Kaieteur News

Guyana dubbed fastest growing, lowest cost oil developments in the world

Dubbed the world's fastest-growing and lowest cost oil developments, experts says that Chevron's imminent entry into Guyana's rich offshore oilfields would solve one of the biggest problems dogging the U S major: where its growth will come from beyond the next few years.

On Friday, the U.S. oil producer closed its $55billion acquisition of Hessamong the largest ever oil and gas deals - and gained thelatter'sstakeinGuyana's Stabroek Block after prevailing in a legal fight against larger rival Exxon Mobil.

The Stabroek Block located about 120 miles offshore Guyana, spans 6.6 millionacres.Oilproduction beganinDecember2019and hasgrownto650,000barrels per day (bpd) from three sanctioned projects: Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, and Payara.

This output is expected to increase with the upcoming start-up of Yellowtail, the fourth development,laterthisyear ExxonMobilGuyanaholdsa 45% interest, Hess Guyana holds 30%, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds the remaining 25%. Exxon has two other sanctionedprojectsunderits belt: Uaru and Whiptail. It has also submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its

s e v e n t h p r o j e c t , Hammerhead, with production targeted for 2029 Additionally, the company has filed an application for an eighth development,Longtail.

S t a b r o e k B l o c k Agreement

T h e a g r e e m e n t governing the Stabroek Block extends favourable terms to the oil companies. Accordingtotheagreement, StabroekBlockpartnerscan recover 75 per cent of oil produced to cover investment costs The remaining 25 per cent is consideredprofitandissplit equallybetweenGuyanaand the consortium, giving each 12.5percent.

H o w e v e r , t h e consortiumpaysa2percent royalty from its share to Guyana.

FromGuyana's14.5per cent total take, the governmentmustpaytheoil companies' taxes. The deal stipulates that the sum equivalenttothetaxesowed by the companies must be

paid by the minister responsibleforpetroleumto thecommissionergeneralof the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA). Before the deal closed, concerns had been rising about Chevron's financial and production growth prospects, with its reserves ofoilandgasdroppingtothe lowestinatleastadecade.

The Stabroek Block holds at least 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent and isoneofthemostsignificant oil discoveries in decades.

"The combination enhances and extends our growth profile well into the next decade," Chevron CEO Mike Wirth said about closingtheHessacquisition.

Some investors cheered thedevelopmentasboosting the company's long-term prospects.

"The acquisition plugs a free cash flow hole that Chevron had looming at the end of this decade into the 2030s," said David Byrns, a

Investments, which has a $351-million position in Chevron, according to LSEGdata.WithoutHess,it was unclear how Chevron could maintain free cash flow, he said, adding the acquisition is also expected to help Chevron sustain its dividend into the 2030s

Stephanie Link, chief investment strategist at advisory firm Hightower Advisors, said she is consideringaddingChevron to her portfolio as its shares are down over the past year and carry a 4.5% dividend yield.

"ThekeyisthatChevron now gains access to one of the world's fastest-growing and lowest-cost oil developments,"shesaid.

SHARESFALL

The closure is a muchneeded win for Chevron after several tough months during which it announced global layoffs, faced rising safety issues, and lost exports from Venezuela. Its shareshavefallen7.5%over thepastyear OnFriday,they declined 1.6% in afternoon trading.

Chevron's oil and gas reserves,ortheamountitcan potentially extract from its oil and gas fields, fell to 9.8 billion boe at the end of 2024, the lowest point in at leastadecade.

I think, the new term outlook is quite bullish for diesel cracks, especially in theAtlanticbasin. Its organic reserve

replacementratio,ameasure ofhowmuchnewoilandgas was added to reserves compared to the amount it produced, and which excludes acquisitions and sales, was just 45%. A ratio of 100% or more means the company is replacing its reservesatthesameratethat itdepletesthem.

By comparison, UKbased oil major Shell and F r e n c h o

r TotalEnergies both have averagereservereplacement

ratios over the past three yearsofmorethan100%.

Chevron production volumes after combining with Hess could reach 4.31 million boe/d in 2030, significantly higher than

produce as a standalone company, said John Gerdes, president of Gerdes Energy Research.

Chevron produced 3.3 millionboe/din2024.

Exxon, which operates the Stabroek Block, and

CNOOC, the other minority partner in the field, filed arbitration claims against Hess last year, arguing they had a contractual right of first refusal to purchase Hess'stake.

Thebattlewaspivotalto Chevron, given that the Guyana field was the most coveted asset in Hess' portfolio. If the arbitration had gone against Chevron, the acquisition would have collapsed.

A

question that Chevron faces is whether it will extend its contract to operate the giant T

n Kazakhstan, which expires in2033.

Chevronhasa50%stake in the Tengizchevroil joint venture that it operates. The company told Reuters in January the field would produce about 1 million boe/d after an expansion projectreachedfullcapacity (REUTERS)

KaieteurNews

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EDITORIAL

Too many guns in the town

In recent times there has been a rash of gun crimes across the country- many of them resulting in personslosingtheirlives.

The most recent one saw a young teacher in Linden, Jenel Pollydore being gunned down by her ex-boyfriend during a wedding reception Saturday evening. Before that incident, we had the wanton killing of two men on the Buxton Linetop, followed by another execution-style killinginLinden.Therehavebeenseveralothersaswellas dailyarmedrobberiesacrossthiscountry.

Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement, Wendell Blanhum during a presentation of crime statistics late last year had acknowledged that armed robbery, particularly involving firearms, remains the most prevalent crime of concern. Blanhum had said that pistols, especially highcapacitymodelswiththeabilitytoholdupto17rounds,are thefirearmsofchoiceamongcriminals.Theseweaponshe saidarefavouredduetotheireasyconcealmentandgreater ammunition capacity The deputy commissioner had also pointed out that in response to the alarming increase in illegal firearms, the police had made significant strides in recovering weapons, with a record 162 firearms seized in 2024—thehighestinadecade.

SpiralinggunviolenceisafactoflifeinGuyanatoday It is almost the exception when a firearm and its usage (threatenedoractual)isnotpartofthemix,meaning,crime onthestreet,orsomethinggoingoninthehome.Itdoesnot havetobethedirectcoststovictimsandtheirfamilies,but such costs extend to the workplace, particularly if a state agency,intermsoflostmanhoursandproductivity,andthe sums expended on training, with seepages into the wider economy

Wehavehadgunamnesties,withnegligibleresults.We haveaporousborder,withawell-earnedreputationforgun smuggling, leading to a possibly continuing influx of weapons.Wehaveuncertaintiesaboutwhathappensonour streetswhenlawenforcementencountersanillegalfirearm, relativetowhatandwhoistakeninversusletgo.Wehave strict laws, but regarding confidence in the consistency of enforcementofthoselaws,thatisupintheair Whatwedo know is that there are many guns, and their uses cost us heavily When the costs are totalled, the prices are steep, especiallyforqualityoflife.Wehopethatourpoliticiansare listeningespeciallyatthistimewhentheyarebusyaround thecountrybeggingforvotesandplanondoingmore,with a qualitysecurity apparatus,and going after real criminals andnotimaginedones.

Gun violence in Guyana has become an increasingly urgentissue,onethatthreatensnotonlylives,butthefabric of communities and the nation’s overall sense of security Once considered sporadic and isolated, firearm-related crimes have grown more frequent, more brazen, and more devastating.Overthepastfewyears,Guyanahaswitnessed an uptick in armed robberies, gang-related shootings, and evendomesticincidentsthatescalatetofatalviolencedueto the ready availability of guns. Each report, whether from Georgetown, rural villages, or border towns reveals a troubling trend: illegal firearms are far too accessible, and enforcementmeasuresarestrugglingtokeepup.

There are multiple root causes fueling this crisis. First andforemostistheporousnessofGuyana’sborders,which allowsthesmugglingofillegalweaponsfromneighbouring countries such as Brazil. Weak enforcement infrastructure andlimitedresourcesinruralareasmakeiteasierforthese weaponstocirculatewithoutconsequence.

Secondly, poverty and youth unemployment remain pressing concerns. Despite the US$ billions trickling in from the oil sector, countless citizens remain stuck in poverty Formanyyoungpeople,crimeoftenfacilitatedby access to firearms offers a false sense of power and a

Callsformoresustainedmeasurestostop violenceagainstwomenandyounggirls

DEAREDITOR

The Guyana Human RightsAssociation (GHRA) commends the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for the decisiveness with which they responded to the rape andsexualviolenceagainsta 20-year-old Amerindian youngwomanintheRaghoo BarinSoesdyke.

We strongly encourage the other Government

A g e n c i e s w i t h responsibilities for law, women and Amerindian matterstosustainasimilarly energeticresponse.

Indigenous females are, for c

particularly vulnerable to

being duped into abusive situationsincoastalGuyana, but their vulnerability is not unique.

Sexual violence against women and girl children is endemic in Guyana requiring them to be constantly vigilant of their s u r r o u n d i n g s a n d whereabouts, which minibustouse,streettowalkon, clothes that might send a wrongmessage.

Public reactions of horror at incidents such as that which occurred in Soesdyke contrast sharply withthegrowingacceptance of sexually objectifying women routinely projected

in the proliferation of strip clubs,traffickingofgirlsfor prostitution and lewd posts on social media. The one seemsnevertobeconnected withtheother

Too often, immediate passionate indignation from Ministers, the police, politicians and religious leaders eventually simmers down into more routine, evasiveaction.

The most shocking example of such behaviour was the mere removal from office of a minister of government widely considered by public opiniontoberesponsiblefor the rape of a young

indigenous woman

Alarmingly, his name recentlyappearedonthenew electorallistofcandidatesof therulingparty Thiskindof evasion is no longer acceptable.

The Guyana Human RightsAssociationiscalling for this heinous incident to betreated,notasanisolated vicious attack, but as the latest in a string of sexual crimes against women. The GHRA fully supports cancelling the licence and closureoftheRaghooBar

Sincerely

ExecutiveCommittee

GuyanaHumanRights Association(GHRA)

Mohamed’s WIN provides the greatest challenge to the PPP’s reign of exclusion, corruption and incompetence

DEAREDITOR

It has been almost half a century since a young politician has galvanised a mass-based, multi-racial, urban-rural-hinterland, political and social movement that promised to threaten the long-standing duopoly of PNC (APNU) andPPPpoliticaldomination ofGuyana.

Since 1992, and for over 25yearsthePPP’shegemony was only briefly interrupted by the Granger-led APNU+AFC administration whichcoalitionseemstohave suffered recent and irreparable self-mutilation that most political observers do not believe it capable of organising an effective challenge to the PPP which leadership stability has been solid and its gains constant The victorious APNU+AFC coalitionofadecadeagohas separated and APNU has retired, or distanced, almost every senior leader (former Cabinet Ministers, M Ps, senior administrators and party executives) several of whom have formed their own political parties or

aligned with other parties, includingthePPP,andwhile all this was happening governance under the PPP continues to degenerate seemingly without opposition.

The political landscape in Guyana has changed in the run-up to the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Electionstobecontestedbysix politicalparties,threeofwhich - Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) andWeInvestinNationhood (WIN)–areveryrecent;and the latter (WIN) party has attracted spontaneous and i m m e n s e p u b l i c f a v o u r a b i l i t y a n d considerable consternation among the mass-based parties, particularly the incumbent.

My acquaintance with Mr Azruddin Mohamed, leaderoftheWINpartywas, likemostGuyanese,through public disclosures of his flamboyantlife-style(young billionaire and his Lamborghini); run-ins with the US and Guyana governments including

dangerouspathtoeconomicsurvival.Theriseoforganised gangsandcriminalnetworks,somewithtransnationalties, further exacerbates the issue, dragging young people into cyclesofviolenceandretaliation.

To effectively tackle gun violence, Guyana needs a multi-pronged approach, which must include stronger bordercontrolandgreaterinvestmentinbordersecurityand surveillance technology International partnerships with Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela must be strengthened to curbarmstrafficking.Gunviolenceisnotjustacrimeissue, it is a public health, economic, and human rights crisis. Every life lost to a bullet is a tragedy that ripples through families and communities. Government must act with urgency, resolve, and compassion to reverse this tide.The futureofthenationdependsonit.

Treasury Department sanction and multiple allegations of serious criminalitywhichweremore titillating than substantive since no compelling evidence was produced or charges laid; and nationwide empathetic and charitable engagements with ordinary people experiencing difficulties I,initially,viewed his help as a rather expensive gimmick to purchase sympathy and support to compensateforthatwhichhe seemed to have lost, or a cynical ploy to undermine the opposition by weaning its support, but this quickly turned to admiration for his increasingly undeniable socialawareness,generosity andcompassion,andrespect forhispoliticalacumen.

As a public servant previously involved with economic development and social amelioration programmesIwasacquainted with programmes such as SIMAP, Futures Fund and FoodforthePoorwhichwere promoted during the eighties and nineties to support the most vulnerable in society under conditions of structural adjustment I struggle to comprehend that more than threedecadeslater,inatimeof record-breaking economic prosperitythatthegovernment could fail its citizens so completely that one man, utilising private resources, could positively impact the livesofsomanyinsuchashort time According to G.H.K. Lall,Mohamed“hasbecome cathartic for abused Guyanese expressing their anger at being

disinherited” and a demand for a better today. People haveconcludedthat,fromhis consistent actions, he understands, and prioritizes, theneedsofthemasses,thathe doesnotneedtoenrichhimself at the expense of the national patrimony,orseekpowerover people,andaredeterminedto associate with him and advance him as their champion

The ruling party is very awareoftheclear,presentand growing threat According to Mohamed’s lawyer, Siand Dhurjon, “We have never in the history of this country seen a government so shiveringly afraid of one man” The campaign to discredit Mohamed, from allegationsoftaxfraud,gold smuggling, drug trafficking, rape and murder and regular confrontations with the police are understood by all as a deliberate attempt to undermine his credibility and confuse and intimidate hisfollowers.Thistacticwill not succeed and his support willonlygrow Supportersof allnon-governmentpolitical parties are united in the understandingthatthePPP’s infrastructure-driven, contractor-friendly, debtfuelled model of economic development does not really benefit a majority of Guyanesebutintheabsence of a united opposition it is becomingcleartomanythat Mohamed’s WIN provides the greatest challenge to the PPP’s reign of exclusion, c o r r u p t i o n a n d incompetence.

Sincerely OscarDolphin

Tribute to Mother and Daughter, Zohora Sankar and Lyla Kissoon

DEAREDITOR

Long before Mrs. Lyla Kissoon was her mother, Mrs. Zohora Sankar, one of Guyana’s early business women, a trailblazer, with holdings in rice, wood, sugar, dry goods, coconuts, cinemas and car dealerships such as the DeSoto, Datsun

and the prestigious MercedesBenz.

Mami as Mom refers to her, was also a dedicated m o t h e r o f e i g h t accomplishedchildren.

Mrs. Zohora Sankar was born in Novar to Sri Kishun Chan and his wife Soneah Chan, née Allison Her siblings included Mohamed Saffee Chan, Mohamed Razak Chan, Mohamed Haniff Chan, Mohamed Samah Chan, Mohamed Hashim Chan, Mrs Batool Majeed (Baba), and Mrs ShamyuneGafoor

She was married to Mr

Amin Sankar of 78

Corentyne In 1930, the couple acquired Waterloo Plantation in Suriname and became the first Indians in the region and probably the world over to own a large worldclasssugarplantation. By1932,thecouplebecame

thefirstEastIndianfamilyto move into 50 Main Street in the height of colonial times when only Europeans lived onMainStreet,Georgetown. So, from very early times Aunt Lyla moved into Main Street as her parents were breaking economic and social norms Eventually, Mr and Mrs. Sankar forged theSankarBrothersInc.

Mr andMrs.Sankaralso purchased51MainStreetfor theirsonYusufSankaranda home on Lamaha Street for the eldest son, Uncle Raja Amin Sankar While her Uncle, Dino (Ahamad Sankar) lived on Camp Street.

Mrs. Zohora Sankar was an astute business person with drive, perseverance, and strong business skills. ShebroughtSankarBrothers manysuccessesinacquiring the Datsun, DeSoto and Mercedes Benz dealerships; several cinemas and dry goodsstores.

In addition, they acquired Hope Estate, Demerara, Park Estate, Mahaicony, Mahdia Estate, Corentyne and Affiance, Essequibo. Plantation Hope, which

Outrageous claims by Paul Williams

DEAREDITOR

In retrospect, based on h i s o w n p u b l i c pronouncements, Paul Williams was justifiably denied promotion to Police Commissioner by two presidents. At a PNCRAPNU political event at Melanie Damishana over the past weekend, William made the outrageous claim that the GPF deliberately allow[ed] a protest march from Golden Grove to Mon Repos Market in June 2022, knowing fully well that the market would have been a flash point for attac

(

es, 2/20/2025) Hereisamanwho wanted to be the top cop, but whoclearlylivesinaworldof conspiracytheories

The man also states that “ they had a scheme plottedinordertocreatethat situationsothatyoucanlook as the ones who are the criminals, the thugs and the thieves” (Ibid). This is an old‘scrape’defence,namely thatthecriminals,thugs,and thieves who we can all see with our naked eyes are innocent church goers who have been wrongfully framed This is criminal defence of a different species.

Burnham confiscated and destroyed in 1978, was on the rebound after her youngest son, Fuad Sankar plantedover10,000coconut trees.

She was pleased with him running her treasured HopeEstate

It was “the happiest time”forJoreeMamiwhen Uncle Fuad took over the managing of the estate in 1977, but sadly Burnham confiscated it in 1978 and pulledthemansiondown

As well, Mrs Zohora Sankar was an excellent cook

You won’t know, but she was entrusted to prepare Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s meals during her 1966 historical visit to Guyana Joree Mami also had the best stables in the region She became the first to build stables in Main Street, Georgetown and which were fully air-conditioned in the 1950s, long before officesinGeorgetown

During the Royal 1958 visit of Princess Margaret to British Guiana, Mr and Mrs Sankar’s DeSoto Firesweep, registration number PG 88, was borrowed to drive her out The car was a dovetail grey, and Maroon

President Granger did therightthingbyrefusingto promote this conspiracy theorist. President Ali also did the right thing to ignore him. Williams’ current narrativeisthatheismoving from policing to politics. Nothing could be further fromthetruth.

Sincerely Dr RandyPersaud

Musketelltwotonescheme which was a striking combination

It was also during this visit that Uncle Yusuf met hiswife,JanetTekkahwho was the Governor’s Secretary Mrs Sankar’s horses came from Newmarket, England.

Among their winning horseswereMalayanPrince, fighting Scot, Disarm, Tynant and Judgement. Her jockeys were Manuel Gonzalves, Basil Naidoo andMiceLutchman.

Mrs.Sankarwasthefirst and last owner in Guyana to winall5-Aclassracesinone meeting.

Aswell,MrsSankarsaw the building of several MosquesatPlantationHope, WaterlooandAffiance.

A t Wa t e r l o o i n Suriname, she left the Mosque and its surrounding land to the Muslim community Here my grandmother, Maryam and some of her children are buried.

From early times the families rubbed shoulders with heads of states, Maulanas,businesstycoons, and royalty from England, Netherlands and elsewhere. Mrs.Sankarandherhusband were the only two guests

from the BritishWest Indies attendingthe1952royalvisit of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernard of the Netherlands toSuriname.

JoreeMamilaidthepath for her daughter, Lyla Sankar She was Lyla’s role model, and the parents afforded her a “loan of 40,000dollarsoneyearafter her first marriage to Mr Alston Kissoon to commence her business enterprises.

Mr Amin Sankar never cashed the repayment cheque that his daughter gavehim.Itwasagift.Itwas left uncashed, and found in hissafewhenhedied.

AminDaddialsoactedas guarantorforheratBookers, Forgarty, Khoury and Bettencourt. And while she was born into one of Guyana’s wealthy families, Aunt Lyla forged ahead to make it on her own and she did.

She was born Lyla SankaronFebruary19,1930 inNickerie,Surinamewhere her parents, Mr and Mrs. Sankar owned the grand Waterloo Sugar Estate. In this said Waterloo Home of 99 widows, my mother, ZabeidaKhan,grewupwith Aunt Lyla and her siblings. They all shared some great memoriesofWaterloo.

Aunt Lyla’s siblings wereAmna,Amina,Ayesha, Salima, Raja Amin, Yusuf andFuad.

Uncle Fuad is the only remaining sibling alive today He lives in England and upon her death in July 2025,UncleFuadsharedhis memory of her (see attached).

Mom’s mates were two ofherbrothers,UncleYusuf and Uncle Fuad who my grandfather named “Captain”becauseofhiswit andleadership.

Aunt Lyla was always kind to me (the author). She frequented horse racing in the Corentyne where I met her Myfatherintroducedher to me. She referred to me as “son.”

He recalled my grandfather well, who she referred to as Esau Bhaiya. My mother is very fond of AuntLyla.

She holds great respect and admiration for her For my mother’s 1955 wedding, Aunt Lyla gifted to her a stove, a refrigerator, and furniture.

Aunt Lyla hosted me twice at the iconic Park Hotel.

I was her guest and she told me to eat and have a goodtime.Overtheyears, (Continuedonpage16)

MODEC launches Guyana office

…creating 160+ jobs in expanding oil sector

Guyana’s rapidly expanding oil and gas sector is set to benefit from over 160 sustainedlocaljobswiththe official opening of a Mitsui Ocean Development & Engineering Company Inc.

(MODEC) office in Georgetown.

Theceremonytookplace last week The Japanese offshore engineering giant’s investment not only strengthens the country’s energysectorbutalsobrings meaningfulemploymentand training opportunities for Guyanese

M O D E C ’s l o c a l operations align with the government’slocalcontent push to ensure that the nation’s energy wealth creates direct economic

opportunities for its people The company, a global leader in floating offshore production systems forover55years,markedits official entry at a ceremony on Friday at Pegasus CorporateSuites.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Oneidge Walrond, delivering remarks on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali,

described MODEC’s presence as a serious and meaningfulcommitmentto

Guyana’s development

Addressing the gathering, Minister Walrond said MODEC’sarrivalinGuyana signals a serious and meaningful commitment on theirpart.

“This is not a company dipping its toes in the water MODEC has come with purpose, promise and provenperformance,”

she said Minister Walrond emphasised that MODEC’s investment g o e s b e y o n d o i l production; it also opens do

development

G

“MODEC operations will generate hundreds of jobs during the startup phase alone, and when production begins, more than 160 jobs will be sustained and many of those will be Guyanese,” theMinisternoted.

“That is why we welcome MODEC, not just as a contractor, but as a partnerinnationbuilding.”

She also highlighted the impact of Guyana’s local contentlegislation,callingit “groundbreaking.” Since its implementation, over $1.5 billion in contracts have been secured, with more than 1,100 companies actively participating in the

oilandgassector

They span a wide range of industries, including logistics, security

accommodation, catering,

construction, and technical services.

M O D E C G r o u p Preside

reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Guyana’sdevelopment

“I am 100% confident andcommittedtotherapid growth of Guyana through l o c a l c o n t e n t development, because we see Guyana’s human capital as an asset,” said Mr Miyata.

Earlier this year, MODEC was awarded a significant contract by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited to construct a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Hammerheadproject.

This will be MODEC’s second FPSO destined for Guyana, following the Errea Wittu, which is c u r r e n t l y u n d e r construction for Exxon’s Uaruproject

The vessel will be the most advanced and largest FPSO ever deployed in

Guyana, featuring state-ofthe-art systems that enhance efficiency and reduce environmentalimpact.

Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana, described it as: “a majestic and impressive

President Irfaan Ali and other officials at the opening of

vessel equipped with the very latest technologies, including combined cycle gas turbines, which support our commitment to developing this resource withminimalenvironmental impact.”

TheHammerheadFPSO

willbecapableofproducing 150,000barrelsofoilperday and handling associated gas andwater.

It will be moored in waters approximately 1,025 meters deep using a SOFEC Spread Mooring System (DPI)

MODEC office in Guyana

BLUNT BLUNT

Rapists

Blue-collar perpetrators look at their white-collar equivalents in high places here, and shrug off restraints. Meaning, the law lacks severity, and leaves much to be desired about vigor and fairness. When street level rapists know that there are those who have done worse than them, but get off scot-free due to reach and pull (or powerful protectors), then sexual violence against women is taken casually.

The need to dominate and control, the right to pluck the fruits of power, when expressed in violent and criminal ways, spawns its own cottage industry of imitators. If they (he) can get away with doing that, then the odds of non-accountability expand, because there is the belief that things could be worked out should a rape occur. In such circumstances, reported and unreported crimes (rapes included) multiply, regard for women and the young plummet, law and justice take a backseat.

The leadership assaults and batteries that characterise the top (words, postures, attitudes) cascade down into regular daily fight to survive in one piece in today's Guyana. It is a symptom of the moral and ethical decay that plagues Guyanese life at many levels.

“My children's future will be in good hands”

Attorney and newcomer to local politics, Ronald Daniels said the election of Aubrey Norton to the presidency will ensure a secure future for his and all ofGuyana'schildren.

Making his grand politicalpitchattheAPNU's campaign rally Sunday evening in Melanie, East Coast Demerara, Daniels shared his confidence in Norton's leadership, stating that he is placing his own children's future in Norton's hands.

“My young children are in the crowd here, and I know that the children of severalofthesepeoplearein the crowd there,” Daniels said from the stage. “I am putting my children's future inyourhands,andI'masking these people to put their children's future in your (Norton) capabilities I wouldn'tbeaskingyoutodo whatIamdoingifIwerenot confident that our children's futuresaregoingtobeinsafe andmouldinghands.”

Daniels noted that Nortonhasnoallegationsof corruption against him and described the presidential hopefulasaleadergrounded intherealitiesofthepeople.

“Iwanttotalktoyou,notasa candidate under the APNU butasahusband,asafather You have no allegations against your name, no fraud

- Ronald Daniels says of APNU

charges. You are a solid intellectual.They say you're rough around the edges; in other words, you're pointed, direct,ano-nonsenseperson. People who are rough aroundtheedgesareusually the honest and credible ones,” Daniels declared as Nortonstoodbesidehim.

He lauded the APNU's candidate list, describing it as a “solid team of young, v i b r a n t , c r e d i b l e intellectuals” with deep community ties and an understanding of the everyday struggles of Guyanese Daniels concluded that he is confident Norton and the APNU could lead Guyana toward true progress and its fullpotential.

Making her debut at the rally also was attorney

Vanessa Thomas, a resident of Bachelor's Adventure, who spoke passionately about issues in housing, healthcare, and the rising cost of living. Using her home village of Melanie Damishana as an example, Thomas recalled that under the PNC government led by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham,residentswerenot only given land but also received materials and community support to build their homes. In contrast, she said the current PPP/C government has failed to provide such assistance “The people from Melanie benefited from housing and land so forget the 50,000 house lots that they claim to give, without any houses on them. How are you going to buildyourhouseswhenthey

tellyouthat?”sheasked. Thomas also criticised the accessibility of healthcare services, alleging that residents are being restricted from using health facilities outside of their communities. “They tell us that for us they have built hospitals. They failed to tell us that the hospitals have restricted access. What I foundoutisthatifyouwere togototheEnmorehospital, they will tell you that if you are from Melanie, you should go back to Melanie,” sheclaimed Touching on the cost of living, Thomas condemned the PPP/C's lack of price control, arguing that they boast of agricultural progress while food prices soar. “They talk about agricultureandwhattheyare

doing for agriculture, but what they didn't tell you is how food expensive. The countrythatusedtobeafood basket in the Caribbean, tomato in Guyana now is $700 a pound, pumpkin $300, a bunch of eschalot $300, celery $500, cabbage $460 a pound, squash $500, a pack of carrots $500 Money finish. I ain't buy ochro, boulanger, bananas, watermelon Food is expensive. We don't only wantbigbuildingandroads, we want affordable food,” shesaid.

Former parliamentarian, NimaFlue-Bessalsotookto thestage,stronglycriticising the PPP/C government for displacingresidentstomake way for infrastructure projects without providing assistance. She referenced the case of Caneview residentswhowereremoved from their homes for the construction of a four-lane highway “Theysaidthatthe Caneview residents were in the path of the four- lane highway Don't you see the lands standing there and when you look at the other side,don'tyouseeMansions going up? They destroyed families' homes and livelihoods We cannot forgethistory,”shedeclared. Flue-Bess made a call to action “Let us march together reminding all what was done to the people of Caneview,Uitvlugt,success, what was done to the professionals as they were dismissed from their jobs. Letusremindourpeople,an opportunityisheretomakeit right,”shestressed.

'Guyana's exciting future

requires risk-taking’ –Pres.Ali

Expressing confidence that he will be elected to serve for a second term,

come September 1, President Irfaan Ali made it clear that in order for Guyana to thrive, it requires risk-taking.

The president, who was speaking at a manifesto consultation held by the Peoples Progressive Party Civic(PPPC)attheRamada Princess Hotel last week, said Guyana's economy mustbewellbalanced.

“We have seen around us, countries that made the mistake of treating oil, of treating natural resources, revenue as wealth,” he said while noting that Guyana's strategies and programmes aswellasprogressarebeing recognizedinternationally.

He said members of the United Nations Security Council are celebrating Guyana and its asserted

values that ultimately drive foreign policy and development. The president described the standards as “people-centered, peopleorientedvaluesthatdrivethe new wave of wealth creation, materials of investment.”

President Ali said

G u y a n a “ r e q u i r e s experience handling our territorialchallengesandour sovereignty is not a simple task. Sometimes we make things look so very simple, but it requires constant negotiations, constant relationship building It requireshavinginternational presence.”

Referencing the challengesfacedbyTrinidad andTobago andVenezuelaboth oil producing nationshe emphasized that natural resourcesarenotwealth.The Presidentsaidthatforwealth to be amassed, revenue

generated from the natural resources must be invested; something his government hasbeendoing.

Referencing plans to establish a urea plant in Guyana, President Ali said that the government will ensurethatcitizensownit.

“So, every single Guyanese would have an opportunity to invest in that plant and have a decent return on their investment,” hesaid.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e presidentwhowassupported by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,MinisterofTourism, Industry and Commerce

Oneidge Waldron, Minister of Amerindian Affairs

Pauline Sukhai said that once given a second term to serve the people of Guyana, the government will find new ways to create opportunities for citizens to invest since the government

is incapable of competing withtheprivatesectoronthe wagesandsalariesfront.

“…we have to look at ways in which persons can earn variable income by investing in opportunities in the country, and that is exactly where the ordinary household can invest in various opportunities in the country, diversify their revenue the different areas for revenue for themselves and create prosperity in the home,”headded.

Since the launch of its party's campaign, the PPPC hasbeenmakingaconscious effort to remind supporters of its achievement over the last five years and convince themtovotethepartyinfora secondterm.

At the PPPC's Kitty, Georgetown rally, President Ali called on supporters to maintain their dignity and not support the other

politicalpartiesintherace.

Deliveringhisaddressto thousands of supporters gatheredattheKittyMarket Square Ali said, “So let me thank all of you for coming out in such massive numbers, massive, massive numbers. You did not just show up. You showed the whole country today that PPP is ready; Guyana is ready to deliver the biggest victory ever for the Peoples ProgressiveParty/Civic.”

He added, “We are not getting weaker. We are getting stronger, bigger, louder,andcomeSeptember 1, we will sweep the polls like never before in the history.”

promised higher salaries, pension, more cash grants and reforms in housing, finance,technology,andalso traditional sectors like agriculture and mining. He outlined the party's plan to expand wealth creation opportunitiesforcitizens.

“We build schools, hospitals, roads, jobs and homes. We don't say things to win elections. We say things, we do what we say and the last five years, we have proven that we are the party that delivers, the party that performs, the party that you can trust every single day you'll see the work of your government,” Ali said during his plea for reelection.

President Irfaan Ali

Where are the campaign ads?

There’s a strange development taking place. We are already into the thick of the election campaign season And yet, the campaign is being dominated by persons donningtheT-shortsoftheir parties,thehostingofrallies and meetings and the usual trashtalkingbypoliticians.

While the lantern posts are flying the flags of party colors – mostly the PPPC and WIN - the airwaves remain, for the most part, undisturbed by the thrum of persuasive jingles The newspaperslooklikethey’re still waiting to be wooed. And the digital space, that much-touted coliseum of modern engagement, seems to be reserved more for brawlsthanballots.

Onewonders,then,what they are waiting for A cosmic signal? A celestial drumroll?Oraretheysimply keeping their powder dry, misreadingthecalendar

Whateverthereason,the silenceisbothbafflinganda little foolish. For all the talk of social media revolutions and TikTok campaigns, the evidence from seasoned political battlegrounds like the United States is unequivocal: when it comes to actually persuading voters,traditionalmediastill rulestheroost.

Consider the figures. During the last U.S. presidential elections, a jawdropping $35 billion was poured into campaign advertising And no, it didn’t all go to Facebook and YouTubeinfluencers Alion’s

share went to good old t e l e v i s i o n a n d newspapers those enduring bastions of persuasion that speak in full sentences, not emojis

Why? Because TV, for allitsgrayingtemples,isstill a heavyweight.A30-second spot during prime time remains one of the most potent instruments in the political symphony It’s direct. It’s dramatic. And crucially, it interrupts—the viewer cannot scroll past it with a flick of the thumb. It lands with a thud in the livingroom,amiddinnerand squabbles, and demands attention.Television doesn’t asktobeheard.Itinsists. And newspapers? A political ad in print doesn’t flit by like a dragonfly; it settles, lingers, and returns your gaze. It’s there on the breakfast table, nudging your conscience between spoonfuls of porridge. In a newspaper, there is space to explain not just emote You can spell out a policy without abbreviating it to fit atweet.Youcanbuildacase instead of throwing slogans like confetti. For the voter whostillbotherstothink,the newspaperremainsatrusted companion.

Itis,then,perplexingthat our local campaigners appear to be ignoring these media.Onemightcharitably assume they are planning a grand late-game push. But electionsarenotwonbylastminute scrambles. They are won by shaping public sentiment steadily, by dripfeedingvisionandvalues,by reminding people again and

again why the future lies in yourhandsandnottheother fellow’s That kind of persuasion takes time. And repetition.

And then there’s radio—amediumthatwraps itself around a person’s day like a vine. It seeps into the corners of daily life, accompanying us through traffic,toil,andteabreaks.A well-placedradioaddoesn’t justinform—itbecomespart of the rhythm of the day Like a reliable friend with a pointofview

Now, let’s not dismiss social media altogether It has its place It sparks conversation, generates buzz, and if nothing else, provides a sandbox for younger voters But one must be careful not to mistake noise for influence. A meme may go viral and still mean nothing at the polls. A trending hashtag doesn’talwaystranslatetoa countedvote.Engagementis notthesameasconviction.

More to the point, social media is crowded, fast, and shallow A political ad, on social media, becomes just another tile in the endless mosaic of distraction. The opposition supporters can scroll past a ruling party post, and vice versa Traditional media, by contrast, offers something rarer—focus.

And if you care about credibility and you should—then consider this: people still trust what they seeontheeveningtelevision news and the morning newspapers more than what they stumble across in the

DEM BOYS SEH

APNUwantrestoredecency -afterdembruk

DemboyssehAPNUcomeoutloudand proud promising fuh restore honesty and decency to de country But hear nah—if dishonestyandindecencywasasport,dem woulda win gold medal, silver medal, bronze,andstillcomplaindatdemdidn’tget afairchance.

Is like a tief get ketch red-handed wid yuhflatscreenTVinhetrunk,andinsteadof sehsorry,heseh,“Iwasonlytransportingit fuh safekeeping.” Now he want open a security company Dem boys seh this sudden talk ‘bout honesty from APNU soundlikewhenamanwhobrukyuhheart, mashupyuhhouse,tiefyuhmoney,andstill vexyoucallheout—thenhecomebackwid flowersandpromisetobeabetterman.But heneveradmithewrong.Hestillsehheisde victim.SamethingAPNUdoing. Remember 2020? Whole world watching.Andtillnow,demboysain’thear aproperapology.Notevenalil“weslipup.” Instead, is one big gaslighting campaign.

jungle of the internet.An ad on television or in a reputable newspaper carries the mark of seriousness. It suggests you are invested enough to put your message where your mouth and yourmoney—is.

So why this lull? Why the neglect of proven battlegrounds in favor of murmurings and maybelaters?

Perhapsourcampaigners are underestimating the electorate. Or perhaps they areoverestimatingthepower of digital buzz. Either way, they would do well to learn

from history and from countries that have treated elections not as festivals of gimmickry, but as serious appeals to reason and emotion.

Thecampaigntrail,after all,isnotasprint.It’saslow marchtowardtheconscience of the nation And that conscience is often shaped notbythefleetingflashofa screen, but by the enduring presence of a message that lingers—in sound, in print, inmemory

it?

According to APNU, dem ain’t rig de elections—deelectionsrigdem.

Sonow,demboyswondering:howyuh gon restore honesty when yuh never even acknowledge yuh dishonest past?That like askingamosquitofuhstartablooddonation drive.

Dem boys seh Guyanese got short memory, but not that short. Is not amnesia we suffering from—is trauma. Every time demopendemmouthandtalkboutdecency, people clutch dem wallets and change de channel.

Trust APNU? Da one hard. Is like trustingamanwhosehheloveyuh,butstill texting he ex every night. Come clean fus. O w n u p S a y s o r r y D e n maybe maybe people gon start listening.

But fuh now, dem boys seh APNU talking bout honesty is like fireman setting fireandthenofferingtobringdewater. Talkhalf,leffhalf.

The orchestra may still strike up. The ads may still rollin.Butuntiltheydo,we are left with the curious sensethatthecandidatesare playing hide-and-seek with the electorate And one cannot help but ask: if you won’t fight for attention now, what will you fight for later?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

H@RD TRUTHS

Tis the season of promises

Promises Promises Promises. Guyanese have never had it so good, with a barrage of promises in the last few weeks. From the president From Vice President Jagdeo. Region Six received so many promises that the people's heads are spinning. It's too rich,toomuchtotakeinone swallow

What Guyanese didn't hear in the last five years from PPPleaders, they have gottenbytheshiploadinthe last several weeks. It can mean one of a few things. Oil soared to US$150 a barrel. Or it's Christmas. Or,it'sthattime:elections. Want a dock from which tohangalineorthrowacastnet? Jagdeoishere:adeepwater port. Guyanese are sittingonthedockofthebay, like Otis Redding. Had in mindanewBenzorBeemer for the missus (the one at home)? There is Santa Bharrat -don't worry too much about taxes, as they

will be lower Price of cooking gas killing any experimentingwithsouffles, vichyssoises, and escargots to look good before the Exxoncrowd? Don'tworry, the other big campaigner was in fine form. Asecond naturalgasplant. Myword, thefirstisstuckinla-laland, and the PPP spin twins celebratingthesecond.

This is why I like elections.

Apromisebytheminute and heartbreak in the five yearsfollowing.Thisiswhy I like Guyana, pols could promise the moon and deliver an unlit matchstick, and nobody cares. Now the PPPisseeingelectionsasthe equivalent of a bazaar. We have the goods; Guyanese must bring the votes. Only 55,000 from Berbice is needed,wouldpushthePPP past the competition. There isWIN,andthereiswinning.

Some Guyanese would scorn the PPP of the president and Dr Jagdeo as

shameless and bare-faced. They did little for the poor people (the masses) in the last five years, walked back on many of their bigger promises,butstillcomeback

with new ones now

Because elections are involved,Itakethekindand gentleroad.

They are creative, they are persistent, and they are aware how Guyanese are. Promise them a pig and a cow five years ago, and deliver a scorpion and a snake. Thepeopleshrug. Is wee bhais dem at it again. Return five years later and promise a RollsRoyce in every garage, and lamb chops on every table, and Guyanese fall for the same tricks again. Over promise and under deliver.

Is wee boyz dem!

Somewhereinthecascadeof promises, there was that old favorite called cheap fertilizer,withaplantthrown intoaddcredibility

In defiance of

agriculture, economics, and statistics, the cheaper the fertilizers and the more incentives that farmers get, the more food prices skyrocket. Sounds like a conspiracy going on there. Thus, I share an invention with fellow citizens that shouldresonate.

The promises of politicians are like Ponzi schemes.

Money is taken from somewhereandsomebodyto pay somebody somewhere else; pols take a big cut as a managementfee.

Amid all the promises, PPPsalesmenarenotasking for much. Only 55,000 in Berbice to vote for them on September 1. Wanting to compare the number of promises that the president andExcellencyJagdeomade ontheirBerbiceswing,Idid alittleexercise. Iwenttothe Bible and did a quick count, and ended with the remarkable Even God himselfhasn'tmadeasmany

promises as the president and vice president I am trying to figure which is more important to the PPP ThePPPhairisonfire.

Citizens have never (never) been lavished with so much attention, favored with so many promises, in the history of elections in Guyana. It is obvious that thePPPissodesperatethatit is pulling out all the stops, without regard to what its leadersarepromising.

Most of those projects are on the very expensive side, but it's the Guyanese people own money that Dr. Jagdeo et al are recycling and selling back to them.

Who gives a damn about capacityshortage! Elections are like courtship, say anything to win the hand of thewooed. Insteadofaring around the finger of the pursued, think of a yoke around the neck. It is the PPP's version of domestic torment.

Like I said, I like elections.

The things that politicianssay,thelengthsto which they go, are simply charming,bogglesthemind. And, of course, they walk withtheirorchestratogetthe people to gravitate and gyrate. Should only half of these promises come true, Guyanawouldn'tbethenext Dubai. Guyana will be biggerandbetterandbadder than Dubai. Due to all the exciting and inspiring promises that politicians make during fevered campaigns, I endorse elections being held every year

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

GECOM well-oiled, ready for elections 2025 – Rohee

─Alexander says credibility still an issue

While preparations continue for this year's

general and regional elections s

September 1, concerns still lingeraboutthecredibilityof the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to hostthoseelections.

Questions surrounding GECOM's credibility was the topic of the Caribbean Tea podcast, hosted by Guyaneselawyer,Dr Vivian Williams, journalist Denis Chabrol and moderator, Kendol Morgan Monday evening.

In the face of credibility

concerns, Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) nominated GECOM Commissioner, Clement Rohee is adamant that the commission is well oiled and ready to host the polls.

“There isn't the chaos both at the level of the commission and at the level of its executive operating arm. I believe we have a well-oiled machinery that is comprised of professionals who are committed to do their job and who are aware that should they be engaged in any activity as some of their predecessors would have done, because the full

brunt of the law will be applied,”Roheesaid. On the opposition side was A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) nominated GECOM commissioner, Vincent Alexander While the PPP/C commissioner remained adamant that credibility and preparedness are essentially a 'non- issue', Alexander sought to address what he described as a public concern.

HeclaimedthatGECOM has taken deliberate efforts to side-step the issue rather than address it, in a bid to avoid public introspection intoitsinternalaffairs.

“To be very frank with you, I don't think that GECOM consciously seeks to address the credibility issue.Andtheremaybetwo reasons why that is so. One, the credibility issue will in many regards reflects the internalproblemsthatreside in GECOM,” Alexander said.

He continued, “you also have the problem with the administration which for all intents and purposes people seemtoalignwithonesetof commissioners as opposed to another set and therefore

they too have a problem in terms of speaking to the public and addressing this issueofcredibility…”

N e v e r t h e l e s s , Commissioner Rohee did notagreethatthere'sacrisis of the electoral process or withGECOM.

He asserted “GECOM has the constitutional responsibility to supervise the general conduct of electionsinGuyana.So,any reference to the question of credibility goes to the heart of GECOM's responsibility and that should be the startingpointwhichitwould appear to me that the credibility issue is being usedasapoliticalfootballby somepoliticalparties.”

According to Rohee, GECOM is steadfastly holding to what the constitution has empowered ittodo.

“There should be no question of credibility because GECOM is always actingwithinthemeaningof thelaw IfGECOMshouldat any point in time conduct elections outside the meaningofthelaw,thelaws of Guyana, then recourse to that by the courts,” Rohee said.

He added there is also a

question on whether the issue is created by a public perception based on the narratives of political opposition or whether it is a reality He argued that a significant portion of the demographic believes the election is free and fair and this is reflected in the participationatthepolls.

“There are hundreds of thousands who believe that theelectionsarefreeandfair and they therefore go out to vote.Intermsofperception, they are of the perceived view that the system is fair There are others who are being fed information that the system is not. But that brings us to a very interesting question. Now if youkeeptellingyourpeople to believe or feeding them theperception,”hesaid.

Alexander,howeverhad adifferenttakeontheissue.

“Idon'tagreewiththat.I thinkthatpeopleunderstand credibleorotherwisethatno, ifyoudon'thaveaticket,you don't have a chance. And therefore,forthatreason,we do have a turnout at elections.”

The APNU appointed commissioner said that regardless if people think it is credible or not, there are

GECOM/C nominated, APNU commissioner, Vincent Alexander

issues to be addressed

According to Alexander, there are two areas to be focused on to strengthen Guyana's electoral laws to addresscredibility. He explained “The law

hastwoasp cts.

It has a spirit and it has the letter.And so very often onemaycontendtheletterof the law is being followed, but that does not mean that the spirit of the law is necessarily being followed. And we have a lot of examples in the electoral process where the letter is apparently being followed, but the spirit is not being followed. The question of credibility has to be seen from two perspectives. Not all of what we do for

PPP/C nominated

GECOM Commissioner, Clement Rohee

electionsisstatutory.”

He said there are also a lot of steps to be taken to boostGECOM'scredibility “There are lots of administrative actions and therefore a question of credibility cannot be restrictedtowhathappensin relationtothelaw Ithasalso tobeenshrinedinlawandso one has to bear that in mind aswell.

And I think that the fact ofthematteristhattheextent to which people have question marks about administrative actions and they have question marks about the spirit of the law beingupheld,istheextentto which the question mark is one of the credibility of the election, ” he said

Dj, Selector Charged, remanded for inciting sexual assault of woman at Raghoo's bar

Adisc jockey(DJ) and a selector were on Monday charged with inciting the sexual assault of a 20-yearold Amerindian woman in Raghoo's Bar at Soesdyke, EastBankDemerara(EBD).

The duo, Leon De Freitas, a 36-year-old DJ from Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and Ryan Rajnarine, a 30year-old Office Assistant (and 'Music Selector') from Soesdyke(BackRoad),East Bank Demerara, were charged under Section 3(3)

oftheSexual(Offences)Act, Chapter8:03. The men appeared at the Friendship Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune, who read the charge. They were not required to enter a plea and were remanded to prison until August 18 for disclosure.

The charge was laid against the two men even as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is on the hunt for the main suspect who was seen in the video performing

One wanted, another arrested for taxi driver's murder

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF)onMondayissuedtwo wantedbulletinsfortwomen in connection with the murder of 30- year-old taxi driverRonClarke,ofWilliam Street, Kitty, Georgetown and 76 Wisroc Housing Scheme,Linden.

Wanted is 20-year-old Travis Brewster, whose last known address was Blueberry Hill, Dundus Hill, Linden. Police said another man, 20-year-old Seon Johnson, whose last place of abode is Lot 753 Well Road, South Amelia's Ward, Linden,hasbeenarrested.

GPF is urging anyone who may see, or have information on Brewster, to contact the nearest police stationorcall225-6940,2258196, 226-7476, 225-2317, 225-8196,227-1149.

Clarke was reportedly founddeadlastThursdayina drain at Victory Valley, Wismar Linden, RegionTen, atapproximately19:15hrs.

A teen construction worker was reportedly walking along a street in Victory Valley when he saw Clarkemotionlessinadrain.

He alerted persons who removed Clarke and placed him in a passing car He was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where doctors confirmedthathewasdead.

An examination of the

sexual acts on the young woman.

A wanted bulletin has since been issued for 28year-old Barry Sullivan, of Icehouse Road, Timehri, EBDinconnectionwithrape that occurred on July 13, 2025atSoesdyke,EBD.

Last week, a heinous video circulated on social media showed the young woman being sexually assaulted in the bar and persons cheering and recording the situation. The barhassincebeenshutdown bypolice.

The young woman was reportedly drugged and raped, the GPF disclosed on Saturday

In a short statement, Police said that Technical

body revealed that he was shotseveraltimes.

Five gunshot injuries were seen on Clarke's right arm, two to his groin, one on his right hip and six on his right thigh. A warhead was also found stuck in his underwear

Police visited the scene andonepairofbloodstained black and white Adidas slippers, along with some 9MM spent shells were seen on the southern side of the street where Clarke was found.

Several persons were questioned as investigations continue.

Advisor in the Amerindian Affairs Ministry Laura George took the woman to theTimehriPoliceStationon Friday night where an officialreportwasmade.

“The 20-year-old was interviewed by ranks and allegedthatshewasdrugged and raped by three males at Raghoo's Sports Bar located at Soesdyke. The bartender andotherpersonsofinterest were arrested. Efforts are being made to contact other suspects and witnesses who were seen in the videos,” policesaid.

Travis Brewster

Seon Johnson

Dead: Ron Clarke

Leon De Freitas

Ryan Rajnarine WANTED: Barry Sullivan

DefensewantsprivatePI,paper

committalforMarlanDaSilva

Attorneys representing 32-year-oldMarlanDaSilva whoisaccusedofkillinghis 27-year-old wife Kenesha Vaughn, have made an application to the court for private hearings of the preliminaryinquiry(PI)and papercomitial.

DaSilva appeared at the DiamondMagistrates'Court

on Monday before Magistrate Dylon Bess. He was represented by attorneys Glenn Hanoman, Sanjeev Datadin and EvertonSingh-Lammy

During the appearance, attorney Hanoman told the court that the defense needed to safeguard the accused,sincethematterhas attracted widespread public chatter

He said since the b e g i n n i n g o f t h e proceedings, there have been sustained public campaigns, protests and social media commentaries by the family of the deceased.

EPAcalledinaftermysteriousfuel seepageappearsinCharlestown

The suspected diesel that surfaced at Sussex and Saffon Streets, Charlestown

Accused: Marlan DaSilva Dead: Kenesha Vaughn

H e s a i d w h i l e considering the emotions of the Vaughn family, their actionsnowaffectDaSilva's constitutional right to a fair trialbyanimpartialjury Citing the criminal law procedure act, the lawyers arguedthatPIsarenotpublic hearings and reporting on such is limited. They said due to nature of the PI, it may be prejudiced to the jury

Meanwhile, attorney Nigel Hughes, the special prosecutor in the case,

“I believe that has the potential to prejudice his future right to fair trial before a jury and it also has the potential to intimidate witnesses,” Hanoman told thecourt.

objected to the application noting that a public trial is neededsincethereisnothing tohide.

According to Hughes, a prohibition against reporting on the content of testimony presented at a PI will not make the hearing private.

Hughes argued that any member of the public can attendaPIandparticipateas aguest.

“So, I don't think there's any provision against the public sitting in a public inquiry It's if there was an attempt to publish the (Continuedonpage16)

A mysterious oily substance suspected to be dieselseepedtothesurfaced ofSussexandSaffonStreets, Charlestown on Monday sparking concerns among residents and commuters of thebusyroute.

The substance began seeping through the surface ataround9:00amandspread from a manhole on Sussex Street and lodged along the gutters nearby A report has since been lodged with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a team from the EPA, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Guyana Fire

Service (GFS) visited the area. Employees of the EPA were seen scoping the area and taking samples of the substance suspected to be diesel.Kaieteur News understands that the substance will undergo a processoftestingbytheEPA and a probe has been launched into the strange incident. In the interim, vehiculartrafficwasdiverted toalternativeroutestoavoid the area with the suspected fuelleak.

The death is announced of Wake will be held at MYO, Thomas Lands at 8pm this evening Viewing of the body at 10am tomorrow at MYO until 12pm Janaza will be observed at Queenstown Masjid at 12:30pm thence to Lethem

$700 million new Brickdam Secondary School commissioned

The new Brickdam SecondarySchool,locatedat the corner of Brickdam and Camp Street, Georgetown

w a s o n M o n d a y commissioned by President Irfaan Ali and Minister of E d u c a t i o n P r i y a Manickchand.

The three-storey school building which cost almost $700 million is set to accommodate some 485 students along with 51 teachers.

President Ali, who delivered the feature address, said that the construction of this school

represents another installment in efforts which hisgovernmentismakingto improve educational access,

attainment and quality all acrossthecountry

“And that is why today we say without fear of successful contradiction, educationisinsafehands,it isingoodhands,itismoving in the right direction,” he stated.

The President disclosed that since 2020 the government of Guyana has e m b a r k e d o n a n unprecedented journey to transform secondary education across this country

“Our goal is clear, bold and unyielding, by September 2026 we will achieve universal secondary educationthatiseverysingle child will have secondary

The brand new Brickdam Secondary School which was commissioned on Monday at the corner of Brickdam and Camp Street, Georgetown

education, that means every childwhetherinthebustling streets in Georgetown or the

remote areas of the hinterland will have access to secondary schooling,” he declared.

With 40 secondary schools either built or under construction since 2020, the President highlighted that

this type of expansion has neverbeforebeenattempted or achieved in Guyana's history,anditisaboldstride that spans hinterland and coastlandalike.Hereiterated thatwhenthesenewschools are completed, no longer

therewillbeprimarytops.

On that note, the

President announced that in the coming days the government will be signing thecontractsforanumberof laboratories to be built in hinterland schools, noting that science would be accessible to students in the hinterland.

“Wearenotjustbuilding schools, we are creating opportunities and trenching equity, fostering greater quality No longer will studentshavetotravelmiles orbeconfinedbygeography to access equal education, this government is turning access to action because education is not just a privilege, it is a right,” the Head-of-Stateinformed.

Further, president Ali said that in the next five years great emphasis would (Continuedonpage16)

Taxi driver arrested for Mocha clothes vendor’s murder

A42-year-oldtaxidriverwasarrestedon Sunday for the murder of 51-year-old DesireeHymanofLot625Mocha,EastBank Demerara(EBD).

Hymanwaskilledduringarobberyather stalllocatedatMochaonFriday

The suspect was identified as Weedon Oudkerk from Paradise, East Coast Demerara(ECD).Oudkerkisoneofthetwo suspects in the murder He was arrested between18:00and19:30hrs.

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), officers acting on information approached the suspect at Dennis Street, Sophia, Georgetown, where he was informed that he was wanted for Hyman'smurder

Oudkerk was cautioned and denied

havinganyknowledgeoftheoffenceandwas takentotheProvidencePoliceStation.

Hyman was selling at Lot 297 Mocha, EBD when she was allegedly robbed by maskedmenonamotorcycle.

According to police, two suspects approached the vendor on a motorcycle and attempted to rob her Hyman reportedly foughtthemenandwasshotsixtimes.Police said the clothes vendor was shot three times inherleftlowerabdomen,twiceinherright lower abdomen and once under her right breast.

The suspects made good their escape on motorcycleinanortherndirection.Two9mm spent shells and one suspected projectile were found about three feet away from Hyman'sbody

Suspect: Weedon Oudkerk Dead: Desiree Hyman

Buxtonshootingincident…

1 discharged, 5 remain hospitalised

Following last week's shooting in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, which claimedthelivesoftwomen and left six others injured, one of the men has been discharged while the others remain in the care of the GeorgetownPublicHospital Cooperation(GPHC).

On Monday, Kaieteur News visited 60-year-old Linden Adams, who was discharged last Friday The mansharedthatonthenight of the incident, he, along with the other men were playing dominoes when he heard a loud bang. He said from that moment, he blackedoutforawhile.

Adams said when he regained consciousness, he was lying on the ground where he saw blood on the leftsideofhisbody Healso sawtheothermenlayingon the ground and one in a slouched position at a table. The said man left and made his way home. When he arrived at his step, he made one short call for his wife “Shellonahgetshoot.”

The man said with the help of his family and

friends he was taken to the hospital.

“Thursday morning, theycarrymeupforsurgery, theysaidyourhandbreakup bad it have to get steel,” Adamssaid.

He noted that he sustained two gunshot woundstohislefthand.The injured man mentioned that he has no issues with anybody, and that the incident has left him in a stateofshock.Headdedthat if he had a problem with someone,hewouldnothave been able to remain safe in hishome

“Before I get ma treatment ah get a neighbor name Davel, he still in the hospital. I find out bout Alwin and they said Alwin coming round,” the man said he shared that he recalled hearing Davel Talbott'hollering'becauseof thepainhewasin.

Kaieteur News was told that 54-year-old Alwin Fiffee, of Middle Walk, Buxton, completed two successful surgeries and is expectedtobedischargedin the near future, while 26-

year-old Talbott, Special Constable of Middle Walk, Buxton, 18-year-oldAkeem Tuman, from Middle Walk,

B

3

Friendship, ECD are all conscious and responding positively to treatment However, no update was providedforthe17-year-old un-namedmalefromMiddle Walk,Buxton.

Last Tuesday night, 16year-oldLeonMcFarleneof Lot 71 Middle Walk, Buxton, ECD and 38-yearold Mark Anthony Correia of Lot 75 Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, ECD, were shot dead while six othermensustainedinjuries.

Accordingtoastatement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the eight men were playing cards and dominoes atAsha Robinson shop in Buxton Around 23:00hrs, the 41-year-old businesswoman went to bed leavingthemeninhershop.

“The businesswoman said that at about 23:47hrs, she heard several loud explosions (sounding like (Continuedonpage16)

Govt. to spend $2.7B billion to construct drying facility for Reg. 2

Thegovernmentthrough theMinistryofAgricultureis

preparing to expend

a p p r o x i m a t e l y $2,735,945,571 for the construction of a complete Drying and Storage Paddy FacilityinRegionTwo.

This is according to an invitation for bids issued by the ministry recently which stated that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority(NDIA)isseeking bids.

According to the document,theprojectwillbe doneistwoparts.

The first entails the supply and installation of a complete Drying and Storage Paddy Facility which is estimated to cost $1,568,374,099. The other project is for the construction of foundation fortheDryingFacilitywhich is estimated to cost $1,167,571,472.

Inrelationtothisproject, it was reported by the Department of Public Information in April, that Minister of Agriculture

Zulfikar Mustapha met with rice farmers, millers and truck drivers where he announcedthegovernment's

intention to construct the state-of-the-artfacility

“We had a situation on the Essequibo Coast where some regular buyers were unable to take in paddy becausetheydidnothavethe capacity. This is why we have to look to develop a

system on the Coast where wecanhavedryingfacilities so that farmers can benefit. This system will be able to a c c o m m o d a t e approximately500,000bags ofpaddy Wecanworkouta systemtodeterminethebest management system, maybe a consortium of farmers. I was speaking to the Presidentaboutit.Thisisnot to take away business from anyone.Weareensuringthat we promote higher yields and a maximum price for farmers' paddy This is why

the government recently intervened.

Although there is the world market price, every bag of paddy sold to the millers, we are contributing to ensure farmers receive $4,000 per bag. Our projection for this crop is about 9,000,000 bags of paddybecause232,000acres were cultivated for the first cropof2025,”hewasquoted inthearticle.

Subsequently, when engagingresidentsinRegion TwoinMay,theDepartment of Public Information reported that President IrfaanAlialsoinformedthat with unpredictable weather patterns making it difficult for farmers to dry their produce, that two modern drying and storage facilities will be constructed in the region.

“Engineers are expected to complete the designs within two weeks,” it was reportedatthetime.

It should be noted that bids for the projects are expected to open onAugust 5, 2025 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)office.

WANTED

Able-bodied Sales Rep needed, ages 18-30 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 6191237.

Job openings: Truck drivers, Excavator Operator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send applications via Whatsapp: 689-1111 / 608-2114.

Wanted one Maid. Call: 6801282.

FOR SALE

T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. CALL/WHATSAPP: +592-688-3201.

For Sale 6 used American made Dental chairs excellent condition contact Mr Vino on 661-3030 or 626-8918

Cement mixer trucks, Forklifts, skid steers, mini excavator, loaders, TM trucks, model M truck, BMW X3 series. Contact: 650-0402/6389929/652-0251.

Mixed German Shepherd pups for sale. Call/ WhatsApp: 648-0111.

SERVICES

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Natrualisation guidance + application filling, ECT. Tel: 626-7040.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Double lot properties for business and residential at Lot 4 Station Street, Kitty Georgetown. Call/ WhatsApp: 332-250-9241.

1 discharged, 5 remain hospitalised...

From page 15 gunshots) and she went outside where she saw Mark Correia in a slumped position at the table with what appears to be blood oozing from his mouth, nose and back. She

raised an alarm, and publicspirited persons responded and assisted in taking the other injured males to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where Leon McFarlene was pro-

nounced dead on arrival,” police said.

It was noted that 40 spent shells (comprising one .40, twenty-nine 5.56×45, ten 7.62×39) were found. Four projectiles and two fragments were found on the ground in the shop; which were photographed, packaged and lodged. “Based on additional information received, a silvercolored motorcar bearing registration number PVV 7616 or

7661 was seen circling the area. This was the car that the suspects reportedly used to carry out the attack, after which they rejoined the car and made good their escape,” police stated.

$700 million new Brickdam Secondary School commissioned...

From page 14 be placed on recreational facilities to support academic education. To this end, he

VACANCY

One night Watchman needed. For more infomation Call: 612-2125.

Cook/ Baker for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced. For mopre information Call: 231-2250.

Experienced Salesman, knowlege in hardware & stock taking, etc at Keyfood Mc Doom next to the Post Office.

Vacancy for Manager to work on cruise boat. Experience in hotel industry. Send application to 757-8231.

General Domestic ,Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 4 day work

LAND FOR SALE

Prime land @ Agricola Public road. 275 x 25, fence, sand filled, steel gate, etc. For more information Call: 6297426.

North Road Bourda, Carmichael Street, Bent Street, New Providence & Silver Hill Highway (20 acres road to river). Call: 627-9685.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. For more information Call: 649-0956.

2008 Toyota Premio, fully loaded with dark interior. Excellent condition, 2.1 mil. For more information Contact: 670-1705.

said “I want to see in our education system, Friday afternoons after lunch, completely dedicated to sports and physical education. I believe strongly that if we are to make a shift from the device led world to human-led world, we need to make these important changes.” Since assuming office, President Ali said the government has spent some $600 billion on the education sector. Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand highlighted the importance of building out these schools, stating that, “It’s not just a building, it’s the rooms where we would create Guyana’s next leaders,

it’s the edifice where we would see imagination and innovation and change coming out of.” Speaking briefly on the old Brickdam school, Manickchand related that the building did not belong to the state, and it was not conducive for learning. “…and then the owners told us they wanted it back and they told us we couldn’t repair, so we moved to East La Penitence.”

Kaieteur News reported that due to the initial school building being in a deplorable condition, the students and staff were relocated to the East La Penitence Primary School back in 2016. Accord-

ing to the education minister, the spanking new building consist of 22 classrooms, three staff rooms, one counselor room, a sick bay, a headteacher’s office, two deputy headteachers’ offices, two science laboratories, three home economic rooms, one computer room, an auditorium, an Industrial Technology room, three restrooms, and a canteen just to name a few.

Additionally, Yvette McBean-Hawker who expressed gratitude to the government for the new school building, said that the investment reflects a commitment

that every child has access to equal education in a safe, modern and inclusive environment.

It was reported that in April, the minister announced that the old St. Mary’s School building located at the corner of Brickdam and Camp Street, Georgetown would become the new Brickdam Secondary School. This publication reported that in 2023, the ministry had signed six contracts totalling $560.7M to construct the St. Mary’s Secondary School building, but with furnishing and additional resources the school project cost almost $700 million.

Tribute to Mother and Daughter, Zohora Sankar...

From page 05 I visited her on Main Street.

Her sister Amna attended Oxford and became a Barrister-at-Law.

Aunt Ayesha became a doctor and settled in Switzerland, while Uncle Fuad also became a brilliant Lawyer in the United Kingdom. Amina (Betty), another sister, wanted to become a journalist. She passed all her exams and was qualified to study journalism at Oxford but her father preferred she studied medicine or law.

Aunt Lyla ran a successful furniture business. She was indeed a Guyanese patriot. She withstood all the political and economic turbulence of Guyana and remained there.

Her skills to manage people, motivate and negotiate enabled the Kissoon Furniture to survive.

In his book, A History of Indians in Guyana, Mr. Dwarka Nauth wrote, “Indian women in business are not many, but still there are a few who have done well. The most outstanding is Mrs. L. Kissoon, head of A.

H and L. Kissoon Limited, a progressive dry goods concern and furniture manufacturing complex.

She runs her commercial enterprises with efficiency and skill, p. 206.

Mrs. Lyla Kissoon had also owned the land at Takuba Lodge, which Burnham confiscated. All that land is now occupied by the Foreign Ministry. And just like her mother who had to face Burnham’s demand for Hope Estate, Burnham again came demanding from Aunt Lyla Takuba Lodge. Guyana owes her, her parents and the Sankar’s a great debt.

Tribute by Aunt Lyla’s Only Surviving Sibling, Fuad

Sankar Friends and family, my name is Fuad Sankar and I am the youngest sibling of my darling sister Lyla.

I do not have to emphasize her business successes and her wide business enterprises but, I wish to speak of her as a sister.

Lyla was born on a sugar plantation in Suriname which was owned by her father and has to be regarded as a historic feat as her father was the first Indo Caribbean to own a sugar estate.

This was in 1930.In addition, Lyla moved with her mother and father in 1932 to 50 main street where only Europeans were privileged to live during the height of the colonial era.

So, with her parents, she was already breaking the norms of society.

Growing up when my parents were away in Suriname, my care was entrusted to her. She looked after me like a surrogate mother seeing to all my needs and demonstrated love, warmth and kindness.

I left all of my family behind to read law in 1959 and on her many visits to London, her kindness was once again in play.

She would take off my shirt to wash my hair, wipe the lipstick off the collars of my shirts, never being prying or inquisitive.

Leaving Heathrow Airport she would always open her handbag and give me 100 pounds in traveller cheques which was a lot of money in the early nineteen sixties. Parting from her and Alston was painful as he too was generous as he readily bought me many suits and pairs of shoes.

She was a fabulous sister to me in 1963 when upon breaking up with my long time Thai girlfriend, I became des-

perate to return home. She paid for the airline ticket and when I got home, she invited me every other day to dinner. Alston was most receptive to me, but her actions infuriated my dear mother, but this did not stop Lyla from inviting me.

She perceived how distraught I was and one afternoon Alston and her came to take me to the airport for a drive.

She sat in the back seat, put my head on her shoulder and kept assuring me I will get over everything in time, and she was right.

When sadly Alston died in 1966, her love and caring for me dissipated.

She would come to London and not see me, but deep down I cared about her and vice versa. She became ill and I too am ill with terminal cancer.

We cannot comfort each other anymore, but out of the blue my darling nephew Christopher calls me and puts me in absolute grief by addressing me as uncle Feddie, the nickname my dear sister used to call me.

This was his mother’s nickname for me.

Lyla Christopher has promised to come and visit Nari and me in this difficult journey of ours fighting cancer as you would have done were you well enough. You will shine bright in my life every time he calls me uncle Feddie, the name you so lovingly gave me.

You too have started a different journey, but I implore you to be happy in knowing that you have lived a full life and that I have always loved you as much as you have loved me.

One day we will meet on the other side of the world and we can recapture the happy days of brother and sister.

I thank you for your love, kindness and generosity. I ask for your understanding in that I was unable to make the journey to see you because of my cancer diagnosis. My dear sister, rest assured that I am being well looked after by five of the best doctors in the United Kingdom.

Lyla on the day of your funeral, God and Five Doctors treated me, cleared me of cancer, and I am certain that you will be happy to hear this good news.

The wonderful thing is, he promises to be in touch, and I will hear the name Feddie being uttered by him. I will never forget the sister who gave me so much love and warmth.

Regards Ray Chickrie

Defense wants private...

From page 12 content of the PI,” Hughes said. Magistrate Bess adjourned the matter for today, giving the defense time to file their submission for it to be reviewed. DaSilva is accused of shooting his wife multiple times during a “heated argument” back in February at their home.

Investigators said that at the time of his arrest, DaSilva’s alcohol level in his body was 83%.

“Note the legally prescribed limit is 35%”, police stated before adding that initial investigations revealed, he was drinking at a popular drinking establishment on Main Street Georgetown, prior to the shooting.

Rowley on Interpol“watch list

...PNM demands answers from PM, CoP

…TTPS says Rowley not on watch list

Trinidad Express - The Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) is demanding answers from the Government on former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley being placed on an Interpolwatchlist.

Rowley made the revelation during a news conference at his home in

Glencoe on Monday morning that while in

Antigua en route to Monsterrat he experienced delayswithimmigrationasa result of his name being on anInterpolwatchlist.

In a release Monday, the PNMsaiditnoteswithgrace concern the experience of theformerprimeminister

“ThePNMfullysupports thecallmadebyDrRowley, and demands that the Commissioner of Police, MrsKamlaPersadBissessar, Prime Minister and Head of the National Security Council, and the Attorney General John Jeremie, provide immediate and complete disclosure on this matter,”thereleasestated.

“The country must be told if, in fact, Dr Rowley’s

name has been placed on an Interpol Watch List with the k n o w led g e an d /o r involvement of local authorities, and if so, when this has happened,” the releaseadded.

The PNM noted that Rowley served this country for over 45 years in public office, and almost ten years in the office of prime minister “He is also a wellrespectedregionalleaderwho engaged in Caricom duties until demitting office as the PrimeMinisterofTrinidadand Tobago recently In the circumstances, it behoves the local authorities and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to treat this matter with extreme urgency and provide clarification and transparency to the former primeministerandcitizensof Trinidad and Tobago,” the releasestated

“WeinthePNMdemand nothinglessandweawaitthe substantive response from the Prime Minister and the CommissionerofPolice.”

Meanwhile, CMC reported that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service

‘Guyana’s

(TTPS)onMondaysaidthat the name of former prime minister Dr.Keith Rowley was not placed on an INTERPOL watch list and thatitremains“committedto protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, and will continue to provide clear, factual updates as the matterdevelops.”

Rowley told a news conference earlier that he had been detained and questioned upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda while en route to Montserrat last week. “This is not just a mistake; it is a deliberate, calculated attempt to tarnish mynameonaninternational stage,”saidRowley Rowley,whosaidhewas stunned to learn that Trinidad and Tobago authorities may have caused his name to be flagged internationally, has since called on both Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar and Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro to indicate what role they played in having his name placed on the INTERPOLwatchlist.

Inastatement,theTTPS said it had “taken note of recentpublicstatements”by Rowley,“whoallegesthathe was flagged on an INTERPOL watch list duringhisrecenttravels.”

The TTPS said that Rowley’s call for an explanation from national authorities, including the Commissioner of Police, suggests“thathisplacement wasnoterroneous,butrather a calculated attempt to defame him on the internationalstage.”

“In light of these assertions, theTTPS, through its INTERPOL Bureau, promptlyinitiatedareviewof i n t e r n a l s y s t e m s Comprehensive checks were c o n d u c t e d a c r o s s

INTERPOL’s secure databases, which yielded a definitiveresult:DrRowleyis not listed on any INTERPOL watch list or international notice. “No alerts, flags, or warrants are associated with his name in INTERPOL’s systems. Moreover, the TTPSconfirmsthatithasnot submitted, nor caused to be submitted, any information

to INTERPOL that would justifysuchalisting.Thereis no record, directive, or procedural action from any departmentwithintheTTPS that supports the allegation of local involvement in the matter,”theTTPSsaid. It stated that it is vital to clarify the nature of INTERPOL’s governance, noting that the organisation functions under rigorous protocols that require judicial documentation or formal prosecutorial requestsforanyindividualto belisted.

“These procedures are managed exclusively througheachmemberstate’s National Central Bureau TheCommissionerofPolice doesnotholdtheauthorityto unilaterally add or remove i

m INTERPOL systems. Such actions are governed by internationallegalstandards, notdomesticdiscretion.

“With respect to the suggestion of political interference or statesponsored defamation, the TTPS firmly maintains its positionasanindependentand

Former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

apolitical institution No evidence has emerged indicating that the organisation, or any of its members, has participated in politically motivated conduct regardingDr Rowley”

The TTPS said it “urges responsible dialogue in the public sphere, especially when reputational harm and institutional trust are at stake.

“While public scrutiny andtransparencyarevitalto democratic processes, it is equally important that commentary is grounded in verified fact. The TTPS remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens and will continue to provide clear, factual updates as the matterdevelops,”itadded.

During the news conference, Rowley told reporters, “If this can be done to a former prime minister, imagine what can be done to the average citizen.”

biodiversity punches above its weight on

Inaworldgrapplingwith biodiversity loss and ecological fragmentation, Guyana has emerged as an outsize leader—combining scientific credibility, bold national policies, and global partnerships to preserve one of the planet’s richest and mostintactnaturalsystems.

Recent analyses show thatGuyanastandsshoulder toshoulderwithbiodiversity giants such as Brazil, India, China, and the Democratic RepublicoftheCongo:

· Over 1,200 bird

species, rivalling or surpassing much larger nationslikeIndiaandChina

Approximately 225 mammal species, including keystone predators like the jaguar and rare species such asthegiantriverotter

Nearly 8,000 plant species, many unique to the ancientGuianaShield What sets Guyana apart is not just the abundance of life, but the integrity of its ecosystems—over 85% of thecountryremainsforested andlargelyundisturbed.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali emphasised the

the global stage’ - Pres Ali

importance of this ecological achievement: “Guyana’s biodiversity is not only surviving—it is thriving. We are home to vibrant, connected ecosystems where nature still functions at scale. This is no accident. It is the outcome of deliberate, sustainedpoliciesembedded in our Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS)andgroundedinour national vision for sustainability.”

President Ali noted that while much of the world is grappling with ecosystem degradationandbiodiversity loss, Guyana has made a different choice: to protect what remains whole. “We have preserved what many countries have already lost. Our rainforests, wetlands, rivers,andsavannahsarenot relics they are working landscapes, supporting both people and planet We believe that nature is not a c o n s t r a i n t t o development it is a foundationforit.”

G u y a n a i s n o w positioning itself at the

frontier of innovative

biodiversity finance

Buildingonthesuccessofits carbon credit mechanism under LCDS 2030, the country is exploring the development of biodiversity credits—tradable units that quantify real conservation outcomes These could create new income streams for forest communities and incentivize national and globalconservationaction.

“Wearecraftingamodel, not just for Guyana but for t h e w o r l d , w h e r e conservation delivers economic value,” President Ali stated. “This is how we align global biodiversity goalswiththelivelihoodsof ourpeopleandthelong-term prosperity of our nation.”

Despite having a smaller landmassthancountrieslike Brazil (home to 55,000+ plant species) or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11,000 species), Guyana’s high density of s p e c i e s a n d endemism especially within the Guiana Shield—makes it a critical globalbiodiversityhotspot.

ABOLD BIODIVERSITY COMMITMENT

As part of its leadership under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, Guyana has pledgedto:

· Double its protected and conserved areas by the endof2025

· Achieve the global target of protecting 30% of its land and marine ecosystemsby2030(“30by 30”)

· Develop a biodiversity financing and crediting framework, offering new financial incentives to protect ecosystems and supportIndigenousandlocal communities

“Our commitment to doubling protected areas is notsymbolic,”PresidentAli affirmed. “It is backed by science, legislation, community participation, a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l cooperation.Weareproving that conservation can be a driver of development and dignity.”

PARTNERSHIPSFOR PLANETARY

Supporting this bold agenda is a growing coalition of partners across science, conservation, finance, Indigenous rights, a n d s u s t a i n a b l e development Guyana is working alongside TheYale Center for Biodiversity and G l o b a l C h a n g e , Conservation International, the Field Museum, Campaign for Nature, the CoP 20 (UNFCCC) Presidency, World Wildlife Fund, the Frankfurt Zoological Society, the World Bank, and the Governments of Brazil, along with several other States, and NGO partners. This collaborative platform also benefits from the leadership of former Colombian President Iván Duque, Indigenous communities throughout Guyana including in the South Rupununi, private sector partners in green financeandclimatemarkets, government organisation includetheEPA,andabroad range of bilateral and multilateral actors

committed to reversing biodiversityloss.

AMESSAGETOTHE WORLD

As Guyana prepares to host the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, President Ali emphasized that Guyana’s experience holds valuable lessonsfortheworld:

“Guyana is living proof that economic development, social inclusion, and ecological integrity are not opposing goals. We have keptover85%ofourforests standing, empowered our Indigenous peoples as stewards of nature, and created innovative market solutionsthroughourcarbon credit system. Now, we are ready to take this further—withbiodiversityat theheartofourmodel.”

With eyes on 2030, Guyanaisinvitingtheworld to think differently, act boldly, and join forces in building a more resilient, biodiverse, and equitable planet. “This is Guyana’s story—but it is also the world’s future,” President Aliconcluded.(DPI)

STEWARDSHIP

Israel kills more than 60 people in Gaza as starvation deaths rise

(AL-JAZEERA)

-More than 60 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, medical sources say, as the Israeli militarysenttanksintoareas of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza for the first time since Israelbeganitsassaultonthe besiegedterritoryinOctober 2023.

Israel on Monday launched the ground offensive on southern and eastern areas of the city that is packed with displaced Palestinians, a day after its military issued a forced displacement order for residents in the areas, forcing thousands of people to flee west towards the Mediterranean coast and

southtoKhanYounis.

Tank shelling in the area hit houses and mosques, killing at least three Palestinians and wounding several, the Reuters news agency reported, quoting localmedics.

ReportingfromDeirelBalah, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum said gunfire wasaudibleasIsraelitanks rolled into the area on Mondaymorning

“We can see that the entire city is under Israeli attack,” he said “We did not manage to sleep last night ”

“There has been an o n g o i n g I s r a e l i bombardment Israeli jets, tanks and naval gunboats

continue to strike multiple residential areas Three more squares were destroyed in the city, and then residential houses wereflattened.”

In Khan Younis in southern Gaza, an Israeli airstrikekilledatleastfive people, including a husband and wife and their two children, in a tent, medicssaid

Among those reported killed since dawn on Monday were four aid seekers waiting for food near a distribution centre operated by the United States- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation(GHF)

Five other Palestinians

Smoke and flames rise from a residential building hit by an Israeli strike in Gaza City on July 21, 2025 [Khamis Al-Rifi/Reuters]

were killed in a separate Israeli bombardment in Jabaliaal-Baladinthenorth.

Earlier, the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that its teams had recovered the body of one person and evacuated three wounded after an Israeli artillery strike on the nearby Jabaliaal-Nazla area.

Drone strikes were reported in Gaza City,

resulting in casualties, a sourceatal-ShifaHospital toldAlJazeeraArabic

The previous day, at least 134 people were killed and 1,155 injured by Israeli forces, according to the Gaza MinistryofHealth

At least 59,029 people in Gaza have been killed sincethewarbegan

On Sunday, Gaza healthauthoritiesreported

at least 19 people had starved to death in one day, highlighting the desperate situation under theIsraeliaidblockade In an interview withAl Jazeera, the World Food Programme’s Palestine representative, Antoine Renard, said the United Nations agency has warned for “weeks” that Palestinians in Gaza are facingstarvation.

Syria’s Bedouin clans withdraw from Druze city of Suwayda

(AL-JAZEERA) Syria’s armed Bedouin clans have announced their withdrawal fromtheDruze-majoritycity of Suwayda after weeklong clashes and a United Statesbrokeredceasefire.

Fighting between Druze fighters and Sunni Muslim clans killed more than 250 people and threatened to unravel Syria’s already fragilepost-wartransition.

Israel also launched dozens of air strikes in the southern province of Suwayda, targeting governmentforces,whohad in effect sided with the Bedouins.

Thefightingalsoledtoa series of sectarian attacks against the Druze community, followed by revenge attacks against the Bedouins. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has

been perceived as more sympathetictotheBedouins, tried to appeal to the Druze community while remaining critical of its fighters. He later urged the Bedouins to leave the city, saying they “cannot replace the role of the state in handling the country’s affairs and restoringsecurity”.

Dozens of armed Bedouins alongside other clans from around the countrywhocametosupport them remained on the outskirts of Suwayda as government security forces and military police were deployed on Sunday to oversee their exit from the entire province The Bedouinfightersblamedthe clashes on Druze factions loyal to spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and accused them of harming Bedouinfamilies.

The Syrian government o n M o n d a y b e g a n evacuatingBedouinfamilies trappedinsideSuwayda.

Syrian state media said on Sunday that the governmenthadcoordinated with some officials in Suwaydatobringincoaches to evacuate about 1,500 Bedouins from the city Interior Minister Ahmad alDalati told the SANA news agency that the initiative would also allow displaced civilians from Suwayda to return because the fighting has largely stopped and efforts for a complete ceasefireareongoing.

Syrianauthoritiesdidnot givefurtherdetailsaboutthe evacuationorhowittiesinto the broader agreement after failed talks for a captive exchangedeal.

RepublicanGymanxioustocompeteat AndrewLewisNoviceschampionship

Withjustfourdaystogo before the bell rings for the return of the Andrew Lewis

N a t i o n a l N o v i c e

Championships, the

Republican Gym is shaping up to be a serious contender attheNationalGymnasium.

The three-night slugfest, widely regarded as the launching pad for Guyana’s future champions, will showcase emerging talent from across the country It also marks the highly anticipated comeback of the Republican Boxing Gym, now under the experienced tutelage of veteran trainer WincellThomas.

Coach Thomas revealed that preparations are on track, noting that the gym

will host an inter-prison boxing camp to finalize its roster for the July 25–27 showdown, hosted by the G u y a n a B o x i n g Association (GBA) “I’m pleased with the progress oftheinmates,particularly those who have dedicated themselves and embraced the rigours of training,” Thomas said, praising the grit and determination shown by his charges. He pointed out that they will

host an inter-prison event, where the boxers will be selected for this weekend’s event.

Namedinhonourofthelate Andrew “Six-Head” Lewis, Guyana’sfirstworldchampion, thetournament,oftendubbedthe GBA’s“talentcradle,”servesas a critical stepping stone for youngboxersmakingtheleap into the amateur ranks The eventalsoplaysapivotalrole in scouting and grooming talentforthenationalteam At last year’s edition, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Boxing Gym reasserted its dominance, clinchingtheBestOverallTeam title

Tuesday July 22, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday

CANCER(June21–July22)

Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some intellectual problems Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

It'sgoingtobealittledifficult talking to you today, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Haveyoubeenreviewingyour family history lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.

Slingerz Racing stable dominates J’s Summer Stakes … Ritorna Vincentori, John Bull steals the show

Slingerz Racing Stable once again stamped its authorityonthelocalracing circuit, storming to victory at Sunday’s J’s Summer Stakes hosted at the Bush Lot United Turf Club, West CoastBerbice(WCB).

The highlight of the day came in the feature one-mile Summer Stakes, where Slingerz’newlyacquiredfouryear-oldbaycoltfromBrazil, RitornaVincentori,pilotedby jockeyChavez,rompedtoan emphaticwin

Standout performances included Jagwan Milo, who was named Best Novice Boxer, Ryan Rogers of the ForgottenYouth Foundation Gym, who took home Best SchoolboyBoxer,andrising starKenishaPlass,whowas crownedBestFemaleBoxer

Thisyear’stournamentis expected to attract fighters from all ten administrative regions,settingthestagefor three action-packed nights ofpureboxingaction.

Guyana Boxing Association...

Frompage24 achievethishonour

Akeisha Van Cooten continues her impressive journey in the ring after successfully representing GuyanaattheWorldJuniors.

These two top female boxers will headline two of thefouramateurboutsonthe undercard, preceding a powerful professional lineup featuring: Elton Dharry, Laured Stewart, Keevin AllicockandDexterMarques

The event is promoted by Mike Goberdhan, Pinegrove Promotions, sanctioned by both the Guyana Boxing Board of Control and the Guyana Boxing Association, andenjoysthebackingofthe Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, along with sponsors including Nal’s Nest, Ramchand’s Auto, Pine Grove Inn Steak & Seafood Restaurant and SuperBetGuyana.

Vendor and Sponsorship opportunities are available and interested sponsors and vendors are encouraged to contact the promotion team at The Locals Restaurant or NexGen Global Promotions to be part of this historic night of boxing Media Contact: NexGen Global Promotions – 6687419/660-9402.

The Brazilian import thundered past the finish line ahead of Spankhurst and Anthem King, leaving no doubt about his class and potential Owner of Slingerz Racing Stable, Javed Ali, expressedhissatisfactionwith the performance, especially witheyesnowfirmlysetonthe prestigiousGuyanaCup

His reigning champion, Olympic Kremlin, will return to defend the title on August17attheRisingSun Turf Club. Meanwhile, the stablealsomadeitspresence felt in the six-furlong Open Sprint Classic, where John Bull produced a blistering run to take top honours. RegalMantrailedinsecond. John Bull wasn’t done yet.

In the L Class Maiden, Electiongallopedtovictory, followed by World Boss in second, Doctor J in third, and Winner Circle rounding outthetopfour

The K Class and Lower turned into a thrilling headto-head between Sakar and GetThemBobby,butitwas GetThemBobbywhopulled away in the final stretch to winbythreefurlongs.Shake theBankfinishedthird.

IntheJClassandLower six-furlong dash, Hayley surgedaheadtotakethewin, whileTopGunandGTBoss finished second and third, respectively The H Class and Lower, which was the fourth race on the card, saw Sex Appeal asserting dominance to win, with She Who On Time finishing a strong second. Race five featuredtheThree-Year-Old Guyana and West Indian Bred horses, where Mulan prevailed in a competitive field Ruff Time placed second and Irish Eyes securedthird.

Theone-timePresidentCup winner, won his six-furlong showdown for his second victory on the day Regal Man settled for second, whileStatandSoulofAngel followed in third and fourth respectively.

Wincell Thomas

Hope laments execution failures as West Indies squander strong start in T20 loss to Australia

SportsMax - West Indies captain Shai Hope admitted his side fell short

with both bat and ball in a frustrating three-wicket loss to Australia in the opening

T20 International at Sabina ParkonSundaynight,aftera promising start with the bat unravelled in the closing stages and a spirited Australian fightback turned thetide.

“We left ourselves 20 or 30 runs short in the back end,” Hope said after the match.

“Withtheball,wedidn’t take as many wickets as we wanted to. We’ve got some very good batting in the lower order Some missed execution [from our bowlers].”

Havingposted189for8, WestIndieslookedoncourse for a far bigger total at one stage Powered by halfcenturiesfromRostonChase (60off32)andHopehimself (55 from 39), the home side cruised to 152 for 2 in the 15th over Chase had dominated the middle overs with a flurry of boundaries, while Hope anchored confidentlyattheotherend.

But a dramatic collapse followed.Thehomesidelost sixwicketsforjust37runsin the final five overs, a slide triggeredbythedismissalof Chase and compounded by Australia’s superb death bowling Ben Dwarshuis took4for36,includingthree wickets in a single over, while Nathan Ellis kept thingstightatthedeathwith pinpoint slower balls and yorkers. West Indies managed just seven runs in thefinal16deliveries.

Despite the sub-200 total,thehostshadAustralia in trouble early Alzarri Joseph and Jason Holder struck inside the powerplay, and when Gudakesh Motie removed Glenn Maxwell to leave the visitors 78 for 4, West Indies looked in control But Australia’s middleorderhadotherplans.

Cameron Green, in at No. 4, hammered 51 off 26 balls, and debutant Mitchell Owen added a fearless 50 from27balls—includingsix sixes—toseizecontrolofthe chase. Together, they put on 80 from 40 deliveries to tip the match in Australia’s favour Even after their dismissals, the visitors kept theirnervetoreachthetarget withsevenballstospare.

In what proved to be a critical disparity, Australia out-hit West Indies 17 sixes

tonine—anunusualreversal for a Caribbean side that once prided itself on outmuscling opponents in the shortest format. While West Indies’ innings was built largely on calculated strokeplay, Australia’s firepower through the middle and lower order proveddecisive. There was also a key moment in the field that might have changed the outcome. With Australia on 183 for 7 and needing just sevenrunstowin,substitute fielder Jewel Andrew dropped SeanAbbott at fine leg—a missed opportunity that came just before the

winning runs were nudged home.

The result leaves West Indies trailing 0–1 in the five-match series, with the secondT20I set forTuesday at the same venue. While there were positives to draw from strong top-order performances, Hope and his team will need to address theirdeath-overfrailtiesand sharpen their execution if theyaretoleveltheseries.

Scores:Australia190for 7(Green51,Owen50,Motie 2-29, Holder 2-32,AJoseph 2-39) beat West Indies (Chase 60, Hope 55, Dwarshuis 4-36) by three wickets.

Kennard Memorial Turf Club horse race meet shifts back to original date

T(KMTC) Emancipation

Horserace meet has been pushedbackoneweektoits original planned date of SundayAugust3rd.

Theevent,whichwillbe heldattheclub’sprestigious Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbicefacilities,hasatotal of six races on the day’s Programme.

There were already a number of entries and sponsors on board and with more time added a lot more horses and sponsors are expectedtogetonboard.

Therewerecloseto$5M in cash trophies and other memorabilia at stake and that sum might be bumped

upanotch. T

ent remains the contest for animals classified E2 and lower over one-mile. The winning horse is set to race away with a sumptuous $500,000andtrophy

The other events on the day’scardremainstheevent for H and Lower animals over seven furlongs. The winning stake is set at $400,000andtrophy

TheraceforI3andlower horsesoverfivefurlongshas a top prize of $300,000 and trophy

Thehorsescompetingin the L Open contest will to battling over six furlongs.

The winning prize is $300,000andtrophy

Two years old Guyana bred Open animals has five furlongs to cover as they compete for the $300, 000 and trophy available for the toprunner In the J and lower race, the animals will also be competing for the winners takeof$300,000andtrophy inthesixfurlongscontest. Interesting persons can make contact with Satish Bowan on 610-0250, Isaac Dalloo – 689-0629, T Jagdeo – 618-7278, Compton Sancho – 6828550 or Ropnauth Sewsankar – 678-6722 or any other executive of the club. The event will be held under the aegis of the KMTC.

The first race is set to speed off at 13:30 hrs (SamuelWhyte)

Gudakesh Motie celebrates a wicket. (Getty Images)

Mitchell Owen and Cameron Green put up a matchwinning stand. (Getty Images)

Rouge Salon and Spa sponsors upcoming National Junior Chess Championship Qualifiers

Picture showing Junior Chess Players.jpg

Rouge Salon and S p a i s t h e sponsors of the upcoming National Junior Chess Championship Qualifiers Tournament, scheduled from Friday, July 25, to Tuesday, July 29, 2025, with Sunday as a rest day

This seven-round competition, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), will be held at the GuyanaNationalStadiumin Providence,aimingtoselect the top nine junior chess players who will challenge the current National Junior

Chess Champion, Ricardo Narine, in the National J u n i o r C h e s s Championshipsscheduledto beginonAugust1st,2025.

This eagerly awaited annual competition, open to players under 20, will be conducted using the Swiss format.

Eachmatchwillfeaturea 90-minute time control with an additional 30 seconds addedtotheclockafterevery move.

The tournament boasts a formidable lineup of top junior talent. Reigning champions expected to

compete include Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber (U16), and Woman CandidateMasterAditiJoshi (Women’s and U16 Girls Chess).

Other key players contesting are Kyle Couchman, Alexander Zhang, Kishan Puran, Alek Ubaldo-Singh, Micaiah Enoe, Tremusa Marshall, Omar Shariff, Arysh Raghunauth, Rafael Park, Jaden Todd, and Ciel Clement,tonameafew. Champions for the 2025 age category competitions: Nicholas Zhang (U14 Open), Emma John (U14 Girls),AbelFernandezCiria (U12 Open), and Kataleya Sam (U12 Girls) will all vie forachancetomakethetop ninecontendersforthe2025 National Junior Chess Championshiptitle.

W i t h o v e r 7 0 competitors participating in the National Junior Qualifiers annually, the GCF is setting an ambitious goal to boost attendance by 20 percent thisyear

Chess activities hosted by the GCF, including tournaments, chess camps, chess clubs, and training sessions, h a v e e n c o u r a g e d children’s participation overthepastyear

T h e G C F h a s expanded its reach to thousands of children over the past two years, thanks to chess being on the curriculum in Georgetown secondary

schools through the Ministry of Education’s FivePrior ity Areas Programme With this initiative, the federation is actively

Junior Chess Players will be in keen competition.

considerin

p

ans to include chess-in-schools in other Regions outside ofGeorgetown.

The GCF expresses its appreciation to Rouge Salon and Spa, a consistent sponsor of chess, especially noted for their significant contributions to the Women inChessprogramme.

T h e G C F acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport which will be providing the venue for thetournament.

h

FIDE

For more information on the tournament and sign-up details, pleasevisit t h e G C F w e b s i t e (guyanachess.gy).

Follow the GCF on Facebook and Instagram forfurtherupdates

Arbiters, Mr John Lee and Mr AnandRaghunauth.

Ricardo Narine

Barbados secures

CWI Rising Stars Women’s U-19 Championship after seven-wicket DLS Method win over Leewards

SportsMax - Barbados are champions of the 2025 CWI Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship after a seven-wicket win overtheLeewardIslandsvia theDLSMethodinthefinal at the Diego Martin Sports Complex in Trinidad on Saturday

The Bajans first dismissed the Leewards for 93 in 23.3 overs with only four Leewards batters reachingdoublefigures.

Captain Jahzara Claxton (28) and Aaliyah Weekes (20) led the scoring charge against 3-15 off five overs from Theanny HerbertMayersand3-33fromseven

overs from Naijanni Cumberbatch. Erin Deane

and Sab

H

d

ey evenly split the other four wicketstofall

B

, set a revised target of 72 in 22

o

ir target with 9 4 overs to

spare Asabi Callender led the scoring with 14 while Elecia Bowman and Eboni Brathwaite

m

13* and 11* , respectively

Trinidad & Tobago defeated Jamaica at the Sir F

Memorial Ground in the third-place playoff while the Windward Islands

b

National Cricket Centre toclaimfifth

Guyana Boxing Association endorses August 9th Super Fight Card

Top female amateur fighters headline undercard at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has officially announced its support for the highly anticipatedAugust9thSuper Card set to take place at the CliffAndersonSportsHall.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle voiced his full endorsement of the event,

stating, “I am fully supporting this event, and fans will see two of Guyana’s top female boxers showcasetheirtalentasthey seek to build their records. This is a fight that you cannotmiss!”

Among the featured amateur bouts are Abiola

Jackman and Akeisha Van Cooten, two of Guyana’s risingstarsinthesport.

AbiolaJackmanrecently made history by capturing a gold medal at the AMBC Elite Championships, becomingthefirstGuyanese boxer—maleorfemale—to

(Continuedonpage19)

Barbados players react during their last game to claim the 2025 CWI Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship.

West Indies and South Africa Play Out Thrilling Tie in WCL

SportsMax - In a dramatic finish befitting the legends on display, theWest Indies Legends and South Africa Legends played to a tie in their World Championship of Legends (WCL)clashonSaturday,as rain forced a shortened match that delivered no shortageoftension.

Batting first in an encounter reduced to 11 overs per side, the West IndiesLegendsposted79for 5, thanks to composed contributions from Lendl Simmons and Chadwick Walton. Simmons struck 28 from 21 balls, including a four and two sixes while Walton remained unbeaten on 27 from 21, matching Simmons’ boundary tally with one four and two maximums. Dwayne Bravo added a brisk eight in the closingovers.

South Africa’s bowlers were tidy in the limitedovers format, with Phangiso impressing with 2 for 19 from three overs. Hardus Viljoen, JJ Smuts, and Duanne Olivier chipped in withawicketapiecetokeep the West Indies total within reach.

Chasing a revised target of 81 via the DuckworthLewis method, SouthAfrica got off to a steady start but soon found themselves under pressure Veteran openerHashimAmlamadea

Lendl Simmons helped lead the West Indies.

Showdown

cautious 15 from 18 balls before falling, while Sarel Erwee contributed a crucial 27 before being dismissed with the match hanging in thebalance. It was left to JPDuminy to anchor the chase, and the stylish left-hander delivered a valiant unbeaten 25 from just12balls,strikingcleanly and finding gaps as the required rate climbed

However, despite Duminy’s best efforts, South Africa could only manage 80 for 5, falling agonizingly short by justoneruntotiethematch.

For the West Indies, Sheldon Cottrell was the

pickofthebowlerswith2for 16,whileFidelEdwardsalso bagged two wickets for 21 runs, using his pace and variations effectively in the deathovers.

JP Duminy was named Player of the Match for his composed, unbeaten knock thatkeptSouthAfricainthe huntuntilthefinalball.

The result leaves both teams with plenty to reflect on but also underlines the fiercely competitive nature ofthetournament,wherethe legendsofthegamecontinue to deliver gripping cricket action for fans around the world.

Slingerz FC Head Coach Shabazz joins TTFA’s Elite Pro Coaching Diploma Course

Slingerz Football Club Head Coach, JamaalShabazz,is among 12 top-tier coaches from across the Caribbean selected to participate in the historic Pro Coaching Diploma Course, an elite initiative launched by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).

According to the TTFA, theprogrammeisdesignedto redefine the standards of football coaching throughout theCaribbeanregion

The 12-month course

brings together some of the mostrespectedfootballminds in the region for an intensive curriculum aimed at enhancing leadership, tactical knowledge, and coaching methodology at the professionallevel.

Coach Shabazz, who previously served as Head CoachoftheGoldenJaguars (Guyana’s Senior Men’s NationalTeam),hasmadean impressive debut in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League with Slingerz FC Under his leadership, the Vergenoegen-

based club has played nine matches,maintainingaperfect recordandsittingontopofthe tableintheGFFEliteLeague. Shabazz joins a distinguished roster of regional and international coaching professionals, including Merron Gordon (Assistant Coach, Jamaica Senior Men’s National Team), Theodore “Tappa” Whitmore (Former Head Coach, Jamaica), Rudolph Speid and Andrew Peart (Jamaica)AndGarethSmith (USA). Also participating are Paul Decle (Technical

NSC scores Bullseye for Darts!

As e f f o r t s

continue to propel the sport of Darts following a lull in activity, the NationalSports Commission (NSC) has comeintothefraytoaidthe Guyana Darts Association (GDA).

The National Sports Commission yesterday presented dart boards to the Guyana Darts Association. The presentation forms part of the NSC continuous supportfortheGDAasthey look to grow their numbers and aid the competitiveness oflocalplayers.

Here,DirectorofSport Steve Ninvalle hands over one of the dart boards to GDA secretary Natisha Fordyce-Graham.

Director, British Virgin Islands), Derek King (Assistant Coach, Trinidad and Tobago), Kevin McGreskin (Talent Identification Specialist), Jamie Harris (USA), Jake Littlejohn (FIFA Talent Coach, Bermuda) and Leonard Lake (St. Kitts and Nevis). The TTFA stated

that this flagship

programme, which commenced last week, represents a new era in regionalcoachingeducation. Itbuildsuponthefoundation laid by the successful TTFA

“A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” License courses and is structured to foster highperformancecoachingatthe elite level The curriculum integrates comprehensive theoretical modules with practical, field-based application, emphasizing leadership,tacticalinnovation, and evidence-based coaching strategies Participantsbenefit from ongoing mentorship,

expert-led seminars, and immersive coaching environments that simulate professional-levelscenarios

Leading the programme is Dr David Adams, Chief Football Officer and Technical Director of the Football Association of Wales Trust’s Coach EducationProgramme.

Dr. Adams brings extensive international expertise, having played a key role in the UEFA Pro License journeys of elite managers such as Mikel Arteta, Thierry Henry, Roberto Martinez, and PatrickVieira.

The course is further enrichedbyguestsessionsfrom industry leaders Notable amongthemwasapresentation on “Transformational

Leadership and Crisis Management” delivered by Steve Dalton, OBE, former ManagingDirectorofSonyUK

Technology Centre (2005–2022)

Participants also benefittedfromtheexperience of Dennis Lawrence, former Trinidad and Tobago international and ex-national team head coach, now AssistantCoachatMinnesota United FC in Major League Soccer Lawrence delivered a session on “The Role of the Assistant Coach at the ProfessionalLevel.”

Another engaging contributioncamefromDavid Nakhid, Parliamentary Secretary in Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Sport and former international footballer, who presented on “Opportunities in Sports Leadership”

TheTTFAnoted,thatthe Pro Coaching Diploma course represents a significant milestone in elevating the standard of football coaching in the Caribbean and is poised to have a lasting impact on the r e g i o n ’s f o o t b a l l development.

Coach Jamaal Shabazz (centre), with Jamaicans Merron Gordon (right) and Andre Peart (left).

Slingerz Racing stable dominates J’s Summer Stakes

John Bull picked up two wins at J’s Summer Stakes.