Kaieteur News

Open Letter to the Brave Men and Women of the Disciplined Services

Dear Officers and Ranks,

As you prepare to cast yourballotonFriday,August 22,2025,Iwritetoyouwith respect,appreciation,andan earnest appeal. You are not just guardians of law and order; you are defenders of our borders, protectors of our communities, and citizens whose voices matter Yourvotematters.

Over the last five years, d e s p i t e t h e m a n y vicissitudes, pressures, and trials you have faced, you havecontinuedtoservewith courage and dedication. For this, I say thank you. Thank you for standing guard in difficulttimes,forprotecting our people, for defending our territorial integrity, and forupholdingyouroatheven whenresourceswerescarce, morale was tested, and political interference weighed heavily on the Forces.Your service has not gone unnoticed, and the

people of Guyana remain grateful. We must also remember that under the Coalition government, even without oil money, the Disciplined Servicesexperiencedgreater respect, dignity, and professionalism.The rule of law was upheld, and you were not treated as political tools Sadly, under the PPP/C, we have witnessed how the Forces have been disrespected, weaponized, andmanipulatedforpolitical gain. This abuse has eroded moraleandtrustwithinyour noble institutions. Many of you know firsthand the unfair pressure, the political directives, and the attempts to compromise your professionalindependence. But on your D-Day, you arefree.Someofyouwillbe in uniform, others will not, but regardless of your duty status, when it comes to casting your ballot, you are under no orders. You are

guided only by your conscienceandspirit.Donot allow anyone, whether senior officer, politician, or otherwise, to influence your vote.Standfirm.

We must not forget the unresolved deaths of innocent Guyanese, the heartbreaking case of the Henryboys,thetragiclossof Naresh Singh, and most recently, young Adriana Younge. These families cry outforjustice,butthesilence has been deafening Ask yourselves, has justice been served? Or have politics stoodintheway?

At the same time, every day you and your families areforcedtoendurethecost of living crisis. Prices for food, transportation, and basic necessities have skyrocketed,yetwageshave notkeptpace.Theburdenis heavy, not just on your backs, but on the backs of everyhardworking

(Continuedonpage6)

APNU will improve the living and working conditions of our disciplined service members

DearEditor,

The Guyana Joint Services, comprising the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and its partners, the Guyana Police Force, the GuyanaFireService,andthe Guyana Prison Service will be voting today one week ahead of September 1, 2025 General and Regional ElectionsinGuyana.

At a recent at press conference held by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) I noted that presidential candidate Mr Aubrey Norton, pledged to improve the living and working conditions of our disciplinedservicemembers once elected to serve our country for the next years with;-

1.35%Salaryincrease

2.Yearlybonus

3. Annual $ 100, 000 cashtransferforallmembers

4.Taxthresholdraisedto

$400,000

5 Starting minimum salariesofatleast$200,000 permonth

6.FairshareofGuyana's oilWealthmoney

7. Rent to own Housing, water and electricity subsidiesandallowancesfor childrenunderto18years

8 Improved Barrack

conditions, modern equipment and expanded technicaltraining

9 A d v a n c e d technology, including drones, upgraded vehicles, digitalforensictools

10 Trans

promotions and merit-based

A

e constitution in police appointmentandpromotions

11.Anendtofavouritism andpoliticalbias.

I truly believe that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) policies to

AFC Social Protection Broad Policy Plan

DearEditor,

TheAlliance for Change (AFC) social protection policyplantotargetthe48% of Guyanese who are living in poverty and exclusion includes cash transfers and targeted payments to groups classified as "poor" "very poor" and "extremely poor." Cashtransferswilldealwith structural problems in deprived societies in attacking long term poverty by making payments to ensure school attendance and participation in health care, in effect strengthening human capital as a joint responsibility between governmentandfamilies.

The broad policy plan willinclude:

untenable- citizens must knowthatthegovernmentis only the custodian of the oil revenues and with an average GYD1 5 billion revenueaday,morethanhalf thepopulationisimprovised.

2. An immediate policy

improve the living and working conditions of our disciplinedservicemembers arecommendablesincethey stand on the frontlines of safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, protecting its security, and ensuring the safetyofeverycitizen.

TheAPNUCoalitionhas a leader who has strong philosophical convictions, vision and importantly, political experience and nimbleness. He is educated, articulate, and down-toearth and very academically sound.Mr AubreyNortonis a man of the people, as is evident in his decisive victories at the past two PNC/R bi-annual Congress Leadership Elections, backto-back And yes, Mr Norton believes in grassroots organising and is focused heavily on peoplecenteredgovernance. What

(Continuedonpage6)

1.Targetgroupsbasedon "self-declared" household income- people will not be excludedbylackofevidence offormalincome,giventhat approximately half of Guyanese are living in transient and absolute poverty Empirical studies from the IDB and the FAO confirms poverty-stricken communities with families skipping one meal a day to survive, respectively Added to this locally, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) reported that basic food itemshaveincreasedto75% over the last four years. A simple random survey (community engagements) via AFC's travels across G u y a n a i n c l u d i n g improvised communities and far-flung mountainous terraincorrelatesthereexists a highly unequal Guyanathe complaint echoes – "the rich is getting richer;" the poor is getting poorer" – the resounding question is deafening–"whereistheoil money?" This sad reality of citizens' literally scraping a living in oil rich Guyana is

emergencies that are air dashed to the city; Train indigenous teachers with more built schools, for instance, the village of Waramodong in the upper Mazaruni accommodates studentsfrom6villages;and an indigenous curriculum in t a n d e m w i t h t h e environment which is a means for economic survival.

participation in vocational training courses. Given that the UNICEF report reveals that our children are suffering from 'wasting' a childmalnutritioncondition, shamelessly topping the charts in Latin America and theCaribbean.Itiscommon knowledge that childhood nutrition affects cognitive learning and there is a

between poverty, learning outcomes and the attendant high school dropout rate in o

le communities.

3 The inclusion of groups such as street dwellers that are becoming more populated in the city; the differently abled that needs more resourced programmes for equitable participation in education and job opportunities; and indigenous people who are noteasilyreachedbecauseof far flung mountainous terrain. Some inclusionary s o c i a l p r o t e c t i o n programmes are indigenous trained doctors in built villages' hospitals to limit fatalities in childbearing, chronic illness and medical

In this context, the Alliance for Change Social Protection Plan include "keeping people out of poverty" with social insurance such as livelihood diversification; rural credit; microfinance which provide relief bysupportinglongrun growth with inc

me generating activities; And "lifting people out of poverty," with social assistance such as, targeted/general cash, conditional cash, mother to child health programs and subsided agriculture inputs which deal with more structural problems of poverty, vulnerability and food insecurity in the 50 percent poor communities acrossGuyana.

The policy reach is an attempt to end the vicious cycle of intergenerational transmission of poverty in poor households. One of its outcomes is to have the younger generations equipped to realise their innovative and creative ability Surely, they deserve to navigate careers in Guyana's economic boom and with reference to plantation fields, where job opportunitiesarelimited,to (Continuedonpage6)

APNU will improve the living...

Frompage5

w

attendance turnout at Cuffy Square-Durban Park on Sunday July 06, 2025 was the result of a wellorganised, planned and executed outcome because ofhisleadership. He believes in the grassroots and meeting people in society in normal

d villages, even as he has the knowledge and knows how

to deal with, and engage in highlevelsofdiscussionson domestic, regional and international policy issues andaffairs.

He is not boastful or arrogant, but more so, assertive,andinmanyways, humble.

He is going to make an excellentleaderforGuyana. Mr Aubrey C Norton leads, listens and learns from the people.

Ithereforecallonallour disciplined services

members to seize the opportunity today Friday, August22,2025andvotefor Mr AubreyCNortonandhis Prime Ministerial candidate Ms. Juretha Fernandes so thattheirlivingandworking conditionscanbeimproved. Itistime.

A vote for the APUN coalition is a vote for honesty, transparency, fairness, accountability and equalrightsforeveryone.

Yourssincerely

RayvonneP.Bourne

How much LCDS funding did...

Frompage4 also targeting 5,000 new projects in Indigenous villages over the next five years, using revenues from theLCDS.

What should be even more embarrassing for Ms. Fernandes and her parties is thefactthatthesaleofthese carbon credits (by the PPP) included legacy earning –i.e. funds earned for the

Frompage3

period 2016-2020 – the period theAPNU+AFC was in office – negotiated for by thePPP

In other words, the PPP earned revenues from the saleofclimateserviceseven fortheperiodMs.Fernandes' parties held the seat of government.

I do not know Ms Fernandes to be an Indigenous rights activist

except for the short election period, but I suppose the opportunitywasripeandshe attempted to seize it. My only issue is that when she advocatesforGuyana'sFirst Peoples, she ought not to do so opportunistically She should be consistent and honest – even about her and herownparties'failures.

Yoursfaithfully,

RavinSingh

“It's a bunch of...

v i c e p r e s i d e n t contended. Jagdeo went on tolistissueslikevotebuying whichhethinksshouldhave beenaddressedinthereport.

On the flip side, Jagdeo disclosed that he is pleased with the Carter Center findings that there is no evidence of a bloated Official List of Electors (OLE).

He said this finding confirms what the PPP has been contending all along

and would put the

Opposition's concern to restthatthelistflawed

“This has been APNU's battlecryallalong. They have been at this for the last several years, saying the list is bloated, thatpeoplewhoshouldnot be on the list are on the list so the Carter Center examined all the evidence, andtheyfoundnoevidence of a bloated list,” Jagdeo noted. Secondly, Jagdeo is also pleased that the center

foundthatthe2025election campaign is being conducted in a peaceful manner, allowing all political parties to campaignfreelyacrossthe country.

He added, “So I'm extremely pleased with those findings, because they're crucial to the conduct of elections, whether you have a bloated list or people can't campaign freely or in a peacefulmanner

Open Letter to the Brave Men and...

Frompage5 Guyanese The PPP/C makes wild promises every electionseason,butwhathas trulychangedinthepastfive years?Povertyisontherise. Many of your brothers and sisters still live in informal settlementsandsqualor Our hospitals are underresourced, with patients crying out for medication and proper care. Thousands still await houselots, while corruption and sweetheart deals thrive. Buildings may go up, but people's lives remainneglected.

Brothers and sisters in uniform, do not sell your vote cheaply A few dollars or quick handouts cannot e r a s e y e a r s o f disappointment. Remember, those pennies will vanish quickly,butyourdecisionat theballotboxwillshapethe future for your children and grandchildren. On August 22, you have the power to bring real change.Achange that restores dignity, fairness, and justice A changethatputspeoplefirst. That change is APNU, a Coalition with the best plan

to lift our people out of p

healthcare, expand housing, protect our borders, and ensure that justice is served without fear or favour The time has come to take a stand. Let your conscience guide you. Let your vote be the change. Together, let us secure a brighter, safer, and moreprosperousGuyana.

On your D-Day, vote wisely Votefordignity Vote forjustice.VoteforAPNU. Yourssincerely, AnnetteFerguson

We await the results of the...

Frompage4

GECOM are enough to suggest that rigging has started. Where has all the moneyfromGECOMgone?

We await the results of the census carried out a few yearsago.

To stay alive, Guyanese must go abroad for certain medications in spite of our appeals to the Minister of Health. Where has all the moneygone?

We have a Commission of Information headed by a gentleman who has failed to give the legally required information,andistherefore no more than a highly paid sinecure.

With the abundance of cash,ourtopstudentsarenot afforded scholarships to the Top Universities in Europe and North America, the exception being, of course, relatives and friends of the rulingelite.

The Police Force, once highly regarded, has been mangled, massaged, manipulated,and,withafew exceptions,hasletthepeople down.

Wherehasallthemoney allocated to the Guyana PoliceForcegone?

And then, of course, the senior police officer, who,

according to him, claims to have received eight million dollarsfromafriendasagift forhiswedding.

A b r a h a m w a s a Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier, and according to the PPP, was promoted as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works.

Which sane and sensible citizencouldhelpthepresent administration return to office?

One last bit of wisdom, they say, 'a Leper never changesitsspot'. Regards HamiltonGreen

AFC Social Protection Broad...

Frompage5 study agriculture as a science beyond manual labour; and not have succeeding generations void of innovative career potential because of politicalgreed

The family grant will be institutionalised under a d

include the indigenous people who are often excluded by

decentralised government ser

nte

ior locations This policy actionwillensureafairshare ofGuyana'soilwealth.

Sincerely DiannaRajcumar Candidate, Alliance for Change

Polling agents deployed across country

By Shania Williams

As members of the DisciplinedForcescasttheir ballots today ahead of the September 1 elections, political parties contesting the General and Regional Electionshavedeclaredtheir readiness.

The six parties that are contesting the elections include the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), A Partnership for NationalUnity(APNU),the AllianceForChange(AFC), the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), and We InvestinNationhood(WIN).

However, four of the six politicalpartiesconfirmedto Kaieteur News on Thursday that they have completed all necessary preparations, including the assignment of polling agents to nearly everypollingstation,tohelp ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.

Members of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF), and Guyana Prison Service (GPS) are set to cast their votes today Speaking with several parties on Thursday, all affirmed that they are fully prepared, with polling agents assigned across most

polling stations in the variousregions.

APNU's Elections Agent, Carol Smith-Joseph, confidently confirmed their preparedness. When asked whether APNU had sufficient agents at polling stations, she stated firmly, “TheAPNUisalwaysready The People's National CongressReform(PNCR)is thelargeststakeholderinthe APNU, and we are always ready”AFC leader Nigel Hughes also expressed optimism about his party's readiness.

“We are well prepared for tomorrow (Friday),” he said.Whenaskedwhetherhe anticipated any challenges, he referenced a potential issue involving FGM's omission from the national ballotinRegions7,8,and9, an issue he acknowledged could disrupt the voting process.

Additionally, speaking with AFC Election Agent Nicola Trotman, she further confirmed the party's preparedness, stating, “We are prepared for the Disciplined Services voting. All relevant ballot boxes were dispatched this morning(Thursday),andwe had agents accompany most ofthem. We will be covering the majority of balloting stations.”

Trotman added that the process has so far been smooth,highlightingthatthe firststageofverificationhad been completed, ensuring that polling agents are assigned to stations where their ballots are located, allowingthemtovoteifthey choose.

FGM leader Amanza

Walton-Desir also confirmed her party's readiness, despite ongoing legal concerns over its omission from the national ballot in Regions 7, 8, and 9 which are areas heavily populated by Indigenous communities.

She stated that her party has polling agents dispatched to all 10 regions acrossGuyana.

“Wearepreparedforthis election.

We have fielding agents in most of the polling stations as we continue to prepareforSeptember1,but I am genuinely satisfied for tomorrow's (Friday) elections,”shesaid.

The Presidential Candidate expressed confidence in a smooth electoral process, stating, “The logistics seem to be in place.

Commenting on the party's exclusion from several regions, Walton-

GECOM seeks 'no blackout guarantee' from GPL for E-Day -introduceselectronictabulationmechanism

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is seeking reassurance from Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company that there will be no power outages during the tabulation of votes on election day, slated forSeptember1.

Thiswasrevealedbythe Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud during an orientation exercise held onWednesday for international and local electionsobservers.

The CEO was joined by C h a i r m a n o f t h e Commission, Justice(Ret'd) Claudette Singh, Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) Aneal Giddings, Civic and Voter Education Manager, Nardeo Persaud, andPublicRelationsOfficer (PRO)YolandaWard.

The CEO explained that that to safeguard the integrity of the tabulation process, GECOM has introduced a new system where the votes will be

CEO

of GECOM, Vishnu Persaud

tabulated and entered into a computer system to be displayed publically on a widescreen. Persaud noted that the new mechanism is in k e e p i n g w i t h t h e amendments made to the elections laws. He said: “There will be an electronic mechanism that is put in place where each statement of poll will be displayed all and sundry will have a careful look at it. The votes listed there will then be

Desirstatedthatthesituation places the FGM at a significant disadvantage, particularly for members of the Joint Services who may have wished to vote for the partyinthoseareas.

“Wewillseekthecourt's clarification on as many of theseissuesaspossible,”she s a i d W I N p a r t y representative Odessa Primus echoed similar confidence in her party's preparations. She confirmed that WIN has assigned agents to all polling stations fortoday'svote.

“We have agents

covering the polling stations,” she stated. When asked about concerns, she responded, “At this point, ourprimaryfocusissecuring

the ballots. prior to the voting, because we are confident that the votes are ours.”

Multiple attempts to contact PPP/C Election Agent and Minister of

Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, as well as ALP leader Simona Broomes, wereunsuccessful.

D u r i n g a p r e s s conference on Monday, the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission(GECOM)also confirmed its readiness for today's Disciplined Forces vote.

placed on what is known as the district tabulation or the subdistricttabulationforms. Agents are allowed the opportunitytochallengeand we will not move on to the other one unless everyone thereissatisfied…”

Addressing concerns about electricity and power outages, the CEO said that lamps will suffice for the polling stations He said there is no requirement for the use of any electronic gadgettoprocessstatements of polls at the level of the pollingstation.

“So our lamps will be sufficient to take care of that.”

However, as it relates to the tabulation process, Persaudtoldtheobservershe has written to the head of Guyana Power and Light to get some guarantees that electricity will be stable on that day “I have been in contact with the head of GuyanaPowerandLight.In (Continuedonpage16)

Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) Aneal Giddings stated, “Yes, we are well poised for the conductoftheseelectionson Friday All logistical arrangements have been made. Atthispoint,thereis nothing, aside from force majeure, that would prevent suchconduct.”

According to GECOM, the breakdown of ballots distributedtotheDisciplined Servicesisasfollows:6,909 fortheGuyanaPoliceForce, 3,106 for the Guyana Defence Force, and 466 for the Guyana Prison Service. To be eligible to vote, members of the Disciplined Services must be at least 18 years old, registered, and listed on the Disciplined Forces voters' list. Those unable to vote today will have the opportunity to cast their ballots on September 1 intheirrespectiveregistered areas.

Vreed-en-Hoop women in brawl over use of alleyway

A group of women identified as relatives of a government minister were caught on camera attacking and physically assaulting theirneighbouronThursday at New Road, Vreed-enHoop,WestCoastDemerara (WCD).

Whiletheministerhasno involvementinthematterthe womenarebeingaccusedof using his name to avoid the law The victim, Priyah Harrisawan said that the women have been harassing and bullying her for months over the use of an alleyway that the said minister had built for residents to have accesstotheirhomes.

Harrisawan is claiming theyaretryingtopreventher from using the alleyway, tellinghertowalkaroundbut thereisnootheraccesstoher property She alleged that she has made reports to policebutthewomenwould alwaysboastthattheyarethe minister's relatives and wouldusehimtoavoidbeing prosecuted On Thursday tensionsbetweenthewomen escalated into violence and was caught on nearby securitycameras.“Welivein onetrackwayandIdoeshave to pass there every morning andafternoonandeverytime Ipassisaproblemisathrow down talk or something and this afternoon (Thursday) when I pass I was talking to my daughter” the woman said while adding “…I don't know if the minister sister's kids think I was referring to them because…they run out and they start quarrelling, talkingabouthowIcurseup the children.” An argument erupted but according to

Harrisawan she walked awayshortlyafter Footage showed the women following her to her gate as they continued to curse the woman and could be heard saying “you could go bring who you want we don'tkay'.

Harrisawan was in her doorway but things took a violent turn when they hurled an object at her from the gate where they were standing Harrisawan retaliated by hurling the object back at them before retreating to her home. The women reacted by entering her yard and attacking her The footage showed them grabbing her by her hair as she tried to escape them. Nothing else was seen as they tumbled into Harrisawan's home and out ofthecamera'sview Thenexttimetheywould returntothecamera'sviewis someone was seen trying to deescalate the situation by trying to pull one of the attackers away According to Harrisawan that was after theyhaddealtpunchestoher

faceanddealtthreelashesto her head with a piece of wood that was behind her door The matter was reportedtothepoliceandthe women were summoned to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station.

However, Harrisawan claimed that not all of her attackers turned up at the station and when she enquired why the others were not there, she was told that they don't have to come because they are the minister'srelatives.Kaieteur News reached out to the ministertofindoutifhewas awarethatthesuspectsmight be using his name to avoid the law He did not directly acknowledge that they were hisrelativesbutsaidhedoes notwanttobe“ropedintothe matter” and does not know anything about them using hisnametoavoidthelaw “I don't know anything about that (them using his name) but I know is a personal matter between neighbours whocan'tlivegoodwithone another and the matter is in thehandsofthepolice”.

Screengrab from footage of the assault

Harassment that strengthens

In the last six weeks, Guyana has been unsettled by a most curiousdevelopment.Anew party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), has emerged and acquired a followingthatsurpriseseven its sympathizers. It has no political pedigree. It does not come out of the long trench of political history where parties are born, nurtured, and aged. It is not like the traditional giants, the PNCR and the PPP, that trace their lineage to independence struggles and tooldcreedsofsocialismor

race It is a newcomer, improvised,builtaroundone man and his rich and kindhearted family And yet it has drawn a support that speaks not of ordinary allegiancebutofprotest. No one expected this. Political parties in Guyana areusuallyproductsoftribal loyalties. Their strength comes from geography, ancestry,andingrainedlines ofdivision.WINhasnosuch resource.

What it has instead is a story Astoryofamanwho, having risen, is then beaten downbythepowersthatbe.

And in his downfall, the underclass sees its own condition They see the humiliations they suffer daily And in the abuse heaped on the Mohameds, they see the pattern of their ownabasement.

Muchofthesupportthat WIN enjoys is not about programme or policy. It is about rejection. It is the rejectionofasystemthathas lefttheunderclasseswithout a future It is also the rejection of two parties that havedominatedthestatefor halfacenturyandhavemade of politics a monopoly, a

Two in custody in connection with death of Puruni miner

Two persons are in police custody assisting with the investigations into the death of 28-year-old Christopher Stephens, a gold miner from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), whose body was discovered in the Puruni RiveronMonday

This is according to Regional Commander for Region Seven, Senior Superintendent, Dion Moore. When contacted by KaieteurNewsonThursday the commander said “the bodygonedowntotown,we doing a post mortem tomorrow(Friday),afterthe post mortem we will do furtherinvestigations.”

Dead: Christopher Stephens

somebody wanted to kill him, a day before he was found dead “At 12:59 I wake up because my phone ring, when I check is me brother call. Blair told Kaieteur News, while adding that when he answered he heard his brother saying “Kevin somebodywantkillme.”

sealed door to others. It is, more so, a rejection, above all, of what people perceive as the use of state power to pulverize Mohamed and his family In that crushing, in that act of kicking a man whenheisdown,thepeople findacause.Andsotheysay that the more he is kicked, the more we will stand with him It is not reasoned politics,butitissolidarityin itsmostprimalform.

The government does not see this. Or perhaps it doesandbelievesthatitcan bludgeon the new party into submission But the evidenceisbeforeus.Every new act of harassment against WIN does not weaken it It makes it stronger

The Carter Centre has spoken of impediments placed before WIN in its effort to contest the elections.

of power It is a demonstration of authority for authority’s sake. And because it happened on the day WIN was holding a meeting,thesymbolismwas unavoidable. What may have been petty in design becomes grand in its effect. Thepeopledonotseetraffic regulation. They see persecution.

The consequence is that WIN gains a strength it couldnothaveearnedonits own. Left alone, it would have been an experiment, a curiosity, perhaps a passing excitement.

pushed down when one is already on the ground. That knowledge is intimate. And in Mohamed they see a reflectionofthemselves.

Moore then confirmed that two persons are in custody assisting with the investigations. Whenasked if the suspected murder weapon was found Moore wasunabletoconfirmsince it is an active investigation. Policesaidtherewasachop wound on Stephens' forehead.

“Isayboywhowantkill you out deh boy? He ain't say nothing, he say somebody want kill he and lash he off he bike,” Blair recounted Tatianna

Stephens the sister of the deceased said that her brother was new to the area and she does not believe he had an issue with anyone.

Kaieteur News reported that Stephens had informed his brother Kevin Blair that

“Me brother is na no problem child, he doesn't pickproblemwithnobody,” thegrievingsistersaid.

DEM BOYS SEH

Issuhwhenyuhtrytobenice!

We gat some good doctors in dis country Thiswasalwaysthecase.

Dem does tek an interest in dem patientsanddoesgooutoftheirwaytobe nice and friendly to them. Even in the mentalasylum,demdoctorsdoestrytobe friendlytodempatients.

It reminds dem boys of de story dem hear when dem boys was lil boy: One doctorworkingatthemadhousedecidefuh givehepatientsanicelilouting. Heclaim demlockupintheasylumalldayanddem need a day out. He carry dem to a cricket matchatBourda.DemdaysBourdawasde ground where international regional cricketusedtobehostedinGuyana.

Weeks before de match, he drill dem good. He teach dem how fuh respond to commands.

Dedayofdegamecome.Asdeteams start to come out on de field, de doctor holler: “Stand up, Nuts!” And every last onejumptoattention. Degamereadyfuh start,heshout:“Sitdown,Nuts!”Anddem

dropbackniceandquiet.

When de batsman hit a big six over mid-wicket, de doctor bawl: “Cheer, Nuts!”—anddewholestandclap,whistle andholla.

Later,whendeumpiregivedebatsman out LBW and it look bad, de doctor seh:

“Boo, Nuts!”And dem boo till de umpire earsring.

Doctor feel proud how de training work, so he lef he assistant in charge and gonefuhbuyahBanksandahcook-up. Whenhecomeback,riotbussoutinde stand. People pelting bottle, breaking up demsearsandsomeofdemjumpingover defenceand climbingpondesightscreen.

He finally find he assistant hiding. He ask:

“Man,wahreallyhappenhey?”

Deassistantshakeheheadandseh:

“Boss, everything been going smooth…untilonepeanutvendorwalkby andholler:‘PEANUTS!’”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

The public sees something darker They see an attempt at coercion and the use of state power to block the simple right of a citizen to compete for power And each such attempt deepens the impression of a government that is afraid, a government thatisvindictive.

The latest incident in Skeldonwasalmostbanalin its ordinariness Traffic rankshavetherighttostopa motorist That is not disputed But to stop a vehicle, to hold the driver waiting idly by the roadside while the ranks go about their errands—this is not e n f o r c e m e n t b u t harassment.

Itisanunreasonableuse

But WIN has a terminal weakness. Its weakness is that its programme does not speaktheradicallanguageof the underclasses. It speaks instead the language of reform,asofterthing,athing whichintheendmaybecoopted by the very bourgeois state it sets out to oppose. This is the paradox ofWIN. It wins the sympathy of the lumpen not because it promises them to overturn an oppressive situation, but becauseitisharassed.

InGuyanatoday,politics has little to do with programmes The people haveheardpromisesbefore. They have heard of houses, of jobs, of investments, of highways, pensions, wage increases and cash grants. Theydonotbelieve.

What they do believe in is the spectacle of a man persecuted.

They know what it means to be stopped on the roadfornoreason,tobeleft standing while an officer exercises his power idly They know what it is to be

The government, in its blindness,doesnotcalculate this It imagines that harassmentwilldiminishthe manandhisparty Itdoesnot see that every act of persecution enlarges him. Hegrowsinstatureprecisely because he is attacked.And the underclasses, for whom politics has been only the management of their despair,areawakeningtothe p o s s i b i l i t y o f resistance not through grand ideologies, but through loyalty to the man who is being hunted and tormented.

Thisisthenewcurrentin thecountry Itisnotclearifit willendure.Itmaydissipate when votes are counted, for WINhasyettoofferavision that truly overturns the existingorder Butfornowit isreal.

Itisalive.Andittellsus something deep about Guyana: that the people are prepared to say, in their rough way, “The more you strikehim,themorewewill standwithhim.”

That is not weakness. Thatispower

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Like Christians of old

WIN's Mohamed is a Muslim, according to my intelligence.Howmuchofa believer,practitioner,isupin theair,unknowntome.

But forced to operate in st21 century political Guyana, he is in back in the st1 century of the Roman Empire under despots for emperors Moving from house to house on feathery feet. Plus, muffled tones of engagement. Andunderthe coverofveilsofsecrecyand thethickcanopyofdarkness. Thatwasthelifeoftheearly Christian pioneers when sharing the Good News of the Kingdom, of the hopes thatcamewithit.

By no stretch of the imagination, or any element ofreality,doesMr Azruddin Mohamed, he of the teachings and prospects of theWINdoctrinecanbesaid to be a Christian pioneer

Perhaps, a Guyanese political pioneer, but not a

Christian one Yet his travels and travails bear an eerie similarity to the existence of the heroes and martyrstoilingonwardinthe fledgling activities of those first missionaries of the Book. Mr Mohamed does have his own book, but he has had the book thrown at him by the Americans first, withhisownformerbrothers following close on those foreign heels. To push the envelopetothelimit,maybe past it, he must have some passingideaofwhatitislike to be the carpenter's son from Galilee. Whether as old as two thousand years ago, or as new as just yesterday, the sting of betrayalpiercesdeeply,lasts eternally

Now he is hounded everywhere, with no place being free, where he is allowed to show his face, rest his head. If there was everaGuyaneseforcedtobe

on the run, it is WIN Mohamed. The PPP is determinedtomakehiminto a loser, even if its people have to end looking like the lowestlosers.

Now he is cornered everywhere, and every avenue slammed shut, with one roadblock after another in different parts of Guyana erected to thwart his presence, or undermine his arrival. A king in full paraphernalia, and with royalcarriageintact,hasnot been subject to such welllaid plans of welcome. Sad to report, not even a president of the United StatesofAmerica,Guyana's special friend, and defender of the PPP Government's cause, would be afforded such a thoughtful, wellorchestrated greeting party For his part, the candidate that is generating so many waves,responsibleformuch consternation in the breasts

of Jagdeo and his Palace Guard, may think of his receptions as more that of a hunting party than a welcomingparty

Now he is pushed and squeezed into one tight corner after another He seeks refuge in the waiting arms and listening ears of private homes My recommendation is that he walks with his own trusted tastetesterandwatercarrier I must admit that this is a curious kind of democracy thathonorablemenlikeVice President Jagdeo practice in this country I always thought that democracy was standardized. Now I know that in Guyana, Dr Jagdeo mixed his own toxic brew Brewed at Freedom House and State House, it is marketed: Get Mohamed. Deny Mohamed. Diminish Mohamed Destroy Mohamed. Drag him into thegutter,evenifonehasto get gutted from head to toe and all the way to the

underwear Funny, this Jagdeo and PPPdemocracy

Checkthisout.

No public gathering, says agents of the ruling party, the VP No ads accepted in the sprawling State media The government's preference is to use taxpayers' money to beat him to a pulp. No presence on any channel controlled by the local despots and their zealous enforcers. Mohamed now knowswhatitistofallfrom the throne of luxury, from a protected species, to the dungeons of a political leadership penitentiary in Guyana's democracy What does that say about free and fair, what reasonable, credible? To some degree, that is what is now the PPP storyforthemanfromWIN, whobelievesthathecanwin something, and who Jagdeo and company have a frightening feeling that he could just pull off such a September shocker Me, I

limit my beliefs to the Messiah and not in mortal men,mereman.

Now Mohamed knows the shaky, uncertain existence of an old jailbird. Freeasthewind,yettwiceas scrutinized, doubly pursued by vengeful men. I see a man made into a national felon, a fugitive from the clutchesofapoliticalgulag, escapee from the PPP chain gang. Nowonderhighpriest Jagdeo is beside himself with fury, many varieties of frenzy Mohamed is dangerous. He must be stopped, whatever it takes, evenabox. Thepastisnow the present. Asia Minor under the Romans reincarnated as Guyana underthePPP

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

Fire destroys Chinese supermarket at Charity

Best Choice Supermarket being destroyed by fire on Thursday

AfireonThursday at Charity, E

i b o Coast, Region Two destroyed a two-story building which housed a Chinese supermarket on the bottom flat and the living quarters of a businessman andhiswifeonthetopflat.

Reports reaching Kaieteur News are that the fire started around 13:30hrs at Best Choice Supermarket located at Lot 103 Charity RiverDam,Essequibo. The supermarket is owned by a 22-year-old Chinesewomanidentifiedas

Siyi Zheng but the property is owned by 53-year-old HaimchandraNarineandhis wifeVernelNarinewhowere occupying the top-flat of the building. TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) have launched an investigation into the fire that destroyed the building. According to reports, the Chinese woman said she was in the cashier booth when her female employee told her that there is a fire in the ceiling of the supermarket She (The Chinese Woman) reportedly

pickedupafireextinguisher and attempted to put out the flamesbutitbeganspreading rapidly When it got beyond her control she and her employee ran out of the building. At the time only Vernel Narine,oneoftheownersof theproperty,washomeinthe top flat and according to reports,shetooranoutasthe entire building quickly became engulfed in flames. Fire fighters responded and were able to contain the fire but could not save the property from being completelydestroyed.

Kaieteur Entertainment Kaieteur

Entertainment

Four contestants set to compete in inaugural national pageant tonight “Miss

Cosmo Guyana”

This evening will mark a historic milestone in Guyana's pageantrylandscapewhenthefirstever Miss Cosmo Guyana national pageant is hosted at the Guyana MarriottHotel.

The coronation, scheduled for 7:00PM, promises an evening of glamour, talent, and fierce competition as four accomplished young women: Doneeta Ramlakhan, Miriam Alexander, Kayla King and Sasha Khellawan, vieforthecovetedtitle.

The inaugural Miss Cosmo Guyana pageant represents more t

y competition, it marks Guyana's formal entry into the rapidly growingMissCosmointernational pageantsystem,whichemphasises communityservice,empowerment, and diversity The pageant aims to empower women as well as promote diversity and inclusion in

Guyana,

the beauty industry, aligning perfectly with modern pageantry's

superficiality

Universe Guyana contestant, Misha Caleb was chosen based on

performance in Miss Universe Guyana 2024, to represent the beautiful land of Guyana at the Miss Cosmo International pageant last year in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with participants from fifty-nine countries and territories. This selection made her Miss Cosmo Guyana 2024, a title she will ceremoniously pass on to her successor tonight However, tonight will be the inaugural hostingofapageantforthecoveted title.

The Miss Cosmo Guyana pageant is organized by APPLY Global Productions, LLC, under

Guyana is poised to shine brightly on the world map as the MinistryofTourism,Industry,and Commerce, through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), partners with Outlook Travel Magazine on the upcoming GuyanaTravelGuide.

According to the GTA, this partnership will make Guyana a toptravelandbusinessdestination, highlighting its heritage and sustainabletourism.

The guide will be featured on Outlook Travel's magazines, websites, social media, and newsletter, as well as on GTA's platforms.

It will highlight Guyana's diverse offerings, including a

(L-R) Miss Cosmo Guyana 2025 Contestants, Doneeta Ramlakhan, Sasha Khellawan, Kayla King and MiriamAlexander

the direction of Teri BrownWalker,apageantdirectorwhohas been making waves in Guyanese pageantry, with Miss Universe Guyanaalsounderherleadership.

Thefourcontestantscompeting tonig

epresen

diverse backgrounds and achievements, each bringing their unique perspective and platform to the

stage. The winner of Miss Cosmo Guyana 2025 will earn the right to represent the country at the upcoming Miss Cosmo International, scheduled for December 2025, where Ketut PermataJuliastridofIndonesiawill crown her successor at the end of theevent.

The Miss Cosmo Guyana

pageantnowcreatesaplatformfor youngGuyanesewomentoamplify their voices and initiatives for positive change Following in Caleb's footsteps, the next Miss CosmoGuyanawillbeexpectedto use her title to make meaningful contribu

ns to society, particularly in areas of community (Continueonpage16)

MixMasterTonycelebrates11years withfree"SunsetSolo"eventtonight

TSurgeonisgiving backtohissupportersinthe most fitting way possible, with four hours of uninterrupted musical entertainment by the seaside.

Tonight, August 22nd, from 5 PM to 9 PM, Georgetown's iconic KingstonSeawallEsplanade will transform into the ultimatemusicaldestination as Mix Master Tony, also known as The South

experiences and activities, while providing readers with insights on how to maximise their time in

D e s t i n a t i o n G u y a n a

Furthermore, an 18 per cent increase was recorded in visitor arrivalsfromJanuarytoJuly2025. This represents 242,655 visitors, compared to 205,646 arrivals duringthesameperiodin2024.

According to the Ministry of Tourism,IndustryandCommerce, this growth occurred over seven months, with the United States (100,331),theCaribbean(76,247), Canada (17,783), and Europe (14,079) contributing. As Guyana continuestoattractattentionforits sustainable development and naturalallure,thistravelguidewill serve as a valuable reference for travellersandinvestors.

American Surgeon, celebratesamajormilestone inhiscareer ThetalentedDJ is marking 11 years in entertainment with "Sunset Solo,"afreeeventdesigned to thank the supporters who have been with him throughouthisjourney

For Mix Master Tony, this celebration comes at a particularly meaningfultime.Justmonthsafter securing his coveted two-year contractwithUberSocaCruisefor 2025and2026,theGuyaneseDJis takingamomenttohonourhisroots and the community that helped shapehiscareer

"Thiseventismywayofsaying thank you to everyone who has supportedmefromthebeginning,” he said. The choice of Kingston Seawall Esplanade as the venue couldn't be more appropriate. The seaside location offers the perfect ambianceforaneveningofmusical

celebration, with the cool Atlantic breeze providing natural air conditioning as the sun sets over Georgetown The four-hour timeframe is strategically planned to capture the transition from daylight to evening, creating an atmospheric backdrop for Tony's signaturesound.

The event is completely free, removinganybarriersforfanswho want to experience Tony's artistry in an intimate, seaside setting.

Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and enjoy the cool sea breeze while being entertained by one of Guyana's most celebrated musicaltalents.

True to its name, "Sunset Solo" promises four hours of uninterrupted entertainment, allowing Mix Master Tony to showcase the full range of his musical prowess without the typical constraints of shared lineupsortimerestrictions. This format gives the celebrated DJ the freedom to take attendees on a complete musical journey, fromhisearlyinfluencesto the contemporary soca sounds that have made him ahouseholdname.

The event has garnered supportfromkeyplayersin the entertainment industry, with partnerships from Choke,Lezo,andKeynote, demonstrating the respect Tony has earned among his peersoverthepastdecade.

ForthosefollowingMixMaster Tony's career trajectory, tonight's event represents more than just a celebration,it'sastrategicmoment inhisjourneytowardbecomingthe international traveling DJ he's always envisioned. With his Uber Soca Cruise debut still months away, events like "Sunset Solo" allow him to maintain momentum while testing new material and deepening his connection with his core audience. The timing also allows Tony to fine-tune his extended set capabilities, valuable preparation for the international stagesthatawaithimlaterthisyear

WANTED VACANCY

Canter driver with at least 2 years experience & Hauler driver with atleast 3 years experience. Tele: 644-7088 / 624-7248.

One live in Maid to work at Mon Repos, E.C.D. Tele : 6447088 / 624-7248.

Job openings: Truck drivers, AC Technician, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send applications via Whatsapp: 689-1111 / 6082114.

Able bodied security to work. Apply 21 Seaforth street, Campbellville. Tele: 621-5140.

General Domestic with cooking experience. East Bank Area, preferably. Call: 6761148.

One Porter to work on Sheriff St. Georgetown. Must have knowledge of Hardware and how to operate a forklift. Call: 689-4041

Wanted: Armed and unarmed Security Personnel, signing bonus attached. Contact: 603-5140.

Wanted: Experienced Security Supervisor and Office Assistant. Drivers license will be an asset. Contact: 603-5140.

Wanted one Maid. Call: 6801282.

LAND FOR SALE

Prime land @ Agricola Public road. 275 x 25, fence, sand filled, steel gate, etc. For more information Call: 629-7426.

T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL/WHATSAPP: +592688-3201. FOR SALE

Small Farmers mini Tractor. Contact: 624-0646 / 687-0453.

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

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

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hiring Factory Workers. Tel# 226-2621.

Room Attendant & Desk Staff needed. 25-45 years old at 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Wash Bay worker needed, Nandy park East Bank Demerara. Tele : 682-1616 / 233-5227.

Vacancy exists for 2 experienced electrician and an apprentice. Call: 644-9084 / 6449635.

One (1) qualify physiotherapist for home services in East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Vacancy for bodywork guy. Monday to Saturday. 36k60 k per week depends on skills. Call: 644-0833.

Licensed, Experienced , Responsible & Reliable Howo long base Truck drivers needed on the Westside. Call / Whatsapp: 680-6041Home Cook to work in Houston, E.B.D. Call/WhatsApp 6230133 to apply.

One experienced Driver to make purchases in Georgetown, Ages 25-55 Years preferred. Contact : 701-4000.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956. 2008 Toyota Premio, fully loaded with dark interior. Excellent condition, 2.1 mil. For more information Contact: 670-1705.

FOR RENT

Fully furnished 2 & 3 bedroom Luxury apartments to rent $2,000 USD (Monthly). Tel No: 682-2585 / 712-8641.

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

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

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves Gaza City seizure despite ceasefire talks

(ALJAZEERA) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will give final approval for the seizure of Gaza City while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all the remaining captives and ending the nearly two-year-old war, but on “terms acceptable to Israel”. Speaking to soldiers near Gaza on Thursday, Netanyahu said he was still set on approving plans for seizing Gaza City, the densely populated centre at the heart of the Palestinian enclave, forcibly displacing close to 1 million people and carrying out the systematic demolitions of Palestinian homes.

“At the same time I have issued instructions to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel,” Netanyahu said, adding: “We are in the decision-making phase.” The wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days after Netanyahu grants final approval at a meeting with senior security officials later on Thursday. Israeli forces have already stepped up attacks there, and thousands of Palestinians have left their homes as Israeli tanks edged closer to Gaza City over the last 10 days.

Hamas said earlier this week that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from mediators Qatar and Egypt, which, if accepted by Israel, could forestall the assault.

Israel’s army plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more. The proposal on the table calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living captives held in Gaza by Hamas and of 18 bodies. In turn, Israel would release about 200 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Once the temporary ceasefire begins, the proposal is for Hamas and Israel to begin negotiations on a permanent ceasefire that would include the return of the remaining captives.

Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, has likened Netanyahu’s announcement about relaunching purported truce talks while the military escalates its assault on Gaza City to “negotiation under fire”. “There will be no stoppage of the fighting. There will be no breaks in the genocide. Hamas is going to have to make up its mind as Israel kills dozens, perhaps hundreds, of Palestinians moving forward [and] as it transfers a million Palestinians southward in Gaza,” Bishara said.

“Israel is now dictating all the terms, and it’s not listening to anyone, and it has a green light from Washington.” At least 48 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn, including 16 aid seekers who were the latest victims of shootings at GHF aid distribution points. Meanwhile,

two more people have starved to death in Gaza in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Thursday. The new deaths raised the number of Palestinians who have died from Israeli-induced hunger to 271, including 112 children, since the war began.‘Systematic destruction’ A renewed Israeli offensive could bring even more casualties and displacement to the famine-struck territory. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) estimated that 90 percent of Gaza’s residents have been displaced, warning that shelters are deteriorating and any further displacement will worsen the catastrophic situation. The Palestinian Ministry of Interior denounced Israel’s push to seize Gaza City as a “death sentence” for the more than one million people living there.

The Palestinian Health Ministry also released a statement responding to what it says is an Israeli push to transfer health system resources to the south of the enclave. “The Ministry of Health expresses its rejection of any step that would undermine what remains of the health system following the systematic destruction carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities,” it said.

“This step would deprive more than one million people of their right to treatment and put the lives of residents, patients and the wounded at

imminent risk.” Some Palestinian families in Gaza City have left for shelters along the coast, while others have moved to central and southern parts of the enclave, according to residents there. “We are facing a bitter, bitter situation, to die at home or leave and die somewhere else. As long as this war continues, survival is uncertain,” Rabah Abu Elias, 67, a father of seven, told the Reuters news agency.

“In the news, they speak about a possible truce, on the ground, we only hear explosions and see deaths. To leave Gaza City or not isn’t an easy decision to make,” he said.

Meanwhile, Israeli air attacks also destroyed a tent camp in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, where many people have sought refuge. Residents said the Israeli military warned them to flee shortly before the attacks set the camp ablaze. Families, many with children, could later be seen sifting through the ashes for the belongings they had managed to take with them during earlier evacuations. Mohammad Kahlout, who had been displaced from northern Gaza, told The Associated Press they were given just five minutes to gather what they could and flee.

“We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again?”

Four contestants set to compete in inaugural...

From page 11 development and social empowerment.

As Misha Caleb prepares to pass on her crown tomorrow evening, she leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and international representation that has set a high

standard for future titleholders. During her reign, her platform was centered on early childhood literacy through her non-profit organization, Advance

Guyana, which she has operated since 2021. She has worked hands-on with her

Nabaclis and Onderneeming community in facilitating literacy-based community events and library programmes. Tonight’s crowning will not only determine Guyana’s next international representative but will also solidify the

country’s place in the growing global Miss Cosmo family. As the cosmos represents infinite possibilities, so too does this pageant represent infinite opportunities for Guyanese women to shine on both national and international stages.

GECOM seeks ‘no blackout guarantee’...

From page 8

fact, I have written him providing him with the location of all of the places where we will be doing tabulation and requesting that as far as is practicable. We should not lose power. That apart we are putting in place to have not one but two standby generators in case one fails at every tabulation location,” he stated. During the meeting officials of the Commission sought to remind the observers of the general rules as it relates to the conduct of the election. The officials re-

minded of the various prohibitions that help safeguard the integrity of the voting process.

In a subsequent release, ahead of disciplinary forces casting their ballots on Friday, the commission took the opportunity to remind the gen eral public of the statutory provisions in relation to the annoyance, molestation, interference and obstruction during the electoral process.

Specifically, Section 78 of the Representation of the People Act enacts that, “No person shall anywhere within

a distance of two hundred yards of a polling place annoy, molest or otherwise interfere with an elector or attempt to obtain any information as to the list of candidates for whom any elector in the polling place is about to vote or has voted either on his own behalf or as a proxy on behalf of another elector.”

The term “no person” indicates a total prohibition because it creates a broad absolute restriction for everyone, leaving no room for exceptions or specific allowances for certain individuals or groups.

Further, Section 78(A) is instructive.

It provides that, “any person who, without due authority, obstructs, or otherwise interferes with access to, or egress from a polling place,

the voting at an election by any person registered as an elector…shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of sixty-five thousand dollars together with imprisonment for a term of one year …”

Additionally, Section 79(b) of the Representation of the People Act clearly outlines the persons entitled to be at a polling place, polling station, and at a count.

It is therefore against this backdrop, GECOM finds it necessary to advise all persons to abide by the legal provisions and avoid committing any of the above stated election offences. The Commission anticipates the orderly and peaceful conduct of the polls and remains confident in delivering free, fair, transparent, and a credible election.

Govt.,GCCI working to set up childcare centres at work places for staff

The Ministry of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity has embarked on a strategic public-private partnership with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to place Day, Night, and Early ChildhoodCentreson-siteat companies and business places to provide childcare servicesfortheiremployees.

Speaking in GCCI's boardroom, Minister Dr Vi n d h y a P e r s a u d highlighted the ministry's E a r l y C h i l d h o o d Development (ECD) and Gender Empowerment programmes, emphasising the private sector's key role innationaldevelopmentand securingabrighterfuturefor everyone.

The minister shared information on the newly established Day, Night Care and Early Childhood Development Centre in Region Three, supporting children aged 0–3 years 9 months through early intervention towards their emotionalandphysicalwellbeing, developmental milestones, with the active involvement of parents and caregivers.

Minister Persaud

explained that the Ministry of Human Services will provide technical support, a model, training of staff, and policy guidelines for businesses that wish to implement such centres withintheirworkplaces.She emphasised that these onsite care facilities will ease the challenges parents have infindingchildcareservices, reduce the cost, and also relievetheirmindsthattheir children are close by and cared for by trained individuals.

“Today's initiative speaks of public-private partnership, where we want toworkwithallthepersons in the private sector to ensure that the model is w i t h i n y o u r w o r k environment This policy will be one that I think will have the best impact, because we want every parent to have peace of mind,knowingtheirchildis safe,” Minister Persaud is quoted in a press release by herofficeassaying She also outlined the otherapproachesofboosting entrepreneurship in the area of care, encouraging companiesandbusinessesto hire service providers to set

upandmanagetheinitiative, or adopting the consortium model,whichbringswomen togethertostartandruntheir own care enterprises Through training and support from the Childcare and Protection Agency's ECD Unit and the Women's Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), these businesses can operate directly on company premises, creating a better workingenvironment.

Theinitiativeisexpected to also significantly benefit women and men who are trained through WIIN in Child

nd Early ChildhoodDevelopment.

“You will increase your o u t p u t s a n d y o u r deliverables coming from thoseemployees,astheywill beassuredoftheirchildren's careandsafety,”theMinister toldmembersoftheGCCI.

Accordingtotherelease, several persons at the meeting, including the President of GCCI, Kathy Smith, lauded the partnership and pledged support for the initiative. “This is a conversation that speaks not only to parents, butalsotobusinessowners,

(Continuedonpage18)

Woman stabbed security

guard to death

ASheriffSecurityguard was on Monday evening stabbedtodeathonBarrack

S t r e e t , K i n g s t o n , Georgetown by a woman who is also attached to the samesecurityservice.

The deceased has been identified as 63-year-old PaulDevonish.Incustodyis 29-year-old Nicosie Clement The incident occurred at approximately 18:30hrs.

According to police, an 18-year-old male security guard, also employed with SheriffSecuritywasonduty at Teleperformance on Barrack Street, Kingston, when Devonish visited the location and allegedly used aseriesofabusivelanguage towards a female guard and thenconfiscatedherphone.

As a result, the teen intervened and told Denonish he was wrong to take his colleague's phone and he should return it. Devonish then dealt the 18year-old two slaps to his face. The teen then left Devoinish and the female guard and went to the

doctor's quarters located at New Market and Main Streets, where Clement was on duty with his mother, VanessaJones.Theteentold Jones what transpired and sheadvisedhimtoremainat New Market and Main Streets and later Clement will accompany him to retrievehislunchbag.While ontheirwayheadingeaston BarrackStreet,Clementand theteenwereapproachedby Devonishwhowasridingan electric bike from the oppositedirection.

“The victim (Devonish) told the 18-year-old that he wasluckyhedidnot'boxoff' his head The suspect (Clement) intervened and askedthevictimwhyhewas takingadvantageoftheteen, to which the victim then askedherifshehadcometo represent the teen,” police said. According to the police, a scuffle ensued between Devonish and Clement during which the suspect pulled out a knife from her pants pocket and stabbedthevictimonhisleft upper thigh. Devonish was

“Vote for those who look out for you” –Pres.Alitellslawmen

As members of the disciplined services head to thepollsthiscomingFriday, Commander-in-Chief of the ArmedForces,PresidentDr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, appealedtothemtocasttheir votewiselyandconsciously, andtoconsiderthepartythat hasalwayssupportedthem.

The head of state made this appeal as he addressed supporters Wednesday evening in the farming community of Black Bush Polder, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

According to DPI, when the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC)

taken to the Georgetown PublicHospitalCorporation (GPHC) where he was pronounceddeadonarrival.

ItisallegedthatClement threw the knife away in the Lamaha Street trench, after whichshereturnedtowork, uplifted her belongings and went to the teen's home where she was arrested.

Police said that Clement admitted to stabbing

Devonish during a video/audio interview

Several persons were questioned and statements weretakenasinvestigations continue Kaieteur News has confirmed that Devonishwasoffdutywhen hemethisdemise.

coalition government assumedofficebackin2015, it stopped the one-month tax-freeChristmasbonusfor the Joint Services, leaving thousands of families in distress. “Vote with your conscious, vote with your dignity, vote with honour, vote for the party that gave youbackyourbonus.Today youhavemorescholarships, more access to training, access to housing [and] salaries ” The one-month tax-freeChristmasbonusisa key initiative by the PPP/C government and has been in place since 2002. Through this initiative, members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF),GuyanaFireService (GFS) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) receive more moneyattheendoftheyear

Immediately after assuming office, President Ali moved to restore the bonus, and by 2024, thousands of ranks received approximately$1.6billionin bonuses Additionally, President Ali announced an increase in the minimum wage for junior ranks and officers to $130,000 earlier thisyear,toleveltheplaying field among the various agencies within the joint services.

“You can expect in the next term continued support for home ownership, expanded increases in your salary, training, support for your medical services and support for a quality of life [that] is second to none,” President Ali assured. The head of state called on members of the joint services to cast their ballot consciously, saying Guyanese will join on September 1 to deliver a victoryforthePPP/Csothat progress can continue and Guyanesecanprosper

Also in a letter to the servicemen President Ali saidthesafetyofourborders and the security of our people are the foundation of the new prosperity “we are buildingtogether Justasyou protect our nation, we are committed to ensuring that your families live in safety and security as well. We recogniseyourvitalrole,and wewillcontinuetoequipand supportyousothatbothyour service and your loved ones aresafeguardedwithdignity andpride.”

The President said the PPP/C does not merely “commend your service; we reward it. Over the past five years, we have restored dignity, improved conditions,andprovidedthe tools you need to serve our beloved Guyana with pride. Wehavekeptourpromiseto you.

Your families, too, must share in this prosperity Acrossthecountry,youhave seen the changes we are delivering:betterroads,new schools, more scholarships and learning opportunities, modern hospitals, stronger healthcare, expanded housing, and much more. Over the past five years, we haverestoredtheone-month taxfreebonusresultingin$2 billion more per year to the disciplined services,” the Presidentletternoted.

Headded:“Weincreased salaries, adjusted the pay scale upward, accelerated promotions, improved working conditions, provided more training and scholarshipsandmuchmore. In the next five years, our joint services can look forwardtohigherwagesand salaries, support in owning their own homes, expanded scholarship opportunities, childcare facilities, greater opportunitiesforpromotion, expanded access to healthcare, recreational facilities and a healthier workingenvironment.When you have the right tools, training, and support, Guyanaissafer

When your families are caredfor,yourservicegrows stronger And when your sacrifices are honored, the entire nation stands more secureandunited.”

President Ali said the PPP/C has the track record, the vision, and the will to deliver “Others may promise, but we have p r o v e n t i m e a n d again—that we act, not just speak. On Election Day, the choice is clear: only the PPP/C can keep your families, your careers, and our nation safe, stable, and strong.Together,letusmove Guyana forward—in unity, instrength,andinprosperity

With respect, gratitude, a n d u n w a v e r i n g commitment.”

President Irfaan Ali

A section of the gathering at the meeting

Dead: Paul Devonish

Israeliattackskill40acrossGazaas militaryescalatesGazaCityassault

(ALJAZEERA) Israel’s military has intensified its attacksonGazaCitywithair strikes on heavily populated areas,asitpushesaheadwith the initial stage of an operation to seize the enclave’s main urban centre that could forcibly displace close to one million Palestinians.

Amongthevictimsofthe Israeli assault on Gaza City on Thursday were six people, including four children, killed in the s o u t h e r n S a b r a neighbourhood, a source at the nearby al-Ahli Hospital toldAlJazeera.

Footage from the scene of one of the attacks east of Sheikh Radwan showed the bodiesofthedeadandbadly wounded strewn across the street amid flames and wreckagefromtheattack.

ThevictimsinGazaCity were among at least 40 Palestinianskilledacrossthe territory since dawn, hospitalsourcesinGazatold Al Jazeera, eight of whom werereportedlyseekingaid.

Amongtheothervictims werefivePalestinianskilled by an Israeli drone strike northwest of Khan Younis, and at least three killed by Israeli forces near an aid centre north of Rafah,

sources told Al Jazeera. In thenorthoftheenclave,four people were killed and 10 injured in Israeli shelling of Jabalia al-Balad, emergency sources told Al Jazeera, while in central Gaza, five people, including two children, were killed while waiting for aid near the socalled Netzarim axis, a source at Al-Awda Hospital said.“Wearefacingabitter, bitter situation, to die at home or leave and die somewhere else; as long as this war continues, survival is uncertain,” Rabah Abu Elias,a67-year-oldfatherof seven,toldtheReutersnews agency.

“In the news, they speak about a possible truce. On the ground, we only hear

Smoke rises following an Israeli strike in Gaza City [Dawoud

explosions and see deaths.

To leave Gaza City or not isn’t an easy decision to make.”

ReportingfromGazaCity, AlJazeeracorrespondentHani Mahmoud said the Israeli military was repeating a strategyithadusedpreviously in Gaza, “targeting densely populated neighbourhoods to depopulate them ” Israeli troops had previously taken the same approach in the eastern Gaza City neighbourhoodsofTuffahand Shujayea, he said, and were now deploying the tactics in theZeitounandSabradistricts inthesoutheastofthecity

Nowhereissafe

Reporting from Deir elBalah in central Gaza, Al JazeeracorrespondentTareq

APNU,AFC,andFGMurgelawmen...

Frompage7 for APNU is a vote for increased financial resources for you and your family, particularlyyourchildren.”

Whenindanger NigelHughes,leaderoftheAllianceFor Change(AFC),alsomadeastrongappealto thedisciplinedforces,recognisingtheirrole innationalsecurityandtheirdailysacrifices. “You are the ones we call when danger comes…YoucarrytheweightofGuyanaon yourbackbutwhocarriesyours?”heasked, criticisingpolitically-influencedpromotions andpoorsalaries.Hughespledgedthatunder an AFC government, no member of the disciplined services would earn less than $250,000permonth.Inaddition,ifamember falls in the line of duty, their family would receive$10million. Hughesoutlinedfurther promises including depoliticised promotions, improved training, scholarships, and career advancement opportunities. As such, he encouraged the servicementovoteforhispartystating,“I’m askingyouasapersongenuinelycommitted to building a better Guyana, give me your vote.GivetheAllianceforChangeyourvote on August 22nd because I understand what you’regoingthrough. Becauseyoudeserve better, the election is about necessary change. It’s about purpose and this is your moment to help change the course of our country Bettermustcomeanditbeginswith your vote early, proudly and decisively Thankyouforyourservice,”hesaid.

Amanza Walton-Desir, leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), also

issued a stirring call to action. Speaking directlytomembersoftheJointServices,she said,“Irespectyouruniform,youroath,and your service… The men and women who protectGuyanadeservebetter.Fortoolong, thesystemhasfailedyou.”Shecriticizedthe cultureofcorruption,bias,andneglectinthe current system, citing politically-driven promotions, poor nutrition for border soldiers, inadequate pay for reservists, and lack of recognition for prison and fire officers.

FGM has published a comprehensive policyagendatargetingtheneedsoftheJoint Services.Thepartypromisesastartingsalary of $250,000 with transparent pay scales, hardshipandhazardallowances,andremote posting benefits For reservists, compensation will be provided for parade participation, weekend training, and annual camps. Under housing and family support, the FGM pledges expedited house lot allocations, children’s allowances, and lowinterest mortgages. Health care reforms include a $20 million life insurance policy forservice-relateddeaths. Further, FGM promises international training opportunities, post-service career support, entrepreneurial grants, and mechanisms for fair promotions with independent oversight to eliminate political interference. Walton-Desirsummarizedthe visionclearly:“ForwardGuyanaMovement willensurefairpay,realbenefits,anddignity in service. On Election Day, stand for the uniform,standforyourfamily,standforyour oath.Voteforrealchange.”

Close to one million Palestinians are believed to be in Gaza City, where Israeli tanks have been pushing closer to the city’s centre this week “The intensification of hostilities inGazameansmorekilling, more displacement, more destructionandmorepanic,”

Christian Cardon, chief spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross, told Al Jazeera.

Abu Azzoum said that for those fleeing the Israeli offensiveonGazaCity,there were no safe havens in the enclave, as places that had been supposedly deemed safe by the Israeli military had repeatedly been targeted. “They feel they have been hunted without any safe place to go to,” he said Abu Azzoum was nearby when a makeshift camp housing displaced PalestiniansinDeirel-Balah was struck in an Israeli bombardment on Thursday, close to the city’s al-Aqsa Hospital Footage he captured at the site of the attack showed chaotic scenes, as huge plumes of smoke rose from the attackedarea.“It’sonly9am … and the Israeli military is alreadyscalingupattacksin Gaza,” he said Israel’s military has said it will call up 60,000 reservists as it pursues the operation to seize Gaza City, despite widespread international condemnation, some domestic opposition, and warnings that the offensive w i l l d e e p e n t h e humanitarian catastrophe and forcibly displace hundreds of thousands of people to concentration zonesinsouthernGaza.

“Gaza is a closed space, from which nobody can escape and where access to healthcare, food and safe waterisdwindling,”hesaid.

“This is intolerable.” The head of the United Nations ReliefandWorksAgencyfor Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said at a briefing in Geneva that child malnutrition in Gaza City had risen sixfold since March “We have a population that is extremely weakthatwillbeconfronted with a new major military operation,” he said. “Many will simply not have the strength to undergo a new displacement.”

Gaza’s Ministry of HealthsaidonThursdaythat there had been two more deathsintheterritorydueto malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total numberofvictimsoffamine and malnutrition during the war to 271, including 112 children.Itsaidthatatotalof 70 people had been killed and 356 wounded by Israeli fire in the enclave in the same period, based on the numbers brought to hospitalsinGaza,whilestill more victims remained trappedbeneathrubble.

‘Beginning of ethnic cleansing’

Israeli Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu has beenpushingaheadwiththe Gaza City offensive despite renewed efforts to reach a ceasefire, including the latestceasefireproposalthat Hamas has responded positivelyto.Thedecisionto push ahead with the operation shows the Israeli government has “no intentiontoputanendtothe war” , Gideon Levy, columnist for Israeli newspaper Haaretz, told Al Jazeera. “There is no other way to explain it,” he said. “There is a Hamas offer on the table and Israel hasn’t evendiscussedityet.

“So, either they [Israel] wanttoputmorepressureon Hamas,whichI’mnotsureis very probable, or they’re really serious about reconquering Gaza City, pushingallthepeopletothe southandthenofferingthem to leave the Gaza Strip. “That’s the beginning of an ethnic cleansing of Gaza,” hesaid.

Al Jazeera’s Rory Challandssaidtheoperation had been “demanded” by Netanyahu despite military opposition. “His generals didn’t really want it. They pushedback,sayingitwasa trapforthemilitary,thatthe military was tired after nearlytwoyearsoffighting, and wasn’t ready for it. But Netanyahu wanted it.” He said there was a risk for Israel that the army would fail“becausethearmyisnot ready for it, and the reservists won’t turn up or they’llturnuplate,anditjust doesn’t have the capability to pursue this operation”. Israeli public opinion was also swinging against the war, he said, noting, “We understandthatamajorityof Israelisnowwantthewarto finish.”

Govt., GCCI working to set up childcare...

Frompage17 service providers, and communityleaders.

It's a public-private partnership initiative that we're proud to be a part of, and I believe it represents a critical step toward a more inclusive, family-friendly business environment in Guyana,” GCCI's President expressed.

O t h e r m e m b e r s expressedinterestinplacing the facilities at their businessesorinvestinginor developing similar entrepreneurial enterprises. Additionally, Minister

Persaud touched on the Ministry's Home-Based Care Policy, which will further support women establishing care initiatives in their communities, offering financial aid, technical expertise, and guidance.

She emphasised how womencancometogetherin consortiatoofferthesevital childcare services in their communities and develop their entrepreneurship ventures.

“I want to ask you to partner with us to mentor and to support the development of these community-based day, night, and early childhood centres.

While you look at what is happening for you in the business world, think of a communitythatyouwantto support and come together as business entities and support those communities, with the establishment of childcare centers” Minister Persaudexpressed.

The minister urged businessownersatGCCIto see corporate social responsibility as a way to transformcommunities.

Abu Alkas/Reuters]

APNU,AFC,and FGM urge lawmen to vote 'wisely'

As members of the disciplinedforcesheadtothe pollsaheadoftheupcoming General and Regional Elections, political parties contesting the elections A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), theAlliance For Change (AFC), and the ForwardGuyanaMovement (FGM) have issued appeals, encouraging voters within the Joint Services to make what they deem the right choice for the future of the nationandtheirprofession.

F o r m e r D e p u t y Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force and APNU representative, Dr PaulWilliams,addressedthe members of the disciplined

Leader of the Alliance For Change Nigel Hughes

broadcast on Thursday He

e m p h a s i s e d t h e constitutional importance of theirvote,stating,“Thisisan electioncyclewhereyouare required to exercise your constitutional right to vote.

Onevotelessormoremakes a difference because of the electoral system Guyana has… the polls give you the governmentofyourwill.”

Williamsreflectedonthe record of the APNU+AFC government from 2015 to 2020, asserting that under their administration, the Joint Services experienced professionalismandrespect. He said that the current administration has driven away many competent officers through acts of nepotism, disrespect, and supersession, leading to a decline in morale and discipline. “Many of your colleagues have left forcefully for several reasons... thanks to those

NewWisrocFireStation&Command

OperationsCentrecommissionedinReg.10

A new Wisroc Fire Station and Command Operations Centre were on Wednesday commissioned inRegion10bytheMinistry ofHomeAffairs.

According to the ministry,thefirestationwas builtatacostof$138million and represents a major investment in enhancing firefighting capacity and safeguarding communities withintheregion.

The Fire Station which was commissioned by Minister Robeson Benn and Permanent Secretary Mr AndreAllyformspartofthe government's ongoing security sector upgrade programme, designed to improve emergency readiness, disaster response, and public safety infrastructure across the country.

“TheWisrocFireStation will be equipped with stateof-the-art facilities to improve operational efficiency and personnel readiness The design includes, Waiting area and station officer's office, Subordinate officer's office andsubofficer'soffice,EMS office and storage room, IT

room and finance office, Administration office and training room, Gym and laundryarea,Fireprevention officer's office, Conference room and control room, Senior and junior living quarters for on-site staff,” theministrydetailed.

As for the Command Operations Centre, this facility was built for $33.9 million.

The ministry shared that the Command Operations Centreisakeycomponentof theSafeCitytoSafeCountry Expansion Project and will providean“eagle-eyeview”

of Region 10 through advanced technology The facility is designed to enhance crime fighting effortsbyenablingreal-time surveillance, better incident monitoring, and faster operational response across theregion.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, MinisterBennreaffirmedthe government's commitment

w enforcement infrastructure, expanding surveillance capabilities, and equipping the Guyana Police Force with the tools required to

Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement Amanza Walton-Desir

whohaveremainedandgive your service to this nation unselfishly,”hesaid.

Addressing recent promotions within the Joint Services,Williamscriticised the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, describing the moves as politically motivated and destabilising. “Some of you were recently promoted in a manner that creates an unstable and unfriendly environmentamongyouand

your peers… The PPP/C governmenthasalwaysbeen in the habit of creating this atmosphere of distrust among Joint Services members,” he asserted, accusing the administration of prioritizing party loyalty over professionalism and competence.

Williams called on the members of the discipline forces to vote wisely, promising that if APNU is elected with Aubrey

Compton-Norton as president, the party will restore respect, trust, and proper promotion systems within the services. He also warnedmembersagainstany illegal ac

s of voter disclosure, stating, “You are guarantee of a better life, restoring of respect, public trust and your promotion willbehonoredandyouwill be trained to perform at the rank trust upon you and not to be demoted, so I implore uponyoutovotewiselyand privately,”hesaid.

Former Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force and APNU representative, Dr. Paul Williams

Williams further added, “You do not have to show anyone who you have voted for, such act is criminal, do notbecaughtinsuchact.”

Supporting Williams' sentiments, former Chief of Staff and Chairman of the JointServices,RearAdmiral rtd, Gary Best, also urged members of the forces to vote for APNU He highlightedthefinancialand social benefits the party promisestodeliver “Avote

(Continuedonpage18)

Family sues state for $200M for police killing of Linden youth

A lawsuit has been filed inthenameofLindenyouth Ronaldo Peters who was shot dead by a policeman in LindenonApril7,2025.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of the common law wife of 21-year-old Peters and the mother of his only child is seeking damages in excess of $200 million from the State for his wrongful death. The document filed by attorney, Darren Wade seeks several declarations including an order that the actionsandomissionsofthe State, through its agent, constitute a violation of Peters' constitutional rights under: Article 138 – the Right to Life, Article 141 –theRightnottobesubjected to inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment, andArticle149D–theRight toProtectionoftheLaw

Accordingtothelawsuit, Peters' right to life guaranteedunderArticle138 was violated when Sergeant Philbert Kendall, a member of the Guyana Police Force, discharged a firearm at him without lawful justification. The document explained “The deceased was not armed, was not threatening anyone, and posed no imminent danger to life or public safety The use of lethal force in these circumstances was unnecessary, excessive, and unlawful, amounting to an arbitrary deprivation of life byaStateactor.”

The lawsuit contends that the deceased right to protection of the law under Article 149D was also violated when he was shot, and when he was denied prompt and adequate medicalattention.

“The police officers on the scene failed to render or facilitateemergencymedical care despite being aware of the severity of his injury, whichcontributeddirectlyto his death This failure reflects a broader disregard for the procedural and substantivelegalprotections owedtocitizens,particularly wheninpolicecustody,”the documentstated.

Further, it pointed out thattheconductofthepolice inshootinganunarmedman and failing to provide medical treatment constitutes a violation of Article 141, which guaranteestherightnottobe subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. “Thetreatment of the deceased,both during and after the shooting, fell below the minimum standards of decency required under the C o n s t i t u t i o n a n d international human rights law.” The document stated that the application is made onbehalfofthecommonlaw wife of the deceased for seven (7) years prior to his death. She was appointed Administrator Ad Litem of hisestatebytheHonourable

Justice Nicola Pierre on the 12th day ofAugust, 2025. It notedthatthedeceasedwasa 21-year-old vibrant young manwithapromisingfuture who fathered a minor child named Amara Rhea Peters, born on the 19th day of December,2023.

On April 7, 2025, the deceased was shot by SergeantKendall,amember of the Guyana Police Force, during the course of his duties at One Mile,Wismar, Linden.

Itwasreportedthatwhile attempting to approach the deceased, Sergeant Kendall pursued him as he fled and discharged his firearm, striking the deceased and causing him to fall to the ground Peters was subsequently picked up by the police and taken to the WismarPoliceStation.After being held at the Wismar Police Station, he was transportedtotheMcKenzie Hospital, Linden, on the same day, where he succumbed to the gunshot injury

Linden youth Ronaldo Peters

The new Wisroc Fire Station which was commissioned in Region 10.

The newly constructed Command Operations Centre in Region 10.

President Ali receives kudos from St. Lucia Boxing Association

Following the progress of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), the sportofamateurboxingand what has been seen in Guyana over the last few years, the St. Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) has

Guyanese throw their

Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the

People’s Progressive Party/Civic presidential candidate.

Speaking on behalf of the SLBA, Shannon LeBourne,theirFirstVicePresident, praised the country’s recent sporting achievements, linking them directly to governmentsupport. He said, “Guyana

First Vice-President of the St. Lucia Boxing Association, Shannon LeBourne (left) and President David ‘Shakes’Christopher

The Three Horse men Promotions Keep Fit

Friday August 22, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.

e opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

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

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.

champions across various sporting disciplines ” “Thankfully, the days of seeking out sponsors for athletesareover,asyounow have a dedicated resource pool and a dedicated government investing in young people to get them to thenextlevel.”

The St. Lucia Boxing Association cited government’s G$21 61 billion allocation over the past five years for sports development.

The SLBA pointed out that this level of funding highlights the government’s understandingofsport’srole in youth empowerment, community development, andnationalunity

Urging Guyanese to continue the progress, LeBourne, highlighted two of Guyana’s most recent boxing stars, Abiola JackmanandTerronWintz.

Jackman made history by becoming the first Guyanese boxer to win a gold medal at the Americas Boxing Confederation ( A M B C ) E l i t e Championships, while, Bernice-based Wintz, also clinched gold in the youth category of the Caribbean BoxingChampionships.

He stated, “Guyana is doingtherightthing,anditis important to stay with that momentum.”

Horserace Meeting scheduled for this Sunday August 24th, has been postponed. According to Michael Simms, the Promoter, the event has been postponed as a mark of respect for the young Jockey Kishan Perriera whofellfromhisracehorse at the recently held Jumbo Jet Guyana Cup Meet at Rising Sun and died as a resultofhisinjuries.

The Keep Fit horserace eventwasscheduledforthe Georgetown Turf Club at MochaArcadiaontheEast

B

Promoted by Mr. Sims, Compton Sancho and Joe

Premo.

Six races were scheduledthatincludedthe JClassandLower,KClass and Lower, Two-Year-old Maiden, Maiden L Class and Lower and First-time startersforsmallhorses.

Someofthehorsesthat were due to be in action included Top Gun, Nice Time,TopoftheCloud,Bin Laden, Lion Heart, Kiss Coco, Randy Filly, Top Ranking,DrDray,Adopted SonandLittleAttack.

PersonscancontactMr Simms on 675-4894, ComptonSancho748-0963 and Joe Premo 621-6503 foranyinformationrelating to the event and its new date.

CONMEBOL pledges strong sanctions following Copa Sudamericana fan violence violence

( R e u t e r s ) -

CONMEBOL on Thursday condemned the fan violence thatforcedtheabandonment of the Copa Sudamericana

and Universidad de Chile in Buenos Aires, which left several injured and led to multiple arrests, vowing firmsanctionsinresponse.

South Am

can football’s governing body haltedWednesday’smatchat I

Libertadores de America stadium shortly after the startofthesecondhalfamid growing security concerns, with the match level at 1-1 andtheChileansideleading 2-1onaggregate.

Chilean fans threw objects at home supporters, prompting Independiente fans to storm the visitors’ section.Inthechaos,atleast one Chilean supporter leapt from the upper stands to escape. “The Confederation expressesitsrepudiationand strongly condemns the acts of violence that took place inside and outside the stadium The institution will act with the utmost firmness,inaccordancewith the regulations of the Disciplinary Committee,” CONMEBOL said in a statement.

It added that it was “currently gathering data and processing information, which is being forwarded to theDisciplinaryUnitforthe application of the

correspondingsanctions.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the “shockingviolence”thatled to the cancellation of the match. “We hope that the competent authorities will imposeexemplarysanctions against the perpetrators of theseterribleacts,”hesaid.

The Chilean Foreign Ministry said 19 of its citizens were hospitalised and 101 detained, while Argentine media reported more than 300 Universidad deChilefansweretakeninto custodyandsupportersfrom bothclubswereinjured.

Chile President Gabriel Boricsaidonsocialmediahe had instructed the Chilean ambassador to visit fans being held at police stations andtreatedinhospitalsinthe Argentine capital The ChileanconsulateinBuenos Aireswillbereinforcedwith officials travelling to Argentina.

“Violence has no justification, from any side,

andwewillprotecttherights of our citizens without p r e j u d i c e t o t h e responsibilities that may be established by the justice system,” Boric wrote on his Xaccount.

Independiente also condemned the incidents, stressing that the violence beganinthevisitors’section, where Chilean fans allegedly damaged facilities and hurled rubble and pyrotechnics at home supporters before

“unacceptable violence by localgroupsoccurred”.

The club said security protocols were activated, medicalassistanceprovided, andpledgedfullcooperation withtheinvestigation.

“We reiterate with absoluteclarity:werejectall forms of violence, whoever itcomesfrom,”theclubsaid inastatementonThursday

“The Club will work tirelessly so that every individual responsible is identifiedandsanctioned.

Deputy Mayor’s Cup put on hold as Police go inline for Elections duties, new date to be announced after

Executive Coordinator ofthe2025DeputyMayor’s Cup Seven-a-Side InterWard/Village Football Tournament “Night of Finals”, Lennox Arthur, has informed that the event has been put on hold until after National Elections fixed for September 1, 2025. The former National Footballer and Coach disclosed that he was told that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are in lineastheyprepareforduties during these national elections, with the military voting today ahead of the September1mainschedule.

The tournament has reacheditslatterstageswith the quarterfinals, semifinals and final set for Wednesday

August27th.However,after the elections a decision will be taken in collaboration with the GPF to arrive at a suitable date for the conclusionoftheanticipated event in honour of Deputy MayorDeniseMiller

The scheduled games wereandaretobecontested whenthenewdateissetare: quarterfinals–Albouystown vs Stabroek Ballers, SoesdykevsLiliendaal,Bent Street vs Uitvlugt and Back Circle B vs Pele The winners advance to the semis, then the losers of the semis will play for third place and the winner for the championship. Over$1.1 millionincashandprizesare up for grabs, with the

champions set to walk away with $500,000, hampers courtesyoflongtimesponsor RickandSariEnterprise,and thechampionshiptrophy Runners-up will also be rewarded: second place earns $300,000 and hampers, third $200,000, and fourth $100,000 In addition, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP)willreceiveabrandnew motorcycle,donated by Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken Assistant Commissioner Errol Watts and Deputy Commissioner Ravindrauth Budhram have also contributed by sponsoring trophies for the Most Disciplined Team and theHighestGoalScorer

Violence flared as objects were thrown at rival supporters. (Getty Images)

Some Universidad de Chile fans were stripped and beaten. (Getty Images)

PitambershinesinFIDEWorldYouth

U16ChessOlympiad

After four days and six rounds

o f i n t e n s e competition at the FIDE World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad in Barranquilla, Colombia,TeamGuyanahas hadsomemixedresults,with Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber the top scorer so

far The nine-round tournament runs from August 16 to August 23, 2025.

Guyanese coach FM

Anthony Drayton is providing updates from Barranquilla, Colombia, withthesharpdisplayoftop

Guyanese young minds participating in the highly contested competition Guyana faced a formidable team from the host country, Colombia Team One on Sunday,August17th2025. Although the Guyanese Team prepared well, their stronger opponents prevailed on the opening day Each match was a dynamic display of fighting spirit in a bid to score an upset Spectators and broadcasters were glued to Boards One and Two of the

Colombia vs Guyana matches - Kyle Couchman

and CM Sachin Pitamber, respectively. Computer analysis behind the scenes revealedthatCouchmanwas poised to gain an edge in an equal position, while Pitamber was dominating withapawnadvantage.

Unfortunately, the fortunes of the Guyanese players dwindled after WCM Aditi Joshi and Alexander Zhang lost their matches to their Colombian counterparts, leaving the team with the possibility of securing only a draw Pitamberobtainedawinning endgame position, but his

more experienced opponent cleverly manoeuvred the fight into a drawn position, forcing Pitamber to accept thetruce.Couchman’slostin an endgame with a rook down.

Rounds Two and Three saw improvement with Guyana winning a match against Colombia Team Sixteen, 2.5-1.5, and dominating Guatemala 3-1 withexcellentperformances fromallplayers.

Guyanese Alexander Zhang and Aditi recorded wins on Boards Three and Four,respectively Guyanafacedoffagainst Venezuela Team One in Round Four, and Pitamber continued his stellar performance, beating his 1900-rated opponent on Board Two with relative

L-R)

ease.Couchmanblundereda positional move order, fighting back in a pawndownendgame.

However, his efforts were not enough to clinch the win. Guyana ended up losingthematch3-1.

In Round Five, Guyana waspairedagainstColombia TeamSeven.

Although determined to redeem themselves, the G u y a n e s e p l a y e r s experienced mixed fortunes

Zhang and Joshi went down with losses, leaving Pitamber and Kyle Couchman to keep the country’s flag flying Pitamber pulled off a brilliant win with a Queen sac against his opponent and won the game in style.

Despite several winning

chances, Couchman faltered and settled for a draw since his Board One opponent defendedwell. Guyana was defeated 2.5-1.5inthatmatchup.

In Round Six, Guyana won convincingly against Colombia Team Eleven, scoring 3:1 with victories fromCouchman,Zhang,and Joshi.

With the last rounds remaining, the team is united to continue the mental battles as they represent the Golden Arrowhead Pitamber is already contending for the Board Two prize with the mostgameswon.

Forty countries from around the world with eighty-five registered teams are participating in the competition

Sachin Pitamber

Alexander Zhang

Kyle Couchman, Aditi Joshi, Sachin Pitamber, Alexander Zhang

Aditi Joshi (2)

Kyle Couchman

McCoy and Falcons soar against Knight Riders

Colin Munro gave Knight Riders a blazingstart. (CPL T20 via Getty Images)

CPL - Another night, another pulsating match Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and Trinbago Knight Riders locked horns in the seventh game of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and the Falconstookthespoilsinthe lastoverofthematchtowin by8runs.

Fabian Allen scored quick runs towards the end. (CPL T20 via Getty Images)

the table and Nicholas Pooran’s side languishing secondfrombottom

Pooran won the toss and inserted the Falcons, this looked to have worked out very nicely as

the Knight Riders bowled tightly to reduce the hosts to77/5inthe14thover

A counter-attacking knock by Fabian Allen from the lower order saw him strike 45 off just 20

deliveries including three foursandthreesixes

The runs were crucial and hauled the Falcons to a respectabletotalof167/6.

Southpaw quick

bowler Obed McCoy

earned the Player of the March award for taking 4/39 with the ball to keep the Knight Riders at bay

The dangerous Colin Munro guided to short third for 44 after getting the Knight Riders off to another rattling start with the bat, McCoy pocketing him and the dangerous Alex Hales in the same over

Pooran,KeacyCartyand Darren Bravo chipped away but couldn’t stay at the crease long enough to make a m a t c h - w i n n i n g contribution.

Pollard then smashed seven boundaries to get Knight Riders back in the contest but ultimately couldn’tgethissideoverthe lineatthelast.

Scores: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 167 for 6 (Allen45,Imad39*,Tariq237, Edward 2-56) beat Trinbago Knight Riders 159 for 6 (Munro 44, Pollard 43*,Carty35,McCoy4-39) byeightruns.

Four off the last ball

was not enough for Pollard or the Knight Riders, the win seeing the Falcons head to the top of

Needing 14 off the final over and with the mighty Kieron Pollard well set and with his eye in the Knight Riders looked set to completethevictory Enter Shamar Springer Therightarmquickheldhis nervewithamixtureofshort and full balls that Pollard failedtosendtothefence.

McCoy and Falcons soar against Knight Riders

Sports

JonathanVanLanginexalted company,willhejoinRogerHarper, KeemoPaulandTevinImlach

Obed McCoy struck twice in the fifth over. (CPLT20 via Getty Images)

Jonathan Van Lange

(L-R) FMAnthony Drayton, Sachin Pitamber, Kyle Couchman,Alexander Zhang,Aditi Joshi.