living,” President Ali said. He urged residents to not “succumb” to lies; promises that will be made from opposing political parties as the
countdown to the September 1 polls narrows, but to examine the policies, plans, and track record of political leaders.
“Ask yourselves who stood with you every time you needed a friend, whether you’re a farmer, a sugar worker, a teacher, a public servant,” the Head of State said.
Dr. Ali stressed that continued support for a second term of the PPP/C administration is a guarantee for progress.
“You in this region are voting for your own medical school, your own engineering school, two bridges; one across the Berbice River, one
across the Corentyne River. Your own four-lane road, your own stadium, your own Level Five hospital,” the President said.
He added: “You’re voting to keep sugar and own a part of it. You’re voting for your small and medium-sized enterprises to see a government that will invest in you to build your businesses.”
Last month, President Ali had announced plans to leverage the existing human capital and technology of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), making it a hub of rural development.
Dr. Ali believes there are exciting opportunities for crop diversification, skills diversification, and income diversification.
The sugar industry provides jobs not just for harvesters, but also for welders, mechanics, clerks, drivers, technicians and engineers.
“Sugar ensures the circulation of money in rural communities; money that pays for transportation for children to get to and from school, buys groceries, supports households, and keeps businesses alive. It sustains families, many of whom have been part of this indus-
try for generations,” President Ali said in June.
In 2016, the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government closed four GuySuCo sugar estates: Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall, and Skeldon.
This had significantly impacted thousands of workers and their communities, leading to widespread social and economic hardships.
The PPP/C government has since invested heavily in the industry to revitalise it, including reopening some estates and rehiring workers.
‘No more excuses’ – President Ali challenges police officers to get fit
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has issued a strong call for members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to embrace fitness and healthy living, declaring that physical readiness must become a core part of the Force’s identity and operational culture.
The Commander-in-Chief, during an engagement with police ranks at the GPF’s Headquarters on Wednesday, rolled out a broad reform agenda, including promotions for over 2,000 officers. Beyond promotions and pay, however, the President zeroed in on fitness as a matter of national concern, linking personal health with professionalism and public trust.
“I want the police to
get fit. This country has got to get fit…I said to the schools every Friday afternoon, I want children to do physical education. But you, the police, you have to lead by example…When people see the Guyana Police Force, they must see strength, fitness, dignity, responsibility,” the President said to the ranks.
President Ali made it
clear that physical fitness will no longer be treated as optional. It is now a performance criterion, not just a personal responsibility, but an institutional standard.
“Everybody has to get going, to get fit and that is something on the criteria too—fitness,” he said. “Do it as a group. It is your own health.”
He pointed to the high
rates of diabetes and hypertension among officers, citing sedentary lifestyles and stress as contributors to premature illness and death.
“So many police suffer from diabetes and high pressure because of their lifestyle. I don’t have to tell you, honestly… I care about y’all, want you to live long, productive lives.
I want you to live long after your retirement so you can enjoy your pension,” the President said.
He encouraged officers, especially those on protection services or desk duties, to incorporate small but consistent fitness routines during their shifts.
“You don’t have to sit down in a hut. Walk with a skipping rope. You don’t have to sit down for an hour—every hour, do five minutes of skipping…If you’re on an 8-hour shift, that’s 40 minutes of skipping. That is equivalent to any exercise, as simple as it looks,” he advised.
President Ali also challenged senior ranks not to grow complacent, stating that promotions should not result in a decline in physical discipline.
“When you get to command and Inspector, it doesn’t mean that you’ve gotten to a stage where you stop. You ain’t arrived. Then is when you have to lead by example,” he said firmly.
He stressed that building a professional, respected police force involves a full shift in mindset, not just infrastructure or policy changes, but cultural transformation.
“Fitness is an important part of what we want the Force to represent. Fitness is for your own benefit. We must work together to build a stronger, more responsive, responsible, and respected police force.
There must be a shift in our culture, our thinking, and our behaviour,” he added.
Member of the Guyana Police Force during a drill display
President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his address at Rosehall (Yohan Savory photos)
The mammoth gathering at Wednesday’s public meeting at Arch Road, Rosehall
New Kwebanna Secondary School to bring universal secondary education to Region One
THE push for universal secondary education in Guyana’s hinterland is moving full steam ahead, with the brandnew Kwebanna Secondary School set to transform learning opportunities for hundreds of children in Region One.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during a recent visit to the construction site in Kwebanna Village, confirmed that the school, once completed, will cater for around 700 students from Kwebanna and surrounding communities. The state-of-theart facility will include dormitories to house approximately 300 to 400 students, providing critical access to education for children in remote villages.
“This school is going to take care of bringing in universal secondary education in this part of the Moruca sub-district,” Minister Manickchand affirmed. She noted that children from Asakata, Santa Cruz, Kariako, Warapoka, and other communities will benefit, with parents having the option to send their children to reside in Kwebanna during the school term.
The Kwebanna Secondary School is among five new secondary schools currently under construction in Region One alone, part of a larger nationwide effort to close the education gap between coastal and hinterland communities.
The school’s design includes a main lecture hall with more than 30 classrooms, fully equipped Science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and a modern Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) centre with Industrial and Home Economics labs. Students will also benefit from a canteen, cafeteria, sanitary facilities, and recreational spaces for basketball, cricket and other sports.
Safety features are
built into the design, with fire escape exits, alarms, extinguishers, limited timber usage, metal ceilings, and fire-retardant panels to protect students and staff. A modern teacher’s quarters, dining hall and campus-style classroom blocks are also part of the project.
The school is being built through six contracts valued at $2.017 billion, awarded in July 2023 to local companies Supreme Contracting & Supplies, Bree’s Enterprise, AS Construction and Singh & Son Construction.
Minister Manickchand highlighted that the Ministry is also finalising works on Waramuri Secondary School and Hosororo Secondary School, while construction of Matthew’s Ridge Secondary School is underway. The recently completed Northwest Secondary School has already reopened after being rebuilt from the ground up following an arson attack.
“Wherever communities get larger, evolve, and we see there’s a need for a school, primary, nursery or secondary, it is going to be built. That is our commitment,”
Minister Manickchand said, reaffirming the government’s promise to expand educational infrastructure across Guyana. Currently, abou t 42 secondary schools are being constructed na -
tionwide, with 24 located in the hinterland regions. The Minister noted that this investment will boost school retention rates and pave the way for more students to advance to high-
er education — which remains free at the University of Guyana and through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
The new Kwebanna Secondary School stands as a testament to the government’s vision of equitable access to quality education for every Guyanese child, no matter how remote their community may be.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, engages contractors at the Kwebanna Secondary School, Region One
Ongoing work at the Kwebanna Secondary School
President Ali pays homage to late PPP/C veteran Shirley Edwards
PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Comrade Shirley Edwards, a stalwart of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) whose service to Guyana spanned more than six decades.
In an official statement, President Ali described Edwards as a dedicated veteran whose unwavering commitment to the Party and country helped shape Guyana’s democratic landscape.
“As a long-standing member of our Party’s Central Committee and a respected parliamentarian, she played a crucial role in shaping our democratic landscape,” the President said, adding that her contributions were “rooted in sincerity and love for her country and our Party”, and will forever be remembered in the annals of Guyana’s political struggles.
President Ali also shared a personal connection, not -
ing that Edwards had been a close friend and comrade of his grandmother, Sakina Mohamed.
“She represented a generation of leaders who fought relentlessly for the PPP and the people of our country. She touched many lives, including my own,” he said.
Extending heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and himself, President Ali offered prayers of strength and comfort to Edwards’ family.
“On behalf of my government and myself, I extend my deepest condolences to Comrade Shirley’s children, grandchildren, and loved ones. May God grant you strength and wisdom during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Comrade Shirley,” the President said.
Edwards’ legacy as a devoted public servant and committed party member leaves an indelible mark on Guyana’s political history.
GPHC highlights risks, symptoms of uterine fibroids in new awareness campaign
AS Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month draws to a close, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is urging women to educate themselves about the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for a condition that affects a significant percentage of women during their reproductive years.
In an informative video clip released this week, Dr. Rafi Rozan, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at GPHC, explained that uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumoral growths that develop in or around the uterus. These growths can range dramatically in size — from as small as a grain of rice to as large as a watermelon — and may go unnoticed for years.
While the exact cause of uterine fibroids remains unknown, Dr. Rozan noted that certain factors can increase a woman’s risk. These include non-modifiable factors like genetics — women with a mother, sister, or aunt who has had fibroids are at greater risk — as well as age. According to Dr. Rozan, up to 80 percent of women in their reproductive years may develop fibroids. Early menarche, or the onset of menstruation before age 11, also raises the likelihood.
Race and ethnicity play a role too, with women of African descent having a higher tendency to develop fibroids. In terms of modifiable risk factors, lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as well as obesity, can also increase the risk.
“Many women may not know they have fibroids because small fibroids often cause no symptoms,” Dr. Rozan said. “They are frequently discovered during routine ultrasounds. But when symptoms do occur, they can
include heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, bloating, or constipation caused by the fibroid pressing against the rectum.”
The GPHC is encouraging women to pay attention to warning signs such as pelvic pain that does not go away, spotting or bleeding between periods, difficulty emptying the bladder, chronic fatigue or weakness (which may indicate anemia due to heavy bleeding), and periods so heavy or painful that they disrupt daily activities.
Under this year’s theme, “Empowering Women Through Education and Community,” the hospital is emphasizing the importance of speaking openly about reproductive health and seeking medical care early.
“At GPHC, one of our goals is to provide continuous public awareness about the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with fibroids,” the hospital said in a statement. “We aim to empower women to discuss their reproductive health without stigma and to get timely treatment, which can range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical options.”
Women experiencing symptoms or who have questions about uterine fibroids are encouraged to consult a healthcare provider to better understand their options for diagnosis and care.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Comrade Shirley Edwards in happier times
From Georgetown to Columbia: Keisha Jackson’s journey of resilience, sustainable dreams
By Faith Greene
WHEN 29-year-old Keisha Jackson reflects on her life’s journey, she does so not with pride alone, but with a clear message: “My story is not just one of personal triumph; it’s a narrative of hope and the belief that even in the face of adversity, we can rise, build, and inspire for a greater future.”
A daughter of Georgetown, Guyana, a country on the frontlines of the climate crisis, Keisha’s story is one defined by grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to rewrite the script for herself and those who look up to her.
Education was never guaranteed for her family.
Her grandparents never made it to high school, but they planted in the generations after them a belief that education could change lives.
For Keisha, that legacy began at the University of Guyana, where she embarked on her tertiary education determined to honour her family’s hopes.
But her path was anything but smooth. Behind the lectures and textbooks lay a heavy burden — a battle with depression that shadowed her throughout her three years at UG. The loss of one of her parents during this time made the weight of academic pressure even harder to bear.
“I often found myself overwhelmed,” she recalled.
In search of a lifeline and a fresh start, Keisha made a bold move: she left Guyana
for the United States, enrolling in community college to study Computer Science — a field that finally ignited her passion and taught her the critical lesson that mental health and academic success must go hand in hand.
At the Borough of Manhattan Community College, Keisha thrived. She didn’t just study; she immersed herself in student life, earning membership in honour societies Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her curiosity for technology and innovation led her to the programming club, where she earned a chance to conduct research for Microsoft through the prestigious Goldman Sachs Local College Collaborative in 2022.
Keisha’s dedication opened new doors. She successfully transferred to Columbia University, where she rekindled a childhood dream that once felt out of reach: becoming an architect. At Columbia, she dove headfirst into rigorous study and research, earning the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship and securing a National Science Foundation opportunity in architectural research. She was also named a Congress for National Urbanism Scholar — a testament to her growing vision for urban spaces that respect the natural world.
But Keisha’s ambitions reach far beyond personal accolades. Deeply connected to her roots in Guyana, a country defined by lush coastlines but increasingly
vulnerable to the rising tides of climate change, she wants her life’s work to make a difference. Her ultimate dream is to become a sustainability architect, designing resilient, climate-smart buildings that not only withstand a changing environment but contribute to healing it.
“Earning an Ivy League degree from Columbia University as the first in my family to do so was a monumental achievement, a testament to my perseverance and the opportunities that have emerged from my struggles,” she said, her words carrying a weight that echoes far beyond the walls of academia.
Now, standing on the threshold of a new chapter, Keisha Jackson is not just an Ivy League graduate;
she’s a symbol of what is possible when resilience meets opportunity. For young people in Guyana and beyond, her story is a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable, and that sometimes, even the roughest beginnings can build foundations strong enough to change the world.
Ministry equips male staff to champion
gender equality through BRAVE programme
MALE staff of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security are now ready to take their training into communities nationwide after completing an intensive series of workshops under the BRAVE Programme,
CLAIM manhood, ACTIVATE goals, VISUALISE success, and EXECUTE fearlessly, was developed as part of the Ministry’s comprehensive Men’s Policy, launched in June.
The initiative is designed
respectful relationships.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has repeatedly stressed the importance of engaging men and boys in meaningful dialogue and action to address the root causes
Male staff of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security are now ready to take their training into communities nationwide after completing an intensive series of workshops under the BRAVE Programme
a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping how men and boys engage with issues of gender equality and violence prevention.
BRAVE, which stands for BUILD your legacy, RE-
to tackle gender-based violence from an inclusive perspective by working directly with men and boys, not just as potential perpetrators, but as crucial allies in preventing abuse and fostering healthy,
of gender-based violence.
The BRAVE Programme reflects this commitment by equipping male Ministry staff with practical tools, knowledge, and confidence to train peers and young men in
communities across Guyana.
By focusing on legacy-building, personal responsibility, and goal-setting, BRAVE aims to inspire positive masculinity and empower participants to become role models of respect and accountability.
The programme also promotes healing and open dis-
cussions around issues that men and boys often face in silence, creating safe spaces for conversations about mental health, conflict resolution, and respectful relationships.
With this new cohort of trained male facilitators, the Ministry plans to roll out community-based sessions and mentorship opportuni -
ties across the country in the coming months.
The goal is to reach boys and men in schools, workplaces, and communities, encouraging them to join the wider movement to end gender-based violence and build safer, more equitable homes and communities for all Guyanese.
Keisha Jackson, aspiring sustainability architect
Over 2,000 police ranks to receive promotions from August 1
- President Ali announces sweeping reforms, automatic upgrades based on years of service
Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Irfaan Ali, speaks to ranks and officers at the GPF Headquarters on Wednesday morning, underscoring the benefits of free access to higher education, improved working conditions, and a new performance-based accountability system
MORE than 2,000 ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will receive long-awaited promotions effective August 1, 2025, as part of a comprehensive package of reforms announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali aimed at modernising the Force and recognising dedicated service.
Speaking to officers at the GPF Headquarters on Wednesday morning, the Commander-in-Chief outlined an aggressive strategy to professionalise the police service, one that includes automatic promotions, free access to higher education, improved working conditions, and a new performance-based accountability system.
The President said the long-overdue promotions will apply to ranks across all levels, correcting decades of stagnation where officers with 10, 20, or even 30 years of service retired without proper recognition.
Ranks with five–seven years of service, currently at the constable level, will be promoted to Lance Corporal. Those with eight–10 years will be placed at the highest salary scale for their rank.
Ranks with 10 years or more of service will move to Corporal and those with 10–30 years will be promoted to Ser-
geant.
Officers with 20 plus years and a clean record will be automatically upgraded to Inspector.
“We have officers who served for decades and retired as constables. That ends now… This government is giving you what you’ve earned,” the President affirmed.
The sweeping promotion exercise will affect over 2,000 officers across the GPF, with new salaries and ranks taking effect from August 1. The move is one of the largest mass promotions in the history of the Force and is part of the government’s plan to boost morale and build a modern, agile, and accountable police institution.
Another major reform announced is the removal of academic restrictions on professional development. Previously, only senior ranks could pursue higher education through the Force. Now, every officer, regardless of rank, can pursue diplomas, degrees, or master-level education at no cost
“There’s no excuse anymore…Upgrade yourself. The opportunities are there and fully funded,” President Ali said.
NEW QUARTERLY EVALUATION SYSTEM
To match reward
with responsibility, a new quarterly evaluation system will be implemented for every station and rank. It will assess maintenance of police assets, teamwork, discipline, and community engagement. These evaluations will directly impact future promotions and postings.
“We will hold everyone accountable from the commander, coming right down to the constable… If we don’t see these kept properly, it will affect promotions. So, each one of you will have to hold each other accountable. There is no excuse!” the President said while talking to the ranks.
Officers were also assured of better post-retirement benefits. Those who retire as inspectors at age 55 or later will receive a package that includes a full pension, NIS, and, in many cases, eligibility to transition into academic or private-sector roles.
While the reforms are sweeping, President Ali was firm that misconduct would disqualify officers from benefitting. Only those with clean disciplinary records will move forward under the new system
“This is not a free ride. You must be responsible. Greater reward comes with greater accountability,” he stressed.
President Ali unveils plans to transform Region Two into special investment hub
PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced that Region Two is set to become Guyana’s newest special investment hub, with a suite of preferential tax incentives and targeted development initiatives poised to boost the region’s economy and
create new jobs.
Addressing thousands of enthusiastic supporters at a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally in Anna
Regina, Essequibo Coast, on Sunday, President Ali reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accelerating growth and prosperity
for residents across the region.
“We will make this region a special investment zone,” President Ali declared to loud applause. “With special preferential tax incentives, investments will come to your region. The goal is to create jobs, expand businesses, and boost livelihoods.”
He outlined key sectors earmarked for development, including agriculture, infrastructure, and recreation. Plans are in motion to establish additional recreational parks and an industrial hub to further strengthen the local economy and enhance residents’ quality of life.
The President also pointed to significant investments already underway. He revealed that, through the Ministry of Housing and Water, the government has injected $3.5 billion into upgrading the country’s water system, ensuring that “every single family in this region will benefit from treated water.”
President Ali urged Essequibians to contin-
ue backing the PPP/C at the upcoming polls, calling on them to let their votes “echo from Pomeroon to Supenaam” as a testament to their trust in the party’s record of delivery.
He also shared his administration’s broader vision for regional connectivity, detailing plans for new road networks linking Region One to Region Two and Region Two to Region Three. These infrastructure projects, he said, will unlock new markets, spur trade, and generate greater demand for goods and services.
“This is not the time to slow down,” President Ali told the crowd. “The PPP has laid the foundation. Now it is time to build on that foundation, hand in hand with the people.”
Concluding his address, President Ali issued a passionate call for unity and overwhelming support, expressing confidence that the PPP/C will secure a decisive victory to continue driving Guyana’s transformative development agenda forward.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his address
President Ali backs Muhammad Ibrahim for top IICA post at Global Biodiversity Summit
PRESIDENT Mohamed Irfaan Ali has officially presented Guyana’s candidate, agronomist and international manager Muhammad Ibrahim, to lead the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), positioning him before several regional heads of state and govern-
ment. “I am honoured to share my plans for IICA, a platform through which we will strengthen food security in the Caribbean and Central America using science, technology and innovation. Agriculture is key to our region’s development,” Ibrahim said.
The election of IICA’s next Director General will
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and agronomist and international manager, Muhammad Ibrahim, at the
ment during the Global Biodiversity Partnership Summit in Georgetown.
The high-level two-day summit, hosted in Guyana’s capital, brought together political leaders, scientists, indigenous advocates, and innovators to advance global action to protect biodiversity and vital ecosystems. Among the dignitaries present were President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic; Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Ecuador’s Vice President, María José Pinto; former Colombian President, Iván Duque, and COP30 President, André Correo do Lago.
President Ali, who led the Summit, emphasised Ibrahim’s deep experience in international agricultural management and his vision for strengthening resilient food systems across the hemisphere. “Ibrahim is the right person to build on IICA’s mission of supporting sustainable agriculture and food security,” the President stated.
Speaking at the Summit, Ibrahim expressed gratitude for President Ali’s endorse-
eign Affairs Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to mobilise regional support for Ibrahim’s candidacy,
citing Guyana’s pivotal role in bridging Caribbean, South American and Central American agricultural
interests. Ibrahim also thanked the Foreign Ministry for its active diplomatic ef -
forts to secure endorsements from IICA member countries ahead of the November election.
take place in November in Brasilia, during a meeting of the continent’s agriculture ministers.
While in Georgetown, Ibrahim also met with Guyana’s diplomatic corps and more than 50 high-level experts at a seminar organised by the Belize High Commission. There, Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, outlined efforts to build resilience through sustainable use of the country’s natural resources.
Ibrahim, who has worked with Belize for 25 years, developing agroforestry policies and sustainable livestock systems, used the opportunity to share his blueprint for IICA’s future. He also held bilateral meetings with Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo, to explore collaborative initiatives using Mexico’s vast agrobiodiversity, and met with Argentina’s chargé d’affaires, Carlos Tadeo.
In separate engagements, Ibrahim discussed his candidacy with Guyana’s Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Elisabeth Harper, Ambassador George Talbot, and Ministry official, Pegy McLennan. The For-
Global Biodiversity Partnership Summit in Georgetown
Berbice Bridge company makes preparations for toll-free travel from August 1
VESSEL operators
navigating the Berbice River will soon benefit from toll-free passage, as the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) has announced that all toll charges for vessels, vehicles, and freight will be removed starting August 1, 2025.
The historic move means that commercial and private vessels that
sels, this means that all navigation schedules, clearance requirements, and safety measures will remain in place to ensure the safe lifting and lowering of the bridge for river traffic.
“This is a significant milestone for the Berbice River’s commercial and transport sectors,” BBCI stated.
pass under the Berbice Bridge will no longer be required to pay tolls, easing costs for river transport and boosting economic activity along the Berbice River corridor.
To facilitate the transition, the bridge will close to vehicular traffic on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:30 PM and reopen tollfree at midnight.
While the toll booths will remain operational for processing vehicles, no tolls will be collected from road users or vessel operators.
BBCI assured the public that all current operational and safety protocols will continue as usual. For ves-
“We thank all vessel operators and commuters for their co-operation and understanding during this transition and urge everyone to stay informed and travel safely.”
The removal of tolls is expected to benefit boat captains, barge operators, and other river-based businesses that rely on affordable, efficient passage along this important waterway.
BBCI encourages mariners to observe all existing protocols when approaching or passing under the bridge, even as toll charges are lifted, to ensure smooth operations and safety for all river users.
Minister Rodrigues: ‘Representation in Government speaks volumes’ for LGBTQ+ community -
AS Guyana approaches the 2025 General and Regional Elections, the themes of equality, respect, and justice for all citizens remain central to the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s agenda.
This was underscored this week during a town hall event hosted by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and the Guyana Press Association (GPA), which brought together representatives from five of the six political parties contesting the upcoming polls.
The event centered on the rights and realities of LGBTQ+ Guyanese, providing a rare platform for political parties to publicly discuss their policies on inclusion and equality in the lead-up to the elections.
Minister within the Min-
istry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, represented the PPP/C and used the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s dedication to justice, respect, and equal access for all, especially for vulnerable and minority groups.
When asked about workplace non-discrimination by moderator Iva Wharton, Minister Rodrigues highlighted her own position within the government as evidence of the party’s ongoing efforts toward inclusion.
“The People’s Progressive Party/Civic, has employed me, and that speaks volumes,” she said, signalling meaningful representation within government.
Rodrigues also revealed practical policy adjustments already underway in her ministry to improve access to government services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
She cited changes in housing application procedures, where, previously, applicants had to prove the nature of their relationship with a co-applicant, such as spouse or sibling. This requirement often acted as a barrier for LGBTQ+ couples.
“We changed that,” Rodrigues said, adding: . “Now, LGBT couples can come to the Ministry and say, ‘This is my partner or co-applicant’, without having to declare or justify that relationship. And that application must be accepted.”
These quiet yet impactful initiatives aim to open access to essential services such as employment and housing for all Guyanese.
The minister stressed that while sweeping legislative reforms remain important, the PPP/C also prioritises practical measures that improve lives, even if they do
affirms commitment to community ahead of 2025 elections
Serving as the representative for the PPP/C was Minister of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, who, during Tuesday’s Townhall meeting, underscored her government’s commitment to justice, respect, and equal access for all Guyanese (Japheth Savory photo)
not make headlines. “We have said to this country, not only during this election period but in the last five years and whenever we have been
in government, that we’re going to ensure that all of our policies and programmes benefit all the people of Guyana, including our minorities,
including our vulnerable groups,” she noted.
Other political voices present at the town hall included Beverly Alert of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Former Mayor Ubraj Narine representing A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Dorwain Bess of the Forward Guyana Movement, and Odessa Primus, speaking for We Invest In Nationhood (WIN). The event stood out as a rare occasion where party leaders publicly addressed LGBTQ+ rights, with each offering diverse perspectives and commitments.
For the governing PPP/C, Minister Rodrigues’ remarks painted a picture of a party actively working, both publicly and behind the scenes, to build a more inclusive and equitable Guyana for all its citizens.
Transformation in uniform: Deputy Commissioner Budhram lays out roadmap for modern GPF
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is undergoing a quiet but far-reaching transformation, and in Episode 6 of Safeguarding Our Nation, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ravindradat Budhram, pulled back the curtain on what that means for recruits, communities, and the country’s sense of security.
With three decades of service under his belt, from Special Branch to commanding Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, Budhram is no stranger to the Force’s challenges. This week, he made one thing clear: change is not just promised, it’s underway.
MODERN TRAINING FOR A MODERN FORCE
In the early days of his career, training was rigid and narrowly focused.
“When I joined 30 years ago, you wouldn’t hear about gender sensitivity or domestic violence in the curriculum,”
Budhram admitted. Today, recruits are exposed
to far more than the basics of law enforcement. From computer skills to conflict de-escalation, officers are now prepared for a reality that demands both technical proficiency and emotional intelligence. What’s more, diversity is no longer a token word. When Budhram signed up, Indigenous representation was almost non-existent. Now, more than 380 Indig-
enous officers are deployed across interior regions — a move that not only bridges language and cultural gaps but also fosters trust in remote communities.
OPENING DOORS FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Women, too, are stepping into roles once closed to them. “There were just a handful of women back then,” Budhram recalled.
- notes modern skills, mindset equipping ranks for 21st Century challenges
“Now, they serve in every department, in every role.”
And the message to today’s youth is straightforward: if you’re disciplined, capable and willing to serve with integrity, the door is open.
Retention is as important as recruitment. The GPF has been investing in its people through scholarships, legal studies, overseas training and family support. Over 600 officers were trained abroad in areas such as cybercrime, domestic violence investigation and modern policing methods.
Budhram stressed the importance of looking after officers’ families too. From providing quarters for accommodation to scholarships for officers’ children, the aim is to ensure that home life supports work life. “A good family environment means better performance on the job,” he said.
FIGHTING CORRUPTION HEAD-ON
Addressing the elephant in the room, Budhram did
not shy away from questions about corruption.
“There will always be a few bad elements,” he admitted, citing recent arrests of officers for drug trafficking and illegal firearms. “But the Force has zero tolerance for misconduct. Investigations are thorough and consequences are real.”
Integrity training is now mandatory, and the Office of Professional Responsibility continues to pursue allegations with a firm hand. The message is blunt: if you abuse the badge, you will be held accountable.
What’s changing on the ground? Community relationships. The Force is pivoting from heavy-handed policing to partnership.
Officers are now trained to de-escalate conflicts, especially in sensitive situations like domestic violence.
Community Policing Groups — more than 450 of them — and over 85 youth groups nationwide are bringing citizens into crime prevention. “We’re not just patrolling,” Budhram said. “We’re working
alongside communities to solve problems together.”
No region is being left behind. The GPF has acquired 19 new patrol boats to reach riverine and interior communities. With more Indigenous officers posted where they live, the old language and access barriers are giving way to local knowledge and trust.
“Policing the interior once meant dealing with isolation and mistrust,” Budhram noted. “Today, our presence is felt in all ten regions, with the same standards and the same commitment to every citizen.”
The episode ended with a reminder that building public trust is slow, patient work — not just about new boats or modern barracks, but about consistent respect and accountability at every level.
Safeguarding Our Nation continues to spotlight these reforms and challenges, giving the public a front-row seat to the transformation of Guyana’s security landscape.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ravindradat Budhram
Port Mourant Cricket Club benefits from ‘Project Cricket Gear’ through NY-based Guyanese
PORT Mourant Cricket Club, a club that produced many world class cricketers in its heydays, such as Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran, Joe Solomon, Basil Butcher, John Trim, and Mahendra Nagamootoo among many others, has recently benefited from one set of white cricket uniforms with floppy hats, two boxes of balls and one bat stick from Naeem Kamal, a New York-based Guyanese.
Kamal presented the gear on behalf of his parents, former residents of Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The presentation was facilitated and organized by “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising Guyanese cricketers,” the joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA. The donation was initiated by USA based Guyanese, Derek Kallicharran, former West Indies “B” cricketer.
At a simple ceremony held recently, the tokens were handed over to Rampertab and Rampersaud Ramnauth, two talented (brothers)Port Mourant cricketers, in the presence of Jaipersaud Rawana, president of the club.
Kamal expressed delight to be given the opportunity to contribute to this historic club and urge them to work hard to return the club to its former glory. Rawana expressed his gratitude and indicated that the under 17 team will benefit from the gear as the club continue to work hard to return it to where it rightfully belongs.
Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $730,000 in cash, 13 colored cricket uniforms, one
set of stumps, two trophies, 36 pairs of cricket shoes, 38 pairs of batting pads, 47 cricket bats, 42 pairs of batting gloves, 29 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 14 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, seven helmets, one fiber glass bat, one pair of floppy hat, one pair of inners, 16 boxes and four of white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone and 28 eight footballs.
To date, 99 nine players from all three counties
of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, eight gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 36 bats, four boxes, six helmets, 37 pairs of cricket shoes, 21 pairs of batting pads, 26 thigh pads, one bat grip, 40 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and four pairs of wicket-keeping gloves with one pair of inners.
Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Rawana, Rampertab and Rampersaud Ramnauth and Kamal pose with some of the items
Key players return as Australia reveal squads for Proteas series
KEY players Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood have been named to make their international return for Australia during next month's white-ball series at home against South Africa.
Australia named a pair of 14-player squads for the six white-ball contests (three T20I and three ODI) in the north of Australia that commences on August 10, with the inclusion of Head and Hazlewood among the key changes to the team that swept past the West Indies 5-0 during the recent T20I series in the Caribbean.
All-rounder Matt Short also returns to the fold, while hard-hitting batter Mitch Owen is in contention to make his ODI debut after he is included in both squads on the back of some impressive performances against the West Indies.
Regular ODI skipper Pat Cummins remains sidelined ahead of a busy home schedule at the end of the year with Mitchell Marsh to continue to as stand-in ODI captain, while fellow quick Mitchell Starc is also rested from the series.
Sean Abbott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie are among the players to drop out of favour following the West Indies series, with chief selector George Bailey indicating the team will continue to build towards next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
“As we build towards the T20 World Cup the flexibility and depth shown in the West Indies, outside of the obvious results, has been a huge positive," Bailey said.
“The flexibility within the batting order and ability of bowlers to bowl in different stages of the innings were particularly pleasing to see.
“Mitch Owen and Matt Kuhnemann making their respective debuts and the preparation and work done by Nathan Ellis to allow him to play all five matches were highlights.
“The smaller squad for a home series, along with the return of Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood, see some players not part of the squad for this Top End series, but all remain in the frame moving forward and we feel the entire group embraced every opportunity.
“We expect that to continue through this series, and the New Zealand and
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Thursday, July 31, 2025)
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83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) AUST 5; WI 0
(2) Cameron Green (AUST)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which WI made most runs in the recent T20 series versus AUST?
(2) Which AUST scored most runs? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Indian series later this year, as we balance continued opportunities for players and the preparation for the Test summer.”
Australia T20I squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa
Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa
Series schedule
First T20I: August 10, Darwin
Second T20I: August 12, Darwin
Third T20I: August 16, Cairns
First ODI: August 19, Cairns
Second ODI: August 22, Mackay
Third ODI: August 24, Mackay (ICC Media).
Gambhir in confrontation with Surrey ground staff
INDIA head coach Gautam Gambhir has been involved in a confrontation with Surrey ground staff during a training session before today’s's fifth and final Test against England at The Oval.
Video footage from the net session shows Gambhir pointing his finger at Lee Fortis, Surrey's head of ground staff, and the India coach can be heard shouting, "You can't tell us what to do", and "you're just the groundsman; nothing beyond".
Speaking in a news conference afterwards, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who was present during the incident, said the coaches were inspecting the wicket for the Test, and were asked to move away.
"When we were standing on the wicket looking at it, one of the ground staff came and said to stand two-and-ahalf metres away from here. In my cricketing career, I have never seen anybody saying that," said Kotak.
"Literally, he was saying that 'You can go outside the rope', to the head coach and see the wicket. I don't know how you can see.
"If someone was brushing their shoes, or somebody is trying to put something on the wicket or somebody wearing spikes, if the curator feels that then fine - but it was a very strange way of saying it."
Kotak continued: "Cu -
rators are a little over-protective or possessive about the square and the ground. [They] need to understand that the people they are talking to are highly skilled and intelligent people.
"When you are working with very intelligent and highly-skilled people, if you sound a bit arrogant, you can be protective, but at the end of the day it's a cricket pitch; it's not an antique that you can't touch because it's 200 years old, and it can be broken. That's what I feel."
With no specific outdoor practice area, India used three practice wickets surrounded by nets close to the Test match pitch, which is standard procedure.
BBC Sport asked Surrey for a comment, but the Club declined, though in a video, Fortis later downplayed the incident, telling Indian media "there's nothing to speak
about. There's nothing to hide here".
The incident is the latest in a heated and competitive series between the two sides, with the fourth Test at Old Trafford ending with India refusing to shake hands for the draw early as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar reached centuries.
India skipper Shubman Gill also said England were acting "against the spirit of cricket" with time-wasting tactics during the third Test at Lord's.
England led the fivematch series, 2-1, and Ben Stokes' side are expected to make changes to the team from Manchester's draw, particularly to the bowling line-up after just three days in between Tests.
Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue are the spare quicks in the squad after Stokes struggled with various niggles. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have played all four matches so far, and Jofra Archer has played back-to-back after making his comeback from a four-year injury absence.
Meanwhile, India will be without wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant because of a fractured foot, and they also have a decision to make on pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has played the maximum three Tests they stated he would before the series. (BBC Sport)
Brathwaite’s half century in vain as USA Women’s U-19 team takes series lead
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – EBONI
Brathwaite scored an impressive half century but it was not enough as USA Women’s Under-19 team pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over West Indies Women’s Under-19 team in the fourth Youth T20I here on Wednesday.
Brathwaite smashed a boundary-studded 53 from just 37 balls, with five fours and four sixes, and was the mainstay of West Indies’ below-par total of 89 for eight in their 20 overs.
USA then suffered some nervy moments but held on to score 92 for seven in 19.2 overs to take a 2-1 lead in the six-match series.
West Indies would have
been disappointed with their eventual total after Brathwaite, along with Brianna Harricharan added 65 runs for the fourth wicket following a top order collapse, that saw them recover to 71 for three in the 16th over.
But once Brathwaite was run out, the middle order crumbled, and they lost five wickets for the addition of only 18 runs.
For the USA, Saanvi Immadi took 3-23, while Aditi Kumar (2-9) and Maahi
Madhavan (2-18) provided support.
Windies’ captain, Samara Ramnath, Naijanni Cumberbatch and Harricharan then took two wickets apiece to reduce USA to 69 for seven and gave themselves a chance of pulling off an unexpected win.
However, Madhavan scored an unbeaten 10, and shared an unbroken 23-run partnership with Taranum Chopra, who finished on nine not out, to see USA to victory with four balls remaining in the contest.
Chetna Pagydyala and Sainavi Kambalapalli both scored 19 runs to be the top scorers for the USA. Ramnath ended with 2-12, Cumberbatch took 2-14 and Harricharan 2-14.
Australia batter Travis Head
India head coach Gautam Gambhir
Saanvi Immadi took three wickets for USA Women’s Under-19 team
Matt Henry six-fer blows away Zimbabwe for 149 in first Test
MATT Henry delivered his third-best bowling figures in Test cricket to spearhead New Zealand's commanding start in the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Henry's 6 for 39, complemented by Nathan Smith's 3 for 20, dismantled Zimbabwe's batting lineup, as the hosts were bowled out for 149 early in the last session of Day 1.
New Zealand began their reply confidently, moving to 92/0 at stumps as Devon Conway (51*) and Will Young (41*) wiped off more than 60 per cent of the deficit to round off a dominant opening day for
New Zealand.
Henry struck early, removing both openers cheaply. Brian Bennett was the first to fall, edging to third slip after Henry varied his lengths effectively. Ben Curran followed soon after, also caught at third slip when Henry's change of angle induced another outside edge. The collapse continued when Sean Williams, Zimbabwe's key batter, chopped on for 2 after being troubled by Nathan Smith's inward angle.
At 31/3, Zimbabwe were in deep trouble before Nick Welch and skipper Craig Ervine got together and steadied the ship with a promising stand. However,
their position worsened as Welch (27) fell to Henry, caught at second slip, and Sikandar Raza followed soon after as he gloved a bouncer to the wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, with the two dismissals coming on either side of lunch.
Craig Ervine (30) and Tafadzwa Tsiga provided some resistance with a 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but Smith broke through by trapping Ervine, lbw for 30. The tail fell apart quickly as Henry completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Newman Nyamhuri with another short delivery, before wrapping up the innings by having Blessing Muzarabani
caught by captain Mitchell Santner, who was leading the side in Tom Latham's injury-forced absence. New Zealand's openers got off to a solid start, with Devon Conway and Will Young dealing in regular boundaries, as the pair raised the half-century stand inside 14 overs. The openers were hardly troubled in their 26-over stay, as they extended their partnership close to the 100-run mark. Conway took his fours tally to 8, as he brought up a half-century late in the day, while Young was nine away from one, as the openers finished unbeaten at stumps. (Cricbuzz)
WICUA Honorary Secretary urges umpires to work together to make association better
AFTER being appointed to serve in the capacity of Honorary Secretary of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) late last year, following the resignation of Jamaican Terrence Richards, Guyana-born Azad Khan has been unanimously confirmed in the post following elections at the recently-concluded 31st Convention of the august body, held at the Cascadia Hotel and Convention Centre in Trinidad & Tobago.
Khan, who is also President of the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA), in presenting his first report at the convention, thanked President Vivian Johnson and other members of the executive committee for the faith reposed in him to carry out the arduous task.
“I want to thank the WICUA Executive for having appointed me as Secre-
tary to carry out this very important function. Colleagues, as you know, the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and I were appointed after the resignations of the two previous incumbents. The executive welcomed us with open arms, and as the President said in one of our meetings, the executive has not skipped a beat as the two appointees have hit the ground running in carrying out the tasks assigned to them in the interest of the WICUA.”
Khan expressed thanks to the panel umpires for continuing to represent the WICUA in CWI competitions and others in the territories to carry out their umpiring responsibilities to ensure that cricket is played at the highest level and with the highest level of officiating.
“As we move towards the next two years, we must
endeavour to be our brother’s keeper and work together to make our association a better organization. I am encouraging you to participate in WICUA activities, seminars, training courses, social events to show that you truly love, respect and want to participate in your organization.”
Khan also took the opportunity to praise Joel Wilson for his years of dedicated and devoted service to West Indies umpiring as a member of the ICC Elite Panel. “Mr. Wilson’s time on the Elite panel has come to an end and we would like to thank him sincerely for the level of work and the achievement gained to get to that level of world cricket umpiring. The WICUA wishes Joel all the best in his future endeavours as he has indicated that he is willing to give service in whatever capacity in the interest of West Indies Cricket, and we will certainly take him up on that offer.
“The WICUA wants to also congratulate Ms. Jacqueline Williams who continues to represent the West Indies with distinction on the international stage. She continues to officiate in major international tournaments
all over the world, making a tremendous impact and performing exceptionally well. We continue to wish her all the best as she continues to put our region on the map.”
The WICUA Training and Examination committee, led by the Chairman, Peter Nero, were also given kudos for their hard work in the training of and qualifying umpires during the period under review. Two Written and two Oral examinations were completed during the period along with the practical assessments were also conducted to ensure that umpires continue their development to gain the required certification.
Touching on the Umpire Exchange Programme, Khan explained that at the last convention in the Cayman Islands, the WICUA introduced its five-year strategic plans. “One of the components of the plan was to res-
urrect the WICUA Exchange Programme.
The programme was slow to get off the ground, but with the input of territories, we were able to get it implemented in March 2025, with four umpires from the USA visiting Jamaica to participate in the programme. The programme will continue throughout the summer with several territories indicating their umpires’ willingness to umpire in North America (USA & Canada).
“The WICUA is planning to expand the programme in the next cycle to include more umpires and the provision of additional funding for the umpires. This, we are sure will provide the incentive required to get more umpires participating in this vital and important developmental programme.”
(Frederick Halley)
Matt Henry delivered his third best bowling figures in Test cricket with 6-39
WICUA Honorary Secretary, Guyana-born Azad Khan
NBA to host games in London and Manchester
THE NBA is to return to the United Kingdom for the first time since 2019, with a match in London in 2026 and Manchester in 2027.
London's O2 Arena has been selected to host a regular-season game between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, January 18 2026.
It will be the first NBA game in the UK since the Washington Wizards' win over the New York Knicks in January 2019, with London previously having hosted yearly matches between 2011 and 2019.
Manchester will host a regular-season game for the first time in 2027 at the Co-op Live, with the teams involved to be revealed before the start of that season.
The city previously held a pre-season match between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers in October 2013 at the city's other major indoor entertainment venue, which is now called the AO Arena.
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: "London is now the undisputed sporting capital of the world and the NBA coming to The O2 in January 2026 will further cement our global status."
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "This is great news
for the city-region and is an exciting opportunity for us to see some of the best basketball players in the world on our doorstep."
Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, added: "Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city."
The NBA will hold two games in Europe in each of 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Berlin will host the other game in 2026 with Paris doing so in 2027, while in 2028 they will both host a match.
The teams involved in the 2027 and 2028 matches will be named before the start of those seasons.
The 2025-26 season gets under way on Tuesday, 21 October.
NBA's matches in Europe in 2026, 2027 and 2028 2026
Thursday, January 15: Orlando Magic v Memphis Grizzlies - Uber Arena, Berlin
Sunday, January 18: Memphis Grizzlies v Orlando Magic - O2 Arena, London
2027
One match at Accor Arena, Paris
One match at Co-op Live, Manchester
2028
One match at Uber Arena, Berlin
One match at Accor Arena, Paris
'Duty fulfilled' - Diaz leaves Liverpool for Bayern
LUIS Diaz says he "fulfilled his duty" at Liverpool after completing a £65.5m move to Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich.
The Colombia international has signed a four-year deal with the German club to bring his three-and-ahalf-year stay at Anfield to an end.
The 28-year-old was left out of Liverpool's pre-season match against AC Milan on Saturday because of speculation over his future.
Having rejected Bayern's opening offer of £58.6m earlier this month, Liverpool accepted a follow-up bid of £65.5m over the weekend and gave Diaz permission to have a medical with the club.
The winger leaves the Reds as a Premier League champion, having won four pieces of major silverware during his time at the club, and says his exit would have been the "perfect goodbye" if not for the death of teammate Diogo Jota earlier this month.
"I arrived with all the dreams in the world, and I am leaving proud of everything we achieved together," Diaz wrote on Instagram.
"I have met incredible people, fabulous colleagues, coaches who helped me a lot, and extraordinary fans.
Liverpool is, indeed, a special team, and I will keep everyone in my heart.
"It's good to be leaving with the feeling of a duty fulfilled, and, most of all, to be leaving a champion. It would have been the perfect goodbye if we hadn't lost one of ours in such a tragic way.
"I carry everyone with me in my heart, but one of them in particular: Diogo. I will never forget him. We will never forget him. Thank you for everything."
Diaz joined Liverpool from Porto for an initial £37m in January 2022, scoring 41 goals in 148 appearances during his time at Anfield.
He won the FA Cup and EFL Cup during his opening season with the Reds, and
was part of the side that lost to Real Madrid in the 2022 Champions League final.
Diaz enjoyed the most prolific season of his career last term, scoring 17 goals in all competitions as Liverpool won the Premier League.
The winger's exit means Liverpool have made around £115m in player sales so far this summer.
That has helped to offset spending of around £270m on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
The Reds remain interested in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who did not travel on the Magpies' far-east tour and is exploring options to leave the club. (BBC Sport)
Mercenary whip defending champions, Better Hope, to claim OSCL T10 title
AFTER a somewhat indifferent showing in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 2024 season, which saw them capturing the lone T10 title, failing to reach the T15 final and being soundly beaten in the T20 championship final by Caribbean Sensation, giant killers Mercenary certainly had a score to settle in the 2025 season.
Already winners of the T10 championship, played in honour of the late softball executive Vish Jadunauth, Mercenary made light work of defending champions, Better Hope, in last Saturday’s T15 final, played under the auspices of former long-standing OSCL President, Albert Ramcharran, who incidentally was one of the officiating umpires in the game.
Set a paltry 108 for victo-
ry, after asking Better Hope to take first strike at the St Bede ground in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada, Mercenary rushed to the target in 9.3 overs, losing four wickets in the process and with some 33 balls to spare.
The victory was engineered by a brilliant opening stand of 74 off a mere 4.3 overs by the prolific Richard Latif who clobbered four sixes in a quick-fire 14-ball 31 and Avish Rukhram who slammed a four and four sixes in his 25 which came off 17 balls.
The partnership took the wind out of the Better Hope players as Mercenary cantered to an easy win. Skipper Davendra Ramkissoon finished with two for 14 in his three overs, Mahendra Monilall one for six and
Better Hope’s token resistance saw only two players reaching double figures, Troy Gobin with 19 and Nick Sarwan 13 as the others players failed to come to grips with the impressive Mercenary bowling attack. Extras totalled a healthy 31.
Azam Haniff was the main destroyer with three for 23 runs from two overs while Mahendranauth “Bobby” Parsnauth, skipper Amit Rukhram and Latif supported with one wicket each.
At the presentation ceremony which followed, Latif was awarded the trophy for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on the winning team while Ramkissoon copped the MVP for Better Hope.
Both the winning and runner-up teams were presented with trophies while members
of the winning combination were also recipient of medals.
OSCL President, Shiv Persaud, who was on hand to witness the final, also distrib-
uted the awards. Persaud congratulated both the winners and runner-up for their participation in the tournament. Persaud expressed sin-
for the final.
cere thanks to Trophy Stall Guyana and Markham for their generous support gesture in providing the trophies
The victorious Mercenary players pose with OSCL President, Shiv Persaud (extreme right)
The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies will face each other in London and Berlin in January 2026
Luis Diaz spent three-and-a-half-years at Liverpool
Injured Stokes out of fifth Test against India, England rest Archer and Carse
...Ollie Pope will deputise for Stokes; Woakes will lead an inexperienced seam attack with Atkinson, Overton and Tongue in
ENGLAND will go into today’s fifth Test at The Oval without their captain, with Ben Stokes ruled out with a torn shoulder muscle.
Ollie Pope will deputise, leading for the fifth time in Tests, and England have made four changes in all from the draw in Manchester, with Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue all coming into the side.
Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are both rested after heavy workloads last week, while Liam Dawson is left out altogether. Bethell and Joe Root are the two spin-bowling options, with Chris Woakes retained to lead an inexperienced seam attack: England's other three fast bowlers have 18 caps among them.
Stokes arrived at The Oval on Wednesday morning, hopeful to play as a specialist batter, but after discussions with head coach Brendon McCullum and England's medical team, and
20 minutes of quiet reflection, decided against playing through the pain. "The risk was way too high for damaging this any further than it currently is," Stokes said.
"It's obviously very, very disappointing."
England refused to reveal the exact nature of the injury, but it is understood that Stokes has sustained a GradeThree tear in a shoulder muscle, and that his recovery will take at least six weeks. He was not scheduled to play any more cricket this summer, and is confident that he will be fully recovered ahead of England's first Ashes Test in Australia on November 21. Stokes bowled 11 overs on the final day of the Manchester Test, but grimaced throughout his two spells. He repeatedly clutched his shoulder while bowling, and said afterwards that he was "very unlikely" to miss the fifth Test despite struggling with a biceps tendon injury, but woke up feeling "pretty sore" the following morning,
and scans confirmed a significant tear.
His absence is a major blow for England, and for Stokes personally; he is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 17, scored his first Test century in two years in Manchester, and has been named Player of the Match in the last two Tests, and his injury represents yet another frustrating setback after two hamstring tears in the second half of last year.
Stokes insisted he could not have prevented the injury. "When I'm out on the field, I play to win, and give everything I possibly can," he said. "If I feel there's a moment in a game where I need to put everything I'm feeling aside, I'll do that, because of how much this team means to me; how much playing for England means to me; how much winning means to me."
He also suggested that playing at The Oval could have aggravated the injury to a worrying extent. "It was risk-reward," Stokes
said. "I'll always try to push myself as much as I possibly can. There's absolutely nothing I could have done [differently] before. Being a professional sportsman, injuries are part of this game, and I can't do anything about that."
England were planning to head into the fifth Test without a specialist spinner as soon as it became obvious Stokes would not be fit to bowl. Dawson bowled economically in Manchester, but failed to take a wicket in 47 second-innings overs, and England are expecting a match dominated by seamers at The Oval, with a healthy covering of live grass on the pitch on Wednesday morning.
"The Oval generally plays that it's your seamers who take the wickets," Stokes said. "We felt that, here, that gives you the best chance of winning the game. The way it's played here through the year in the Championship as well: it's looked very similar
to this, and played like that. There's a bit of intel there, and we wanted to give ourselves four seamers.
Stokes' absence means Bethell will bat at No. 6, having scored three half-centuries at No. 3 in his maiden series in New Zealand last year. "Being the type of player that he is, where he plays all three formats, it probably allows him to be a bit more versatile with where he bats in the order," Stokes said. "I'm very confident in his ability. He's a quality player."
England's seam attack is their biggest area of concern. Woakes has never bowled more overs in a series than the 167 he has got through over the past month, while Atkinson returns from a hamstring injury that had ruled him out since May. Overton wins his second cap, and first for three years, and Tongue is back after missing out for Archer in the third and fourth Tests.
Stokes will remain with
the squad this week, as he did last year when he missed four Tests - three against Sri Lanka, and one in Pakistan - through injury. Pope, his vice-captain, will again stand in on his home ground and will look to Shubman Gill for inspiration after struggling to "compartmentalise" his two roles when he deputised last year.
"We know that the series is still on the line here," Stokes said. "It's been toeto-toe throughout the whole series so far. We know that India will be coming out fighting, because they don't want to leave England with a loss. The next best thing for them is a draw, so we'll be doing everything in our powers to not let that happen."
England XI: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope (capt), 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jacob Bethell, 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Gus Atkinson, 10 Jamie Overton, 11 Josh Tongue. (BBC Sport)
World Athletics introduces gene test for female category
THE test for the SRY gene - which is part of the Y chromosome and causes male characteristics to develop - can be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test.
If the test is negative for the Y chromosome, the athlete is eligible to compete in the female category.
If it is positive, they can compete in the female category in non-world ranking competitions or in another category other than the female one.
It is a test to be taken once in a lifetime and will be overseen by member federations.
"It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling," said World Athletics president Lord Coe.
In a frequently asked questions page published by World Athletics, the test is described as being "extremely accurate" and states "the risk of false negative or positive is extremely unlikely".
World Boxing also ap -
proved the use of the SRY test in May when it introduced mandatory sex testing for all athletes.
"We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category you have to be biologically female," said Coe. "It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology. "We particularly want to thank our member federations for their support
and commitment in the implementation of these new regulations."
World Athletics approved the introduction of a test in March to determine if an athlete is biologically female.
It was one of several recommendations approved at that month's World Athletics Council meeting, to tighten regulations over the eligibility of transgender and difference of sex development (DSD) athletes.
World Athletics banned
transgender athletes who had gone through male puberty from competing in the female category in international competition in March 2023.
A working group also recommended World Athletics merge regulations for both DSD and transgender athletes after it said new evidence showed testosterone suppression "can only ever partly mitigate the overall male advantage in the sport of athletics".
The current rules for DSD
athletes required them to reduce their testosterone levels to a set level for at least six months to compete in any female category event internationally.
Earlier in July, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that two-time Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya had her right to a fair hearing violated by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court when she lost a 2020 appeal against World Athletics regulations that effectively barred
her from competing.
Semenya, 34, was born with DSD and has been unable to compete in the 800m since 2019, when World Athletics brought in rules restricting testosterone levels for track events from 400m up to the mile.
The case at the ECHR was not against sporting bodies or DSD rules, but specifically against Switzerland's government for not protecting Semenya's rights. (BBC Sport)
India Champions pull out of...
(From back page)
India Champions had placed fourth with three points. The event organisers confirmed a 50% refund to the fans who had purchased tickets for the semi-finals.
Sporting relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated due to the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir in April this year, and the military skirmish that followed be-
tween the two.
While the international teams of India and Pakistan have not yet faced each other since then, the men's teams are due to face each other in the Asia Cup in the UAE on September 14, while the women's teams have their ODI World Cup match in Colombo on October 6. (ESPN Cricinfo)
The next Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028
West Indies Champions finish bottom of the table after loss to India
LEICESTER, England, (CMC) – West Indies Champions bowed out of the World Championship of Legends on a losing note after suffering a five-wicket defeat to India Champions here on Tuesday.
Needing a win to qualify for the semifinals, Kieron Pollard struck an unbeaten 74 from 43 balls and Dwayne Smith scored 20, but no other batsman reached double digits as they were restricted to 144 for nine from their 20 overs after being sent in to bat.
India advanced to the semifinals of the World Championship of Legends after defeating the West Indies by five wickets.
Needing to reach their target in 14.1 overs to qual-
ify, India strolled to 148 for five in only 13.2 overs, with
Player-of-the-Match Stuart Binny hitting an unbeaten,
even half century.
West Indies produced a disappointing batting performance and at one point looked in danger of being bowled out well inside their allotted overs after crumbling to 111 for nine.
But Pollard, who hit eight sixes and three fours, scored all 33 runs in his partnership with last man Sheldon Cottrell to get them up to a decent total.
Piyush Chawla was India’s best bowler with 3-18, while Binny grabbed 2-17 and Varun Aaron 2-40.
Smith then returned to grab two early wickets to see Pakistan slip to 52 for four in the eighth over, but Binny and captain Yuvraj Singh stemmed the flow of wickets in a 66-run partnership in just four overs that ultimately determined the outcome.
And when Singh was
dismissed for 21 off 11 balls, Yusaf Pathan scored an unbeaten 21 from just seven balls to help India ease to victory with 40 balls to spare. Binny finished on 50 not out from 21 balls with four sixes and three fours.
Smith took 2-21 and Dwayne Bravo 2-47 for the West Indies, who finished last in the six-team table on two points with one win from their five matches.
Kieron Pollard struck an unbeaten 74 from 43 balls
Guyana to host landmark Massy Women’s CPL
Guyana is set to make history by hosting the entire 2025 Massy Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) for the first time in the tournament's fouryear history.
The event runs from September 6 to 17 at the National Stadium, Providence, and promises an exciting showcase of world-class women's
T20 cricket.
The tournament will feature three formidable teams: the home side Guyana Amazon Warriors, defending champions Barbados Royals, and Trinbago Knight Riders. These franchises will battle it out over six group stage matches, culminating in a thrilling final on September 17. Each team will play four
group-stage matches, with the top two sides advancing to compete for the coveted WCPL title.
The tournament's official launch took place on Wednesday at Massy Distribution's Montrose, East Coast Demerara location, where key stakeholders emphasized the profound significance of this moment for
sport and gender equality in the region.
Massy Stores (Guyana) CEO Troy Beharry described the occasion as more than just a cricketing milestone. "This isn't just a cricketing milestone—it’s a celebration of Guyana as a vibrant hub of Caribbean sport, culture, and talent," Beharry stated. He stressed that Massy's
sponsorship is fundamentally about creating opportunities, supporting women's development, and showcasing the courage and excellence of female athletes.
Nestlé Divisional Head Teisha Milner echoed these sentiments, calling the hosting of the full tournament a "moment of national pride."
Milner highlighted the
symbolic importance, noting, "This is not just a milestone for cricket, it’s a powerful signal of the region’s commitment to women in sport."
She also drew parallels between the tournament's core values—resilience, teamwork, courage, and ambition—and the broader mission shared by Massy and its partners.
India Champions pull out of WCL semi-final against Pakistan Champions
…Pakistan will go through to the final and will play either Australia or South Africa
INDIA Champions have refused to play their semi-final against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends due to strained political relations between the two countries.
The match was scheduled to be played in Birmingham today; Pakistan Champions will progress to the final and
play the winner of the second semi-final between Australia Champions and South Africa Champions.
The India Champions team, which includes players such as Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, had also refused to play their
group match against Pakistan Champions on July 20.
While the teams had shared points on that occasion, Pakistan Champions progressed to the final after India Champions refused to play the semi-final because they finished top of the group with nine points.
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Shoaib Malik (left) and Shikhar Dhawan are part of the World Championship of Legends