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No.1081900

Jagdeo emphasises importance of accountability, transparency to effective delivery of government programmes –– warns of consequences for breaches and violations PAGE

President Ali advances discussions on

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investments, eyes deeper economic ties with Qatar

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Monday, met with Mr Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and discussed the potential for collaboration in the energy sector (photo at left). He also met with Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance, and discussed several areas of co-operation between our two countries, including collaboration between the Qatar Development Bank and the Guyana Development Bank, the investment fund, and other opportunities (Office of the President photos)

Generation capacity exists but distribution overload driving power outages

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––– GPL says, highlights US$800M investment in new transmission and distribution infrastructure

MV Barima murder case set for 04 Special Branch Chief labels Opposition paper committal on November 16 Leader a threat to society, national security PAGE

–– as prosecution makes full disclosure

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–– rejects claims of presidential directive over his involvement in extradition case

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

President Ali advances discussions on investment, eyes deeper economic ties with Qatar

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali receives a Guard of Honour upon arrival in Doha

INVESTMENT co-operation topped the agenda as President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, touched down in Doha on Sunday (September 6) for the start of a three-day State Visit to Qatar. Over the coming days, the president is slated to hold a series of high-level engagements to expand Guyana’s economic partnerships in the Gulf region. President Ali is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. On arrival at Hamad International Airport, the delegation was received by Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, and Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraaz Ahmad Shadood, with the president accorded a Guard of Honour. President Ali’s first stop was a meeting with Mohammed Saif al So-

waidi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar’s state-owned sovereign wealth fund. A statement from President Ali’s official social media page said QIA is currently advancing a major hospitality and real estate development in Georgetown. The fund is also “examining other investment collaborations with Guyana.” Energy cooperation was another focus of the president’s state visit. A separate meeting brought President Ali together with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi. “This engagement forms part of the ongoing bilateral discussions between our governments,” the President said. Finance was also on the agenda, with President Ali holding talks with Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwar, Qatar’s Minister of Finance. (DPI)

President Ali and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Mohammed Saif al Sowaidi engage in discussions

President Ali and Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi

Minister Manickchand outlines development vision during Windsor Forest walkabout - engages residents on roads, drainage, sanitation, recreation

ON-the-ground engagements and the views of Guyanese continue to fuel development, most recently on Saturday when Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand conducted a community walkthrough in Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara. The visit, which saw significant public support and engagement, allowed the minister to connect directly with residents, listen to their daily concerns, and outline the government’s vision for local development. Equality and consistent development were among the core ideas expressed by Minister Manickchand during her visit. Similar to a number of other community visits made in recent weeks, the engagement allowed the minister to hear the con-

Residents of Windsor Forest raise concerns and development priorities with Minister Manickchand during her community visit

cerns of the public first-hand, while making clear the level of service every community in Guyana should expect, going forward. Minister Manickchand emphasised that the community will be developed through a number of initia-

tives aimed at holistically developing it in a number of areas, especially community projects and the completion of recreational spaces. This visit comes amid various robust engagements, nationwide, and similarly, Minister Manickchand

clearly highlighted that a standard is expected across the country. She emphasised that every community should have proper roads, working streetlights, recreational parks, functioning burial grounds, and clean drains. “We want a beautiful community. And that starts with all of us. A couple of the things we want to make sure every community has is functioning roads, functioning safety and security by making sure you have lights, play areas or recreation areas for your children, that your burial grounds are functioning, working, maintained, that your drains are draining,” she said. This is why, she took steps to ensure community voices continue to be heard, noting that Neighbourhood TURN TO PAGE 7

President Ali and Qatar’s Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Generation capacity exists but distribution overload driving power outages ––– GPL says, highlights US$800M investment in new transmission and distribution infrastructure

GPL’s Chief Executive Office, Kesh Nandlall By Naomi Parris THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) says the country currently has sufficient generation capacity to meet electricity demand, but the overloaded distribution network is contributing to power outages being experienced by customers across the country. Speaking to reporters during a news conference on Monday, GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Kesh Nandlall said that while the power company has increased its generation capacity to 265.6 megawatts, challenges continue to persist. “The reality is that the distribution system is now facing challenges. That is, feeders are now being overloaded. Transformers are being taxed and overloaded. Some people get voltage fluctuations,” he explained. By Wednesday, he noted that GPL will add another five megawatts to its generation capacity, bringing its total capacity to 270 megawatts to meet an estimated peak demand of 250 megawatts. “We are seeing the peak averaging around 250 to 255. Right, so the generation is currently there, and we are also looking at an additional generation option right

Bharat Harjohn, GPL’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer who has responsibilities for strategic operations

now,” he added. Distribution feeders and neighbourhood transformers he explained are buckling under record evening loads fuelled by heat and widespread a i r- c o n d i t i o n i n g u s e between 19:00hrs and 21:00hrs. Peak demand has surged from 221 MW last year to 257 MW by September 1, 2026. SHUTDOWNS Meanwhile, GPL’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, with responsibility for strategic operations, Bharat Harjohn, linked two recent shutdowns to critical faults centred on the Kingston substation, warning that a fragile balance between soaring demand and available generation is leaving the system highly unstable. “Between the two power plants at Kingston and Vreed‑en‑Hoop, we have about 30 per cent of the generation that we need to meet our peak demand,” Harjohn said, noting that almost “one‑third” of the system’s power flows through that corridor. When the transformer faulted and the protection system operated, generation could no longer export from the substation. The generators then

Head of the power company’s Engineering and Projects Department, Ryan Ross for error. Much of GPL’s network is built as a radial system, without adequate “ringed” or looped redundancy. “So, when a fall develops at the at the critical juncture, especially the substation, it affects the system, and it’s because of our system is designed is more of a radial circuit. It doesn’t have the motor going circuit or redundancy,” he explained.

While the power company has increased its generation capacity to 265.6 megawatts, challenges continue to persist “protected themselves” by shutting down, causing the system to collapse. He explained that restoration on Saturday night was hampered by repeated trips at the Garden of Eden plant, as the utility company attempted to bring units back and re‑energise sections of the grid. Consumers experienced power cycling on and off as the process unfolded. GPL said technical teams have since revisited the plant and reported improvements in its performance during subsequent restoration efforts. A second major disturbance occurred on

Monday morning, again linked to the Kingston– Vreed‑en‑Hoop corridor. Engineers recorded a heavy spike in current on the submarine cable connecting the two points, followed by the trip of transformers at both Vreed‑en‑Hoop and Kingston. That sequence once more triggered the system’s protective processes, which led to an outage. Investigations are under way to determine the root cause of the spike and the simultaneous transformer trips. Harjohn stressed that the grid’s current configuration leaves little room

INVESTMENT Notably, GPL has been pouring some US$800 million into new transmission and distribution infrastructure. Head of the power company’s Engineering and Projects Department, Ryan Ross, explained that the investment programme includes new 230-kilovolt transmission lines, additional substations, new 69-kilovolt transmission infrastructure and approximately 350 kilometres of medium-voltage distribution network. The expansion is also aimed at replacing critical elements of infrastructure dating back to the 1970s. Crucially, the investment programme is being aligned with the wider gas‑to‑energy initiative and an aggressive push towards a smarter grid.

GPL has been instructed to implement a smart grid by 2030 and is embedding that requirement into the current works, so that new lines and substations come with built‑in monitoring and control capabilities. “We’re doing more substations. We’re doing 69 kV lines, which is an extension of the sub transmission system that we currently have. But very importantly, we’re also building out approximately 350 kilometres of distribution network, medium voltage network, that will address the immediate problems that Bharat referenced with overloading of feeders. So, we’re doing it a much higher specification,” he said adding, “With everything that we do now, we need to have visibility as to what is happening, where it is happening, what are the projected demands, and so on and so forth. And we need to do this without the human element, without somebody picking up the phone and tell us there’s an issue here. Rather, we can detect it either before it happens or immediately when it happens in real time.” These works he noted are being done simultaneously to address the growing concerns of consumers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Local Government Ministry reviews infrastructural priorities, service delivery

THE Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand; Minister within the Ministry, Pauline Campbell-Sukhai; Permanent Secretary, Miguel Choo-Kang, and heads of departments, on Monday, reviewed ongoing projects, infrastructural priorities and service delivery matters during the ministry’s departmental meeting. Among the matters discussed were plans to

upgrade public infrastructure across the country, identifying areas requiring intervention and ensuring that works are properly planned and executed to aid in creating a cleaner, safer, more efficient nation. Significant progress was also noted at the Kitty Market, with the Ministry having completed the matters required on its part to facilitate the provision of electricity to the facility. The necessary

infrastructure and meters are now in place, with further progress dependent on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and prospective vendors completing the outstanding requirements. The meeting also focused on the timely execution of projects across the Ministry’s portfolio. Minister Manickchand reiterated the importance of closely monitoring contractors, maintaining stipulated deadlines and

Officials at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development reviewed ongoing projects, infrastructural priorities and service delivery matters during the ministry’s departmental meeting promptly addressing challenges that could delay the delivery of projects to communities. Minister Manickchand also expressed appreciation to the teams and stakeholders responsible for the timely com-

pletion of the Woolford Avenue upgrades, commending their efforts in delivering the works efficiently and advancing the transformation of the area. The Ministry of Local Government and Region-

al Development remains committed to strengthening accountability, improving coordination and ensuring that projects and services are delivered efficiently for the benefit of communities across Guyana.

Price, called “KP”, 40; Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42; and Delon Granderson, 33. Price is a captain from Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Roberts is a chief mate from Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD); and Granderson is a goods superintendent from Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WCD). The three men were members of the MV Barima’s crew when the vessel sank on July 18, resulting in the deaths of dozens of passengers. They were jointly charged with murder following legal advice from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC. The accused first appeared before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on July 28. They were not required to plead to the indictable

murder charge and were remanded to prison. The proceedings were subsequently transferred to the Charity Magistrates’ Court. According to the charge, police alleged that the three men murdered 68 named persons and other persons unknown on July 18, at a location approximately 9.3 nautical miles off the Essequibo Coast near Devonshire Castle. The allegations arise from the sinking of the MV Barima, an 87-year-old passenger and cargo vessel that was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini). The vessel departed the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown at approximately 15:15 hrs on July 18. Later that night, the vessel encountered difficulties while travelling off the Essequibo Coast, near the mouth

of the Pomeroon River, before eventually capsizing. Approximately 179 passengers and crew were believed to have been aboard. The disaster resulted in 73 deaths, while 76 people survived. Authorities have said approximately 30 people remain unaccounted for. The incident triggered a large-scale search, rescue and recovery operation involving several state agencies and other responders. The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Guyana Fire and Rescue Service, and the Civil Defence Commission were among those involved. Local fishermen, private vessels and international partners also assisted with the response and recovery effort. Divers were deployed as

MV Barima murder case set for paper committal on November 16

–– as prosecution makes full disclosure THE murder case against three Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) employees who were charged over the sinking of the MV Barima is moving towards its next major pro-

cedural stage, with paper committal proceedings set for November 16. The date was fixed on Monday when the matter came up before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the

Charity Magistrate’s Court, following confirmation from the prosecution that disclosure of the evidence to the defence has been completed. Senior Police Legal Advisor and attorney-at-law Mandel Moore told the court that the prosecution had disclosed all evidence and material information intended to be relied upon in the case. The defence was subsequently given seven days to indicate whether statements will be filed on behalf of the accused. That deadline is September 14, when the matter is expected to return to court. If statements are filed, the defence will have 45 days within which to do so. The case will then proceed to the paper committal stage on November 16. The accused are Kevin

See page 6

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Special Branch Chief labels Opposition Leader a threat to society, national security

--rejects claims of presidential directive over his involvement in extradition case

SENIOR Superintendent of Police Prem Narine, head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch Unit, told the court on Monday that intelligence in his possession has led him to regard US-indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed as both a threat to society and a national security threat. Narine made the assertion during continued cross-examination in the extradition proceedings involving Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, who are under United States (US) sanctions and facing an 11-count indictment in that North American country. The proceedings continued before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The Special Branch Unit is responsible for gathering and assessing intelligence relating to national security, including threats to public safety, organised crime and other matters that could affect the security of the State. The national security issue arose as attorney Siand Dhurjon, one of the lawyers representing the Mohameds, questioned Narine about his assessment of Azruddin Mohamed and his involvement in the extradition matter. Dhurjon asked: “You don’t believe Azruddin Mohamed is a threat to national security?” Narine responded: “Based on information that I have, I would consider Azruddin Mohamed a threat to national security.” Earlier, Narine had told the court that he was aware the Opposition Leader was “a threat to society.” The defence subsequently turned its attention to whether political considerations had influenced Narine’s involvement in the matter and the circumstances surrounding the Mohameds’ arrests. Dhurjon suggested that President Dr Irfaan Ali had instructed Narine to become involved in the matter. Narine rejected the suggestion outright. “Definitely not,” he said.

Nazar Mohamed

Azruddin Mohamed

Attorney Siand Dhurjon

Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine

Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman

He then explained that an instruction from the President was something he would remember, and added that the police are not bound to follow an instruction if it is illegal/unlawful. The senior cop testified, “While it is a privilege for the President to give an instruction, myself or another officer is not bound to follow the instructions if it is illegal.” The defence also suggested that Narine had been specifically instructed to ensure that the Mohameds, particularly Azruddin, were arrested before Parliament was convened on Monday, November 3, 2025. Narine initially said he could not recall receiving such an instruction.

When the court sought clarification, he was more definitive. The witness responded, “To be clear, I did not receive any instructions of that nature.” The Senior Superintendent had previously testified that the Mohameds were arrested in Georgetown on Friday, October 31, 2025, pursuant to warrants that he executed. The defence counsel also questioned Narine about whether the government had adopted a particular posture towards the Mohameds before their arrests. Narine said he was not aware of such a posture. The lawyer then questioned the policeman about

public statements allegedly made by President Ali regarding Mohamed. Dhurjon asked whether Narine was aware that the President had made a televised statement describing Azruddin Mohamed as a threat to national security and sovereignty. Narine stated he was not aware of the President’s statement. The extradition proceedings had been pre-fixed for Tuesday, September 8, Wednesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 10. However, the matter cannot proceed on Tuesday because the Mohameds are required to appear before Justice Nigel Niles in the High Court in Demerara. The appearance is in connection with contempt

proceedings the Mohameds have brought against social media personality Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as the “Guyanese Critic,” and the High Court matter takes precedence over the lower court proceedings. The extradition hearing also cannot continue on Wednesday, as the Chief Magistrate is scheduled to attend a meeting. The proceedings are therefore expected to resume on Thursday, September 10, with further cross-examination of the police witness. The extradition case stems from a request by the United States for the surrender of the Mohameds to face an 11-count federal indictment. U.S. prosecutors alleged that the two businessmen

participated in a multi-year scheme involving the export of Guyanese gold using falsified customs declarations and reused government export seals. The alleged gold-export scheme resulted in the evasion of more than US$50 million in taxes and royalties owed in connection with Guyanese gold exports. Prosecutors also alleged that Azruddin Mohamed evaded more than US$1 million in Guyanese taxes in relation to the importation of a Lamborghini. The indictment includes allegations of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and customs offences. The Mohameds have denied the allegations. The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned both men in 2024 over allegations linked to corruption and gold smuggling. They were subsequently indicted by prosecutors in 2025 on related charges in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Both men have mounted several legal challenges to the extradition process in Guyana, contesting various aspects of the proceedings and seeking to prevent their surrender to U.S. authorities The Mohameds were each granted $150,000 bail and are required to surrender their passports and report weekly to Ruimveldt Police Station.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Less Paper, More Efficiency

ONE must welcome the Government of Guyana’s decision to consolidate public-service personnel and administrative transactions on a single digital portal by September 30 as an important step toward a more efficient state. For too long, too many government processes have been based on paper files, the physical movement of documents, signatures and administrative procedures that can turn relatively simple transactions into lengthy exercises. The ability to submit, track and process contract renewals, employment approvals, scholarships and other personnel matters digitally should be more than convenient. They should mean greater transparency, better record-keeping and a public service that is more in tune with the needs of a modern economy. Minister of Government Efficiency, Public Service and Implementation Zulfikar Ally said the new portal will allow government agencies to communicate with the ministry through a single dashboard instead of manually. Of particular significance is the Government’s expectation that entry into the payroll system and employment approvals could eventually be completed within one to two weeks. That is the type of measurable progress to hold digital government accountable against, but there are positive signs that the Government is conscious of this wider challenge. The new portal is part of a broader programme of reform in the public sector. The Ministry has been tasked with the moderni-

sation of public-service administration. The Government has also been working on digital identification, online services, citizen-engagement platforms and decentralised government service centres. The 2026 Budget will extend digital systems, such as application tracking and records management, as part of the government’s longer-term plan to deliver a more responsive public service. Decentralisation and digitalisation can already be combined successfully. Since the programme began in December, government service centres operating in six regions have processed over 204,000 transactions allowing citizens to access services from the Guyana Revenue Authority, General Register Office and immigration services without having to travel to Georgetown. Digital government means using technology to serve people better. This principle is even more important as Guyana moves to a more digital public-service environment. Starting October 1, all passport appointments will be online only, and no walk-ins will be accepted. The reform has its obvious advantages. Applicants will be able to select a location and appointment time, and the system is intended to help ease congestion and reduce wait times. A home-based service has also been launched by the passport service for the elderly and differently-abled persons. But the government is right to acknowledge that not all citizens are equally comfortable with navigating a website, uploading documents or filling out an online application.

Minister Ally said there will be assistance for elderly citizens through decentralised government service hubs and help desks at Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). This is the kind of safeguard that must accompany digital reform. It should go further. The World Bank said that Guyana has made significant progress in connectivity, with 83 per cent of the population using the internet in 2024. This is a huge step forward, but it also means that there’s a large minority who are not regular internet users. The digital divide is therefore no abstract concern. This has direct implications for access to passports, identification, social services, employment-related transactions and other vital government functions. The government’s own experience with more than 200 ICT hubs in hinterland communities demonstrates why access points and human assistance are still necessary. The facilities have been used to provide remote communities with access to technology, information and e-government services. The more the government moves to digitalise, the more it has a duty to protect citizens’ information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse and cyberattacks. From the outset, the architecture must be built with strong authentication, control of access, audit trails, backup systems, cybersecurity protocols and clear accountability for breaches. The same principle applies to government employees. A centralised portal should provide a clear digital audit trail showing when an

application was submitted, who received it, what action was taken and where delays occurred. If an application goes unanswered for weeks, then the system should reflect this delay. There should be an escalation mechanism if an officer is consistently failing to act within the prescribed timeframes. Digitisation should make it harder, not easier, for files to disappear into administrative limbo. Another useful benchmark is the government’s Citizens Connect experience. Since the platform’s launch in March, about 75 per cent of the issues reported on it have reportedly been fixed. The new public-service portal should aim for that level: not just digitised transactions, but visible outcomes. So, the September 30 deadline should be seen as a beginning of reform, not an end. The Government must be credited for moving away from a paper-based administration. But the true measure of success will not be the number of forms converted to digital files, the number of portals launched, or the number of computers installed. It will be about whether a citizen can obtain a government service without undue delay, whether a public servant can do his or her job without unnecessary bureaucracy, whether a manager can identify where a process is failing, and whether the state can protect the information entrusted to it. Digitalisation is a means. The goal is to be efficient. Inclusion is our responsibility. Responsibility ought to be the norm.

MV Barima murder case set for paper committal ...

From page 4

part of underwater searches around the wreck, while search teams covered extensive areas in an effort to locate missing persons and recover victims. The disaster also led to the establishment of a five-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) by the Government. The inquiry is tasked with examining, among other things, the circumstances surrounding the sinking, the seaworthiness of

the vessel, regulatory oversight and the emergency response. It is also expected to make recommendations aimed at strengthening maritime safety and preventing similar tragedies. The criminal proceedings against the three T&HD employees are continuing independently of the CoI. The DPP has previously indicated that the establishment of the inquiry does not prevent the criminal case from proceed-

ing and that both processes can continue simultaneously. A further issue arising from the aftermath of the disaster was the condition of members of the vessel’s crew. A day after the sinking, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips disclosed that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for marijuana. The Prime Minister subsequently said the accused

continue to receive psychosocial support while the criminal proceedings remain ongoing. Price and Granderson are represented by a team led by Dr Dexter Todd, with attorney Dexter Smartt also among the lawyers involved. Roberts is represented by attorney-at-law Everton Lammy-Singh. The November 16 proceedings will be significant because a paper committal

is a preliminary step before a serious criminal matter can proceed to the High Court. Unlike a trial, the process does not involve witnesses giving live evidence before the magistrate. Instead, the court considers the written evidence placed before it by the prosecution to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the accused for trial in the High Court. The fixing of the paper committal date follows the

Some of the victims who lost their lives in the MV Barima tragedy

completion of disclosure, which allows the defence to review the material being relied upon by the prosecution and determine its next steps. The matter will return on September 14, when the defence is expected to indicate whether statements will be filed. The three accused remain remanded as the case progresses through the preliminary proceedings.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Benschop put a jumbie lash ‘pon’ David Hinds

A BIG quarrel has broken out between two silly men that belong to the past and will become fossilised as Guyana moves on. They are David Hinds and Mark Benschop. Which one do you choose over which one? As soon as the results of the 2025 election revealed a disappearing PNC, I voiced my preference for the PNC over the majority opposition party, WIN. I still do. What choice to make now between these two men? So, in this spat between these two wild men who do you think is the more acceptable one? I do not have a choice. I think Hinds and Benschop are enemies of African Guyanese, have consistently embarrassed the African race in this country and are two men that the African people of Guyana have discarded. If you want the evidence then look at the 2025 election results. Benschop came out swinging at Hinds over Hinds shaking Minister Edghill’s hand. When you listen to Benschop prattling about Hinds’ mistake in shaking Edghill’s hands, he comes across as an idiot not for pouncing on Hinds but for the simple asinine fuss about a handshake. How can humans

fight over the right and wrong in shaking someone’s hand. Of course, context is everything in life and there is context in which a handshake should be refused. There are unlimited situations in which a handshake refusal is justified. No Hamas official should shake the hand of any Israeli minister or military leader. Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian people. No Hezbollah official should extend a handshake to any Israeli ministers. Israel intends to create a second line of genocide in Lebanon. The Israeli government officials and its military personnel are state terrorists that should be jailed by the International War Crimes Tribunal. In Guyana, the refusal to respond to a handshake gesture by the President of Guyana by then Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton and by the then Mayor of Linden, Sharma Solomon, is an act of colossal stupidity. Guyana is a democratic state. The President of Guyana is a popular, elected president. What that act of stupidity did was to make people recoil from the crass and asinine behaviour of Norton and Solomon. The electorate at the national level and in

Linden rejected both Norton and Solomon. Both men were on the PNC slate for the 2025 national election and African Guyanese voted against them. The PNC was reduced from 31 seats to 12. The moronic emphasis on the importance of rejecting a handshake was noticed by the electorate. Solomon should have resigned immediately after regional election results were made known in Linden in 2025. He is a Linden politician who lived all his life there and was the major of Linden. Yet a disgraceful politician like Azruddin Mohamed beat Solomon in Linden. The bravado of refusing to shake the hand of the president did not propel Norton and Sharma into the consciousness of African Guyanese. On the contrary, African Guyanese repudiated what Norton and Solomon stood for. I believe Solomon is a loser and is unfit to be in parliament. Azruddin Mohamed probably never spent three consecutive days in his entire life in Linden. Solomon has spent his entire life there. Yet the people of Linden chose Mohamed over Solomon in 2025. I saw Dr Vincent

Minister Manickchand outlines...

Democratic Councils (NDCs) should be holding regular public meetings with residents. While Minister Manickchand assessed the wider community, her walk through Temple Street saw residents highlight several urgent challenges impacting their daily lives. Among the major issues highlighted were in the areas of drainage and irrigation, with residents pointing out the lack of proper drainage in the area. Moreover, residents also highlighted major concerns about ongoing garbage issues, which they shared have long affected the quality of life in the community. Additionally, residents brought attention to the need for washroom facilities on the road to accommodate the community’s ten-day workers, a major aspect to the community’s continued development.

The engagement also highlighted the need for recreational spaces. Following direct requests from the residents, Minister Manickchand took the time to inspect the local ball field, a core but underdeveloped aspect of the community. In efforts to better promote sports and youth engagement, the minister shared that her goal is to improve the space by adding a basketball court and a volleyball net, giving young people in the community more structured recreational options closer to home. The stop at the ball field was particularly impactful, as residents note that it reflected the kind of hands-on attention they had been asking for, with the Minister taking measurements and discussing layout options on the spot. This ongoing exercise is part of the ministry’s broader vision to connect commu-

FROM PAGE 2

nities directly with decision-makers, ensuring that development priorities are shaped by the people who live with their outcomes every day. Minister Manickchand’s Windsor Forest walkthrough adds to a growing list of community engagements carried out in recent weeks, as the ministry continues to push a consistent, nationwide standard for local development. Officials have indicated that similar walkthroughs will continue across other communities, with residents encouraged to raise concerns directly with their NDCs in between ministerial visits. Windsor Forest represents the most community that will see change driven by the same standard Minister Manickchand’s has pledged that every community in Guyana deserves.

Adams explaining to David Hinds how grannies in their night gowns rushed onto the street in Linden to see Mohamed. They never did that for the homegrown boy. So, we come back to the question – should one choose Benschop over Hinds now that the former has pelted a jumbie lash on the latter? Here are the facts. Hinds lived and worked outside of Guyana and has returned to live in Guyana. Benschop contested the presidency in 2015, got only 112 votes and soon after left for the USA. What moral right has Benschop to say anything negative about Guyana? The

story of Mark Benschop is yet to be told. Shortly after being released from jail through a pardon by then President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, Benschop moved into a building on Thomas Street and started a foundation. He started computer classes and gave away laptops. How a man that couldn’t finance lawyers for his trial ended up getting so resourceful so quickly? Benschop contested the 2015 election. He rented an American owned business place on Quamina Street as his campaign office paying a hefty rental. He employed

a number of office staff with a fleet of vehicles. Since he was released from jail, Benschop never was employed and did not earn a salary. Where did Benschop get so much money from? One day I will reveal the source of his money in my capacity as an anti-imperialist activist. Hope you can read between the lines. 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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Residents of Kaneville, nearby communities benefit from inter-ministry outreach

SERVICE starts with the provision of good systems that place beneficiaries in a better position than they were before. This is the premise on which an inter-ministry outreach to the community of Kaneville and surrounding communities was recently held. On Sunday, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, together with the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith and Minister within

the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, ensured residents were able to access the services offered by the ministries and several government agencies. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr Persaud said, “So, we’ve been providing information, addressing concerns and problems, or more importantly providing key information so that it can access our programmes.” Mentioning the care economy, Dr Persaud said she spoke with two women

at the outreach who told her they were prepared to contribute to the care economy. She urged citizens to attend these community outreaches once they are being hosted to learn about how they can benefit and develop themselves. In addition to the care economy, residents learned about training opportunities through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), as well as information on

Inter-ministry outreach to Kaneville and surrounding communities on Sunday (Photo: Ministry of Human Services and Social Security/ Facebook)

housing opportunities, health vouchers, and many other services. Meanwhile, Minister Benn spoke about her engagement with informal settlers in the Kaneville area. “Today’s event is a follow-up of the Ministry of Housing’s engagement with the persons who are illegally occupying the lands on the reserve in Kaneville, inclusive of the ball field. The intention of today’s activity is to provide an update on the process of their applications. Those who have not applied as yet, to

encourage them to do so, and helping them to understand what are the next steps that enable them to transition from where they’re living now to more secure environments for themselves and their families, and also to help them to have those ownership documents so that they can use it for collateral for business, they can have that land for themselves and to pass on to their future generations,” she said. The minister said the outreach with the three ministries provides an opportunity

to bring government services closer to the people. Minister Griffith emphasised that the engagement allowed him to interact with some 86 persons who reside in Kaneville. “This is what people-centred governance looks like: listening, responding, and bringing opportunities directly into our communities. We will continue working to ensure that the people of Kaneville are informed, supported, and connected to the opportunities available to them,” he said.

BIT’s trainees underscore value of free skills training programme

Orella Trotman

WHERE many may opt to work within an office setting, there are those who prefer to work with their hands. This is where the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning steps in, working towards ensuring Guyanese are skilled, empowered and employed across various fields. Recently, the ministry

McGiver Miller

highlighted two individuals who are pursuing the Electrical Installation training through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), which comes under the labour ministry. These persons are McGiver Miller and Orella Trotman. The ministry said that for McGiver, pursuing that training programme is an

opportunity to strengthen the skills he uses as an electrician, and he would be able to gain certification to support his growth professionally. McGiver said the training has already helped him tremendously to move forward in his profession and learn new things. He remarked that he TURN TO PAGE 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Yarrowkabra housing project expands with shade houses to boost household livelihoods

MORE than 75 houses have already been completed at Yarrowkabra Hyde Park, Region Four, with over 50 beneficiaries allocated to a government initiative that will attach shade houses to their homes. The new initiative creates new opportunities for single mothers to generate income and improve household food security. Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, made the disclosure last Saturday during an outreach at the Kuru Kuru Training College, where she outlined plans to strengthen the economic impact of the housing development through agriculture. The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Housing’s efforts to move beyond the provision of shelter by incorporating livelihood opportunities into housing projects. Under the Yarrowkabra programme, beneficiaries will be provided with shade houses where they can cultivate vegetables for household consumption and commercial purposes. “This project is going to enable each of those beneficiaries to have a shade house attached to their home,” Minister Benn said. She explained that the produce from the shade hous-

More than 75 homes have already been completed at Yarrowkabra Hyde Park, Region Four, with over 50 beneficiaries allocated to a government initiative that will attach shade houses to their homes

es could provide beneficiaries with an additional source of income to support their families, including meeting mortgage payments and expenses associated with sending their children to school. The initiative is particularly geared towards single mothers, providing them with an avenue to strengthen their household incomes while simultaneously improving the nutritional value of meals consumed by their families. “We are going to be working a lot more diligently on that project very soon. We have over 50 persons who are already allocated,” the minister said. The minister said discussions are already underway

with key agricultural stakeholders to advance the initiative, noting that she recently met with Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and other partners. A two-day training programme is also being planned for the beneficiaries to equip them with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively manage their shade houses and maximise production. The initiative also presents an opportunity for stronger collaboration between the housing and agriculture sectors, with government agencies expected to assist beneficiaries with technical support and market access. (DPI)

BIT’s trainees underscore value of free skills...

FROM PAGE 8

is thankful for a free programme such as this, because “if I was to pay for such education, it would cost a lot of money. So, I’m glad that the government provide it free for us to go and empower ourselves, make a better future for us and our children,” he said. For Ms. Trotman, the skills she is currently gaining through the training can provide an additional source of income, and the independence to handle electrical tasks within her home. “I started this course because I am a very curious person. When a Technical Officer had reached out to me

and told me all these courses were being offered, I said, “you know what, electrical sounds like a good option. So, I decided to come and so far, it has been a wonderful experience,” Trotman expressed. She noted that in addition to being curious, the reason she has continued with the course is because it would be a “very good additional source of income for me and also in my personal life,” she said. In July, BIT’s CEO, Richard Maughn, announced that there is a plan to train an additional 2,000 individuals by the end of this year, fol-

lowing a commitment made during the 2026 National Budget. Maughn had said that this continued investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring Guyanese are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to meaningfully contribute to Guyana’s development. This expansion of BIT’s programmes forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen human capital development and ensure that young people are prepared to participate in Guyana’s everchanging economic landscape.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Jagdeo emphasises importance of accountability, transparency to effective delivery of government programmes –– warns of consequences for breaches and violations

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday convened a meeting with a number of ministers, as well as all Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, accounting officers of key semi-autonomous agencies, and other officials

at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The meeting focused on a number of measures aimed at improving management in the ministries, regions, and other public sector agencies, with special focus on accountability and transparency,

including in relation to procurement transactions, government payment systems, and information dissemination with the public, in order to ensure more effective delivery of government programmes. At the meeting, Vice-President Jagdeo

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday engaged a number of ministers, as well as all Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, accounting officers of key semi-autonomous agencies, and other officials at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (OP photos) emphasised the important role of the Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers in ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while ensuring sound and efficient management of the public resources allocated and entrusted to their respective ministries, regions, and agencies. The meeting also discussed a number of initiatives aimed at strengthen-

ing the tracking of compliance, including with procurement and payment systems. The Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, and other accounting officers were also cautioned that breaches and violations would lead to consequences for those responsible. Vice-President Jagdeo reiterated to all gathered the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring effective delivery of government services including with the use of modern technology, in the interest of ensuring that citizens enjoy a better experience when interacting with state institutions, receive better quality public services, and ultimately realise a better quality of life. (OP)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Construction of New Amsterdam Synthetic Track in final stage

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, has confirmed that works on the New Amsterdam Synthetic Track are in their final stages, with the facility expected to be completed within approximately one month. Ramson said the project is in keeping with the government’s promise to expand and modernise sporting infrastructure across the country, particularly its promise to deliver five stadiums in different regions. He noted that they would have already commissioned two of the facilities, including those at Bayroc in Linden and Anna Regina, while works in New Amsterdam have now reached the critical stage of installing the synthetic surface. “We have opened Bayroc in Linden and one in Anna Regina, and we are here in New Amsterdam so we are at the final stage laying the installation of the synthetic material,” Ramson said. The minister, who visited the facility on Saturday to inspect the ongoing works, said favourable weather conditions have allowed contractors to advance the installation of the synthetic material. “We have been blessed, I don’t think the farmers are too happy about it, but this is government weather for the installation of synthetic material, so in a month’s time you will see all of the synthetic material completed, the lines go on…,” he said. Once the surface and markings are completed, Ramson said that the track will undergo the necessary certification process to ensure that it meets international standards with

the hope to open in October. This will position the facility to accommodate higher-level athletics competitions while providing athletes in Region Six with access to improved training facilities. “So that is for the track itself, and so we just completed the installation of these bucket seats as-well - 2,000 bucket seats retractable bucket seats, so significantly enhancing user friendliness, seating capacity and spectator capacity, so we are doing this here and we are doing this in Bayroc currently,” Ramson said. The installation of the approximately 2,000 retractable bucket seats represent another major component of the project and is expected to significantly improve the experience for spectators attending sporting events at the facility. Ramson said works are also continuing on other supporting infrastructure necessary for the overall completion of the facility. These include drainage improvements, washroom facilities and ramps to improve accessibility. He described these as the remaining “small things so as to ensure it is appropriately completed.” With the synthetic surface now being installed and other finishing works progressing, the New Amsterdam facility is moving closer to becoming a fully completed modern sporting venue. The investment is expected to significantly strengthen the sporting infrastructure available to athletes and residents of Region Six, providing a dedicated facility for athletics while creating greater opportunities for the hosting of competitions and sporting events.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, has confirmed that works on the New Amsterdam Synthetic Track are in their final stages, with the facility expected to be completed within approximately one month

CJIA rolls out new scanners as airport modernisation continues -upgrades target stronger screening and greater efficiency

STEPS to modernise Guyana’s aviation sector continue to take shape as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) rolls out its newest line-up of security upgrades, aimed at strengthening screening and improving efficiency across the facility. In an update issued over the weekend, Systems Administrator Anand Hamilton shared that the airport is now equipped with new scanners for luggage, passengers and vehicles, the latest in a string of investments meant to bet-

ter equip CJIA, improve the travel experience, and strengthen security as visitor numbers continue to climb. Speaking on the impact of the additions, Hamilton noted that CJIA has installed a body scanner at the arrivals area, aimed at bringing the airport in line with international standards. “At the arrivals area, we have installed some new scanners. So, here we have the Leidos Provision 3 scanner. This is the body scanner. As part of our requirements, and to meet international

policies, we have to screen persons that are entering into a restricted area,” he said, adding, “The body scanner is just one of the few other scanners that we have installed at other locations at the airport.” Speaking from the remote boarding area, Hamilton said a second scanner has been put in place for airport staff. “We have a Leidos PV3 scanner here as well. This scanner screens all staff that enters from the airside. Before they enter into the building, they TURN TO PAGE 12

New scanners now in operation at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport as modernisation continues

CJIA has introduced new scanners for passengers, baggage, staff and vehicles as part of its ongoing security upgrades

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Gov’t invites contractors to build 400 sq. ft. houses

--under new social housing programme THE Ministry of Housing, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has invited contractors, consortiums and individuals to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the construction of 400-square-foot flat housing units, giving practical shape to the government’s newly unveiled Social Housing Programme for the country’s most economically vulnerable households. According to a notice issued Monday and signed by CH&PA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martin Pertab, applicants have until 3:00 PM on September 21, 2026 to submit proposals to the Chairman of the CH&PA Board at Plantation Houston, along the Mandela to Eccles Highway, East Bank Demerara. The one-bedroom units, each fitted with a toilet and bath, ceiling, tiled finishes and a basic kitchen cupboard, are intended for extremely vulnerable and economically disadvantaged Guyanese who would otherwise struggle to access adequate housing through conventional means. The call for bids delivers on a commitment President Irfaan Ali first signalled in mid-July, when he said the government was building a mechanism to identify the country’s most vulnerable citizens and connect them with dedicated housing sup-

port. He said the initiative would prioritise single mothers facing financial hardship, persons living with disabilities and elderly citizens needing extra support to attain homeownership, with an initial target of between 3,000 and 5,000 social homes. The President described the effort as central to his broader housing vision, one meant to “bring dignity to every single Guyanese family,” regardless of circumstance. He returned to the theme weeks later during public consultations in Region Six, saying the programme would specifically reach persons living with severe disabilities and single parents facing extreme circumstances, groups he said needed the government’s most direct intervention. “So, we will start a programme building houses,” he told residents, tying the initiative to the wider Model Village Initiative and reaffirming that every eligible resident in the region with a pending housing application would receive an allocation before the end of the year. The social housing drive forms part of a wider transformation the sector has undergone since 2020. Under the 2025-2030 Strategic Housing Plan, CH&PA is working toward the construction of 40,000 new houses nationwide, alongside a commitment to

clear the bulk of the national housing backlog, estimated between 75,000 and 78,000 pending applications, before the end of the current term. The government has said roughly 30,000 land titles have already been processed since 2020, with about 20,000 more in the pipeline. That momentum was on full display in June, when President Ali opened the International Building Expo at the National Stadium, Providence, before more than 500 exhibitors, including developers, banks, prefabricators and green-technology firms. Declaring that “the foundations of our nation have never been stronger,”

he pointed to a sector he described as increasingly innovative and accessible. Among the initiatives cited was the Foundation Programme, through which the government has spent close to $1 billion helping house-lot beneficiaries pour standardised concrete foundations for 400, 600 and 950-square-foot houses. Housing Minister Collin Croal, who launched the programme in July, has framed it as a way to help beneficiaries move from an empty house lot to a completed home. A separate tax measure now also allows first-time homeowners to deduct home-loan interest from their taxable

income. Monday’s invitation follows a similar exercise in October 2025, when CH&PA sought contractors for a broader range of housing models across all ten administrative regions, and reflects the agency’s continued push to bring private capacity into the delivery of public housing. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate both technical and financial capacity. Requirements include audited financial statements for 2025, evidence of similarly sized past projects, lists of available equipment and qualified personnel, a proposed financing and con-

struction methodology, full engineering and site drawings, and a detailed cost estimate for the housing model. Applicants proposing imported materials or techniques must submit the relevant specifications, and companies must disclose any litigation from the past two years alongside standard business registration, GRA compliance and VAT documents. Expressions of Interest must be written, signed and stamped, and submitted to the Chairman of the CH&PA Board at Plantation Houston, East Bank Demerara, no later than 3:00 PM on September 21, 2026.

CJIA rolls out new scanners as airport modernisation continues

FROM PAGE 11

must be screened,” he explained. The roll-out also reaches into the baggage handling process, an area CJIA has been modernising as part of the same push toward international standards. Under the new setup, luggage will be dropped directly at the airline counter and screened remotely, out of sight, before making its way onto the conveyor system, moving the bottleneck out of passengers’ way entirely.

The new small-item scanner feeds directly into that process. “There is a scanner that is used to screen small baggage and other small parcels. We have to screen all items that have to be entered into a restricted area. The function of the machine is that the security, while scanning, if there is any anomaly in the bags or the parcels, it has to be rechecked. All incoming baggage are now

being screened,” Hamilton added. The revamped system is also expected to come with continuous CCTV coverage, from check-in to loading, with screeners and law enforcement personnel required to wear body cameras, an added layer of accountability meant to bring CJIA’s baggage process closer to what travellers already experience at hubs like London and JFK. CJIA is also now equipped to scan vehicles passing through cus-

toms. “We have our new vehicle scanner at CJIA. This scanner will be screening all small vehicles, cars, vans. The operators will be looking for any anomalies, guns, contraband, etc. It is installed, fully operational, but it is soon to be commissioned,” he noted.

He added that the airport remains focused on keeping pace with growth in the sector. “At CJIA, we continue to provide a

safe and efficient airport for travellers, passengers, employees, and Guyanese.” Together, the new scanners and the implemented baggage handling system point to an airport gearing up for the kind of seamless, secure experience travellers already expect at major international hubs. This is happening as Guyana’s aviation sector keeps pace with rising demand.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Soesdyke Junction tarmac nears completion, paving way for new roundabout

The Ministry of Public Works has said preparatory civil works at the Soesdyke Junction have advanced significantly, with the designated tarmac area now sand-filled, clearing the way for construction of a new roundabout to begin this week

THE Ministry of Public Works has said preparatory civil works at the Soesdyke Junction have advanced significantly, with the designated tarmac area now sand-filled, clearing the way for construction of a new roundabout to begin this week. Images released by the ministry document the works carried out so

far on the site as part of this essential preparatory phase. According to the ministry, rolling and compaction of the white sand base is now nearing completion. The milestone will facilitate the relocation of the existing car park and local vendors operating at the junction, freeing up the main project

alignment ahead of construction. With that groundwork advancing, site operations are on track to move smoothly into the next set of works, the ministry said. The roundabout forms part of the ongoing Soesdyke-Linden Highway rehabilitation, a US$161 million project being carried out by Namalco Construction Services

Ltd in partnership with GuyAmerica Construction Inc. Once completed, it will connect the Soesdyke-Linden Highway with the Good Success to Timehri road project, joining two major East Bank Demerara corridors at one of the region’s busiest intersections and easing congestion for commuters using both routes.

The relocation effort also comes as the government moves to reorganise commercial activity at the Soesdyke Junction more broadly, with plans previously announced to consolidate vendors into a designated, organised space as part of wider development along the Soesdyke/Linden corridor.

GPL sounds alarm over deadly contact with power lines --highlights increase in safety risks due to construction boom, urges cultural change

THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has raised serious concerns about public safety around its electrical network, disclosing that at least two people have died so far this year after coming into contact with live lines. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Gary Hall, Safety, Health, Environmental Management and Operational Support Divisional Director at GPL, detailed a series of “macabre” and avoidable incidents involving construction activity, heavy equipment and careless work

practices near high-voltage lines. Hall referenced a widely circulated incident in South Georgetown where a man was killed after a scaffold rolled away from a building and came into contact with GPL’s network, resulting in the victim’s body catching fire. “For this year, we have lost at least two people that came into accidental contact with our network,” he said, noting that in 2023 alone there were around six or seven fatalities of a similar nature. He explained that modern construction practices, particularly the

use of high trucks to offload materials, means workers often need only to come into close proximity with a 69,000-volt line rather than physically touching it for tragedy to occur. According to Hall, numerous videos and images already circulating on social media show the scale of the problem: containers hanging near or over lines, cement pumping trucks operating dangerously close to overhead wires, and vehicles pulling down cables and poles. In January, a worker attached to a telecommunications company

was electrocuted in the Kitty area when equipment came too close to a high-voltage line, he said. Outside of the loss of life, these incidents routinely cause major power disruptions affecting thousands of customers, further fuelling public frustration with the utility company. GPL insists that not every pole or overhead line belongs to the company, pointing out that other utilities, including telecommunications providers, share the network of posts across the country. Still, Hall argued that there

needs to be a “cultural change” in how contractors, drivers and the wider public operate around electrical infrastructure. The utility company has been working with the Ministry of Labour to conduct safety sessions for contractors countrywide, including in Bartica, and has trained staff from several companies, notably some of the Chinese contractors working along the East Bank public road and private operators such as ENet on safe practices around live lines.

Community business clinics reach over 700 businesses

THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has closed out its 2026 Community Business Clinic (CBC) programme with a visit to Pakuri, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, an Arawak (Lokono) village on the Mahaica River that is Region Four’s sole Indigenous community and one of the country’s most culturally significant Amerindian settlements. It was the eighth and final clinic of the year. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, joined residents and entrepreneurs at the session, part of a series the ministry says was overhauled and expanded this year to deliver more comprehensive support in a single visit.

Rather than entrepreneurs having to track down several offices across Georgetown, the clinics bring key agencies together under one roof, among them the Guyana Revenue Authority, the National Insurance Scheme, the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Small Business Bureau and the Guyana Tourism Authority, covering everything from registration and compliance to financing, standards and tourism opportunities. While in Pakuri, Minister Rodrigues highlighted the potential of community-based tourism for Indigenous and hinterland entrepreneurs, an area the village TURN TO PAGE 16

--as 2026 series wraps up in Pakuri

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has closed out its 2026 Community Business Clinic (CBC) programme with a visit to Pakuri, St. Cuthbert’s Mission

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

President Ali marks first year of second term with major infrastructure, health, economic gains

ONE year after being sworn in for a second term on September 7, 2025, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali points to a bridge and an operating table as proof his government’s oil wealth is reaching ordinary Guyanese. In October 2025, weeks into the new term, President Ali commissioned the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, replacing the ageing Demerara Harbour Bridge and giving commuters uninterrupted 24-hour crossing for the first time. “Oil revenues, wisely managed, are being converted into structures like this, projects that deliver benefits to every single Guyanese,” the president said at the commissioning. I n M a y, a G e o r g e town-based surgeon operated on a patient in India, roughly 20,000 kilometres away, using robotic telesurgery, a distance the government describes as a world first. A FURTHER ROUND OF ROBOTIC PROCEDURES FOLLOWED IN JUNE “From today, our surgeon is called Freedom 60,” President Ali said, explaining, “Whether you do your cardiac surgery or surgery in urology or gynaecology, surgeon Freedom 60 will be at your side. Don’t be afraid.” CONNECTIVITY Beyond the Demerara bridge, the administration

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali secured a second term in 2025 and was sworn in on September 7

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, accompanied by ministers of cabinet and members of the public participating in the symbolic walk across the new bridge

earmarked for a $2.8 billion Enhancement Programme covering markets, historic buildings, and public spaces, alongside plans to redevelop the Georgetown Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

The Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Region 10

has expanded hinterland and coastal links: – The Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge is on track to open in October. – The expanded Aubrey Barker Road opened in April 2026, linking South Ruim-

veldt to the East Bank and East Coast corridors. “What is happening here on the Aubrey Barker Road is not an isolated project. It is a strategic project. It is not a local upgrade. It is part of a national upgrade of the road

Internationally renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Sudhir Srivastava was at the controls in Georgetown

transport system,” the president said. Four hinterland airstrips were commissioned, including a new 3,000-foot concrete runway at Karasabai in Region Nine, constructed

Mohamed’s videographer charged with three UAV-related offences, granted $600,000 bail

A 25-year-old videographer was, on Monday, charged with three offences under the Civil Aviation Act in connection with the alleged unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone. Dwayne Ross, of Princess Street, Georgetown, appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Ravindranauth Singh, where the charges were read to him. Ross was charged with unlawful operation of an

unmanned aerial vehicle, contrary to Section 6(e) of the Civil Aviation Act 2018; unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, contrary to Section 6(d) of the Act; and failure to obtain authorisation to operate an aircraft, contrary to Section 92 of the Civil Aviation Act 2018. The charges are related to allegations that Ross operated a drone without the required authorisation, operated the UAV over the residence of President Dr Irfaan Ali without permission, and operated the aircraft at night

in breach of directives issued by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Ross pleaded not guilty to all three charges. He was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 on each charge, amounting to a total of $600,000. As conditions of his bail, Ross is required to report to the police once monthly and lodge his passport with the court. The matters were adjourned to September 30, 2026, for a report. Ross reportedly performs videography work

Dwayne Ross

for U.S.-indicted and sanctioned businessman and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. However, the charges before the court relate specifically to the alleged operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

at a cost of $1.53 billion to replace an earthen strip that frequently closed during bad weather. Other commissioned airstrips include Paramakatoi in Region Eight, Aishalton in Region Nine, which was commissioned in January 2026 and built at a cost of $920 million, and Anna Regina/Mainstay in Region Two, which was commissioned in July 2026 at a cost of $220 million to support tourism and agriculture on the Essequibo Coast. New municipal airports are also planned for Regions Six and Nine. ECONOMY The government has set up the Guyana Development Bank to offer zero-interest, no-collateral financing to small and medium-sized businesses. The bank’s operationalisation is backed by US$100 million from the $1.558 trillion budget presented in January, which prioritised infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education, social protection, and economic development. Georgetown has been

COMMUNITY AND OUTREACH The Model Village Initiative, a priority for President Ali, was launched to transform rural and densely populated communities into modern, sustainable, and economically vibrant settlements. A total of 23 villages across five administrative regions were officially engaged and consulted by President Ali and his cabinet members. President Ali also led five regional outreaches, in Regions Three, Four, Six, Seven and Ten, ensuring citizens are consulted on development initiatives tailored to their specific needs. SPORTS AND PUBLIC SPACES Two new international-standard stadiums were commissioned: the Anna Regina Stadium in Region Two and the Bayroc International Stadium in Linden, Region Ten. The Guyana-China Friendship Park also opened during the year. Looking ahead, the government has signalled that the administration’s focus will remain on advancing ongoing projects, strengthening public services, and delivering the remaining commitments under the five-year development programme. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

GGDMA distributes 1,000 school packages in G$6M back-to-school initiative

THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has launched a major back-to-school initiative that will provide 1,000 school packages to children and children of workers in the mining sector across Guyana, representing an investment of more than G$6 million in the education and development of the nation’s children. According to a press release from GGDMA, the first handing-over exercise was held on Saturday at the GGDMA Secretariat, with approximately 150 students from communities across

Last year, the GGDMA assisted several small miners in returning to work, while this year the Association’s management and executive team decided to focus on supporting children as they return to school. Jagnandan also thanked the miners who contributed to the initiative. “We have 20 miners on board who contributed towards this project. The project is valued at over $6 million, and we are looking at over a thousand school packages which will be distributed across the length and breadth of Guyana,” he said.

for the children of our teenage mothers. This is the first time we have engaged with the Association, and we are very grateful for this support. I know this is just the beginning, and we look forward to working together and supporting each other in the future,” Boston said. The school supplies would provide meaningful assistance to the children and their families as they prepare for the new academic year. The community organiser from Buxton, Mr. Devon Adams, was also deeply appreciative for the partnership with the GGDMA

GGDMA donation mining executives handing over donation

Region Four benefitting from the programme. Beneficiaries included children from Buxton, East Coast Demerara; Sophia, Georgetown; and families supported by Women Across Differences (WAD). Speaking at the exercise, GGDMA Managing Director, Avalon Jagnandan, said the programme is part of the Association’s continuing commitment to corporate social responsibility and investing in Guyana’s future. “Kids are the future of our country, and as a sector, we want to ensure that our kids are well equipped so that they can receive a proper education. This initiative will continue across the other mining regions and districts over the next week,” Jagnandan said. He explained that the programme builds on the Association’s previous social responsibility initiatives.

The wider initiative is made up of 500 Primary School Packages and 500 Secondary School Packages, which will be distributed to children in communities across Guyana. Among the organisations benefitting from the first distribution was Women Across Differences, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on the empowerment of women and youth, particularly young girls and teenage mothers. WAD works with communities in several regions of Guyana, including Regions One, Four, Five, Six and Nine. Clonel Samuels-Boston, Coordinator of Women Across Differences, expressed appreciation to the GGDMA for including the organisation and the children of the teenage mothers it supports in the initiative. “We really appreciate what the GGDMA has done

On behalf of Team Diamond, I would like to thank the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association for reaching out to Buxton and helping with the school supply for some of the kids. We thank you guys very much and we look forward to working with you in the future in the development of the kids of Buxton. The GGDMA said the initiative reflects the mining sector’s broader responsibility to contribute to the development of the communities in which it operates and to invest in opportunities that can positively affect the lives of young people. With the beginning of the new school year, the Association hopes the packages will help ease some of the financial burden faced by parents and guardians while ensuring that children are properly equipped to return to the classroom.

The Region Four exercise represents the first phase of the nationwide distribution, with additional packages expected to be distributed to children in other mining regions and districts. The GGDMA expressed

its appreciation to the 20 miners who contributed to the programme and requested to remain anonymous, noting that their generosity made the initiative possible. Through the programme, the association

said it hopes to demonstrate that Guyana’s mining sector remains committed not only to the country’s economic development, but also to strengthening communities and investing in the next generation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Police probe alleged murder at Albion Front; fisherman in custody

POLICE are investigating the alleged murder of 34-year-old fisherman, Franklyn Sauers, called ‘Franky’, who was reportedly stabbed during an altercation at Albion Front, Corentyne, Berbice, on Sunday night. Sauers, of Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, was found with apparent stab wounds to his neck and left rib area after police responded to a report at about 22:00 hrs.

According to preliminary investigations, Sauers and a 28-year-old fisherman of Albion Front were known to each other. Police said the suspect was at his residence when Sauers reportedly entered the house, following which an altercation ensued. Police ranks subsequently responded to the location and found Sauers lying motionless in the living room with the apparent injuries. The 28-year-old suspect was

contacted at the scene, arrested and taken to the Albion Police Station, where he remains in custody. Sauers was transported to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead on arrival. His body was subsequently taken to the Ramoo Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations into the alleged murder are continuing.

Police investigate discovery of unidentified man’s body in Georgetown canal

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the partially decomposed body of an unidentified man in a canal at Lombard and Sussex Streets, Georgetown, on Monday morning. The body, believed to be that of a man in his late 40s, was found floating in the canal near a koker at about 07:00 hrs. According to preliminary investigations, a machine operator attached to the Mayor and City Council observed the body in the canal and raised an alarm.

Police ranks subsequently responded and visited the scene, where they found the body clad in a blue checkered shirt, black pants and black boots. The body was examined at the scene, and no marks of violence were observed, police said. It was subsequently removed and taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are ongoing.

Community business FROM clinics reach over... PAGE 13

has already been building on through guesthouses, craft-making and cultural and river tours. She also pointed eligible businesses toward financing through the Guyana Development Bank, a newly established institution created to widen access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises. Qualifying entrepreneurs can access loans of up to $3 million that are both interest-free and collateral-free, removing one of the biggest

obstacles small businesses face in securing traditional bank financing. Across its eight stops this year, the ministry said the CBC programme reached more than 700 participants and businesses nationwide. “We remain committed to bringing support directly to our communities,” Minister Rodrigues said, signalling that the outreach model will continue to underpin the ministry’s work with small businesses going forward.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Public service portal to go live September 30, cutting paper-based processing

THE Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation will roll out a digital portal for all government agencies by September 30, ending the largely paper-based system currently used to process personnel and administrative transactions. This is according to Minister Zulfikar Ally who made the disclosure during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) at his Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg office.

Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally

CANU director warns of drink-spiking at social events THE Director of the Custom Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) Guyana, James Singh, has issued a stark public safety warning following reports of illicit drugs, excessive alcohol use, and possible drink-spiking at social events, declaring that “social events should create memories, not victims.” Singh, in a post on CANU’s official Facebook page, described the recent incidents as deeply concerning, emphasising that even a single pill, drink, or careless decision can have life-altering consequences and that drugs are “not harmless entertainment” but can be concealed in everyday items such as drinks, pills, powders, vapes, and candy. He warned that these substances can lead to overdose, unconsciousness, permanent injury, sexual vulnerability, violence, and possible death, adding that no party, trend, or peer pressure is worth risking a life. To partygoers, Singh offered clear, practical guidance: do not accept drinks, pills, vapes, or any substances from strangers; never leave your drink unattended; trust your instincts; and seek help immediately if something feels wrong, while also looking out for friends who may appear unusually impaired. Addressing event promoters and organisers directly, he stated that safety is a duty rather than an afterthought and outlined expec-

Director of CANU Guyana, James Singh

tations for responsible event management, including creating an environment where drug activity is not tolerated, addressing suspicious behaviour promptly, ensuring a visible and trained security presence, preparing staff to recognise and respond to incidents, making medical support accessible on-site, and encouraging safe transport options for attendees leaving the venue. “A successful event is measured not only by the crowd or the music but also by whether everyone gets home safely,” Singh said. The statement closes with a direct appeal to the public to be alert and responsible, reiterating that drugs do not belong at any party and that one decision can change a life, urging everyone to make the right choice.

The portal will allow every government agency to communicate with the ministry through a single dashboard, replacing manual processes for administrative matters. “Whether you are requesting employment, whether you’re requesting a renewal of a contract, duty-free scholarships, whatever it may be…it will be done through a portal, and everything will be digitised,” he told the DPI. The initiative forms part of a broader modernisation drive within the ministry itself, one of

the priorities set out by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali when the ministry’s mandate was expanded to focus on efficiency and modernisation across the public service. To ensure smooth implementation, Minister Ally said permanent secretaries, human resource managers and personnel department staff are currently being trained ahead of the go-live date. He added that the shift is expected to significantly reduce processing times, noting that employment approvals and entry

into the payroll system, which previously took an extended period, could be completed within one to two weeks once the portal is operational. “We have managed as a government under the leadership of His Excellency, the President, to do a lot of things when it comes to the digitisation and modernisation of the public service,” the minister further underscored. The digitisation of the ministry’s records also forms part of the rollout. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

ERC ramps up harmony building as online hate speech warnings climb

THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has advanced its constitutional mandate throughout August 2026 with nationwide “Harmony Tours,” expanded public education, and continued diversity training. This comes at a time

when the Media Monitoring Unit issued a record 48 cautionary warnings for ethnic hate speech in a single reporting period. August’s flagship initiative was the ERC’s threeleg Harmony Tour, which brought children aged 10– 15 together with parents,

community representatives, religious leaders, Commissioners and staff to explore Guyana’s cultural, religious and historical heritage. The tours ran over one week: Demerara on August 17, Essequibo on August 19 and Berbice on August 21, with participants welcomed

into masjids, mandirs and churches, and taken to monuments, museums and communities that reflect the country’s multi-ethnic identity. At each place of worship, faith-community representatives explained beliefs, practices and customs directly to visitors, an approach the ERC

says encourages learning beyond one’s own tradition and builds appreciation, respect and tolerance through meaningful interaction. Alongside the tours, the Commission maintained its public outreach, including at the Emancipation Expo at the National Park, where it engaged citizens on its mandate, complaints and investigative mechanisms, and ongoing harmony-building work. The ERC also continued

(58), racially derogatory language (45) and xenophobic content (21). The Commission attributes part of the increase to expanded monitoring capacity and more systematic coverage of digital platforms, but warns that ethnically abusive content remains persistent and that online conduct must meet the same standards of decency and mutual respect expected elsewhere in national life. The ERC’s Investigative

its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training programme, delivering a session on August 28 for 31 staff of the Guyana Energy Agency focused on DEI principles, respectful workplace practices and awareness of the Commission’s constitutional role. In its media monitoring report covering July 29 to August 24, 2026, the ERC’s Media Monitoring Unit issued 48 cautionary warnings to social media users for ethnic hate speech, up from 37 in the previous period. The breakdown shows standalone racial slurs accounted for the largest share (18), followed by racially prejudiced remarks (12), racially derogatory statements (9), racially hateful remarks (4), racially divisive statements (2), xenophobic remarks (2) and one case of racial stereotyping. Year to date, the Unit has issued 270 warnings between January and August 24, 2026, compared with 194 in the same period in 2025, with standalone racial and ethnic slurs leading infractions at 77, followed by racially prejudicial or insensitive remarks

Unit reports a consolidated caseload of 87 matters, made up of three cases from 2022–2023 (3.4%), 14 from 2024 (16.1%), 49 from 2025 (56.3%) and 21 from 2026 to date (24.1%), with only one new matter received during the latest reporting period. In terms of status, 51 matters (58.6%) have been closed, seven (8.0%) completed and three (3.4%) withdrawn, while nine (10.3%) are pending Sub-Committee review, eight (9.2%) under active investigation, five (5.7%) pending legal advice, two (2.3%) still pending, one (1.1%) awaiting a statutory decision and one (1.1%) having successfully completed conciliation. The Commission continues to urge the public to report experiences or observations of ethnic discrimination, hate speech or conduct likely to excite ethnic hostility. Complaints can be lodged at the ERC’s offices at 66 Peter Rose and Anira Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown; by telephone on 231-6265 or 231-6281; or by email to info@erc. org.gy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Bloom and Breathe: Promoting mental well-being, awareness of postpartum depression

A MEANINGFUL mental well-being promotion initiative, “Bloom and Breathe,” was recently held at the National Park, bringing women together for an afternoon focused on wellness, connection, education and self-care. According to a press release, the initiative, titled “Bloom and Breathe: A Mental Well-Being Promotion Initiative to Strengthen Coping Strategies and Increase Awareness, Recognition, and Help-Seeking for Postpartum Depression Among Women,” aimed to create a safe and supportive space for women to learn about mental well-being and postpartum depression while exploring practical ways to strengthen coping strategies. The event featured a variety of interactive activities, including a guided yoga session, a mental health discussion, beading and painting activities, and opportunities for participants to connect and unwind in a supportive environment. Refreshments were also provided at the conclusion of the session. The mental health component focused on increasing awareness of postpartum

depression, recognising possible warning signs, understanding when and where to seek help, and encouraging women to prioritise their mental well-being. Participants actively engaged throughout the session and shared positive feedback about the experience, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where women can openly discuss mental health while participating in enjoyable and meaningful activities. “Bloom and Breathe” emphasised an important message: caring for one’s mental well-being is an essential part of overall health, and seeking support should never be viewed as a weakness. The organisers hope that initiatives such as these will continue to encourage open conversations about mental health, strengthen community support, and empower women to recognise when they may need help and seek appropriate support early. A group of medical students hosted this amazing initiative as part of their final-year project at the University of Guyana School of Medicine. The students were: Shalena Jeffers, Dawn Purdessy,

A meaningful mental well-being promotion initiative, ‘Bloom and Breathe,’ was recently held at the National Park, bringing women together for an afternoon focused on wellness, connection, education and self-care

Jasmine Persaud, Stephanie Ally, Kenisah Jagdeo, Kyle Stephney and Semei McGarrell.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 8, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday September 8, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shimron Hetmyer (GAW vs TKR, Match # 22, 2026) (2) Lahiru Kumara Today’s Quiz: (1) What has been the result of GAW/Patriots game in this season’s CPL? (2) Who was voted Man-of-the-Match in that game? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Edu leaves Nottingham Forest Pakistan investigates ‘discipline and conduct’ after turbulent spell GLOBAL head of football, Edu, has left Nottingham Forest after just over a year at the City Ground. The former Arsenal midfielder has not attended a game since February and his exit, with his contract believed to have been terminated, has been expected. His position came under the spotlight after a falling-out with Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked last September, the first of four managers at Forest last season. Nuno hinted at internal tensions and said at the time his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had changed. Edu is not expected to be replaced, with Forest’s chief football officer George Syrianos assuming his responsibilities. Appointed in July 2025, Edu’s remit included Greek

The appointment of former Brazil midfielder Edu last season was seen as a coup for Nottingham Forest

side Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave, wh`o are also owned by Marinakis. He arrived after six years at Arsenal, where he became the club’s first sporting director in 2022, having won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups as a player with the Gunners. He brought Mikel Arteta to Emirates Stadium, who

delivered the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years last season. Edu’s departure comes after former Olympiacos vice-president Theodore Giannikos was appointed chief executive last week. He replaced Lina Souloukou, who stepped down from the role at the City Ground at the end of last season. (BBC Sport)

Zheng wins set from 5-0 down... (From page 22) when Zheng crushed a powerful backhand return winner to secure a crucial break, and she broke again two games later to complete a 7-5 6-3 victory. This latest win - her seventh in a row in New York having come through three rounds of qualifying - will

put her back to the brink of the top 50. “The more matches I play, the more rhythm I have on court,” said Zheng. “People have asked me if I’m tired and when I arrived I was not tired at all. I felt really pumped for my match, trying to reach better levels

here and enjoy this fantastic stadium.” Elsewhere, French Open winner Mirra Andreeva recovered from losing the first set to Anastasia Potapova to reach the last eight in New York for the first time in her career. (BBC Sport)

Labuschagne in Australia... (From page 22) that. But again, it’s a hypothetical, isn’t it?” It will be Australia’s first Test series in South Africa since the infamous ‘Sandpapergate’ ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Captain Steve Smith and vice-skipper David Warner were banned for a year for using sandpaper to damage the ball during the third Test. Only captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh

Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Smith and Matt Renshaw survive from the 3-1 series defeat in 2018. Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser were also included in the 16-man squad, which is otherwise unchanged from the last Bangladesh Test. Australia travel to Durban for the first Test on 9 October before the series moves to Gqeberha and

Cape Town. Australia Test squad Pat Cummins (Capt.), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. (BBC Sport)

‘Punching above our weight’: President Ali hails Guyana’s... (From back page) in Mirrabooka brought together top veteran talent from every corner of the globe, but Guyana’s duo proved once again that world-class squash has a home in the Caribbean. “These sterling performances remind us that Guyana, though small in

size, continues to punch well above its weight in squash,” the President said. “Our players continue to take on the world’s best and to hold their own in regional and international tournaments. The achievements of Guyana’s squash players

represent another proud chapter in Guyana’s sporting story and a stirring reminder of the abundance of talent that has emerged from our country. Congratulations, Richard and Daniel. You have done Guyana proud.”

PAKISTAN has begun an inquiry into “discipline and conduct” in the latest twist on a turbulent tour of England. Already 2-0 down in the three-match Test series, Pakistan last week sent seven players home, called up seven more and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with New Zealander Mike Hesson. During the second Test at Lord’s, the tourists also threatened to cancel the remainder of the match and the tour over an interview broadcast by Sky with the sons of imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister and captain, Imran Khan. In a statement released on Monday morning, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said: “The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally.

Pakistan has lost the first two Tests against England and will look to avoid a 3-0 clean sweep at Edgbaston this week

“The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures. The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration.” The statement refers to “speculative reports” from “hostile external sources”. Last week, Hesson responded to reports Salman Ali Agha - one of the seven dropped players - refused to attend a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House. Hesson also refuted suggestions that Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Im-

ran Jr were both called up as replacements because the PCB was confused by their names. The statement continued: “At this stage, any speculative reports or unverified claims circulating on certain platforms, particularly those originating from hostile external sources, should not be regarded as credible. “The PCB will not comment further at this time. The Board advises stakeholders and the public to rely on official PCB communications.”(BBC Sport)

Pietersen joins England’s... (From page 23) Andrew Strauss. He was only allowed to return to the team after a successful ‘reintegration’ period. Pietersen was also one of the first to advocate for England players being allowed to play in the Indian Premier League and other white-ball franchise leagues around the world - a stance which often put him at odds with his employers. Since retiring, Pietersen has enjoyed a successful career as a commentator and content creator while he has mentored in the Indian

Premier League for Delhi Capitals. “I am immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa,” said the ex-Nottinghamshire, Hampshire and Surrey batter. “Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment. “We have an incredibly talented white-ball squad, and I am excited to get in the trenches and work relentlessly hard with these players to

maximise their potential.” England’s T20 team is ranked second in the world but their 50-over side is seventh after struggling since their World Cup win in 2019. “It’s good for the group,” fast bowler Jofra Archer told BBC Sport. “He’s a legend of the game. I’ve never really spent much time with him, so personally I don’t know how that’s going to go. “For the lads, all the batters, we’ve got a few Surrey boys here who will definitely be buzzing to have him around. (BBC Sport)

Sir Garry Sobers honoured as... (From back page) most significant moments in the league’s history. As one of the finest cricketers the game has ever seen, and a defining figure of West Indies cricket, Sir Garry’s name lends the award a weight and a history befitting the Hall of Fame it represents. The Sir Garry Sobers Award will be presented for the first time at the CPL Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at the Hilton Barbados. The evening is being

held in support of the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation’s prostate cancer awareness, testing and early detection work across the Caribbean. With the trophy now carrying Sir Garry’s name, the gala brings together two of West Indies cricket’s most respected figures for a single showpiece night in support of the region. Pete Russell, CEO of CPL, said. “Sir Garry Sobers was, without question, the greatest all-rounder the game

has ever seen, and having his name on this award means a great deal to everyone at CPL. We are enormously grateful to the Sobers family for trusting us with his name and his legacy. It gives this trophy, and this Hall of Fame, a weight our players will carry with real pride. To present it for the first time at a gala dinner in support of Sir Clive Lloyd’s Healthcare Foundation makes 15 September an even more prestigious night for West Indies cricket.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Vurlon Mills Football Academy crowned inaugural GFF U13 Youth Ensemble National Champions VURLON Mills Football Academy (VMFA) has been crowned the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Under-13 Youth Ensemble National Champions after a commanding 3-0 victory over Upper Demerara’s YMCA in the championship final at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, on Saturday. The historic triumph marks the culmination of several months of structured youth competition under the GFF’s newly established Youth Ensemble Programme, a FIFA-supported initiative designed to transform the organisation and delivery of youth football across Guyana. Braving the Saturday morning sun, four clubs representing different Regional Associations battled for national honours in the concluding U13 championship matches. The national finals brought together the leading teams emerging from the programme’s regional competitions, providing young footballers with an opportunity to compete on a national stage after months of organised play. In the third-place playoff, Plaisance FC of the East Demerara Football Association and Potaro Strikers FC played to a 1–1 draw in regulation time.

Anthwon Robinson scored for Plaisance, while Kriston Chandler found the net for Potaro Strikers. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Potaro Strikers prevailed 3–0 to secure the bronze medal and finish third nationally. Plaisance FC finished fourth. The championship final saw VMFA establish its authority early against Upper Demerara YMCA. The Georgetown-based academy applied sustained pressure and took a first-half lead, carrying its advantage into the interval. VMFA continued to control the contest after the break and eventually sealed a comprehensive 3–0 victory. Dean Vancooten, Dontay Kowlessar and Nash Moe were the goalscorers as VMFA secured its place in the history books as the first-ever GFF Youth Ensemble U13 national champions. The victory caps a strong year for VMFA, which had earlier captured the Georgetown Football Association’s U13 Youth Ensemble title after finishing at the top of the regional standings. The academy also won the Georgetown U15 competition, demonstrating the strength and depth of

Vurlon Mills Football Academy crowned champions

its youth development programme. GFF President Wayne Forde was present at the national finals and extended congratulations to the participating teams, players, coaches, parents, Regional Associations and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the inaugural programme. He also acknowledged FIFA for its support and the clubs and Regional Associations for embracing the new national youth competition framework. “Today represents much more than the crowning of a national champion. It is the culmination of a new approach to youth football in Guyana. The Youth Ensemble Pro-

gramme was created to give our young players meaningful, structured competition and to ensure that talent can be identified and developed wherever it exists in our country. I want to congratulate Vurlon Mills Football Academy, all of the finalists and every club, coach, parent, Regional Association and stakeholder who contributed to making this inaugural championship a success. This is an important first step, and we are committed to building on this foundation in the years ahead.” Forde stated. The inaugural Youth Ensemble championship is the culmination of a landmark

initiative launched by the GFF in partnership with FIFA in May 2026. The Youth Programme was first announced by the GFF in February following approval by the Federation’s Congress, with the programme formally launched at the National Training Centre on May 9. Competitive action officially commenced on May 16. The initiative was established to introduce a more structured and predictable national youth football calendar, with competitions at the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 levels across Guyana’s nine Regional Associations. The programme rep-

resents one of GFF’s most ambitious investments in grassroots football, with approximately G$44 million being invested annually over four years. It was deliberately designed to strengthen the pathway from community football to national-team representation by giving young players more consistent competitive opportunities while enabling coaches and technical personnel to identify emerging talent from across the country. The conclusion of the inaugural U13 championship represents an important milestone in the GFF’s broader strategy to strengthen youth development and create a clearer pathway from grassroots participation to elite football. Over several months, young players from communities across Guyana competed regularly for their clubs, gaining valuable experience in technical development, tactical awareness, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship. With the first national Youth Ensemble U13 champion now crowned, the GFF will look to build on the momentum generated by the inaugural programme and further strengthen opportunities for young footballers across the country. (GFF release)

Labuschagne in Australia squad to face Zheng wins set from 5-0 down again to stun Swiatek South Africa OUT-OF-FORM Marnus Labuschagne has been named in the Australia squad for next month’s three Test tour of South Africa. Number three Labuschagne, 32, who was born in South Africa, has failed to score a century since 2023 and struggled in two Tests against Bangladesh last month. Having scored one, 31 and four, he was then left out of Australia’s squad for three one-day internationals in Zimbabwe and another three in South Africa. “[We’re] not shying away from the fact that we’d like some more runs

Marnus Labuschagne helped Australia retain the Ashes against England in 2023

from Marn... but we’re also confident that he can still make a positive contribution to that squad,” chief Australia selector George Bailey said. “Our batting group in its entirety, not just Marn,

probably hasn’t been functioning as successfully as we would like.” Asked if the South Africa series would be Labuschagne’s last chance, Bailey replied: “No, I wouldn’t say (Turn to page 21)

ZHENG Qinwen won a set from 5-0 down for the second match in succession as she extended her fantastic US Open run by beating former champion Iga Swiatek to reach the quarter-finals. Zheng, the reigning Olympic champion and former world number four, dropped outside the world’s top 100 earlier this year while struggling to regain her best form following elbow surgery in July 2025. The 23-year-old from China had trailed Madison Keys 5-0 in the deciding set of their third-round match on Saturday before winning seven successive games to

Zheng Qinwen has matched her best ever performance at the US Open by reaching the quarter-finals

secure her spot in round four. And Zheng was 5-0 down in the opening set against Poland’s eighth seed Swiatek, but won 13 of the next 16 games on Arthur

Ashe Stadium to set up a quarter-final against either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina. The second set was on serve until the seventh game, (Turn to page 21)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Clayton slams field to claim maiden 100m title BRUSSELS, Belgium, (CMC) – Tina Clayton captured the women’s 100m title at the Wanda Diamond League Final here on Saturday’s final day, storming to victory in 10.93 seconds at the King Baudouin Stadium. The 22-year-old Jamaican got off to a great start and maintained her momentum to cruise to victory, stunning Great Britain’s European champion Amy Hunt (11.06) and Sha’Carri Richardson of the USA, who was third in 11.07 seconds, to claim her first Diamond League title. After the race, an elated Clayton said she was satisfied with her performance. “I guess it´s kind of a perfect night, because winning the Diamond League Final is something special. “We all want to go home with the trophy and to be honest there were a lot of candidates for the title. Tonight I was the most determined athlete and that made the difference,” Clayton said. She became the fifth Jamaican woman to take the trophy, joining four-time champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, three-time champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson and Veronica Campbell-Brown.

Tina Clayton of Jamaica celebrates after winning the women’s 100m title at the Wanda Diamond League Final

Clayton was also the fourth Jamaican to win Diamond trophies at this year’s final after Rajindra Campbell threw a national record 23.08m to win the men’s shot put, Oblique Seville won the men’s 100m and Tajay Gayle the men’s long jump on Friday’s opening day. Three other Jamaicans placed third in their respective events: Nickisha Pryce in the women’s 400m, Megan Simmonds in the women’s 100m hurdles and Jordan Scott in the men’s triple jump. Pryce ran 49.36 seconds as Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic set a meet record of 48.64 seconds

to win her fourth Diamond trophy in five years and complete an unblemished Diamond League season. Henriette Jaeger of Norway was second with 49.20 seconds. Simmonds ran a season’s best 12.43 seconds to finish behind world record holder Masai Russell in a meet record 12.20 seconds, with Devynne Charlton breaking her own Bahamian national record with 12.33 seconds to take second place. Meanwhile, Scott jumped 17.18 metres to finish behind Italy’s Andy Diaz Hernandez, who had a meet record of 17.74m, with Pedro Pichardo of Portugal second with a leap of 17.51m.

Kevin Pietersen scored almost 14,000 runs across all three formats for `England, with only Alastair Cook and Joe Root hitting more

Pietersen is one of England’s most successful whiteball batters, being named player of the tournament when they won the T20 World Cup for the first time in 2010. The right-hander scored almost 4,500 ODI runs at an average of 41.32 - bettered only by Joe Root - while in T20 cricket he has the highest average of all batters to hit more than 1,000 runs for England. He did, however, fall out with a number of former England players and coaches during his career. He was accused of being “divisive” in the dressing room and was dropped during a Test series against South Africa in 2012 for sending “provocative” text messages to opposing players, for which he apologised to then captain (Turn to page 21)

Fury says he is looking for new opponent, calls out Usyk

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have signed contracts with Saudi Arabian promoter Sela to fight each other

TYSON Fury claims he is looking for a new opponent for November and has called out Oleksandr Usyk despite being contracted to fight Anthony Joshua next. The all-British heavyweight showdown is being targeted for November, with both Joshua and Fury signing individual contracts for the contest. But the issue of where the fight takes place has caused a delay in an official announcement with organisers pushing to stage it in the US rather than Joshua’s preferred location of Wemb-

ley Stadium. In an expletive-laden video posted on Instagram, Fury claimed Joshua was backing out of the fight. “This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk,” he said. “Oleksandr you’re his [Joshua’s] trainer and his sensei and you know he is weak minded... and that he would never fight the Gypsy King which you have had the guts to do twice. “You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. “Good luck to you, let’s do it again. Let’s run it back

in November. The ball is now in your court... do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits? “Let me know because I am now looking for a new opponent.” Fury has twice lost to Usyk, with the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion now working with Joshua as part of his training and coaching tea. Sela, Queensberry and Matchroom declined to comment on whether talks had broken down when contacted by BBC Sport.

Savory replaces Auguste in St. Lucia Kings Pietersen joins England’s white-ball coaching squad SAINT Lucia Kings have team ENGLAND have appointed former Ashes-winning batter Kevin Pietersen to their white-ball coaching team in the build-up to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Pietersen, 46, joins as a specialist mentor and will start in the role for the upcoming T20 and one-day matches against Sri Lanka. He will also be involved in this winter’s tours to Australia and South Africa, before joining up with the teams again for the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand next summer, as well as the 50-over World Cup, which is being held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in the autumn. “I’ve got immense respect for KP and what he’s achieved in the game,” said England’s white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum.

“He’s had an amazing impact on English cricket, so for someone with his experience, knowledge and stature to want to play a role with this team is a fantastic result.” What do you think about Pietersen’s appointment?

announced the addition of Guyanese wicketkeeper/ batter Kemol Savory to the squad for the remainder of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL T20) season. Savory joins the Kings as a replacement for Ackeem Auguste, who was recently ruled out of the tournament due to medical reasons. “The Guyanese wicketkeeper-batsman brings valuable experience and further strengthens the Kings’ batting an d wicketkeeping options as the team continues its campaign,” the franchise said in a statement on Saturday. “The Saint Lucia Kings welcome Kemol to the Kings family and look forward to his contribution both on and off the field. The franchise also continues to extend its best wishes to Ackeem and

Kemol Savory has been drafted by the St. Lucia Kings for the remainder of the season

looks forward to seeing him back in action when he is fully recovered.” Savory had previously

been picked up by Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, but he is yet to make his CPL debut.

Barbados Tridents bounce back in style to crush Kings and end losing run BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – The Barbados Tridents roared back to form at the Kensington Oval on Sunday night, snapping a four-game losing streak with a resounding eight-wicket victory over the Saint Lucia Kings in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The comprehensive win, which marks the Tridents’ third of the season and their second conquest of the Kings this year, was set up by a disciplined bowling unit before Quinton de

Kock and Rivaldo Clarke orchestrated a composed chase to delight the home faithful. After being put in to bat, the Kings looked intent on erasing the memory of their recent 98-run debacle, riding a flying Power Play performance from Kamil Pooran to race to 51 for 1 after six overs. However, the momentum came crashing down when the wily Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck, dismissing the dangerous Pooran for 37, just six balls later. That breakthrough trig-

gered a stranglehold for the Tridents. Mujeeb and Jakeem Pollard turned the screws on the Kings’ middle order, drying up the boundaries and stifling the run rate. Roston Chase attempted to reignite the innings following Pooran’s departure with a defiant 34, but the Barbados bowlers maintained their vice-like grip. Mujeeb ended as the pick of the attack with outstanding figures of 3 for 22 from his four overs, while Daniel Sams demonstrated his class with a miserly

spell of 2 for 20. The Kings’ death-overs woes continued as they mustered just 29 runs while losing three wickets in the final five overs, limping to a modest total of 138 for 6 at the halfway mark. In reply, the Tridents’ chase got off to a flying start. Openers Brandon King and Zachary Carter put on a brisk 41-run stand to keep the required rate well within reach. Roston Chase provided the breakthrough for Saint Lucia by removing King for 22, and soon after, home

‘Punching above our weight’: President Ali hails Guyana’s World Squash Masters medals GUYANA left an indelible mark on the international glass court this week as Richard Chin and Daniel Ince delivered a powerhouse double-medal performance at the World Squash Masters Championships. In the Men’s +55 final, Richard Chin put on a masterclass of precision, length, and tactical discipline. Squaring off against Germany’s Thomas Grubel in the golden decider, Chin dictated the pace of play from the opening serve, dominating key rallies to wrap up a clean sweep in straight games: 11-9, 11-7, 11-5. “Guyana rejoices in Richard Chin’s magnificent achievement in capturing gold,” the President said in a statement honouring the new world champion. “His triumph is a special

Daniel Ince (left) and Richard Chin

honour for our nation, placing his name alongside that of Nicolette Fernandes, who brought home gold from the World Squash Masters in 2024.” The dramatic flair continued in the Men’s +35 bracket, where Daniel Ince

showed elite grit to capture a hard-earned bronze. Bouncing back from a tough semi-final defeat against Singapore’s second seed Samuel Kang (8-11, 3-11, 3-11), Ince found himself locked in a five-game war of attrition against En-

gland’s David Allman. Ince fired the opening salvo with an 11-8 win in game one before Allman stormed back to level the match. Trading blows across four high-tempo sets, the pair pushed the battle into a highstakes fifth game. With everything on the line, Ince kept his cool under relentless pressure, finding his marks in the late stages to clinch the decider 11-9 and complete an epic 11-8, 3-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9 victory. “We are equally proud of the performance of Daniel Ince, who secured bronze in the Men’s +35 division, displaying remarkable tenacity,” the President noted. “Once again, our national colours have shone brightly on the world stage.” The eight-day showcase (Turn to page 21)

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Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the Player of the Match for his three-for • CPL T20

town boy Joshua Bishop dismissed Carter, who had played a handy cameo of 32. That brought Rivaldo Clarke to the crease alongside the experienced Quinton de Kock, and the duo initially showed caution as the Kings’ bowlers, spearheaded by Bishop and Charith Asalanka, attempted to replicate the Tridents’ earlier defensive tactics. Despite a few anxious moments, including a couple of chances that fell short of the fielders, de Kock (47*) and Clarke (36*) held

their nerve. The pair paced the innings to perfection, slowly turning the screws back on the visitors. Their unbroken 76-run partnership ensured the Tridents cruised to victory at 139-2 with 13 balls to spare. The Tridents will look to build on this momentum when they continue their homestand against the Patriots on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Kings must quickly regroup for their final group-stage fixture against the Warriors on Wednesday night.

Sir Garry Sobers honoured as CPL Hall of Fame award gets his name BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) — The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced that the trophy presented to each year’s player inducted into its Hall of Fame will be officially named the Sir Garry Sobers Award, in tribute to the man universally recognised as the greatest all-rounder West Indies cricket has ever produced. The naming follows the recent launch of the CPL Hall of Fame, which will honour two inductees annually, one player and one off-field contributor. Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop were confirmed as the inaugural class, and the CPL has now secured the Sobers family’s blessing to attach Sir Garry’s name to the award, marking one of the

Sir Garry

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026