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Hinterland power generation surges from 1.62MW to 17.5MW No.1081899

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–– President Ali announces following $11B investment in hydro, solar power

President Dr. Irfaan Ali received the Guard of Honour upon his arrival in the State of Qatar for a three-day State Visit. He subsequently met with Mohamed Said Al-Sowaidi, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). The entity is undertaking a major hospitality and real estate project, and is currently examining other investment collaborations with Guyana. During his visit, President Ali is expected to participate in several high-level bilateral meetings (Photos: President Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

DDL expands Moblissa dairy 08 herd with 473 pregnant heifers –– guest houses, transportation, community businesses creating jobs and new economic opportunities President Ali eyes 13 Guyanese urged to make healthier choices to extend motorboat racing as sports tourism driver lives – Minister Anthony 12

Indigenous villages turning development funding into income-generating ventures 03

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

Hinterland power generation surges from 1.62MW to 17.5MW –– President Ali announces following $11B investment in hydro, solar power

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has hailed what he described as a “revolution in energy” across indigenous Guyana, claiming electricity generation in hinterland communities has surged by more than 1,000 per cent from 1.62 megawatts to almost 17.5 megawatts through hydropower, solar farms and household solar systems that are now lighting homes, powering health posts and keeping young teachers in their villages. Addressing the opening of the 2026 Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations at the Amerindian Village, Sophia, the president framed electricity as a cornerstone of his administration’s wider programme to modernise Amerindian communities and ensure they benefit directly from Guyana’s economic expansion. Praising the work of Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Dr Ali said the transformation of power supply in the hinterland was deliberate and people-centred. “Prime Minister, very quietly, you have led a revolution in energy in our indig-

enous villages. Through your leadership, we have invested more than 11 billion dollars in energy in our indigenous villages, hydropower, solar farms, household solar,” the president said. The president said this surge in generation capacity from 1.62 megawatts to almost 17.5 megawatts was achieved without the usual commercial calculations. “We did not ask what the rate of return is. We did not ask what is the return on investment. We did not ask those questions,” he declared. “What we know is what the investment will deliver: stronger villages, greater dignity. That is what we are about.” Dr Ali linked the expanded electricity supply to concrete changes in hinterland life, noting that reliable power is enabling more young Amerindians to pursue training as teachers, nurses, and other professionals without having to migrate to the coast. This, he suggested, is helping to keep skills, income and opportunities rooted in indigenous communities. The president’s remarks on energy came as part of a broader defence of his gov-

President, Dr Irfaan Ali ernment’s record in Amerindian development. He disclosed that over the last five years more than $41.7 billion has been invested in indigenous villages and communities, including $21.7 billion through the Amerindian Development Fund, nearly $3 billion in restored

presidential grants, and $14.2 billion in Low Carbon Development Strategy funds returned to the hinterland after what he said was a five–year absence under the previous administration. Within that wider envelope, he positioned the $11 billion energy spent as both

symbolic and practical. The new power capacity, he stressed, underpins investments in ICT, healthcare and economic empowerment that have been rolled out simultaneously in hinterland regions. With more reliable electricity, ICT hubs and satellite terminals can operate effectively,

health facilities can safely conduct more procedures, and community enterprises such as sawmills, shops and ecotourism lodges can function on a more sustainable basis. Guyana has rapidly expanded its energy infrastructure. Under its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the country has taken a transformative approach to energy that seeks to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, by diversifying energy sources and ensuring affordable, reliable energy access for all Guyanese. The aim is to integrate renewable resources such as solar, hydro, wind, biomass, and natural gas to meet growing energy demand, while keeping emissions low. Further, the 300 MW Wales gas-to-energy project, Guyana’s largest infrastructural initiative to date, aims to reduce electricity costs by 50 per cent and support domestic production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cleaner household cooking. Beyond immediate energy benefits, the GtE project is expected to enhance industrial competitiveness and strengthen the country’s energy mix.

Indigenous villages turning development funding into income-generating ventures

–– guest houses, transportation, community businesses creating jobs and new economic opportunities INDIGENOUS villages across Guyana are increasingly using development funding to establish income-generating ventures, create employment, and strengthen economic activity within their communities, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah BrownShadeek has said. The minister made this known while appearing on the Starting Point podcast, where she highlighted several examples of communities using resources available through the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to invest in businesses and projects based on their own

priorities. She pointed to Mainstay as an example of a successful community enterprise, where LCDS funding was used to establish guest houses. The initiative has since expanded from a single cabin to three, while income generated from the venture has enabled the community to undertake further investments, including repairs to another cabin and improvements to the school compound. The minister also highlighted Barima Koriabo, where a community guest house has become a popular destination and is creating employment through the services required to operate the facility.

“These are businesses that are creating employment,” Minister BrownShadeek said, noting that community members are involved in providing services such as food preparation and caretaking. Other communities are directing their funding towards different economic ventures based on local needs. In Shulinab, for example, a satellite community established a fully equipped meat centre, including freezer facilities, allowing residents to transport and sell meat and generate income for the village. Brown-Shadeek said transportation remains another major priority for many

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah BrownShadeek

hinterland communities, providing essential services to children, pensioners and persons requiring medical attention, while also supporting economic activity. She explained that LCDS allocations are transferred directly to villages’ bank accounts, with general meetings in villages determining how the funds are spent. While some communities choose to invest in businesses, others have used the resources for housing improvements, household equipment, and other livelihood initiatives. The minister encouraged communities to increasingly consider investments capable of generating returns, noting

that profits from successful ventures can subsequently be channelled into other community needs. She also pointed to new financing opportunities through the Guyana Development Bank, which she said could enable Indigenous entrepreneurs to access larger sums for investments, including transportation and other income-generating projects. Brown-Shadeek urged young people in Indigenous communities to carefully consider these opportunities and use them to establish sustainable businesses that can contribute to local development and employment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

At least five killed in Amazon Prime Air cargo plane crash in Miami

AT least five people died when an Amazon Prime Air cargo flight overran a runway and crashed while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday, local officials said. Prime Air Flight 7598 overran the airport’s diagonal runway shortly before 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) a nd struck multiple vehicles on the ground, officials said during a news conference on Sunday af-

ternoon. Amazon and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department earlier confirmed that an incident occurred as the plane was trying ⁠to land. Five people were also injured in the crash, including three who are in critical condition, said Miami-Dade F ire Chief Ray Jadallah. At least two people were trapped in vehicles that were struck by the plane, and the pilot and co-pilot were trapped

A view of an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane that airport officials said overran a runway at Miami International Airport, in Miami, Florida, U.S. on September 6, 2026 (REUTERS/Marco Bello) inside the plane by the crash, Jadallah said. Officials declined to identify those who died. More than 60 rescue units and about 200 personnel responded to the incident, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said in a statement. As of late afternoon, emergency personnel were still dealing with an active fuel leak from the aircraft, Jadallah said. Although the airport halted all flights immediately after the crash, two of its four runways had been reopened by Sunday evening. The plane was a Boeing 767-300 that had ⁠from San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Cargo airline 21 Air operated the plane for Amazon, an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. The cargo airline did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Reuters photos after the crash showed the jet with

its nose on the ground and tail tilted up. The right s ide of the plane had w hat appeared to be s⁠ corch marks. Amazon is still gathering details about what happened, company spokesperson Kelly Nantel said. “We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened,” Nantel said in a statement. “Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved.” The Federal ⁠Aviation Administration said it will investigate the crash. Sunday’s incident is not the first time an Amazon Prime Air plane has been involved in a fatal crash. In February 2019, Atlas Air Flight 3591, a Boeing 767-300 freighter operating on behalf ⁠ o f Amazon Prime Air from Miami to Houston, entered a rapid descent and crashed into Trinity Bay. All three people on board were killed. (Reuters)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

Jamaica to bring slavery reparations petition to King Charles THE Jamaican government will highlight to King Charles a petition over slavery reparations on Monday, the country’s culture minister Olivia Grange has said. It will ask the King, who serves as Jamaica’s head of state, to refer three questions to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the country’s highest court, over the legality of the enslavement of Africans in Jamaica. Grange said it could pave the way for a “long outstanding settlement for the hundreds of years of the most horrific abuse that our African ancestors endured”. She will also meet with British Museum officials to discuss the repatriation of artefacts taken during the colonial era. The three questions which the Jamaican government is asking the King to refer to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) are: whether the enslavement of Africans in Jamaica was legal under English law, whether it broke international law, and whether Britain now has a legal duty to provide redress. The petition, which is not a demand for payment, goes to the King who then refers it to the JCPC. King Charles has no personal discretion in deciding whether to make a referral. Grange said: “Once we get the answers, or once we get a response to those questions, then the next steps will be determined.” Buckingham Palace has been working closely with the Governor General of Jamaica to ensure the petition is correctly lodged. A Palace spokesperson

King Charles said in a 2024 speech that leaders should commit to ‘finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure’ said: “His Majesty has on cials to “advance discussions many occasions expressed his personal and wholehearted commitment to promoting greater understanding around the issue of slavery and finding ways to address historic wrongs for the benefit of communities today.” When slavery was abolished across most of the empire in 1833, the British government paid £20m to slave owners in compensation. The loans taken out to raise the money were paid off in 2015. Grange said: “Up to 2015, Britain was paying the slave masters, because we were being considered property. “The question really should be: if in modern times we’re still paying back the slave masters for the property that was our people, our ancestors, for property that was because of the abolition of slavery, then why shouldn’t we be pursuing some remedy at this time?” Grange will also meet with British Museum offi-

Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s culture minister, will be leading the delegation to the UK

on the repatriation of artefacts” taken from Jamaica during the colonial era. She said: “They are priceless, they are significant to the story of Jamaica and we are working to bring them home.” In 2015, David Cameron, who was prime minister at the time, ruled out making reparations for Britain’s role in the historic slave trade, while visiting Jamaica. Speaking to MPs in Jamaica’s parliament, Cameron said slavery was “abhorrent in all its forms”. He added that he hoped they could “move on from this painful legacy and continue to build for the future”. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

The magical hat is running empty THERE is a pattern to how US-indicted Azruddin Mohamed, Guyana’s leader of the opposition, does politics, and this week it played out with almost comic precision. The same day prosecutors told a Georgetown court that Mohamed’s presence near President Irfaan Ali’s private residence could point to offences as grave as treason or an assassination plot, Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, which is half a million followers strong, disappeared. His lawyer stopped short of blaming the police, who happened to be holding the phone that ran it. Convenient timing, whoever is responsible. That is the Mohamed method. When

the substance turns hostile, change the subject to the spectacle. A DJI drone and four phones turned up in his vehicle near Leonora; he was arrested, released on self-bail, then arrested again hours later, this time for livestreaming himself narrating the scene of the first arrest to his followers. He denies owning the drone. He denies wrongdoing. He live-streams anyway. That is not a man avoiding suspicion, it is a man performing for an audience, because the audience is the point. The same instinct runs through his defence against extradition. Since committal proceedings opened in January, the money-laundering and wire-fraud case he and his father face in the United

States has advanced in fits and starts, not because the evidence is thin, but because Mohamed’s lawyers keep finding new reasons to stop the clock: medical reports, a constitutional challenge to the Fugitive Offenders Act, and appeals all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice, the region’s highest bench, which has so far thrown out his bids for a stay twice since July alone. Each rejection is followed, almost reflexively, by another request to pause. On Thursday it was a “crisis of clarity” over a Court of Appeal order; Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman wasn’t buying it, and neither should anyone else. This is not a legal strategy. It is stalling, dressed up as one.

What should worry Guyanese voters is the trajectory, not just the pattern. Each court loss narrows Mohamed’s room to manoeuvre, and each narrowing produces a louder, stranger distraction; a drone controversy here, a deleted Facebook page there. Desperation is rarely subtle, and it is getting less subtle by the week. Mohamed, however, continues to deny the fraud charges and denies owning the drone. But a defence built on delay, and a following built on spectacle, are not the same things as a case built on innocence. The magical hat is running empty, but we await the next surprise that comes out.

GHK Lall’s advice to Azruddin Mohamed is disgraceful

Dear Editor

IF daftness is a virtue, GHK Lall most assuredly would be blessed. As I mulled over this statement, it caused me to wonder whether Lall is somnambulating or fixated on creating his own fool’s paradise. These conflicting thoughts resulted from reading and re-reading Lall’s published advice dated 9/5/2025 to Azruddin Mohamed on reinventing himself. To many Guyanese, Lall’s garrulous rants are well known, and his scripted advice to Azruddin is not an exception. In the opening paragraph of his article, Lall stated that Azruddin … “must stop seeing himself as the Leader of the Opposition (LOO),” and that, “He must see himself as a man on the run.” This leaves one wondering whether Lall is prodding Azruddin to delegitimise himself as the opposition leader, and instead view himself as a fugitive? I hardly had time to

mull over my interpretation when the answer to the question became clear in Lall’s next few sentences. Lall wrote, “Part of his reconfiguring of himself is that he [Azruddin] sees himself in the manner that the PPP gov’t does. Less of an OL, more of an outcast now bordering close to an outlaw.” Should Azruddin submit to Lall’s goading, reconfiguring himself as an outcast bordering on becoming an outlaw, wouldn’t he be acknowledging that he is guilty of his alleged crimes, and hence his flight from justice? Perhaps the answer resides in the closing sentences of Lall’s article. He opines, “Mr Mohamed must adjust to suit. Not believe he is invincible. Or untouchable. Give the ‘yanks’ [Americans] what they want. … He pleas, he bargains; these are what could free him in time for 2030-31.” In doing so, wouldn’t Azruddin be accepting guilt? The above citations are not the only

suggestions Lall offered to Azruddin in transforming himself. As he puts it, “Mr Mohamed has to remake himself. From Opposition Leader to guerrilla fighter operating in an untraditional zone and an unknown dimension in Guyana. He has to live off the land.” In this regard, is Lall encouraging Azruddin to start a guerrilla army to destabilise and overthrow the government? At first glance, this may seem humorous, especially since one would not expect Azruddin to relinquish his wealth and take to the jungles in Guyana, living off the land while leading an untrained revolutionary band against the government. Or does Lall expect Azruddin to dispose of his wealth by financing such a revolutionary group? Furthermore, would Lall willingly join the guerrilla band of rogue politicians and supporters as a lieutenant in their jungle-warfare fantasies? Before committing to such a decision, Lall would be better informed by reading Mao, Ho Chi Minh, and Che Guevar-

ra on guerrilla warfare. In the final analysis, as I probed retrospectively into GHK Lall’s written opinion, I am saddened by his inanity, his denial of the Guyanese reality and Azruddin’s role in the unfolding of an envied democratic society, a rapidly developing nation state, one in which social and economic opportunities are widely accessible to all. The internal vibrancy of growth and citizens upliftment are evident in all the village communities, among all races and ethnicities, and while the advances have become the pride of the majority, a minority of discontented and envious, continue to cast aspersions against the government and its leaders who continually strive for national unity and harmony. Regards, Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

Two differences in the secret politics of Martin Carter and Rupert Roopnaraine

I GOT an email from accomplished America scholar, Alan N. Shapiro (you can Google him) on his reaction to my series of iconoclastic articles on Rupert Roopnaraine after his death. Professor Shapiro noted he was an undergraduate student of Dr. Roopnaraine at Cornell University. I quote Professor Shapiro: “Nothing of what I remember would support the theory that Rupert was recruited by the CIA. It is an intriguing idea, and I cannot rule it out, but I remain skeptical.” Professor Shapiro went on to describe Roopnaraine in brilliant terms. There is no question that Roopnaraine was deeply brilliant. And that is where Professor Shapiro’s dilemma begins. He cannot comprehend how such an erudite mind can be a servant of Western intelligence. I quote the professor again: “Why did Rupert give up what would have been a stellar academic career to go into politics? I don’t find the answer to that in any connection with Western intelligence agencies. Rupert, in his mind, was a young idealist, anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist, leftist revolutionary.” Roopnaraine was not the first and will not be the last of brilliant people who worked for Western intelligence agencies. I have to disagree with the professor, because I think as a student of Roopnaraine, he was smitten by him. But, how much did he know about the life of Roopnarine? I quote Dr. Shapiro for the third time: “I know very little about Guyanese politics. I know very little about Rupert’s biography after he returned to Guyana in late 1976.”

In those days in the Western world, where the hippie generation had taken over Western societies, being Marxist on campus was very fashionable. Knowing Roopnaraine, he would be the perfect fit for that role. I have to reject the idealistic, leftist credentials that Dr. Shapiro infused Roopnaraine with. I functioned with Roopnaraine. I observed his politics for decades. I looked at the lifestyle and behavioural traits of Roopnaraine for decades. In his mind, he may have been a revolutionary Marxist, but he did not put that ideology into practice. I am going to write something, and I will not elaborate, because I cannot. Moral laws prevent me from so doing. I believe Roopnaraine was cultivated by the CIA, and I believe sincerely that his recruiter would have been a White woman. I accept Ravi Dev’s point that the CIA sent Roopnaraine back to Guyana to ensure that the declining popularity of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham would not result in the accession to power of Cheddi Jagan. Roopnaraine spent his entire political career trying to keep Jagan out of power. Since Dr. Shapiro admitted that he knows little about Guyanese politics, then he would not know about the embourgeoisiefied socialisation of Roopnaraine in Guyana. I am still playing around with the opaque tantalization in my mind that Roopnaraine may have been involved in the plot to kill Walter Rodney. I am gravitating to the idea that the CIA put it to Burnham that Rodney had to be removed. The CIA informed Burnham about its part in the planning of Rodney’s removal. The longer I live and research Guyana’s politics,

the more I move closer to the acceptance of involvement of the CIA in Rodney’s murder. Roopnaraine’s work for British and American intelligence was quite different from that of Martin Carter. Roopnaraine was recruited by the CIA when he was involved in Marxist politics on the American campuses. Carter was never a Marxist. MI6 in London, in setting up Carter to spy on the PPP at the beginning of the 1950s suggested to Carter that he had to wear Communist clothes and proclaim he was a Stalinist and a rabid anti-colonialist. That was the only way Carter could have infiltrated the PPP leadership, and he did just that. After successfully serving British intelligence, Carter was taken care of by the British government for the rest of his life. Carter and Roopnaraine became extremely close, and I wonder if Carter ever confessed to Roopnaraine that he was an agent for MI6, and, in turn, Roopnaraine told Carter about

his CIA recruitment. The second difference between the sordid and betraying politics of Carter and Roopnaraine was that as he got older, Carter could not psychologically overcome his grief of betraying the PPP. Roopnaraine, on the other hand, had no capacity for such remorse. I think the two men were genetically different humans. Carter was an eccentric man whose personality conflicted with the conspiratorial life he had to live. Roopnaraine, on the other hand, saw himself as a brilliant Anglo-Saxonized mind that was more than a cut above the average Guyanese. Roopnaraine was a cultural elitist. He loved the life he lived without regrets. 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

Amerindian Affairs Ministry steps up efforts to revive Indigenous languages, traditions –– Lokono language being targetted for inclusion in primary school curriculum

THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is stepping up efforts to preserve and revive Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural practices, with particular attention being placed on communities where aspects of Indigenous heritage are increasingly at risk of being lost. This was according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah BrownShadeek, who highlighted the importance of cultural preservation during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast, noting that greater connectivity with the outside world and the influence of social media

have contributed to changes in some Indigenous communities. She pointed to Region Nine as an example where Indigenous traditions, languages and ways of life remain deeply rooted, while acknowledging that other communities face greater challenges in maintaining their cultural practices. Among the areas of concern is the Lokono language, particularly among communities along Guyana’s coast. BrownShadeek, who is herself Lokono, shared her personal experience of growing up without learning the language, despite being raised

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah BrownShadeek

in one of the largest Lokono villages. She said the experience demonstrated how quickly a language and cultural practices can disappear when they are not passed from one generation to the next. The minister noted that while she retained knowledge of some traditional crafts, she had yet to teach some of these practices or traditional stories to her own children. Against this backdrop, she said the ministry is supporting cultural groups across the country to encourage the preservation and promotion of Indigenous traditions. She also

highlighted efforts to make Indigenous culture more visible and accepted among younger generations, recounting how her son had initially felt ashamed of wearing traditional clothing at the opening of Amerindian Heritage Month, but became more comfortable after seeing other young people and performers dressed similarly. The ministry is also working with the Ministry of Education to explore the incorporation of the Lokono language into the primary school curriculum. She said bringing the language into the formal education system could complement infor-

mal efforts within families and communities and help strengthen awareness and usage among younger generations. She identified Lokono as one of the Indigenous languages currently most in need of revitalisation, while noting that other languages, including Warao and Carib, remain comparatively more active. The minister stressed that continued support for cultural groups, language preservation and the involvement of children will be critical to ensuring that Guyana’s Indigenous heritage remains alive for future generations.

DDL expands Moblissa dairy herd with 473 pregnant heifers

DEMERARA Distillers Limited (DDL) has expanded its growing dairy herd with the arrival of 473 pregnant heifers at the Hakh Friendship Port, East Bank Demerara, as work continues on its US$30 million state-of-the-art dairy farm at Moblissa on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. According to a release from DDL, the cattle arrived late Friday night aboard the Danish-flagged livestock carrier MV Alondra, marking the first time a dedicated livestock carrier has docked at Port Georgetown to deliver animals. The 97.54-metre vessel transported the high-yield cattle from the United States

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

on a seven-day voyage to Guyana. The latest shipment follows the arrival of an initial herd of 85 pregnant heifers on May 9. Those animals were flown into the Cheddi Jagan International Airport aboard a specialised Amerijet charter to establish the foundation herd for Demerara Dairy Inc. (DDI). With the arrival of the latest batch, DDL is now significantly scaling up its herd ahead of the start of commercial milk production at Moblissa. The cattle, sourced from a farm in Seattle, Washington, were transported by road to Florida before beginning their journey by sea to Guy-

ana. Upon the vessel’s arrival shortly before 23:00hrs, the cattle underwent health and regulatory inspections by the relevant authorities, including the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Following clearance, the animals were transported by specialised livestock trucks to the Moblissa facility. Each truck carried approximately 23 cows, with the animals being moved in three cycles under escort from the Guyana Police Force. DDL Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo described the shipment as a major step in the development of the

Moblissa project, noting that the company had successfully navigated a large-scale maritime livestock operation. He said the arrival of the additional cattle would accelerate DDL’s plans to establish a sustainable dairy operation while strengthening Guyana’s livestock industry and food security. “The arrival of this specialised livestock carrier marks a monumental step forward not just for DDL, but for Guyana’s agricultural infrastructure. Building upon our initial air-freight shipment in May that established the foundation of our herd, navigating a maritime logistics operation of this scale demonstrates our absolute

commitment to realising the full potential of the Moblissa project,” Samaroo is quoted, adding: “With these additional high-grade animals safely on the ground at Moblissa alongside our initial stock, we are significantly accelerating our vision to establish a world-class, sustainable dairy operation that will enhance Guyana’s food security and transform our national livestock industry.” The Moblissa dairy farm forms part of DDL’s diversification programme and is also aligned with regional efforts under the CARICOM food-security initiative to increase local production and reduce the Caribbean’s de-

Milking cows leaving the Specialised livestock truck at Moblissa

pendence on imported food. The project is expected to boost domestic production of fresh milk and other dairy products while contributing to the development of Guyana’s agricultural sector. Back in 2022, the Guyana Chronicle had reported that DDL in partnership with the LR Group of Israel, had identified several acres of land at Moblissa for the construction of the dairy farm. The operation is designed to supply DDL’s TOPCO milk plant with fresh cows’ milk for pasteurisation and packaging and will produce over four million litres of fresh milk per year when operationalised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

GDF Officer Cadet makes history with Sandhurst selection

WHEN Officer Cadet Fianna Maria Tading applied to join the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), she sought a challenge and a chance to build a better future for herself and her sisters. Five months into the Standard Officer Course Number 58 (SOC # 58), the 18-year-old was selected for training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. She is the first woman in the Force’s history to be chosen for training at this renowned military academy.

Originally from Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), and now residing at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara, Officer Cadet Tading completed her secondary education at Bladen Hall Multilateral School. Her interest in military service grew after a teacher recognised her potential and encouraged her to apply for the Standard Officer Course. “Life was a bit tough for us growing up, and I always wanted a better future for myself and my sisters. When I learnt how challenging the officer course was, I decided

that it was a challenge I wanted to take on,” she said. After successfully completing the rigorous initial assessments for potential officer cadets, she began training on the Standard Officers Course #58. Five months later, her performance earned her consideration for further training at Sandhurst. “The opportunity was unexpected, but I am extremely grateful. I see it as an important step towards becoming a military officer. I intend to give my best, learn as much as I can and return better prepared to serve the

GDF and share what I have learnt,” she said. Officer Cadet Tading credits her sisters, particularly her older sister, Jarilene Henry, whom she describes as her “rock and constant support,” for helping her along the way. As she prepares for Sandhurst, she hopes her achievement will encourage other young Guyanese, particularly young women, to consider a career in the GDF. “I am grateful to the GDF for affording me this opportunity, and I am happy that I made the decision to join. I would encourage young people who are willing to work hard, challenge themselves and serve Guyana to consider a career in the GDF,” she said. Her journey began with a decision to take on a challenge. Five months later, she has made GDF history and opened the door to a new chapter in her development as a military officer. (GDF)

Officer Cadet Fianna Maria Tading

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

–– Regional Chairman says

will continue to invest in Region Two and strengthen the conditions necessary for sustained economic growth. Mohan also pledged that, in his capacity as Regional Chairman, he will continue working with stakeholders and supporting initiatives aimed at advancing development across the region. The ECCI Agro Trade Fair has brought together businesses, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, agro-processors, and other organisations, providing a platform to showcase local products and services while creating opportunities for networking, partnerships, and business expansion. Against the backdrop of major public and private investments, Mohan said Region Two is entering a new phase of economic development, with infrastructure, enterprise and investment increasingly driving the region’s transformation.

2,500 residents of Mainstay/Whyaka, Lima Sands, and Tapakuma. It will also improve access to the Mainstay Airstrip, and support tourism, particularly for visitors travelling to the Lake Mainstay Resort. When finished, the concrete bridges will provide residents and visitors with safer, stronger, and more reliable access to the Mainstay community.

Region Two experiencing record-breaking economic boom

REGION Two is experiencing a record-breaking economic boom, with major investments in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, housing, and commerce transforming it into a dynamic economic corridor, Regional Chairman Devin Mohan has said. Mohan made this known on Friday evening during the opening of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI)’s 20th Annual Agro Trade Fair, where he highlighted the growing opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs across the region. He said Region Two has moved from an era of stagnation into a period of rapid economic transformation under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, with increased public investment helping to stimulate activity across multiple sectors. “Region Two has tran-

sitioned from an era of stagnation into a dynamic, modern economic corridor,” Mohan said. According to the Regional Chairman, targeted investments, direct agricultural subsidies, and an increase in capital projects have been helping to drive economic activity across the region. He said the growth is being felt across several sectors, including agriculture, aquaculture, commerce, green energy, and construction. Mohan said the growing confidence of the business community and the expansion of local enterprises are clear indications of the impact of the Government’s investment policies and the business environment being created. He said the transformation is visible throughout the region, pointing to several major developments

Region Two Chairman Devin Mohan as evidence of the scale of of-the-art Lima Regional investment taking place. Hospital, the Anna RegiAmong the projects na National Stadium, new highlighted were the state- housing schemes, and major

investments in renewable energy, including the mega solar farm. He also pointed to multimillion-dollar upgrades to the region’s road network, saying the investments are helping to modernise communities while creating new opportunities for economic activity. Mohan said the developments taking place across Region Two demonstrate that the promises of development are now being translated into tangible projects on the ground. “The ECCI is a witness to this development. Development is no longer a promise,” he said. He added that the continued expansion of infrastructure and economic activity will provide an even stronger foundation for local businesses to grow, create employment and contribute to the region’s economy. The Regional Chairman assured the business community that Government

ONE of the two concrete bridges being built at the entrance to the Mainstay community in Region Two is nearing completion. It was recently inspected by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj, along with regional officials. The new bridges will replace the existing timber bridges, and form part of a major investment by

the government to improve transportation and connectivity in the area. The government has invested $139 million to replace the two timber bridges with concrete structures. The bridge works are part of the wider $187 million Mainstay Access Road Project, which also includes upgrading a one-kilometre stretch of roadway, installing reinforced concrete curbs, add-

ing pavement, constructing a three-lane entrance, and adding guard rails, improved shoulders, and new signage. During President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s visit to the region, residents requested the upgrades, and were promised action. Within weeks, the contract was awarded — fulfilling another commitment to the community. Toshao of Mainstay/ Whyaka Marsha Williams

current Government and President Ali for the prompt action. These investments reflect the government’s focus on community-driven development, rural empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure across both hinterland and coastal villages. Once completed, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve connectivity for more than

Mainstay concrete bridge nears completion said it was a historic day for her community, and thanked the government for its continued investment. She noted that Mainstay is becoming a budding tourist destination, and that the new infrastructure will support that growth. “We are happy for these key developments, and we are happy that it happened so fast,” one resident said. Residents have expressed gratitude to the

Minister Ramraj and Regional Two officials inspect the bridge that is being constructed at the entrance to Mainstay

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

Midwife Sallina Motayne displays courage in moment of crisis

FOR nearly a decade, Midwife Sallina Motayne has dedicated herself to caring for mothers and their babies at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Last Saturday, August 29, that commitment

to contain the fire while ensuring patients were moved to safety. Patients in the Labour Ward, along with mothers and babies in the Birthing Room, were evacuated. In a moment of crisis, Sallina and her col-

Midwife Sallina Motayne to patient care was put to the test when Sallina found herself responding to a fire in the hospital’s Maternity Unit. Assigned to the Labour Ward and preparing a patient for theatre, Sallina was alerted by a colleague to the smell of smoke coming from a nearby nurses’ room. Recognising the potential danger, she immediately retrieved the key and opened the room, where flames met her. Sallina quickly alerted her colleagues, and together they worked

leagues demonstrated the importance of quick thinking, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to patient safety. Sallina’s journey at GPHC began in 2016, when she joined the Corporation as a Nursing Assistant. Over the years, she continued to develop professionally, eventually pursuing midwifery. “The Midwifery Programme was challenging, but by God’s grace and favour, I succeeded,” she shared. Today, she finds great

fulfilment in supporting mothers through both routine and high-risk labour. “As a midwife, I enjoy bringing new life into the world,” Sallina said. “My motivation for going to work each day is being able to assist

mothers through both routine and critically difficult labour situations, where the lives of both mother and baby may be at risk.” Inspired by her mother and grandmother, Sallina chose a career centred on caring for others.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and playing video games. From helping mothers welcome new life to stepping forward during an emergency, Sallina’s story reflects years of

service, courage, compassion, and dedication to patient care. We salute Sallina and the entire Maternity Unit team for their courage, teamwork, and commitment to keeping patients safe. (GPHC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

Guyanese urged to make healthier choices to extend lives

WOMEN in Guyana are living longer than men, with life expectancy standing at about 73 years for women compared with approximately 67 years for men, a gap that should prompt greater attention to healthier lifestyles. This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony as he was delivering remarks at a fitness walk hosted by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs as part of their calendar of activities to

observe Amerindian Heritage Month 2026. While encouraging Guyanese to exercise regularly, the health minister stressed that physical activity must be matched with better dietary choices if the country is to reduce the impact of chronic non-communicable diseases. “So, make wise decisions, don’t overdo the alcohol. Do not smoke. That, too, is important. Live a healthy life, and if you live a healthy life, then you will see your

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony during remarks at the fitness walk

life expectancy, go up,” Dr. Anthony iterated. He warned that excessive consumption of carbohydrates, sugary foods and fast food can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and increase the risk of chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. Dr. Anthony encouraged Guyanese to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets, and make healthier food choices as part of a broader commitment to active living.

He added, “Many of these things can be avoided or delayed if we exercise regularly.” He said maintaining an active lifestyle, eating properly, and avoiding harmful habits can help Guyanese live longer and healthier lives. The call forms part of the Ministry of Health’s wider push for preventative health and greater public awaren e s s o f l i f e s t y l e - re lated risk factors for non-communicable diseases. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

President Ali eyes motorboat racing as sports tourism driver PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has directed Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh to convene a meeting with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr, the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, and the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia and local boat racers to

explore duty-free concessions for imported racing boats. The head of state made the commitment while responding to racers at the Lake Mainstay Regatta held recently, who appealed for relief on import duties to help develop the sport among young competitors. In a video posted to his social media page, President Ali said government will work with stakeholders to establish a special import category

for racing boats, similar to the framework used for racing cars. “I promise you all that, more than likely, this is going to be a policy, because we are promoting tourism, we are promoting sports,” he told them. He said any concession would apply strictly to vessels used for competitive racing, noting that eligibility criteria will need to prevent the category from being used for recreational imports. (DPI)

President Irfaan Ali interacting with racers at the Lake Mainstay Regatta held recently (DPI photo)

New local film depicts importance of national flower

A NEW local film, which was accepted as part of the Guyana Film Festival, is being screened for public viewing. Titled ‘Paimiye,’ it features our national flower, the Victoria Amazonica, highlighting its importance to the ecosystem, our people and culture. The Victoria Amazonica, or ‘Paimîye’, as it is called in the Macushi language, is Guyana’s national flower. The flower is a remarkable botanical wonder with deep cultural, historical, and environmental importance as shown in the film, which is not screened for free yet. According to Melanie McTurk, the film takes viewers deep into the lush Rupununi region of Guyana, where the flower is protected, to the few sightings along Guyana’s coastland region, to Kew Gardens in the Unit-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

ed Kingdom. It showcases its resilience in its various habitats. She explained that from its striking flowers to its

hidden root systems, the film reveals how the plant supports wildlife, inspires folklore, and relies on ongoing conservation practices for its

Director of the film, Tara Leuvina Smith

survival. McTurk added that the film also tackles the common confusion in Guyana between the Water Lily and the Lotus, two beloved aquatic species in the country. She stated that through interviews with Indigenous experts, scientists and conser-

vationists, the documentary maps the story, survival and significance of the flower. Paimîye is directed by Tara Leuvina Smith in partnership with Karanambu Lodge, Mc Turk and was funded by the Environmental and Epistemic Justice Initiative at Wake Forest

University. McTurk told the Guyana Chronicle that the film is aimed at educating our people about the importance of our national flower and the need for it to be protected instead of being See page 15

The Victoria Amazonica bloom under the moonlight, Karanambu Lodge

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

New local film depicts... From page 14

destroyed due to its role in the environment. She related that the film was first premiered in Georgetown at the Theatre Guild in July 2026 and the response was “good so far.” M c Tu r k a d d e d t h a t they are working behind the scenes to have the film screened at schools, and at private organisations. The film, she said, has since been screened at several places, including the residence of the British High Commissioner and the University of Guyana, and they are hoping to have it screened at Fresh Café at a date to be announced in September for the public, free of cost. McTurk pointed out that the film, Paimîye, was also accepted in the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, and it is a film created by local women which tells the story about our history, culture by characters who are learnt and provided a deep insight about national flower. McTurk is a Guyanese tourism and conservation leader whose work spans cultural heritage, biodiversity, and community development. She is Managing Director of Karanambu Lodge, in the Rupununi, where she works at the intersection of conservation, tourism, local knowledge, and community

The film’s poster Melanie McTurk of Karanambu Lodge engagement. and knowledge systems that A descendant of one of have shaped Guyanese soGuyana’s early Chinese im- ciety. migrants, Melanie is the Her professional and civic English Secretary of the experience includes serving Chinese Association of as Chair of the Protected ArGuyana, and serves on the eas Trust of Guyana, a Board Committee for the Preserva- Member of the Caribbean tion of Guyana’s Intangible Biodiversity Fund, ExecuCultural Heritage. She is tive Member of the Tourism also a Trustee of the Binna and Hospitality Association Hill Institute, reflecting her of Guyana, and President longstanding interest in the of Visit Rupununi. Across histories, cultural traditions these roles, she has worked

on issues relating to conservation, sustainable tourism, community participation, and the future of Guyana’s natural and cultural heritage. Her perspective is shaped by a belief that understanding Guyana’s past and celebrating its distinctiveness are essential to making thoughtful choices about the country’s future, while recognising the diverse histories and contributions that have made Guyana

what it is today. Meanwhile, the director of the film is Tara Leuvina Smith, who is a visual artist with over a decade of experience in filmmaking. Her journey began in 2012 during her first year as a Communication student at the University of Guyana; the moment she first looked through a lens, she fell in love with the art of molding an idea into a frame. Since then, she has re-

mained dedicated to creating films that capture the essence of a subject through its own authentic voice. Her academic background includes a Master of Science in Global Technology and Development from Arizona State University, alongside a bachelor’s degree and an associate degree (Diploma) in Communication Studies from the University of Guyana.

Customer service training for public servants – Minister Ally

THE Ministry of Public Service is rolling out customer service training for public servants across all regions, as government moves to improve the quality of service citizens receive at public offices. The announcement came from Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, who during an interview disclosed that the training is a major priority, particularly for public ser-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

vants who interface directly with citizens. He said the initiative forms part of the government’s effort to ensure citizens are treated with respect, dignity, understanding, and patience when accessing public services. “We are embarking now on a customer service training for all of the public servants who have to interface with the public,” Minister Ally said. The minister explained

that customer service training will also become a mandatory component for new public servants whose duties require them to interact with the public. He stated that the objective is to transform the culture of public service delivery, and ensure citizens leave government offices satisfied with the assistance they receive. Minister Ally noted that while many public servants consistently go beyond the

call of duty, poor interactions by a few officers can undermine the work of others. The public service minister stressed that repeated complaints about an officer should also prompt reflection and corrective action. “We’re going to issue that public service training to every single public servant until we change the culture of our country, we change the culture of service delivery, and we ensure that people are at the forefront of the development of our country,” he said. Meanwhile, the Minister disclosed that more than 3,480 public servants have been trained over the past year in various areas, including professionalism and ethics, ICT literacy, project management, digital transformation, and customer service. The expansion of customer service training comes alongside government’s wid-

Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation Zulfikar Ally er efforts to modernise public infrastructure and digital service delivery, including systems would have limited the establishment of service impact if citizens are not centres in the regions and the treated with the respect and digitisation of government dignity they deserve when interacting with public serservices. He stressed that modern vants. (DPI)

Some of the staff at one of the GRA service centres

Nurses on duty at the Number 75 Regional Hospital

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

As wildfires spread north, UN agencies race to help Europe adapt

AS the climate warms, the threat of wildfires is spreading in Europe. How can historically cooler and wetter countries prepare? Human activity causes most of the wildfires breaking out across Europe, but their spread, speed and intensity are strongly affected by the warmer, drier condi-

tions associated with climate change as well as with changing land use. More than 600,000 hectares of land have burned within European Union countries in the first eight months of 2026, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. That’s below the area

recorded by the same date in 2025 (the worst year on record), but it far exceeds the 20-year average of around 280,000 hectares, and preparing for wildfires is key, UN agencies say. RISKS ARE GROWING While most fires have occured in historically fire-

prone countries such as France and Spain, extremely dry conditions are putting many areas in Western and Central Europe, including the UK and southern Scandinavia, at increased risk. In the immediate future, wildfire risks may be compounded by the developing El Niño, a recurrent natural

A firefighting plane drops water on a wildfire in France (Adobe Stock/Arafat)

Firefighters in the scorched moorlands of the United Kingdom work to contain a wildfire. (Climate Visuals/Alastair) climate phenomenon, which that the wind remained from can further influence tem- the west and took the fire peratures and rainfall pat- towards the hills, otherwise terns and increase the like- we would have had a serious lihood of climate extremes. threat to property and possiMany countries with a bly life,” he said. “The downhistory of wildfires are now side was that this took the fire experiencing more frequent into relatively inaccessible and larger blazes, over longer terrain and made containing periods. At the same time, it extremely difficult.” other countries in traditionalIt was over a month from ly cooler or wetter areas are the time that the fire startalso preparing for the pros- ed until the Scottish Fire pect of dealing with more and Rescue Service officialwildfires. ly stood down firefighting crews. SCOTLAND’S BURNING FORESTS PREPARING FOR A wildfire took hold in THE FUTURE the Cairngorms mountains The risk is now extendof Scotland in mid-July. The ing far beyond the Mediarea has experienced wild- terranean, said Will Hayes, fires before, but due to this a researcher with the UK’s year’s exceptionally dry con- Leverhulme Centre for Wildditions, the fire penetrated fires, Environment and Sothe dry peat layer, causing ciety. hotspots and flare-ups that Growing wildfire conresisted containment. cerns have already emerged More than 500 firefight- in the Atlantic uplands of ers fought the blazes, with Ireland and Scotland as well aerial support to put out as other parts of Northern fires – while bulldozers were and Central Europe, he said. called in to dig firebreaks. “These areas are not beHigh winds pushed the coming Mediterranean landunpredictable blaze towards scapes, but traditionally wetthe village of Nethy Bridge. ter, cooler regions are now experiencing more frequent EVACUATION ORDERS windows where increasing Nine days on from the amounts of vegetation is dry outbreak, Police Scotland enough to burn and fires can declared a major incident and spread,” Mr. Hayes warned. many of Nethy Bridge’s 600 “People should not asresidents were evacuated, sume that wet or green including James MacEwan, landscapes are immune who described a worrying to fire. During dry, warm, stretch of days without any and windy periods, vegerainfall amid the growing tation can become highly blaze. See page 19 “We were very fortunate

As wildfires spread north...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2026

From page 18

flammable, even in upland and northern regions.” He suggested avoiding campfires, barbecues, and careless ignition sources – such as cigarette lighters – during high-risk weather, and following local fire warnings.

ASSESSING RISKS Preparedness for wildfires is also important at the national level, Mr. Hayes said.

“Wildfire prevention is not just about fire services, it is about how landscapes are managed before they burn,” he explained. “Wildfire risk should be treated as a land-use, climate-adaptation and public-health issue, not just an emergency-response problem.” The World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Toolkit for Assessing Risks (STAR) methodology enables public health authorities

to work alongside other sectors to rapidly conduct a strategic and evidence-based assessment of public health risks that includes the risk of heat and wildfires.

SMARTER READINESS Countries such as Cyprus and Ireland have recently completed their first-ever assessment workshops, which used the STAR methodology to identify and prioritise

pressing health hazards, from heatwaves to wildfires. The workshops lay the groundwork for smarter, more strategic emergency preparedness and readiness investments. WHO has run 38 national strategic risk assessment workshops in Europe since 2018, and its STAR is recognised as one of the core elements of international health regulations (IHR)

and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. GROWING PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT Tanja Schmidt, WHO Europe’s programme manager on preparedness in the health security division, said extreme heat and wildfires are no longer only environmental emergencies. “They are growing public health threats that directly affect people’s

health as well as health systems,” she said. “Across the region, countries are increasingly using all-hazards national risk assessments to understand climate-driven risks, identify cascading impacts, and prioritise preparedness actions. U l t i m a t e l y, t h i s helps protect communities, prioritising those most vulnerable and ensuring that health systems are ready to respond.” (UN)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, September 7, 2026

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, September 7, 2026

Antonelli beats Russell to Italian Grand Prix win

(Formula 1) KIMI Antonelli rose from the rear of the grid to claim victory in Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, capping off a brilliant comeback drive by passing Mercedes team mate and title rival George Russell in the closing laps. Antonelli started his home race down in 19th position after an engine penalty, with Russell on the front row of the grid, but the youngster rapidly climbed to the front

of the field via a devastating blend of raw pace and smart overtaking. A mid-race Virtual Safety Car played its part in the outcome, when Antonelli opted to pit under caution for a fresh set of medium tyres, and Russell stayed out on used hards, which gradually faded and made his life more difficult. Aside from a brief trip through the gravel as he attacked Russell late on, An-

tonelli could not be faulted across 53 laps at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza – making another huge statement in his quest for the 2026 world title. Russell had to settle for second place, crossing the line some four seconds behind Antonelli, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the podium finishers in a determined display that also featured several bold passes.

Lando Norris beat McLaren team mate Oscar Piastri to fourth via their own close fight, with Lewis Hamilton the lead Ferrari in sixth after team mate Charles Leclerc crashed heavily at the final corner on the second lap of the race. After his breakthrough pole position, and a promising start, Pierre Gasly struggled to keep up with the front-runners and fell to seventh, as Arvid Lindblad,

Franco Colapinto (who did well to recover from an offtrack moment) and Yuki Tsunoda completed the points. Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg were next up in their Audi machines, the latter involved in a Turn 4 scrap with Liam Lawson that was looked at by the stewards, while Carlos Sainz took 13th for Williams. The aforementioned Lawson ended his second substitute weekend for Red

Bull in P14, ahead of Haas pair Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, Albon in the other Williams and the Cadillacs of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Both Aston Martin drivers joined Leclerc on the sidelines later in the race – Fernando Alonso returning to the pits with suspected car damage and Lance Stroll pulling off the track due to a hydraulics issue.

Hermann, Bosch, Jansen hand South Africa tri-series triumph (ESPNCRICINFO) South Africa got their hands on the first trophy on offer for them this season as they comprehensively beat Zimbabwe in the Namibia T20I tri-series final. It was the third time South Africa defeated Zimbabwe in the last eight days, with margins of victory that ranged from seven wickets to 43 runs and to 48 runs in the final. Given that this is an experimental South African side, Zimbabwe will have plenty to think about when it comes to the development of their game. For the second time in three days, South Africa posted a total above 200, and they did without the series' joint-leading run-scorer Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who was out with a groin injury. Instead, they relied on an 84-run opening stand between Connor Esterhuizen and Jordan Hermann and a 47-run fifth-wicket partnership between Rubin Hermann and Dewald Brevis, whose

32 saw him join Pretorius atop the run charts. Zimbabwe's seamers found the going tough, best illustrated by Blessing Muzarabani's returns. He was economical and conceded just 25 runs in four overs but went wicketless for the first time in the series. Newman Nyamhuri and Brad Evans claimed two apiece. In the chase, Zimbabwe were out of it before they had even really begun. They were reduced to 25 for 4 in the fourth over and 57 for 6 in the ninth and were staring at one of their lowest totals in the format. By the time Brad Evans and Kundai Matigumu put together a 52-run ninth-wicket stand it was too late. Evans had the consolation of a career-best 56* with the bat, to add to his 10 wickets in the series, but Zimbabwe needed more than his contribution to compete. South Africa, who had had collective efforts throughout, could be satisfied with a bowl-

Jordan Hermann celebrates his 50 with Connor Esterhuizen • Cricket Namibia

ing performance that saw Eathan Bosch, Duan Jansen, Bjorn Fortuin, Prenelan Subrayen and Kwena Maphaka among the wickets. Hermann hits his first half-century After three scores without passing 30 at the top of the order, Jordan Hermann

was moved to No. 6 in the last match. Pretorius' absence gave him another opportunity to show what he could do opening. Hermann is known for his strong leg-side play and that was on display again when and dispatched a short ball from Wessly Madhevere wide of midon for his first boundary,

off the fourth ball of the innings. That remained his preferred area as he played the pick-up shot off Newman Nyamhuri for six over fine leg, and then midwicket. But Hermann also showed glimpses of his offside game with twin fours off Brad Evans, through mid-off and cov-

er point but went back to his favoured area for a hat-trick of boundaries off Matigimu. He reached his fifty off 24 balls in the eighth over before his pull shot let him down when Evans' changed pace and he skied a slower ball wide of long-on, where Ryan Burl pouched a stunner.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, September 7, 2026

Knight Riders keep qualification hopes alive with win over Tridents

AN innings of 59 from Nicholas Pooran and four wickets from Sunil Narine were enough to keep the Trinbago Knight Riders' slim qualification hopes alive with a 35-run victory over the Barbados Tridents in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Pooran was 1 off 10 balls and 9 from 14 before a trio of sixes off the bowling of Mujeeb ur Rahmann got his innings going. That acceleration saw him reach his fifty from just 35 balls as he batted brilliantly against a Tridents attack that struggled to contain him. In reply the Tridents could not get on top of the hugely experienced Knight Riders spin bowlers who wrought havoc in

Nicholas Pooran top scored to keep the TKR hopes alive

the opening exchanges of the chase. Narine claimed three wickets inside the PowerPlay with him dismissing both Quinton de Kock and Rivaldo Clarke

for ducks. The Tridents never got over the loss of early wickets and ended up losing in their first home game of the season.

The Tridents bowlers were excellent in the opening exchanges with Chris Green sending down his four overs on the bounce to record

figures of 0/17. Pooran was patient in the face of this tight bowling as he and Colin Munro put on a stand of 68, by far the highest of the match. The Tridents had their chance to dismiss Pooran when he was dropped on 35 off the bowling of debutant Jakeem Pollard and that spilled chance allowed the batter to put his team in a strong position for the death overs. The Knight Riders didn’t really seize that opportunity with no boundaries coming off the last five overs and at the halfway stage in felt that the Tridents were in control despite Pooran’s brilliance. When the Tridents innings got underway the wickets kept falling with Narine, Goolie and Ake-

al Hosein all picking up victims in the opening exchanges. By the time Green was dismissed by Hosein the Tridents were 50/5 and needed a lot of help. Some lusty blows from Daniel Sams kept the home crowd’s hopes alive for a while but in the end the web spun by the Knight Riders attack was too much for them to overcome. It was left to Sherfane Rutherford to keep the Tridents’ hopes alive as he looked to bat with the lower order to get his team off to a winning start at the beginning of their home leg. When he fell for 21 trying to him Lahiru Kumara out of Kensington Oval the game was all but over.

Empress win thanks to Henry heroics

CHNELLE Henry pulled off a stunning last-ball heist at Kensington Oval, powering Jamaica Empress to a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors in their Limacol WCPL debut. Needing 17 runs from the final over with Henry well set and just three wickets in hand, the Empress found themselves staring down the barrel. With the match hanging in the balance, the drama intensified as two wickets fell via runouts, with the Empress desperate to score off

Warriors captain Chloe Tryon while keeping Henry on strike. Eight runs were still required from the final two deliveries. Henry then produced the moment of magic, smashing back-to-back sixes to seal a remarkable victory and cap a contest that swung from one side to the other throughout the game. Earlier, the Warriors were sent in and endured a subdued Power Play, losing two wickets while scoring just 19 runs. Experienced campaigner Shemaine Campbelle and opener

Realanna Grimmond then steadied the innings in emphatic fashion, combining for 97 runs from 63 balls for the third wicket. The pair appeared completely untroubled as they attacked the bowling, but their partnership was finally broken by a spectacular one-handed catch from Zaida James, who sent Grimmond back for 45 from 46 balls. Campbelle continued to drive the innings forward, bringing up her second WCPL half-century. However, she was dismissed shortly afterwards for a team-high

56 from just 33 deliveries. The two quick wickets triggered a collapse, with Empress captain Stafanie Taylor and leftarm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba combining to claim two wickets apiece. The Warriors slipped from 104 for 2 to 114 for 5, losing three wickets for just 10 runs in eight deliveries. New Warriors captain Tryon tried to restore some momentum alongside the lower order, finishing unbeaten on 21 from 16 balls. But the Warriors lost their final five wickets for just 22 runs, closing on

138 for 7 and giving the Empress the advantage at the interval. Meg Lanning wasted little time putting the chase on track, racing to 31 from 21 balls with five boundaries. When she was dismissed at the end of the fifth over with the score on 48 for 1, the Empress appeared firmly in control. But the Warriors refused to surrender. A brief rain delay reduced the game to a 19 over chase and either side of this the Warriors produced a stunning fightback in the middle overs, claiming five wickets for just 16 runs

to turn the contest into a tense finish. With the Empress wobbling, Henry took matters into her own hands. The powerful left-hander launched four sixes in a match-winning unbeaten 41 from just 21 balls, ultimately dragging Jamaica over the line in spectacular fashion. Erin Burns and Shabnim Ismail were the Warriors’ leading wicket-takers, claiming two wickets apiece, but it was Henry who had the final say as the Empress snatched victory with the very last ball.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, September 7, 2026

Republic Bank CPL T20 at the Providence Stadium

Nabi spearheads Warriors to sixth consecutive win

By Sean Devers

IN 2019, the Guyana A m a z o n Wa r r i o r s created history by remaining unbeaten for 11 consecutive games before losing the final to Barbados. In this 14th edition, the GAWs have now extended their winning streak to six when they demolished the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by seven wickets at Providence last night. Despite Alick Athanaze’s 52 from 39 balls with two fours and four sixes, the Patriots were bowled out for only 128 in 19.2 overs. Man-of-the-Match Mohammad Nabi captured 4-17 and got support from Romario Shepherd, who took 3-16 and Shamar Joseph, who had 2-22. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39) and an unfinished 54-run fourth-wicket stand between Skipper Shai Hope with 38 from 44 balls (4X3) and Nabi 25 not out from 21 balls (4X2, 6X1) powered the home side to 132-3 in 18.3 overs. Navin Bidaisee had 2-20 in a losing effort. The Patriots elected to bat in sweltering heat on a good track and a fast outfield, and Kyle Mayers square-drove Dwaine Pretorius for four. T h e 3 7 - y e a r- o l d Johnson Charles hit left-arm spinner Khary Pierre for a six and four off consecutive deliveries before Mayers edged Pretorius for four and followed up with a four that went through

Rahmanullah Gurbaz gathers on-side runs at Providence yesterday

Pierre at point. Shepherd bowled Mayers in the fourth over for 20 from just 12 balls with three fours and a six, to break the threatening partnership and leave the visitors on 34-1. The 38-year-old Andre Fletcher edged Joseph over the head of slip to get off the mark with a fortuitous boundary before he fell in the same over at 38-2. Shepherd then produced a maiden in which he bowled Charles (13) at 39-3 in the sixth over, to the roar of the crowd, which turned up in full numbers, despite the extreme heat. Jason Holder and Athanaze posted the team’s 50 in eight overs before off-spinner Mohammad Nabi removed Holder (13) at 56-4. T h e 2 7 - y e a r- o l d Dominican reached his

fourth T20 50 with a towering six off Pretorius, the score coming from 36 balls and in-

cluded two fours and four sixes. However, the lefthander was running

out of partners before he was out, caught behind off Joseph, as only Dasun Shanaka, who hit a six and four in a cameo 20, apart from the openers, reached double figures. The Warriors began their reply like a house on fire, galloping to 50 in 28 balls, with Gurbaz dominating with 35 of those runs and Mavindra Dindyal contributing just seven. Gurbaz clobbered two sixes and five fours in 39, before Wanindu Hasaranga bowled him at 58-1 after six overs Bidaisee had Dindyal caught and bowled for a ball-a-run 17, with a couple of boundaries, to leave the Warriors on 74-2 in 8.3 overs. Shimron Hetmyer, with 230 runs in this

y e a r ’s t o u r n a m e n t , joined his skipper Shai Hope as the sun faded, creating a twilight. But Hetmyer would not provide any entertainment for another horn-blowing, flag-waving capacity crowd. The Berbican, one of five centurions in CPL 2016, tried to hit Bidaisee for six and was caught at long-on by Holder for one at 78-3. Nabi, who, along with Gurbaz, departed for India last night for International duty for Afghanistan, joined Hope and together they batted the Warriors to another convincing victory. The Warriors’ next game is against the St Lucia Falcons from 7 PM tomorrow.

Despite the heat, the crowd came out in their numbers

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, September 7, 2026

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Chinelle Henry pulled off a stunning last-ball heist

Republic Bank CPL T20 at the Providence Stadium

Nabi spearheads Warriors to sixth consecutive win SEE PAGE

Man-of-the-match Mohammad Nabi took four wickets and made an unbeaten 25 (Sachin Persaud photos)

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| MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 , 2026