...32 killed in Israeli attacks yesterday
Jagdeo confirms Azruddin Mohamed never visited Venezuelan embassy
No access to public information until after elections - Jagdeo
in
GECOM to reconsider allowing cell phones - Commissioner
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo(VP)hashaditupto his neck with the Guyana P o w e r a n d L i g h t Incorporated (GPL), telling reporters on Thursday that heistiredoftheexcusesthe company comes up with for the daily blackouts across thecountry
At his weekly press conference held at party headquarters Freedom House on Robb Street, the VPwas asked by the media, if his party is returned to office at the September 1 polls, does he see them working with the current management of the GPL to fix the blackout woes. As if anticipatingthequestion,the VP out rightly stated “I'm
tired of the excuses every day I call them, tired Sometimes, I just don't find theexcusesfunny.”
He explained that there weresomecaseswherethey had to deliberately give blackouts due to the construction programme Thishesaidisrelevanttothe t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution mains on the RailwayEmbankmentonthe East Coast Demerara and some parts of the East Bank Demerara, which have to be moved off, so that the roadwayscanbeexpanded.
He highlighted that government is aware it will have to “strengthen management there at GPL with the massive plans for
transformation “I don't t h i n k t h e c u r r e n t management can lead that process that they can address all of the issues and ourplansaremassivetohave a stable grid, smart grid by thetimewegetaroundtothe nextelections.”
Jagdeo reminded that there is already the Gas to Energy project scheduled to comeonstreambringing300 megawatts into the system, but they will still need an addition 300 megawatts, prompting plans to resume tendering for the hydro project. Currently there is a project to build out the grid all the way to Berbice on steel towers and the same will be replicated in Linden
Following six months of protest for greater access to public information and the refusaloftheCommissionerofInformation, Charles Ramson Snr to respond to requests fromcivilsocietyandmembersofthemedia, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday that there will be some improvement in this area if his party is reelected to government after the upcoming September 1, General and Regional Elections.
Kaieteur News pointed out to the Vice president at his weekly press conference on Thursday that he had said when questioned before President Irfaan Ali will have to examinethematterbuttodate,noactionhas been taken. Jagdeo responded, “Clearly in our manifesto, you are going to see something about that too, we have made it clearthatmoreinformationhastobepublicly available.”
He then went on to state that his governmenthasalreadybeenmovinginthis directionbypublishinginformationfromthe oilandgassector “Wehavedonesointheoil and gas sector by publishing all of the agreementssigned.Alloftheenvironmental permits We are publishing now the production schedules/ production and other metricsregularly”,heclaimed.
Headdedtoothathisgovernmenthasalso published large-scale contracts for mining and the forestry sector “We are now online with all of the contracts that were issued above fifteen million by NPTAB (National Tender and Administration Board)” he continued before adding that more needs to bedonewhenitcomestotheCommissioner ofInformation.
“Weclearlyhavetoprovidethroughthat office we have to strengthen the law and provide more information I can say that now”,Jagdeosaid.
Kaieteur News pointed out too that the Ramson's reluctance to do his job has raised concerns that he might be squatting in the office.RespondingtothistheVicePresident
said, “As I said before the President will examine this but the job based on that commitment we made, the job does not belong to an individual so we will have to examinethat.”
Led by Attorney-at-law and chartered accountant, Christopher Ram, Guyanese, civil society and even journalists have been protesting against the reluctance of Ramson Snr to release key information on several matters, including documents that can provide some clarity to the signing of the lopsided 2016 oil deal with ExxonMobil Guyana for the lucrative Stabroek oil block.
At a recent protest, Ram had noted the information is not critical for transparency onlybutcouldhelpshapepolicesforGuyana that can benefit the citizens. The protesters had started their demonstration outside of Ramson'sofficebutlatermovedtotheOffice ofPresident.
The protestors argued that the president has the power to not only release the information they are seeking but also take actionagainstRamsonsinceheiscollectinga salary for doing nothing. To date, the government is yet to release the information ortakeanyaction.
and Parika. The Essequibo Coastwillalsobegettingits own system as it will not be onthegrid.
AccordingtoJagdeo,the transmissionmainswillhave to be replaced as these are lots of old lines and old transformers, therefore government will have to replace all of those built circuit systems, so that citizens can have stable power
“Thisneedstobedoneso that, when you have one feeder tripping it, don't shut downthewholesystem,you wouldhaveredundancies,so that'sone. So,wehavetoget firms to supervise the projectstomakesureweget good quality work and we getvalueformoney
Wealsohavetogetvalue for money from the managementandsoIseethe management being strengthened enormously as another important task. It wouldbestupidofustogoto put in all of this investment
and not strengthen the management and the capabilityofGPLtomanage theprocess.”
Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson earlier this year had lamented the poor management of GPL. He argued that in spite of the huge amounts of money, there has not been anything accomplished, as the management remains intact, with financial and commerciallossesonthealltimehighabove30%.
“Daily blackouts continue, the Alliance For Chance, on behalf of the country, is demanding that thegovernmentimmediately employ external as well as local,competentstaff,asthe country can recall in 2020 most of the competent staff would have been let go on resumption of the PPP tenure, and the result is exactly what we are seeing now…,” he said at a nes conferencebackinAprilthis
year Patterson stressed that the much-vaunted Gas-toEnergy project which he termed as the government's silver bullet is languishing, andtheAFChasmaintained that it will not solve the electricityissues.
“Now, the PPP has boasted that with the two powerships, the 27 generators, containerized generators, as well as the existing generation stock that we have doubled the capacity needed, yet every single day the country is faced with blackout. So the challengesandtheproblems are obviously not limited to thegenerationalone.”
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Theshockingrevelationsofcorruptionthatcontinueto enmesh this administration from the highest to the lowest are so disgusting that it baffles us how the President and Vice President can still stand before citizens and defend theirrecordasagovernment.
Wehavewitnessedunprecedentedlevelsofcorruption in the PPP/C's first 23 years as a government.We saw the giveaway of the Sanata Textile complex, the Fip Motilall debacle; the Pradoville scandal; the witch hunt of NBS CEO; the forest giveaway to Bai Shan Lin and others. No sooner than the party returned to government in 2020, the corruption scandal continued - this time at a more aggressive level. Its tentacles have touched almost everyone in the government, the President and Vice Presidenthavenotbeenexempted.WehadtheSu-gategate corruption scandal exposed by Vice News that entangled Bharrat Jagdeo and now two running scandals involving President Irfaan Ali: the Azruddin Mohamed vehicle tax giveawayandthecontractorkickbackarrangement.
Aswehavesaidinapreviouseditorial,itisnauseating how often the names of top-ranking officials in the PPPC Governmentarecalledinsomecorruptioncontext.Forthe most part, neither elected officials nor the ones that they select to support their work are spared. Often, there's the overpowering sense that national governance has deteriorated to the machinations of a gang of thieves.The skullduggeries are most pronounced in procurement for publicworks.
Inits2025report,TransparencyInternationalsaidthat thestateofGuyanahasbeencapturedbytheeconomicand political elites, fostering misappropriation of resources, illicitenrichmentandenvironmentalcrimes.Thebodyalso stated that Guyana has lost ground in the fight against corruptionmovingfrom40pointslastyearto39thisyear, ranking it 92 out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perception Index. The report also noted that although the country has created anti-corruption institutions and laws, transparencyandlawenforcementareverylow,andattacks on dissenting voices, activists and journalists increasingly common.
It must be noted that corruption in Guyana under the People's Progressive Party (PPP) government is no secret—it'sanopenwoundthatkeepsfestering.Foryears, ordinary Guyanese have watched as public resources are siphoned off, contracts are handed to friends and political loyalists, and accountability is treated like an inconvenienceratherthanaduty
Theoilboomwassupposedtobeablessing,butunder the PPP, it risks becoming just another gold rush for the politicalelitewhiletheaveragecitizenseeslittlechangein their daily life.Transparency is a word they love to use in speeches, but in practice, it's a mirage. Procurement processes are routinely bypassed, evidenced by the solesourcing of a Dominican Republican firm to undertake managementconsultancyfortheGuyanaPowerandLight (GPL). Major projects are green-lighted without genuine oversight. Under the PPP/C government important questions in Parliament were often dodged, audits have beendelayed,andwhistleblowersintimidated.
When scandals break out much like the current goldsmuggling racket and the alleged kickback allegations involving the president and his ministers, the standard playbookkicksin:governmentofficialseventhePresident woulddeny,distract,andwaituntilthepublicmoveson.
Law enforcement and regulatory bodies, instead of being independent guardians of the public interest, often appear as tools to protect the powerful and punish dissenters. The lines between government, business, and party are blurred to the point of invisibility Foreign investorsquicklylearnthat“greasingpalms”isnotjustan optionbutanecessityiftheywanttooperatesmoothly
Meanwhile, the country's social services remain underfunded, so much so that we have to borrow money from the IDB to fix the water systems. The healthcare
DearEditor,
I do not know Leonard Craig and I am sure he is capable of explaining the imbroglio he has found himselfin.
I will say straight up, I think he is a decent and respectable person, from the littleIhaveseenandreadof
him. Decorum ran amok on thecampaignstage,andfaux p a s c o m m i t t e d , unpardonablesinsintheeyes ofthepublicandrightlyso.
Now his image is tattered and shredded. I can feel his regret and contriteness for what occurred.
However,inmyviewhis integrity and completeness asasoundanddecentperson remain unblemished and intact.
While we condemn his unthinkable outbursts, the public unleash of ridicule and humiliation for an error, putitdowntohumanfrailty, isunneededandunhelpful. Mr Craigwillreflecton this episode and take the lessonsfromit. And, even as he is crucified, he will resurrect. Because you can't keep a goodpersondown.
Regards ShamshunMohamed
DearEditor,
Asayoungwomanunder 30,Iamhonestlyappalledat the posts I've been seeing from other young women sayingtheywon'tvoteinthe Septemberelectionsbecause "there's no choice" on the ballot.Let'snotkidourselves whattheymeanis:theydon't want to vote for the PPP/C. And here's where the hypocrisy comes in: the PPP/C is the only political party in Guyana's history thathasfoughtfor,defended, and expanded women's rights.
Ifyou'reawomaninthis country who votes, owns property, earns equal pay, or participates freely in public
life, you should know that those freedoms didn't magically come, and they didn'tcomefromthePNCor any of the fly-by-night political outfits popping up. Theycamefromamovement thePPP/Cbuilt,withwomen like our late President, H.E. JanetJaganattheforefront. Janet Jagan was not just Guyana's first female President. She was a fighter who, in the 1940s and 50s, battled a system that treated women as second-class citizens.
She and her comrades in the PPP/C fought for our right to vote, so that women andmencouldvoteonequal terms.The PPP/C didn't just
delivered it, decade after decade, through policies, laws,andopportunities.Just look at their list of candidates, look at the representation in the last sitting of Parliament, and look at leadership positions acrosstheboard.
So, when I see young women today, women who benefitdailyfromrightsthat the PPP/C fought for casually dismissing the ballotas"havingnochoice," it's not just ignorance. It's a slapinthefacetothewomen who made sure you could even have a say in your country's future. You don't
have to love everything about p
tics But pretending that not voting is some noble protest is delusional. It's a decision to throw away the very rights youinherited.
And coming from women in a country where, less than a lifetime ago, we weren't even seen as equal citizens? That's disgraceful. I'll be voting for the PPP/C becauseofGuyana'shistory, because I value my right, because I'm not about to hand them away out of spite or apathy, and because it is the common-sense thing to do.
Yourstruly
NutanaSingh
DearEditor,
Online shopping has become more mainstream forGuyanese.Onecanorder apairofshoesordressfrom aUScompanyandhavethat item shipped to Guyana through freight forwarders and local shipping companies for a price that many G
popularityofthispastime. Online shopping is not only convenient for the shopperbutoneisexposedto
ty of merchandise, better quality products, competitive prices and better customer service (USstandard)forthosewith this pet peeve. While many overseasvendorsdonotship small personal purchases to
Guyana, a few popular vendors from Asia do. For instance, Shein offers 'Free ExpressShipping'directlyto Guyana if one spends a minimum of approximately 130 USD While DHL Express - the shipper that Shein utilises - does not provide free delivery of items when they arrive in Guyana, it did allow customers to uplift their packages at Ogle Airport which is apparently where cargo from Shein arrives at. Customers just had to pay custom duty at the airport and interestingly, a fee to DHL Express for the paperwork to clear their package. Since December 2024, DHL Express is not allowing customers to do
systems despite the construction of new hospitals remain strain,andinfrastructureinmanycommunitiesiscrumbling. The wealth gap widens while a political class entrenches itself, living far removed from the struggles of the people which they claim to represent. Guyana's potential is enormous, oil wealth, fertile land, human capital but corruptionistheparasitethatkeepsdrainingit.UntilthePPP is forced to face real consequences for abuse of power, the cycle will continue: the rich and connected will get richer, and the majority will be left with promises, excuses, and littleelse.
self-clearance at Ogle Airport.Now,customersare forced to uplift their packages at the DHL office in traffic-congested Alberttown, Georgetown Also, the cost to uplift one's package(s) although 'Free ExpressShipping'toGuyana is given has increased exorbitantly Before, when upliftingattheairport,itwas just a small fee for custom duty and the 'unethical' paperwork charge to DHL now, one has to pay custom dutywhichissuddenlymore than what one would have paid at the airport for a package of similar value, custom brokerage, miscellaneous VAT and (another) VAT! Why is the customer now required to pay three different taxes but at the airport would only have to pay one, custom duty?Also,ifoneweretouse a local shipping company, the only tax on the receipt wouldbecustomduty Andif one enters a US address instead of a Guyana one for their Shein order, the packageisdelivereddirectly tothecustomer'sresidenceat
no additional charge from theshippingcompany By removing the option to do self-clearance at the airport, customers are now forcedtopayabrokeragefee of thousands of dollars to uplift small packages for personal use, not to mention theadditionaltaxes.Ibelieve that this company is operating unethically to increase its profit margin, in addition to offering poor customer service Its interaction with customers, needs to be more professionalandcordial;and feeschargedshouldbemore transparent and ethical. For instance, it should allow customers to do selfclearance of their package if thisismoreconvenientandit should provide a more detailed explanation regarding the different charges.Ontheotherhand,if the financial arrangement with the vendor is not sustainable DHL Express should drop the vendor instead of exploiting the customer
Yourssincerely, NarissaDeokarran
DearEditor,
In light of the new, indisputable facts recently made known by Melly Mel, andcorroboratedbycredible citizens such as @Terrence Campbell, the trajectory of the upcoming elections in Guyana has changed. These revelations have stripped away the last veil of denial andconfirmedwhatmanyof ushavebeensayingallalong — that our democracy is underdirectassault*andthe ruling party the PPP is directlytoblame.*Thetime for the international communitytodenouncethis widespread corruption is now *However, in addition
to denouncing it, they must helpstopitbysanctionsand international indictments andotheractions.* Nolongercanthosewho, just five years ago, installed this immoral and corrupt regime, remain silent to protect their economic interests and political puppets Silence, at this moment in our history, is complicity
The citizens of Guyana will not stand by while you turn a blind eye to the murders of innocent children, men, and women. We will not remain idle while you allow this corrupt clique to register
Commonwealth citizens who do not meet the legal requirements to vote. We will not stand by while you appoint supernumerary constables for the sole purposeofenablingelectoral fraud.
We see the manipulation of state resources for political gain. We see the intimidation of journalists, the suppression of dissent, and the weaponizing of law enforcementtoprotectthose inpower Weseethelooting of our national wealth while ordinary Guyanese struggle tofeedtheirfamilies.
Totheinternational
(Continuedonpage6)
PPP/C is being compared to perfection, not to the alternatives
DearEditor,
In much of the recent political commentary, particularly in the pages of StabroekNewsandKaieteur
News, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is held to an i m p o s s i b l e standard—measured against a mythical perfect scenario ratherthanagainsttheactual record of other political parties Take President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. His academic background is unmatched among current political leaders in Guyana. HeholdsaPhDinUrbanand Regional Planning from the University of the West Indies;anMAinManpower Planning, Postgraduate Diploma in International Business, and Postgraduate Certificate in Finance from Anglia Ruskin University; an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford; and a
BA (Hons) in Business Management from the UniversityofSunderland. These qualifications are matchedbyextensivepublic service.
Before becoming President, Dr Ali served as Minister of Housing and Water and later as Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
He also chaired the PublicAccounts Committee and co-chaired the Economic Services Committee. In these roles, he spearheaded housing expansions, infrastructure d
investment initiatives that
nd strengthenedtheeconomy As President, he has o v e r s e
o r d infrastructure growth, modernized public services, invested heavily in education and healthcare, andlaunchedtransformative
DearEditor,
One of the most important safeguards in a democracy is the clear separation between politics and administration. This is not a new idea. In 1887, WoodrowWilsonarticulated the politics–administration dichotomy politicians
d e c i d e p o l i c y ; administrators implement it impartially Max Weber reinforced this in his model
promotions are based on merit, governed by clear rules, and insulated from
influence.
digital and energy projects. This is proven leadership, groundedinexperience.
Yet, whether it is governance, infrastructure, or improvements in the policeforce,thePPP/Cisnot compared to APNU/AFC, PNC, or WIN it is comparedtoanidealthatno governmentcouldmeet.
This approach ignores both context and history, creating an unfair narrative. Guyana deserves fair, factbased political analysis VotersshouldseethePPP/C measured against what
others have actually delivered—not against an unattainableutopia.
Sincerely,
ScottLarson
democracies like the UK, Canada, and Australia enforce this principle
secretariesandseniorpublic officers remain visibly nonpartisan, refrain from politicalactivities,andserve the government of the day w i t h i m p a r t i a l advice—regardless of party Their neutrality preserves public trust in state institutions.
Guyana's Constitution embeds this principle Article 38G guarantees the integrity of the public service, protecting officers from being compelled to carry out irregular acts and requiring them only to i
government policies The Public Service Commission (PSC), constitutionally autonomous, is tasked with making appointments and promotions on merit—not onpartyloyalty Since1953, the PSC's purpose has been to shield the public service frompoliticalcapture.
T h e L u t c h m a n Commission of Inquiry (2016)warnedthatsustained one-party d
ce underminestheWestminster
professionalism of the service. It recommended a Public Service Law to enshrine neutrality and m
a c y i n statute recommendations stillnotimplemented.
Regrettably, under the c u r r e n t P P P / C administration, the lines between public service and partymachineryhaveallbut vanished Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has openly declared that permanent secretaries can participate politically (Kaieteur News, "Jagdeoiswrongyetagain," May18,2024).Thisisnot
(Continuedonpage6)
DearEditor,
Theclaimsofcorruption have now made it clear that nothing is out of bounds. Five percent has not been refutedinthenationalpress, majorprojectshavenotbeen reducedandaninvestigation hasnotbeenlaunched.Every road, school, building and bridge now have the unfortunate mark of a question.
Are they five to twenty percentagepointstoohighin cost? Are they safe to use? Has pilferage reduced the quality of work and has the
c o u n t r y ' s g r o w t h transformedintoasymbolof greed? Without cleaning up whatiscausingthestenchof corruption, the path which brought exceptional growth will lead to the greatest robbery to ever occur in Guyana's history The accusations are of such magnitude that it can no
longer be business as usual. Otherwise,nothingbeforeus will have a sustainable lasting positive impact Moral bankruptcy has reached new heights and poverty will return if our vote does not place us on solidground.
Sincerely, Mr JamilChanglee
ON/LONDON, Aug 14
(Reuters) - Premiums for promptbenchmarkoilprices
globally are falling compared with those in future months on rising outputfromtheMiddleEast, Latin America and Europe, justaspeaksummerdemand ends, traders and analysts saidonThursday
Easing concerns that the U S could impose more sanctions on Russia and further disrupt oil supplies are also weighing on oil prices, they said. The sixmonthtimespreadsforBrent futures , U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures and Middle East marker Dubai havenarrowedbymorethan $1abarrelinbackwardation sincethestartofthemonth.
Backwardation refers to a market structure where prompt prices are higher than those in future months,
indicating tight supply A narrowing of the structure indicates a market view that suppliesareexpectedtorise.
"Brent and Dubai time spreadsaresofteningmainly on expectations of incremental OPEC+ supply from September and easing fears of Russian disruption after recent steady flows via both Baltic and Black Sea," said Shohruh Zukhritdinov, a Dubai-based oil trader "U.S. crude supply remains stable,butrefineryrunswill gradually decline into the shoulder season, easing prompt tightness," he said.
U S President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on Friday to strike a ceasefire dealinUkraine.Citianalysts said Brent could land in the low-$60s per barrel area, if there is progress towards a U.S.-Russiadeal.
Traders are bracing for more supplies after the
Countries and their allies, knownasOPEC+,agreedto increase September output, justasnon-OPECproducers such as Guyana, Brazil and
Norway launched new production.
Peak oil demand during the Northern Hemisphere summer is also ending, cooling red-hot diesel margins in Europe and reducing the burning of crude for power in Saudi Arabia,thesourcessaid.
"We saw a lot of selling
A drone view shows oil tankers loading crude oil at the Basra Oil Terminal in Iraqi territorial waters, off the coast of Basra, Iraq, August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Mohammed Aty/File Photo
D
expectation around crude demand revised down as refinery margins weaken as
Tchilinguirian, group head of research at Onyx Capital Group, referring to physical trade in the North Sea market.
developer Orsted said on Monday it plans a $9 4 billion rights issue citing adverse development in the U.S.offshorewindmarket.
"Now that seasonal demand is going to unwind, and we cannot be sure that Chinawillkeepupelevated
(Continuedonpage14)
DearEditor,
Having worked at a government agency entrusted with technical service delivery, I am intimately familiar with the political interference and subversion that lurk beneath thesurface.
Ipitymanyofmyformer colleagues and new recruits—whosetalentsare stifled and whose concerns are silenced by an environment that punishes dissent and rewards compliance. I admire their endurance under such politicalduress,andIgrieve thelossoftheirprofessional freedom. What compels me to speak out now is the blatant,daylighthijackingof yetanothertechnicalagency, as evidenced on its own Facebook page I refer specifically to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).
Canthemanagementand PR department of NAREI kindly explain why its
As a young professional with both Bachelor's and Master'sdegrees,Iwouldbe dishonest if I claimed that the personal agendas and political manoeuvrings of friends and favourites of the ruling regime did not affect me and undoubtedly many others. To dedicate years toward becoming a qualified technocrat, only to be bypassed by what I term paratroopers from the state apparatus — unwelcomed individualswhoappearfrom the political ether and are installed into lofty, highsalaried positions — is an affront to decency, integrity, and the meritocratic ideals instilled in us from childhood "If you study hard, you will succeed in life,"saideveryteacherever Yet the harsh truth many young, ambitious (and admittedly naïve!) professionals like myself eventuallyconfrontisthis:in Guyana today, connections often matter more than competence.
official Facebook page intersperses technical advisories and agency publications with political propaganda?Whyshouldan institutionwhosemandateis to support the nation's crop sectorserveasamouthpiece for a specific political party anditsassociates?
Postafterpostshowcases agricultural developments attributed solely to the PPP/C regime. While it is entirely appropriate to a c k n o w l e d g e t h e governmentoftheday,must wealwaysamplifytheparty brand while suffocating our nationalidentity?
Why, for instance, did the February 13, 2025, post read: "Thanks to the PPP/C Government, students of BygevalMultilateralSchool haveashadehousewithdrip irrigation," instead of the more appropriate, nonpartisan "Thanks to the Government of Guyana…"?
Will endorsement of President Ali for a second term soon become another
Frompage5
community your credibility is at stake. You cannot preach democracy abroad while ignoring its destruction in Guyana. You cannot claim to defend humanrightswhileallowing political violence and targeted killings to go unpunished. To the Guyanese people — this election is far too important for us to remain passive. Our democracy, our future, and our children's righttoliveinafreeandjust society depend on our courage today We must
stand united, vigilant, and unafraid.
We must resist every attempttorobusofourvoice andourvote.
History will remember who spoke up, and who remainedsilent.
Sincerely
TerrenceBlackman
implicit requirement of agency staff? That's a rhetorical question, of course — considering that on July 21, 2025, NAREI's page even reshared a partisan rally promotion from "Action News" advertising a PPP/C Grand PublicRallyinIndustry! It is almost unbelievable that we now find ourselves confronting the shameless and unethical posturing of a governmentanditsagencies, where political allegiance is celebrated and multipartisanismissubdued.This is even more disturbing when one considers documented instances of public servants being sanctioned, transferred, or dismissed simply for associating with opposition
Frompage5
m e r e l y a c a s u a l statement—it is a rewriting of the rules that effectively sanctions partisan control overthestateapparatus.
Theeffectsareplain:
1 Administration weakened – professional d e c i s i o n s b e c o m e politicized, competence is sidelined,andimpartialityis abandoned.
2 Party paramountcy revived – the ruling party's interests take precedence overnationalservice.
3. Generational shift in
party figures. Whether you are a PPP/C supporter, opposition supporter or politically unenthusiastic, youmustviewpoliticalpress from a public agency in the coldlightofday:thecontent on NAREI's Facebook page cannot be passed off as harmless branding; it is a window into what is transpiring within the agency What ought to be a free-thinking, non-partisan
research institution composed of
technicians and technocrats has been reduced to an echo
c
paymasters. This reflects a broader national tragedy — the incestuous, political bastardization of young, intelligent,andgiftedminds.
values – many young public servants now see political loyalty as the only reliable path to job security and promotion.Someareopenly engaged, during official work hours, in campaignrelated activities such as checking voters' lists or mobilizing support for the party
This culture teaches that allegiance to the PPP/C, not performance, is the key to advancement.
The result is a state machinery that serves the ruling party first, the people
O
and performance suffer daily miscarriages at the hands of nepotism, corruption, and incompetence. Quite frankly, it is absolutely reprehensible. It is an insult to our intellect and our integrity. Knowledge, science, and development are and must remain — apolitical. Let's keep them that way Leaving NAREI was one of thebestdecisionsofmylife. I no longer feel drained by the parasitic, paralysisinducing miasma of that state-orchestrated public circus — also known as "publicservice."
ApatrioticGuyaneseand servantofthesoil.
Sincerely
MeritusIgnored
second It is the very opposite of what our constitutionalorderintends.
A truly professional public service is not an abstract ideal it is a democratic necessity Without it, we risk sliding deeper into a system of patronagepolitics,wherethe colours you wear matter more than the work you do. Guyana deserves—and our Constitution demands a publicservicethatservesthe nation,nottheparty
Yoursfaithfully, A.Rampersaud
No one is surprised by the U.S. Department of State's assessment of press freedom in Guyana and the challenges members of the media face by this PPP/C Government. In its 2024 human rights report, it was stated the Irfaan Ali-led People's Progressive Party government has monopolised state-owned media and that while independent news media were active and expressed a wide variety of views, some members of media reported they faced discrimination and hostile personal verbal attacks in response to public inquiries.
The PPP's record on press freedom is not one of progress or safeguarding democratic norms—it's a narrative marred by economic coercion, state-controlled media manipulation and selective enforcement of freedoms.
Journalists under PPPC administrations have long faced a chilly reception. Independent media outlets, particularly those critical of government policies, have been targeted through economic coercion, denial of state advertising revenue. Harassment,vilification, censorship, suspensions of media licences, misuse of defamation laws, and even statements that condoned violent threats against journalists.
Even when improvements are claimed, they lack the depth and consistency needed to rebuild trust. Without meaningful reform that ensures safety, independence, and fairness for journalists, talk of press freedom rings hollow in Guyana.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday commissioned the newly reconstructed Eteringbang Police Station in Region Seven.
Minister Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Deputy Commissioner 'Operations'Mr ErrolWatts, andCommanderofRegional Police Division #7, Senior
Superintendent Dion Moore were all on hand at the commissioningceremony
The ministry noted that the project is part of enhancing safety for the community “Strategically situated in this vital border community, the modernised s
investment in strengthening law enforcement capability
and presence in the region. Equipped with upgraded infrastructure and state-ofthe-artresources,thefacility is designed to enable the Guyana Police Force to perform their duties more effectively, enhancing crime prevention and response times,”theministrystated.
For the people of E t e r i n
surrounding areas, the ministry added that the station provides more accessible policing services, i
response, and stronger collaboration between law e
community and that it is expected to contribute to reduced crime rates, greater social stability, and a heightened sense of safety
developmentandprosperity
K
understands that over the pastweeks,Ministerandhis t
commissioning these newly reconstructed facilities. At
nt commissioning ceremony, henotedthatthegovernment iscommittedtoensuringthat every community, whether
long-established or newly emerging, has access to quality, professional law enforcement services He added that the government continues to prioritize investments in smart infrastructure to ensure that law enforcement agencies are equipped with the tools and environment they need tokeepcommunitiessecure, proactive,andconnected.
TCentre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development has signed a MoU with Sophia Point RainforestInc.tocollaborate onbiodiversityconservation andclimatechangework.
Signed on 26th June 2025, the collaboration will include strengthening scientific research capacity, enhancing education and knowledge sharing, promoting biodiversity conservationandfacilitating staff and technical exchange initiatives,Iwokramasaidin apressrelease.
Iwokrama's CEO, Dane Gobinnotedthat“theCentre is especially pleased to have partnered with Sophia Point to promote biodiversity conservationandresearchin Guyana.
Iwokrama is recognized globally for decades for its science and sustainable conservationpracticesandis happy to collaborate with research institutions around thecountryandhaveexisting M o U
GMCS/Imbotero research CentreandTheUniversityof Guyana.
Dane Gobin (left)- CEO, Iwokrama International Centre, and Nicola Green (right) - Sophia Point Chair of Trustees and Co-Founder, pose for a photo after signing MoU.
This MoU with Sophia Point will help to strengthen this partnership between the institutionswhichalsolends support to Guyana's environmental efforts including the Low Carbon Development Strategy”.
Sophia Point Chair of Trustees and Co-Founder, NicolaGreen,notedthat'We atSophiaPointarepleasedto sign this Memorandum of Understa
ding with Iwokrama at such a critical
timeforGuyana. Together, we have a unique opportunity to deepen scientific research, protectourrichbiodiversity, and build national capacity in support of Guyana's Low Ca
partnership underscores Iwokrama's commitment to strengthening collaboration in support of science-based conservationandsustainable developmentinGuyana.
I have always believed horse racing is the sport of kings.Whichisunfortunate, because I’m not a king. I’m notevenaprince.IfIwereto claim a title, it would be “TheDukeofCheapSeats,” which, unlike the real nobility, means standing behind a fence, craning my neck around a man who insists on wearing a sombrero the size of the moon.
But that’s horse racing for you particularly in Guyana—where on Guyana Cup Sunday, thousands descend on the track. The excitement starts when the gates open both the starting gates for the horses and the entry gates for the spectators. Once inside, the rich and famous float up the stairs into their VIP and VVIP boxes, sipping beer andcheaprum,whiletherest of us, not fortunate to be accorded VVIP and VIP status or to get a complimentarypassintothe pavilion, reserved for ownersandtrainersandtheir lone lines of children, grandchildren, uncles, aunties and cousins, are herded toward the stands like we’re part of the preracelivestockparade. They call the seating “general admission,” but that’s misleading. There’s nothing general about being crammed so tightly you can hear the digestive decisions of the person next to you.
We’relikesardines.Andnot the nice imported kind in olive oil. No—the ones in brinewiththesunbeatingin andasmallchildstandingon yourtoestogetabetterview
Meanwhile, in the VIP area, they’ve got plush chairs,linentablecloths,and supposedly good company I n t h e V V I P
s e c t i o n b e c a u s e apparently “very important” w a s n ’ t i m p o r t a n t enough they have even more exclusive seating. “I hear they’ve got fresh
coconut water vapor circulating in their VVIP boxes, just so their drinks taste properly tropical ” Then there are the pavilion folkswhodidn’thavetopay the new astronomical entrance fee. No, they’re given complimentary passes Which is ironic, becauseifanyonecanafford topay,it’sthem.
And then there’s us, the devoted turfites, whose loyalty to the sport is measured in sunburns and how long we can hold a plastic cup of beer without spilling it when a horse stumblesattheturn.Wepay the full price, including for the “live entertainment” after the races—which is fine,excepthalfofusdidn’t come for the after-show Would it kill them to have a “JustLetMeSeetheHorses” ticketoption?
But no—one ticket fits all, unless you’re VIP or
VVIP Thenyoucanwander in and out at will, like visiting royalty They arrive fashionablylate,justintime for the big race, their sunglasses large enough to shadesmallvillages,andthe only horses many of them see are the ones on the programme.
The prize money this yearfortheGuyanaCuphas been advertised at $50 million. Let me repeat that: Fifty Million Dollars That’s multiple times the purse of other meets, which meansthehorsesarerunning for more than some politicians have declared in assets. And yet, of that $50 million, how much is being s p e n t o n a c t u a l improvements for the ordinary spectators? If you guessed “just enough to paintoverlastyear’speeling rail,” congratulationsyou’ve been to the races before. This is the strange economyofhorseracing:the sport is kept alive by the roaring, sweating, sunburned masses, but all the best seating, shade, space, and free-flowing drinks are reserved for the few who could survive without ever setting foot at the track Without the commoncrowd,theGuyana Cup would look like a private garden party with a couple of horses running laps in the background. But instead of rewarding the people who actually create
Demboysseh,anewfaddonestarton de roads, and yuh know how it go. What startsmallnowturnfullblownwahala.De law seh when yuh hear a siren, yuh must pull over and allow de vehicle to pass. Sound simple, right? Well, in Guyana, simple don’t last long. Now, every time police, ambulance, or one government convoy switch on dem sirens, it ain’t just demspeeding.Wholeheapaotherdrivers tekdechancetuh“joindeparty.”
Dem boys seh, all of a sudden, a twocarconvoyturnintoaten-carparade.And itdon’tstopdeh.Peopleincars,pick-ups, even lil’ motorbikes start tailing de siren vehicle like de law seh dem entitled tuh ride de blue light express. Dem speeding downderoadlikedeminsomeGrandPrix, while regular drivers watching dey life flashbeforedeyeyes.
De real irony is, de law supposed tuh makederoadsafer,butnowitnahsafeno more.Everybodybusypullingover,trying tuh get out de way, but de convoy behind
theatmosphere,theycramus in tighter and raise the entrancefee.
At some point, someone must have thought: “What would really make the loyal fans happy? Oh, I know less space and higherprices!”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love the races. I love the rush when the horses hit the homestretch, the way strangers suddenly become your cousins when youbothhavemoneyonthe samehorse,andthefactthat inthosemoments,thecrowd
is united in a roar that can
Georgetown.ButIalsothink itwouldbeniceifwedidn’t have to risk heatstroke and being squeezed to death to enjoy it. Maybe just a little more seating. A sliver of shade. Perhaps a policy that doesn’t require standing behindamanwhoinsistson doing windmill arm stretcheseverytwominutes. But hey, who am I to complain? I’m not VIP I’m not VVIP I’m not even “Important ” I’m just another sardine, standing –
not sitting – in the stands, waitingforthedaywhenthe people who actually fill the stands will be considered deserving of a better view than the back of someone’s sombrero.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
stillcominglikehurricane.Demboysseh, sometimes it look like de siren vehicle doinghumanitarianwork,butdefollowers just doing tourism! Yuh don’t even need GPS,justfollowdeflashinglights. And if yuh tink dat only happen with police and ambulances, think again Government convoys now full fashion show Sirens blaring, windows tinted, drivers showing off dem speed skills, and de next thing yuh know, all dem “fans” behind dem doh even realize dey creating roadchaos.Onehandpullingover,deother handprayingyuhcarsurvive.
Dem boys seh, this fad needs to stop quick, quick. Sirens meant tuh save life, notturnroadintoracingcircuit.Nexttime yuh see a siren, do de right thing—pull over and leh dem pass. But don’t follow dem like dem float parade; dem create more hazard than what de law trying tuh fix.Guyanaroadsafetydon’tneedfashion trends;itneedsense. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
Corruption for the PPP Government is a big problem,what'snowacrisis.
The problem for the PPP is that corruption is different this time around, can't be suppressed, can't be shouted
down I pity the government's defenders armedwithspoonstoempty oceans. I retrace the years for a revisit of prior corruptions, then return to whereandhowcorruptionis now Guyanese have heard howPNCgovernmentswere corrupt. They were, of that let there be neither be mistake nor minimizing Therewereideasofwhothe thieveswere,agoodsenseof how many, and how high theyoperated. Otheraspects ofthatcorrupttimewere:1) all of the national numbers were pale in comparison to now; 2) the pace and size of
developments were anemic when matched against those of now; 3) the media was a pale shadow of what is in operation today; and 4) Guyana's mass of poor scraped, survived, battled, and rebuilt elsewhere, while today, the new mass of poor Guyanese wonder why their conditionissogravewithso much happening Their conclusions are firm: their continued impoverishment is necessary, so that others can get obscenely rich on theirdollar
The evidences of the PPP's webs (not so mysterious, really) of corruption are visible, immediate, and personal PNC corruptions (whether 50yearsagoor5)-werereal and pinching. No question, no pushback. But they wither in scale and magnitude when compared
to what is going on today under the PPP oil government. Magnitude so dense that even the PPP faithful are awed. Tangible and so profuse that it's like colliding with a drunken crowd coming out of a cricket ground, one that is rejoicing in a sweet victory People get trampled. The tiny are brushed aside Often, those of no standing are spat upon by the celebrating, the stuffed-up haughty walking on stilts. Summary: corruption is personal; close; inflaming. Because corruptions scorch at individual, familial, and communallevels.
Reality check: headlines come into a steady, glistening stream. Guyana. So, who are the Guyanese benefiting? Why am I not benefiting,doingbetterthan five years ago? Only small
trickles of money were availablebeforeforthepoor, because of bigger priorities (roads, structures), so from where so much money now, with so many rich promises brandished now? How can thatbe,whenoilpriceshave tumbled by approximately 25%? Sure, a greater volume of oil is pumped daily, but why am I stuck, andin-laws,andnearandfar cousins? Why when we all looklikethegovernment?
If this is our draining, anguished plight, then what about those Guyanese who seemtoberoastedbythesun at high temps? So, who is snatching the prosperity of stupendous GDP, harvesting incomparable economic growth? No one, not one leader or minister in the governing cabal, can or will say that Guyana is doing badly, merely ordinary
Thus, the inquiry that houses so much pain, anxiety, despair: what happened to all the fancy money? 'Wha happen to mee?' Where's the money going? Whose hands, pockets? Who was it that justracedpastinthatluxury vehiclekickinguppebblesin my face, while 'laffing' their headsoff? Whilemybackis breaking from scrapping around for a meal to last throughtoday?
'Nahmaan,mehnahguh faar in school, but dah caan be frum deh salaree alone!' It's not the Wharton School ofBusiness,butitiswhatthe commonfolknowmaketheir business It's the best education about corruption that one can get. Ordinary Guyanese having had that education daily, are now so well-equippedtheycanopen their own corruption schools. Scratch the PNC from that equation. Who's left, but the many corruptions of the PPP through this one, that one, theotherone? Introducede 'li'lbhai'(apology)andwhat abouthim(wartsandall)that sends the PPP into such fits offrenziesfromheadtotoe? Since the PPP has been so clean,sogoodandcaringfor the poor people of Guyana,
who the hell in the PPP should give a damn about him? Irony of ironies: he maynotbetheantichrist,but he is feared, nonetheless. The puzzle that the poor studies. Heissupposedtobe Candidate Anticorruption; therefore, he ought to be a most welcomed sibling of the anti-corrupt in the PPP Particularly given past friendships,oldfamiliarity Whoever denies corruptions, claims doing right, now makes bright promises,thepeoplearestill naked, emptyhanded, frightened. If they can't make it in today's Guyana, don't count today, the future dangled by desperate politicalleadersmustbeone more cruel mirage. The wages of corruption are distrust, disdain, dismissal. Corruption warnings were mocked yesterday Today's promised kindnesses might justbeacaseoftoolittle,too late.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
A 25-year-old security guard was remanded on Thursday for the murder of Pedro Alexander Frometa Slonchak; a 34-year-old Cubannational.
The accused, Kelvin Belgrave of Red Road, Sophia, who was employed with KGM Security Service appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azorewhoreadthecharge.
Belgrave was not required to plead to the indictable offence which allegedthatheonAugust10, 2025 at Real Value Supermarket located on ThomasandChurchStreets, Georgetown, killed Slonchak. Theprosecution toldthecourtthatontheday inquestion,theaccusedwas armedwithapistolandeight rounds of ammunition when Slonchak entered the supermarket and picked up several labels, and began walkingaroundthestore.
The prosecution said too that the victim placed the
labels under his shirt after which Belgrave approached him and took his firearm from his waist and delt the victimtwoslapstohisface.
Thecourtalsoheardthat a scuffle ensued and the defendant pulled out a knife from his pants pocket and dealtthevictimseveralstabs and shots leaving him motionless Magistrate Azore denied Belgrave bail and the matter was adjournedforSeptember12, 2025.
Three persons were placed on Thursday on $1.5 million bail when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates'Courttoanswer twocountsofsimplelarceny chargeseach.
The trio, 47-year-old Colin McClennon of Lot 112, Farm Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), 34year-old RayonVanlonge of Lot 220 Kurupukari, Soesdyke-Linden highway and 21-year-old Rocklon Lashleycalled'Quan'ofLot 193 Friendship East Bank Demerara (EBD) appeared before Senior Magistrate FabayoAzore.
They were jointly charged and were not required to plead to the indictablecharges.
It is alleged that McClennon, Vanlonge and Lashley on December 17, 2024 at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, stole one reel base valued US$821,355 (G$164,271,000) and three pallets of wire ropes value
U S $ 1 3 5 , 0 0 0 (G$27,000,000) property of SaipemGuyanaInc.
It is also alleged that the three men on December 18, 2025 stole six metal stands
valued US$300,000 (G$60,000,000) property of SaipemGuyanaInc.
The prosecution objected to bail due to the seriousnatureoftheoffence and the cost of the stolen items.Itwasarguedthattwo of the accused admitted to thecrimeandmaynotreturn to court should bail be granted. The prosecution told the court that police experienced difficulty locatingMcClennon.
The court heard that on thedaysinquestionthemen received the cargo manifest
At the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Thursday
which informed them of the locationtodeliverthecargo. The trio, a logistics officer, truckdriverandporter,were required to take the items from John Fernandes ltd. to Guyana Shore Base Inc However, the items were taken to Triviar, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara(EBD).
An investigation was subsequently conducted and themenwerecontacted,two of which said they were instructed by the logistics officer to take the items to Land of Canaan The logistics officer then told investigators that he receivedmoneyfromoneof the accused after they delivered the items to the wrong location, stating that it was a sale and the items weresold.
M c C le n n o n w a s represented by attorney Ronald Daniels while Vanlonge and Lashley were unrepresented Daniels requested bail on behalf of his client arguing that the offence was committed in 2024 and his client was relieved from his job for somethingunrelated.
The attorney told the court that the police have to provideproofthattheyhada hard time locating his client since he showed no resistance when located
Further, Daniels said Mclennon was a logistics officer at the time of the o ff e n c e a n d g a v e instructionstothedriverand porter on where to deliver theitems.
Magistrate Azore granted the men $750,000 bail for each of the two charges. The matters were adjourned to September 10, 2025.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday saidthatthegovernmenthas evidence of businessman Nazar 'Shell' Mohamed visiting the Venezuelan Embassy and not his son, Azruddin Mohamed, who is thepresidentialcandidateof thenewlyformedWeInvest inNationhood(WIN)party
Speaking at his weekly press conference, Jagdeo sought to respond to questions surrounding the allegations leveled against the Mohameds by Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd.
In fact, Jagdeo challengedtheMohamedsto deny that Nazar Mohamed visited the embassy for a visa. Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed along with their businesses have been sanctioned by the United States government over allegations of tax evasion andgoldsmuggling.
On Tuesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd disclosed that the Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana Carlos Amador Perez Silva was summoned to a meeting and during that meetingthatherevealedthat the Mohameds had visited theembassy
During an interview c o n d u c t e d b y t h e Department of Public Information (DPI), Todd reminded that Congressman Carlos Gimenez had raised concerns over what he had described as Venezuela's attempt to influence the internal affairs in Guyana, specifically through the Mohameds.
“I'm encouraged to inform you that only recently we found out that the Mohameds have been frequently visiting the VenezuelanEmbassyherein Georgetown. Now, you can recall that we've had Congressmen in the United States ofAmerica who have been very vocal in connectingtheMohamedsto
Nicholas Maduro and his regime, particularly as it relatestosmugglingandthe sanctions that have been placed on Venezuela, gold smuggling that is, and money laundering,” Todd stated.
Since the statement by the government, Azruddin Mohamed, via a statement posted on his Team Mohamed's Facebook page made it clear that he did not
n embassy and challenged the
embassytoprovehedid.
“I never visited the Venezuelan Embassy, nor have I applied for a visa to travel to Venezuela,” Azruddinsaid.
“Thissmearcampaignis meant to be a distraction from the PPP alleged corruption being exposed making headways on social media,” Mohamed said. He reasoned that the PPP is
t attention from the truth and suppressthevoicesexposing their wrongdoing. To this end, the businessman challenged the Venezuelan Embassy to produce the proof. “Present any record of my entry to the Embassy ShowtheGuyanesepeoplea s i n g l e s h r e d o f
documentation of me applying for a visa,” Mohamedstated.
However, on Thursday Jagdeo, who is also General Secretary of the ruling People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), clarified that the evidence referenced by the foreign affairs minister shows that Nazar Mohamed visited the Venezuelan embassy and not the WIN PresidentialCandidate.
He nonetheless, claimed that this is still cause for alarm.
“His father visits the Venezuelan embassy; he's a memberofthisfamily Don't tell me that Azruddin Mohamed doesn't know about it or the daughter, the active one on social media doesn't know aboutit.
Theyallknowthathedid visit the embassy and they know the purpose of the visit. And so, I am today, you notice they've gone silent since that information came out,” Jagdeo told reporters.
Jagdeo believes that Azruddin Mohamed will try todenythathisfathervisited theembassybutheiswilling to put his political career on the line if the younger Mohamed could prove that
he (Jagdeo) lied about his father'sinteractionswiththe Venezuelans.
“When Minister Todd spoke about Nazar Mohamed's visit to the Venezuelan Embassy in Guyana... and he did this on the background of several statements made by local individualsaswellashighly placed individuals in the United States government.
You would recall just some months ago that several congressmen from the United States of America tweetedorissuedstatements linking the Mohameds with Venezuela and Maduro,” saidJagdeo.
The vice president continued: “They get briefings that we do not see from their intelligence agencies.
And I would not expect any United States congressman to make a statement like that linking the Mohamed directly to Maduro calling them Maduro's puppet if they did nothaveinformation.”
Against this backdrop, hesaidthegovernmentmust take the necessary steps, to safeguard Guyana's sovereignty against external aggression and against anyone who may try to undermineit.
Jagdeowarnedthatthere will be consequences if any person is found committing suchacts.
“You would recall the decisionsmadejustrecently by the government and explicitly announced by the Chief-of-Staff that we will arrest and charge anyone in Guyana for treason should thatpersontrytoundermine our territorial integrity and sovereignty We're not jokingaboutthismatter,”he emphasized.
“…If there is any link between local people who mayworktounderminethat sovereignty and territorial integrity He expressed concern about it,” Jagdeo asserted.
CGX Energy has disclosed that it has recognisedthelossUS$56.4 million on its exploration andevaluationrelatedtothe Corentyne block asset, locatedoffshoreGuyana.
CGX is part of a joint venture (JV) partnership with Frontera Energy that was booted from the block by the Government of Guyanaafterfailingtomeet obligations.Earlierthisyear, the JV received a formal communication from the government stating that the Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) and Petroleum Agreement had ended–a position the JVhas repeatedlyrejected.
On Wednesday in a statement, CGX announced the recognition of an impairment loss of US$56.4 million related to the CorentyneBlock.
The company said it evaluated the Corentyne exploration and evaluation
asset's recoverability as a result of the government's conduct, communications, and “unwillingness” to recognise the JV rights during the consultation periods, which have since expired.
“ A l t h o u g h a l l contractual requirements of theCompanyhavebeenmet and an external legal assessment determined that the Company's interests in the licenses and agreements for the Corentyne Block remain valid, the GoG's positions mentioned above have restricted the Company's ability to develop activities under those licenses and agreements,” the company said.
To this end, it was explained that the situation has led to uncertainty regarding the asset's future developmentandconstituted an impairment indicator Consequently, CGX said it
recognisedanimpairmentof US$56 4 million on the CorentyneBlockasset.
Notably, after more than two decades of exploration, theJVfinallystruckoilatthe Kawa-1 well in January 2022.JustaheadoftheJune 28, 2024 deadline for the block's appraisal
…saysgovt.positionthatJVlicenceexpiredhascauseduncer y Resigned from CGX, Dr. Suresh Narine
companiesachancetomake r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s Government was open to good-faith negotiations w
ed timeframe.
However, government eventually cut ties with the JV in relation to the
submitted a Notice of Potential Commercial Interest to government for the Wei-1 well, on June 26. The government later said stringent conditions would need to be met to retain the block. In March 2025, the government issued a 30-day notice and gave the oil
Corentyne Block and said thatitisoftheviewthatthere arenoreasonablegroundsto grant an extension to CGX and Frontera for their exploration and appraisal obligations. D
l communication to the JV,
they remain of the view that its interests in, and the licence for, the Corentyne Blockremaininplaceandin good standing and that the Petroleum Agreement has notbeenterminated.
Frontera and CGX recently disclosed that the government, through its legal counsel, responded on July23.
In that communication, the government rejected the oil companies' claims regarding the Corentyne Block and reaffirmed its positionthattheJV'sinterest had expired on June 28, 2024. However, the JV said the government also stated that it “may consider a final meeting with the Investors, onawithoutprejudicebasis, in October 2025, and the Joint Venture would be informedastowhethersuch a meeting will occur in September2025.”
Moreover, CGX also announced on Wednesday
that Dr Suresh Narine has resigned from his positions as Executive Director, Guyana and Executive CoChairman of the Board of Directors of CGX and from his positions with the Company's subsidiaries to p u r s u e a c a d e m i c endeavours. The Company has initiated a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer and will provide a further update when available.
Th e G u y a n a
E l e c t i o n s
Commission (GECOM) is reconsidering itspreviousdecisiontoallow voters to carry their cell phones into polling booths during the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
This was disclosed by
opposition-nominated commissioner Vincent
Alexander during an interview with Kaieteur NewsonWednesday.
The initial decision, made last Tuesday by a majority vote and supported by GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, permitted voters to retain their phones without lodging them. The decision was made despite concerns thatballotscouldpotentially b e p h o t o g r a p h e d , obstructingthetransparency
oftheelectionprocess.
However, according to Alexander, the issue is now reopened for review “That matter was reopened and there is exploration of what furtherthingswecoulddoin the polling station to ensure that phone is not used,” Alexanderexplained.
“For example, there was a suggestion that where we have our poll booth outside oftheareaandthenwehave a desk where persons could puttheirphonessothatthey donottakeitintothebooth. So,weleftthemeetingwith an understanding that the secretariat will now look at the possibilities of restricting access to the phone.”
He added that even if voters arrive with phones, s y s t e m s w i l l b e implemented to prohibit them from using their
devicesfortakingpictures.
The commission was expected to discuss the matter further on Thursday, but the statutory meeting was cancelled due to preparations related to the recently arrived ballot papers.However,Alexander noted that a firm decision will be made as soon as possible.
Police are investigating a fatal accident which occurredThursdayafternoon on the Blankenburg Public Road,WestCoastDemerara The accident involved motorcar PNN 289, driven byIshmileAlli,a28-year-old male Guyanese of Parika, East Bank Essequibo and a pedal cyclist of East Indian descent (name, age and address unknown at this time)
Enquiries disclosed that
themotorcarwasproceeding east along the northern side of the road when the pedal cyclist, rode across the road fromsouthtonorth,resulting in a collision with the motorcar According to police, as a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist fellontotheroadsurfaceand sustain injuries about his body Hewaspickedupinan unconscious condition by thedriveralongwithpublicspiritedcitizens,placedinto
the motorcar and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospitalwherehewasseen andexaminedbyadoctoron duty
He later succumbed to his injuries at about 15:25hrs whilst receiving medicalattention.Thebody of the deceased is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting identification and apost-mortemexamination. Further investigations areinprogress.
for National Unity (APNU) issued a statement last Friday urging GECOM to ban cell phones in polling boothsaltogether
The party argued that such a move is critical to preservingthesecrecyofthe vote and preventing electoralfraud.
tofree,fair,transparent,and credible elections The commission reminded all voters and stakeholders of the legal and civic responsibilities under the RepresentationofthePeople Act,Cap:1:03.
Concerns over the presenceofphonesinvoting booths were initially raised by Alexander last Tuesday, citingreportsofvotersbeing paid to vote for specific parties and using photographed ballots as proof.
“There is a rumour that peoplearebeingpaidtovote for specific parties so what happenswhentheyenterthe polling booths, they take a picture to show to the party as proof of how they voted…There was also an instanceafewyearsbackof persons voting and taking a picture of the ballot and postingitassoonastheyleft thepollingstation.Theseare the things we are trying to avoid,”Alexandersaid.
Following these concerns, the A Partnership
“These elections are likely to see the biggest effort in our history to buy votes. Such a scheme is severely undermined when an elector is unable to provide a photograph of his or her marked ballot to the vote buyer. An election in which votes are bought will not reflect the will of the people,”APNUstated.
APNU also warned voters to be cautious,
suggesting that the governing People's Progressive Party (PPP) should be viewed with suspicion since their appointed GECOM commissioners voted in favour of allowing cell phonesinpollingbooths.
“The APNU coalition would advise voters in general that, to avoid suspicion,theyshouldavoid any handling of their cell phonesinthepollingbooth,” thepartysaid.
In response to the ongoing debate, GECOM reaffirmed its commitment
The commission reminded that is a criminal offence for any person to directly or indirectly offer money, gifts, or loans to a voter in exchange for their vote. Secondly, it is also illegal for any person, including the voter himself, to communicate at any time to any person, any information about the politicalpartyforwhichany voterhasvotedonhisbehalf, or as a proxy on behalf of anothervoter
Additionally, GECOM notedthatitisaviolationof the law for anyone to pressureorinfluenceavoter to show their marked ballot, thereby revealing the party theyvotedfor,eitherontheir ownbehalforasaproxy
The commission warned that anyone found guilty of committing these offences mayfaceafineanduptosix months imprisonment upon summaryconviction. Furthermore, convicted individuals may also be disqualified from participating in future elections.
United States Secretary of State Marco
R
ubio on Thursday
disclosed that the Donald Trump-administration will confrontthedrugtrafficking in the Western Hemisphere and any other threats to America's national security He also hinted at protection of US oil companies operating in the region, citingtherecentcasewherea Venezuelan military ship confronted workers on one ofExxonMobil'sFPSO. In a video shared on the U.S. Department of State's Facebook page, Secretary Rubio stated that there are designated narco-terrorist groups operating in the region. He noted that some have been utilising
international airspace and waterstotransitdrugsthathe labeled as “poison” into the UnitedStates.
“Those groups will be confronted. The president hasmadethatclearfromthe time he had operated and specifically, the question was about the Cartel of the Suns, Cartel de los Soles, which is a criminal organisation that happens to m a s q u e r a d e a s a government,”hesaid.
Secretary Rubio added, “The [Nicolas] Maduro regime is not a government, i
government, we have never recognised them as such.
They are a c
nal enterprise that basically has taken control of national territory of a country and
who by the way are also threatening US oil companiesthatareoperating lawfullyinGuyana.”
Rubio noted that
President Trump has been clear, that “anything that's a threattothenationalsecurity of the Unites States, he's gonnaconfront.”
Notably, American oil giant ExxonMobil is the operator of Guyana's Stabroek Block which is estimatedtohold11.6billion barrels of oil equivalent. Exxon controls 45% of the block, while Hess, another American oil company controls 30%. The third partnerisCNOOCwith25% shares.
Back in March 1, 2025, at approximately 07:00 hours, a Venezuelan armed
vessel entered Guyana's waters and approached the FPSO Prosperity, which operates in the oil-rich Stabroek Block. The Venezuelan vessel radioed the FPSO, claiming it was operating in “disputed international waters” before continuing toward other FPSOsintheblock.
Notably, Guyana and Venezuela have a case pending
re the International Court of
Guyana'sEssequiboregion–whichmakesuptwo-thirdof Guyana's territory and is a
Moreover, Reuters reported that the United States has ordered the deployment of air and naval forces to the southern Caribbean Sea to address threats from Latin
Americandrugcartels,three sources briefed on the decision told Reuters on Thursday
President DonaldTrump has wanted to use the military to go after Latin American drug gangs that have been designated as g l o b a l
o r i s t organisations.ThePentagon hadbeendirectedtoprepare options.
One U.S. official, who was speaking on the conditionofanonymity,said the additional commitment of military assets would include several P-8 spy planes, at least one warship
and at least one attack submarine. The official said the process would be ongoing for several months andtheplanwasforthemto operate in international airspace and international waters.Thenavalassets can be used to not just carry out intelligenceandsurveillance operations, but also as a launching pad for targeted strikesifadecisionismade, the official added. Trump has made cracking down on drugcartelsacentralgoalof his administration, part of a wider effort to limit migration and secure the U.S.southernborder
Frompage6 imports (for stockpiling), so where does the extra Saudi barrelsgo?"
Meanwhile, spot premiums for Middle East benchmarks Dubai and Oman hovered at their lowestinmorethanamonth forOctober-loadingsupply Still, Dubai is relatively s
nt, keeping the price spread between the benchmarks -
known as the Exchange of Futures for Swaps - narrow and allowingAtlantic Basin supplytoheadtoAsia.
Asian refiners have alreadysnappedupmillions of barrels of oil from the United States, Africa and Europe for delivery in SeptemberandOctober
Neil Crosby, analyst at Sparta Commodities, said there is still uncertainty over Russian supply with
the world's third-largest oil importer India buying spot cargoes to replace Russian oilinrecentweeks "Some (Russian) Urals will go to China but the story is not over yet and there is still some tail risk over what happens to Russian (oil) that cannot clear which makes the EFS trade short term even trickier than normal," he said.
When Anthony
Baynes, better knownbyhisstage name Thoni, uploaded a song he recorded right in his bedroom to YouTube, he never imagined it would lead to performing on stages in New York just weeks later Now, at 25, the artist who grewupinAgricola,hasreleased hislatestcollaboration"Nobody Else" with fellow Guyanese artists Deymo and Nature, marking another milestone in what he hopes will become his "goldencareer."
The journey from East Bank Demerara to international recognition wasn't conventional. Growingupina“poorfamily”of five,Thonibecamethefirstinhis family to graduate from the University of Guyana. But his real education began much earlier, in the church where he first picked up instruments as a child.
"I wasn't born with singing talent," Thoni admits. "I had to teach myself how to sing." His musical evolution spanned years, fromplayinginstrumentsinchurch to mastering the steelpan for six
Guyanese artist,Thoni
years in high school, then transitioning to writing poems and eventually songs.After graduating in2015,whatstartedassingingfor fun gradually transformed into a seriouspursuit.
The turning point came in 2017-2018 when friends and
familyencouragedhimto release his music publicly The response surprised him. "I thought because
mostlyembracesocaand dancehall, I wouldn't get much support," he explains."Buteverytime I release a song, my fan basekeepsgrowing."
Thatgrowthhasbeen r
m bedroom recordings to i
performances, Thoni has d
n expectations. His catalog now includes 15-20 songs available on Yo
streaming platforms, each release exceeding hisreachgoals.
B e h i n d e v e r y milestone stands his b i g g e s t supporter, his mother When she hears his music on the
what Thoni calls her "That's My Son"moments,proudlysharinghis work with friends and celebrating each achievement."Nobody Else" represents more than just another release, it's deeply personal.Thoni
wrotethe
and
ago,thenreachedouttoDeymoand Nature,twoundergroundartistshe recognized for their exceptional talent.Initially (Continuedonpage22)
Fresh off his memorable appearance on NBC's "The Voice," Guyanese artist JayAmmo is set to take the stage tonight at The GeorgetownClubforwhatpromises to be an electrifying homecoming performance.
Theconcert,titled"FridayNight withJayAmmofromTheVoice,"is beingpresentedbyMusicUnlimited and will showcase the talented musician who recently captured heartsacrossAmericawithhisfourchair turn during the show's blind auditions.
Scheduled for 8:00 PM at The Black Magenta (Georgetown Club)
on Camp Street, the event will feature special guest performances from popular local artists Abel Stokes, Amor Guirola, and the DAPSBand,creatingastar-studded lineupofGuyanesemusicaltalent.
Jay Ammo's journey on The Voicecaptivatedaudienceswhenhe achievedthecovetedfour-chairturn during his blind audition, with all fourcoachesvyingforhistalent.He ultimately chose to join John Legend's team, where he continued to impress before being eliminated during the duet rounds in a competitive face-off against (Continuedonpage22)
…Masicka, Shenseea bag seven nominations each
NEW YORK, United States Jamaican-American artist Busta Rhymes will receive the Elite Icon honour at the upcoming Caribbean MusicAwards.
Organisers say the award recognises his “significant influence on the music industry and celebrates his remarkableabilitytoblendhis Caribbean heritage with mainstream hip-hop”.“Busta Rhymesisnotjustanartist;he is a groundbreaking figure whobreaksdownbarriersand inspirescountlessothers.Asa multi-platinum recording artist, electrifying performer and visionary leader, his receipt of this accolade is not only well-deserved but also a testamenttothelastingimpact he has made in the world of music,” Caribbean Elite Group said in announcing the award.The event, in its third staging, returns to the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
This year's ceremony will spotlight over 200 nominees across several categories
Leading nominees include Masicka and Shenseea with
seven nominations each, followed closely by Patrice Roberts and Kes with six. Other standout artists include Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Nailah Blackman, Chronic Law, and Kranium, each securingfivenominations. Other special awards will be given to Haitian Band Carimi, recognised with the LegacyAward;SizzlaKalonji will accept the Humanitarian Award,forhiseffortsthrough the Sizzla Youth Foundation to uplift and inspire youth; Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers will receive the Gospel Honours award while Kerwin Du Bois will be celebrated with the Producer Honours; Austin “Super Blue” Lyons will take home the Calypso Honours; andBountyKillerwillreceive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event will be hosted once again by Majah Hype, and the packed lineup ofperformersincludesSkinny Fabulous, Lila Iké, Ding Dong, Lady Lava, Kranium, Chronic Law, and Romain Virgo Tickets are now a v
CaribMusicAwards.com.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan AlionWednesday declared that supporters of the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) will be paidwithamoreprosperous futureifhispartyisreelected togovernment.
The head-of-state made
these remarks while addressing a gathering at a publicmeetingatAlexander Village in Georgetown on Wednesday evening, noting that this type of payment is enough to last an entire lifetime.“Yourpaymentwill c o m e w i t h m o r e opportunities for you and your family It will come in theformofasafercountry,a healthier country, a more prosperous country, a more educated country, [and] a more unified country,” he explained.
President Ali outlined several plans that his party hastoseethisvisioncometo fruition. These include the installation of streetlights and security cameras in every community, the retrofittingandexpansionof local health centres, the establishmentofazero-rated development bank, and the construction of a small business development complex.
The complex, which is geared toward providing a central location for noisepolluting businesses such as car mechanics and welding shops, is part of a broader vision to support small and medium-sized businesses countrywide. The president explained that residents of Alexander Village have found themselves in the “epicentre” of development in the capit
y
“[Alexander Village] has become the epicentre of the transformationthatistaking place. Just look…at what is encircling your village –hotels, malls, hospitals, [ a n d ] i n d
s t r i a l development,” the president pointedout.
To make life easier and comfortable for citizens, the People's Progressive Pa
PPP/C) Government will invest resources to establish a S m a
B u s i n e s s Development Complex in Georgetown This transformative project was announced by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali as he addressed a grand public meeting attended by thousands in Alexander Village,Georgetown. When completed, the business complex will transform how many local entrepreneurs operate. The modern facility will bring together mechanics, spray painters, and other small “bottom-house” operations into one secure, wellequipped location. It will provide these small businesses with proper infrastructure, including utilities, security, and
organised workspaces, so they can grow and operate moreefficiently Bymoving these activities off the narrow village roads, the complex will also help reduce congestion, improve safety, and create a cleaner, more peaceful environment for residents, the president highlighted. “You will be able to continue your business and live in peace withinyourcommunity,”the president promised. President Ali said that with the massive development taking place, young people will have access to even m o r e e m p l o y m e n t opportunities.
Meanwhile, General Secretary and Vice
President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has appealed to residents to rally behind the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), saying the nation now has the “golden opportunity to break the backofracism”onceandfor all.
Jagdeo said over the last five years, the PPP/C has built the only national movement as evidenced by the support coming from G u y a n e s e o f a l l backgrounds, races, and religions.According to him, this unified support is because of the PPP/C's consistent delivery on promises made in the leadup to the 2020 elections. Despite losing two years to COVID-19, the Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led government has fulfilled everysinglecommitment,he said.
“We go into these elections with great credibility,”headded,noting
that the PPP/C is the only party with realistic plans. Thesecarefullycraftedplans willdeliverprosperityforall citizens, with targeted support for housing, land, home improvements, educationforchildren,better pensions and world-class facilities in every single community
“Only the PPP/C can deliver that,” the VP declared. He went on to outline additional community development commitments, including improved sanitation, paved roads, street lighting, security cameras, and safe recreationalspaces.Hecited numerous achievements under President Ali's leadership, including Guyana becoming the fastest-growing economy in the world. “You have to put your future, your children's future in the hands of the experienced people… and the only experienced candidatesareIrfaanAliand
Mark Phillips,” Dr Jagdeo declaredtoalivelyaudience. He also raised national security concerns about the leader of the WIN party, highlightingconcernsraised by the United States (U.S) G o v e r n m e n t o n questionable dealings and ties to Venezuela. And so,
“The choice is clear,” VP Jagdeo told the gathering, endinghisremarksbyurging residents to carry the message back to their communities and turn out in numbersonSeptember1stto secure an overwhelming victory
For her part, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrondhighlightedthatthe governmenthasdeliveredon thepromisesitmadetothem since 2020. She pointed to the new Demerara River Bridge as just one example of commitments being delivered to the people MinisterWalrondaddedthat these commitments could
not have been fulfilled if it were not for the diligent leadership Ali. “He leads from the front. This is the leadership that I really want totalkabout.
A leadership that displays competence and capability and a leadership that displays heart and love for the people,” the minister said.Assuch,shenotedthat in the political realm today, no other political candidate is a match for President Ali andthePPP/C.
“The difference between a leader with a heart and a leader without is that the leader without the heart takes away the little children's money A leader withaheartgivesitbackand increasesitby500percent,” she explained Minister Walrond continued, “Just know that you have a leader [President Ali] who wakes upeverymorningandworks tirelessly…and he's always doing it from the front”.
(DPI)
One Sales person. Please Call: 680-7402 ( Mr. Lall )
Canter driver with at least 2 years experience & Hauler driver with atleast 3 years experience. Tele: 644-7088 / 624-7248.
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Wanted one Maid. Call: 6801282.
Experienced Bilingual (Spanish & English) to car for a 6 Year old, Must be Reliable & Responsible.Tel : 6905434.
Security Officers for the Interior wanted urgently. Call: 691-6081/ 611-8370,6001196.
Able bodied security to work. Apply 21 Seaforth street, Campbellville. Tele : 621-5140.
T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL/WHATSAPP: +592688-3201. FOR SALE
Prime land @ Agricola Public road. 275 x 25, fence, sand filled, steel gate, etc. For more information Call: 629-7426.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Location: Independence Street, La Grange, WBD. Land size: 50ft x 5500 ft. Building size: 30ft x 60ft. Contact: 609-3777 / 6974557
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call: 615-9132.
Maid for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.
One (1) Male cleaner for Eccles. Call: 615-9132.
One (1) Painter needed. Call: 615-9132.
One (1) female cleaner for Eccles office. Call: 645-8443.
Experienced Salesman, knowlege in hardware & stock taking, etc at Keyfood Mc Doom next to the Post Office.
General Domestic ,Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 4 day work.
Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hiring Factory Workers. Tel# 226-2621.
Room Attendant & Desk Staff needed. 25-45 years old at 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.
Wash Bay worker needed, Nandy park East Bank Demerara. Tele : 682-1616 / 233-5227.
Vacancy exists for 2 experienced electrician and an apprentice. Call: 644-9084 / 6449635.
One Unregistered Nissan XTrail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. For more information Call: 649-0956.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
2008 Toyota Premio, fully loaded with dark interior. Excellent condition, 2.1 mil. For more information Contact: 670-1705.
(Monthly).
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The 2025 edition of the International Building Expo officially opened on Thursday, with President Irfaan Ali announcing new measures aimed at strengthening the infrastructure sector, including plans to locally produce paint, cement, and steel.
The four-day exhibition being held at the National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara, is featuring 389 booths and a diverse mix of local and international exhibitors. Under the theme, “The Road to Success: Guyana 2030 and Beyond,” the exhibition, which will run from August 14 to 17, brings together developers, suppliers, policymakers, architects, and bankers to foster innovation in construction and urban development.
This year’s Expo features exhibitors from India, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Suriname, Canada, the United States, Colombia, Cuba, and others. In addition, the Ministry of Housing will place special emphasis on processing land ownership documents during the expo. During his opening remarks, President Ali highlighted his government’s achievement in allocating housing lots to citizens under the age of 35. He noted that access to homeownership has significantly improved, with over 31,000 leases, titles, and transports already issued.
He said that under his
President Irfaan Ali during the Building Expo exhibition
government, plans are in train to construct at least 30,000 new homes within five years, equivalent to 16 homes per day. At an estimated cost of GYD $450 billion, the effort would generate approximately 150,000 jobs. These jobs, he said, would span building, rehabilitation, and extension projects. “Looking at a minimum of 30 000 homes that we want to be constructed in the next five years because we are moving from land ownership to home ownership. Now we are going to incentivise the system to support families directly in building their homes transferring resources to families to move from land ownership to home ownership for improvement of their homes, the rehabilitation of their homes and the extension of their homes,” President Ali stated.
Ali also stressed the need to develop additional lands, noting that there are currently around 80,000 housing applications pending. To meet demand, the government plans to acquire 20,000 acres, nearly
32 square miles, to accommodate these future homeowners. He emphasised the scale of investment involved, comparing the land area to 20% of Barbados or nearly half of Antigua. “80,000 applications in the system to be processed now for us to allocate that 80,000 lots it would require 20,000 acres of land…” President Ali announced. The president touched on rising demand for construction materials such as cement, paint, and steel, which has seen import volumes increased. As such, President Ali further announced that, due to rapid growth in the infrastructure sector and rising demand for imported construction materials, items such as paint, steel, and cement will soon be produced locally. He pledged to support local manufacturing of these materials, facilitated by reduced energy costs and favourable tax measures, including VAT and duty exemptions on cement and other inputs. Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal underscored the value
of the Expo as a networking, investment, and innovation hub. He noted that over the past five years, the ministry had issued titles to 50,000 families, created 10,000 construction jobs across 202 firms and unlocked over GYD $250 billion in investments by opening 20,000 acres of new land. In line with promoting homeownership, Minister Susan Rodrigues announced that over 2,000 certificates of title would be distributed during the Expo by the Central Housing and Planning Authority. These documents are intended to empower homeowners with collateral to access financing. Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Gerald Gouveia Jr, lauded the growth of new contracting firms and entrepreneurs capable of tackling large-scale infrastructure work. He called the Expo a celebration of strategic partnerships and progress across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Kathy Smith spoke about the improvement in infrastructure, pointing to the Ogle-EcclesDiamond highway as a catalyst for reduced transportation costs, while at the same time boosting private sector efficiency. The Expo’s opening ceremony also featured cultural performances, including dances, songs, and a special appearance by 2025 Soca Monarch artist Diana Chapman.
From page 16 teammate Renzo. Despite other coaches having the opportunity to steal him for their teams, Jay Ammo’s run concluded, though he graciously expressed that working with John Legend was “an honour” and that he would “never forget the lessons” learned.
His return to Georgetown now represents a triumphant homecoming for the artist who became a viral sensation
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and brought international attention to Guyana’s vibrant music scene. His appearance on one of America’s premier singing competitions has elevated his profile significantly, making tonight’s concert one of the most anticipated musical events in recent memory.
Tickets for the show are priced at $4,000 in advance and $5,000 at the door. Fans can purchase advance tickets
at several convenient locations including Milk N Honey Cafe, The Black Magenta, and Premium Cuts Barbershop. Etickets can be purchased on Potsalt Events App or website
The event is being supported by local sponsors including The Magenta and Gear Haven, demonstrating strong community backing for the returning star.
For music lovers in
Georgetown, tonight’s concert offers a unique opportunity to witness Jay Ammo’s first major performance since his stint on The Voice, where he worked under the mentorship of EGOT winner John Legend. The intimate venue setting promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of music as the young artist continues building on the momentum from his national television exposure.
From page 15 planning to collaborate with whoever delivered the best verse, he was so impressed with both contributions that he included them both.
The song serves as a preview of Thoni’s upcoming mixtape, featuring 6-7 tracks that will showcase collaborations with both Deymo and Nature. The positive fan response has even sparked discussions about forming a boy group, an idea that seemed impossible when Thoni was recording alone in his room.
“I want to make this my golden career,” Thoni says, “but I accept the possibility that it might not happen. In
the same breath, I’m still committed to making music because I love it.” His confidence in his work remains unshaken. “I believe one of my songs will be capable of opening that door.”
That door-opening philosophy extends beyond his own career. Thoni is actively seeking to collaborate with other RnB and Pop artists, using his platform to elevate underground talent in these genres. He encourages artists to reach out to him on Instagram, viewing collaboration as essential to developing Guyana’s music scene. From steelpan to stream-
ing platforms, from Agricola to international stages, Thoni’s journey illustrates that musical success doesn’t always follow traditional paths. With each release, he’s not just building his own career, he’s creating opportunities for others and proving that with persistence, talent, and unwavering support, even bedroom recordings can reach the world.
“Nobody Else” is now available on all streaming platforms and YouTube, with Thoni’s upcoming mixtape promising to deliver more of the authentic storytelling and collaborative spirit that has defined his remarkable rise.
The National
I n s u r a n c e Scheme (NIS) has received three bids for the contract to extend its Brickdam, Georgetown building. This is according totherecentopeningofbids at the NationalProcurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office which revealed that the project is estimated to cost $72,652,259.
Below are the companies and their bids:
MinistryofHumanServices&SocialSecurity Supplyanddeliveryofonereconditionedminibus andonenewmotorisedtricycleLots1-2.
GuyanaLivestockDevelopmentAuthority
ConstructionofQueenBeeFacilityatKairuni,Linden.
GeorgetownPublicHospitalCorporation Procurementofpharmaceuticals.
NationalInsuranceScheme ExtensionofBrickdamBuilding.
MinistryofEducation Supply,delivery,installationand testingoftoolsandequipmentfor GovernmentTechnicalInstitute.
ExtensionofSENBuilding.
MinistryofCulture,Youth&Sports Procurementofsixone-tonrollers.
RAFAH,Egypt,Aug13 (Reuters) - Boxes of Gazabound aid turned back by IsraelonSundaylanguished atop a truck and flatbed trailerparkedmetresfromits border with Egypt, as exasperateddriversandU.N. officials criticised delays in sending food and medicine totheenclave.
Seven aid officials and three truckers interviewed by Reuters listed a host of obstacles, ranging from rejections of shipments for minor packing and paperwork issues to heavy scrutiny over possible dual military use for a range of goods, as well as short working hours at the Israeli bordercrossing.
The supplies seen by Reuters on Monday on the stalled truck and trailer outside Egypt’s Rafah border crossing carried blue logos of the World Health Organisation and labels describing contents like topical medications and suction devices to clean wounds.
A WHO employee working at the border said the cargo was blocked for carrying“illegalmedicines”.
Reuters could not independently verify why the trucks were not allowed to enter Gaza and the Israeli military authority in charge of coordinating aid did not respond to a question about why they were not let into theenclave.
Reuters visited Egypt’s border with Gaza on Monday on a trip organised by the Elders, a group of former world leaders set up by late South African President Nelson Mandela that backs a two-state solution to the IsraeliPalestinianconflict.
Some Elders members have been highly critical of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, including former Irish President Mary Robinson and former New Zealand PrimeMinisterHelenClark, who joined the border trip. Responding to international outrage sparked by images ofstarvingGazans,Israelon July27announcedmeasures toletmoreaidintoGaza.But aid agencies say only a fractionofwhattheysendis getting in. Israel strongly denieslimitingaidsupplies.
Speaking to reporters at the Rafah crossing, Clark expressed shock at the amountofaidturnedbackat theborder
“To see this crossing, which should be a place where people interact with
eachother,wherepeoplecan come and go, where people aren’t under blockade, wherepeoplewhoareillcan leave to come out – to see it justsilentforthepeople,it’s absolutely shocking for us,” Clarksaid.
Approvalsandclearance procedures that got a shipment through the Rafah border crossing “within a fewdays”ofarrivalinEgypt during a ceasefire earlier in thewarnowtook“minimum onemonth,”accordingtothe WHO employee at the border
On Monday, the HamasrunGazagovernmentmedia office said at least 1,334 trucks had entered Gaza through all land crossings, including from Egypt, since the Israeli measures announced on July 27, but thiswasfarshortofthe9,000 that would have gone in if 600 trucks had entered per day The United States has said a minimum of 600 trucks per day are needed to feedGaza’spopulation.
Reuters could not independently confirm the reasons for the delays described in this article or the specific figures supplied bythoseinterviewed.
Askedforitsresponseto allegations of curbs on aid flows, the Israeli military agency that coordinates aid, COGAT, said Israel invests “considerable efforts” in aid distribution.
It said about 300 trucks hadbeentransferreddailyin “recent weeks,” mostly carrying food, via all land crossings.
“Despite the claims made, the State of Israel allows and facilitates the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip without any quantitative limit on the number of aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip,”COGATsaid.
The agency did not address specific questions aboutaidshipmentvolumes.
In mid-July, Israel introduced a requirement that shipments of humanitarian aid arriving fromEgyptundergocustoms clearance. According to the U N Office for the C o o r d i n a t i o n o f Humanitarian Affairs, Israel’s move led to “additional bureaucratic hurdles,delays,andcostsfor h u m a n i t a r i a n organisations.”
U N agencies were exempted from customs clearance from Egypt from July 27 to Aug. 3, OCHA saidinareport onAugust6.
(ALJAZEERA) - The UnitedNations’WorldFood Programme says food insecurity in Gaza is “catastrophic”, with at least 40,000 children under age one suffering from malnutrition.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has recorded four more hunger-related deaths over thepast24hours,raisingthe total number of Palestinians who starved to death during Israel’s war on Gaza to 239, including106children.
Additionally, at least 32 Palestinians, including 13 aid seekers, were killed yesterday Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 61,776 people and wounded 154,906sofar Anestimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023,attacks,andmorethan 200weretakencaptive.
Meanwhile, the killings yesterday come as Israel escalatesitsattacksonGaza City, the largest city in the enclave, after the country’s security cabinet approved plansforthemilitarytoseize the city, an operation that could forcibly displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinianstoconcentration zonesinsouthernGaza.
The plan has received international condemnation fromtheUnitedNationsand even dissent from within Israel’sownmilitary
A l J a z e e r a correspondents reported on Thursday that large swaths of northern Gaza have been turned into “lifeless wastelands”amidtheIsraeli escalation.
PalestiniansinGazaCity havespokenoftheirfearsof further displacement, following an Israeli forced evacuation order to areas further south, in advance of the proposed occupation Walaa Sobh said she had already been displaced during the war from the northern city of Beit Lahiya toGazaCity,andwasunable tomoveagain.
“We’re afraid to move anywhere else, because we have nowhere to go, no income–andIamawidow,” shetoldAlJazeera.
“If they want to force us out, then at least find us a place, give us tents, especially for the widows, the children, and the sick. You’re not only displacing one or two people; you’re displacing millions who havenowheretostay.”“Iam amotheroffiveandthewife ofadetainee.
Buildings lie in ruin in north Gaza, near the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Israel, August 13, 2025
I cannot escape with my children from one place to another,” Hamdan told Al Jazeera.“Iwouldratherface deathhereinGazaCitythan go to al-Mawasi ” Al Jazeera’s senior political analystMarwanBisharasaid Israel’splanstooccupyGaza City are a serious cause for concern.
“It’saterribleescalation, really,” said Bishara “[Netanyahu] really intends toreoccupyGaza sendthe militaryinandjusttakeiton again ” The humanitarian consequences of Israel expanding its offensive in Gaza “would be dire” for Palestinians who have already endured 22 months
of displacement and bloodshed, Mohamed Elmasry, professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies,toldAlJazeera. “These are people who have been displaced – in many cases more than 10 times and in some cases morethan20timesalready–and quite literally dodging bombs for the past 22 months,”Almasrisaid.“And they are starving in addition to all that ” Elmasry described the Israeli plan as part of a broader effort to push Palestinians out of Gaza.“Israelwantstoempty
the Gaza Strip, and it wants at least all the land from the Jordan River to the MediterraneanSea,”hesaid. Trucetalks
As Israel continues to escalate attacks on Gaza City, Mossad spy chief David Barnea is visiting Qatar in an effort to revive talks over a Gaza ceasefire, two Israeli officials told the Reuters news agency on Thursday
The visit follows a reported expression of positivity from Hamas officials to restart ceasefire negotiations during a meeting with Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo earlierthisweek.
Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said that a non-Israeli, p e a c e f u l c i v i l i a n administrationforGazawas among the Israeli government’s five key principles for ending the war
The other principles include the release of captives still held in Gaza, thesurrenderofweaponsby H a m a s , t h e f u l l demilitarisationofGaza,and Israel retaining overriding securitycontrol,hesaid. Meanwhile, more than
100 aid groups on Thursday accusedIsraelofobstructing life-savingaidfromentering Gaza, resulting in vast quantities of relief supplies remaining stranded in warehouses across Jordan and Egypt as more Palestiniansstarve.“Despite claims by Israeli authorities that there is no limit on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, most major international NGOs [ n o n g o v e r n m e n t a l organisations] have been unable to deliver a single truck of life-saving supplies since 2 March,” the groups said.
There is aid sitting all around the boundary betweenIsraelandGazathat is not being allowed in, Natasha Davies, a nursing activity manager with Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF,toldAlJazeera.
“We’ve had a couple of trucks in [to Gaza], but really, it’s just a drop in the ocean Werunprimarilya trauma surgical hospital, so every single patient has a wound of some sort that needs fixing with supplies that we are intermittently receiving,” Davies said by videolink from Gaza’s southern city of Khan
Younis “It’s just a humanitarian catastrophe
There are these GHF sites, which are slaughter masquerading as aid, which create mass casualty incidents,whichcreatemore injuries for us to treat with limitedresources,”shesaid.
Basal Mahmoud, Gaza’s civil defence spokesperson, told Al Jazeera Arabic that theaidcurrentlyenteringthe enclave is “not sufficient at all”.
He said at least 1,000 trucksofvarioussuppliesare neededeachday,addingthat only about 100 trucks enter daily,mostofthemgoingto traders rather than meeting marketneeds.
Dr Munir al-Bursh, director of Gaza’s Health Ministry, said Israel is starvingtodeath“allsortsof people”, including children andwomen.
He warned that 40,000 children under one were suffering from malnutrition, 250,000 children under five face life-threatening food shortages, and 1.2 million children under 18 are living in severe food insecurity
“ W e a r e f a c i n g overwhelming, frightening figures,” al-Bursh told Al JazeeraArabic.
Theaccusationsfromaid
groups came as United States President Donald Trumpsaidhewouldliketo seejournalistsgainaccessto Gaza to see humanitarian efforts Israel has not allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza since the start of its war on the besieged enclave, unless they are underIsraelimilitaryescort.
“I would be very fine with journalists going,” Trump told reporters in the OvalOffice.
“And it’s a very dangerous position to be in, as you know, if you’re a journalist,butIwouldliketo seeit.”
The total number of aid seekerskilledsinceMay27, when Israel introduced a new aid distribution mechanism through the USbased GHF, has reached at least 1,881, with more than 13,863injured,accordingto Gaza’sHealthMinistry
The total count of hunger-relateddeathsisnow 239,including106children, theministryrecords.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 61,776 people andwounded154,906.
An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, attacks, and more than 200 weretakencaptive.
s
Tony Kallicharran X1 beatDerrickKallicharranX1 by a thrilling, two-wicket margin last Saturday at Riverside Park venue in Connecticut, USA in the annual Vikings/Riverside Cricket Clubs Reunion, 25overmatch.
Needing 173 for victory, Tony Kallicharran X1 reached the target with noball to spare with former Guyana and West Indies leg-
Nagamootoo hitting an unbeaten 16 to seal the deal after his team required 11 runsfromthefinalover Nagamootoocrushedtwo sixes during his stay at the crease having arrived with TonyKallicharranX1needed 26fromthreeovers.
Derrick Kallicharran X1 batted first after winning the toss and they posted up a competitive 172-9 at the expirationofthe25-overs
Apart from Nagamootoo,
who is now residing in North America, Vijay Inala led the waywithasteady26whileRaj Rai contributed an impressive 21 and 18 from opening batsman Marlon Kallicharran
Therewasonewicketapieceto Derrick Kallicharran, Sudesh Dhaniram, Shazam and Kevin Hussain
W h e n D e r r i c k
Kallicharran X1 batted, Dhaniram, an ex-Guyana first-class batter, top-scored with35retired-out.
The two teams before the special match.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Some unexpected but very welcomevisitorscouldarrive today, Aries They might bring some people you don't knowbutshouldconnectwith rightaway Expectinteresting n e w s , f a s c i n a t i n g information,.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Taurus, who's that intriguing new person in your neighborhood? What is it about this new neighbor that makesitimpossibleforyouto stop wondering about them? Quitobsessing.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
An unexpected letter could arrive today, Gemini, with a check enclosed, perhaps a gift, bonus, or offer to make more money.This might be a welcomebreak.
CANCER(June21–July22)
If you're in the arts or sciences, Cancer, sudden inspirationcouldcauseyouto startorcontinueaprojectthat meansalottoyou.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Meditation, dreams, or visions could bring amazing insights your way, Leo. You mightfindthemtoobizarreto believe, at least at first, but follow-up research could reveal that what you've come upwithisquitecredible.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You're an adventurous soul, Virgo.Areyouthinkingabout a little mischief today? Are yougoingtoproposethatyou and a friend or perhaps your partner skip town for a day andforgetaboutwork,
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
A n u n e x p e c t e
communication may come
connected with your career, Libra.Thisisgoodnews,butit maybesooffthewallthatyou couldwalkaroundinadazefor awhiletryingtomakesenseof itall.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Anunexpectedchancetoflyto a faraway place, perhaps at someoneelse'sexpense,could cometoyoutoday,Scorpio.A group might be involved, perhaps one connected with education.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Some bizarre and rather silly dreams might come to you tonight,Sagittarius.Theymay bethesortthatissocrazythat youactuallywakeuplaughing. Don't dismiss them. Silly or not,thesedreamsaretryingto tellyousomething.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Ifyou'resingle,youcouldfeel a very powerful attraction to someone unusual and perhaps alittlewacky Ifyou'realready inarelationship.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Have you been looking for anewjob,Aquarius?Ifso,you might hear of an opportunity from an unexpected source, perhapsatasocialgathering,if possible.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
If you're single, Pisces, love may come to you completely out of the blue today The person could be standing behind you in line at the store or sitting nearby you in the park.
The right-handed
batsmanDhaniram,whoalso represented his adopted country USA at the highest level, slammed three sixes andafour DannyRamsaroop added 17 and Shazam Hussainwith15notoutfor Moka Mohammed grabbed two wickets for 14 fromhismaximumfourovers while Nagamootoo was also tidywith1-9offthreeovers.
At the post-match presentation ceremony, President of Riverside Cricket Club Atif Mohamed congratulatedthewinningteam and expressed his gratitude to alltheparticipatingplayersfor thisspecialoccasion
He also thanked the sponsors and the players from both clubs to make this year’s eventasuccessagain.
Onthevictoriousside,Inala was chosen as the best batter and Nagamootoo the best bowler For the runners-up team,Dhaniramwasgiventhe best-battertrophyandbestbestbowlertrophywashandedover to former Guyana cricketer AmarnauthRamcharitar
Plaques were also presentedtosixmembersfrom the two clubs for their contribution and dedication over the years Both Captains spoke after the game and expressed delight to be on show DerrickKallicharran,the younger brother of ex-West Indies batting star Alvin Kallicharran, featured for Guyanaatthehighestleveland playedforWestIndiesBteam aswell
Meanwhile, one of the organisersoftheday’sfixture was Shazam Hussain, who also echoed similar sentiments to all the players and was elated with outcome of the day especially to have some famous Guyanese cricketers displaying their skills Sew Shivnarine, a former Guyana and West Indies player, was also present The three main sponsors for the event were: Northeast, Villa Realty and TireInternational.
The 2025 Deputy
Mayor’s Cup Seven-a-Side
Inter-Ward/Village
Knockout Football Championship delivered anotherelectrifyingroundof actionlastWednesdayasthe Roundof16concludedatthe Eve Leary Ground in Georgetown. With heart-stopping drama, penalty shootouts, and stunning comebacks, the tournament has set the stage for an explosive quarterfinalshowdownnext Friday
Organised by former national coach Lennox
Arthur and backed by Deputy Mayor Denise Miller and the Guyana Police Force, the competition has lived up to its reputation, showcasing fierce rivalries, spectacular goals, and no shortage of controversy. Now, only eight teams remain in contention: Uitvlugt, Pele, Albouystown, Stabroek Ballers, Liliendaal, Bent Street ‘A’, Soesdyke, and BackCircle
Theknockoutformatleft no margin for error, with severalmatchesgoingdown to the wire while other were decided by penalties
Albouystown kicked off the evening with a hard-fought 1 - 0 v i c t o r y o v e r Pouderoyen, proving their defensiveresilience.
Peleneededpenaltiesto overcome a stubborn Madrid side after a 1-1 draw, keeping their title hopes alive Liliendaal then edged Mocha in a tense 1-0 penalty shootout
following a goalless regulationtime
Uitvlugt advanced in dramaticfashionaftera1-1 draw with Bent Street ‘B’, winning 1-0 on penalties
The match turned on a controversial handball
Liliendaal held off Mocha to advance to the quarterfinals.
decision, with Bent Street missingtheirfirsttwospotkicks
Bent Street ‘A’ unleashed a second-half onslaught to thrash Eagles 5-1, shaking off a sluggish first-half performance. Soesdyke on the other hand, pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over the Police team, while Back Circle stormed past Gladiators with a dominant 5-1 victory
Theactioncontinuesthis Friday, August 22, with all four quarterfinals taking place in a single night of high-stakesfootball.
The winners will advance to the semifinals laterthatevening,settingup a potential Cinderella story oraclashoftitans.
Quarterfinal Fixtures (EveLearyGround): 7:00 PM –Albouystown vs.Pele
Followed by – Stabroek Ballersvs.Liliendaal
Third Match – Bent Street ‘A’ vs. Uitvlugt (A grudge match after their earliercontroversy)
Final Clash – Back Circlevs.SoesdykeBallers
The champions will take home $500,000 and hampers, while the Most
Valuable Player (MVP) will ride away on a brand-new super motorcycle, generously donated by Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken. Other cash rewards include; second place will get $300,000, third place will secure $200,000 and fourth place $100,000. Additional accolades will be awarded for the Highest Goal Scorer and Most Disciplined Team, ensuring every standout performance is recognised. OneNight. Eight Teams One Champion.
(Reuters) - World
number one Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals with a 6-1 7-5 victory over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Wednesday, while men’s top seed Jannik Sinner beat AdrianMannarinofollowinga lengthyraindelay.
Freshoffathrillingthirdround battle with Emma Raducanu,women’sreigning champion Sabalenka had an easier ride against the Spaniard Bouzas Maneiro, earninghertour-leading50th win in one hour and 20 minutes “I was up a break, made a couple of mistakes and she broke me back,” Sabalenkasaid.“I’mgladto win in straight sets. I didn’t
wanttostayforthreehours.”
The Belarusian will next meet 2022 Wimbledon championElenaRybakinain afinal-worthyshowdown,as the ninth-seeded Kazakh rallied from a set down to beatAustralianOpenwinner Madison Keys 6-7(3) 6-4 62. Earlier, six-times Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek reached the quarters with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Sorana Cirstea, with the thirdseeded Pole extending her perfect record against the Romanian to 5-0 “We playedmanytoughmatches, so I know Sorana can really hit the ball well, especially on faster surfaces,” Swiatek said. “Not many of my first serves went in, but I was
happy I was solid on my secondserves.”
Fellow Pole Magda Linette secured her second top-10 win of the season by upsetting American fourth seedJessicaPegula7-6(5)3-6 6-3inathird-roundmatchthat extended over two days after Tuesday’s suspension due to rain.
SINNER,ALCARAZ THROUGH
In the men’s draw, defending champion Sinner kept his title defence on track, beating Frenchman Mannarino 6-4 7-6(4) after an almost three-hour rain interruption The Italian four-times Grand Slam champion struggled to find his rhythm, failing to serve
out at 6-5 but sealing the tiebreak with back-to-back acesforhis24thconsecutive hard-court victory “He is a very tough opponent Very different from other opponents, not only because heisaleftybuthowhehitsthe ball It’sverylow,”Sinnersaid “I just tried to serve well and triedtoseewhatIcoulddoin thereturngames.”Sinnerwill faceCanadian23rdseedFelix Auger-Aliassime in his fifth quarter-finalthisyear Spanish second seed Carlos Alcaraz booked his 18th Masters 1000 quarterfinalbybeatingItalianLuca Nardi 6-1 6-4. The fivetimes major winner, into the last eight in Cincinnati for the third time, has now won
36ofhislast38matches.
“This match was the best so far for me in this tournament,” Alcaraz said “I’mreallyhappywiththeway Ifelttheballtodayandtheway thatImoved Igotusedtothe conditions, the humidity and heat. I’m happy to get through.”
Alcaraz will next face Russian ninth seed Andrey Rublev, who beat Argentine Francisco Comesana 6-2 6-3. CanadianOpenchampionBen Shelton, whose match was also halted after the first set, progressedtothelast16witha 7-6(3) 6-3 win over Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut The American fifth seed will face Czech Jiri Lehecka German thirdseedAlexanderZverev,
whocompleteda6-46-4win over American Brandon Nakashima after the match was suspended overnight when he was leading 5-4 in thesecondset,progressedto the quarters after Russian Karen Khachanov was forcedtoretireduetoinjury whiletrailing7-53-0. French qualifier Terence Atmane earned the biggest winofhiscareerbystunning AmericanfourthseedTaylor Fritz3-67-56-3,earninghis first Masters 1000 quarterfinalberth.
Atmane will meet Danish seventh seed Holger Rune, who advanced after American10thseedFrances Tiafoe retired due to a back injury
ESPNcricinfo-Nicholas Pooran has been named Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR)captainaheadofCPL 2025.Hewilltakeoverfrom Kieron Pollard, who has led theteamsince2019,whenhe replaced Dwayne Bravo in therole.
“It means a lot, first and foremost, to represent TrinbagoKnightRiders.Itis a privilege that I’m getting the opportunity to lead this franchise,” Pooran said. “I want to give it my best shot, andhopefullymakeasmany correctdecisionsasIcan.It’s aresponsibilitythathasbeen passed on from Bravo to Pollard,andnowtome.
“For me, the most satisfying thing is that Pollardisstillplaying;Sunil [Narine]andAndre[Russell] are here too. That’s a lot of experienceIcanbankon.To lead them on the field - it
unbeaten season - with 12 out of 12 wins - before making two more playoff appearances. In 2024, they lost the Eliminator to BR. Bravo was named head coach this season after he retiredlastyear
“I believe grooming the next generation is very important,” Pollard said
meansalottome.” Pooran,whoisoneofthe mostsought-afterplayerson the T20 circuit, made his debut in the format as a 17year-old in the inaugural season of the CPLfor TKR, who were then known as Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel He switched to Barbados Royals (BR) and Guyana Amazon Warriors before returning to TKR in 2022. He’s played in all the CPLseasonssofarexceptfor 2015, when he was out injured due to an accident. Overall in the CPL, Pooran has2447runsatastrikerate of152.27in114matches.At present,heisalsothecaptain ofMINewYorkintheMLC and MI Emirates in the ILT20.
Under Pollard’s leadership, TKR not only wontheirfourthCPLtitlein 2020 but had a record
Frompage30
Phelps,alongwithsix-times Olympic champion Ryan
Lochte, made their disappointment clear after theU.S. team’s performance at the World Championships in Singapore.
Lochte shared an image
on social media of a
tombstone with the inscription: “In loving memory of United States Swimming.Theyset the bar high — until they stopped
reachingforit.”
Lochte added a caption referencing the LosAngeles Olympics in 2028, saying: “Call it a funeral or call it a fresh start We’ve got 3 years.”
Phelps shared Lochte’s post and added: “Is this the w a k e - u p c a l l U S A swimmingneeded?”
Despiteearlystrugglesin Singapore, the U.S. finished top of the medals table with nine golds and 29 medals overall.
“With Bravo coming on board this year as the new headcoach,wefeltthisisthe right time to get a new captain in Pooran is homegrown, and I think this is the right opportunity for him We’ve actually been preparing him for this over theyears.
“Idon’tknowhowmuch
longer I’m going to be playing for, but I’m happy fortheopportunitytostillbe on the field and help Nicholas ease into this role.
He’s someone who we’ve seen grow in front of us and he understands our values
and principles He understandshowwewantto play cricket, he understands
the winning culture that we wanttocreate,andheshares a lot of respect with a lot of playersaroundtheworld.So for me, it was an easy decision to hand over the captaincytoPooran.”
TKR start their CPL 2025 campaign against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August17.
Michael Phelps
(Reuters) - Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming’s leadership, with the 23-times Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweepingreformsafterwhat he sees as years of organisationaldecline.
The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside whilerevealinghemightnot want his four young sons competinginthesportgiven the current state of swimming in the United States Phelps traced his frustrationsbackthroughhis competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, was “told to be grateful for the chance to compete” and that it was moreimportanttostayquiet andtokeepthepeace.
“First, I must be clear thatIhavetheutmostrespect for the U.S. swimmers that competed at the World Championships,” Phelps, whoretiredin2016,wrotein a lengthy Instagram statement. “My criticism is innowaydirectedatthem–I know how hard they work and how honoured they are to represent the U.S. NationalTeam.Mycriticism is about the system, its leadership, and how it’s failing. “There have always beencracksinthesystembut in the last nine years, I’ve seenthosecracksgrow.”
Reuters has contacted USA Swimming for comment.
Phelps compared the success of the U.S. swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where they won 33 medals, to the Paris Games lastyearwhentheyslumped
totheirlowestmedalhaulin the pool (28) since the 2004 GamesinAthens.
“POORLEADERSHIP”
Phelpsalsorevealedthat he sent a letter to USA Swimming earlier this year addressing his “frustrations with the current state of the sport,” which was shared with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee outlining his concerns.
He said he had the support of former Olympic medallists, world record holders,coachesandcurrent and former staff members but added that the letter “seemedtofallondeafears”.
“I’ve asked myself what’s changed in our sport andtheanswerisclear this isn’t on the athletes as they continue to do the best they can with what they’ve been given This is on the leadership of USA Swimming,”headded.
“Poorleadershiptrickles down and can impact an organizationateverylevel.
“Money is a factor But poor operational controls and weak leadership are a cornerstone of the sport’s problems.”
Phelps proposed a series of reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming’s Board of D i r e c t o r s a n d i t s organization, improving athlete services and strengthening grassroots effortstoreversemembership declineandfostergrowth
“Iofferupmyserviceto be a resource in these proposed initial steps and I am hopeful that the USA Swimming community will acceptmyoffer,”headded.
LOCHTECRITICISM
Earlierthismonth, (Continuedonpage29)
27–28
Th e G u y a n a B a s k e t b a l l F e d e r a t i o n
(GBF) has officially announced that the 2025 National 3x3 Basketball Championship will take placeonSeptember27–28at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
This year’s tournament will be a crucial step in selecting the team that will represent Guyana at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup, scheduled for November 27–30inLeón,Mexico.
TheAmeriCup is one of the most prestigious events in theAmericas for the fastpaced, half-court format, attractingthetop3x3squads from North, Central, and South America, as well as theCaribbean.
A total of 16 teams will battle for national bragging rights, six more than last year’s edition, which was wonbytheRenegades.
The tournament’s winners will pocket
$500,000, while $200,000 will be awarded to the secondplaceteam.
Third and fourth place willgohomewith$100,000 and$50,000respectfully
President of the GBF, Michael Singh highlighted that that the tournament
will be strictly for Guyanese players and will serve as the only selection process for the AmeriCup roster
“We want a transparent selection process for the AmeriCup, ” Singh explained
“The 3x3AmeriCup is animportantfixtureonour internationalcalendar
In fact, we’ve only missed it once due to unforeseencircumstances
Everyotheryear,we’ve proudly represented Guyana,oftenasoneofthe few English-speaking Caribbean nations in the competition ”
Singh applauded the growth of 3x3 basketball
locallyandthesupportfrom both the Government of Guyana and corporate sponsors.
“For our last two AmeriCup appearances, the Government covered all costs, registration fees, flights, per diems for players, which has been a hugeboost.
That level of backing is something we truly appreciate,anditgivesus the platform to focus on p r e p a r a t i o n a n d performance, ” Singh added
This year, the GBF plans to take a more competitive approach to preparation
Once the national team is selected, Singh is hoping to have them entered into multiplestops on the international 3x3 circuit to face high-caliber opposition.
“In past years, we didn’t give our teams enough chances to
compete against elite t a l e n t b e f o r e t h e AmeriCup, ” Singh admitted
However, he added, “This year, we want to change that by testing our squad in top-tier 3x3 competitions so they’re battle-ready when they step onto the court in Mexico.”
At last year’s National 3x3 C
Jude Corlette, Travis B
e, Nikkoloi Smith, and Dominic Vincente, defeated a st
c
ed Linden side boasting Harold Adams, Shane Webster, Shelroy Thom
, and Orlan Glasgow,21–15inthefinal attheNationalGymnasium. Ultimately, Belgrave, Vincente, Adams, and Smith went on to represent Guyana at the 3x3 AmeriCup in Puerto Rico, gaining valuable internationalexperience
Fr e s h f r o m
representing
Guyana as an officialattheJuniorPanAm Games, the President of Archery Guyana (AG) and General Secretary of the G u y a n a O l y m p i c Association, Mrs Vidushi
Persaud-McKinnon, continues her tireless servicetosport.
This latest assignment was part of a strong Guyanese delegation, which also included Mr Godfrey Munroe, President of the GOA; Ms. Carolyn Garraway, Welfare Officer; and Ms. Sileena Arjune, Chef-de-Mission,tonamea few
Her role at the Games was just one of the many hats she wears in the
national sporting arena, balancing leadership, a d v o c a c y , a n d representation with grace anddetermination. Her schedule was a whirlwind of meetings, planning sessions, and strategic discussions, all aimedatadvancingsportin Guyana.
B a l a n c i n g commitments at home and abroad is no small feat, yet she approaches each responsibility with professionalism, passion, and a deep love for the Olympicvalues. Her work is a reminder that progress in sport requires not only talent on the field but also strong leadership and advocacy behindthescenes.
Waqar Salamkheil picked up four wickets. (Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty)
CPL - Six teams. Six venues. 34 matches. Only one eventual winner The 13theditionofTheRepublic Bank Caribbean Premier League(CPL)gotunderway inBasseterrelastnightasthe St Kitts & Nevis Patriots defeatedAntigua&Barbuda Falcons in the first match, the Patriots running out winners by six wickets with 30ballsremaining. Patriots skipper Jason Holder won the toss and electedtoinserttheFalcons, thisturnedouttobeashrewd move as only Karima Gore made a score of note for the
latter Goresurvivedashaky start to post his maiden T20 half century, his 61 off 34 balls helped to stitch the visitor’s batting effort togetherandsawtheFalcons post121allout.
On a sticky pitch that helped the bowlers the batters found it hard to time alltheirshotsbuttheFalcons target was below par and hauled in with relative ease bythePatriots.
The experienced hands ofAlickAthanaze(37off28) andJasonHolder(18off14) saw Patriots over the line with five overs to go to cap
off a commanding performance to start to this year’scampaign. It was an all-round performance from Holder’s side, the bowlers impressed earlier in the evening – leftarm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil was the star bowler for the Patriots and wasnamedthePlayerofthe Matchfortaking4/22offhis fourovers.
Pace men Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naseem Shah ablysupportedbybagginga couple of wickets each to keep the Falcons constantly pegged back and under
pressure The low total postedbytheFalconsdidnot givetheirbowlersenoughto work with and the Patriots were never in any danger despite Rahkeem Cornwall pocketingtwowicketsinone over
Scores: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 121, KarimaGore61;Salamkheil 4-22
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 125/4, Alick Athanaze37,EvinLewis25; RahkeemCornwall2-19.
Result:Patriotswonby6 wickets (with 30 balls remaining)
Th e G u y a n a
A m a z o n
Warriors will get their season going in this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) when they face the home team St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots tonight from 19:00hatWarnerPark.
Captain Imran Tahir at 45, remains the tactical leader and among the leading bowlers over the years, barring injury his presence should play into itsusuallyfruitfuloutcome
WithShimronHetmyer, Romario Shepherd, the team’sfinisherwiththebat, the in-form Shai Hope who had 481 runs in CPL 2024, along with overseas batters in Moeen Ali & Glenn Phillips, the Warriors will be one of the more dangerous batting teams thisseason
Bowling-wise,theformer champs also have one of the better options in that department with stars like ShamarJoseph,KeemoPaul, Dwaine Pretorius and Shepherd leading the pace attack
Sp
Gudakesh Motie and Hasan Khan will fancy their selective reliance on each other
ThePatriotsontheother hand, can turn things up quickly with a dangerous batting order featuring South A
Rossouw, the classy Alick Athanaze, Mikyle Louis, K
Fletcher, Evin Lewis to nameafew
St. Kitts can also match the Warriors in the bowling section, having Guyana Harpy Eagles spinner Ashmead Nedd, Jeremiah
Home
Louis, Dominic Drakes, Afghan left-arm spinner Waqar Salamkheil being among some of the options
available to new skipper JasonHolder,whowillbea keyfigurewithbatandball. A fresh Guyana playing
their first match will be
advantage of the Patriots who will be playing their
secondgamehavingopened this year’s competition in last night’s first match (CliftonRoss)
In the second semifinal
o f t h e o n g o i n g CommissionerofPoliceT20 Cricket Competition, the Police Officers’ team secured their place in the final with a commanding victory over the Region 4A & B combined, during an exciting game at Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary Region 4 A&B won the toss and chose to bowl first. The Officers, playing without their experienced c a p t a i n , D e p u t y Commissioner Mr RavindradatBudhram, were led by acting captain SuperintendentRonaldAlli. The innings started strongly with young rising starJoshuaBudhramscoring 21 runs, including two boundaries. Stephen Harris followed with 31 runs from 27 balls, hitting two sixes and one four Raheem Haynesprovidedalateburst of energy with an unbeaten 17 runs off just 5 balls, featuring two sixes and one
The Police Officers will face HQ in today's final battle.
four However, the standout performance came from Trevor Benn, who played a blistering knock of 71 not out from only 27 balls, smashingthreefoursandsix sixes. His explosive batting helped lift the Officers from 103 for 5 in 17 overs to a formidable175for5wickets in 20 overs. Bowling for
Region4A&Bwere:Samuel Henry 4 overs, 33 runs, 2 wickets, Darson La Rose: 4 overs, 39 runs, 2 wickets Chasing175,Region4A&B began brightly Orin Venture top-scored with 33 runs, including two sixes and two fours, while Quincy Kendell added17runswithonesixand two fours, and Chemroy
Kendell chipped in with 15 runs Butthemiddleandlower order collapsed under tight bowling pressure, and they weredismissedfor120runsin 191overs
The officers’ attack was led by the upcoming cricket star Joshua Budhram, who took3wicketsfor14runsin his (2 1 overs) He was
supported by the ‘Golden Arm’ Troy Benn, who took thefirst2wicketsfor14runs (4 overs), Ivor Trotz: 2 wicketsfor16runs(4overs) and Trevor Benn, Stephen Harris, and Captain Ronald Alli:1wicketeach. With this all-round performance highlighted by the brilliant batting and
bowling of young Joshua Budhram, the Officers marchedconfidentlyintothe final, where they will now battle for the CoP T20 championship title against the defending Champions, PoliceHeadquarters. Meanwhile, the Officers willfaceHQintoday’sfinal battle.
Boxer James Moore is home recovering now, havingbeendischargedfrom the Linden Hospital Complex on Tuesday after surgerytoabrokenrightleg.
The cruiserweight
boxing championship contender suffered a serious setback when he was knocked down by a car on Saturday, 19 July while trainingforatitlefightatthe Cliff Anderson Sports Hall against overseas-based fighter Laured Stewart, which was set for Saturday, August9.
“I was giving it my all. This fight would have been abletobuildmycareer,”said the 28-year-old Moore who had won his three previous professional fights via the knockoutroute.
But this cruiserweight championship fight was not to be, as Moore quipped: “I was really looking forward tothisLauredStewartfight,” as he pondered when he would be able to step back intothesquaredjungle.
As he was heading back to Mackenzie after doing some running on the Linden Highway in Amelia’s Ward, Moorewashittotheground byacarwhichwastraveling inthesamedirection.
The quiet spoken Moore said he was off the roadway but somehow the motor car veered on to connect to his rightfoot,causingatibiaand fibula bones to fracture whichnecessitatedsurgery
He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex
whereafterhehadabi-valve castonJuly21andjustover twoweeksafter,hewasable to get the necessary surgery donelastFridayAugust8.
He had returned from a brief training stint in Englandjusttwomonthsago and was eagerly looking forwardtothisfight.
His coach Orlan ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers related the nightbeforetheaccidentrain had prevented his charge fromtrainingasplanned.
The astute trainer said, “He got up like 4.00 in the morning of the accident and at Obama Drive, coming west the car hit him and broke his lower right foot, less than a month to a contractedfight.”
After a failed attempt to get the surgery done due to the prohibitive cost at a private hospital, which was tagged at just above $1M, it was decided to have the surgery done at the Linden medicalinstitution.
With the car driver, who b a c k e d o f f f r o m compensationtoMooreafter earlierpromisestohelp,itis likelythatthematterwillbe takentothecourt.
The distraught boxer, who by way of surgery receivedatibialinterlocking nail fixation to his right leg, couldbeoutoftheringforat leastayear
But he thanked the doctors, nurses and technicians at the Linden Hospital Complex for their attentionandexpertise.
Among those he mentionedwere Dr Collins,
Dr Jesus,Dr Couchmanand Dr Mario along with technicianMr Inniss.
HismanagerisEnglandbasedMs.KeturahGrumble
who along with New York basedboxingpromoterSeon
Bristol of Bris-O Promotions and trainer Orlon Rogers were singled
out by Moore for their support throughout his hospitalization.
Heistovisitthemedical institutioneverysixweeksto
continue his expected successfulrecovery,withthe hope that within the next year he can return to his professionalboxingcareer
