Tutorial High renamed, Austin Castello Tutorial High
Chief Education Officer, Saddam
Hussein, on
Sunday evening presented a plaque cementing the new name of the secondary school. The institution will now be known as theAustin Castello Tutorial High School.
President of the Guyana Chapter of the Alumni Association, Dr Desmond Sears,receivedtheplaqueon behalf of the school
According to a press release from the school, the presentation was made duringaWelcomeReception for former students who are participating in the Association’s 14th Triennial Reunion.
Austin Castello was the lone Founder of Tutorial High School which first opened its doors on 1st September, 1939 with just seven students, the release stated. The monthly fee was two British Guiana dollars (BG$2.00). He was joined in this noble venture by his brother Joseph Castello. His motivation was to provide a full, affordable secondary level education for the children of working class parentswhohadnoaccessto the existing ‘elite’ schools.
Secondary education was availableonlytothechildren of plantation owners and others in the upper echelons ofthecolonialsociety Austin Castello passed away in 1991, but his name, his ethos, and his determination to educate as
many children as possible, have always been legend in thehallsofTutorial,thepress release noted “The new name is another way to m
i s extraordinarymanwho,with his cadre of teachers, taught and groomed countless
national treasures including several jurists like the late Peter Britton and Rex McKay He is being represented at this Reunion (like previous reunions) by his daughter, June-Ann Castello.”
According to the release
this week the school is hostingaweek-longreunion which commenced on Saturday26thJulyunderthe theme: “Paying Tribute to the Founders”. Highlights of the programme include a night of Culture at the National Cultural Centre on
Tuesday 29th July, and a Gala Dinner and Ball at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday 31st July All locally-based former students of Tutorial High School are invited to sign up and join their overseas-based schoolmates attheseevents.
Ed Ahmad granted default judgment against journalist Travis Chase
The high court has granted a default judgment against Guyanese journalist, Travis Chase in a libel suit brought against him by USb a s e d G u y a n e s e businessman, Ed Ahmad Chase has since said he will appealthejudgment.
The default judgment granted by Justice Fidela Corbin at the Georgetown High Court after Chase failed to put in a defence against the libel claim by Ahmad.
According to the judgment order seen by this newspaper,afterthebusiness instituted the libel proceedings,Marshalsofthe SupremeCourtofJudicature made two (2) unsuccessful attempts to effect service of theseproceedingsonChase.
Thedocumentnotedthat thefirstunsuccessfulattempt was made on the 18th February, 2025, at Lot 1 R e p u b l i c D r i v e , Beterverwagting,EastCoast Demerara (ECD); the address of HPGTV Nightly News, where he is a news presenter th “On the 18 February, 2025, a female adult at the said address informed the Marshal of the Supreme Court that Chase ‘was not
Travis Chase US-based Guyanese businessman, Ed Ahmad
available.”
As a result, the Marshal of the Supreme Court was unable to effect personal service of the proceedings filed against Chase on the 26thFebruary,2025.
The Marshal made a secondunsuccessfulattempt to serve a copy of these proceedings upon Chase at Lot 1 Republic Drive, Beterverwagting,ECD.
Then on 3rd March, 2025, Mr Roysdale Forde S.C.,Attorney-atLaw,wrote to Mr Ahmad’s attorneys, Darshan Ramdhanie, KC and Rajendra Jaigobin, informing them that he acts for Mr Chase in the
proceedings and that he had instructed him to accept serviceonhisbehalf. Consequently, a Marshal effected service of the proceedings by serving a copy the proceedings together with Chase’s authorisation code on the chambers of Mr Roysdale FordeS.C.
However according to the judgment order, both Chase and his lawyer failed toenteranappearanceinthe proceedings and also failed toserveandfileadefencein high court action herein withinforty-two(42)daysof service,asprescribedbythe Continued on page 9
Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussein on Sunday evening presented a plaque cementing the new name of the secondary school to President of the Guyana Chapter of the Alumni Association, Dr. Desmond Sears
U.S. Ambassador’s comments a “clumsy attempt” to influence outcome of elections
…GUYANESE
International lawyer
Melinda Janki has
r e s p o n d e d t o comments made by the UnitedStatesAmbassadorto GuyanaNicoleTheriot,who said Washington would be concerned if Azruddin Mohamed is elected to government or even a memberofparliament.
In a statement on
Monday titled, “Democracy means freedom to vote for thecandidateofyourchoice” Janki outlined that the Guyanesevotersareentitled to vote for Mohamed if they wish – given that he has satisfied the conditions for
HAVE RIGHT TO VOTE FOR WHOEVER
running for public office
Mohamed who was sanctioned by the U S Treasury’sOfficeofForeign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2024, is the presidential candidate for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), a political party that was launchedinJune2025andis oneofsixpartiesthatwillbe contesting the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Lastweekonthesideline of an event in Georgetown
Ambassador Theriot disclosed that the U.S. was “very concerned” about the possibility of Mohamed
entering government and how that would affect the dynamics between the U.S. andGuyana.
However, international lawyerJankinoted,“Likeit or not, Mr Mohammed has satisfied the conditions for running for public office in Guyana Guyanese voters areentitledtovoteforhimif they wish The people will decide freely, as is their r i g h t I t ’s c a l l e d democracy”
She said that although democracy is better than the alternatives, it can deliver self-defeatingresults.Tothis end, she outlined that the
Free treatment for cancer patients among health measures WIN promises
The newly established political party – We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party which is headed by businessman Azruddin Mohamed has promised to provide free treatment for persons living with cancer, should they be electedtogovernment.
Thisisaccordingtotheparty’smanifesto whichwasunveiledlastweekThursday,atits head office in Providence, East Bank Demerara(EBD).
In revealing its intentions for the health sector, WIN said “For too long, our health system has been under-resourced and overstretched. Rural residents often travel hours for basic care. Many hospitals are overcrowded, rural clinics under-equipped, and health workers overworked and underpaidandareleavingthecountry.”
To address these issues, WIN stated that theywillensureeveryGuyanesegetsthecare they deserve through several initiatives According to the party, these initiatives includeuniversalaccesstoqualityhealthcare by upgrading hospitals and clinics in every region with new modern equipment and technologyandmobilehealthunitsinremote areas. Promising guaranteed access, WIN revealed they intend to provide “Free treatment for persons living with cancer Expandthedialysistreatmentcentretoother regions.”
This publication understands that while cancercareisnotentirelyfreeinGuyana,the current government provides financial assistances for some cancer treatment, screening and other services Also, WIN promises to havepreventivecarecampaigns whichwouldhavevaccinations,diabetesand hypertension screening, maternal care, and nutritioneducation.
In the health sector also, the party revealed it would ensure the national rollout of electronic health systems to improve serviceandreducewaittimes.Onthetopicof mental health access, WIN mentioned they intend to provide trauma care, community mentalhealthcentres,andyouthcounselling services. Notably,theyplanonhavinga“National
Mental Health & Wellness Day - Once per month as a nation we will gather at our communitycentres,publicparksetc.andwe will exercise, rest and relax to enhance our physicalandmentalwell-being.”
Theirmanifestoalsostatedthatintendto have universal prenatal classes that includes educational components on nutrition, brain development, and parent-child bonding, and accesstonutritionalcare.Forhealthdelivery tothehinterlandregions,thepartystatedthat they will upgrade all cottage hospitals and health centres to ensure they are equipped with the necessary resources and have sufficient nurses, medics and doctors. Also they would reintroduce village water ambulances.
Turning its attention to health worker investment,WINpledgedbettersalariesand workingconditions,continuoustraining,and mentalhealthsupportfornurses,doctors,and aides. In his opening remarks at the launch, businessman Mohamed said at WIN, they envisionaGuyanawheretheblessingsofthe country’sabundantresourcesuplifteveryone andwhereloveandharmonydispelhateand division.Unveilingtheirmanifestounderthe theme: ‘Re-building on the Foundation laid, for a Prosperous, Unified, and Safer Guyana’, Mohamed noted that they are committedtoworkingwitheveryonewhois willingtoputGuyanaaboveself,foritisonly unitythatallGuyanesecanbenefitequitably
“This manifesto is more than words or a document. It is our solemn oath to every Guyanese that your life will be improved through bold policies, projects, and sustainableprogrammesdesignedtoprovide better living standards, heal divisions and secure our communities,” the Party leader said.
THEY WISH - INT’L LAWYER MELINDA JANKI
American version of democracy has elevated Donald Trump, with 40 felony convictions, a court finding of sexual abuse and six bankruptcies, to President of the United States. “It must be rather humiliating for Her Excellency to have a felon and sexual predator as her ultimate boss Obviously, Her Excellency’s job is to promote the interests of the UnitedStateswhichincludes ensuring that American companies can continue to enrich their shareholders t h r o u g h b l a t a n t extractivism,”Jankisaid. Ambassador Theriot had contended that Mohamed being in government is “problematic in multiple ways ” The ambassador explained that if someone sanctionedbyOFACwereto
b
he administration, it would restrict or change how the U S government interacts withthatgovernment. She said too that the situation would likely raise concern among U.S. private sector entities already operating in Guyana or planning to invest
Ambassador Theriot underscored that the U S andGuyanaarecurrentlyina “beautiful position” due to how welcoming the country has b
can companies. “…and I don’t want,ifhe[Mohamed]were to become a member of the government to change,” she noted. M
over, Janki highlighted that the government bleats about ‘investment’ and she called ongovernmenttostartacting
in national interest She asked, “Ambassador
Theriot’s clumsy attempt to influencetheoutcomeofour elections has exposed the ‘elephant in the room’ – to whomwillthePPP/Canswer – American companies or Guyanesecitizens?” Tothis end, Janki raised several questions, who can the voters now trust and will Guyana finally get a parliament in which no single party can dictate and destroy the country’s future; b u t r e q u i r e s a l l Parliamentarians to work together in the national interest.
Inthisfreneticelectionseason,everyonehassuddenly foundtheprescriptiontoendortacklepovertyinGuyana. Thepoorhasalwaysbeenamonguswithlittleornothing done to alleviate their plight but now, political parties are chasingaftervotes,sothecountryisbeingtoldofplansto addressthisscourge.
On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali unveiled what was describedby theDepartmentof PublicInformation(DPI) as a “comprehensive national strategy aimed at tackling povertybyfurtherreducingthecostoflivingandboosting economicproductivityandsocialwelfarethroughtargeted investments in health, education, agriculture and infrastructure.” Strange enough, such an important initiativewaslaunchedviaaFacebooklive.Notbeforethe press or an audience where people can question him and seekclarityonsomeofthemeasuresheoutlined.Onemust wonder if PresidentAli was merely talking on top of his head as he does most times, with no clear plan.Any real povertyreductionstrategymustbeinformedby scientific data,butAlionSundaymadenosuchreference.Nostudy was cited, no survey conducted. Guyanese do not even knowwhatistheactualsizeofthepopulationbecausehis administrationhashiddenthecensusreport.
According to the DPI, the President said that the government recognises that addressing poverty must go beyond salaries and subsidies and that it must include systemic reform, driven by economic growth, a strengthened social safety net, and greater access to essential services. These all sound well, except that Mr Ali’spartyhasbeeningovernmentfor28yearsandisthe firsttohavetheirhandsonthebountiesfromouroilwealth, butnotmuchhasbeendonetoalleviatepoverty Asusual duringthesocalled,unveilingoftheanti-povertystrategy, President Ali returned to the familiar script of political soundbitesspeakingabouthowhisadministrationreversed more than 200 taxes and has not introduced any new or increasedleviesonthepopulation.
ThenaccordingtotheDPI,heoutlinedaseriesofareas his administration will expand on if given a second term. Theseincludecuttingelectricitybillsby50percentandthe reduction in the price of cooking gas as a result of the government’s gas-to-energy project. He said there are no planned increases in the cost of water services and healthcare costs, particularly for dialysis, MRIs, cancer treatment,andmaternitycare.Hesaidtoothatjobcreation remains a top priority, and the part-time job programme, designed primarily for single mothers and low-income families, will also be expanded, with upskilling opportunitiesaddedtohelpworkersearnmore.Thatisthe sumofthePresident’spovertyreductionstrategy,basedon theDPI’sreport.
ItmustbesaidthatGuyana,anationoncesynonymous with economic hardship, now finds itself at the cusp of historic transformation or economic ruin based on the decisionsofourleaderstoday
Withthediscoveryofmassiveoilreservesandtheonset ofpetroleumproduction,thecountryhasenteredaneraof unprecedented economic growth.Yet, amid the headlines of soaring GDP and foreign investments, a troubling contradictionpersists:povertystillgripslargesegmentsof the population. Guyana remains deeply unequal and accordingtothemostrecentdatafromtheWorldBankand other international agencies, a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, Indigenous communities,anddepressedurbandistrictslivesbelowthe povertyline.
Thesecommunitieslackaccesstoadequatehealthcare, quality education, reliable infrastructure, and economic opportunities.Thedisconnectbetweennationalprosperity andindividualwell-beingisnotjustaneconomicissue,but amoralandpoliticalone.
The poor in Guyana often go unheard. In hinterland regions, Amerindian communities face chronic
Driving is NotAbout Going, Going, Going”: Mr. Niles’TimelessAdvice for Safer Guyanese Roads
DEAREDITOR
Back in the late 1990s, when I was a nervous teenagerlearningtonavigate the streets of West Bank Demerara, my driving instructor,apatientandfirm man, a retired Senior Superintendent (SSP) and ex-Traffic Chief of the Guyana Police Force, Mr James Adolphus Niles, told mesomethingthathasstuck with me for decades. As I gripped the wheel, eager to hitthegas,hecalmlysaid:
“Listen, driving is not aboutgoing,going,going.It is about slowing, slowing, slowing, stopping, stopping, stopping, waiting, waiting, waiting, and watching, watching,watching.”
In July 2025, with more cars on our roads than ever before, from the newly expanded highways to the bustling city centre, Mr Niles’ wisdom has never beenmorecritical.Thedaily news reports of tragic road accidents are a stark reminder that we’ve embracedthe“going,going, going” part of driving, but have forgotten the far more important elements that actually keep us safe. It’s timewealltookacollective breath,easedourfootoffthe accelerator,andrevisitedthe fundamental principles that instructors like Mr Niles triedsohardtoinstilinus.
The Problem: The “Going, Going, Going” Mentality
We see it every day: the driverspeedinguptobeatan amberlight,thecarweaving through traffic on the East Coast Demerara highway, the minibus “undertaking” on the left because the lane
underdevelopment, with limitedaccesstoelectricity, internet, clean water, and paved roads In urban centers like Georgetown
a n d L i n d e n , underemployment and low wages continue to trap families in cycles of poverty,despiterisingcosts ofliving.Inflation,drivenin part by the oil boom, is making basic necessities increasinglyunaffordable. We urge that if the governmentisseriousabout tacklingpovertyitwillramp up investments in healthcare, education, housing,andsocialservices, especially in marginalised
ahead is too slow This “going, going, going” culture is a mindset of impatience. It treats driving as a race, where every other roaduserisanobstacle.This aggressive approach is a direct contributor to the chaos and danger on our roads. It prioritises a few saved seconds over the safetyofalife.
The Solution Part 1:
“Slowing, Slowing, Slowing”
This is the first principle of defensive driving Slowingdowngivesyouthe one thing you need most in anysituation:time.
·Approaching Junctions & Roundabouts: Don’t accelerate into a roundabout or junction. Slow down to assesstheflowoftraffic.It’s better to wait for a clear opening than to force your wayin.
· In Wet Weather: Our roads become incredibly slick after a downpour Reducing your speed significantlyistheonlyway to prevent skidding and maintaincontrol.
Near Pedestrian Crossings & Schools:These are non-negotiable slow
zones Children and pedestrians can be unpredictable.Your reduced speedcouldbethedifference between a close call and a catastrophe.
The Solution Part 2:
“Stopping, Stopping, Stopping”
Mr Niles repeated “stopping” for a reason. A true stop is not a roll or a creep; it’s a complete cessationofmovement.
· Respect the Stop Sign: A stop sign means your
communities Conditional cash transfers, nutrition programmesandsubsidised housing initiatives can provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable
Additionally, what President Ali and his government must do is to equitably and transparently distribute Guyana’s oil wealth.
The Natural Resource Fund(NRF)shouldnotonly prioritise infrastructure where corrupt deals are made with contractors, but also human development projectsthatdirectlybenefit thepoorsuchasschoolsthat are fully equipped, clinics
wheels must stop turning. Period. Too many drivers treat it as a “yield” sign, rolling through if they don’t seeimmediatetraffic.Thisis how collisions happen at intersections.
· Give Pedestrians the Right of Way: When a pedestrian is at a marked crossing, you must stop and letthemcross.Theyhavethe right of way Acar is a twotonne metal box; show courtesy and care for the most vulnerable on our roads.
· Red Means Stop and Orange Means Slow (not speed up): It sounds simple, but drivers still gamble by running red lights Stop behind the white line and wait for the green. It’s a simplerulethatsaveslives.
The Solution Part 3: “Waiting,Waiting,Waiting” This is perhaps the hardest part for the modern driver: patience. Our need forspeedoftenoverridesour commonsense.
· The Power of Waiting: Wait that extra two seconds for the pedestrian to be safely on the pavement beforeyoudriveoff.Waitfor aproper,safegaptoovertake thattruck,insteadofplaying chicken with oncoming traffic. Wait for the traffic light to turn fully green, ratherthanjumpingthegun. Waitingisnotweakness;itis the ultimate form of defensive driving It’s choosing safety over a few saved seconds that you will likely lose at the next traffic light anyway The Solution Part 4: “Watching, Watching,Watching”
This is perhaps the most crucial part of Mr Niles’
fully staffed and have medicines and job-training
centers Inclusive governance must also be a cornerstone of any poverty reduction strategy The opposition,civilsocietyand poor communities must have a voice in the policymaking process Local councilsandregionalbodies should be strengthened and equippedwiththeresources and authority to address localissueseffectively Itmustbenotedtoo,that povertyinGuyanaisnotjust economic, it is also racial, geographic, and historical. Therefore, government must craft policies that
advice. Driving is an act of constant observation and anticipation.Youcannotbea safe driver if you are not payingattention.
What to Watch For: In Guyana,thislistislong.You must watch for the car in front,thecarbehind,andthe driver two vehicles ahead. Watchfor:
·Carspullingoutofside streetswithoutlooking. Minibuses or taxis stoppingabruptly
· Pedestrians, especially schoolchildren, may misjudgeyourspeed.
· The ever-present stray dogs, and in rural areas, cows,goats,orhorses.
· Motorcyclists filtering throughtraffic.
· Scan Everything: Your focusshouldn’tjustbeonthe carinfrontofyou.Youneed to be watching for cyclists weaving through traffic, for stray dogs or livestock, for children running out from a yard,foracardoorswinging open, and for the everpresentGuyanesepothole.
· Check Your Mirrors: Constant checks of your rear-view and side mirrors are essential. Know who is behindyouandbesideyouat all times, especially before changinglanesorturning.
· Put the Phone Away: You cannot “watch, watch, watch” if your eyes are on a screen. Distracted driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. That phone call, text, or social media scroll canwait.
A Mindset Shift: From “MeFirst”to“AllofUs”
Mr Niles’s advice is more than a set of actions; it’samindset.It’sashift
(Continuedonpage06)
recognise and correct these structural injustices, including land rights for Indigenous peoples and equitable development for all regions and peoples, not justtheirfriendandcronies. As this country heads into another defining elections, the decisions made today will determine whether the country becomes a beacon ofinclusivedevelopmentor a cautionary tale of missed opportunity The plight of the poor is a failure of policy, vision, and will Guyana has the means to endpoverty.Thequestionis whetheritsleadershavethe courage.
All Guyanese should be alarmed by the lavish spending on election paraphernalia by the PPP/C
DEAREDITOR,
In two prior letters to your publication, I highlighted Budget 2025’s provisions for the rehabilitation of Bourda Market and Bourda Green, while calling on Minister Sonia Parag to provide
accountability and transparency regarding the funds appropriated by the National Assembly in February2025.AsIprepare thisletter,Iamyettoseeany response to my queries Sadly, this is not surprising to me, it aligns with the PPP/C administration’s usual modus operandi, a “don’t care, don’t question us”attitude.
Editor, as we approach the countdown to General and Regional Elections (GRE) 2025, there are a number of concerning developments These concerns, when raised, are rarely addressed by the incumbents. Instead, they are brushed aside while the government’s spin doctor performshisusualThursday theatrics.
All Guyanese should be alarmed by the lavish spending on election paraphernaliabythePPP/C. It is difficult to accept the explanation that these are funded by party monies, as theywouldlikeustobelieve. In hindsight, it appears that public funds have been siphoned off to build a massive war chest, essentially using the people’s money against them.
Is this a psychological warthePPP/Cisattempting to foist on Guyanese? Are we to believe that flags, massive crowds, branded jerseys, decorated trucks fitted with enormous sound systems, and oversized banners bearing the face of Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, who, I must remind readers, is not contesting for any elected position; are all legitimate expenses? This misuse of public resources is especially disturbing when thosesamefundscouldhave been directed toward improvinghealthservicesor otheressentialsectors.
I have read numerous headlines quoting soundbites from PPP/C rallies. The most recent in Region2sawthethreemain speakers sharing little of substance with those who were bussed, trucked, and boatedin.Instead,itwasyet
another display of fluff, bluster, and Mr Jagdeo’s typicalThursdayramblings.
Let me briefly address t w o m a j o r misrepresentations that continuetobepeddled:
1. The “200 new taxes” mantra attributed to the Coalition Government has beenrefutednumeroustimes by myself and Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan Questions were tabled in the National Assemblyin2023,yetnever answered.
2 The “7,000 sugar workers” job loss claim is equally deceptive. I posed direct questions to Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, which were either ignored or inaccurately addressed. The Hansard records show that fewer than 5,000 workers were affected during the right-sizing of the sugar industry Former Prime M i n i s t e r M o s e s Nagamootoo, in his publication “My Turn” (Facebook, June 21, 2025), confirmedtheactualnumber was 4,763, while 11,000 workersremainedemployed atexistingestates.
AttheAnnaReginarally, the desperation was clear as speakers begged the crowd tovotePPP/ConSeptember 1, 2025. They touted hotels under construction, a new regional hospital at Lima, androads.Buthowdohotels improvethelivesofordinary Indigenous citizens? Are they expected to afford servicesatsuchfacilities?Is the government now in the business of hotel development?
I also chuckled at the mention of housing. The government continues to prey on the emotions of youngpeople.InRegion2,it was reported (Guyana Chronicle, June 26, 2021) that 700 house lots were allocated within 10 months. Again, on July 11, 2025, News Room reported that over 400 house lots were made available in a new housing scheme. But where isthefollow-up?Howmany ofthose700recipientsfrom 2021 have actually built homes or accessed mortgages? Meanwhile, residents in Charity and Onderneeming are still awaiting land allocations. They also neglected to mention how they plan to resolve the region’s high iron content in the water supply, despite billions havingbeenpumpedintothe sectorsince2020;benefiting mainly friends, family, and favoredcontractors.
The promise of regional connectivity and improved markets for farmers is anothervaguevision.Where is the roadmap? Similarly, talkofaDevelopmentBank (Continuedonpage16)
IN THIS ELECTIONS SEASON, LET’S ALLBE WHAT WE HOPE FOR
DEAREDITOR, Just five years after the whole country would have witnessed the attempt by a known cabal to thwart the will of the electorate, followed by pitched court battles at home and abroad, and buttressed by threats of sanctions against those involved, it seems as if the country has turned a full circle and as if it has been swept up by the adage; ‘The more things change, the moretheyremainthesame.’
AsGuyanesegothrough the ups and downs, of electoral politics, there is clearly no loss of optimism by one side of the political divide. And where ever pessimism may be, it is skewed and unjustified. The pessimistsareamongstthose who call for a change in government. They hold to the belief that ‘things have not gotten better under the PPP/Cevenwithsomuchoil moneyaround.’
Theirs is a belief grounded in political bias, and hyperbole. In addition, they view societal problems s u c h p o v e r t y , unemployment, crime as well as the accumulation of wealththroughtintedlensof race and ethnicity The question is; why are the
critics,pessimistsandcynics so blind to a certain number of positive developments that have occurred over the past five years in the education, health and housing sectors? Is it a questionoftheblindleading the blind? Is the former not conscious that political blindness can generate a deep sense of resentment that is both debilitating and dangerous? And that such blindness can makes things only worse and obscure actualprogress?
Take the question of poverty reduction, poverty relief, or poverty alleviation measures; though the terms are not mentionedspecificallyinthe ‘PPP/C Manifesto 2025
S u m m a r y o f K e y
Commitments by Sector’, a perusal of the handout distributed at a consultative forum held to garner views for possible inclusion in the PPP/C manifesto, the handout shows specific areas, when implemented, where and how poverty reduction, poverty relief or poverty alleviation will impact the lives of all Guyanese
In addition to the above, during a Facebook live address to the Nation on the afternoonofSundayJuly27, the President focused primarily on poverty reduction,reducingthecostof-living and improving the quality of life for the most vulnerableinGuyana.
ThePresidentreferenced a number of direct interventions, and made pledges that will reduce poverty and improve the livesofthemostvulnerable. Helinkedthepledgesand (Continuedonpage06)
The following areas will suffice; direct support to farmers; increasing cash grants, transport support grantforstudents,recruiting andtrainingmorehealthcare professionals, direct support for low-income home construction, supporting community-basedenterprise and job creation, increasing employment opportunities, accesstoaffordablehousing, free medical attention, free education,dedicatedsupport forpersonswithdisabilities, salary increases for public servants, old age and NIS pensioners,publicassistance grants, additional cash grants,affordableelectricity, reducingcostofcookinggas, keeping fuel prices low, reducingfoodpricesandlow interest rates for home ownership.
Port Mourant also produced Cricket Greats
DEAREDITOR, Mr EB John writes: “… there has been no neighbourhood anywhere in the world that has produced such comparable Test Cricket talent, who I have resorted to describing as a Crown of Cricketers”. Port Mourant, Sir, produced manymoretalents.
Mr John referred to the trio of Lance Gibbs, Clive Lloyd,andRogerHarper,all of who played for DCC in Georgetown.
Port Mourant, a sugar plantation, a backwater neglectedvillage,birthplace of Cheddi Jagan, produced Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher,JoeSolomon,Alvin Kallicharran, Randolph Ramnarace, Ivan Madray, John Trim, and so many others.
One can also add Mahendra Nagamootoo as he played for Port Mourant
as did his brother wicketkeeper Vishal who played for Guyana The Etwaroo brothers Romain, Tyrone,Reginald,
Derek Kallicharran, and Sudesh Dhaniram also represented Guyana And thereweremanymore.
They all played at or for PortMourantandatgrounds insubvillages.
In terms of tests, Trim played 4, Kanhai [79], Madray [2), Butcher [44], Solomon [27], Kallicharran [66],Nagamootoo[5].
T h e y w e r e a l l outstandingplayers,someof whowereunfairlydiscarded while still having much to contributetothegame.
Noothercommunityon the globe produced as many brilliant cricketers as Port Mourant.
Asanaside,Lloydisor was married to a Port Mourantbeauty
prominent Guyanese cricketers are or were married to beautiful girls from Port Mourant Mr John would have been familiar with all of the above names having workedatthesugarestate
As a cricket enthusiast,
he would have read Clem Seecharan’s fantastic book,JoeSolomonandthe Spirit of Port Mourant as well as the phenomenal “From Ranji to Rohan: CricketandIndianIdentity in Colonial Guyana, 1890s-1960s”
Both books discussed the significance of Port M o u r a n t i n t h e development of cricket in Guyana Prof Seecharan is commended for penning thehistory;factsdon’tlike and one can’t undermine the contribution to cricket ofothercommunities.
The Seecharan books made references to the outstandingcricketersofthe village.SoitisnotlikeJohn is completely lacking of knowledge of the great products bred from Port Mourant.
Albion Estate also produced great talents, including several mystery spinners, that represented WestIndiesandGuyana.
Yourssincerely, VishnuBisram
DEAREDITOR, It is my expectation that the upcoming elections, a mere five weeks away, will record the largest citizen participation in our history notonlybecauseoftheeverexpanding official list of electors but also because of the critical nature of these elections for at least four reasons.
1.Anotherterminoffice for the PPP would mean almost uninterrupted rule in four decades (1992-2030) and the opportunity to consolidate potentially unassailable dominance and c o n
country;
2. The emergence of a party and presidential candidate, who in just two months, seem poised to threaten the close to seven decades long duopoly of power (PPP & PNC) in Guyana,andtheexistenceof third and fourth parties which support can affect the determination of the presidencyandcontrolofthe NationalAssembly;
3 The promise of significant, and immediate, financial improvements in thelivesofordinarycitizens
as the contesting parties attempt to out-promise each other with offers of more, and increased, cash grants, salary increases, pensions, allowances, bonuses, subsidies,taxreliefandother social and economic initiatives including skills creation and retention, supportforsmallbusinesses, contractors and athletes, accesstoaffordablehousing, community infrastructure rehabilitation and police reform;and
4.The spectre of foreign intervention in these elections through the declaration of international and domestic sanctioning of candidates.
However, it is my belief that, the single most important factor, more important than ethnic and political party loyalty, manifesto bullet points and US sanctions, is the overriding issue of public trust which is manifested in the spontaneous, overwhelming and growing reaction to the candidacy of Azruddin MohamedandhisWINparty in spite of ruling party attacks and US sanctions.
Many believe that Mohamed,throughhisword
and actions, prioritizes the interests of ordinary Guyanese in every communityandnotselective interests, local and foreign elites, or the politically connected and that he does notpursuenationalofficefor personalgain,norinclinedto public corruption and authoritarianism and that he is generous and works hard proving that he knows how to serve, to achieve and to succeed.
Thisistheessenceofthe relationship between Mohamed and those that look to him for leadership and a reaffirmation of their rightsandworth.
The17thcenturyEnglish philosopher and statesman FrancisBaconmadefamous the saying that if the mountain will not come to Mohamed, Mohamed must gotothemountain.
The story being told todayisofaforceseemingly greaterthangravitywhichis pulling Mohamed and the mountain of supporters towards each other to create an effect which is transformativeandcannotbe stopped.
Sincerely
OscarDolphin
IN THIS ELECTIONS SEASON, LET’S...
Frompage05 interventions to economic growth, expanded social safety nets, and enhanced accesstoessentialservices.
Should the President’s appeal not be viewed as part andparcelofanationaleffort aimed at addressing the challenges of poverty holistically, rather than through the prism of individualself-interests?
Is it not self-evident that, irrespective of ethnicity and social strata, all Guyanese stand to benefit from these remarkable advances? Will these and other signs of progressnotfacilitatethetide to rise and with it to lift the MV Guyana in which we Guyaneseareallpassengers?
Life experience has
demonstrated that sometimes, the views of sections of a country’s electoratecan be misplaced, havingplacedtheirtrustand confidence in the wrong people, resulting in bad decisions and outcomes Under such conditions, and particularly in an election season, voters will find themselves bombarded on all sides with promises making their hopes either rise and be reassured or simply misplaced and dashed.
Thisiswhyinthecurrent elections campaign when voters hear appeals, cautioning them not to ‘gamble with their future’, nor to ‘split or waste their vote’ they should pay
attentionandwhenvotingon E-day they should mark the X next to the symbol that reassures them to be optimistic about the future and for their continued personalupliftment. This time around, the electorate appears to be more politically conscious, resulting in more people voting not based on their racial or ethnic identity, but for the party they believe is bettertuned-intotheirbread and butter needs, their overall concerns and demands. In this election season let’s keep hoping for the best; but in the meantime, let’s all be what wehopefor
Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee
Driving is NotAbout Going, Going,...
Frompage04 from the aggressive, “me first” mentality of “going, going, going” to a defensive, community-oriented approach that understandsourroadsareasharedspace.
Every time we get behind the wheel, we hold the lives of others in our hands. The father driving his kids to school, the market vendor heading home after a long day, the pensioner walking to the shop—they all dependonustomaketherightchoice.
Mr Niles’ lesson wasn’t just about operating a vehicle; it was about adopting a mindset of responsibility It was about
understanding that when you get behind the wheel, you hold the safety of others—your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians—inyourhands.Let’shonourthe wisdom of instructors like Mr Niles, who passed in 2011 (see here). Let’s trade the “going, going, going” mentality for one of slowing,stopping,waitingandwatching.By doingso,wecanreclaimourroadsfromthe culture of haste and make them safer for everysingleGuyanese.
APNU floats alternative to PPP poverty reduction strategy
The A Partnership
for National Unity (APNU) Coalition has criticised PresidentIrfaanAli’splanto reduce poverty as a hodgepodge of failed
measures and empty catchphrases.
The coalition said the plan is devoid of a credible development plan with specific targets, deadlines, and specific indicators of a high quality of life. “Not surprisingly, he offers no solutionstostemtherampant tide of corruption, financial
mismanagement, and government incompetence that has wasted hundreds of billions of dollars of our oil revenues,” APNU said in a pressreleaseonMonday
In a Facebook live on Sunday, the president said
that the government recognises that addressing poverty must go beyond salaries and subsidies and must include systemic reform, driven by economic growth, a strengthened socialsafetynet,andgreater access to essential services.
“Ifwearetoaddresspoverty and the cost of living, we must look at how we build and expand the economy while creating opportunities
for the vulnerable, ” PresidentAliwasquotedina Department of Public
…says Pres Ali’s plan is a mixture of failed measures
the
Information (DPI) report as saying According to the DPI, Ali said over the past five years, the PPP/C Administration has reversed morethan200taxesandhas not introduced any new or increased levies on the population The president describedthistaxrollbackas key to main
ng disposable income and protecting low-income
h
c
nf
the government will maintain thiscourseoverthenextfive yearsifreelected,withplans to simplify the tax system and further ease the burden on households and small businesses.
However,theAPNUsaid asmostGuyanesecanattest, the last five years under the PPP have produced worsening living standards, highandrisingcostofliving, growing income and food poverty, and widespread national despair among citizens “Irfaan Ali’s Facebook presentation clearly exposed the fact that the PPP has nothing new to offer.”
According to theAPNU, in their people-centred development strategy, “we will eliminate poverty and boostlivingstandardsbythe end of our first term by ensuring all Guyanese households get a livable income and all Guyanese workers earn a living wage. We will quantify and guarantee these outcomes through a range of policies and programs that will lead to higher employment and self-employment, increased wages, zero to low personal income taxes, cash transfers (including public assistance and school vouchers), subsidies for households (such as for utilities, rent, mortgage cooking gas, etc.), and higher returns for owners and investors in micro-to-largebusinesses.“
The coalition said, this higher amount of income in the hands of Guyanese, along with other facilitative policies, will produce a dynamic demand-driven economy that will lead to increasing and sustainable opportunities for Guyanese to earn more and achieve economic security “We will use the occasion of our manifesto launch to restate the details of our plan. The APNU Coalition recognises that while eliminating povertyisacriticalgoal,our ultimate destination is to guarantee all Guyanese a highqualityoflife. Wewill work, therefore, to establish a comprehensive social protection system, provide top-class social services, build better communities, create an opportunity society, promote equity and social justice, enhance good governance and ethnic relations, and meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.As part of this effort, wewillexpandtheBureauof Statistics to produce hard data to guide policy formulation and to measure progress,”thecoalitionsaid. It added that the quality of health care, must not be an abstract notion but must be quantified through such indicators as the number of patients per doctor or nurse, or the waiting time for treatment. “Guyanese have had enough of the PPP No
amount of pretentious speech-makingbyIrfaanAli can save it from defeat on September 1,” the coalition asserted.
Meanwhile,thepresident also outlined some areas his administration will expand onifreelected.Theseinclude cuttingelectricitybillsby50 per cent. Beyond electricity, he noted that Guyanese can expect a significant reduction in the price of cookinggasasaresultofthe government’s gas-to-energy project.
The president also stated that there are no planned increasesinthecostofwater services and healthcare costs, particularly for dialysis, MRIs, cancer treatment, and maternity care. Job creation remains a top priority, and the parttime job programme, designedprimarilyforsingle
mothers and low-income families, will also be expanded, with upskilling opportunities added to help workersearnmore.
More importantly, PresidentAliannouncedthat adevelopmentbankisalsoin the pipeline to help finance small and medium-sized enterprises He revealed plans to co-invest in local businesses through grants and matching initiatives
President Ali said these measuresareabout“creating community wealth” and supporting the grassroots economy Social safety nets will also expand to support women, children, persons living with disabilities, and single-parenthouseholds.
Public assistance will be expanded, and vulnerable families will receive muchneeded support with dental care, vision, and transport without relying on their salaries Moreover, President Ali made it clear that these policies are not short-term fixes, but are designed to address both immediate needs and longstanding structural issues. “Improving the quality of life means ensuring families can spend less on essential services and earn more through better jobs and support.Itisaboutbuildinga resilient and inclusive economy, one where every citizen can thrive,” he said. Combined, these initiatives will place more disposable income into the pockets of thousandsofGuyanese.
President Irfaan Ali
Leader of
Opposition, Aubrey Norton
The Complacency of Power
There is a curious thing happeningintherulingparty these days. The PPP/C so often the underdog in this country’s political history, has grown smug. Its leaders speak not with the cautious confidence of a party seekingtoearnanotherterm, but with the dismissive bravado of those who believe that the election has already been won. This, in politics, is always dangerous.
The PPP behaves as thoughthecomingelections are a mere formality Its ministers parade the successes of the past four years—new highways, new schools, new housing schemes,andbillionsincash transfers—as proof that the people need not question their stewardship. The party has become so enamoured with its own achievements that it now sees any form of dissentaseitherignoranceor envy But politics is not accounting. It is not enough to build roads and bridges andthenexpectthatcitizens, like obedient shareholders, willnodinapprovalatyearend dividends. Governance isnotmereexpenditure.Itis vision. It is values.And it is honesty about the things not yet done, especially when t h o s e t h i n g s a r e fundamental.
And yet, on the most fundamental issue of all our oil wealth the PPPremainsmute.Theparty thatboastsaboutitssuperior planning, its PhDs and MBAs, its technocrats, cannotmusterthecourageto say what every Guyanese
knows: the oil contract is a scandal and it is costing this countrybillions.Butinstead of confronting that reality, the PPP dances around it, offering half-truths and evasions.
It has been nearly five yearssincethePPPreturned to office. In that time, the government has produced study after study, press conference after press conference, but not a single serious effort to alter the contract What it has produced instead are cash grants and slogans—”One Guyana,” “Prosperity for All,”“Leavenoonebehind.” These are pleasant phrases, buttheyarenosubstitutefor structuralchange.
The party appears to believe that because it is building and spending, it is governing well But spending is easy when the coffers are full. And the coffers are full because of oil—notbecauseofsuperior governance Let us be honest: had ExxonMobil agreed to pay a fairer share, Guyana would today be awash in the kind of money that could revolutionize everysector,fromeducation to healthcare. But because the contract is so lopsided, we receive crumbs, and are toldtobegrateful.
Meanwhile, a dangerous laziness is setting in within the government. The PPP assumes that because the opposition is weak, it need nottryharder Itbelievesthat because WIN is new, and APNU is fractured, it can coast to victory on cruise control.Thereisnourgency, no manifesto, no real
engagement with voters beyond ribbon cuttings and press releases. But this is how parties lose their way Not with one great blunder, but with a series of small
e
assumption that the people a
m
ion that the opposition is irrelevant.The assumptionthatpower,once gained,ispermanent.
History does not favour sucharrogance.
The PPP must be reminded that an election is not a coronation. It is a contest And to win it honestly, a party must present its vision, defend its record, and answer hard questions It must not dismissdissentasignorance. It must not treat critique as betrayal. And it must not hide behind infrastructure whileignoringinjustice.
The oil contract is not a minor issue. It is the single most important matter of economic justice in modern Guyanese history And the fact that the ruling party refuses to renegotiate it—or even to explain why it won’t—is an abdication of responsibility WIN, for all its naivety and amateurism, at least says plainly what needs to be said. APNU, muddled and meandering thoughitmaybe,hasatleast acknowledged that the issue exists Only the PPP continues to act as though Guyana’s oil wealth is a technical matter best left to “experts.”
But it is not a technical issue.Itisamoralone.Anda political one. And if the
EdAhmadgranteddefault...
Frompage2
Civil Procedure Rules. As a result, Justice Corbindeterminedthatdefaultjudgmentcan be granted against Chase following his failuretoserveandfileadefencewithinthe period prescribed by the Civil Procedure Rules.
AhmadhadsoughtGY$100millionfrom Mr Chaseforlibel.However,thequantumof the judgment is to be determined by the judge.
ThecourtdeterminedthatChasefailedto defendwhethertheseriesofpublicationson his Facebook page, Travis Chase, were untrue, false, malicious and defamatory of Mr Ahmad.
ThedocumentdescribedMr Ahmadasa businessman and the owner of several businessesinGuyanaandNewYork,United StatesofAmerica,withover200employees. Ahmad is also a director and shareholder of companiesinGuyana.
The court noted that Ahmad was convictedintheUnitedStatesofAmericaof conspiracy to commit a criminal offence in 2017, and he was sentenced to a term of imprisonment; served that time and abided byallconditionsofthesentence.
governmentwillnotaddress it,thenthepeoplemust.The PPP is not wrong to tout its successes. But it is deeply mistaken if it believes that those successes make it immune from criticism.The test of a government is not just whether it builds. It is whetheritlistens.Whetherit adapts. Whether it has the humility to correct course when needed. The PPP still has time to produce a
manifesto. Still has time to make clear where it stands on the Exxon contract. Still has time to prove that it valuesnotonlyperformance butprinciple.
But time, like oil, is not infinite.
However, based on his claim, Ahmad, throughhislawyers,notedthatthedefendant is a reporter who operates the page, “Travis Chase”onFacebook,asocialmediaplatform and is a presenter and editor at HPGTV NightlyNewspublishedpatentlyfabricated, concocted,falseandmaliciouspostsagainst theNewYorkbasedbusinessman.
The offensive posts were made on 29th January, 2025, 30th January, 2025, the 31st January,2025,the1stFebruary,2025,the9th February,2025,the13thFebruary,2025,and the 14th February, 2025 on Facebook, a socialmediaplatformwhichhasonaverage of 3.065 billion monthly users throughout 157countries.
ItwasnotedthattheeffectofaFacebook publication is that it continues until it is removedbytheuserwhopublishedthepost orbyMeta,theownersofFacebook.
As of the date of the application, over 220,000followersofChase’sFacebookhave viewedandallofthepostswhicharestillon his Facebook page and can be read commented upon and shared. Mr Ahmad requestedthatthepostsberemoved.
AndifthePPPcontinues to mistake applause for approval, it may one day wake up to find that the peopleitassumedwereloyal were only patient. And that patience, like oil contracts, canexpire.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
A first for Guyanese
For the first time ever, Guyanese are being treated like a long-lostlove. Withallthewooing, cooing, and caring, Guyanese are made to think that they count. What’s up? More pointedly, what aretheirleadersupto,whatgames? These games of oozing sincerity, humility never manifested before, this intimate mixing with the commonfolk.
Leaderswhodidn’tgiveadamn howordinaryGuyaneseexistedare now in their spaces, in their faces. Guyanese must feel good at being cherished now. Further, the same leaderswhomostlysawscantmerit in the existence of the poor and afflictedofGuyana,suddenlyhave time for them, to say that they are here,care. Leadersfloatfromplace to place, almost as if they are inebriated and freeing up on the drinks.
Put up a round for everybody Todayallahweeiswaan. Theytell Guyanese that when it rains, they have been there with an umbrella. And when this season of goodwill is settled, they will be there with umbrella, plus long boots
(Wellingtons), plus Burberry rainproofed apparel. Now, that’s caring, that is sharing. This is the love of which I have long spoken about. Loveforthepeople. Yearroundandallaround,andforallthe people Saying that there is knowingofthepainsandplightsof the people is not enough. Leaders must live those pains, do much more now that there is so much. Where’s the beef? Show them the money(love).
When neighbors are warlike, Guyanese bond in patriotism, nationalism, and jingoism. The Guyanese people are first then. When tensions ease, Guyanese mustbethefirsttoreapthebenefits of oil capitalism Begone tribalism. Unfortunately, during times of normalcy, it is back to the dissensions, divisions, and disruptions. Guyana is well along initsownHundred-Years’War
For many a long season, the poormassesofGuyanaknowwhat it is to be treated like the ugly duckling of lore. Who are they? Who cares? Since the arrival of liquid black gold, Guyanese
featured in the minds of political leadersforajoke,apokeintheeye. Or kick and curse, if they dared to speak out of turn, write what went against the sea of rolling stupidity Their poverty and agony screamed athighvolumeconstantly,butthere was nobody to give them a respectful listening, or a caring hearing: look how much has been given! Too damn greedy and selfcentered these people are. To hell with them and their poverty. Cost of living! What cost-of-living? Where is the poverty, who is hungry? The men with the overflowing bellies, and the women with the ruddy glow of State prosperity, developed their newlanguage,anditwasthatofthe haughtyandthoseinahurrytograb more money In the Guyana of now, a million is a mint to those whowalkononefoot,andfallapart fromtryingtofindadailymeal. In contrast,leadersandtheirgangsare rounder than a Rolls-Royce, bulkier than a cargo container, and richer than a money launderer and moneylender
What has not happened in the
last five years has been seen in the last five weeks. Leaders, fellow schemers,areinthevillagesselling themselves and their wares. The rustandmildewareobvious,andso is the stench. They are in the houses of deities, selling their new religion Kindness and compassion. Men and women mock god in his own house. But worse,isthenauseaattheanticsof cravenmenandcrasswomen,who discover that elusive quality called humanity.
During their invasions of villages and places of worship, the shameless regale the people about how much they have given, how much more they will do Abomination of abominations!
Spiritual men suck-up to political men. Like moneychangers of scripture,theypawnandperformin the holy places, desecrate atmosphereandsimplepeople. All must always be welcomed into the sacredsanctuary Butaspetitioners on their knees only Never to pontificate. Noroom,nooccasion, topropagandize.
Look! listen, across Guyana.
Guyanese are hailed and haloed. Somebody wants something Guyanesehavegivenoftheirtrust. And what has been their lot? Guyanese have donated their consciences, and what was their reward? Guyanese have been pulledandstretched;tormentedand unleashedagainstoneanother;and for whose benefit? Now more is desired. The slave had no life, the supplicant,thecitizen,nostanding. But now the roles are reversed. Once arrogant and ignorant men and women are coming, will keep coming, during this season of using, misusing, fooling. Those whocapturedmostofthemoneyof thepeoplenowcomebackfortheir hearts and their hand. Spare a fingerprint. This time will be different. Don’tbesuckeredagain, Guyanese.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Regional leaders trained to combat human trafficking
Several regional leaders have completed a Focal Point Training, which focused on strengthening national resistanceandawarenessofhuman traffickinginGuyana.
Thetraining,aninitiativeofthe Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s CounterTrafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit, concluded on Saturday It brought
together participants from Regions One,Seven,Eight,NineandTen. The comprehensive sessions covered current legislation, policies, and support programmes administered by the ministry
Following the exercise, participants were empowered to becometrustedleaderswithintheir communities, serving as the first point of contact for identifying,
reporting, and helping to prevent trafficking-relatedactivities.
This community-centric approach signals a significant shift toward vigilance and early intervention. Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud spoke about the critical role of the CounterTraffickinginPersonsAct.
Sheexplainedthatitisdesigned
to address perpetrators, as well as thosewhofacilitate,enable,orturn a blind eye to the crime. Human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight, especially in remote and hinterland regions. This initiative enhances early detection, strengthens community trust, and ensuresthatsurvivorsaremetwith the initial support and justice needed.
As Guyana continues to build resilient systems of protection, initiatives such as the Focal Point Training serve as a foundation for meaningfulchange.
It is a reminder that the most effective defence against trafficking begins not in courtrooms, but in the early detection and vigilance of empoweredcommunities.(DPI)
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and participants of the training programme
Dozens of new species found duringbiodiversity surveyinGuyana
Findingsfromarapidinventory of Guyana’s southern forests revealed dozens of new biodiversityspecieshere.
The findings were presented lastweekattheGlobalBiodiversity Alliance Summit held at the International Convention Centre. According to a Department of Public Information release, an internationalteamofscientistsand Indigenous experts surveyed the 1 5 million-hectare Acarai-
Corentyne Corridor, in southeastern Guyana, discovering more than 30 species new to science and dozens more never beforerecordedinthecountry Guyana,asmallcountryonthe CaribbeancoastofSouthAmerica, hassucceededinpreserving99%of
its rainforests Many of these roadless expanses, however, have not been explored and their biodiversity hardly known
Stretchingmorethanhalfthelength of the country, the AcaraiCorentyne Corridor was one such ‘unexplored biodiversity hotspot’ at the time of the November 2024 expedition,thereleasestated.
The large multidisciplinary teamdocumentedover600species of plants and over 1215 species of vertebrates Led by the Field Museum of Natural History and Guyana’s Protected Areas Commission, the biodiversity survey deployed scientific field techniques and technologies like environmental DNA sampling alongside time-tested Indigenous collectionmethodslikepoisonvine fishing.
Also, the team documented local ecological knowledge in collaboration with the nearby Indigenous communities of Masakeñarî, Parabara and Cashew Island, recognizing the longstandingIndigenousstewardshipof thislandscape.Theteam’sdetailed biological,geological, and cultural findings serve as a foundational document for conservation policy, s
,
nd community-based stewardship in theregion.
The Summit in Georgetown also launched the Global Biodiversity Alliance, a group of c
organizations, private sector
representatives, and local communitiesaimingforinnovative solutions to biodiversity conservation.TheAlliance aims to unlock greater biodiversity financing through better tools to monitor and measure biodiversity. One such tool is a dashboard built by Yale University’s Map of Life, which showcases the results of the Acarai-Corentyne Corridor rapid inventorycombinedwithadvanced modeling of species across South America.
Though this landscape was
unexplored scientifically, Indigenous experts from nearby communities have traveled its rivers and rapids for generations. Their input shaped much of the research, from the selection of campsites to the interpretation of results. “For an outside scientist likeme,thebiodiversityofthisarea wasarealblackbox,”saidbotanist Dr Nigel Pitman “For local experts, its plants and animals are incrediblywellknown.”
Expedition lead and
ichthyologist Dr Lesley de Souza noted,“theteamdiscovereddozens of potential new species of fishes, someofwhichwereonlycollected using a vine fishing technique suggested by Indigenous experts.
The idea emerged after documenting ancient petroglyphs onatravelday,includingsomewith fishingdesigns,andturnedouttobe far more effective than the typical researchgearusedbybiologists.”
ResidentsofnearbyIndigenous communities from the Waiwai, Wapishana and Trio peoples have norms for how often the technique is used–only for special occasions, and always with collective participation of the village–that help ensure sustainable use of natural resources. “The holistic perspective within this rich system of local ecological knowledge includes detailed observations of seasonal changes and the interrelations between species across habitat types built over generations,” said anthropologist
Elliott Oakley. “That allows local communities to notice small variations in the forest, an important cultural asset that also holds great potential for collaborative approaches to researchandconservationefforts.”
The findings bolster national proposals to expand Guyana’s system of protected areas, particularlyinthecountry’sremote southeast. The Acarai–Corentyne Corridor is one of the last vast, intact forest landscapes on the planet—anecologicaltreasurenow positioned to serve as a global model for climate-smart, community-drivenconservation.
“Guyana is redefining what modern conservation looks like,” said Mr Robert Persaud, Chair of the Protected Areas Commission Board of Directors “Through cutting-edgeresearchandinclusive partnerships, we are safeguarding naturalcapitalforallGuyaneseand fortheworld.”
Theinventorywassupportedby the Walder Foundation, Andes Amazon Fund, and Bobolink Foundation, alongside logistical and institutional backing from government agencies: Guyana Protected Areas Commission, Guyana Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Defence Force, Office of the President Key partners were Conservation International,FrankfurtZoological
Norton says APNU Govt.will ensure Chinese businesses operate lawfully,pay taxes
- says there must be balance in commercial sector
L
e a d e r o f t h e A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton said a government under his stewardship will
engage the Chinese
authorities to ensure businesses owned by Chinese nationals are in full compliance with the law, including the payment of all taxes.
He said while Guyana and China have had a lasting friendly relationship, Guyanese must pursue their owninterest.
“I believe we can engage
Chinese authorities to make it very, very clear that they have to operate within the confines of the law. They havetopaythetaxes,etc.We will seek to remove any, what should I call it, any advantage they will have over Guyanese in business,”
Norton told journalists on Friday
He assured that the necessary action will be taken to protect small businesses as the party does not believe Chinese nationals should dominate especially the commercial
sector,whereGuyanesehave been for years and have the necessaryexpertise.
“…we believe some of what is happening is as a result of poor government policies. It is the poor government policies of the PPP government that caused a lot of Guyanese to run out of business and to rent their places to Chinese. We will rectify that, and we believe, in the final analysis, we will strike a balance where we don’t have to get rid of the Chinese, but the Guyanese here have first preference,
Cop on $25,000 bail for assaulting ex-partner
A 45-year-old assistant superintendent attachedtotheGuyanaPoliceForcewason Monday released on $25,000 bail for assaultinghisex-partner
Kevon Denny of Lot 406 Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Housing Scheme, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Denny pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on December 21, 2024 at Lot 406 Front Road, West Ruimveldt, he assaulted Christine Baird as to cause her actual bodily harm. The prosecution did not object to bail. The matterwasadjournedtoAugust4,2025.
Accused: Kevon Denny
Pork-knocker remanded for manslaughter
Kenneth Junior Douglas (GPF Facebook page)
Twenty-one-year-oldKennethJuniorDouglas,whowas wanted by police for the murder of Prince Howell back in April,wasonMondayremandedformanslaughter Douglas, a pork-knocker from Bladen Hall Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested last Friday and was hauled before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the VigilanceMagistrates’Court. Hewasnotrequiredtopleadtotheindictablechargeand was subsequently remanded. The matter was adjourned to August15,2025.
and a right to be involved in business,andtheyshouldnot be disadvantaged by foreigners,”Nortonstressed.
He reiterated that Guyana is for Guyanese, and, one has to be aware that “ w e l i v e i n a n
c
e d , interdependent world, and thatChinaplaysaroleinthis world.Weknowthattheyare a significant actor We may be responsive to their concerns in the international arena, that we will pursue diligently this approach whichsaysthatthepeopleof Guyana must benefit and benefitfirst.”
Guyanese have over the years, been raising concerns about the growth of Chinese businesses in communities acrossthecountry
In October 2024 this publication reported that, residents ofAgricola took to the streets to protest the establishment of a Chinese supermarket in their area.
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo in response to a question by Kaieteur News on issue said that the regulatory bodies need to uniformly enforce the laws on these Chinese businesses. Jagdeo had explained that he was in contact with citizens who claimed that they are being displaced by Chinese nationals establishing
bu
communities. On the other hand, he said there are other business persons who are pro-Chinese and rent their properties to them so they candobusiness.
He said there are cases where the Chinese business owners often times bypass regulatory approval and the agencies responsible for enforcing the regulations, do notholdthemaccountablein accordance with the laws of the country. “So, they (Guyanese)putupabuilding that breaches the building permits, no ventilation there on the building, they will get a visit from the inspector w h o s a y s t o s e l l pharmaceuticals here you have to have proper ventilation, but next door there is a Chinese company selling pharmaceuticals but there is no ventilation whatsoever, they are not applyingthelawuniformly,” theVPsaid.
Explaining that to sell certain items like alcohol there are different permits needed, Jagdeo highlighted that some of these Chinese
entitiesselleverythingunder the sun without having the necessary permissions in place and this should not be so.
“Onemaygotoastoreto buy nails and want a beer; a shop next door may have the permit to sell the beer but you would buy it from the store you are currently in becauseit’sconvenientatthe time, even though they do not have the approval to distribute alcoholic beverages.”
This is one of the other avenues that Guyanese are h i g h l i g h t i n g a s a disadvantage and Jagdeo said that “the Guyana Revenue Authority does not pay careful attention for payment of VAT and other things, or hold them accountable for paying VAT and other taxes that they have to pay “So, we have made it clear to the regulatory bodies you have to enforce the laws uniformly and we believe that sometimes people are induced not to do that so we are paying careful attention tothis,”Jagdeosaid.
Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Norton
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Fernandes defends APNU’s promise to give 50% of carbon credit funds directly to indigenous residents
P- says forest to be preserved are primarily on their
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rime Ministerial can didate for A Partner ship for National Unity (APNU) Juretha Fernandes on Friday defended the party’s promise to transfer 50% of the proceeds from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits under the Low Caron Development Strategy (LCDS) saying that the forests that need to be preserved are primarily on Amerindian lands.
Responding to a question posed at the coalition’s news conference last Friday based on what Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said at his Thursday press conference,
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Fernades said that “The first thing I want to say is that we don’t deal with feelings. We deal with facts. When you’re putting policies together, it’s not about your personal feelings towards these things, but it’s about a fact. The fact is that right about now, we’re having carbon credits money being paid when it comes to preserving the forest that is primarily indigenous, that are primarily on indigenous lands, and we’re having only 15% of those sums actually being given to indigenous communities.”
She explained that APNU feels that this is not enough, hence the proposed increase. The PM candidate highlighted that Guyana’s indigenous peoples are at the forefront when it comes to protecting the forest and therefore it is important that the funds go directly to the residents.
Meanwhile on Thursday last at his weekly press conference, a reporter pointed out to the Vice President that APNU is “proposing to increase the LCDS fund to 50%, and instead of giving village councils to manage the funds, they are proposing to give residents directly. In your view, how is this unsustainable and why is village led management important?
In response Jagdeo said: “…so on the LCDS funding, it’s amazing how dishonest and shameless people could
be. They were touting that Granger had this great plan, the Green State strategy. It didn’t earn a cent for the country, didn’t earn a cent. It was going nowhere. We had to spend the money to develop it. Money that we left from the early LCDs that they were opposed to. They were opposed to the LCDS, Granger said he couldn’t look at that,” he stressed. Jagdeo went on to say that until now the opposition has not been in support of the LCDS but they now want to utilise monies from something they were always against,
when they went as far as to supporting the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) to block it.
“Juretha Fernandes is talking about how she will use the money earned from the LCDS. So we made it clear that 15% of those funds will go to the Amerindian communities. So far they’ve been getting over 20% of the funds from the first three years, $14 billion went to the villages. The villages have to decide on their own how to spend the money. We don’t tell them to do that,” he explained.
All Guyanese should be alarmed...
From page 05 sounds promising, but will small-scale farmers be able to access loans given the usual bureaucratic hurdles?
At the rally, the stage was filled with energetic youth, all cheering for another PPP/C term. Yet, few were able to share tangible personal benefits from the past five years. Have they forgotten the promise made in 2022? Let me remind them: “1,200 more jobs for Region Two residents” –a promise made by Mr. Jagdeo and reported by Newsroom Guyana on May 25, 2022. And no, I’m not referring to the “instructed tenday workers.” Presenters also claimed that over 4,000 persons benefited from the GOAL scholarship program. But what was conveniently left out were the areas of
724-3476.
study, completion rates, and employment outcomes of graduates. Editor, I’ve laid out these points to demonstrate why voters should not gamble with their votes. By the end of this term, the PPP/C would have governed for 28 years (1992–2015 and 2020–2025). Yet their track record pales in comparison to that of a PNCled administration under the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, whose legacies, such as Multilateral Schools, the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and the Canje Bridge— still stand today.
The Coalition Government (2015–2020) made meaningful improvements and had a clear vision for Guyana. Since returning to power, the PPP/C has reversed many of those policies; policies that
were working to make Guyana great again.
In conclusion, I urge Guyanese to make a wise and informed decision in the upcoming elections. Don’t be swayed by smooth talkers, masterful orators, or flashy PR campaigns. Choose the party with substantive policies, not empty promises. The future of Guyana and that of future generations. depends on it. Let us rise above political name-calling and personal attacks. Let us focus on the bigger picture: reclaiming our country’s dignity and charting a path toward shared prosperity. I firmly believe that APNU offers a credible and viable pathway toward national development and prosperity.
Yours sincerely,
Annette Ferguson
PEN PAL
Prime Ministerial candidate for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Juretha Fernandes on
Huradiah Village to get $599M primary school
The Amerindian v i l l a g e o f
Huradiah in
Region One will soon get a primary school building of its own, which will be built at an estimated price of $599,973,900.
The Ministry of
Education project which opened recently at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, saw 12 contractors submitting bids for the contract Kaieteur News understands that the plan to build a primary school there was announced back in 2023, when Minister of Education Priya Manickchand held a consultation with the residents.
It was reported by the Department of Public Information at the time that following a consultation
with residents of Huradiah village, Moruca Sub region, anewprimaryschoolwillbe built in the community which will cater for 250 pupils.
Toreceiveaneducation, pupils in the village travel across the Moruca River to attend the Santa Rosa Primary School, which is currentlyovercrowded
Some ten acres of land weremadeavailableforthe construction of the school Pupils from the villages of Huradiah, Cabrora, Acquero and Rincon will benefit from this new school,itwasreported.
As reported previously, the ministry had pledged that they will build and repair schools where needed, to ensure children have access and a comfortable environment forlearning
ODPEM launches new earthquake preparedness guidelines for places of worship
(Jamaica Observer)
The Office of Disaster P r e p a
n
s s a n d Emergency Management (ODPEM), in collaboration with the earthquake unit has developed the earthquake preparedness guidelines for placesofworship.
Jamaica experiences approximately 200 earthquakes annually, according to the earthquake unitlocatedattheUniversity oftheWestIndies,Mona.
According to ODPEM, the new initiative aims to p
members of Jamaica’s faithbased communities with practical tools to enhance resilience and protect lives and property during an earthquake.
guidelinesarecustomisedto addressthespecificrisksand structural features of religious spaces, which are often large, open areas with m
furniture.
“With 69 per cent of
Jamaicans affiliated with faith community (Statistical Institute of Jamaica, 2011), and more than 850,000 people—or roughly 30 per c
h e population attending weekly worship services
(Jamaica Observer), the development of this guide was classified as a national priority This resource is an essentialtoolforfaith-based organisations to improve their preparedness and response,”ODPEMsaid.
T h e e a r t h q u a k e preparedness guidelines for places of worship are available for free download ontheODPEMwebsiteasof Monday, July 28, and will also be published on partner platforms, including the JamaicaInformationService (JIS).
Places of worship are being urged to act promptly to strengthen their preparedness and protect their congregations by developingorupdatingtheir plansandprotocols.
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico took part in a regional workshop on solutions journalism and road safety held in Natal, Brazil.
Theeventwasorganised by the PanAmerican Health Organization/World Health O r g a n i z a t i o n (PAHO/WHO),withsupport from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety The workshop offered tools to transform the way road traffic incidents are covered by the media, framing them not just as tragedies but as problems with real, evidence-basedsolutions.
In the Americas, traffic crashes claim over 145,000 liveseveryyearandcauseat least 4.1 million non-fatal injuries,includingmorethan 638,000 serious injuries Countries around the world have committed to halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. In the region, this means reducing the current road mortality rate from 14.09 to 6.73 per 100,000inhabitants.
“Traffic deaths are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Ricardo Pérez Núñez, PAHO’s Regional Advisor on Road Safety. “For every death, there are 28 injured people—four of whom may s u f f e r p e r m a n e n t
consequences,” he added, stressing the need to move toward “transport systems that are safe, sustainable, inclusive,andequitable.”
The workshop, which was held on 22–23 July, addressed key road safety challenges and promoted a s y s t e m s - b a s e d approach shifting responsibility away from individualsandtowardthose who design policies, infrastructure, and regulations Among the solutions discussed were compact urban design, safe public transport, and active mobility
“Traffic injuries are not inevitable They are p r e v e n t a b l e a n d predictable,” said Victor Pavarino, PAHO/WHO’s Road Safety Focal Point in Brazil, noting the disproportionate burden on pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists—especiallyin vulnerablecommunities.
Matthew Taylor, a communications consultant with WHO, highlighted the importance of language in media coverage: “Using terms like ‘crash’ or ‘collision’ instead of ‘accident’ highlights that these events are avoidable.” Healsoemphasizedtheneed to provide systemic context, linking crashes to broader failures such as lack of i n f r a s t r u c t u r e o r
enforcement “News reportingmustcatchupwith thescience.Thewaywetell these stories can generate public support for structural changes that save lives,” he said.
Taylor also introduced the principles of solutions journalism—a practice that emphasizes rigorous, evidence-basedreportingon howsocietiesareresponding to challenges, rather than focusingsolelyonwhatwent wrong.“It’snotabouthiding problems,” he said “It’s about showing what responses are being implemented, how they work, what results they’re achieving, and what lessons canbedrawn.”
Theworkshopincludeda site visit to observe interventions implemented by the city of Natal, such as itsnewbinarytrafficsystem, designedtoreducerisksand improve circulation Participants also heard from journalists and relatives of crash victims working to turn personal loss into action. This training is part of a broader global strategy ledbyWHOanditspartners to strengthen road safety coverage. More than 3,000 journalistshavebeentrained worldwide. In Latin America, cities like Medellín, Buenos Aires, Bogotá,andnowNatal,have hosted these workshops
since2017.
Through hands-on exercises, participants learned how to apply solutions journalism in their dailyreporting.“It’snotjust about reporting what happened,” said Sebastián Oliel, PAHO’s Media and Communications Specialist. “It’saboutinvestigatinghow it could have been prevented About moving from raw data to deeper analysis. From focusing on individual error to exposing system failures that can be addressed to protect users andreducetheriskofserious injuriesanddeaths.”
“The tools I’m taking back to Colombia go far b e y o n d r o a d safety they’ve changed how I think about covering this issue,” said Nicoll Buitrago, a journalist with Colombia’s Noticias Caracol. Daiana Lombardo, from Argentina’s Todo Noticias channel, added: “With the right policies, timelydecisions,roadsafety education—and yes, fines a n d enforcement—thousands of livescouldhavebeensaved. For me personally, this workshop sparked a need to drive change from my small corner of the world, to understand that I have a chance to improve people’s quality of life—or at least try.”
Israel kills more than 90 in Gaza; UN chief UN
calls for ‘viable two-state solution’ to conflict
(AL-JAZEERA)Israeli forces open fire on Palestinianswaitingforfood at sites in Gaza, killing at least41andwoundingmany others, with more than 90 dyinginattackssincedawn.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says “nothing can justify the obliterationofGazathathas unfolded before the eyes of the world” during talks on a two-state solution for Israel andPalestineattheUN.
While Israel has
a n n o u n c e d i t i s i m p l e m e n t i n g a “humanitarian pause”, the situationonthegroundtellsa verydifferentstory.
Over the past few hours, Israeli attacks have taken place where people were trying to collect aid, specifically near the Morag Corridor
Further attacks on aid seekers occurred in central and southern parts of Gaza.
It’s a very grim reality at a timewhenit’ssupposedtobe
Palestinians stand near a damaged vehicle at the site of an overnight Israeli air strike on a house, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, July 28, 2025 [Ramadan Abed/Reuters]
safeforPalestinianstomove around and get food supplies.
Dozensofministershave gatheredataUnitedNations conferencetourgetheworld to work towards a two-state solutionbetweenIsraelisand the Palestinians, but the UnitedStatesandIsraelhave boycottedtheevent.
Gunmen kill 17 in mass shooting at Ecuador small-town bar
(Reuters) - Gunmen killed at least 17 people and injured 11 more in an attack onabarinEcuador’scoastal Guayas province, the country’s attorney general’s office said on Monday, saying it was investigating theincident.
The attorney’s office said more than 40 pieces of ballistic evidence were recovered at the scene
Images shared by local media showed bodies lying on the ground, some covered in white sheets
The 193-member UN General Assembly decided in September last year that such a conference would be heldin2025.
Hosted by France and SaudiArabia,theconference was postponed in June after IsraelattackedIran.
Addressingtheattendees on Monday, Saudi Foreign
urged all countries to support the conference goal of a roadmap laying out the parameters to a Palestinian state while ensuring Israel’s security
In opening remarks, United Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres
said,“Wemustensurethatit does not become another exercise in well-meaning rhetoric.
“Itcanandmustserveas adecisiveturningpoint–one that catalyses irreversible progress towards ending the occupationandrealisingour sharedaspirationforaviable two-statesolution.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the conference: “We must work onthewaysandmeanstogo from the end of the war in GazatotheendoftheIsraeliPalestinianconflict,atatime whenthiswarisjeopardising the stability and security of theentireregion.
“Only a political, twostate solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security There is no alternative.”
France intends to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the annual gatheringofworldleadersat
the United Nations General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron said last week.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa called on all countries to “recognise the state of Palestine without delay”.
“All states have a responsibility to act now,” said Mustafa at the start of themeeting.
The meeting comes as Israel’s war on Gaza still rages after more than 21 months.
Thewarwastriggeredin October 2023 when Hamas led an attack on southern Israel, killing at least 1,139 and seizing more than 200 othersascaptives,according toIsraelistatistics.
Since then, Israel’s military assault on Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to health authorities in the besiegedterritory
Nigeria kidnappers kill 35 hostages
even after ransom paid
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa at the start of last year declared an “internal armed conflict” b u t d e s p i t e s t a t e measures, violence has escalated notably in Guayas
Though Noboa has touted a 15% decline in violent deaths last year, according to the interior m
again surged 47% yearon-year in the first six months of 2025, hitting 4,619
Last month, Ecuador’s national assembly approved a reform that grants the government more legal powers to confront armed groups and dismantle the drugtrafficking networks that fueltheirenterprises
Sunday’s attack took place in the town of El Empalme, some 160 km (100 miles) north from the city of Guayaquil, considered among the most dangerous areas in Ecuador as organized criminal groups battle for control of key drugsmuggling routes
(BBC) - Kidnappers in Nigeria have killed at least 35 people they abducted from a village in northern Zamfara state despite ransoms being paid for their release, a local official told theBBC.
In recent years, criminal gangs in the region, known in the country as bandits, have taken to kidnapping people as a means to raise money
In this incident, 56 people were taken from Banga village, Kauran Namoda local government area in March. The gunmen then demanded a ransom of one million naira ($655; £485) per captive, media in Nigeriareport.
Local government chairman Manniru Haidara Kaurasaidthatmostofthose killed were young people who “were slaughtered like rams”.
“What happened was that the bandits demanded ransom money, and after some back-and-forth, they
were given what they asked for. They then released 18 people,including17women and one young boy, on Saturday,”Haidaraadded.
“Onlythey[thegunmen] know why they killed them. They are senseless and heartlesspeople.Theyforget thattheyarekillingtheirown brothers, and we will all meetbeforeAllah.”
Sixteenofthosereleased
on Saturday are in the hospitalreceivingtreatment, while the bodies of the 38 killed by the bandits are unlikely to be returned as in thesecasescorpsesarerarely released.
In an attempt to curb
enacted in 2022 making it a crime to make ransom payments. It carries a jail sentenceofatleast15years, however no-one has ever been arrested on those charges.
It also made abduction punishable by death in caseswherevictimsdie But families often feel forced to pay to save their loved ones, citing the government’s inability to ensuretheirsafety
Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
Nigeria slaughter (Getty Images)
Dwarshuis, middle-order might power Australia to 5-0 sweep
(ESPNcricinfo) -
Australia put on a final display of their batting power to secure a 5-0 T20I whitewashoverWestIndies. Tim David and Mitchell Owen launched seven sixes betweenthem,astheoverall series tally ended as the second-highest for a bilateral series, with Aaron Hardie then finishing the chaseafterAkealHoseinhad kept West Indies’ hopes alive. The victory was set up
by an excellent performance with the ball after Mitchell MarshhadwonhisfifthtossmakingitalleightforAustralia onthetour-anddecliningthe opportunitytohavehissideset a target They claimed three wicketsinthepowerplaytoset West Indies back and kept chipping away each time a stand threatened to turn the game.ShimronHetmyerand Jason Holder added 47 for the fifth wicket and the formerwenttohisfirstT20I fifty since August 2023 but fell the ball after reaching thelandmark.
Tuesday July 29, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
The astral energy says there's atimeforeverything.Wetend torepeatcertaintaskswelike doing, while those we dislike wetrytogetoutofthewayas quickly as possible. It seems reasonable.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Reality isn't always as excitingasyou'dlikeittobe, Taurus. But isn't this because you interpret reality in a particular way? You rarely look at things in detail, becausefundamentally
GEMINI(May21–June20)
The planetary energies are encouraging you to make some adjustments regarding your social ambitions. You may desire to change professions or your circle of friends. This is trickier than youmightthink.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Thisplanetaryenergyisgoing totestyourrecurringdesireto go to the other side of the world or have a ready exit in any relationship. You do this soyouwon'tfeeltrappedand, aboveall.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Whydoyoufindrelationships difficult, Leo? You know interactions with others help youlearnandgrow Thisisthe case for everyone. But for you, especially, relationships are important because they helpkeepyougrounded.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
The end of one cycle signals the beginning of a new one. Today, you will embark on a new period of understanding that h
energies.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Have you noticed a certain strain on your emotions, Libra? You're resilient, but even you have found all the recentintensityabittoomuch. Youcanrelaxnow
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
The past few weeks may have seemed Earth shattering, Scorpio. You may still be tremblingslightlyasyouhead into the coming weeks Fortunately, the current astral configuration promises to be calmer
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
You may be sensitive, Sagittarius, but you're also persistent. The waves you've surfed in the past few weeks have only strengthened your resolve.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Perhaps the last few weeks impressed you as one of the mostintenseperiodsyetinthis year You will certainly admit that anything related to affairs oftheheartwasendowedwith profoundandlastingmeaning.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)The day ahead will suit you, but you mustn't expect miracles. Now is a time of healing. In the weeks ahead you will restore harmony to your energies and regain your fitnesswithimproveddietand lifestyle.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)Yes, Pisces, you haven't finishedallthecleaningupthat remains in many areas.You're going to have to get your papers in order, pay off old debts, face physical or moral obligations,
Nathan Ellis was again excellentintheclosingovers, includingaverysharppieceof work off his own bowling to end the innings as he underarmed into the stumps, while Adam Zampa claimed a wicketinhis100thT20I-the fourthAustralia men’s player toreachthatmilestone
Australia’s powerplay was hectic as Holder struck twice in his first over, MitchellMarshwascleaned up by a beauty fromAlzarri Joseph and David bludgeoned 30 off 12 balls withfoursixesallinsidefive overs.Fromthere,theasking rate was never an issue, it was just a question of whether West Indies could keep taking wickets. Their chances took a blow when Joseph limped out of the attackandwhileHoseinwas excellent, there were not enoughrunstoworkwithin theend.
Summary:Australia 173 for 7 (Owen 37, Hosein 317) beat West Indies 170 (Hetmyer 52, Dwarshuis 341)bythreewickets
Former Guyana youth player...
Frompage20 trophy Mike Reddy, the Association’s Events Coordinator, spoke at the function due to the absence ofPresidentMitchBacchus.
Reddy congratulated Masters for crowning champions and also congratulated Phoenix X1 forreachingthefinal.
Reddy also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Managing Director of Adana Homes, Satishwar Persaud, for his sponsorship.
He further thanked promine
c
commentator and journalist Ravendra Madholall for doing Live Streaming as well.
Shai Hope was cleaned up by Ben Dwarshuis. (AFP/Getty Images)
Shimron Hetmyer tried to rebuild for West Indies. (AFP/Getty Images)
2025 National Novice Championship delivers fireworks
- Gloves off, Spirit boosted as young guns punch to glory at Andrew Lewis Boxing C/ship
The bell has rung, thescorecardsare in, and the 2025 Andrew Lewis National N o v i c e B o x i n g Championship wrapped up in thunderous fashion Saturday night at the NationalGymnasiumArena, locatedonMandelaAvenue. Withfistsflyinganddreams in tow, the tournament lived uptoitsbillingasthecrown jewel of the Guyana Boxing Association’s calendar, serving as a proving ground for the country’s next generationofringwarriors. Fromtheopeningbellon Fridaynight,theactioncame out swinging. With gloves laced and corners ready,
young bloods from gyms across the nation stepped through the ropes, ready to make their mark The tournament spotlighted the 63.5kg,67kg,71kg,75kg, and 86 kg Novice divisions, aswellasfierceshowdowns intheSchoolboysandYouth categories.
Representing from all corners of the country were the heavy hitters: Pace and Power Boxing Gym (PPBG), New Amsterdam Boxing Academy (NABA), ForgottenYouth Foundation (FYF), Republican Boxing Gym(RBG),GuyanaPolice Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and AndrewLewisBoxingGym
GDF and FYF boxers thrilled the crowd on opening night as National
(ALBG), all stepping into the national spotlight with their freshest crop of hopefuls.
Friday’s card saw the GDFBoxingGymcomeout swinging, going undefeated on opening night and sending a clear message, they weren’t just showing up, they were showing out. Also taking the spotlight were young contenders like Ryan Rogers, Junior Madray, and Eon Bancroft showed poise, power, and ring IQ well beyond their youthstatus.
Saturday night’s finals were nothing short of a slugfest In a tightly contested GDF showdown,
got off to exciting start.
Terrence Barton outpointed teammateBrandonJerrickto clinch the 67 kg title Meanwhile, DanielTrotman showed ruthless finishing instinct; forcing a stoppage just two minutes and 35 secondsintoRound1aftera heavy exchange left Tray McPherson unable to continue.Therefereewaved it off, awardingTrotman the 71 kg crown by RSC (RefereeStoppedContest).
ALBG’s young lions roared too, Simeon Haymer chopped down Emanuel Sandiford (PPBG), whose corner called it after two tough rounds Etavius Vanderstoop edged Josh Chester in a technical three-
Day two showcase several all-GDF finals.
round chess match, getting the nod via split decision. And in another electrifying Youth bout, Isaiah Nurse forcedKenJohnsontothrow inthetowelmidwaythrough Round 2. Nurse, compact andcomposed,lookedevery bit like a champion in the making.
Walkover wins and nationaldreamsNotalltitles were decided inside the ropes, Eon Bancroft (GDF), Junior Innis (PPBG), and Adrian Adams (ALBG) walked into championship glory after opponents failed toanswerthecall.
Despite a few no-shows from scheduled gyms, the energyintheGymnasiumhit
fever pitch. Fans cheered on every jab, hook, and body shot as the country’s rising stars fought not just for medals, but for national prideandrecognition. With the final bell now behind us, the GBA will be eyeing several standout performersfortransitioninto higher-level amateur competition The Andrew L e w i s N o v i c e Championshiphaslongbeen the cradle of Guyana’s boxingelite,andthisyear,it once again proved to be fertilegroundforgreatness. Guts, grit, and gloves, it was all on display as Guyana’s next generation answeredthebell.
Former Guyana youth player Ricardo Peters helps Masters win trophy in Canada
Masters surged t o a resounding, nine-wicket victory against Phoenix X1 in the 2025 OntarioRound-ArmSoftball
Cricket Association (ORSCA)/AdanaHomes1010 final on Saturday at the Emancipation Park, Brampton.
Chasing a moderate 109 for victory from the allocation of 10-overs, Masters surpassed the target with23ballstospare.
Their innings was superbly led by an enterprising, unbeaten 55 from former Guyana youth playerRicardoPeters. The right-handed Peters slammed seven towering sixes having faced only 23 balls.
Peters and Kumar Dudnoth ignited the reply with a flamboyant, 58-run openingstand. Both batsmen reached theboundarywithregularity as Dudnoth, another freeflowing, right-hander, hammered four sixes for his 27.
Peterswasthenjoinedby Keyon Sinclair and the pair ensured there was no more fuss sealingthedealwithan unbroken, fiery 52-run partnership for the secondwicket.
Sinclair, who was the player-of-the-match in the 15-over engagement against Sunshine,wasagainlooking absolutely dominant
Mastershavenowadded another trophy to their collection after triumphing at the 15-over tournament which was played at the same facility three weeks ago.
The victorious Masters team strike a pose.
embellished with two nonchalantsixes.
Earlier,Mastershadwon the toss and skipper Mark Nazir invited Phoenix X1 to takefirststrike. They struggled to 17-2
were left at 108-9 at the expirationofthe10-overs Doodnauth Sitaram was themostoutstandingbowler for Masters by snatching 423 from his maximum two overswhileLindonPersaud, who instigated the early wobble, finished with 2-18 offhistwosupportiveovers. Peters was adjudged the player-of-the-match for his batting brilliance. Samuel namedtheMVPforPhoenix X1 for his b
performance.
separated, the innings
collapse as Phoenix X1
7 wicketsfor17runsasthey
before Rishi Samuel and ZaheerAllard linked up to stitch together a fighting, 57-run third-wicket partnership Allard, the backbone of the batting, struck two sixes in his rapid 19 while Samuel also batted with a g r e a t a m o u n t o f aggression to make a topscoreof27
At the post-match presentation ceremony, both players collected a trophy each while Phoenix X1 players were given a medal each and the runners-up trophy
For Masters, they took home a trophy and every playerwasawardedwitha (Continuedonpage21)
Novice’s
Andrew Lewis Boxing gym pugilist dominating day two action.
GDF FC eliminated from CFU Club Shield Shield after loss to Moca FC
Th e G u y a n a Defence Force Football Club (GDF FC) were eliminated fromtheCaribbeanFootball Union (CFU) Club Shield following a 1–0 defeat to Moca FC yesterday at the Larry Gomes Stadium in TrinidadandTobago.
With both sides needing a win to progress to the next round, it was the Dominican Republic
outfit that emerged victoriousafterscoringthe lone goal in the first half at theArimavenue.
GDF FC had opened their Group B campaign with a 2–0 victory over St Paul’s United of Antigua, while Moca FC edged
French Guiana’s Étoile Matoury 1–0 in their opening fixture. With only thegroupwinnersadvancing to the next round, yesterday’s clash was crucial for the defending GFF El
L
champions
H
e disciplined defending, GDF struggled in the attacking third, lacking creativity and clinical finishing Head coach Joseph “Bill” Wilson was unable to find a tactical solution to break down Moca’s solid defensive setup Forward Chris Macey, who netted in the opening match, looked the most dangerous for
the Camp Ayanganabased sid
ut was effectively neutralized
Macey was starved of quality service, forcing the pacey striker to drop deep and create his own chances Tryonn Babb had a few bright moments but failed to make them count
GDF FC will now return to Guyana to resume their campaign in the GFF Elite League, where they currently sit fourth on the table, trailing league leaders Slingerz FC, secondplaced Western Tigers, and the Guyana Police
Force FC (Rawle Toney)
Moca FC yesterday recorded a 1-0 win over the Guyana Defence Force at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.
Box Office opens for Amazon Warriors home matches
Tickets for all Guyana Amazon Warriors home fixtures in the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League goes on sale from Today at 8am.
CPL - Tickets for all Guyana Amazon Warriors home fixtures in the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will go on sale from today, TuesdayJuly29at8am.
The Warriors are set to t a k e t h e f i e l d a t P r o v i d e n c e f r o m September 6 to 14 as they will be looking for the support of their home crowd.
They are playing host to all other CPL franchises in
what promises to be a thrillingweekofworld-class T20cricketonhometurf.
Secure your spot in the stands by visiting the Box Office at 233-234 Camp Street, Georgetown between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays.
Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early as excitement builds for what is sure to be a blockbusterCPLseasonin
Guyana. TheWarriors have already announced the retention of the ever-green ImranTahirandtheversatile Moeen Ali along with Guyanese superstars RomarioShepherd,Shimron Hetmyer and Gudakesh Motie.Inadditiontothefive men’s group stage matches therearealsodoubleheaders with the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League included in the same ticket pricetogivefansevenbetter value.
Tickets for the CPL playoffsandFinalwillgoon sale at the Box Office on Tuesday12August. For further details and ticket purchases, visit www.cplt20.com.
Ticketswillbeonsalefor thefollowingmatches:
UG reign supreme: Relentless, ruthless, Alafin Joseph cops tournament MVP
The University of Guyana (UoG) basketball squad left no doubts, no questions, and no room for debate as they steamrolled Linden TechnicalInstitute(LTI)8655 in the 2025 Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Tertiary Basketball League
UG’s Alafin Joseph receiving his MVP trophy after a superb run in the 2025 Tertiary Basketball League.
masterclass in dominance, unity, and championship poise. At the heart of it all was the unstoppable force that is AlafinJoseph,wholitupthe court with a stunning 31pointperformance.Throwin eight rebounds, a slew of clutch free throws, smooth mid-range jumpers, and
dagger threes, and it’s no surprise he walked away withMVPhonoursandatidy $40,000 cash prize courtesy ofFiresideGrill&Chill.
But this wasn’t a oneman show, UG was a welloiled machine. Joseph Peter Langevine was a man on a mission, collecting a hardearned double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds, while Chris Perez quietly deliveredwith15pointsand fiveboards.
Together, they formed a relentless wall that LTI just couldn’tscale.
Despite the talent and effort from LTI, led by the gritty play of Leron Joseph and Stefan George; the University boys proved too much,openingupa31-point margin that underscored the gap between the champions and the challengers. From thetip-offtothefinalbuzzer, UoG played like a team that knew destiny was theirs to claim.
Their 2025 title adds to UoG’s growing trophy cabinet and reinforces a powerfulmessage:academic excellence and athletic brilliance can walk hand-inhand.
Earlier in the evening,
New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) secured third-place honors with a commanding74-55winover Government Technical Institute.
Aberone Collins dazzled with 20 points and eight steals, while Nohoj Baird added 16 points and nine rebounds, highlighting that hustleandheartarealiveand wellinthelowerbracket.As
Tournament MVPAlafin Joseph slips through LTI’s defense during TBL III final.
the curtain fell on this electrifying tournament, YBG dished out welldeserved rewards; Champions – UoG cashed outa$125,000cashprizeas well as trophy and medals (sponsoredbyG-BoatsInc.).
Runners-up prize went to LTI receiving $75,000 cash prize along with hardware (sponsoredbyE-Net).
NATI received $50,000
cash prize and medals (courtesyofHalliburton)for their commendable third placefinish.
The league was made possible through the unwavering support of GBoats Inc , ENet, Halliburton, and Fireside Grill n Chill, proving once again that when community and corporate Guyana unite, ouryouthsoar
Colin Elcock Delmur Company and Trophy Stall among top sponsors for Kennard Memorial Turf Club Emancipation Horse Race meet Over45
A hoard of sponsors along with over 45 entries have hopped on board for
what is expected to be a classicalevent.
The list of sponsors includes; Trophy Stall, Colin Elcock’s Delmur Company Limited, Mike’s Pharmacy, Muneshwar Company Limited, Survival Supermarket, P a t s a n T r a d i n g Establishment, David Persaud Investments, Amco Construction Company, BlueSeenarine,RohanAuto Sales, Devanand Sawh Mechanical Work Shop, Joe Jagmohan and The Majeed Family
Six races are listed
o n t h e d a y ’ s programme which will have close to $5M in cash, trophies and other memorabilia up forgrabs
The feature event is for the horses’ classified E2 and lower over onemile with the winner set
to race away with
horsesenteredsofar
$500,000andtrophy
Horses running in the event classified H and Lower over seven furlongs has a winning take of $400,000 and trophy.
Animals classified I3
and lower will be
competing over five furlongs for a winner’s purse of $300,000 and trophy.
The top animal in the event for Guyana Bred two years old horses competing over5furlongswillalsorun away with $300,000 and trophy
The horses racing in the event for animals classified Lclass Open will be aiming for the winning take of $300,000 and trophy over 6 furlongs.
The final event will be fortheJandloweranimals oversixfurlongs
The winner is set to race away with $300,000 andtrophy
O u t s t a n d i n g performers will receive accolades compliments of the Trophy Stall Company Limited Race time is 13:00hrs
A c c o r d i n g t o Matriarch of the KMTC and Coordinator, Mrs Chand Kennard, despite the inclement weather the track is in good condition.
According to Mrs. Kennard, with the absence of a functioning Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA), the days event will be held using the rules of the KMTC
Horses can be entered
The Kennard Memorial Turf Club in excellent shape for horseracing.
Alex Newton rides away with Rajkumar Churuman Memorial cycling road race in Berbice
BYSAMUELWHYTE
Up and coming cyclist
Alex Newton of KFC Evolution Cycle Club continues his march up the ladder Newtonoutdidsome of his more season counterpartstowinthethird annualRajkumarChuruman Memorialcyclingroadrace.
The event which was held on Sunday along the CorentyneCoastinBerbice.
The race, which was s p o n s o r e d b y t h e Churuman’s Family of the
R
MotorcycleandCycleStore, wasorganizedbytheFlying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of Berbice. The event begun around09:30hrs.
The 32 riders were sent ontheirwayfrominfrontof the Raj and Daughters Motorcycle and Cycle Store in Skeldon by Anita Churuman, Wife of the late owner From there the riders proceedalongtheCorentyne highway to the branch in
Rose Hall Town before turning back to finish at its pointoforigin.
Newton was in top form ashewonfromafieldoftop rides to cross the finish line in a time of 2hrs 35 minutes 36.98seconds.
Riding in second was Christopher Griffith, with Kwame Ridley third, Aaron Newton fourth, Robin Persaud occupied the fifth spot, Ajanni Cutting placed sixth, Segun Hubbard seventh with Jamual John
eight. Among the Juniors, Alex Newton was first with Ajanni Cutting and AlexanderLeungoccupying theothertwospots.
In the veterans open category it was Kwame RidleywhowonfromSegun Hubbard and Kwame Fortune.
The veterans over 50 winnerwasRobinPersaud.
Aaron Newton again tooktophonoursfortheU23 cyclists with Ma
second. The Prime Point prizes saw Christopher Griffith taking home three, while there were one each for Robin Persaud, Alex Newton, Jamual John and SegunHubbard.
The race began at a blistering pace and with the sunandtheheavyCorentyne breeze to contend with the ridershadtobeintopform.
Newton, was always in contentionashestayedinthe breakawaygroupevenasthe lead changed hands on
numerousoccasions. As the riders turned aroundatRoseHallTown,it was Newton, Griffith and Ridley that broke away as they battled against one another and the elements in pursuitoftophonours.Inthe end it was the younger legs oftheU23rider,Newtonthat prevail to the cheers and enthusiasm of those in attendance.
T h e e v e n t w a s coo
RandolphRoberts.
Mohamed records fastest car run at Trinidad Drag Race
Fresh off its recent rebuild, the JStang of Rameez Mohamed recorded the fastest time at the weekend in Trinidad during their Wallerfield Championship Final(WCF)Roundthree.
T h e B M
Soat/Renegade Race Fuel sponsored Ford Mustang equipped with the Toyota JZ engine
earned it the name JStang and it lived up to thatwithan8.32secondrun down the quarter mile on Sunday
His time, was the fastest car on record of the day with only a superbike time from Mark Ramoutar (8 216 –Suzuki Hyabusa) being faster
Speaking to the media, Mohamed said, “Since we hadthatincidentinGuyana, we’ve been working to get thecarbacktothatstandard and as we saw today (yesterday), that hard work paidoff.
Tobeabletocomehere and put down this time
means that the car is back thereorevenbetter.”
“We of course want to thank the organizers of the event here (in Trinidad for inviting us and allowing us toparticipate.
Weseehowhighquality this event was and we can only hope to replicate that invitation when we host our international event later in theyear.”
With that being said, fans of the ‘J-Stang’ can expect to see it on show at the International Event in Guyana and we will be gunning for some of the bigonesbackhome
We see a lot of Guys getting faster and faster and we are letting them know that we are back,” Mohamedsaid.
I also want to thank my team and all the guys that put the work back into the car to have it
where it is today, Wigman and all his guys that put hours and hours
into this car and we can’t wait to run back home in Guyana ”
Alex Newton receives the winning trophy after the Rajkumar Memorial Road Race from Sponsor Anita Churuman of the Raj and Daughter Motorcycle and Cycle store. Coordinator and coach Randolph Roberts is at right.
Outstanding performers of the Rajkumar Memorial Road Race pose for a photo op with sponsor Anita Churuman with trophy and staff along with organisers, Coordinator and coach Randolph Roberts at left.
Ryan Rogers dominating his opponent during the opening night of the 2025 Andrew Lewis Novice’s Boxing championship inside the Gymnasium.
