…asgunmenopenfireonlimersatBuxtonlinetop
…policesuspectgangwarfareinvolvingTeamDiamond
Jackie Jaxx speaks of systemic mistreatment of local artistes …saysculturaleventsare orchestratedmoreforpoliticalgain
Guyana ‘spy agency’ to get oversight board with civilian reps - Director says
…butbilltogivelegalstructuretoentitystuckinParliament
TherulingPeople'sProgressive Party Civic and the opposition A Partnership for National Unity are theonlytwopartieswithoutdefects to their candidates list, sources at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)haveconfirmed.
Kaieteur News understandsthat the other parties, the Alliance For Change (AFC), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the Assembly
claimedthatwearemissing.”
W h e n c o n t a c t e d , representativesofForwardGuyana Movement and WIN stated that they could not comment on the issue but were working with GECOM to rectify the shortcomings.
InastatementMondayevening, at the conclusion of Nomination Day, GECOM said all lists
for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) andtheHorizonandStarpartyhave all been notified about defects to theirlist.
TheAFC,FGMandWINwere notified of the shortcomings on their regional lists of candidates submitted to the elections body on NominationDay
Respondingtoqueriesaboutthe purported defects on its list, AFC agent, Nicola Trotman said the Commission has notified the party ofitsobjection.
“GECOMhasnotifiedusthatof a supposed shortfall in our list in our regional list. However, the requirementistheregionallistmust benolessthan15andnomorethan 25 candidates...We have met the requirement, so, as far as I'm concerned,GECOMisjustplaying games. So, our list should not be categorised as having a defect,” Trotman explained. She said the party has since responded to GECOM and provided proof that the same format was used and gazettedbefore.
Nevertheless,shesaidtheAFC is prepared to make the necessary adjustmentstoitsregionallist.
“While it's to be unnecessary …However, since it is important, wealreadyhavecandidatesinplace to make up the numbers they
transferred to GECOM's data
processing centre The
Commission explained that the centre has been professionally structured to manage both the general and regional elections submissions, with designated teams assigned to each set of nominations.
The Commission stated, “in line with our commitment to electoral integrity, all data is being carefully entered into a secure processing system Each list undergoes thorough verification and validation, including crosschecks against the revised list of electors, examination of nominators, and confirmation of candidateeligibility.”
The Commission noted that by July 15, 2025, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud would notify all political parties if anyoftheinformationsubmittedis found to be defective and requires correction. Political parties will then have 24 hours to make their finalsubmissions.
Moreover, during a postdeadline briefing with members of themediaatUmanaYana,Persaud explained that work continues at thelevelofthesecretariat.“Weare now required to process these lists to ensure that they meet the
statutory requirements and once theydo,thentheywillbeapproved tocontesttheelection.
Iftheydon't,theywillbegiven an opportunity to remedy the defects and once those are remedied,thentheywillgoforward to be approved to contest the election.”
Henotedfurtherthathisroleis to ensure the documentary requirements are met. The CEO indicated that the statutory review process for the lists of candidates should conclude on Thursday “It hastobeprocessed…onFriday,we arescheduledasperourworkplan, to have the commission approve, approved list of candidates to contest elections, and that is when the final number and the lists of thosethatwillbecontestingwillbe
known,”hesaid.
Once approved, he said, GECOM will begin the design of the ballot papers. Persaud noted that the ballots are not printed locally, but overseas He said ballots,tallysheets,andstatements of poll have traditionally been printedoverseasbyreliableservice providers such as the Canadian BankNoteCompany Accordingto him, GECOM has never encounteredissueswiththequality ofwork.
“Meanwhile, we are doing our logistical work in preparation for the elections. Ballots come back. We do extraction for conduct of discipline services balloting, and then we pack ballot boxes to go to for election day, September 1…,” hestated.
A 23-year-old woman on Wednesday was remanded to prison in connection with the murder of hermother-in-law
RemandedwasDeborahWilliams,ahousewifeof Mabaruma Settlement, North West District, Region one.
Deadis47-year-oldSharlimAnthony
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, at the Kissing Rocks Access Road in the Mabaruma Settlement. Williams was subsequently arrested and chargedwiththeoffenceofmurder Sheappearedat the Mabaruma Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman onWednesday.The offence was read to her and was not required to enter a plea to the indictablecharge.
Williamswasremandedtoprisonandisscheduled toreturntocourtonAugust5,2025.
According to police reports, Williams and her husband, Raj Anthony were imbibing at their residence,whenanargumentbrokeout.
The woman allegedly hit her husband on the forehead with a piece of wood, rendering him unconscious.
Anthony'sparentswholivedashortdistanceaway heard the commotion and his father came to the residencetoinquirewhatwasgoingon.
“Upon arrival at the suspect's home, Sharlim Anthony immediately approached her daughter-inlaw and asked her, 'What did you do to my son?',”
Deborah
policesaid.
Instead of providing a verbal response, Williams reportedlydealthermother-in-lawseveralstabstoher rightarmandupperbackwithabrokenbeerbottle.
BothAnthonyandhersonRajAnthonyweretaken to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, North West District by public-spirited citizens Sharlim succumbed to her injuries at about 21:30hrs while receivingtreatment.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
YesterdayformerPublicInfrastructureMinister,David Pattersonremindedusthat“afterspendingtensofbillions of taxpayers' money; 27 second-hand generators; two powerships,shadyfuelcontracts,agas-to-shoreprojectweareworseoffthanwhenthePPPreturnedtooffice.” His blunt assessment, though with a touch of partisan twistcannotbedeniedbyanyone.Closeto60yearsasan independent nation, our leaders have failed miserably in fixingthepowergenerationandsupplyproblem.Andthis is happening at a time when this country is now blessed withmorebarrelsofenergythanitknowswhattodowith, yetGuyanesecannotseetheirhandsorfacesinthedaytime. Itisthatdark,andGuyanesearenowbackinthedaywitha rolling wave of blackouts blanketing many communities andhomes.
We are heading into another general elections and citizenswillhearthesamepromisesfromourleadersthat theywillfixtheblackoutproblem.Inanothercountry,the peopleingovernmentandthepowercompanywouldallbe sentontheirway Theyhavenoclues;theyhavenoideas; they have no visions. But they are rich in public relations thatpullthewoolovertheheadsofGuyanese,onlyadding anotherlayerofdarknesstotheexistingnearnormalstate ofblackouts.AsPattersonnotedtensofbillionshavebeen allocatedtotheGuyanaPowerandLight(GPL)since2020, yetGuyanesearesubjectedtoincreasingblackouttortures. Theheatisroundtheclock,andwithoutfans,Guyaneseare lefttoswelterandsuffocateintheirfrustrations.Thecostof-living is going up and up, and food storage appliances can only do the jobs that they were designed for so long without energy from the GPL. The Guyanese who can afford generators, inverters, and solar power are a tiny minority in the local population, which means that the majorityisgettingbatteredbythestreamsofblackoutsthat occurwithincreasingregularity
Somecommunitiesexperienceblackoutsseveraltimes aday,andresidentshavecomplainedthattheoutageslast longerandlonger Inallofthis,thegovernment,normally so loud and expressive, is struck dumb, and has little to offer,otherthanplatitudes. Rightnexttothegovernment stands the people at the GPL, and they are also lost, and without solutions of substance. All the many millions spent,allthenewequipmentandtechnologyobtained,and Guyanesearereducedtolivinglikehowtheirgrandparents did,withcandlesticksandlampstandsbeingwhattheycan dependon.
Hundredsofbillionsarebeingspentannuallyforroads and bridges, but Guyanese have to grope for a firestick to see their way in their homes. The PPP/C Government should be ashamed, and the entire Cabinet should bag its head,andfindsomeremoteplacetodigabigholeandbury itself. On each occasion that any of their leading people opens their mouths and pontificates about how good this governmentis,thespittlefromtheirdeceptionsdribbleall over them. This is beyond shameful, for blackouts have becomesuchachronicconditionthattheynowamounttoa nationalepidemic.
ItisespeciallyironicandfrustratingthatGuyana,nowa major oil-producing country, cannot provide stable electricitytoitscitizens.BillionsofUSdollarshaveflowed into the national coffers from oil revenues, yet the power grid remains brittle and outdated. What is the point of resourcewealthifitcannotguaranteethemostbasicneeds?
Thegovernmentmusttakeimmediateandboldaction.Itis timeittreatsenergyinfrastructureasatopnationalpriority It has been putting its hope in the much vaunted gas-toenergyproject,butthetimeforcompletionandputtingthat project in operation keeps moving, as though it is some gamebeingplayedonafield.WhenVicePresidentBharrat JagdeoisinvolvedinsomethingasbigastheWalesGTE, thengamesarewhatGuyanesehavehadtolivewith.Itis more than a time-consuming game, for it is also an expensive one. The project started out at approximately
DearEditor,
Tenyearsafteritsfirstoil discovery, Guyana's energy sector stands at a pivotal crossroads.Withworld-class oil reserves under active development and a growing commitment to renewable energy and economic diversification, the country is poised to shape its future as a major player in the globalenergylandscape.
OnMay14th,2025,Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo stated publicly that “there is nogastosupplytoanyone,” clarifying that all available natural gas has been
forthcoming fertiliser plant. With the Gas-to-Energy project scheduled to come on
n 2026, t
s development underscores the urgent need for Guyana to enhance its legal and regulatory frameworks and standardise its oil, gas, and renewableenergycontracts. The integration of clear, consistentcontractstandards is no longer a policy aspiration but a necessity, vital to sustaining investor confidence, ensuring project bankability, and achieving G
erm developmentgoals.
ContractClarity AmidDisputes
Recent legal disputes in Guyana's energy sector highlight the pressing
importance of contractual clarity
The government's ongoing arbitration with the Lindsayca/CH4 consortium over the US$759 million Gas-to-Energy project at Wales illustrates the point. The contractor's demand for anadditionalUS$50million due to delays has triggered formal dispute resolution, exposing ambiguities in the project's contractual framework.
S i m i l a r l y , t h e terminationoftheCorentyne Block licence held by Frontera Energy and CGX Energy, due to unmet appraisal commitments, sparked debate over regulatory enforcement, contract stability, and the protectionofinvestorrights. These cases point to wider concerns involving procurement processes, cost recovery mechanisms, and the consistency of legal obligationswithinpetroleum agreements.
Standardisation: ReducingRiskand FosteringGrowth
The absence of a standardised contractual framework presents real risks. Without uniformity, parties face inconsistent obligations, prolonged negotiations, and greater exposure to legal uncertainty Standardisation, however, can reduce these
risks by providing legal templates that are fair, balanced, and aligned with international best practices, yet still adaptable to Guyana's unique legal and policyenvironment.
Essential elements such as stabilization clauses, dispute resolution mechanisms, tariff-setting methodologies, and local contentprovisionsshouldbe embedded in model contracts. These serve to promote transparency, expedite project timelines, and create a level playing fieldforallstakeholders.
StrategicContractDesign forEnergyTransition
Well-drafted standard contracts can incorporate a rangeofprovisionsessential forenergytransitionsuccess:
*Force majeure clauses: Shield investors from liability due to unforeseen disruptions, including political or environmental events.
*Phasedtransitionterms: Allow oil and gas infrastructuretobegradually repurposed for renewable energy use, lowering decommissioningcosts.
*Technology transfer clauses: Promote local capacity-building and innovation.
*Assignmentprovisions: Facilitate investment by allowing clean-tech operatorstoenterexistingoil
andgasventures.
* L o c a l c o n t e n t requirements: Ensure economic benefits are retained domestically while maintaining investor flexibility
Conclusion:LegalReform forEnergySecurity
The standardisation of oil and gas contracts is no longer optional, it is imperative.AsGuyanaseeks to transform its natural gas reserves into economic opportunity and scale its renewable energy portfolio, legalandregulatoryreforms m u s t k e e p p a c e Standardised contracts are the cornerstone of a transparent, predictable, and internationally credible investment environment Theyhelpbalanceflexibility with legal certainty and ensurethatsustainabilityand commercial viability go handinhand.
By embedding key legal provisions into national model contracts and updating its legislative framework, Guyana can navigate the complexities of the global energy transition with confidence, solidifying its position as a regional leaderinbothfossilfueland r e n e w a b l e e n e rg y development
Kindregards, VannaJankiepersad
Attorney-at-Law
TrinidadandTobago
DearEditor
At the conclusion of the England WestIndiesT20 vs. matchatHampshireinJune, a number of deeply distressedEnglishspectators enquiredofmeifWIcricket would ever return to the glory days. They said that it wassadtoseethestateofWI
cricket and expressed their loveforCaribbeancricket.
It is ironic that while I was standing on Marshall Drive,oneofthemreminded me that Gordon Greenidge and Malcolm Marshall playedthereandaskedwhat needs to be done to change the fortune of West Indies
US$900M, then kept ballooning and ballooning until it settledatUS$2B.Asexpected,thatturnedouttobeforatime only The time for the delivery of this much-anticipated project keeps extending, and also the cost of it. If that remindsreadersofpastJagdeoprojects,itis.
WebelievethatiftheGTEispartofgovernment'senergy reform, then it must establish a clear timeline and binding commitments, with regular public reporting. It is no longer sufficient to announce, projects execution is what matters now Finally,thereneedstobeadeeperculturalshiftinhow publicutilitiesaremanaged.Professionalism,transparency, and customer-centric thinking must define the GPL of the future. It may even be time to consider unbundling GPLor allowing regulated competition to inject dynamism into a stagnating sector Guyana stands at a crossroads: it can continuepatchingafailingsystem,oritcanusethecurrent crisisasthecatalystfortransformativechange.Thepeopleof Guyanadeserveareliablepowersupply,andnoexcusewill suffice.
cricket. I told them firstly thatSammyandReiferneed to be fired and the West IndiesCricketboardneedsto bedisbandedandtheformer greats need to take over managingWIcricket.
Yesterday,afterthefruits of their folly resulted in the greatest embarrassment of WestIndiescricketinhistory the Doctor Shallow, in a desperatemovetosaveface, have called Messers Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards and Brian Lara to accompany Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Desmond HaynesandIanBradshawto performmagicandarrestthe three (3) decades of destruction of West Indies cricket implemented by Hunte Skerritt , Cameron, andhimself.
I don't care if Shallow resurrect Sir Frank Worrell and Don Bradman and even bringTendulkar,Pontingand Kallisalongwiththecurrent
WI legends, or who the hell he feels like, it cannot resurrect the destruction cause by Hunte, Cameron, Skerritt and himself (the worstofthemall).Unlessthe WestIndiesCricketBoardis dismantledwithallthosesocalled directors kicked the hell out and that vampire parasitic secretariat is restructured to realistic standard, it will all be windowdressingandawaste oftime.
I can recallthe Patterson team making certain recommendations which the then West Indies Cricket Board Czar Cameron flatly rejected and fully supported by the current Antiguan Prime Minister after which Antiguagotanumberoftest matches, the conversion of Stanford ground to a so called High-Performance ground and the parasitic CWISecretariatremaining (Continueonpage5)
DearEditor,
In the Stabroek News of July 15, 2025 I read a letter from Mr or Ms. A Dey in which he/she lauded the 1976announcementof“free tertiary education ” Whoever A. Dey is he/she should be advised that sometimes it's better to let sleeping dogs lie. Because the PNC's history on education is nothing to be proudof.
In the first place, a section of the PNC was opposed to the creation of
the University of Guyana. ThethenleaderofthatParty Mr Forbes Burnham, had even promised to close the University down if or when he became leader of the country
He even derogatorily called it “Jagan Night School” because Dr Jagan begantheUniversityclasses at Queen's College after three in the afternoon. He was not willing to wait until the campus was established at Turkeyen (Read Dr Harold Drayton “Genesis &
EarlyYears1963-73).
I say a section of the PNC, because there were some who openly disagreed withBurnhamonthatscore. Mr John Carter (later Sir John) was one such person. Heevenacceptedtoserveon the UG Board of Governors inthatperiod.
The University was so popular that Mr Burnham was unable to carry out his threatwhenhetookpowerin 1964.
Itistruethatin1976Mr Burnham announced free
education in Guyana However, what his supporters never wish to recall was the fact that by 1980theUniversitywasflat on its back Indeed, education as a whole was in its worst period. The PNC regime even reduced the qualification for entrance into UG and that institution wasgrindingdownwards. Atonepoint,ithadtobe closed for some months to repair some basic facilities suchastoilets,etc.
(Continueonpage6)
Frompage4 in Antigua. It was more aboutmaintainingcontrolof WI cricket and boosting Antiguatourismthanoverall WIcricketdevelopment.
F r o m s i n c e t h e disastrous Hunte era, it was clear that the agenda was to wrest the control of cricket by the small islands, make surethatasmuchWindward and Leeward Island players play test cricket and have as m u c h a s p o s s i b l e international cricket played in these small islands. This SmallIslandplanwasnever clearer than when Sammy was selectedas coachahead of Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
And then this Doctor called Shallow came up with a master plan to have Sammy as Coach and chief selector forallformats.
And what did Sammy do? He dismantled a young t e a m w h o d e f i e d expectations and levelled test series against Australia and Pakistan in their
respective countries, something that was not achieved in decades, and recycledthesametestedand proven Browne failures including appointing Chase who could not make the test team for 3 years as captain. Theresultwasa3-0trashing and a monumental disgraceful embarrassment that time will never erase. And that will forever be the Legacy of Shallow and Sammy In 2019, I had called for
GuyanatoleaveWestIndies cricket and go it alone because I was absolutely clear then that West Indies cricket was going to get worse and I pointed out that WestIndieswastheonlytest playing nation who did not have a Cricket academy nor a structure to develop players to international standards to beat other nations.
Itwasclearforalltosee thatmostoftheWIbatsmen had glaring technical deficiencies especially with the moving delivery and the Board had been doing nothingtofixthatdeficiency through technical support. What happened at Sabina Park was full exposure of thatdeficiencyfortheworld toseeandforperspective,it isworthmentioningthatthe currentbattingcoachaBajan guy named Floyd Reifer averaged9.6intest,henceit would not be inaccurate to ask the question whether it was a case of the blind leadingtheblind?
W e s t C r i c k e t administrators are more concernedwiththetrappings of power, maintaining a parasitic Secretariat and payingfriendssupersalaries ratherthanutilizingrevenue to provide technical support by identifying and working with players to correct their deficiencies. Therefore, the followingneedstohappen;
Ÿ Sammy, Bascombe, Reifer, Chase and Warrican must go
immediately, that
should be nonnegotiable, followed by the Dr Shallow after handing over to a n I n t e r i m
M a n a g e m e n t
c o m m i t t e e comprising of Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Sir Andy Roberts, MichaelHoldingand LarryGomes.
Ÿ KPMG should be called in to audit the books immediately and come up with a lean management structure to run the Secretariat which apart from 3 staff at the office, the others mustworkvirtually
Ÿ C a r i c o m Governments must be approached to integrate investment in school cricket coachingprogramme directed by West
Indies Cricket
M a n a g e m e n t Committee fully
u t i l i z i n g t h e countless qualified coaches currently in theWestIndies.
Ÿ T h e I n t e r i m
M a n a g e m e n t committee must be made to provide a plan to Caricom
Committee on Cricket for the longterm development of cricket which
DearEditor,
TherecentPPP/Crallyin Kitty has demonstrated withoutanyshadowofdoubt thatthePPPisthelargestand most ethnically diverse politicalpartyinGuyana.
From its very formation inJanuary1950,thePPPhas embracedapolicyofputting theinterestsoftheGuyanese people ahead of partisan interests. This is why it has been successful in attracting people in its ranks from all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Caricom can support financially with the implementation of a regional sports programme starting with school cricket coaching.
Ÿ C a r i c o m Governments must support and finance at least three (3) proper cricket academies managed by the Interim M a n a g e m e n t Committee.
Ÿ Have a coaching team work with a coreofcurrentyoung players to help them improve their game with Chanderpaul as thebattingcoachand Sir Curtley Ambrose asthebowlingcoach.
Carl Llewellyn Hoopershouldbethe overall coach. Brian
Lara's batting expertise should be fullyutilized.
As long as West Indies cricket remain under the current management structure,systemandcricket administrators it matters not who they call, noting will change. They are like a bad disease. They need to be kickedthehellout.
Yourstruly
EricWhaul
It is not surprising therefore that the PPP has dominated the political landscape for over seven decades. During that period, thePPPwasabletoscorefor the Guyanese people significant economic and social gains especially in areas such as education, health, housing and the supply of potable water Substantial gains were also made at the constitutional level including the right to vote and the introduction of the ministerial system of governance.
Despite being cheated outofofficefortwenty-eight years by the undemocratic PNC regime, the PPP on its return to power on October 5, 1992 managed to change the economic trajectory of the country to a point where Guyana is now regarded as one of the fastest growing economy in the world
Guyana is no longer a 'pariah' nation as was the case under the PNC regime. The country is experiencing a massive transformation in critical areas such as infrastructural and human resources development, thanks to v
s
onary leadership by the PPP/C administration.
AsGuyaneseheadtothe polls on September 1, 2025 G u y a n e s e w i l l overwhelmingly vote for continuity under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli and his team The PPP must be commended for having put togetheraslateofcandidates that is representative of the Guyanesesocietyintermsof ethnicity, gender and youth. This is quite unlike the APNU and the other parties someofwhomwereseverely challenged to put together their candidate lists to competeintheelectionsboth at the regional and the nationallevels.
The choice before the Guyanese electorate has neverbeenclearer It is one of continued progress and prosperity u n d e r t h e P P P / C administration or a return to thedaysofauthoritarianrule w h e n t h e c o u n t r y degenerated to the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
Regards HydarAlly
DearEditor,
Can you imagine travelling from home to office and back daily in a public transportation system thatprovidesair-conditioned comfort, in comfortable seating and with a peace of mindthatyouareguaranteed toarriveontimeandtrafficis not a hindrance? Can you imagine a transportation system that is so safe and easy to use that the elderly andschoolagedchildrencan utilize it unsupervised? I haveexperiencedthistypeof transportation system in China, and it has made a profoundimpactonme.
Life in Guyana for road users is characterised by road transportation via private and public transportation.WeGuyanese have adapted American car culture,wherethecarisseen asastatussymbolandpublic transportation is seen as a wretched last resort.
However, this negative perception of public transportation is not held by countriesinEuropeandAsia w h e r e t h e p u b l i c transportation system is viewed as the norm and a necessity.Unfortunately,the G u y a n a p u b l i c transportation system only includes mini buses and taxis. Car owners must take into consideration gas fees, traffic jams, the possibility ofanaccidentandespecially recently the occurrences of roadrage.
Ask any Guyanese who has visited China, and they willdescribetoyouapublic transportation system that is dignified,orderlyandsterile.
The first experience is deeply impactful when one uses this type of public transportation. Truthfully, a simple YouTube search of 'Shenzhen Metro' or 'Shanghai high speed train station' would suffice to
showanincrediblesystemof moving people where they need to go for an affordable price.EnteringtheShenzhen or Shanghai metro station reveals infrastructure that would commonly be seen at a first-class International Airport. Gleaming surfaces, escalators, X-ray security checkpoints and uniformed s
immediately visible The token or ticket purchase
functional and numerous
Whether there are 100 or 1000 people transiting the station, the space still feels spacious and flowing which is a testament to its traveller friendlydesign.
The metro carriages and t
proportioned and sterile. If you see a piece of plastic or paper discarded anywhere throughout the station, it comes across as a curious
anomaly and certainly not the norm. Cool, clean air blasts throughout the station ensuring ventilation. LED screens on the way to the trains and within the trains themselves ensure that you donotmissyourdestination. PaymentisdonethroughQR code or facial recognition, putting aside the need to handle paper money throughout the travel process. Most metros and train stations are integrated with major bus stations and airports, creating a seamless connection between metros, trains,busesandairports.
MetrosinChinatravelas fast as 80 KM/H and the high-speed trains travel at the deeply impressive top speed of 400 KM/H. Based on all of the features described above, it can only be interpreted logically that the transportation system in China is an expression of love and respect shown
towards the citizens by the Government authorities in charge of transportation
This is shown through the 24/7 365 day a year operation of the metro and trains at such a high level of efficiency, cleanliness and comfort. If ever there was a love letter from a government to its people, this type of transportation system would embody that message.Itindicatesthatthe
Government is saying no matter who you are within this society, a child, an employee, an elderly person or a tourist, we respect your basic right to a reliable and e f f i c i e n t p u b l i c transportation. In the same way that a parentplacestheirchildinto avehiclewithcare,ensuring theyaresecuredandontheir waytothenextdestination,
(Continueonpage8)
DearEditor,
Too many people are goingoverthetopwithwild and ridiculous claims in this electionseason.
Thelatestisfromaletter writerwhoaccusesthePPPC of lack of transparency, but who does not have the courage to sign their full name(Media7/15/2025).
The same “Singh” (only name given) claims that AzruddinMohamedisbeing harassed. As usual, not a shred of evidence is produced.Singhisoblivious to the fact that Azruddin Mohamedwassanctionedby the United States, not by the GoG.
I draw Singh's attention to the following as reported in the media – “Nazar Mohamed and their businesses, name
y Mohamed's Enterprise, Hadi's World and Team Mohamed's Racing, on June 11,2024,weresanctionedby U S Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which oversees sanctions against individuals and entities tied to illicit activities and hostile foreign governments” (Guyana Chronicle7/14/2025).
The OFAC also stated that - “Azruddin and Mohamed's Enterprise evadedGuyana'staxongold exports and defrauded the Guyanesegovernmentoftax revenues by under-declaring their gold exports to Guyaneseauthorities(Ibid).
And according to the same source, “[b]etween 2019 and 2023, Mohamed's
Enterpriseomittedmorethan 10thousandkilogrammesof goldfromimport-and-export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana” (Ibid).
The points noted above have been reported in numerousmediasources. Is it harassment to remindreadersthatAzruddin hassignedupsomepeopleto his campaign who are not worthy of national leadership? “Doggie” has been charged with a number ofinfractions.Themanfrom ANUGhasbeenexposedfor professionalmisconductthat would have forced immediate expulsion from any other decent political party
Hereisadirectquotation from Stabroek News – “In December 2024, Dr DeFrance publicly admitted towhathevaguelydescribed as “misconduct” during a partypressconference…” The latest skullduggery appears to be a new 'blue scrape motorcycle gang' riding around town in ways thatareintimidating.
In a few cases, PPPC supporters have had their vehicles circled; in other cases, their party paraphernalia (flags, hats) snatchedandtrampledon.
If Singh has any complaints about the sanctions against Azruddin Mohamed, he should lodge them at the OFAC in Washington,DC.
Sincerely Dr.RandyPersaud
Frompage5
Education and other essential services were sacrificed so that the PNC elite would live well. For instance, more money was spent on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs than on the Ministries of Education, Health, Housing and
Agriculture combined duringthatsameperiod. So, Mr Or Ms. Dey, the PNC'srecordoneducationis asbadasithadbeenwiththe economy and human rights! NothingtobeProudof!
Regards
DonaldRamotar
FormerPresident
Every Thursday is designated National Press Circus Day in Guyana. It is the day when a two-term former president and now the defacto chief executive of Guyana, holds an afternoon 'cuss down' session at his party's headquarters.
The media get an invitation saying it is a press conference. They know better, so most of the seasoned journalists avoid it like the seven plagues.
Today will be another round of the circus, starring Bharrat Jagdeo. He was handed an honorary doctorate and he insists that he be addressed as doctor. So, the invitation comes out with Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and the State media operatives and the privatelyowned State media all fall in line…Dr. Jagdeo, they call him.
He does not address serious issues at the press conferencehe does not touch the oil and gas sector unless he is asked a question. His focus, in addition to finding faults in everyone else except his party, is on 'he seh, dem seh and dem boys seh.'
Look out for it at 2PM today.
Amid concerns
o v e r t h e management of
Guyana's National Intelligence and Security
Agency (NISA) and government using sensitive information to target critics and its political opponents, ColonelSheldonHowellhas said that soon the unit will haveanoversightboardwith civilsocietyvoices.
Howell made the
comments during a government interview
programme called 'Safeguarding our Nation.”
Government had tabled the National Intelligence and SecurityAgencyBillbackin 2023tolegallycreateNISA, but the bill was sent to a special select committee of Parliament. It has not yet emerged from that committee even as the 12 Parliament has been dissolved.
The opposition has expressed concerns that the head of agency is speaking aboutthecreationofaboard for NISA when the bill has notbeenpassed.
When contacted on the issue,AttorneyGeneral,Anil Nandlallwouldonlysaythat the bill would have to be retabledinanewparliament. Whenthebillwasintroduced Leader of the Opposition, AubreyNortonhadsaidthat it was retrogressive, dictatorial and not going to promotesecurity
Norton said at the time that such an agency was going to result in political harassment; harassment to citizensandviolationoftheir rights.
Among other things the bill had outlined that the agencywouldberesponsible for collecting data, processing it from many sources and provide such data, report and also advice tothePresidentonmattersof nationalsecurity
The agency would be t a s k e d w i t h t h e responsibility to do
investigations on matters relatingtonationalsecurity. Choosingthedirectorofthe agency will be done by the President and the director will be named from the GDF, the GPF, or a civilian agency
Members the agency are expected to swear to several secrecy laws, which if violated can see jail time or fines Undersuchinstances, Norton had said that while the agency is needed it cannot be set up so in that mannerwherethePresident possessessomuchpower
“While we believe that there should be an intelligenceagency,wedon't believe that it should have sweeping powers, that the President [should be] appointing this person to suppress people's views, ” Norton was quoted in a Stabroek News article as saying “It does appear to methattheyaresettingupa dictatorship, they are going toviolatepeoplerights,and they are putting the legal framework to do that”, Norton railed Clause 24 provides for the provision of information by public bodies to the Agency on request by the Director notwithstanding the Access to Information Act 2011 or any other law Clause 25 provides that for the purposes of the Access to Information Act 2011 the Agency shall not be regarded as a public authority Clause 26 provides for the Agency to be kept apprised by entities in the security sector with all “relevant and timely information and intelligence relating to national security interest”.
Under Clause 32, the Directorwiththeapprovalof the President may assign officers of the Agency to serve as liaison officers to embassies abroad, when necessary for the fulfilment of the responsibilities of the
AgencypursuanttothisAct.
Meanwhile, during the programme, Howell said Guyana's strategic military framework is committed to the protection of its people and sovereignty, to ensure thatpeaceandsafetyremain intact and are of paramount importance.
“We do not want to take away people's freedom, we wanttoprotectit.Yes,weuse CCTV, sophisticated cameras, drones, satellite imagery and other AI
systems that detect patterns…,” the NISA head explained, according to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release. He assured that at the NISA “we stick rigidly to the laws thatgovernus.”
Elaborating further, Howell said that “every pieceofequipmentislogged and audited, and there is no access to footage without traceability
We also have strict access control and oversight systems. Soon we will have anoversightboardwithcivil societyvoices.”
The head of NISA announced plans to improve theprotectionofchildrenby enhancing response mechanisms for missing persons.
“We have also upgraded the response mechanism for missing persons, especially children,andsoonenoughas well.Wewillhaveanational alert system that sends realtime information to your phones, TVs, radios and s o c i a l m e d i a platforms…These tools are not threats. Once it is used with discipline and purpose, [it] will earn the public's trust,”hesaid.
Veteran trade unionist andGeneralSecretaryofthe Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Lincoln Lewis had also raised concernsaboutthebillwhen it was introduced and had called for there to be public hearings. “Labour calls on
Frompage6 the same way a government can place the citizens with care into a public transportation system that is sterile,secureandreliable.
the Select Committee where this National Intelligence andSecurityBilltofacilitate publichearings.
This request is made based on past experiences where there has been minimal agreement at the level of the Committee, and the PPP returns to the ParliamentandramstheBill through,” the trade unionist said while noting that the implications of the legislationare“grave”.
Lewishadmadethiscall during his 2023 Labour Day addressatCritchlowLabour College, Woolford Avenue days after President Irfaan
Ali had instructed Minister ofParliamentaryAffairsand Governance, Gail Teixeira and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, AnilNandlall,SCtosendthe NISABilltoaSpecialSelect Committee “so that the views and ideas of all stakeholders can be examined.”
President Ali at the time had said: “I am aware of the importance of this Bill, but equally, I am committed to ensuring the fulsome nature oftheBillisunderstoodand that interested stakeholders be given the opportunity to contributetoit.”
(StarNieuws) In a packed and festively decorated Anthony Nesty Stadium,outgoingPresident Chan Santokhi handed over the presidential sash to the first female and tenth president of the Republic of Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons,duringan extraordinarymeetingofthe NationalAssembly
Amidst the strains of " Wan Dey, Wan Dey Sa Doro," she took her place in thepresidentialchair
With a brasa and amid loud cheers, Santokhi congratulated the new president.
accept the office for which shehadbeenelected.
Geerlings-Simons seemed to let the words of the oath sink in deeply. "I declare and promise this," she said, and with her hand raised, "So help me God Almighty."
Outgoing President
Santokhi then signed the proclamation of transfer, after which President-elect Simons also signed the document. With this, she officiallyacceptedtheoffice anddutiesofthepresidency
The type of public transportation system that China has achieved is remarkable, and naturally came with significant costs to create and maintain However, in developed and orderly societies, the transportationsystemcanbe seen as a service and not a profitablebusiness. Again reinforcing the value placed on citizens by theGovernment.
Guyana could achieve a metro or subway system in thefuture.
Based on China's excellent metro and train station systems, it is safe to say that drawing inspiration from China's system would beawisechoice.
Perhaps, in some appropriate shape or form,
Sincerely
JustinGomes
A radiant, broadly smiling president-elect Simonswasusheredintothe hall earlier for the formal ceremonies amid loud applause and beautiful musical accompaniment.As " Wan Dey, Wan Dey Sa Doro"resonateddeeplywith the Surinamese nation, she proudly strode forward to
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ashwin Adhin, then declared Simons President of the Republic of Suriname.
Before Simons's inauguration, Vice President-elect Gregory Rusland was installed. He accepted the position by taking the oath: "I declare andaffirmthis."Indoingso, he succeeded outgoing Vice PresidentRonnieBrunswijk.
Brunswijk then signed the proclamation of transfer, performing his final act as vice president and officially handing over his duties to Russia. Brunswijk then changed places amid applauseandcheers. Russia subsequently signed the proclamation of inauguration, officially assumingthepositionofvice president After the formalities were completed, Chairman Adhin officially declared him inaugurated as vice president of the RepublicofSuriname. On his way to his new position, Vice President Russia received warm g r e e t i n g s a n d congratulations.Ittooksome timebeforehetookhisplace next to outgoing President Santokhi.
Simons and Russia were elected president and vice president, respectively, on July 6th through a single nomination.
Nomination Day last Monday brought out the party faithful. They sang, dancedandwavedtheirflags through the streets of Georgetown and they wended their way to the Umana Yana where their leadershandedovertheirlist of candidates. But at the head of marches to submit the list were the leaders of the parties. This should not have been since by law it is the persons who signed as nominating the persons on theListthataretreatedasthe submittersoftheListofeach party
Under Guyanas mixed electoral system of proportional representation, partiesmustsubmitdifferent types of lists. The first is Geographical Constituency Lists. Guyana has 10 geographicalconstituencies, eachcorrespondingtooneof the administrative regions. These 10 constituencies elect 25 Members of Parliament (MPs) in total. Each party contesting a constituency must submit a list containing two more names than the number of seats allocated to that constituency For example, if Region 4 (DemeraraMahaica)has7seats,thelist mustcontain9candidates.
Thelawallowspartiesto submittwonamesmorethan the number of seats being contested in each geographical constituency for a very practical and democraticreason:toensure continuity, flexibility, and
fairness in the event of withdrawals, death, or disqualifications of candidates before Election Day
Thesecondtypeoflistis the National Top-Up List. This list is used to allocate the remaining 40 seats (or more, in certain situations) intheNationalAssembly,to ensure proportionality across the country Each partymustsubmitaseparate top-uplistcontainingatleast 42 names. The Presidential candidate must be clearly designatedonthistop-uplist andonnootherlist.
Each list of candidates must be supported by persons who are themselves registered electors Specifically, the National Top-Up List must be supported by the signatures ofnofewerthan300andnot more than 330 registered voters. For each of the ten regions (which are also the g e o g r a p h i c a l constituencies), each list must be supported by no fewerthan150andnomore than 175 registered voters whose names appear on the official list of electors for thatconstituencyatthetime ofsubmission.
Eachpartyslistmustalso ensurethatatleastone-third of the total number of candidates on the national top-up list is women. The same one-third rule applies collectively to all geographical constituency lists Each party must contestatleastsixoftheten
geographicalconstituencies, and those must collectively represent at least thirteen of thetwenty-fiveseats.
Each candidate on a list must be a registered elector in Guyana; qualified to be elected to the National Assembly;andmustconsent in writing to be included on the list via a statutory declaration made before a justice of the peace or other legallyauthorizedofficial.
Candidates may appear on one geographical constituencylistandalsoon the top-up list, but not on multiple constituencies lists ormultiplepartieslists.
AfterreceivingtheLists, the Chief Election Officer must post one copy of each submitted list outside his office.Hemustalsoexamine the lists for compliance and submit them along with a report to the Elections
C
Commission may find a list defective if it lacks the required n
r of signatories.Orifacandidate appears on more than one list.Orifthereisinsufficient female representation. Or if thelistbearsamisleadingor notitle.
If a list is found defective, the representative anddeputyrepresentativeof that list are notified and given time to correct the defects. If the Commission is satisfied with the corrections, the list is approved If not, it is rejected. A rejected list can be appealed to the High
Dem boys seh we get brainwash so bad, we walking ‘round thinkingvoteisgoldandballot box is salvation. Every five year, dem roll outbigsmile,prettyposters,andfreejersey with a party logo, and we run like ants to sugar Votelikeismannafromheaven.But lehweask,votematterfuhwho?
It sure don’t matter fuh de man at Bourda Market who cyah even afford greens.
Itdon’tmatterfuhdesinglemotherwho gottachoosebetweenfoodandbusfaresfuh dempickney Itmatterfuhdefatcatsinhigh places.
It matter fuh de big ones who done set table before election day and inviting all dem friends to come eat. You? You still waitinginlineoutsidedegate.
Dem boys seh vote does helphelp dem get richer while you get poorer. Vote does countcount towards dem pension, dem perks,dembodyguard,demoverseastrips. You?You counting lil cents to buy one tin
Court, which must rule before the Commission publishes the final list of candidates.
The Guyana Elections Commission must then publishnolaterthanthe23rd day before election day the approved list titles; the candidate names and the assigned party symbols This is done via the Official Gazette and may be supplemented by other publicnotices.
It should be noted that lists may be withdrawn, but onlybeforeapprovalbyboth
the representative and deputy representative A deceased or withdrawn candidateisdeletedfromthe list.Listsmayalsobejoined (for seat distribution purposes only) upon proper written notice, no later than the 25th day before election day
Nomination Day is therefore not about simply parading your candidates and supporter It is the legal foundation for contesting Guyanas national and regional elections. This is why for political parties,
proper preparation for NominationDayisessential to remaining on the ballot and ultimately, to winning seats in the National Assembly
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
milk Vote got power, yes But like everythingelseinGuyana,thepowergone straighttodetop.
And if you think yous differentif you think dis time your vote gon change tingswell, maybe, just maybe, you finally seelight.
Becausefuhthefirsttimeinalong,long time, de rejected, de neglected, de lookeddown-ongotsomebodywhonotborninde club,whonotbredfuhbowandscrapetode same set of people. He got money He nah need money And that might just mek de difference.
But if not? If is de same wine in new bottle?Stayhome.Restyuhhand.Because ifyourvotedoeskeepyoupoor,voiceless, and waiting fuh scraps, better you don’t voteatall.Unlessunlessyoufindsomebody who gon mek your vote, your voice, and yourlifematter.
Until then, dem boys voting wid dem belly.Youshouldtoo. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
Wh a t i s unfolding in
G u y a n a promisestherevolutionary,a wordrarelyused. Iseeirony also.
What may turn out to be catalytic and cathartic emerge from the strangest source. Instead of catalytic and cathartic, though most fitting to times and tempers, whatischangingandhealing restsbetter,feelswell. Look at what's making a difference,who,thenhow It's thicker than molasses, but sulfurous Like the old Buckley's Cough Mixture bitter and mysterious, but packing a powerful punch, and yet healing. Thestubbornthins, departs.
That's the first irony. The second is not spoken about much, though it's that 800-lb rooster that crows a million words at the highest pitch. Itisviscousandhasa vicious history, somehow piecing also. The grand patrimony is giving a glimps
revolutionary
Forthefirsttimeinthree quarters of a century, Guyanese are thinking less, focusedless,andtalkingless of the PPP and PNC. Now that'srevolutionary,themost p e r p l e x i n g i r o n y
Apologies, but those two political big cats had to be dragged into the house
Nowtanglewiththisirony-a bigger,sprawlingone-aman who can't talk, a competitor withnoplan,acitizenunder hea
G u y a n e s e r e a c t enthusiastically, boldly. Politics is about words and thenewmanhasfew,maybe none, to offer. The contestantthatisevokingso much interest, inspiring so much hope, provoking so muchdreadisallegedtobea gangster
Attheriskofcorrection, he hasn't been strenuous in shaking off that albatross stuck to his neck. So, he stands an uncertain, even anxious, figure in a sea of
blue, before a lake of microphones. But he is furnishing some degree of what is catalytic and cathartic. Orlookeduponto bethatmenderandmasterof Guyana tomorrow Ironic and revolutionary in the same breath, definitely the same thought, same sentence.
It's timely for the personal. I defend no one, recommend no one, endorse no one. I may not even exercise that right on that first day of the ninth month. Standing above the fray, affords that bird's eye view ofthemilieu. Itisaheaving, expectant, one. A malevolent, repugnant one. Disfigured, vindictive, gruesome also. With that said, it's back to basics, sharingmythinking.
The learned and experienced heroes of Guyana can gleam with majestic streaks of scintillating brilliance at a hundred words a minute. But they got too haughty,
flew too close to the sun, daredthegods. Considering theirstewardshipofthethick underwaterstuff,theirwords don't have their ancient, unquestioned weight. The people are tired. The new man can barely put a few phrases together in a short string, but the people give him a listening ear They find him inspiring, pulse pounding Indeed, the veterans are that bad, assessedtobethattraitorous. The Guyanese people are sick and tired of being deceived, used, made fools of,thenabusedandtakenfor granted. Thepeoplegrabat anything,anyonewhooffers them succor, even what's wordless. Nouniversitycan provide the ferment, such a laboratory of learning, like life itself. Guyanese are getting that learning right now, and with a difference. Theyarelikingit,goingover thepossibilities,withoutany specific guideposts and mileposts to help them along.
I invite thinking of this. ShouldmostGuyanesecome across a barrel of their patrimony,theymaymistake itfortarorthethickestblack disinfectant, maybe even molasses, if they can overlookthesmell. Butthey knowhowithasbeenusedas a weapon against them. To divide them deeper To cheat them barefacedly To trick and mislead them worse than ever before Having lived the blues at its most wretched, they reach fortheblue. IfIwereaman of the kind that infects Guyana's political fields, maybeIwouldalsolashhim with the bludgeon of sanctions. A bell rung, an outcast identified, a leper is ontheway. Sanctionsstand in place of the old leprosy The unhealed seen as offering healing. Recall what I tabled earlier: this ironyofironies. What will be his fate? I cannot depart without touching. Body slammed, pile driven, neck breaker,
and head crusher should all be forthcoming, litter his days. And there is the captivating virtuosity of AI recently introduced (and coming from here soon). I purposelyusedthelanguage of American wrestling, because Guyana's politics is the best imitation
Brawling, bashing, goring, brutalizing, rubbishing Fromdronestolocalcopsto UScops. Fromtaxmenused as swordsmen to political desperadoes unleashed to dealwiththenewoutlaw,the tribal renegade. It is not wrestling. Nor is it entertainment. It is the revolution and irony underway in Guyana Fasten your seatbelts, and enjoy the ride Some turbulenceahead. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
A16-year-old boy and a 38-year-old businessman were shot dead on Tuesday evening while six others sustained injuries during a shootout in Buxton, East coastDemerara(ECD).
DeadisLeonMcFarlene of Lot 71 Middle Walk, Buxton, ECD and Mark Anthony Correia of Lot 75
R e p u b l i c D r i v e , Beterverwagting,ECD.
Thesixinjuredmenhave been identified as 60-yearold Linden Adams of Side LineDam,Buxton,54-yearold Alwin Fiffee, of Middle Walk, Buxton, 26-year-old
It was reported that the
approximately23:47hrs.
Accordingtoastatement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the eight men were playing cards and dominoes atAsha Robinson shop in Buxton Around 23:00hrs, the 41-year-old businesswoman went to bed leavingthemeninhershop.
“The businesswoman said that at about 23:47hrs, she heard several loud explosions (sounding like gunshots) and she went outsidewhereshesawMark Correia in a slumped
Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where Leon McFarlene was pronounced deadonarrival,”policesaid.
The report added that McFarlene was examined and suspected gunshot wounds were seen on his right hand, chest, face, forearm, and right foot. The body was escorted to the GPHC's mortuary for storage and post-mortem examination Meanwhile, Correia's body was escorted to the Enmore Regional H o s p i t a l a n d w a s pronounced dead on arrival.
His body was examined and suspected gunshot injuries were seen on his back, left ears, left shoulder, chest, right palm, left jaw and one above the right eye. The body was later taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for storage and postmortem examination. The others who sustained suspected gunshot injuries wereadmittedattoGPHC.
Itwasnotedthat40spent shells (comprising one .40, twenty-nine 5 56x45, ten 7.62x39) were found. Four projectiles and two fragmentswerefoundonthe ground in the shop; which were photographed, packagedandlodged.
Several persons were questioned which revealed that one of the injured men hasanongoingproblemwith a gang referred to as 'Team Diamond', he is currently underPoliceguard. This publication understands that the three maskedmenexitedacarand startedshooting. Kaieteur News visited
the scene where the mother of McFarlane, Alexis Gill said she was at home when shegotthenewsthatherson was shot. She said she left (Continuedonpage17)
Friendship, ECD and a 17year-old un-named male fromMiddleWalk,Buxton.
position at the table with what appears to be blood oozing out from his mouth, noseandback.Sheraisedan alarm, and public-spirited persons responded and assisted in taking the other injured males mentioned to the Georgetown Public
“Based on additional information received, a silver-colored motorcar bearing registration number PVV7616or7661wasseen circling the area. This was the car that the suspects reportedly used to carry out the attack, after which they rejoined the car and made good their escape,” police mentioned.
Guyanese musician
Jackie “Jackie Jaxx”
Hanover has broken her silence to speak out against what she describes as systemic mistreatment and neglectoflocalartistsinher homecountry.
In a statement shared with on Kaieteur News
Thursday, Ha
ver expressed deep frustration over the lack of government
and institutional support for Guyanesemusicians,calling her artistic journey a largely solo battle for recognition andfairtreatment.“Iusually stay away from politics, but today,Iwillbreakmysilence tosaythis,”shesaid.Jaxx,a householdnameinGuyana's music scene, said she has faced years of exploitation, disrespect, and disregard from industry stakeholders
DigicelGuyanaonWednesdayannouncedthelaunchofits highly anticipated summer promotion "Punch & Win," offeringcustomerstheopportunitytowinfromaprizepoolof G$12millionoversixexcitingweeks.
ThepromotionrunsfromJuly17throughAugust27,2025, reinforcing Digicel's commitment to giving back to its loyal customers during the summer season, the company said in a pressrelease.
"At Digicel, we believe in doing it big for our customers everysummer,and'PunchandWin'exemplifiesourdedication toprovidingexceptionalvalueandexcitement.Thispromotion notonlyrewardsourcustomersbutalsoaddsanelementoffun andanticipationtotheirtelecommunicationsexperience,"said Digicel'sCommunicationsManager,GabriellaChapman.
Explaining the promotion, Chapman said customers can enter the "Punch and Win" promotion by topping up their mobile phones with $1,000 or more during the promotional period. Each qualifying top-up automatically enters the customer into a weekly draw, with one winner selected each weekforsixconsecutiveweeks.
The unique format features an interactive punch wall experience where weekly winners get to punch through random slots to reveal their prizes. Each slot contains a differentprize,withoneluckyslotcontainingthegrandprize of$2M,givingeveryweeklywinnerthechancetowalkaway with the maximum reward. The "Punch & Win" promotion officiallylaunchesonJuly17,2025,andconcludesonAugust 27, 2025. Weekly draws will be conducted every Friday throughout the six-week period, with winners contacted directly from Digicel's official number 592-660-1000 and invitedtoparticipateinthepunch-wallexperience.
andpoliticalfiguresalike.
From as early as age 18, she recalled being taken advantage of by promoters, subjected to inappropriate behaviour, and denied proper compensation or protection. “From the momentIsteppedonastage, people tried to control me. I
inappropriately, used, and disrespected - all without anyprotection,”shesaid.
Despite these hardships, Hanover continued to advocate for better pay and conditions for fellow artistes, but her efforts provedfutile.“Isawapublic figure recently say that Guyanese artistes need to raisetheirprices.Ilaughed.I was pushing for better pay forartistesadecadeagoand all I got was pushback and low talk One promoter asked me if I was Beyoncé. Another asked if I was from Hollywoodjustforaskingto be paid while they used my nametoselltickets.”
Her 2016 hit song,
“Guyana, ” became a national favourite, played across all local media platforms.ButJaxxrevealed thatbehindthesuccesswasa heart-breaking struggle. “Everyone refused to sponsor the production. The Minister of Culture at the time said no. GTT said they weren't interested I was homelesswhileproducingit, and my own manager, a Guyanese, was plotting to trap me in a contract to exploit me,” Hanover recalled.
She eventually funded thesong'sreleasewithaloan from a friend “It took everything I had to bring 'Guyana'tolife.Icouldhave shelved it due to the lack of support. But God said the country needed the song,” Hanoversaid.Evenafterthe song's success, she was forced to overwork herself just to earn a living, performing countless shows and being underpaid “Becausepromotersinsisted on limiting local artistes' pay, I did what felt like a
hundred shows to earn from thatonesong.Ievenblacked out once on stage in Puruni fromoverworkingmyself.”
Eventually, she stepped awayfrommusic,becauseof burnout and emotional exhaustion. “I was tired, depressed,anddrainedfrom fightingalone.”
Though she briefly returned in 2020 with a performance at the presidential inauguration, hoping the exposure would lead to better opportunities, she said nothing changed.
“By then, Jackie Jaxx had becomeahouseholdname.I assumed that being an established cultural asset wouldimprovemysituation, butitonlygotworse.”
Hanover criticised the politicization of the arts, alleging that many cultural eventsareorchestratedmore for political gain than to support talent “The standards I helped to build were being torn down by political agents in government positions who usedthecreativeindustryas a propaganda machine instead of funding and empoweringourbesttalents. I watched artistes who helped shape Guyanese culture be cast aside in favour of more 'compliant' acts.”
Hanover recalled one particular incident that highlighted the disrespect sheoftenfaced. Shesaidshe was invited to perform at a major event with just two days' notice When she quoted her fee, she later heard organisers say, “Why thef**karewepayingherso much?” Despite the insult, sheperformed,andreceived
(Continuedonpage17)
A32-year-old Corentyne man who was on the run for allegedly causing death by dangerous driving back in March of this year was arrested on Tuesday Accordingtoastatementfrom theGuyanaPoliceForce,ranks,acting on information, arrested Avinash Naidoo at Line Path, Corentyne Berbice, between 18:00hrs and 18:30hrs.
Naidoo,atthetimeoftheaccident, wasthedriverofawhitefielderwagon bearingregistrationnumberHC8905.
Nine-month-old Eli Surujnarine died while on her way to receive medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and her 19-year-old mother Sarita Bedessie also known as KavitaBedsan,diedfourdaysafterthe accident, leaving 17-year-old Tushan Surujnarine the father and reputed husband injured. On March 2, 2025,
around 18:30hrs, the family was on an electric cycle when they were hit by Naidoo along the Line Path Public Road.
Investigationshadrevealedthatthe electric cycle was proceeding north along the western side of Line Path Roadwhenthewagonhittherearofthe electric cycle.The parents and baby were injured when they fell onto the roadway They were picked up in an unconsciousconditionandtakentothe Skeldon Public Hospital where they were treated and referred to the New AmsterdamPublicHospital. They were treated at the New AmsterdamHospital,butwerereferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for additionaltreatment.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Wednesday commissioned a $360 million Practical Instruction Department (PID) at the Bartica Secondary School,RegionSeven.
This state-of-the-art facility marked the sixth such facility
from a grant, and US$1.79 million in counterpart funding from the GovernmentofGuyana.
Aboutthefacility,itisequipped with modern training spaces for a widerangeoftechnicaldisciplines. It features a commercial food preparation kitchen with all the
completedundertheGuyanaSkills Development and Employability Project (GSDEP), a flagship initiativewhichispreparingyoung peoplefortheworldofwork.
Accordingtoareleasefromthe ministry, the newly commissioned Bartica PID is a modern, purposebuilt training center which was constructed by KP Thomas and Sons and was supervised by CEMCOEngineering.
The facility was constructed and supervised to the cost of $273 million, with an additional $87 million invested in tools and equipment, bringing the total investment to more than $360 million,theministrynoted.
Kaieteur News understandsthat thePIDprojectfallsunderGSDEP, which is funded through a US$14 04 million partnership
between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Guyana. Of this, US$11.7 million came from the CDB loan facility, US$552,000
necessary equipment found in a professionalculinaryenvironment. It has a motor vehicle and small engine workshop which includes hydraulic lifts, a digital wheel alignment system, and diagnostic tools capable of servicing everything from family cars to heavy-dutymachinery,theministry detailed.
Also, there is a welding workshop outfitted for arc, MIG, and acetylene welding, while the furniture-making workshop features high-grade saws and woodworkingequipment.
There is also a masonry and plumbing workshop with everything from tile cutters to concretevibrators.
Additionally,thefacilityboasts a rehabilitated smart classroom equipped with computers, a smartboard,andStarlinkinternetto support digital learning, the ministrystated.
According to the ministry, while speaking at the
commissioningceremony,Minister Manickchand emphasized that this is the fifth such facility she has openedinunderthreeyears,noting that it is “a testament to the Ministry's unwavering commitment to expanding Te
underscored that this facility represents far more than a new building It reflects the government's broader intention to provide students with real options, academic and practical She expressedherdelightatseeingboys taking up commercial food
valuable, if not more marketable, than traditional academic qualifications.
She emphasized that the governmentisnotlimitingstudents to only academic subjects or predefined career paths, but instead, offering them access to
Education and Training (TVET) across the country, even after the significant setbacks caused by the COVID-19pandemic.”
Other facilities have already been opened at locations such as Fellowship, Hopetown, Beterverwagting, and St. Ignatius, witheachservingasahubforskill developmentandempowerment.
“Minister Manickchand
preparation and girls excelling in motorrepairs,pointingtoashiftin thinking that allows young people to pursue skills based on interest and talent rather than outdated gender norms,” the ministry reported.
During her remarks also, the Education Minister said that the world is increasingly recognizing that technical skills are just as
both academic learning and technical training so they can choose what suits them best in a rapidlychangingworld.
Further, the ministry informed that the newly commissioned facility in Bartica is part of a national push to ensure that students in every region have access toTechnical andVocational EducationandTraining(TVET).
This publication reported that while commissioning a similar facilityinRegionNinelastmonth, PresidentIrfaanAliemphasisedthe government's commitment to strengthening the TVET sector in responsetothegrowingdemandfor skilled labour and the historically limited avenues available to cultivatesuchskills.
The Head-of-State also outlinedthatthegovernmentisnot only focused on producing skilled professionals for the national workforce but also on equipping individuals with the capabilities to thriveinternationally
The Ministry of Public WorksonWednesdaysigned a total of 110 contracts valued at $1.5 billion to execute a number of infrastructural works across communities in Region Eight.
According to a brief release from the ministry, overseeing the signing was
Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, the ministry's Hinterland engineer Jeffrey Walcott and Minister of AmerindianAffairs, Pauline Sukhai.
The ministry stated that the contractors are from RegionEight.Worksinclude
/ rehabilitation of critical
roads, bridges, and concrete
Mahdia, Campbelltown, Brian Sucre Junction, Murwa,andKonawaruk.
“These contracts representamajorinvestment approximately $1 5 billion to improve infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the region,”theministrynoted.
A d d r e
n g t h e contractors,MinisterEdghill
emphasised the importance of delivering high-quality workandstayingcommitted totimelines.
During his visit to the region, the minister also inspected roads that were recently completed and othersthatareexpectedtobe completedshortly
executingitshinterlandroad programme last year, the m
approximately$6.4billionto upgrade the structures to asphaltic concrete surfaces, makingthemmoredurable. Presenting this year's budget,SeniorMinisterwith responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said interventions to enhance hinterland access will continue this year in areas such as Central Rupununi, Hosororo, Issano, Karisparu and Monkey Mountain, at a sumof$9billion.
TL o c a l Government and Regional Development has received five bids from consultancy firms to design and supervise works of a multi-storiedmodernmarket facilityatBourda.
he Ministry of
At the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office recently it was revealed that the firms are Innovative Engineering Consultancy Service, GR Engineering Company Inc., Sizwe Jackson Consultancy in joint venture with A+A Engineering Inc , CB & Associates Inc , and KalitechInc.
Third from left: Courts Optical Chain Manager, Mr. Richard Simpson; UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin; Managing Director of Unicomer Guyana, Ms. Gillian Matthews; UG's Chief Librarian, Ms. Debra Lowe; along with other staff of the University of Guyana and Unicomer, and children participating in this year's Reading is Fun programme.
All the firms have submittedtheirtechnicaland financial proposals for the project.
Belowarethecompanies andtheirbids:
MinistryofLocalGovernment andRegionalDevelopment Consultancyforthedesignandsupervisionof MultiStoriedModernMarketFacilityatBourda.
Bidder
InnovativeEngineeringConsultancy Service
GREngineeringCompanyInc.
SizweJacksonConsultancyService, A+AEngineeringInc(JV)
CB&AssociatesInc.
AmountTendered
TechnicalandFinancial Proposalsubmitted
TechnicalandFinancial Proposalsubmitted
Technicaland Financial Proposalsubmitted
TechnicalandFinancial Proposalsubmitted KalitechInc.
TechnicalandFinancial Proposalsubmitted
RegionalDemocraticCouncilofRegionEight Supplyanddeliveryofonenewambulance.
FHComputer&GeneralMechanic
CleanEnterprise $13,500,000
GuyanaEnergyAgency(GEA)
Design,supply,installationandcommmissioningofa3.0 MW(AC)Grid-TiedSolarPhotovoltaicSystematCheddi JaganInternationalAirport(CJIA),Timehri.
Bidder
M/SOrianaPowerLimited (India)
AmountTendered
TechnicalandFinancial Proposalsubmitted AshokaBuildconLimited(India) TechnicalandFinancial Proposalsubmitted
EvolveGreenEnergiesPrivate Limited(India)
TechnicalandFinancial Proposalsubmitted
Supplyandinstallationofone100Ton WeightbridgeatHaagBoschSanitaryLandfill.
y launched its 17th Annual 'Reading is Fun' programme atitsTurkeyenCampus.
The literacy-focused initiative is once again supported by Unicomer Guyana, specifically its Courts Optical division, and willbenefitover90children f r o m s u r r o u n d i n g communitiessuchasSophia, Cummings Lodge, Industry, andotherareas,UGsaidina pressrelease.
The programme, which willrununtilAugust7,2025, continuestofulfilitsmission ofstrengtheningliteracyand fostering a love for reading among vulnerable children betweentheagesof7and11. This year, as in previous
years, trained literacy teachers, with assistance from library staff of the University,havevolunteered their time and expertise to deliver the programme's activities.
Vice-Chancellor, ProfessorPalomaMohamed Martin, expressed gratitude to Unicomer Guyana for its consistent partnership over theyears,especiallythrough itsCourtsOpticalandCourts Inc divisions, which continue to invest in the d e v e l o p m e n t o f communities. Shealsoextendedthanks to the UG Library team and all volunteers for their commitment to this transformativeinitiative. Managing Director of
Unicomer Guyana, Ms GillianMatthews,sharedher pleasure at being part of the programme,highlightingthe company's ongoing commitment to supporting the University of Guyana and its work in uplifting children and communities. She noted how proud she was to see the impact the initiative continues to have and pledged her support for itscontinuation.
Beyond reading, the programme includes educational excursions, basic computer skills, poetry, and other creative activities.
Childrenaregroupedand guided through sessions by experienced facilitators drawn from the University's
library and trained teaching staff.
Chief Librarian, Ms DebraLowe,sharedthatthe library is once again excited to host the Reading is Fun programme and looks forward to seeing the children grow in their readingskills.Sheurgedthe childrento:
“Put your best into everythingyoudoduringthe next three weeks and have funreading.”
The Reading is Fun programme remains one of UG's hallmark community outreach initiatives and reflects the University's commitment to national development through education, training and experientiallearning.
As Guyana approaches General and Regional Elections, the SurinameG
GuyanaSugarCorporation Supplyanddeliveryofoneelectricalforklift.
Commerce(SGCC)strongly encourages all political parties to prioritise the completion of two vital infrastructureinitiatives:the Corentyne River Bridge and the modernisation of the CANAWAIMA ferry service.
In a press release, the SGCCemphasisesthatthese strategic projects will significantly boost economicgrowthinGuyana andSurinamebyfacilitating fa
movementofpeople,goods, and services between two
CARICOMeconomies.
According to the chamber, in the short term, m o d e r n i s i n g t h e CANAWAIMA ferry through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) will provide immediate economic benefits by improving reliability and efficiency “This upgrade couldincreasepassengerand cargo volumes by at least 30% annually, directly benefiting trade, tourism,
and small businesses along the Corentyne corridor In the longer term, the Corentyne River Bridge, managed jointly via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)withblendednational and international financing, would transform regional connectivity,” the release added. SGCC estimates that seamless transport via this bridge could boost crossborder trade by over 50%, attr
ific
n
manufacturing investment, doubletouristvisitsbetween Guyana and Suriname within two ye
completion, and facilitate faster,easieraccesstolarger SouthAmericanmarkets.
“Together,theseprojects promisesubstantialgainsfor both nations, strengthening Guyana's competitive edge, enhancing Suriname's m
ed economic development SGCCremainscommittedto supporting these critical initiatives, recognising that strong infrastructure is foundational to shared prosperity and regional integration,” the release read.
Able-bodied Sales Rep needed, ages 18-30 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 6191237.
Job openings: Truck drivers, Excavator Operator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send applications via Whatsapp: 689-1111 / 608-2114.
Wanted one Maid. Call: 6801282.
T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. CALL/WHATSAPP: +592-688-3201.
For Sale 6 used American made Dental chairs excellent condition contact Mr Vino on 661-3030 or 626-8918
Cement mixer trucks, Forklifts, skid steers, mini excavator, loaders, TM trucks, model M truck, BMW X3 series. Contact: 650-0402/6389929/652-0251.
Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.
VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Natrualisation guidance + application filling, ECT. Tel: 626-7040.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. For more information Call: 649-0956.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions will cost South America over US$ 7.3 trillion in lost productivity and healthcare spending between 2020 and 2050, according to estimations in a new Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) report launched on Tuesday.
This figure—equivalent to the entire annual GDP of Latin America and the Caribbean—underscores an urgent economic and health emergency, and the need to act now to prevent disease and protect development, PAHO said in a press release.
“These aren’t just health statistics, they are fiscal alarm bells,” said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.
“The escalating burden of
One night Watchman needed. For more infomation Call: 612-2125.
Cook/ Baker for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced. For mopre information Call: 231-2250.
Experienced Salesman, knowlege in hardware & stock taking, etc at Keyfood Mc Doom next to the Post Office.
Vacancy for Manager to work on cruise boat. Experience in hotel industry. Send application to 757-8231.
General Domestic ,Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 4 day work
Prime land @ Agricola Public road. 275 x 25, fence, sand filled, steel gate, etc. Call: 629-7426.
Double lot properties for business and residential at Lot 4 Station Street, Kitty Georgetown. Call/ WhatsApp: 332-250-9241.
NCDs and mental health conditions has become an economic emergency – perhaps the worst economic disaster in health.”
The report – Major storm on the horizon: Health and macroeconomic burdens of noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions in South America – was commissioned by PAHO and developed with the analytical support of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. It presents detailed macroeconomic projections of NCDs and mental health for ten countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
NCDs are already the leading cause of death in the Americas, claiming 6 million lives in 2021, with nearly 40% of these occurring prematurely in people under 70. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer alone account for over half of these deaths.
Diabetes is also rapidly increasing, with an estimated 43 million people unable to access treatment. Mental health conditions are increasing as well, further straining already stretched health systems and productivity.
NCDs: A growing economic and health threatThe combined economic losses from NCDs and mental health across South America are primarily driven by premature deaths, long-term disability, and lower workforce productivity. Individual country losses projected for 20202050 range from US$88 billion in Uruguay to US$ 3.7 trillion in Brazil, representing up to 4.5% of GDP in some countries.
“For decades, policymakers in the Americas and beyond have tended to undervalue health.
But the world is increasingly recognizing that health has not only intrinsic, but also instrumental value,” said Dr. David E Bloom, Professor of Economics and Demography at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and lead author of the report.
“A key goal of this report is to equip PAHO and South American decision-makers with evidence to advance the needle on the priority given to large, transformative increases to health sector budgets.”
The rise in these conditions is attributed to aging populations, as well as to in-
creased exposure to preventable risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, sedentary behavior, harmful alcohol use, and air pollution. Since 2000, obesity among adults in the region has surged by 67.5%, diabetes by 53.6%, and physical inactivity by 24.1%. Notably, about 67.5% of adults in the Americas are overweight — far above the global average of 43.5%, and the region has the highest levels of physical inactivity globally at 35.6%.
These trends, if left unaddressed, will lead to further economic stagnation, inequality, and healthcare system overload.
Progress made – but action must be stepped up
Despite the grim projections, significant progress has been made, with cardiovascular and cancer mortality declining since 2000 due to policy and intervention.
PAHO’s HEARTS initiative, implemented in 33 countries, has helped over 5.7 million people manage hypertension through primary care.
However, the report urges countries to “go further” in three key areas and fully implement proven, cost-effective interventions:
· Prevention: Addressing main risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diets and sedentary behavior can prevent many conditions.
· Early diagnosis and treatment: Health systems that detect risks early and act swiftly improve survival and economic participation.
· Financing solutions and global commitment: National health budgets must prioritize NCDs and mental health.
Fiscal policies, such as excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugar sweetened beverages, can fund reforms while improving population health.
“Healthy diets and regular physical activity are medicine against NCDs,” said Dr. Barbosa. “We can prevent up to 40% of cancers by reducing tobacco use, improving diets, and promoting active lifestyles.
And we can eliminate cervical cancer with vaccines, early screening, and treatment of precancerous lesions.”
Building stronger health systems and seizing global momentum
PAHO works to expand access to essential medicines
(Continued on page 18)
Childhood immunization in the Americas has shown encouraging signs of recovery in 2024, but significant gaps remain. According to new data released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, over 1.4 million children in the Americas did not receive a single dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP)containing vaccine, marking an increase in so-called “zerodose” children.
These findings are part of the 2024 WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), which show that while global childhood vaccination coverage has largely stabilized, nearly 20 million children worldwide missed at least one DTP vaccine dose, including 14.3 million zero-dose children.
In the Americas, the number of zero-dose children rose by 186,000 compared to the previous year, reaching 1,465,000.
“The Americas has shown a firm commitment to protecting its child population, but the gaps in vaccination coverage remind us that more must be done,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office of WHO for the Americas.
“Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to prevent diseases and save lives. We cannot allow any child to be left unprotected.”
Regional progress: HPV, MMR, and Hepatitis B see gains Immunization coverage in the Americas improved for several key antigens: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Coverage of the first dose increased from 86% to 88%, and the second dose from 75% to 77%.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV3): Rose from 76% to 79%. Hepatitis B at birth: Increased from 64% to 68%, a key step toward hepatitis B elimination.
For the HPV vaccine, the Americas has the highest coverage globally, with 76% of girls under 15 years of age receiving at least one dose. However, more effort is needed to reach the target of at least 90%.
Persistent challenges in DTP coverage and dropout rates Despite these gains, DTP1 coverage in the Americas declined slightly from 90% in 2023 to 89% in 2024, reversing a positive trend and contributing to the increase in zero-dose children. DTP3 coverage remained steady at 86%, but 9 of 35 countries and territories reported coverage below 80%, raising the risk of
disease outbreaks.
Additionally, three countries reported dropout rates above 10% between the first and third DTP doses.
These gaps reflect ongoing barriers in equitable access to immunization, and retention, especially in marginalized and underserved communities.
Strengthening immunization systems across the region PAHO is working closely with countries to strengthen national immunization programs through Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Maturity Assessments, completed for 12 countries in the last two-and-a-half years and already underway in Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Bolivia. The Organization is also supporting countries to target children who missed vaccines during the COVID19 pandemic, with expected coverage increases of 1–4% in affected cohorts.
Priority actions recommended by PAHO include:
Identifying and reaching zero-dose children with locally tailored strategies
Strengthening follow-up systems to reduce dropout rates
Ensuring adequate vaccine supply and accessibility
Training health workers and engaging communities to
counter vaccine hesitancy Embedding immunization in strong primary health care to reduce missed opportunities
“Member States must remain committed to strengthening immunization strategies through joint efforts so that the region can reclaim its historic leadership in vaccination and protect the health of present and future generations,” emphasized Dr. Barbosa.
Global context and call to action The findings in the Americas reflect global trends outlined in the WHOUNICEF report.
While 85% of children globally completed the full DTP3 series in 2024, progress has plateaued, and global gains remain fragile amid conflict, misinformation, and strain on health systems.
The global data also underscore the need for urgent action, particularly in regions with rising zero-dose rates. WHO and UNICEF have called for:
Increased domestic investment in immunization Closing the funding gap for Gavi’s next strategic cycle (2026–2030) Reaching children in fragile, conflict-affected settings Combating misinformation and strengthening data systems
On Wednesday, President Irfaan Ali announced that the government is currentlyindiscussionswith several private universities for them to provide services at the same rate the University of Guyana is being paid under the free tertiary education programme.
During consultations for themanifestoofthePeople's Progressive Party (PPP) spanning the next five years which was held at the Ramada Princess Hotel, President Ali said that several universities have reached out expressing their interestinbeingapartofthe programme.
“So, one of the things that we have seen with the free university education now is that we have more than 20,000 applications, I wastoldattheUniversityof Guyana So, we are discussing at the moment howweusethesameratesat the University of Guyana that we are financing in the private universities,” PresidentAlisaid.
He mentioned that the universities expressing interest are in the United Kingdom and other places.
The Head-of-State assured
the audience that
government “will be consulting with those providerstosee,howwecan include them in the free education programme up to that value, because today, more of our young people with opportunity at hand
want to be doctors, pharmacists, medical technologists, so we don't want to deny them that opportunity.So.we'regoing tomaximizealltheavailable
i n s t i t u t i o n s a n d opportunities within our country.”
Hewentontosaythatthe administration is looking to take the medical university to different regions, therefore making medical education more accessible.
“These are things that we're goingtoinvestinRegionsix. For example, we have a teachinghospitalthatwillbe constructed at New Amsterdam. We have the Guyanadigitalschoolthatis being created to have equal accessandbridgethedivide across our country,” the presidentexplained.
Speaking on the education system, the president highlighted that Guyana has a very modern one which deals not only with accessibility but also equity in terms of delivery, having 100% trained teachers, subsequently moving to train graduate teachers and in each category added incentives. “So, our education system will see continued investment, because we want Guyana to be a hub of educational services so that we can order revenue
through that type of educational services,” he said.
Government from January this year removed tuition fees from the University of Guyana. The decisionwasinkeepingwith the administration's 2020 manifesto pledge. Government has already begun to write-off debts by Guyanese who had studied attheuniversitythroughthe Ministry of Finance-issued loans.
Meanwhile, President
Ali described his government's future developmentframeworkasa pathway to prosperity, anchored by the landmark Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, w h i c h t h e P P P C Administration has turned into a national development plan.Hesaidthecomingfive yearsareverycrucialforthe next phase of Guyana's development.“Thesearethe years that will lay the bedrock, the foundation through which the developmentwilltakeplace, creating a united and prosperousGuyana.”
President Ali said the
From page 11 home and when she arrived at the scene, saw persons putting her son into a car to takehimtothehospital.
“My son is 16 years old andheisaverygoodboy,a good, brilliant, loving child,”Gillsaid.
She noted that it is hard for the family and others because he was loved by many because he showed love to everybody he came into contact with and could be depended on for anything.
The distressed mother said the suspects came in search for someone (name not mentioned) however, because her son shared a resemblance to the
unnamed person, the suspectskilledhim. Meanwhile, Correia's mother, who spoke with leader of the Assembly of Liberty for Prosperity, said hersontendedtolife-stock. She said she received a call fromhimonTuesdayasking herifshehadmoneytopay childsupport.
Afewminutesafter,she received another call from him telling her he was stoppinginBuxtontomake a purchase. The weeping mothersaidthatwasthelast sheheardfromherson.
Sheaddedthatwhenshe arrived at the shop, her son was lying lifeless on the tablewherehewasshot. Meanwhile, Minister of
Home Affairs, Robeson Benn along with Regional Commander 4C, Assistant Commissioner, Khali Pareshramandteam,visited thefamiliesandrelativesof theeightmen.
Minister Benn in a Facebook post assured the community that a full and thorough investigation will be done to ensure justice is served. Law enforcement authorities are actively pursuing leads, including the involvement of the motorcarreportedlyusedby the suspects. The Ministry of Home Affairs is also ur
h information to come forward as police continue theirinvestigation.
population participating in investment opportunities, creating a social framework that includes all of our people, moving towards the equalityoflife.”
visionforGuyana'sfutureis about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the country's economic and social progress. “It's about economic, financial, and technological inclusion. Inclusionthatwillseeevery segment of the Guyanese
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told participants that their suggestions would be taken seriously He mentioned that the initiatives in the manifesto are aimed at addressing the concerns of Guyanese Earlier this year, the PPP launched a new initiative where persons were invited to submit ideas and recommendations that would be considered for inclusion in its 2025-2030 manifesto.Thatprocesssaw some 2,000 persons filing m o r e t h a n 5 , 0 0 0 submissions “We know what the people's issues are, and those commitments you seetherearereflectiveofthe concerns that we have
encounteredontheground,” Vice President Jagdeo said. Heemphasisedthatallofthe policies outlined in the manifestoarelong-termand are designed to create longlasting wealth for Guyanese throughtargetedpoliciesand incentives.
Jackie Jaxx speaks of systemic mistreatment...
Frompage12 the only standing ovation of the night. But because she didn't attend a last-minute meeting the next morning, she was excluded from an international trip “The pettinesswasreal,”shesaid.
In 2024, Hanover took her fight to court, filing a $1.6 million lawsuit in the U S District Court alongsideIvanD'IvanHarry a g a i n s t O n e Communications for the unauthorised use of their songs 'Guyana' and 'Oh Guyana.'“,Iwasfacedwith the difficult task of defending my rights in a country where there aren't even proper laws to protect me. I fought tooth and nail.
A n d w h a t e v e r I ' d experienced before was nothing compared to what came next. Not only was I harassed non-stop online by the public, I was also economically targeted,” Hanover said in her statement.
Since then, work has been scarce Hanover believesherblacklistingisa coordinated effort to undermine her career “I've neverseenanythinglikeit.I still get requests to perform. But no one wants to pay Suddenlythey“can'tafford” the same price, which I chargedtenyearsago.What shocked me most were the companies that stopped working with me. I gave them some of my best creative ideas, but I was too naïve to realize how politically aligned most
Guyanese businesses are,” shesaid.
She admitted to questioning her place in the country that shaped her “These days, I take quiet walks in Guyana's countryside and ask God why Whywasn't I born ina place where my gifts and good intentions would be celebrated? Guyana, my country, my home… has deeply traumatized me. I laugh about it now because I've put down my fighting stick.Ididn'tstopdreaming, but my dreams are now for me Not for a better Guyana,”Hanovershared.
Inaninvitedcommentto Kaieteur News, Jackie Jaxx urged other local artistes in Guyana to speak up about their experiences in the industry, calling for a collective effort to bring change to the country's music culture. “I would like to hear other people's experiences. I've been very vocal about how I feel and what'sgoingon,butit'stime for a bigger conversation outside from me being the one to publish my experiences,”shesaid.
Despite the many hardships she has faced throughout her music career in Guyana, Jackie Jaxx remains committed to her music and is determined to continue creating and promoting her music independently “I've always been Jackie Jaxx I've alwaysshownup,blownup, and done new things. Now, I'm in a place where I can
showupinamoresovereign wayinmycareer Imayhave been away for a while, but I still have so much more artistic work to share. I am absolutelynotbackingaway from music, I will continue to do it independently,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting independent creators, particularly those who don't follow the traditionalroute.“Ifeelasif the independent movement isn't getting the exact amountofattentionandalso exposure that they should get. These are the people who would've felt as if they can'tgothetraditionalroute. Theroutethesystemhasset outforusbecausetheyareso many borders of entry,” Hanoversaid.
She further added, “In Guyana's culture, if you want to get things done beyond the limits of what othersallow,youhavetodo itindependently I'vealways beenself-funded.”
Hanover encourages the next generation to break barriers and demand more stating, “The young people in the creative art industry, theyreallyneedtheattention for what they are doing in terms of creating innovations in response to a lot of the systems who have been in their ways before in Guyana, the system is not always set out to benefit us unless you are walking on traditional road and I don't feel this is the time to be walking in the traditional
It accused the Israeli army and the US of “deliberately” committing “massacres against the starving people in a systematicmanner.”
The ministry issued the statement after the US- and Israel-backed GHF acknowledged this morning that 20 people had been killedatitsdistributionpoint in Khan Younis, accusing Hamas-affiliated elements offomentingtheunrest.
lateMay,atleast875people havebeenkilledtryingtoget food, according to the United Nations, which said onTuesdaythat674ofthese deaths occurred “in the vicinityofGHFsites”.
The Israeli military continues to attack Gaza fromthenorthtothesouthof the besieged Palestinian enclave.
At least 21 aid seekers were killed while searching forfood.
killed and others injured in Israeli bombardment of Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip. Israeli bombing ofdisplacedpeople’stentsin the al-Mawasi camp in Gaza’ssouthalsoresultedin the deaths of nine Palestinians.
who was killed in an overnight Israeli attack, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, July 15, 2025 [Mahmoud Issa/ Reuters]
(AL-JAZEERA) -
Since dawn, on Wednesday, Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 81 people including 25 aid seekers, medical sources toldAlJazeera.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said 15 of the aid seekers died from a stampede and suffocation due to tear gas being fired at Palestinians seeking food at a GHF food distribution hub in Khan
YounisinsouthernGaza.
“Forthefirsttime,deaths have been recorded due to suffocation and the intense stampede of citizens at aid distribution centers,” the ministrysaid.
S i n c e i t b e g a n distributing aid in late May, the GHF has been engulfed in criticism for setting up sitesthattheUNdescribesas “deathtraps”.Morethan870 Palestinianshavebeenkilled near or at its distribution sites.
Since the GHF started operating in the enclave in
Meanwhile, a child was killed and several other Palestinians injured as a result of Israeli shelling of the Bureij refugee camp, centralGaza.
Three other people died in an air strike near the alShuhada School, north of Deirel-Balah,alsoincentral Gaza and two others were
Since the war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, Israeliattacksontheenclave have killed 58,573 people and wounded 139,607, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry
In the latest 24-hour reporting period, 94 people have been killed and 252 injured.
Since March 18 when Israel broke the January ceasefire, at least 7,750 Palestinianshavebeenkilled and 27,566 have been wounded.
(CNN) - Israel carried out a series of powerful strikes on the Syrian capital Damascus Wednesday, escalatingacampaignitsays is in support of an Arab minority group involved in deadly clashes with Syrian governmentforces.
At least three people were killed and 34 others were injured in the attacks, the Syrian health ministry toldCNN.
Israel has stepped up its campaign despite pressure from the US, which has made moves to end Syria’s internationalisolation.
Syria has strongly condemned Israel for s t r i k i n g s e v e r a l government buildings in D a m a s c u s o n Wednesday, calling the attacks on targets including its Ministry of Defense a “dangerous escalation ”
Syriasaiditwill“reserve its full legitimate rights to defenditslandandpeopleby all means guaranteed by international law,” the statementadded.
“This blatant attack, which comes within the context of a systematic policy pursued by the Israeli entity to ignite tension, create chaos, and undermine security and safety in Syria,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement onWednesday.
TheUSsecretaryofstate MarcoRubioonWednesday s a i d t h e T r u m p administration has engaged withallpartiesoftheconflict toendtheclashesinSyria.
“We have agreed on specific steps that will bring thistroublingandhorrifying situation to an end tonight. This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we
Frompage16 and diagnostics, particularly through its pooledprocurementmechanism,thePAHO Revolving Funds, and is also strengthening health systems to expand coverage and integrate NCD and mental health services. Currently, only 36% of people with hypertensionhaveitundercontroland58% of those with diabetes receive effective treatment.
A pivotal opportunity to address this challenge will be the upcoming Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September during the United Nations General Assembly, where governments,civilsociety,academiaandthe private sector are expected to renew their commitments and adopt a new political declaration. PAHO urges all governments, partners, and communities to make health central to economic strategies, promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen fiscal and regulatory policiestoaddresskeyriskfactors,investin primary care, and expand mental health services. “Health is the foundation of development, security, and prosperity,” Dr Barbosa concluded. “Tackling NCDs and improving mental health gives us a clear path to a better future. But it requires bold, coordinated,data-drivenpolicy Thetimeto actisnow.”
Israel’s attacks marked a significant escalation against the administration of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa [Bakr Al Kasem/Anadolu]
fully expect them to do,” RubiosaidonX. Rubio also described the latest tension between Israel and Syria as a “misunderstanding” saying, “we have been engaging with them all morning long,” in a video Rubio sharedonXshowing him in the oval office with
USPresidentDonaldTrump. T
government meanwhile a
Druze but it is unclear whether it will come into force amid splits among thegroup One video from a S
SportsMax - Former West Indies captain Carl Hooperhaslashedoutatthe wholesale changes that saw Daren Sammy appointed as Testheadcoach,asheargued that the Caribbean side was making steady progress under former coach Andre Coleybeforetheabruptshift derailedtheirdevelopment.
Hooper’s scathing assessment came in the
aftermath of West Indies’ humiliating 176-run defeat to Australia in the third and final Test at Sabina Park, where the hosts were dismissed for just 27 runs the second-lowest total in Test history and the lowesteverbyaWestIndies team.
Setamodesttargetof204, the Windies collapsed in dramatic fashion under the
lightsinthehistoricday/night pink-ball encounter, as they succumbed to the swing of Mitchell Starc, who took six wicketsfornineruns,andthe seam of Scott Boland, who snared a hat trick of wickets forjusttworuns Theinnings included seven ducks, which also represents a new Test matchrecordthathasleftthe cricketingworldstunned
“ I t ’ s b e e n s o
disappointing.I’mangryand upset because I think we were building something good a few years ago. The boys came out here (to Australia)andhadafantastic Test win in Brisbane, drew the series, and then went to Pakistan and drew 1-1 Thosewerefantasticresults, and then we had wholesale changes. To see this as the end result, it’s like what we were building for the past two or three years has just gone up in flames,” Hooper said on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s post-matchdiscussion.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some
Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
It'sgoingtobealittledifficult ta
u t
y, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Haveyoubeenreviewingyour family history lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.
lost ground. “You take one step forward and now two stepsback,”helamented.
“Where do you go from here? We’ve got India coming in a couple of monthsforatwo-Testseries, andthatisgoingtobetough. ThenwehaveNewZealand. It’s not like we’re getting an easier opponent to rebuild against. So you just have to
Frompage22 and friends, where I get to showcase my talent and produce more high-quality performances.
Under Coley, the West Indies had shown resilience, notably bouncing back from heavy defeats to level both the Australia and Pakistan seriesearlierintheyear.But following Sammy’s appointment inApril asTest coach adding to his existing ODI and T20 roles—Hooper believes too much control was placed in oneman’shands.
“Somebody needs to be answerable. He [Sammy] is alsotheonlyselector Sojust imagine someone picking theAustralianteamandalso coaching it. He’s got all the power, so he has to be held accountable. I know that’s notgoingtohappen;they’re not going to remove him,” Hooperargued.
Hooper,whorepresented the West Indies in over 300 international matches, said the Test team’s promising direction under Coley was abruptly halted and is now facingasteepclimbtoregain
Frompage23 done, is debased Sabina Park’s and WI cricket’s history with an ignominy thatnoneofuswilloutlive.
All CWI and WI Test team leadership should resign now Rest assured thatwillnothappen.
Famous former WW-II British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill suggested to then very despondent inhabitants of England after Adolph Hitler’s and Hermann Goering’sbarrages:
“WemuskKBO–Keep buggeringon!”
Expect CWI and WI’s Testteamtodoexactlythat; justKBO! Enjoy! Cheers!
pick yourself up and try to getitrightforIndia,”Hooper added.PriortotheIndiaTest, West Indies will engage AustraliainfiveT20Is,after which they will play Pakistan in three T20Is and three ODIs. Another threematch T20I series against Nepalwillfollowbeforethe first India Test bowls off on October6.
I want to finish my international career on a high while being a role model for th
next generation of cricketers c
Caribbean.”
Head Coach Daren Sammy paid tribute to Russell’scareer.
e generations to come,” Sammynoted. Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde for the Warner Park leg of the series. Andre Russell’s farewell: CWI salutes...
“Andre has always been t h e c o n s u m m a t
professional and a fierce competitor Whether I was captaining him or now coaching him, his hunger to perform and win for West Indies has never wavered. I wish him all the best on his next chapter, and I hope he con
s to inspi
In a country where cricket, football, and athletics often dominate the headlines, squash is quietly carving out its place as one
ofGuyana’smostsuccessful sporting disciplines. Once seen as a “sport of the affluent,” squash is now breaking social barriers,
becoming accessible to youthsfromallwalksoflife, and much of that transformation has been fueled by significant
governmentintervention.
The sport, which recently celebrated 60 years in Guyana, has experienced rapid growth in both a c h i e v e m e n t s a n d infrastructure over the past few years. Former national champion and current Guyana Squash Association (GSA) board member, Alex Arjoon, believes that this r e s u r g e n c e i s n o coincidence.
“The relationship betweentheGuyanaSquash AssociationandtheNational SportsCommissionhasonly gotten stronger over the years,”Arjoontoldreporters in a GSA interview
“Locally, the public bodies, like the Ministry of Culture, Youth,andSport, havebeen totally receptive to our communication The ministry has definitely recognized the value of the sport and the success we’ve hadoverthelastmorethana decade.”
Withanewlybuilt,stateof-the-art Double-Doubles court constructed at the National Racquet Centre compound, squash has seen tremendous rewards months afteritscompletion.
Squash playersoncehad limited access to training facilities, with courts restricted mainly to private clubs That exclusivity helped foster the perception ofsquashasanelitepastime. However, with significant public investment in sports, includingsquash,thosedays areover
“Now we have the best facility, not only in the country but debatably in the
region, by far, in my opinion,” Arjoon said proudly The newly upgraded facility includes the first double-doubles court in the Caribbean, a three-courtsetupthatcanbe converted into two doubles courts, finally giving local players the chance to train under world-class conditions.
“For the first time, we can actually practice on a legit, world-class doubles court Before this, we couldn’tproperlypreparefor international tournaments Now the results of these investments are already showing,”Arjoonexplained.
This investment can potentially see Guyana assuming to regional powerhouse status in five to eightyears.
Just last month, Guyana’s junior squash team, led by Louis DaSilva, stormed to victory at the 2025 Caribbean Area SquashAssociation(CASA) JuniorChampionshipsinthe Cayman Islands. The team dominated in singles, doubles, and team events, bringing home the regional championship for the first
SportsMax - The upcoming T20 series betweenWestIndiesandAustraliawillbethe finaltimethatfansoftheCaribbeansidewill gettoseeoneoftheirrecentheroeswearing maroon, as the regional outfit will bid farewelltotwo-timeT20WorldCupwinner AndreRussell,whowillsuitupfortheWest Indies in his final two international matches on home soil at Sabina Park on July 20 and 22.
Russell, who has represented the West Indies in more than 140 international matches over a 15-year career, remains a high-impactplayerandwasselectedonmerit as part of the competitive 16-man squad looking to climb their way up the world rankings in the lead-up to next year’s T20I WorldCup.
The exciting Jamaican all-rounder expressedhowgratefulheisandhowproud
timeinthreeyears.
“I’msoproudtoseethat recognition, because this programme has done so much, we’ve worked so hard. This investment is not the be-all, end-all; it’s just allowingustopushthelimit even further,” Arjoon emphasized.
With nearly six decades of history behind it, squash in Guyana is entering an exciting new chapter Aspiring players from schools, community programmes, and diverse backgrounds can now see a future in the sport, something that was nearly impossible when courts were confined to private venues.
Arjoon, who sits on a now more youthful GSA board,seesthisascriticalfor the sport’s future “The board today has so many more young people and players on it, which is great representation. This is the generation that’s going to carrythesportforward.”
As government support continues to grow, it is with h o p e s t h a t t h e s e investments, transcends to all sports disciplines. It is quite fulfilling to see, the once niche sport, rapidly becoming one of Guyana’s greatest sporting success stories If the current momentum holds, squash could cement itself as not just Guyana’s most decorated sport historically, but also its most promising for the future With the supportoftheMCYSandthe NSC, squash isn’t just for a few,it’sforeveryone.
he feels to have represented theWest Indies and is honoured to have worn the maroon coloursformorethanadecade.
“Wordscannotexplainwhatitmeant.To representtheWestIndieshasbeenoneofthe proudest achievements in my life. When I wasakid,Ididnotexpecttogettothislevel, butthemoreyoustarttoplayandgettolove the sport, you realize what you can achieve. ThisinspiredmetobecomebetterbecauseI wantedtoleaveamarkinthemarooncolours andbecomeaninspirationtoothers,”Russell said.
He spoke about the rare opportunity of being able to close off his international chapterinfamiliarconditions,infrontofhis homefans.
“IloveplayingfortheWestIndies,andI loveplayingathomeinfrontofmyfamily
(Continuedonpage19)
ByColinCroft–Former Guyana, Lancashire CCC & West Indies International Cricketer
Do not kill the
messenger Itisnotmyfault that some West Indies Test players are garbage. My warning that WI would suffer serious defacement duringWIvAustralia3-Test serieswentunheeded. Most present WI Test cricketers are simply not up to Testplayingstandards!
How did WI cricket get here? More especially: Whathappensnext?
It is highly rumored – I heardthisinUKlastmonththatICChasincludedavery important item for its soon upcomingmeeting’sagenda, to especially consider the continued viability of WI team’s inclusion in World TestChampionships.
Allout27in14.3overs? We would have been ashamed of that even on Unity-Lancaster beach With such performances, what do you expect? Embarrassingisnottheright word! WI could become, perhaps there already, like Zimbabwe – “cricket fodder” – for superior Test teams in practice series
Va s t l y i m p r o v e d Afghanistan can easily replaceWIinWTC.
FORMERWITEST
CAPTAINS–HELPMAYBE!!
Where are Sir Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, Sir Vivian Richards, Courtney Walsh, Ramnaresh Sarwan, JimmyAdams,CarlHooper, Darren Ganga and Shiv Chanderpaul, all past WI Test captains, in this melee? No cheer-leaders allowed. Dosomethingelseuseful! Why do they not just form their (our?) own, breakaway “Test Captains Committee”, to save WI cricket from eating itself to death. TheyknowwhatTest cricket is about Most
filled with alligators, manicured lawns, walkways and trails, all around and in WDW’s unbelievable properties? Walt would probablyjuststop,look,then immediately drop dead (again)fromsheershock!”
Imaginations that Walt saw in swamps from his airplane in 1960s but he never saw in reality, for he died from lung cancer late 1966, have become megazillion-dollarsindustries.
LATECARIBBEAN JOURNALISTIC
politicians and business folkshaveabsolutelynoclue about playing professional sport.
Are some former WI c a p t a i n s a l r e a d y compromised, having sold souls and blood allegiances to politicians and other entities, ala jailed R. Allen Stanford’stime,tobethusly functional?
Just asking for I do not know!
Anyway, as an aside, whenever I take that short, scenic 35 miles (56 km)
drive from my home to WDW, for sight-seeing evenings, I always think aloud: “What if Walt Elias Disney (December 05, 1901 –December15,1966),were tocomebacknow,andtosee what he had helped create50 square miles of 1965 imaginative plans - of magnificently computerized shows, stunning animated attractions, miniaturized cities, spaghetti-like roadways, hotels of all levels, countless car-rental firms, futuristic innovations in aviation & aeronautics, world-renownedautomobile dealerships, restaurants for alltastes,gasstationsgalore, convenience stores selling everything, fast-food establishments, spotlessly clean lakes and waterways
most of the WI players, in fancy street clothes and ubiquitous designer shades, wereseenpartyingwildlyin “Mound Stand,” enjoying all, apparently oblivious, with no appreciation or comprehension, of the shame just done to WI cricket.
Tony Cozier became apoplectic; totally ballistic. Howhedidnotblowseveral human fuses, like a real-life dirigible explosion, is still a miracle to those of us who experiencedit.
DOYENS“TONYB”& “TONYC”
Similarly, what if WI’s latecricketingfriends-“The Two Tony’s” - Winston Anthony Lloyd Cozier, (10 July 1940 – 11 May 2016), better known as “Tony” Cozier, Barbadian doyen of Caribbean cricket broadcasters, and his compadre, Lascelles
Anthony Becca (10 November 1940 – 28 February 2019), better known as “Tony” Becca, Jamaican doyen of Caribbean cricket writers –were to also return now?
Unlike shy Walt, “Tony C” and “Tony B” would,
unapologetically, lambast WI’s Test team’s latest ineptitude at revered Sabina Park. Many times, in my involvement in Sports Journalismsince1994,Ihad to try to “cool down” Tony CozierandTonyBecca,both always seemingly close to bursting blood vessels, with angeranddisgust,astohow low Caribbean cricket had become.
Once, I really thought that “Tony C” would actually disintegrate. Not just “Blue Vex” but more volatile“Maroon,Blackand WhiteVex!”
March2004: WIhadjust beendismantledbyEngland; 47 all out 2nd innings, 25.3 overs;SabinaPark. WIlost that Test by 10 wickets. Immediately afterwards,
industryproud!
Conversely, some WI
Only God knows how “Tony B” and “Tony C” would have taken Monday 14July2025atSabinaPark, butisthatnotaconundrum? ‘Crofty” trying to “cool down”the“TwoTonys?” PLACINGBLAMEFOR WIMEN’STEST TEAM’SVERYPOOR SHOWINGS?
F i r s t l y , t h e commentators presently covering WI cricket are partly responsible for the mess of WI cricket. Have youlistenedtothemthislast three-TestseriesvAustralia? They are so scared of losingtheirjobsthattheyare no longer doing their jobs.
Sycophantic and ass-lickers do not do them justice Nobodycriticizesanymore.
Inaviation,whomsoever you are, experienced or newcomer, every six months, flight crew - flight deck and cabin crew - must comple
,
o check competency Failtwice,you aredone. Inthemilitary,fail once, you are done. While accidents still do happen, preparednessisparamount.
Commentary for England v India enthralling; Lords 3rd Test; was excellent, with expected biases, but intelligent, u n d e r s t a n d a b l e explanations,opinions,even jibes, made very enjoyable listening. Thosecompleting commentaryatLordsdidour
commentators cannot complete simple English sentences, much less properly transmit what they were seeing The broadcasts,WIvAUS,were awful! MysisterGloria,an ardent cricket fan, who taught English Language and English Literature for her full 40-plus years career – Classroom Teacher – with very strict adherence to correct usage of language, culminating as a High School Head-Teacher, probably sheds bitter tears whenever she hears WI’s present commentators shredding the English languageapart.
Some Caribbean commentators make such nonsensical, unintelligible noises that even Germanmade “Babbel Inc” programs cannot decipher whattheyaretryingtosay
Jesus, it was bad. I normallyturnoffthedribble commentary for WI home games anyway, then look at pictures or computers for scores. I am not nearly as capableas“BabbelInc.”
Secondly, Cricket West Indies, its President, Chief Executive Officer, and all acolytes, with continuous disingenuous diatribes, always looking for scapegoats, are also at fault forthissewage. Theymake noisesbutalmostalwayssay nothingsubstantial. F Y I Continuous T-20 tournaments cannot prepare anyoneforTestcricket. Itis the other way around Longer games, four-day games,canadaptplayersfor shorterefforts.
ThatishowWI,thenthe best Test team in the world, won ICC CWC 1975 and 1979. WI were always a brilliant Test team, late 1970s to early 1990s, its most successful span. The players, professional as we all were, adapted those exceptional skills to shorter games.
Instead of promoting cash-cow T-20s, sincere plans - no more studies needed - must now be implemented ASAP for proper regional four-day competitions.
Internally to all territories, three-day club games, and in schools, twodaygamesshouldbeplayed, toatleasttwofullinnings.
Thirdly, the Caribbean PrimeMinisters’Committee on Cricket is also partly
responsible. All personnel on CWI and that PM’s CCC haveabsolutelynoideaasto what it takes to become productive, successful internationalcricketers. The tailiswaggingthedog!
Attending flashy meetings, making useless speeches, gorging on expensive victuals, being advised by supplicant, mostly average former cricketers-‘YesMen’-who do not want to lose their existences, and playing ‘bumper-ball’ cricket on beaches,donotcount!
Finally, WI players are mostlyatfaultforthiswhole debacle. DidyouseetheWI batters come out in 2nd innings at Sabina Park? I have never seen an entire Testteamlooksopetrified.
They looked as unprepa
that tremendous Aussie fast bowling assault as startled animals look just before being over-run by fastmoving Boeing B-757s, on take-offs, on my airport, Orlando International; lost, blinded by severely bright lights,abouttobedead!
ThatistheresultofHead Coach Darren Sammy’s and Captain Royston Chase’s mummifications WI presentdressingroomsmust belikeFlorida’sEverglades, full of crocodiles, coral snakes and phytons. WI batters in Test No. 3 looked lifeless!
SabinaPark’sresurgence isgoodforWIcricket. Ihad hoped that slave ancestors buried under Liguanea Plains,whereSabinaParkis located,wouldbesmilingin their graves They are presently turning; very vexed! Ihadhopedthatthe new, impressive flood lights wouldworkwell. Theydid. I had hoped that WI’s Test team would somehow improve to honor Sabina Park’shistory Theydidnot. WI made new history; dismissedforthe2ndlowest Testinningsscoreever;27! RESIGNORK.B.O.
WhatDarrenSammyand Roston Chase, on the field, andCWI,offthefield,have (Continuedonpage21)
SportsMax-Despitethe WestIndies’humiliating3-0 Test series sweep at the hands of Australia, Cricket WestIndies(CWI)President Dr Kishore Shallow stood firmly behind new head coach Darren Sammy, even as calls mount for his removal following the team’s dismal showing with the bat and a historic 27 all outinthefinalTestatSabina Park.
S h a l l o w s p o k e passionatelyontheMason& Guestsshowashedismissed the criticism directed at Sammy as not only premature but rooted in long-standing regional biases, particularly because the coach hails from the smallerislandofSt.Lucia.
“Darren continues to get unfaircriticismbecauseheis from a small island. Some
peoplerunfromthatfact,but I won’t Insularity is something that still exists in our system that I believe we need to get rid of. Some of ourformergreatsmentioned thatinsomeofthetextsthat they have put out over the years.
So we can’t run from that,”Shallowdeclared.
Sammy, a two-time T20 WorldCup-winningcaptain, was only appointed Test coachinApril,ashereplaced Andre Coley—under whose tenure the West Indies drew series away toAustralia last year and also against Pakistan earlier this year
While many, including former captain Carl Hooper, have argued that Coley was beginning to turn the team around, Shallow believes it is too early, and unfair, to judge Sammy based on one series.
“When you unfairly criticise Darren Sammy, calling for his head after his veryfirstTestseries,despite seeing improvements in the team’sbowling,itcouldonly be insularity,” Shallow continued.
Asked directly if he stood by the claim that regional bias was the true reason for the backlash, Shallowdidnothesitate.
“I will repeat it if you want. Darren Sammy, the head coach of the West Indiesteam,isbeingunfairly criticised because he is St. Lucian And you can challengemeonthisbecause if you look at Darren Sammy’s record when he was captain of the team, he was criticised unfairly Now thatheiscoach,itisthesame thing. How else could you
explain calling for the coach’s head after his first Testseries?”hesaid.
West Indies’struggles in the series, particularly their inability to produce competitive totals with the bat culminating in the
frustrations among fans and pundits alike. But Shallow believestheperformancesof bowlers such as Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Justin Greaves, who made notablegainsintheICCTest rankings, are signs that progressisbeingmadeunder Sammy’sguidance.
Still, the questions will continue, especially with a two-TestseriesagainstIndia looming on the horizon Priortohiscommentsonthe Mason & Guests show, Shallow urged patience and
St. Cuthbert’s Mission cricket team is the latest to benefit from one box of cricket balls from this noble initiative done jointly by AnilBeharryofGuyanaand Kishan Das of the USA. Beharry,projectpartner,was on a recent visit to this Amerindian community to participate in a friendly cricketmatch,andhewasso impressed with the talent of the cricketers More impressive, he observed, wastheinterestshownbythe kidsoutsideoftheboundary area of the beautiful cricket ground, hence this contribution. The balls will be used to develop young cricketers Promise was made to provide more support to the young cricketersinthecommunity
Thisprojectalsorecently received a cash donation of $100,000 from a generous family,namewithheldasper request, to assist in the purchase of cricket gear for young,aspiringandtalented players.
The funds will be used onlywhenrequestsaremade forgearandarenotavailable
at the moment. We take the opportunitytothankyoufor yourkindgesture.
This project will continuetoimprovethelives
of youths in every community
Wearepleasedtobepart ofthedevelopmentofyoung cricketers in Guyana. Our aim is to keep them off the
streetsandgetthemactively involvedinsports,cricketin particular
To date, ninety-nine players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directlyfromcash,eightgear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, thirty six bats, four boxes, six helmets, thirty
unity
“We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world.
Progress is rarely straightforward It takes time, perseverance, and belief,especiallyinourmost difficult moments. The road aheadwilltestus,butIhave faith in the talent and commitment of our players
w h e n t h e y a p p l y themselves,”Shallowsaidin astatementonTuesday
“We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Ourbattersarekeenbutnow must be even more deliberate as they work to improve.Nowisnotthetime toturnaway Nowisthetime to stand even closer as a people These are the moments that shape us,” he added.
seven pairs of cricket shoes, twenty one pairs of batting pads, twenty six thigh pads, one bat grip, forty pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeepingpadsandfour pairs of wicketkeeping gloves with one pair of inners Many others benefited indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area along with the Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committeesalsobenefited.
Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the countryandclubleadersalso assist to identify same Progressive and well managedcricketclubswitha youth programme will also benefit.
Distribution will continue. Anyoneinterested to contribute can contact AnilBeharryon6236875or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
SportsMax - While the West Indies suffered a demoralizing 3-0 series sweep at the hands of Australia in the ICCWorld Test Championship, their bowlers continue to find individual redemption, as they made notable gains in the latest ICC Test rankings released on Wednesday
Leading the charge is young pace sensation ShamarJoseph,whoseeight wickets in the final Test at Sabina Park—despite West Indies’ crushing 176-run defeat—saw him climb to a career-best 14th position on theICCMen’sTestBowling Rankings.Hisrisecontinues a steady upward trajectory sincehisbreakoutdebutlast year
Josephwasnotalonein his progress Fellow fast bowler Alzarri Joseph moved up two spots to 29th, thanks to his fivewicket haul in Australia’s second innings, while Justin Greaves leapt 15 p l a c e s t o 6 5 t h , highlighting that despite the team’s struggles with the bat, the bowling unit remains a bright spot for theCaribbeanside.
The movement in rankings comes amid
historic dominance by Australia, who now boast five bowlers in the top 10, a feat not seen since England hadsixbowlersinthetop12 in1958.
The latest to join the elitegroupisScottBoland, whose six-wicket match h a u l i n Kingston including a hat trick liftedhimsixplaces to a career-best sixth He joins compatriots Pat Cummins,JoshHazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc in an Australiandominatedtoptier
Boland’s Test bowling average now stands at a staggering 16 53, with only legendary figures George Lohmann and Sydney
Barnes having taken wickets at a better average inthegame’slonghistory
Inthebattingdepartment, England’s Joe Root has reclaimed the number one spot after he scored 104 and 40 in the third Test against IndiaatLord’s,tobecomethe oldest top-ranked Test batter since Kumar Sangakkara in 2014.
Root edged out fellow Yorkshireman Harry Brook, who dropped to third, while Steve Smith overtook YashasviJaiswaltograbthe fourthposition.
ThePeople’sProgressive Party Civic (PPP/C) held its Manifesto Consultation at the Ramada Hotel in Providence yesterday, and while it was well attended, and the applause from supporters nearly drowned the building, there was a noticeable silence in the hearts of many athletes and sports stakeholders who werepresent.
That silence spoke volumes. I mean, yes, a couple who stood for a long time in a cued line to be heard,barelyhadachanceto beheard.
The consultation, townhall-style, saw President Irfaan Ali, and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo outlining their party’s vision for the future, should they be returned to officeonSeptember1.
From infrastructure to education, housing to healthcare, the President spokeatlength,passionately and confidently, about the PPP/C’s achievements over the last five years and their plansforthenext.
And truthfully, the PPP/C does have some notable accomplishments under its belt Guyana’s landscapeischangingbefore our eyes But while the spotlight is shining on new roads,bridges,hospitalsand schools,sportsremaininthe shadows.
Yes, the Cliff Anderson SportsHallhasbeentouched up. Yes, some community grounds and basketball courtshavebeenresurfaced. Yes, there’s a visibly stronger relationship between the Ministry of Culture,YouthandSport,the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission,andathletes.
And yes, the passage of the Cricket Administration Act and the Horse Racing Bill are monumental. But, sportsinGuyanastilllacksa cohesive direction, the kind
votes, or showcased when there’s a medal to celebrate. But building a sports nation r
commitment, not just politicalconvenience.
Sportsmusthaveitsown platformineverymanifesto.
It des
consultation Athletes,
, especially those with
that can only be driven by policyandpriority
The synthetic tracks in Linden and Berbice, both inherited from the previous administration, are approaching a decade of incomplete construction Thinkaboutit.
Theindoorfacilityatthe National Track and Field Centre and the one at the Racquet Centre in Georgetown have been stalled for nearly two years, despite the government investing almost $22 billion in sports over the last five years.
The question is not whether money is being spent. It’s whether it’s being spent wisely, and more importantly,strategically. Where is the national sports policy? Where is the eliteathletesprogrammethat guarantees long-term support for the young girl who dreams of sprinting at the Olympics, or the boy kicking a football in the ghetto, hoping to make it to thepros?
Building world-class facilities is admirable. But without the structure, withoutapolicythatdefines our goals, our athlete development pathways, our sportstourismstrategies,it’s alljuststeelandcement.You can’t put medals around the necks of athletes with promisesandapplause.
I’m not a politician.And I’m certainly not interested inbeinglabeledpro-orantiGovernment.WhatIam,isa journalist who has covered this space for 21 years. I’ve seen it all, the celebrations, the heartbreaks, the squanderedpotential.
And let me be clear, this is not a PPP/C problem alone. Every political party inGuyana,pastandpresent, has failed to place sports in the national development spotlight where it belongs. It’s always an afterthought, something trotted out for
Championship potential, mustbeconsulteddirectly
Stop lumping us in with “Youth” or “Culture” and expecting us to feel seen. Sports is a billion-dollar global industry It creates jobs, boosts tourism, improves health, fosters national unity, and changes lives. Why isn’t it being treatedassuch?
Hear me out, politicians,
party leaders, and policy shapers, if you want the votes of athletes and sports enthusiasts, if you want to truly invest in Guyana’s future, don’t just build the facilities. Build the systems. Put pen to paper Write the policies. Fund the dreams.
Engage the associations Andgivesportstheattention ithasearned.
Only then will sports no longer be lost in the noise. Only thenwillthesilencein the hearts of athletes be replaced with purpose, progress,andpride.
Hooper blasts coaching shake-up; holds Sammy accountable after Windies’ 27-run debacle
‘Because he’s St Lucian’: Shallow slams insular criticism of Sammy after Windies series defeat
