Kaieteur News

Anurse at the Eccles Health Centre was the first to be administered the vaccine on Friday as Minister of Health, Dr. FrankAnthony (right) looks on.

Elisabeth Harper

Attorney Nigel Hughes

Silenced by defeat

...APNU AND AFC CANCEL PRESS BRIEFINGS AMID POST-ELECTION TURMOIL

Amid a flurry of highprofile resignations and internal struggle, the Alliance for Change and the People’s National Congress Reform/ A Partnership for National Unity (PNCR/ APNU) on Friday canceled theirweeklymediabriefings as they continue to grapple with their crushing defeat at the recent general and regionalelections.

Whilethemediaawaited links to the different zoom meetings, and invites to attend in person the PNCR/APNUinanadvisory said, “Good morning The

PNCR/APNU will not be holding its weekly press conferencetoday Thankyou again for your time and attention.”

Inasimilarfashioninan advisory headlined, “AFC P r e s s c o n f e r e n c e postponed,” the party said, “Today’s Alliance for Changepressconferencehas been postponed until after the meeting of its National Executive Committee For your information and guidancewithkindregards.”

O n c e t h e m a i n opposition party and presumed to be the only

political unit to rival the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), the

PNCR/APNU performed extremely poor at the recent general and regional elections, attaining a mere 77,973 votes from the total Official List of Electors (OLE)whichwasdeclaredto stand at 757690 by the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission(GECOM) This isasignificantdropfromthe 217,920 the party secured at the2020elections.

Notably, subsequent to the 2020 elections APNU hadsecured31seatswiththe

No approval given for resale of young professional homes

-HousingMinister

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal has made it clear that beneficiaries of the young professional homes who attempt to resell or dispose of the properties do not have the approvalofhisministrytodoso.

The young professional homes initiative isagovernmenthousingprogrammeoffering affordable,modernhomestoyoungcitizens. These schemes feature various options, including flat and elevated three-bedroom designs Recently, advertisements have surfaced of persons purportedly reselling thesestate-issuedhomes.

Duringaninterviewwiththispublication, Minister Croal acknowledged the reports of personsattemptingtodisposeofthehomes.

He explained, “The young professional houses, they all have agreements that you sign to, and remember you're acquiring it throughtheState,sodisposalofassetthrough salehasaprocess.So,formostofthesethings that you see sometimes where people advertise, obviously didn't come through us. That may have been probably something behind the scene that we won't have knowledgeof.”

When pressed on government's position in clamping down on such practices, the ministernoted,“Wehavebeenreceivingone and two reports, it's something I have paid someattentionto,butasIsaid,iftherewasa

An advertisement for the sale of a young professional home

sale, it's not a sale that came through the ministry…”

Minister Croal explained that there is a prescribed time period within which a stateacquiredhomecannotbedisposedof.“So,it means if you're disposing of before the prescribed time period…it would not be a transfer of title through the ministry,” Croal clarified.

Asked whether the sales are illegal, the minister pointed out that while beneficiaries receive titles for the homes, the agreements signed explicitly bar disposal within the specifiedtimeframe. “Intermsofdisposalif you'relegallydisposingofanasset,youhave tohaveapprovalandwhatI'mgettingtoyou isthattheyobviouslywouldnothavehadthe approvalthroughtheministry,”hestressed.

joinder parties securing one and the PPPC securing 33.

This cycle however, newcomer WIN emerged as the main opposition party after securing 16 seats, four more than APNU’s 12 Additionally,APNU’sstrong holds Regions Seven and TenwerealsowonbyWIN.

Toaddsalttothewound, party stalwart Mervyn Williams earlier this week resigned with immediate effectfromthepartyduringa live stream on the Nation

Wa t c h s h o w, w i t h parliamentary lead, Dr TerrenceCampbellasguest.

Williams served as Member of Parliament for th thePNCinthe9 Parliament and also eight months in the th11 Parliamentfollowingthe resignation of several dual citizenship MPs of the then APNU+AFC coalition He th served in the 12 Parliament between 2020 and 2025, however, he was selected to returned as an MPwhen the coalition lost the 2025 elections and many felt that hewasoverlookedforothers who did not have his skills andpoliticalexperience.

In his address, Williams stated, “I’ve had a good run and, with a heavy heart, I announce my resignation from the Central Executive Committee of the People’s NationalCongressReform.I extend sincere gratitude to the delegates of the last Biennial Congress who voted overwhelmingly for me.Ofthe15peopleelected toserveonthatcommittee,I thank my colleagues at the level of the executive committee and the leader himself for the opportunity toserve,particularlyhereon Nation Watch, where I believeIwasabletomakea small contribution to my party and to the efforts that

we have collectively been makingovertheyears.”

A few days later Shurwayne Holder tendered hisresignationastheparty’s chairman but remains a memberoftheparty Holder, a former member of parliamentofficiallystepped down from his position on Monday In an email addressed to PNCR leader Aubrey Norton, Holder wrote, “I hereby tender my resignation as chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform with immediate effect I would like to thank you as party leader,theCentralExecutive Committee, and the membership of the party for theconfidencereposedinme over the years. I wish you and the party well in your efforts to rebuild and revitalise.”

When contacted by KaieteurNewsforcomment, Holder declined to provide details about his reasons for resigning.Hestatedonlythat he has no political plans at the moment and intends to focus on his family and personaldevelopment.

In a move that sent shockwavesacrosstheparty

Attorney Nigel Hughes tendered his resignation as leader of the AFC. General SecretaryoftheAllianceFor Change (AFC) Raphael Trotman said Wednesday thatitiscommonforleaders ofpoliticalparties“tofallon their sword” in cases where therearedevastatingdefeats.

The AFC contested the electionsandscrapedamere 3,610 votes, upsetting any chances of securing a single seatinthenationalassembly

Withthecrushinglossat the polls, Trotman said the move by Hughes “is the honourable approach that is observed worldwide However, it is the party’s leadership and members to acceptorrejectthatoffer.”

Hesaidhowever,thatthe resignation is somewhat surprising, since there was no indication that the party leader was contemplating resigning “Recently as Saturday last, the executive met and the meeting was chaired by Mr Hughes Therewasnohintthathewas considering resigning, and noindicationfromwithinthe executive that anyone wanted him to resign,” he said.

Leader of the PNCR/ APNU, Aubrey Norton

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal

Leader of the AFC, Nigel Hughes

KaieteurNews

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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Bamia School agony

In November 2021, when the contract was awarded to ST8tment Investment Inc., to build the Bamia Primary SchoolinRegion10,manyGuyaneseeyebrowswereraised in disbelief. It cannot be that a local group that made its name in entertainment was now entrusted with $346M in taxpayers'dollarstoconstructaschool. Oneofthedefences tenderedwasthatastarthastobemadesomewhere,andthat branchingoutintonewbusinessareaswaspartofthevision. Two months short of four years later, both the starting and branching out have been nothing but a painful exercise in learning.

WhenwillthePPPCGovernmentlearnandstopplaying theseexpensivegameswithtaxpayers'money? Whenwill Guyanese get a government that puts the interests of the peoplefirst,andinasituationwherechildrenareimpacted, held hostage? Now the same PPPC Government, through itsnewlyappointedMinisterofLocalGovernmentistaking astandwith“it'seithertheyfinishthis,ortheycomeoffthe project.” Aprojectthatwassupposedtofinishin20months isstillbeingtalkedaboutrelativetoitsunfinishedstate,two yearsandtwomonthsafteritsoriginaldeadline. Howcan anyone take the PPPC Government, old or new, and its ministers, settled or shuffled around, as being serious, or peopletotrust? Itisacircumstancethathasrepeateditself in different shapes and forms, and under different governmentsdecadeafterdecade.

It wasn't just time that was a problem with the Bamia PrimarySchoolproject. Therewasalsotheissueofmoney, as in more millions that had to be put out. The original contractamountwasfor$346M,whichgotaboostthrough an additional $127M voted to keep the project going. Ten percent more may be understood, and then only barely so. But 37% is enough to add anger to disbelief, since this is how the government and its partners take advantage of a largely passive population that swallows any trash that is stuffeddownitsthroat.

The position of the contractor, ST8tment Investment Inc.,wasthatlabourshortages,increasedcostofmaterials, and unfavourable weather conditions all contributed to delaying the project. Though this may sound harsh, aside fromunfavourableweatherconditions,theotherfactorsare the contractor's problem, and that of the government. It shouldn'tbeforthechildrenandparentsoftheentireBamia catchment area. This project should have been finished yearsago,butthegovernmentputitsfootinitsmouthwhen ST8Tment Investment Inc., was awarded the contract to build the school. An imbecile could have anticipated that therewouldbeissueswithitspropercompletion,andeven then,itwasunimaginablethat26monthsaftertheoriginal completion date, the school would still have what's being called 'minor works' and 'finishing touches.' For too long and too often, too many in the government and its army of croniesthinkthatcitizensarestupid.

Thenewministermaybeimpressedwithherowntough talkaboutgettingtheprojectdonebyOctober,orgetoffthe premises. Itwasthesametypeofcomedychatterthatonce wasthenormfortheCheddiJaganAirportExtension,where moremoneyandmoretimewereallthatwasheard. Whois goingtomakeGuyanesetaxpayerswhole? Whatwillbethe penaltyforcontractorsthatfailtodeliverontimeandwithin budget? More fat contracts that make no sense from a competency and delivery standpoint is what should be expected. President Ali himself is among the best in the government to sell unsuspecting citizens about how much hehastheirinterestsasapriority,andhowmuchenergyhe intendstoexpendtoensurethattheygetproperworksand propervaluefortheirdollars. Unfortunately,therecordhas notbeenkindtoeitherthepresidentorthegovernment. The more speeches he makes about clean governance and transformational leadership, the more there're blights like theBamiaPrimarySchoolprojectthatmakesamockeryof whatever he says.This school should have been finished a longtimeago. ST8Tmenteithercompletesitbythenewest deadline,orbeshownthedoor

The high rate of missing children: a deeply troubling and heartbreaking trend

DearEditor, Since the reopening of schools in Guyana, we have witnessedadeeplytroubling and heartbreaking trend: the highrateofmissingchildren. Even more alarming is the lack of meaningful updates from the Guyana Police Force, the absence of coordinated search parties, and the deafening silence surroundingthesecases.

We, the parents of Guyana, will not let this be sweptundertherug.Weneed to find these kids as soon as possible This is not an isolated matter it is a national crisis, and urgent stepsmustbetakentoensure our children are safe. Every daywithoutanswers adds to thefear,theuncertainty,and thetraumafeltineveryhome acrossthecountry

The tragic case of young AdrianaYounge has already

left parents traumatized and shaken to the core. Now, with the rising number of missing children since the reopeningofschools,weare forced to ask: Are our children truly safe in Guyana?

While the police do post missing children notices on socialmedia,thesepostsare often delayed, limiting their effectiveness In a case where hours can mean the difference between life and d e a t h , d e l a y s a r e unacceptable or when the child/children is found no updated notice is sent out to saythechildhasbeenfound, leading to a bunch of resharesonamissingchild's post that has already been found. We strongly urge the Guyana Police Force to adopt a rapid child alert system—similar to Amber

countries—where the public is immediately notified through radio, television, social media, and even text messages when a child goes missing. We also call for visible search parties, neighborhood patrols, and stronger collaboration betweenpolice,schools,and communities.

In addition, the Ministry of Education must take immediate steps to strengthen school safety

Every school should have a designated safe zone radius of at least 50–100 meters (roughly the distance of a few houses down) from the c o m p o u n d , w h e r e unauthorizedindividualsare not allowed to loiter or approach children. Within this zone, only parents, guardians, or persons with written parental permission should be allowed to collect

a child The names of authorizedpersonsmustalso be submitted to school securityinadvance. At present, many school security guards are reduced to merely opening and closing gates. They can and should handle greater responsibilities: actively verifying who is collecting students, refusing to release children to unauthorized persons, and strictly enforcing the rule that only approved guardians with writtenparentalconsentmay pickupachild.Thesafetyof ourchildrenmustnotbeleft tochance.Wearecallingfor accountability,transparency, anddecisivenationalaction. The children of this nation are not just numbers in a report—they are our sons, ourdaughters,ourfuture.

Sincerely,

J.Smith

If we fail to act now, we will be raising a generation scared by violence and fear - let's end bullying!

DearEditor, The recent acts of bullying within our schools in Guyana are deeply troublingandmustnolonger beignored.

Bullying is not just “childrenbeingchildren”— it is a destructive practice that causes lasting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm to our young people. When bullying becomes normalized in the school system, it undermines the very purpose of education, which is to nurture safe

spaces for growth, learning, andcharacterdevelopment.

As a society, we cannot stand idly by Stronger measures are urgently needed to punish and deter bullying. Possible strategies include:

Implementing clear and enforceable penalties for students who engage in bullying.

Establishing strict antibullying policies across all schools, with teachers and administrators trained to identifyandactswiftly Requiring mandatory

whenever a case arises, ensuring accountability beginsathome.

Providing counseling and rehabilitation programs not only for victims, but also for bullies, who often act out due to unresolved issues.

Setting up student hotlines and anonymous reportingsystemssothatno child feels unsafe in speakingout

Wealsocallonournewly appointed Minister of Educationtotakeimmediate

and decisive action. This is the perfect moment for leadership to stomp out bullying and to set a precedent that Guyana's schools will be places of safety, discipline, and respect.

If we fail to act now, we risk raising a generation scarredbyviolenceandfear Butifwefacethisissuewith urgencyandresolve,wecan build a school system where every child feels valued and protected.

Yoursfaithfully, AtikaStephens.

President Irfaan and Govt. must get 100 days Honeymoon period

DearEditor, It is usually a tradition overthelastcenturyorsofor governments (Chief Executives) to be given a hundred days honeymoon period before critics, naysayers, detractors start levying criticisms on or evaluating performance Although President Ali has begun his second term, he should be given a honeymoon period of 100 days before an objective evaluation of his appointees and theirs and his performance as well as that oftheoverallgovernment. Approval ratings can be conducted continuously from the commencement of his presidency as is done in

USA.And the President has started out well with very high job performance like 2020 with 70s approval ratings.Onlyasmallnumber (ofaboutahundredengaged) criticizedsomeappointeesto the new cabinet. Even those who did not vote for the President has given a nod to his new administration There were some criticisms on a few appointees. Some WINites and PNCites have preferred not to express a comment on the President's new administration The President wins re-election and should be allowed to freely choose his cabinet without justifiable objections.

The public largely feels

thatPresidentIrfaan,hisVP, and the PPP administration have governed for all regardlessofpartyaffiliation astheyseektobuilduponthe first term and use the new mandate to furthering tangible quality of life improvements.

The government's objective has been to advance socio-economic development. The President and government deserve some time to realize his and the PPP's manifesto goals.

The 100th day is a benchmark that's widely considered the first impression of a new administration anywhere And it is traditional for governments to be assessed

orevaluatedafter100daysin o f f i c e f o r e a r l y accomplishments, trends, and missteps. The 100 days foreshadows achievements and priorities of the new government. It is also a check on whether government is on course to realize campaign promises and address those requiring coursecorrection

It is recalled that Irfaan first took the reins of government in August 2020 at a time when the country facedtwoseriouscrises–the Covid 19 and trust and confidence in government with people becoming cynical about governance thatfollowedtheepisodeto (Continuedonpage5)

Educational Exchange with Thailand: A Smart Pathway for Guyana's Agricultural Transformation

DearEditor,

President Irfaan Ali's recent call for a sciencedriven, market-oriented agriculture is exactly the directionGuyananeeds.The Presidenthasrightlystressed t h a t g o v e r n m e n t investments in drainage, irrigation, and infrastructure must be tied to measurable increasesinproductivity He hasalsoemphasizedtherole of soil sampling, scientific planning, and real-time data

systems in making agriculture more profitable andsustainable.

These ideas are sound. But to truly deliver, Guyana must invest not only in physical infrastructure, but also in human capital

Building the skills of our scientists,extensionofficers, and young professionals is what will ensure that new systemstakerootanddeliver long-term results. For this,

we should look to educational exchange with

countries that have successfully built agricultural universities and

researchsystemsinclimates verysimilartoours. One institution stands out: Kasetsart University in Thailand Kasetsart is a large, comprehensive public university based in Bangkok, with multiple campuses, research farms, andhousingforinternational students. It has more than 60,000students,hundredsof graduate programmes, and internationally recognised faculties in agriculture, fisheries,forestry,veterinary science, food technology, and agro-industry.Themain campusalonespansover130 hectaresincentralBangkok, and its Kamphaeng Saen campus is even larger, hostingriceresearchcentres, aquaculture stations, and biotechnologyhubs.

Importantly, Guyana already has a history with Kasetsart At least one Guyanesestudent,supported byaGovernmentofGuyana scholarship, studied soil science there. His thesis involved mapping soils across Thailand, travelling

withhisprofessor'sresearch team every weekend to collect samples, analyse them in the laboratory, and feedresultsintotheMinistry of Agriculture's system for farmer outreach. Tragically, hediedinacaraccidentonly two years after returning home But

demonstrated how relevant

Kasetsart model is to Guyana.

Secondly, Kasetsart is not the only option. The A

Technology (AIT), just outside Bangkok, is another world-class institution. AIT

resources, environmental

technology, climate change,

development.

It attracts students from across Asia, Africa, and beyond.LikeKasetsart,AIT offers Master'ss and PhD programmes,aswellasshort professional courses ideally suited for our extension officersandpolicymakers.

Thirdly, both of these universities are affordable compared to Western universities.

Tuition fees and living costs in Thailand are a fractionofwhatitwouldcost to send students to North America or Europe. More importantly, Thailand's tropical climate, soils, and farming systems resemble Guyana's in ways that Canada,theUnitedStates,or the United Kingdom do not. Training in Europe or North America often leaves graduates familiar with t e m p e r a t e c r o p s , mechanisation systems, and cold-climate challenges, knowledge that is valuable but not always directly applicable to the rice paddies, aquaculture ponds, citrusgroves,andcanefields ofGuyana.

In contrast, studying in Thailand prepares our people to work under nearly identical climatic and ecologicalconditions.

F o u r t h l y, t h e s e universitiesarenotlimitedto

President Irfaan and Govt. must get...

Frompage4 rigtheresultsoftheelection in plain sight The government handled Covid well. There is no doubt that the country was better off between2020and2025than the preceding five years; rigging has been addressed legallyandpolicywise.

In the 2025 election, the President, VP, and others were more inspiring on the platformthantheopposition, winning the confidence of the voters to give them another term in office to complete unfinished business and address emerging problems. Those who went to the poll, albeit 43% did not vote, placed greater trust and confidence in PPP than in the opposition.

President Irfaan, Jagdeo andthePPPhavereceiveda mandate from the voters to proceedwiththeirplanasthe electorate rejected the divided opposition. The president made several

commitments in his inauguration speech including eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, clamping down on waste, providing efficient delivery of government services,

creatingamoreeducatedand productive workforce, and tackling high cost of living, crime, and corruption, promising to establish an anti-corruption body He commits to furthering inclusivity and equity, bolstering education and healthcare, strengthening agriculture, providing more low-cost housing, improving infrastructure, encouraging private investments that create jobs and generate prosperity, and promoting transparency and accountability

Dr Ali started out with some very praiseworthy policies including a plan to clean up Georgetown to makeitasafeandfirstworld capital. He also stated that there will be on-line applications for passports

withregionalofficesforpick up To eviscerate any questions about governance issues, the public feels that the President and VP must show early progress in combating crime and lowering cost of living and deliver services efficiently People will look to new Minister Zulfikar Ally to address the delivery of servicesacrossallministries efficiently The President also plans to strengthen relations with Washington. He welcomes the American presence in Guyana extended waters to combat narco-trafficking The commitment to a new partnership with USA has won widespread public approval in Guyana and the diaspora.

President Ali has an

classroom training They specialise in applied research and outreach. Soil surveys are linked to real mapsforfarmers.

Rice research is tied to new high-yield varieties Fisheries research produces low-cost, high-output aquaculture systems. Food technology programmes teach how to process fruit, rice, and fish into products thatcanbeexported.Guyana can benefit not only from sending students, but also from forging institutional partnerships: joint demonstration plots, shared online data systems, faculty e x c h a n g e s , a n d collaborative research projects.

Fifthly, these exchanges donotneedtobelargetobe impactful.

excellent start of his new term. He has offered some very good policy proposals. Giving the President a fair amountoftimewillallowfor an objective assessment on implementationofproposals tovalidatethesinceritywith which commitments were (are)made.

Yourssincerely, Dr Vishnu Bisram (Pol Sci)

A h a n d f u l o f scholarships for Guyanese Master's or PhD students, plusasteadystreamofshortterm fellowships for extension officers, could quickly raise the technical capacity of our agriculture sector Graduates could be tasked with producing soil maps, aquaculture manuals, rice crop suitability studies, orcitrusdemonstrationplots within a year of returning home.

This is the kind of fast, practical, science-based outputthatPresidentAlihas demanded.

I strongly support the government'sinvestmentsin SkeldonandacrossGuyana. But I urge that alongside roads, canals, and drainage pumps,wealsoinvestinour people.

By sending young Guyanese scientists and extension workers to KasetsartUniversityandthe Asian Institute of Technology, we can ensure that science and data drive our agriculture We can modernise sugarcane, diversify rice varieties, aquaculture, fruits, and vegetables,andbuildamore resilient and profitable sector

Further information on these institutions can be foundat:

Kasetsart University: https://www.ku.ac.th/en

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT): https://ait.ac.th

Guyana has always invested in infrastructure. It is time now to invest in knowledge exchange, drawing on partners whose experience, climate, and costs match our realities. That is how we will make agriculture truly sciencedriven and market-oriented, not just in Skeldon, but acrosstheentirecountry

Yourssincerely, Dr WalterH.Persaud

No conflict with Linden's deputy

mayor serving on Region 10 RDC

An e w

development has emerged in Region 10 following the A Partnership for National Unity's (APNU) recent appointments of Regional Democratic Councillors (RDCs) and Members of Parliament(MPs).

Linden Mayor, Sharma Solomon will step down from his position to take up his seat in parliament Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Dominique Blair will retain hisrolewhilealsoservingas aregionalcouncillor Solomon was elected mayorin2023,followingthe Local Government Elections. His deputy, Blair, wasalsoelectedatthattime. However, with Solomon now selected to serve in the national assembly, he is required by law to resign from his local government position.

The Linden Town Council will subsequently movetoelectanewmayor

According to APNU's executive member Ganesh Mahipaul, there is no legal conflictinBlairholdingboth roles.

“Nothing is wrong with Mr Dominique Blair being on the NDC and RDC. It is notillegal,”Mahipaulstated

Deputy Mayor of Linden, Dominque Blair

on Thursday “There is nothing wrong with being chairmanofanNDCandstill being an RDC councillor However, you cannot be a local government officer suchasacouncillor,chair,or vice chair of an NDC or municipalityandserveinthe National Assembly That's thedifference.So,there'sno issue with serving in both local government and the RDC.”

Speaking on Solomon's transition, Mahipaul added, “Giventhathewasextracted as a Member of Parliament, hewillbylawhavetoresign the mayorship After his resignation, the council will have to move toward electinganewmayor.”

On Thursday, APNU announced its slate of

Mayor of Linden Sharma Solomon

regional councillors for eight of Guyana's ten administrative regions. For Region 10, APNU secured five seats, which have been filledby:

Dominique Hubert Blair (Lower Kara Kara, Mackenzie)

S u z e t t e A n n Gordon (Amelia's Ward, Linden)

Donna Patricia Perry(Wismar,Linden) Faye Rodrigues (Kwakwani,BerbiceRiver)

Orlon Renswick Rogers(Block22,Linden)

I n a s e p a r a t e announcement last Friday, the PNCR-led APNU coalition revealed the 12 memberswhowillrepresent the party in the 13th Parliament Party leader

Aubrey Norton will not be returning to parliament but willcontinueasleaderofthe PNCR. The parliamentary teamwillbeledbyTerrence Campbell and includes returning MPs such as Coretta McDonald, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Nima NatashaFlue-Bess.

Several new faces will also join parliament, i

commentator Dr David H

Rupnarain, Sherod Avery Duncan, Sharma Raheem Solomon,attorneyandpeace ambassador Dr Dexter Todd, gospel artiste and e

n

ur Saiku Andrews, and Vinceroy H. Jordan, who will represent RegionFive.

These developments comeinthewakeofAPNU's disappointing performance intheSeptember1elections. ThenewlyformedWeInvest in Nationhood (WIN) party,

d, captured 16 parliamentary seats,pushingAPNUtothird place.

The ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by President Irfaan Ali, secured 36 seats ensuring President Aliasecondterminoffice.

ALP rings alarm on rise in violence against women, missing children reports

The Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) has voiced concern over the rise in cases of violenceagainstwomenand the growing number of reportsofmissingchildren.

“Families remain in anguish, still waiting for answers, while the public has been given little clarity onthestatusofthesecases,” thepartysaidinastatement.

ALP acknowledged condemnationsissuedbythe MinistryofHumanServices and Social Security but stressedthatsuchstatements are “wholly insufficient” without timely data, case updates, and meaningful accountability The party urged the ministry to ensure that victims are being protected.

Pointing to the Family Violence Act 2024, which was enacted to safeguard women and children, ALP said enforcement is critical. The party highlighted that therearereportsofhundreds of cases of sexual abuse recorded every month in Guyana, underscoring the need for transparency and strictenforcement.

As part of its call for action, the party urged the release of updated statistics on violence against women, girls, and missing children, alongside case-specific

updatestoreassurefamilies. It also pressed for the creation of a public register of convicted rapists and sexual predators, as well as the publication of detailed reports on convictions and sentencing to demonstrate thatjusticeisbeingserved.

TheALPfurtherstressed that government must clearlyshowhowtheFamily Violence Act 2024 is being implemented to protect victims and prevent further harm.

“No woman or child in Guyana should be left unprotected, unheard, or without answers. The ALP urges swift, transparent action to ensure justice, protection, and peace of mind for all Guyanese,” the statementadded.

The party's call comes amidheightenedpublic

(Continuedonpage10)

LeaderofALP SimonaBroomes

‘New opposition leader should decide on reps

for Constitutional Reform Commission’ -Hughes

Announcinghisresignationfrom the Constitutional Reform Commission(CRC),adayafter steppingdownasleaderoftheAllianceFor Change, attorney Nigel Hughes said Friday that the new opposition leader, Azruddin Mohamed should have a say in whositsonpanel

Hughes was appointed in April of last yearalongside19otherpersonsandserved as one of five of the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change’s (APNU+AFC) representatives Now that Mohamed will lead the opposition in the National Assembly, Hughes is adamant thatthewaymustbemadeclearforhimto doso

Speaking with Kaieteur News, Hughes saidhe“tendedtheresignationbyemailon SundaytothechairmanoftheConstitution Reform Commission and hard copy on Tuesday, and in the letter, I provided the reason that a new leader of the opposition ought to be given the opportunity to identify who he wants to sit on the ConstitutionalReformCommission ” He felt that his appointment was done with the aid of the previous opposition, however, there has been a change in the configuration of the parliament He said his resignation was done to allow the new opposition to identify the persons he wishestositonthecommission

The attorney appears to be on a resignation spree from his political positions, as he has also tendered his resignationasleaderoftheAFC

The party was battered at the recently concludedgeneralandregionalelectionon September 1, scraping a meagre 3,610 votes, upsetting any chances of securing a single seat in the National Assembly AFC’s General Secretary, Raphael Trotman told Kaieteur News Wednesday that it is common for leaders of political parties “to fall on their sword” in cases wheretherearedevastatingdefeats.

In his resignation letter, Hughes took full responsibility for the distressing loss thepartysufferedattheelections

The renowned lawyer, who assumed leadershipofthepartyinJulylastyear,had campaignedfeverishlyacrosscountryona slogan he adopted “better must come,” admitting that he had much to offer Guyana He said the country needed a break and was willing to pool his ideas with others to fashion a new and modern Guyana

But with the crushing loss at the polls, Trotman said the move by Hughes “is the honourable approach that is observed worldwide

He said however, that the resignation was somewhat surprising, since there was no indication that the party leader was contemplating resigning “Recently as Saturday last, the executive met and the meetingwaschairedbyMr Hughes There was no hint that he was considering resigning, and no indication from within the executive that anyone wanted him to resign,”hesaid

PSC, GCCI welcome govt's 'Rescue Georgetown' initiative

The Private Sector

Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) on Friday expressed their supportforthegovernment's launch of 'Rescue Georgetown'.

On Monday, President

Ali reaffirmed his government's commitment totransformingGeorgetown into a sustainable, modern capital while preserving its uniqueheritageandidentity

Speaking during a press briefing at the Office of the President, the head-of-state said the initiative will form part of a broader national strategy for sustainable urban development, starting with the capital and its surroundingregion.

“The mismanagement and inefficiency through which the city is managed cannolongerbetolerated.

It is time for us, as citizens and as a country, to take charge of the situation. Weareadvancingtherescue of Georgetown,” President Alideclared.

The government has invested billions in drainage u p g r a d e s , r o a d improvements, housing expansion, and a high-span bridge over the Demerara Riveroverthelastfiveyears, all aimed at improving the qualityoflifeandsupporting economicgrowth.

Theseworkswillnowbe complemented by the City Revival Plan, launched in collaborationwiththeKing's Foundation.

In a statement, the PSC said that the initiative represents “a critical intervention to restore dignitytoourcapitalcityand position Georgetown as a modern, vibrant, and sustainablehubforbusiness, culture,andnationalpride.”

An overhead shot of a section of Georgetown (PSC)

“ F o r d e c a d e s , Georgetown, once hailed as the Garden City of the Caribbean,hassufferedfrom neglect and chronic mismanagement. Years of partisan obstruction and administrative failures have left behind clogged drains, garbage-strewn streets, deteriorating roads, dilapidated markets, and neglected public spaces These conditions have not only undermined the quality of life for citizens but have alsoconstrainedinvestment, trade, and the ease of doing business,”thePSCsaid.

The PSC said it welcomes the 'Rescue Georgetown' project as a timely and necessary response “Its focus on i m p r o v i n g w a s t e management, rehabilitating canalsanddrainagesystems, upgrading markets, modernising infrastructure, and restoring parks, boulevards, and heritage landmarks will significantly enhance the city's f u n c t i o n a l i t y a n d attractiveness.”

The commission said that the organisation of vendingzonesandimproved urban order will create a safer and more efficient environmentforcommerce.

“Asbusinesses,weknow that Georgetown is the first placemostinvestorswillsee inGuyana,andweonlyhave one chance to make a good firstimpression.Thatmeans putting every effort into ensuringourcapitalisclean, safe, and modern, sending the right message to investorsandvisitorsalike,” thestatementsaid.

“These areas are crucial factors in the creation of an attractive investment and tourismdestination.

The GCCI readily supports the efforts of the government to improve the standard of living, access to services and quality of life for the people of Guyana,” GCCIsaid.

Additionally, the Chamber welcomed the government's focus on e f f i c i e n c y a n d modernisation through the introduction of electronic identification cards (e-ID), online applications for passports and the renewed enhancementofthecity The Chamber, as a business support organisation, has long-advocated for the a d v a n c e m e n t o f digitalisation in Guyana; as such, the GCCI is pleased that e-IDs will be implemented by the end of thismonth.

“This initiative can also support transparency during electoral seasons as it provides a platform for identification of voters through biometrics and for the authentication of ID cards.

The decentralisation of the passport application process and introduction of an online process will provide a time-saving and convenient procedure for citizens, while increasing accessibility of services. As Guyana'sbusinesslandscape continues to evolve, the drivetoenhancethecitywill alsolendtoamoreinvestorfriendlyenvironment.”

Similarly, the GCCI in a statement issued on Friday said it noted that the initial plans by the government include keen focus on sustainable urban development, heritage preservation, biodiversity, citizen engagement, upgraded drainage networks, architectural restoration, waste management and city upkeep.

Attorney Nigel Hughes

ThepromiseandtheperilsofarevivedGeorgetown

There is always s o m e t h i n g touching about plans drawn up on the government’s drafting table. Theybeginwithsuchclarity The lines are straight, the hues are bright, and the futureliesbeforeus,waiting tobeneatlycolouredin.The latest such rendering concernsGeorgetown,acity thathasbornemanytitlesin its long and sometimes weary life, the most cherishedbeing“theGarden City.” To revive it, to polish its avenues and clear its drains, is the government’s currentambition.

Both the Private Sector

Commission and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry have hailed this ambition with polite applause. They

have heralded the government’s plans, though onecannotquitetellwhether

they were consulted in the shaping of them, or if their role is limited to cheering once the announcements was made. This is no small distinction, for a plan imposed from above, withoutthetexturedinputof those who live and work among the city’s streets, is moreawishthanablueprint.

Georgetownisnotacitythat belongs politically to the ruling party, and where the Opposition holds ground, formidable hurdles can be raised.

A plan not built on inclusivity is like a bridge without foundations. It may look sound, but it will not lastthefirststresstest.

If you never walked throughGeorgetownwhenit was in its prime, you would have little sense of what the title “Garden City” meant.

The name is not mere nostalgia.Itmarkedacertain

civility, an understanding between residents and the place they inhabited To revive Georgetown without knowing this past is like trying to resurrect an old song without ever having hearditstune.

To imagine a clean and orderly Georgetown is to picture what would have to be undone: the sprawl of pavement vending, roadside stallsclingingtotheedgeof the drains, squatters on parapets and reserves who, by

paperwork or patronage, enjoy water and electricity co

homeowner would struggle months to obtain. It is an arrangement that seems to defy logic. One wonders: who approved these meters, who looked the other way, and why?Acity cannot rise againwhileitssidewalksare choked with stalls and its

Education Ministry says Investigating bullying in public schools

The Ministry of Educat

ay confirmedthatitisawareof two recent incidents of bullyingamongstudentsand noted that the matters are underinvestigation.

Accordingtoastatement from the ministry, bullying hasnoplaceintheeducation system and together, schools, families, and communities, must work to foster environments where every child feels safe, valued,andabletolearn.

“The Ministry of Education has taken note of

involving acts of bullying among students circulating onsocialmedia.

Th

students attached to Charity SecondarySchooland8thof May Secondary School in RegionTwo. The second incident occurred at the New Campbellville Secondary School in Georgetown,” the ministryexplained. Th

d investigations into both incidents with a view to

disciplinarymeasures.

The ministry said it condemns all forms of bullying and reaffirmed its commitmenttoensuringthat everylearnerhasaccesstoa

environment.

“The ministry continues to encourage students, parents, and educators to report any acts of intimidation or violence so they can be addressed swiftly and appropriately,” thestatementread.

DEM BOYS SEH

Sand in my shoes

Since dem boys went in napkins, dem used to hear people warning yuh nah fuh build yuh house pon sand. Dem boys use to think dat wah dem binsayingwasreallydatyuhhousemussgat astrongfoundation.

Demboysalsoreadhowyuhcan’tbuild yuhhouseoutahstrawbecausedewolfgan come and blow it down. Dem gat nuff people building dem future pon sand and straw

Nowwehearhowdeguvamentbuilding a city pon sand. Dem calling it Silica City Demboysdidthoughtdatdeplansfuhitwas caught in a vice. But now it look like if de vicegetloose.

Ifyuhunderstandwatdegoodbookdid tellyuh,yuhwouldknowdatisnotdesand or de house is de moral. Is de moral foundationonwhichyuhstanding.

drainage reserves treated as housing lots. Yet these are the very problems to which the government has often pandered, seeking favour ratherthanresolution.

Then there is zoning, or rather, the absence of it. Georgetown today is a patchwork quilt with no discerniblepattern.

Where residential neighbourhoods bore clear identities,onenowfindsthe

residence and commerce,

shoulders with parlors, warehouses looming beside smallhomes.

The delicate distinctions ofplanninghavebeenerased by the slow creep of convenience Without a reassertion of zoning, the city will continue to unravel into something neither residential nor commercial, neither garden nor city And always there is the traffic.

The snarl of cars inching along streets too narrow for their burden, the horns blaring with the impatience

of modernity pressing against colonial design Congestion has become the city’sdailylament.

To revive Georgetown without solving its traffic is to dress a wound without closing it.All of this makes one wary of the glowing words on paper, the neat diagrams of future boulevards.Itisnotthatone doubts the sincerity of the government’s intent, or the eagerness of the business communitytosupportit.But sincerity is not strategy, and applauseisnotaplan.

Without inclusivity, withoutareckoningwiththe squatters on parapets, the vendors on pavements, the tangled mess of zoning, and the daily misery of traffic, the revival of Georgetown willremainanaspiration.

Still,thereisvalueinthe aspiration itself. Cities, like people, need to imagine themselves better than they are if they are ever to improve.

But let us be clear-eyed about the obstacles The

Garden City is not merely a label that can be reapplied likefreshpaint.Itwasaspirit of order and respect for public space that has since beenabandoned. Toreviveit,wewillneed more than maps and proclamations;wewillneed discipline,inclusion,andthe couragetountanglethevery problemsthathavebeenleft to fester for decades. Until then, the plans will remain hopeful lines on a page, a dream of a city that remembers it was once a garden,andwondersif,with enough will, it could be again.

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

It mek dem boys remember de story of de man and de border guards.At de border between Germany and Austria, dem gat a check-point.

Every week, a man use to be riding he motorcycle carrying two bags full ah sand. De border guard, a old man, search both bagseverytime,buthenevafindanything. Suhheusetopassdemanthrough.

Disgoonfuhyearsuntildeborderguard lastdaypondejobbeforeretirement.Again demancometodeborder,twobagsfullwith sand.Deguardaskshe:“Lookman,todayis meh last day I know yuh smuggling SOMETHING suh please tell meh, I won’t bust you. I want know since ah never find anythingindebags.”

De man grin and say: “Ah smuggling motorcycles.”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

David Hinds, Odessa Primus – give 'em hell

Since I have taken the liberty of giving President Alifreeadvice,itisonlyfair that I extend the courtesy to thepoliticalopposition. The WPA's Dr David Hinds is heading to parliament. Go forit,sir Ielaborateonboth

very active political participants from the 2025 elections.

Having been in the politicaltrenchesformostof his life, Dr Hinds is wellequipped to function in the aisles and dark alleyways of Guyana's parliament. He has to make every minute count, for there are those

voiceless and powerless Guyanese who see a championinhim.

It seems that he is ready, as his own words testify “So, we are walking on two feet, and that's what you do when you are in a coalition, you carry out the coalition's agenda, and you carry out yourparty'sagenda.”

It's the first time I am hearing that one about “walkingontwofeet”inany context, certainly not that of politics. It fits the APNUWPAcircumstances.

Icanhearhimlashingthe masts in parliament and taking matters to the limit

ALPringsalarmonrise...

Frompage6 concern over women being killed or abused by partners and ex-partners this year, as well as multiple reports of missing children issued by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The latest domestic violence related death was that of 36-year-old Alisha

Narine of Crabwood Creek,Corentyne,Berbice, who was killed last Sunday, allegedly by her common-law husband, Ram Singh Singh reportedly chopped Narine todeathintheiryardbefore consuming a poisonous substance that later ended hislife

withfireinhiseyeand,well, viminhisfeet.

My advice to Dr Hinds isthathebeconsciousofthe setting, where the ruling party has a comfortable majority

He will have to be measured and clinical, as there will be those who will baithim,andtrytogetarise out of him. It is going to have to be a balance of p a s s i o n w i t h circumspection; a blend of political vitality not seen recently from opposition bencheswithmaintenanceof personalequanimity

If the shortcomings and injustices of the past-raw, rank, and roiling-were to be extended with new frills, then the local parliamentary groundisgoingtobeonehell ofastormybattlefield.

Easy does it, is my counsel. There will be time andplaceforanangryface,a disgusted posture, and a piercingriposte.

Dr Hinds should take comfortinthelikelihoodthat quite a few faces on the

governing PPP side of the ring would be green Probably greener than PNC green, and with some of thosesameoleheadsthatare familiar to Hinds in the political dance that is Guyana's parliament. Sorry folks, but I couldn't resist thatlastitem. Insum,Ithink thatDr Hindsismoreintune

than his opposition colleagues about how anxiety-ridden and disillusioned the Guyanese who support the opposition partiesare.

Allthisoilwealththatis part of their inheritance an allthis'eye-pass'onhowitis shared.

Thereisnobetterperson, I think, than David Hinds to capture those raw emotions and convey them in the chambers of parliament Last,thereisthatchallenge-a conundrum,really-thePNCWPA opposition in parliament is going to have to learn to work with the WIN people, as well as balance their hands in working constructively and

strategically (however that can be) with the PPP lions nowwiththeirpost-elections tail up, and rearing to prove themselves.

If he could have dealt with Burnham, I don't foresee too much difficulty in dealing with the likes of, ah, better left those good folksunidentified.

Seeing that I referred to WIN, there is Ms. Odessa Primus. It is pleasing to hearhersaythatsheentered the political realm with certainideasinherhead,and that a place in parliament was not quite uppermost in herthoughts.

I am usually inclined to emphasize the virtue and value of personal sacrifice, and clearly Ms. Primus has made her mark in that respect, in that she hasn't jumpedalloverthatopening fromherWINbraintrust. It bodes well for her political future, which I think begins in the parliamentary trenches. Shealreadywears some scars from Guyana's commercial sector for her

politicalpreference,andthat alone should serve as a motivation to be a presence for those who have none in Guyana, be they in this bustlingtown,orsomerustic and distant hamlet that has beenforgottenfortoolong.

Ms. Primus has passed her first test on the grueling politicalhustings. Nowthereismorework, and it is all backbreaking, waiting for her in the 13th parliament of Guyana set to get out of the blocks soon. She belongs there. She can represent a lot of citizens there. She can contribute muchthere.

I say that she must mark her name and cast a long, strong shadow It is heartening that she has decidedintheaffirmative.

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

Elisabeth Harper laid to rest

Government officials, diplomats, colleagues, and members of the public service gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal to bid farewell to Elisabeth Ann Harper, former Director General of the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs and Guyana’s Ambassador to CARICOM.

T h e h o m e g o i n g ceremony paid tribute to a remarkable woman whose life was defined by decades of public service and unwaveringdedicationtoher country

Harper passed away on September 13, 2025, at the age of 67 after a period of illness. She was reportedly battling cancer A devout Christian, Harper was the wife of former Guyana Cricket Coach Mark Harper In 2015, she had been nominated as the prime ministerial candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). At the time of her death, she was serving as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs and InternationalCooperation.

President Irfaan Ali, delivering a heartfelt tribute, described Harper as a trailblazer in Guyana’s foreignservice.“Guyanahas lost its finest foreign service officialever,andIhavelosta friend someone whom I had the highest respect and regard for,” he said. The President noted that Harper rose from entry-level to the pinnacle of the diplomatic corps purely on merit. He praised her technical expertise, her meticulous drafting of international resolutions, and her deep commitmenttosafeguarding Guyana’snationalinterests.

He highlighted her behind-the-scenes influence, noting that while ministers oftenrepresentedthecountry inthespotlight,itwasHarper who ensured that “the machinery ran smoothly and with precision ” Her contributions to regional integration were also emphasised, with President Ali recalling how she earned the respect of CARICOM leaders through her tireless efforts and integrity “Her word could be trusted, her honesty relied upon, and her integrity was peerless,” he said, calling her a model of excellence and dedication. “Liz was proof that excellence and effort are the surestpassportstosuccess.”

his life. Fighting back tears, he shared, “My beloved Elisabeth, many daughters have done well but she had excelled them all. I am thankfultoGodforthegiftof her life and the 34 years of love, friendship, marriage.

To my beloved Elisabeth Ann Harper, my wife, best friend, and the love of my life. Liz was a remarkable lady, devoted to God and his plan for her life. Elisabeth andIsharedmanywonderful momentstogether.”

Other emotional tributes came from Harper’s colleagues, including Ladica Grant, a fellow foreign serviceofficer Holdingback tears, Grant said, “It is a privilege to speak about a woman whose life has touched so many, from family and colleagues to the b r o a d e r d i p l o m a t i c community On September 12, 2025, I held your warm hands and kissed you, not knowing it would mean goodbye.”

Additionally, Kaia Boodhoo, granddaughter of Harperpresentingtheeulogy s a i d , “ I n t r u t h m y grandmother doesn’t really need eulogy, her life itself was a tribute, a testament to the power of faith and deep determinedlove.”

D

Her husband, Mark Harper, reflected on their 34 yearsofmarriage,callingher hisbestfriendandtheloveof

Elisabeth Ann Harper Former Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guyana’s Ambassador to CARICOM, laid to rest

h responsibilities across Latin America and the Caribbean. She was Head of the

Frontiers Division, Counsellor at the Guyana High Commission in London, and Director of the

Department of the Americas and Asia. From 2001 to 2015, she served as Director General and also held the

portfolios of Ambassador to CARICOM and NonresidentHighCommissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, and St. KittsandNevis. Harper represented Guyana in numerous regional and international f o r u m s , i n c l u d i n g CARICOM, the United Nations, ACTO, SELA, ACS, the Rio Group, U N A S U R , a n d t h e Commonwealth. She was a key member of the team involved in the GuyanaSurinameMaritime

Continued on page 15

Harper’s illustrious career began in 1976 when she joined the Ministry of ForeignAffairs as a Clerk in the Registry She would go on to hold several senior positions, acquiring extensive experience in international affairs and diplomacy. Her educational journey began at St. Gabriel’s Primary School in Georgetown,followedbySt. Rose’s High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in French with Honours from the University of Guyana in 1986, and later attended the University of Oxford, where she obtained a Certificate in DiplomaticStudiesin1990. Her foreign service career spanned nearly five decades She served in various key roles including Foreign Service Officer in theAdministrative,Protocol, and Poli

ical Affairs

Davis Memorial Hospital (DMH) has announced the opening of its “cutting-edge Dialysis Centre” in partnership with New Hope Dialysis Centre. This state-of-the-art facility, located in the hospital’s compound, promises to revolutionize kidney care in Guyana by providing advanced dialysis services designed to meet the needs of the community while ensuring accessibility and convenience.Accordingtoastatementissued by the hospital, “the Dialysis Centre is equippedwiththelatesttechnologytodeliver top-tier dialysis treatment in a comfortable andpatient-centeredenvironment.”

With a focus on enhancing patient outcomes,thecentreofferspersonalizedcare plans tailored to the needs of individuals

Davis Memorial Hospital opens

suffering from chronic kidney disease. This partnership addresses a critical need in Guyana, where access to high-quality dialysisserviceshasbeenlimited.

“By partnering with New Hope Dialysis Centre, we are able to provide our patients with unparalleled access to life-saving treatments right here at home,” said Dr. Royston Adonis, Medical Director of Davis Memorial Hospital “This collaboration brings together expertise and innovation, ensuring that our patients receive the best possiblecare.”

The hospital said that the dialysis centre features cutting-edge dialysis machines, experienced medical staff, and a compassionatecareapproach.Thefacilityis

Diwali Deals

designedtocatertoawiderangeofpatients, from those newly diagnosed with kidney failure to those requiring ongoing dialysis treatment.

“This partnership with Davis Memorial Hospital allows us to extend our reach and improve the quality of life for many more individuals in need,” stated Dilbert Prince, CEOofNewHopeDialysisCentre.“Weare committed to providing accessible, highquality dialysis services that meet internationalstandards.”Further,thehospital saidthestrategiclocationofthecentrewithin DMH offers a two-fold advantage: seamless integration with the hospital’s healthcare servicesandeaseofaccessforpatients.This ensuresacomprehensiveapproachtopatient

care, from initial diagnosis to ongoing treatment.

TheDialysisCentreisopentothepublic, with services available Monday and Friday (3:00AM-3:00PM)andTuesdaytoThursday (7:00AM-3:00PM). Patients can access the centrebyappointment,anditisconveniently located within the Davis Memorial Hospital compound,offeringampleparkingforeaseof access.

Davis Memorial Hospital, a leading healthcareproviderinGuyana,iscommitted toofferingexceptionalmedicalservicestoits community Withafocusonpatient-centered care, DMH continues to expand its services andfacilitiestomeettheevolvingneedsofits patients.

Dilbert Prince, CEO of New Hope Dialysis Centre.

First ‘flu vaccine’ programme launched in Guyana

…HealthMinistry,PAHOurgeannualvaccination

ByAllyiahAllicock

TheMinistryofHealthin collaboration with the Pan

A m e r i c a n H e a l t h Organisation–WorldHealth Organisation (PAHO/WHO) on Friday launched the country’s first National Influenza Vaccination Programme.

The programme was launched at the Eccles HealthCentrebyMinisterof Health, Dr Frank Anthony who was joined by Director of Primary Health Care Service at the Ministry, Dr

Ertenisa Hamilton, P A H O / W H O Representative to Guyana, Dr Garoma Dembele,

amongotherhealthofficials.

Dr Anthony said Friday’s launch represented a historic milestone as it is thefirsttimethatthecountry has launched such a vaccinationprogramme.The minister said that the moment marks a major step forwardinstrengtheningthe local health care system, protecting the most vulnerable, and aligning Guyana with the global best practices in disease prevention.

According to the minister, Influenza, which persons would commonly refertoitasflu,is“anacute viral respiratory disease that is mainly caused by

influenza A and B viruses.” He noted that symptoms include fever and headaches but made it clear that “influenza really is not that harmless.We think of it that way, but it’s not that harmless.”

According to statistics released by the WHO, globally, influenza affects every year about 1 billion people, and out of that billion, three to five million personswouldendupwitha severe illness and of those, about 290,000 to 650,000 woulddie.

Minister Anthony disclosed that one of the challenges that health officials have with the virus

is that every year it changes its composition, and that is whyeveryyearpersonsmust getaninfluenzashot.

“So we haven’t come up with one where we can give you a vaccine now, and you will be good for the next 10 years or so. Every year the virus that is circulating would change its genetic composition,andthatiswhy itisimportantthateveryyear you come and get your

influenza vaccine,” he explained.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthatGuyanahas been able to source some 15,000dosesoftheinfluenza vaccines which expire in a year Dr Antonydisclosedthat there are seasonal spikes in flu cases and whenever the spikes occur more persons turntothehealthcaresystem fortreatment.Unfortunately,

some are hospitalized and a few die. The minister said it is important to prevent serious ailment due to the virus, and the vaccines are a stepinthatdirection.

Guyana has made significantstridesinthefight against influenza through surveillance. “Just a few years ago, we did not know when this seasonal flu happenedwhatwasthetype

Continued on page 17

Min.Bharratpraisessuccess oflocalcontentlegislation

…says govt. to hold consultations to fix loopholes

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat,haspraisedthesuccessoftheLocal ContentAct,evenasgovernmentpreparesto consult stakeholders on closing loopholes in thelegislation.

In 2021, Guyana passed its local content law, which caters to locals getting first preferenceinthecountry’soilandgassector The law is intended to regulate the way companies operate in Guyana’s oil and gas sector;employpersons,buyservicesandthe waythattheyprocuregoods.

Duringaninterviewwiththispublication, theministercitedcallsfromthelocalprivate sector bodies for government to review and amend the law “It is something that obviously we will discuss at a policy level, and we definitely will have to rule consultation before any changes are made,” headded.

Since the law was enacted, several loopholeswereidentifiedbythegovernment andtheyhadpromisedtomakeamendments to the law during this current term. Notwithstanding this, the minister reminded ofthepositivesthathavecometolocalssince theimplementationofthelaw.

“I think over the last five years local content has really been a success story, not only for oil and gas sector, but across the country We’ve seen many other sectors applyingthelocalcontentlegislationintheir

investment policy too. So, I would say that hasbeenabigsuccessforusattheministryof naturalresources,”MinisterBharratstated.

He noted that he has seen many local companies engaged in the oil and gas sector supplying companies with goods and services.

The minister added, “We have seen companies coming to Guyana wanting to investinservicesoutsideofscheduleandstill engage in local partners, local private sector to partnership with joint ventures, which I wouldsay,moveintherightdirection.”

According to the PPP’s 2025 manifesto, the party plans to conduct a review of the Local Content Act this term in consultation withoilandgasaswellasotherstakeholders.

Thereviewwillbeconductedwithaview to identifying opportunities for expanding and updating the law, continue training and capacity building efforts, to equip more Guyanesenationalsforqualityjobsintheoil and gas sector, and equip more Guyanese companiestobeabletocompeteforbusiness opportunitiesinthesector.

One notable part of the PPP’s plan to review the Local ContentAct, is to examine the possibility of expanding applicability of the act to other sectors, particularly the gold andbauxiteminingsectors.ThePPPsaidthat this being considered especially in light of imminentlarge-scaledevelopments.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony being administered a flu shot by a healthcare worker at the Eccles Health Centre on Friday.

Govt.toexpandUGprogrammesacross regionsamidsurgeinapplications Woman kills abusive partner

President Irfaan Ali has announced plans to expand programmes offered by the University of Guyana (UG) across several regions in response to a significant increase in applications, particularly in medicine and engineering, following the government'srecentmoveto provide free university education.

In late 2024, the government announced that all new and continuing studentspursuingDiplomas, Bachelors, Masters, and PhD programmes at the University of Guyana, would access those free of cost. This policy led to an unprecedented surge in applications. By May 30, 2025, UG reported over 20,000applicationsinitiated withinthefirstmonthofthe free tuition initiative, the highest number ever recordedattheuniversity

D u e t o t h e overwhelming demand, UG temporarily closed applications on May 16, 2025. However,responding to public requests, the university reopened its application portal for a few select programmes with availablespacefromMay30 toJune2.Inastatement,UG noted that many of the most competitive programmes, such as Medicine and Engineering, were already oversubscribed by several hundredapplicants.

To address this capacity

issue, President Ali announced during a recent press conference that programmes currently offered at the Turkeyen campus will soon be expanded to Regions Two, Three, Six, and Nine. The expansion, expected to beginbeforetheendof2025, a i m s t o r e d u c e transportation costs for students, increase access to higher education across the

country, and ease pressure onthemaincampus.

“As you know, we introduce free university education as a result of this announcement, which removed financial burden and barriers, making higher educationmoreaccessibleto all Guyanese, and as we anticipated, applications have doubled at the University of Guyana, particularly in high demand areas such as medicine and engineering, to meet this demandandeasepressureon theTurkeyencampus,weare workingonlaunchinginthe coming weeks, programmes across different regions,”

PresidentAlisaid.

Providing figures, the president noted that 418 applications were received for medicine, with over 130 qualified applicants, while only 60 seats were initially available. He stated that the government has since invested in 50 additional seats at the Turkeyen campus, increasing the intake to 110. “With the readiness of Region Six, that'sanother30,takingitto 140 So you had 130 qualified,andwe'llhave140 seatsreadythatwillmeetthe needsofthosequalified,”the presidentannounced.

M e a n w h i l e a l l mechanical engineering applicants will be accommodated President Aliemphasisedthatforcivil engineering, where 241 students have already been

admitted, 50 qualified applicants remain unplaced.

To address this, Ali stated,“ We have been able to put systemsinplacetocreate30 seats in Region Three, 30 seats in Region six and 30 seats in Region Two for the studyofdifferentdisciplines intheengineeringfacultyof the University of Guyana in these three regions, so that would allow students to study closer to home, more comfortable environment, and, of course, reducing their cost of transport and makemoreproductiveuseof theirtime.”

Beyond medicine and engineering, President Ali confirmed that assessments are underway for expanding additional academic programmes in various regions. “In Region Six, we are ready to implement a rollout of medicine with 30 seatsattheNewAmsterdam RegionalHospital.Oncethe new hospital infrastructure iscompleted,wewillfurther increase capacity based on demand,”hesaid.

He added that academic staff for Region Six have already been identified, and the Berbice Campus will support the programme Final assessments are now being conducted to ensure the readiness of furniture, administrative systems, lab equipment, and IT c o n n e c t i v i t y t o operationalise the new offeringsbeforeyear-end.

In Region Three, President Ali stated that teachingspaceshavealready been identified, and a gap analysis is currently underway to determine staffing and laboratory needsforafutureexpansion inmedicine.

“The same exercise is being conducted in Regions Two and Nine, where we hope to expand in different areasofmedicine,”hesaid.

ElisabethHarperlaidto....

A19-year-old woman is in police custody after she fatally stabbed her 20-year-old partner at Baramita, North West

District (NWD) on Thursday

Thedeadmanhasbeen identified as Kevin Smith, an Amerindian miner of Baramita while the accused was named at Nadria James also from Indigenous community Police said the incident occurred at approximately 17:00hrs.

“ I n v e s t i g a t i o n s revealed that the victim and the suspect were in a relationship and had been living togetherinawooden andplasticcampforabouta year

On the aforementioned date and time, the suspect returned home after consuming alcohol and foundthevictimlyinginhis hammock.

When the victim noticed the suspect, he grabbed a cutlass and struck her on the left shoulder and her right hand, which led to her becomingagitated.

The suspect then pulled out a handmade knife from her waist and stabbed the victim on the left side of his chest,”policereported.

After being stabbed, S m i t h r e p o r t e d l y stumbled out of the camp andcollapsedinapatchof bushes

“The suspect fled the sceneandmadeherwayto the Baramita Police Station, where she provided a statement regarding the incident

Police officers then accompanied the suspect backtothescene,wherethey found Smith lying motionless on his back There was visible blood on his body, along with what appearedtobeastabwound ontheleftsideofhischest.”

...as domestic violence crisis deepens in Guyana

19-year-old

Nadria James

on his Facebook page said the tragedy highlights the need for more to be done to addresstheissueofdomestic violence in Guyana, as too many families are being destroyedbyit.

“This is no isolated incident; days ago, we weregrapplingwithaman stabbing his wife and then ingesting poison. And here weareagain.

Domestic violence demands our collective a t t e n t i o n a n d collaborative action We mustprioritisecounselling and mental health support for both men and women,” thestatementadded.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Mohamed said violence is never the answer and that the responsibility is on each Guyanesetobreak the cycle, so that tragedies of this nature do not continue to plague the country

A deadly year!

On September 16, a C r a b w o o d C r e e k , Corentyne, Berbice man went berserk brutally choppinghiscommon-law wife of 15 years to death beforeendinghisownlifeby consuming a poisonous substance.

Narine, a domestic worker, always warmedup to Singh's apologies and assurances of changing, her sister told this newspaper Multiplepleasforhertoend the relationship with the abusive man were dismissed, the sister shared ingrief.

From January to late August, 13 women lost their lives in domestic violence encounters In January, 16-year-old Janelly David was beaten to deathandleftinahammock inRegionOnebyherpartner EonMoore.Alsointhesame month, 34-year-old Bibi Fazila Ally (34) was killed by her ex-partner Bidraj Ganesh.Herbodywasleftin a pool of blood and was discovered by her eightyear-oldson.

In February, 27-yearold, Kenesha Vaughn was shot 12 times by her husband Marlan Da Silva during an argument, while hewasallegedlyintoxicated at their Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.Also,inthesame month Shameeza Mohamed was brutally beaten by her son-in-law ParsuramArjune subsequentlysuccumbingto herinjuries.

The month of April saw five women losing their lives: Mezona Ronaldowassetonfireby her partner KevinCadogan a n d s u b s e q u e n t l y succumbed to her injuries. Reports from family members revealed that he had cut her hair off a few weeksbefore.

Also, in April, Maline La Cruz, her sister Sueann La Cruz and her mother, Waveney La Cruz lost theirlivesatthehandsofher ex-partner Parmanand Ramdehol, when he shot them at their Waiakabra Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Between 2016 and 2020, Harper served as a consultanttotheMinistryof Foreign Affairs on border matters.

In October 2020, she was appointed special advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, andbyDecember2020,she had assumed the role of permanent secretary She was also the co-agent for Guyanaintheongoingcase before the International

Frompage11 Arbitrationandtookpartin several bilateral and multilateral negotiations Notably, she once chaired t h e C A R I C O M Intergovernmental Task Force that revised the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Her outstanding service was recognised in 2011 when she was awarded the G o l d e n A r r o w o f Achievement one of Guyana’s most prestigious national honours—for her long, dedicated, and distinguished service in foreignaffairs.

Court of Justice regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award settling the border dispute with Venezuela.

Elisabeth Ann Harper was born on October 2, 1957,inKitty,Georgetown. She leaves behind her husband, Mark, and five children Her legacy of integrity, diplomacy, and public service lives on not only in the annals of Guyanesehistorybutalsoin theheartsofallwhohadthe privilege to work with her orcallherfamily

Smith's body was taken to the Baramita Cottage Hospital where a medex pronounced him dead His body remainsat thehospitalwhereitawaitsa post-mortemexamination.

The domestic violence crisis continues to deepen inGuyana

For this year, a number of women and in some cases, their female relatives have lost their lives to domesticviolence.

Meanwhile Leader of We Invest in Nationhood ( W I N ) A z r u d d i n Mohammed in a statement

Dead are Alisha Narine, 36, and Ram Singh, who according to police reports, ingested a poisonous substance after committing the heinous act. The police confirmed that Singh died while under guard at the Number 75 VillageHospital,Corentyne.

The dead woman's sister divulged that for all the years the couple was together, Alisha suffered endlessphysicalabuseatthe h a n d s o f S i n g h

“He always ill-treats her, beat her, threaten her Last couple months (ago), he threatenedsheinthemarket andtriedtojooksheupright infrontofeverybodyandthe security guard in the market catch he and he was four monthsinprison.”

Even though she underwent endless cycles of assault, the deceased

In the same month, 30year-old Marissa Beete was shot by her exboyfriend Ghalee Khan who was a convicted drug trafficker In July, Jenel Pollydore(26)wasshotdead ataweddingbythefatherof her child In August, Teekadai Solomon was shot at least 10 times by her husband Alroy Solomon whothenturnedtheweapon on himself ending his life. Healsoshottheirsonduring theordeal.

In the same month, 45year-old Bibi Shazida Hanif was stabbed to death by her ex-husband MartinTrue

President Irfaan Ali

34 killed on Friday

...asGazahungertollrises to 441

(AL-JAZEERA) A medical source at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza said a nine-year-old child has died from severe malnutritioninthehospital's paediatricward.

The death comes amid a worsening famine in the enclave, where hungerrelated deaths have been steadily rising as Israel's blockade restricts the entry offoodandfuel.

Thelatestcasebringsthe total number of deaths from Israeli-inducedhungersince the war on Gaza began to 441, according to Gaza HealthMinistryfigures.

On Wednesday, at least 36 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the strip, including 19 people in Gaza City, medical sources toldAlJazeera.

Wednesday's death toll alsoincludedtwoaidseekers who were killed by the Israeli military in southern

Gaza.

Khalil al-Daqran, spokesperson for Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah, said Israel'spolicyofstarvationis continuing “with children dying first” as well as pregnant women and the elderly

Speaking to Al Jazeera, hesaidthesituationis“very tragic” especially after Israeli forces stepped up assaults on the north of the enclave and in Gaza City, forcing hundreds of thousandstoflee.

“MostPalestiniansinthe north of the Gaza Strip are without food, water and electricity, and the healthcare sector is not equipped to handle the crisis,” al-Daqran said “Gaza is burning and the worldiswatching.” Al-Daqransaidpeoplein the north “prefer death to fleeing south” as there is no

space or public services there.

The UN Office for the C o

(OCHA) says the Israeli military's assault in Gaza is intensifying, with 11 UNRWAfacilitiessheltering about 11,000 displaced people damaged in the past fivedays.

OCHA warned that the lastremaininglifelinesinthe enclave are “collapsing”, with growing reports of displaced people sleeping in the open and struggling to survive as malnutrition persists.

The warning comes as Israel has sharply expanded itsgroundoffensiveinGaza City, forcing tens of thousands of already displaced people to flee yet again, with no safe or adequat

ipped shelterstoreceivethem.

Amjad Shawa, head of

UN officials and aid agencies have warned famine in Gaza is now a reality with children increasingly dying of hunger [Abdallah Fs Alattar/Anadolu]

the Palestinian NGOs Network in Gaza, says fuel supplies in the besieged enclave will last just 72 hours.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from Gaza City, Shawa said fuelhadnotenteredtheStrip inmorethan10days,greatly affecting humanitarian operations, including hospital services already

batteredbythewar

“Ifwedonotgetenough fuel, we will be facing a dangerous situation on all levels,”hesaid.

He warned that water distribution operations will also halt if fuel runs out, deepening the already dire humanitarian crisis Hundreds of thousands of Palestinianswillbeaffected,

particularlythewounded,ill, ormalnourished.

Shawa warned that the telecommunications sector willalsobeseverelyaffected without fuel, cutting off GazaCityfromtherestofthe enclave, restricting displacement routes, and preventing medics and first responders from reaching thoseinneed.

US vetoes UN Security Council Gaza ceasefire demand for sixth time

Morgan Ortagus, US deputy special envoy to the Middle East, listens as Algerian ambassador to the UN Amar Bendjama speaks after a United Nations Security Council vote on a Gaza ceasefire resolution, on September 18, 2025, in New York City [Michael M Santiago/Getty via AFP]

(AL-JAZEERA) The United States vetoed a crucial United Nations Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel expanded its scorched-earth offensive on GazaCity

Theresolution,approved by 14 of the 15 members of the council on Thursday, called for an “immediate, unconditional and permanentceasefireinGaza respectedbyallparties”,the release of all captives held by Hamas and other groups, and a lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid into

Gaza.

Drafted by the council's 10 elected members, the resolution went further than previous iterations to highlight what diplomats called the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in Gaza after nearly two years of war in the Gaza Strip, which has killed at least 65,141 people, according to Palestinianhealthofficials.

As expected, the United Statesvetoedtheeffort.“US opposition to this resolution will come as no surprise,” said Morgan Ortagus, US deputy special envoy to the

MiddleEast.

“It fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel's right to defend itself, and it wronglylegitimisesthefalse narratives benefitting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council.”

Ortagus added that the UN-backed Integrated Food S e c u r i t y P h a s e Classification's official declaration of famine in the enclave last month had employed “flawed methodology”, hailing the work of the heavily militarisedGHFhubs,where

so many Palestinians have been killed while seeking foodfortheirfamilies.

After the vote, the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour said the US veto was“deeplyregrettable”and had prevented “the Security Council from playing its rightful role in the face of theseatrocitiesandtoprotect civilians in the face of genocide”

“Unfortunately, the Council remains silent at a great cost for its credibility and authority,” Mansour added. “This demonstrates that when it comes to atrocitycrimes,theuseofthe veto should simply not be allowed ” Algerian

AmbassadortotheUNAmar Bendjama also had strong words “Palestinian brothers, Palestinian sisters, forgiveus,”hesaid.

“Forgive us, because the world speaks of rights, but denies them to Palestinians. Forgive us because our efforts, our sincere efforts, shatteredagainstthiswallof rejection.”

The war in Gaza had, he

noted, killed more than 18,000 children and 12,000 women, killed more than 1,400 doctors and nurses, and more than 250 journalists. Israel, he added, was “immune”, not because of international law, but because of the “bias of the internationalsystem”.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said that Israel needed “no justification” for its war on Gaza. He thanked Ortagus forexercisingtheUSveto.

Reporting from New York, James Bays, Al Jazeera's diplomatic editor, saidthevotewasa“sombre” moment on the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, with many countries championing “multilateral diplomacy”, while the US insisted on taking an “America-first viewoftheworld”.

“[It is] not a strong advocate of the United Nations, cutting back much of the humanitarian funding tothisorganisation,”hesaid, noting how this had brought

theorganisationtooneofthe lowest points in its 80-year history

'Lostgeneration' Withitsgroundoffensive on Gaza City, which started Tuesday,Israelappearstobe intentonkillinganyhopesof aceasefire.

The Israeli military, which has said multiple times that it wants to definitively crush Hamas, has not given a specific timeline for the offensive, though there are indications thatitcouldtakemonths.

On Tuesday, a team of independent experts commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, with the intent to “destroy”thePalestinians.

Before Thursday's vote, Israel'sDanonhadpostedon X that the resolution would “not free the hostages nor bringsecurity”. Israel, he said, would “continue to fight Hamas andprotectitscitizens,even if the Security Council preferstoturnablindeyeto theterror”.

Trump announces another lethal strike on alleged drug-trafficking vessel in international waters

(CNN) PresidentDonald TrumponFridayannounced anotherlethalmilitarystrike

on an alleged drugtrafficking vessel in international waters that he said was affiliated with a designated terrorist organization.

In a social media post, Trump said the strike targetedavesseloperatingin US Southern Command's area of responsibility –which includes Central America,SouthAmericaand the Caribbean – and killed three male “narcoterrorists” onboard.

“On my Orders, the Secretary of War ordered a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization conducting narcotrafficking in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility,”Trumpwrote

o n T r u t h S o c i a l “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking illicit narcotics and was transiting a l o n g a k n o w n narcotrafficking passage

enroute to poison Americans.”

According to the president,noUSforceswere harmedduringtheoperation.

“STOP SELLING

F E N T A N Y L , NARCOTICS, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS IN A M E R I C A , A N D

C O M M I T T I N G V

TERRORISM AGAINST AMERICANS!!!,” the presidentsaid.

Trump attached a video ofthestriketohispost.

Friday's announcement marks the military's third known fatal strike on an allegeddrugboatthismonth, as theTrump administration escalates its fight against narcoticstrafficking.

Earlierthisweek,Trump said the US military killed three people in a strike on a vessel in international waters near South America, allegedly “transporting illegal narcotics” from Venezuela.

Detailsonthelocationof the strike or the method of

attack remain unclear In a video Trump posted on Monday,asmallboatisseen in open water before being hit, triggering a plume of black smoke — similar to footage released in Friday's socialmediapost.

Asked later Monday for evidence the vessel was carrying drugs, Trump responded, “We have proof. Allyouhavetodoislookat the cargo that was spattered all over the ocean, big bags of cocaine and fentanyl all overtheplace.”

A separate US military strike earlier this month killed 11 people in the Caribbean allegedly tied to the Venezuelan Tren de

Araguagang.

T h e T r u m p administration has provided little detail regarding the action. When pressed in the days after the first strike, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declined to provide specificsbutsaidtheUShad

“the absolute and complete authoritytoconductthat.”

CNN reported last week that Defense Department officials did not present conclusiveevidencethatthe targets of the first attack were members of Tren de Aragua,andthatthebriefers

could not determine exactly where they were headed. A source also told CNN that the briefers said the boat turned around at one point, whichraisesmorequestions about whether it posed an immediatethreat.

“There is no evidence –none – that this strike was conducted in self-defense,” Sen Jack Reed, ranking memberoftheSenateArmed Services Committee, said lastweek.

“That matters, because under both domestic and international law, the US military simply does not have the authority to use lethalforceagainstacivilian vessel unless acting in selfdefense ” Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both signaled that more activity could be coming;Rubiosaidduringa trip to Mexico and Ecuador after the first strike that the USis“goingtowagecombat against drug cartels that are flooding American streets andkillingAmericans.”

US President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that his administration struck another alleged drug boat, saying three 'narcoterrorists' were killed in the strike. (Donald J. Trump/Truth Social)

James Wren-Gilkes, the Olympic Medalist...

Frompage24 consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 sprinters inboththe100mand200m.

At the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico City, Gilkes stormed to gold in the 200m with a time of 20 43 seconds, beating America’s Larry Brown and BahamianMikeSands.Four years later, he settled for silveratthePanAmGames, finishing behind Cuba’s Silvio Leonard, who would go on to win silver at the

Commonwealth Games also showcased his brilliance. In Edmonton in 1978, Allan WellsofEnglandedgedhim out in the 200m, running 20.12 seconds to Gilkes’ 20.18.

Wells would later win Olympic gold in Moscow

Thatsameyear,Gilkesstood on the podium in Zurich at the prestigious Weltklasse meet, part of the IAAF Golden Sprints, reserved onlyfortheworld’selite. Hiscollegiatecareerwas equally remarkable. First at

Fisk University and later at the University of Southern California,Gilkescarvedhis name into American track history He ranked among thetop10all-timeTrojansin both sprints. Yet for all his accolades, Montreal 1976 remainedthegreatwound.

Gilkes recalled in a Stabroek News article duringhisvisittoGuyana,“I was really hurt because that year I had a sciatic nerve problem and it was very painfulbutIlearnttohandle the pain. A doctor from the

United States had volunteered his time and everything to come to the Olympics to take care of me sothatIcouldcompete.”

The decision felt haphazard According to Gilkes, “ we boycotted the day before the Olympics started, the team was there so therewerealotofpeoplewho were upset When I got some confirmation on why we boycotteditdidn’tmakesense to me because I was told that they spoke to the Minister of Sports,whowasShirleyFieldRidleyandsheaskedwhatwe wanted to do since Trinidad and Jamaica claimed they weregoingtoboycott”

Saturday September 20, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Thingsshouldgowellforyou today,Aries.There'sanadded serenity in the air that will help calm your nerves There's no need to make thingsmorecomplicatedthan necessary

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

It might seem like someone hasdumpedabucketofwater onyourheadtoday,Taurus.It seems like your fire is out. Keepinmindthatthisisonly temporary and that your internal flame will be rekindledsoon.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Tensionmayrunhightodayas things come to a great emotional climax. It might seem as if everyone is out to get you, Gemini, but more than likely this paranoia is a figmentofyourimagination.

CANCER(June21–July22)

More than likely you will be caught up in a wildly intense emotionaldramaifyouaren't careful, Cancer Try to stay calmandcollected.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Youwillfindstrengthinyour inner reserves today, Leo. Don't hesitate to let your deepest thoughts shine through. Keep your antenna up. You will find that there's an electricity in the air that keeps people's emotions at peaklevel.

VIRGO (Aug 23–Sept 22)Youmayfeelabitsluggish today, Virgo. Your warrior spirit would rather stay home on the couch than get up and fight. This is fine. You may simplyneedabreakfromyour questforworlddomination.

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You may feel a bit confused today It might seem as if the wind has suddenly been taken out of your sails. Don't get discouraged by the slow weightiness of the day Take the opportunity to relax and rechargeyourbatteries.

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Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.

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Today is an excellent day for you, Sagittarius.You will be a welcome addition to any crowd. Your delightful nature isatitsmostactive.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Theworldprobablyisn'tgoing to revolve around you today, Capricorn, so get used to it. Even though this may not be the news you want to hear, it's probably the news you most needtohear

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Initiateadeep,meaningful conversation with someone you've lost touch with, Aquarius. It could be that a long and ugly point of contention is on the brink of resolution. Allyouneedtodoismakethe firstmove.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Your transmission may be stuck in reverse today, Pisces. Thisdoesn'tmeanyoucan'tbe productive. You may need to change your approach Carefully assess a situation beforeyouproceed.

“My understanding was that she said if you guys don’tknowwhattodo,come home and they took it as a boycott after I had a whole team assembled,” Gilkes statedatthetime.

The consequences were lasting. To this day, Guyana hasonlyoneOlympicmedal, thanks to boxer Michael Parris’bronze in Moscow in 1980. Gilkeshimselftriedto salvagehischance,applying t o c o m p e t e a s a n independent athlete under the Olympic flag. The IOC deniedhisrequest.

Looking back, he remains convinced Guyana could have left Montreal withahistorichaul.

“Wecouldhavegottenat least five to seven medals,” he stated, while explaining, “IknewatleastIwouldhave gotten two, probably June Griffithwouldhavemedaled in the 400m, we had an awesome 4x100m relay team and the guy that brought me to the US, Richard McKenzie, he would have medaled in the 800m.”

Wren-Gilkes continued ofMcKenzie“Atthetimehe was running 1m: 49s something and he was getting better and better in practiceeverydayandtomeI knewhewouldhaverunlike 1m:47s-1m:45s”.

Wren-Gilkes finally made his Olympic debut in Moscow in 1980, where he reached the semi-finals of both sprints before bowing out. But the sting of 1976 neverfaded.

For Guyana, the story is bittersweet James WrenGilkes was a once-in-ageneration athlete, fast enoughtostandontopofthe Olympic podium But politics kept him off the track, leaving a nation to wonder what might have been.

James Wren-Gilkes

James Wren-Gilkes, the Olympic Medalist that never was

ByRawleToney

The 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal remain etched in the memories of

track and field enthusiasts, notforwhathappenedonthe track, but for what could havebeen.

Many believe Guyana missed out on its first Olympic medal, perhaps even a gold, when James

Wren-Gilkes was denied the chancetocompete.

At the time, Guyana’s government, led by Forbes Burnham, joined a boycott alongside African nations. Their protest stemmed from the International Olympic Committee’s refusal to ban NewZealand.

The All Blacks rugby team had toured apartheid South Africa, flouting the global sporting embargo African nations demanded New Zealand’s exclusion, but the IOC argued rugby was not an Olympic sport and therefore outside its jurisdiction. In response, dozens of countries walked away Guyanafollowed.

The timing was devastating Wren-Gilkes

was in the best form of his career Analysts rated him ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Hasely Crawford and Jamaica’s Donald Quarrie,whowouldgoonto dominatetheGames.

Crawford claimed the 100m gold, Quarrie took silver in the 100m and gold in the 200m But many believed that the 200m medal could have belonged toGuyana. Instead, Gilkes became known as “the Olympic medalistthatneverwas.”

His career still glittered withachievement.The200m was his specialty, and his 20.14 seconds run in Berlin in 1978 remains Guyana’s national record nearly five decadeslater Between1974 and1979,hewas (Continuedonpage23)

FLASH BACK! James Wren-Gilkes, left, practices his starts from the block under the watchful eye of Bulldogs track coach John Martin on April 18, 1974 at Fisk University (IMAGO photo).

Pooran,HalesfireTKRpastKingstosetup ‘dreamfinal’withAmazonWarriors

Contrasting halfcenturies from Nicholas Pooran andAlex Hales powered the Trinbago Knight Riders

(TKR)toacommanding56run victory over defending CPLchampions,theStLucia Kings, last evening at the Guyana National Stadium,

Providence.

The win booked TKR’s spot in tomorrow’s highly anticipated final against arch-rivals and home

Sammy optimistic of success in India

As West Indies gear up for a challenging tour of India, their head coach Darren Sammy wants to draw inspiration from New Zealand, which blanked the hosts3-0againstalloddslast year

The former T20 World Cup winning captain, who has been the coach of the West Indies outfit across all formats, has called on the team to prepare with the belief that they can beat IndiainIndia.

Since winning the third Test of the 1994 tour at Mohali,West Indies haven’t won a Test in India, losing seven of the nine Tests in these parts. One Test match that ended in a draw had scores level in the second innings at the Wankhede stadium in 2011. Given the odds,Indiadefinitelystartas favourites and Sammy cited the example of New Zealand.

“We’re definitely going downtherewiththemindset to win. We’re not just going to go down there and think, ‘oh, it’s India’. No. New Zealand went there and did incredibly well and that we shouldtakeinspirationfrom. Butagain,it’sunderstanding

the things that New Zealand did in those conditions and try to emulate it with our guysaswell,”Sammysaid. Post the Caribbean Premier League this weekend, the West Indies will fly out to India and Sammy said the preparation in Indian conditions would be critical. Like most visiting teams they head straight into the Test series withoutplayinganypractice fixtures.

“From my end, the ten daysleadinguptothe[first] Test match [in India], we’ll bedrillinginallthesethings andplanningverywellasto how we’re going to beat

favourites, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, in what p r o m i s e s t o b e a mouthwateringclash.

Taking first strike after losing the toss, the Knight Riders piled up 194-4, with Hales anchoring the innings with a classy unbeaten 58 that included four sixes and twofours.

Pooran provided the fireworks, blasting four maximums and fiv

boundaries on his way to a b

deliveries.

The duo added 73 runs togetherbeforeHalesforged another crucial 69-run partnership with skipper KieronPollard,whochipped in with 35 off 26 balls, decoratedwithfoursixes.

Andre Russell then appliedthefinishingtouches in typically brutal fashion, hammering 28 from just 12 balls (1x4, 3x6) during a rapid 50-run stand with Hales.

Despite tidy spells from Roston Chase (1-12), Khary Pierre (1-24) and Alzarri Joseph (1-36), the Kings’ attack struggled to contain TKR’srelentlessbatting.

Chasing 195, the Kings faltered against disciplined bowling.

Tim Seifert fought hard with a valiant 57, while Johnson Charles (19) and TimDavid(28)offeredbrief resistance. ButSunilNarine

spunawebwith3-18,while Usman Tariq’s fiery 4-35 ensured the Kings never threatened, eventually closing on 138-8 after 20 overs.

Theresultnotonlyended the Kings’ title defence but alsosetthestageforafitting CPL finale Trinbago Knight Riders versus GuyanaAmazonWarriors, a clash of Caribbean cricket giants,rightinProvidence.

India in India,” Sammy added.

In each of their previous tourstoIndiainthiscentury, West Indies have come up short against the Indian spinners Apart from the Eden Gardens Test in 2002, they haven’t come close to stretchingIndiainanyofthe remaining 8 Tests, losing 5 by an innings and one by a 10-wicketmargin.

Given that history, the magnitude of the challenge that lies of West Indies is huge as India, which is withoutaTestserieswinfor 12 months is expected to return to winning ways

(IndianExpress)

West Indies Coach, Darren Sammy

TKR celebrates the dismissal of Tim David

Tim Seifert hits 4 against TKR (Getty Images)

Schools energised as gov’t introduces ‘PE Fridays’

As mandated by President Irfaan

Ali, schools across the country on Fridays are taking on a

whole new energy, participating in physical education(PE).

The Ministry of

Education in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) launched the initiative, which is designed to shape the students’minds beyond academics to make themwell-roundedcitizens.

Minister of Education

Sonia Parag, who visited several schools, said the initiativeismorethanbooks and classrooms; it is about unlocking talent and nurturingpotential.

“Iamprettyexcited,and I am very happy to see that it’s being implemented in the schools with such energy, with such excitement, with such vigour,” the minister said “We want to have wellrounded human beings Education is far more than justacademics ” Minister Parag said she is pleased and satisfied to see both teachers and students excited about this new

tradition, noting that it is a very structured and detailed approach in everyschool

“We are transforming infrastructurally, we are transforming with health, education, and so many other sectors, and we want our people to have healthylifestyles If you want to be able todothat,wehavetostart inourschools Wehaveto start very young,” the ministerexplained At the Enterprise Primary School, students

werealsoengagedinsimilar physicaleducationsessions.

During the activity, Education Officer Yogita Singh–Mangra told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the constant movement during the PE periods would improve the pupils’ overall health, while making them more competitive in every aspect.

H e a d t e a c h e r o f EnterprisePrimarySchool Emily Lunch-Duff said she welcomes the programme, explaining that it will create wellrounded children and developtheirmotorskills.

Similarly, Zanielle Marshall, a Grade One t e a c h e r, s a i d t h e programme will promote healthierlifestyles

She also expressed gratitude to the government for re-implementing physical education in schools, as it is a great initiative (Department of PublicInformation)

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, showing off her cricket skills with the students of North Georgetown Primary. (DPI photo)

Astudent of North Georgetown Primary enjoying Physical Education time. (DPI photo)

Action during the Edge Sports Management 3x3 Series

GBF shifts National 3x3 Championship to October 18–19

A total of 16 teams will compete for national bragging rights, six more than last year’s edition, which was won by the Renegades.

The tournament winners will walk away with $500,000, while second place will earn $200,000. The third and fourth-place finishers will collect $100,000 and $50,000, respectively

GBF President Michael Singh emphasized that the championship will serve as thesoleselectionprocessfor theAmeriCuproster

one of the few Englishspeaking Caribbean nations inthecompetition.”

Singhpraisedthegrowth of3x3basketballlocallyand the support from both the Government of Guyana and corporatesponsors.

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has announced that its National 3x3 Championship, originally scheduled for September 27–28, will now beheldonOctober18–19at theSeawallBandstand.

According to a GBF release, the tournament was pushed back to allow for wider participation and better planning, given its importance.

This year’s event will play a crucial role in selecting the team that will represent Guyana at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup, scheduled for November 27–30inLeón,Mexico.

Robust maintenance for sports facilities – Minister Jacobs

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, on Thursday, carried out a series of inspections at the National Racquet Centre and the NationalAquaticCentretoassessthecurrent stateofthefacilitiesandtogetanupdateon theongoingworks.

Duringhisvisit,theministeremphasised the government’s robust plan to ensure the facilities are properly maintained and fully utilisedbyathletesandthewiderpublic.

“We are going to have an extensive strategy where we visit all of our sporting facilities to assess their current state, so that we can design a maintenance programme,” the minister said. Minister Jacobs further added,“Thisisnotjustaregularmaintenance programme, it is a robust maintenance programme, so that we can make sure these facilities are accessible for athletes, because thatisforemostimportant.”

Henotedthattheministryiscommittedto creating greater access to these venues, makingthemhubsfortraining,competition, andcommunityengagement.

Minister Jacobs further highlighted that theimprovementsbeingundertakenarepart of a broader effort to strengthen Guyana’s sports infrastructure, to support athletes while encouraging more citizens to participateinrecreationalactivities.

In the coming weeks, a new tennis court willbecommissionedattheNationalPark.

Also,withintheNationalRacquetCentre compound,workisongoingonanewfacility

that will soon be completed to facilitate badmintonandtabletennisgames. Additionally,thesquashfacilitywillsoon beequippedwithairconditioning,whilethe tenniscourtwillreceiveimprovedlighting.

Thesportsministry’sgoalistoprovideall the resources needed for players to improve their skills, compete at higher levels, and proudly represent Guyana on the internationalstage.

MinisterJacobsemphasisedthatallthese developmentsareaimedatservingthepeople ofGuyanabycreatingsafespacesforhealthy recreation, and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitmenttodeliveringonthismandate.

“We want a transparent selection process for the AmeriCup,” Singh said “The 3x3 AmeriCup is an important fixture on our international calendar In fact, we’ve only missed it once due to unforeseen circumstances. Every other year, we’ve proudly representedGuyana,oftenas

“For our last two AmeriCup appearances, the Government covered all costs registration fees, flights, per diems for players—which has been a huge boost. That level of backing is something we trulyappreciate,anditgives us the platform to focus on p r e p a r a t i o n a n d performance,”Singhadded.

Thisyear,theGBFplans to adopt a more competitive approach to preparation Once the national team is selected, Singh hopes to enter them into multiple stops on the international 3x3 circuit to face highcaliberopposition.

“In past years, we didn’t

give our teams enough chances to compete against elite talent before the AmeriCup,”Singhadmitted.

“This year, we want to change that by testing our squad in top-tier 3x3 competitions so they’re battle-ready when they step ontothecourtinMexico.”

At last year’s National 3x3 Championship, the Renegades—featuring Jude Corlette, Travis Belgrave, Nikkoloi Smith, and D o m i n i c Vince

stackedLindensideboasting Harold Adams, Shane Webster, Shelroy Thomas, andOrlanGlasgow,21–15in the final at the National Gymnasium. Ultimately, Belgrave, Vincente,Adams,andSmith wentontorepresentGuyana at the 3x3 AmeriCup in Puerto Rico, gaining valuable international experience.

Minister Steven Jacobs

Guyana hosted the first 3x3 Quest in the

GBF shifts National 3x3 Championship to October 18–19

Pooran, Hales

Nicholas Pooran (R) andAlex Hales (L) both contributed half centuries . (Getty Images)