killed in Gaza on Sunday by
promises to better manage oil resources
…Norton declares as APNU launches election campaign hike public servants’ salaries raise income tax threshold to $400K bigger cash grants for students
Iva Wharton elected new president of GPA
Driver killed car into parked truck drowns at Ruby Backdam Contractor after crashing
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Yesterday,oneofthetwomajorpoliticalparties,PNCR (APNU), launched its election campaign. We expect the othergroupswillfollowsuitinthedaysaheadasGuyanese getreadytogotothepollsonSeptember1,2025.
In signing the proclamation dissolving Parliament last week,PresidentIrfaanAlisaidthat:“Freeandfairelections are the lifeblood of a democratic state. The upcoming elections represent our country's commitment to renewing the democratic covenant between its citizens and government.” The head of state also said that election provides an opportunity for citizens to exercise their democratic right to elect their leaders. “I urge all eligible Guyanesetoparticipateintheupcomingelections,andinso doing,bepartofthiscriticaldecision-makingprocessofthe state,” he added.Ali also said that he was confident in the Guyana Elections Commission's (GECOM) ability to deliverfree,fairandcredibleelections.
LikePresidentAli,alltheotherpartieshavebeencalling forfree,fairandcleanelections,eventheincumbentPPP/C thathasgonetothelengthtousetaxpayers'moneytosmear one of the presidential candidates. Mr Azruddin Mohamed hasbeenatargetoftweetspreparedbyagovernment-hired lobbying firm in the United States, linking him to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The tweets have comeatatimewhenthePPP/Chasintensifiedtheattackson Mohamed, and their supporters have sought to disrupt his campaignmeetingsandothereventsintheircommunities.
Manycommentatorshavewarnedagainstthis,notingthe negative impacts it would have on the campaign season. Another issue that has raised its head, and may we say has alreadybeenasourceofconcern,isthepreparednessofthe GECOM. Notwithstanding President Ali's confidence, for thelongestwhile,theoppositionhasexpresseddeepdistrust inthecommission'sabilitytodeliverfreeandfairelections.
In a May 30, 2025 press statement, theAPNU had said that it had been preparing for the General and Regional Elections(GRE)2025andstateditsbeliefthatitwillwina “free, fair and transparent” election. “We are aware that GECOM is a compromised institution that is not intent on delivering free and fair elections, and we are preparing to confront the illegalities. GECOM must know we share the views of our Commissioners and that GECOM's failure to deliver free and fair elections has serious negative consequences.Werecommendthatgoodsenseprevail,”the coalitionsaid.
According to the party, its decision to participate in the upcoming elections did not ignore the fact that, over the years, GECOM has refused to meet the Opposition's demands for a clean voters list and the use of fingerprint biometrics at the place of poll, which it opined leaves the upcoming elections highly vulnerable to manipulation and fraud.Itpositedthatthesafeguardsthatensureintegritycan bereadilybreached,asseenduringtheregistrationprocess, where persons can register without adequate proof of identity,countryofbirth,andaddress.
Whatevertheissues,ourhistoryhasshownthat,ifnotall, most of our politicians who call for clean and fair elections haveconductedsomeofthedirtiestpoliticalcampaigns. The phenomenon of a clean and fair general election is an oxymoron hard to find in our history And if they are, their infrequency gives little hope that the next election will be clean and free of rigging. We are neither cynical nor pessimistic, but our history suggests that the ideal is anachronistic.Manybelievethatelectionshavebeenrigged bybothofthemajorparties.
Politics and power carry very high stakes, but for the winner, the spoils are significant. It is the opportunity to place one's name in the history books of Guyana. For the loser, frustration and vexation are among the unwanted apparelofpowerlessnessonehastobear
That said, the people are aware that it is their responsibility to make sure that elections are devoid of rigging, mud-slinging, slander, lies, innuendo, and distortions.Thisisanuphilltaskforourpoliticians,manyof
DearEditor,
The 2025 elections approach and those political parties committed to the development of an open and just democratic society shouldtakeonboardallthree of the issues addressed below
Over the last 25 years, particularly as its ethnic majority began to wane, the oligarchy that controls the People's Progressive Party (PPP) has deliberately suffocated every area of social life over which Africans have had any meaningful control in order to bend them to its political will. The standard of living of public servants - mainly Africans - has also been targeted and severely negatively affected by the PPP's amoral and illegal refusal to follow the princ
prope
collective bargaining in ordertoimpoverishAfricans andforcethemintoitsranks. The resources that have been deliberately extracted from public servants by the PPPshould,therefore,notbe forgotten but should be properly assessed by an inclusive, independent body andreturned,withinterest,to publicservantsortheirheirs.
The fact that the resulting sum might be enormous is totallyirrelevant,forthePPP has severely decapitalised African Guyanese. Further, governments must come to understand that they cannot, w i t h o u t s e r i o u s consequences, illegally use thestatetopunishsectionsof the population that do not succumb to their political will.
When the PPP came to government in 1992, the public service unions were demanding compensation from the previous People's National Congress (PNC) governmentforthehardship that resulted from its imposition of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP). In the years between 1980 and 1989, money wagesincreasedfrom$11.55 per day, rising to about $35.89 per day But taking $4.00 a day, which was paid in 1970 as the base, real wages, which were $4.38 in 1980, had been reduced to $1.49 in 1989 and to only $0.85 by the end of 1990. Retrieving this 'labour debt' wasoneofthemajorgoalsof thepublicserviceunions. Throughout his time in government after 1992, CheddiJagantriedhisbestto
address this 'labour debt'. Immediatelyuponcomingto government in April 1993, the public service minimum wage was increased to $174.17 from 1 July 1992 and to $191 from 1 January 1993. The real value of the minimumwageattheendof December 1992 was $1.44; an increase of 69% over the low of $0.85 in 1990. Jagan also accepted the formula that public service wages should be calculated based on the rate of inflation plus growthintheeconomy But he died, and around the turn ofthecentury,hissuccessors discarded the formula and collective bargaining and deliberately went about imposing salary increases that barely covered the rate ofinflation.
That the PPP has deliberately set about decreasing the income of public servants is without doubt For example, the APNU+AFCCoalitioncame to government in 2015 and attempted to gradually redress this injustice in its normal piecemeal, ahistorical fashion But immediately upon returning to government in 2020, the PPPrestarteditsprogramme of pauperising Africans and
enhancing the financial position of its own supporters.
While between 2020, when the APNU+AFC coalition left office and 2023, central government expenditure as a percent of GDP had declined from 284% to 246%, current expenditure declined from 2 1 7 % t o 1 0 8 % Importantly, wages and salaries of public sector workersdeclinedfrom6.3% to 3 1% but capital expenditure moved from 6.7%in2020to13.4percent in 2023 Continuing this trend, the 2024 budget increased the recurrent spending by 109% but capital expenditure by 905%. Indians control the private sector and gain the bulk of government contracts. Therefore, what the Indian community loses by being a part of the public service is more than compensated for by their beingdominantintheprivate sector
The IMF assessed that the 2022 end-of-year inflation rate would have been 9.4% but until it was checkmated, the PPP had decidedtopayan8%
(Continueonpage5)
DearEditor, Guyana is truly a unique place, where political theatrics often know no bounds. As elections draw near, we witness all manner of performances, and some politicianswillgotoextreme lengthstoelicitsympathyor curryfavourwithvoters.The most absurd displays often emerge during campaign season, and the most recent example underscores this unfortunatereality
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, conductedanoutreachinthe Baracara community, located in the upper Berbice River area of Region 6, not Region 2, as was initially circulated. What was both
disappointing and troubling was the overtly partisan natureofwhatwaspresented as a government event Images and reports circulating on social media clearly show the Minister, alongwithseveralstafffrom various departments under the Ministry of Agriculture, all outfitted in red T-shirts prominently bearing the People's Progressive Party Civic(PPP/C)logo.
This raises a serious concern. Was this truly a government outreach, funded by taxpayers, or a thinly veiled political campaign event? The blurring of lines between state resources and party activities undermines democratic principles and violates the expectation of
whom do not have clean hands and are not paragons of honesty Somearesoiledbyscandals,corruption,arrogance, selfishness, greed, vindictiveness and by nasty deeds. However,theyoftentapintothepeople'sweaknesses,make emptypromisesandtendtoavoidthetruthbecauseitisugly and unpleasant. Citizens then must be reminded that every ballotcastwiththatsimplestoflettersfromthealphabet,an Xintherightplace,isadeedoftrust,tellingtheleaders:do right,dogood,dowhatistruthful,dowhatiswiseandjust andclean.
impartialpublicservice.
Even more concerning were reports, corroborated by eyewitnesses and photos posted online, that school activities were suspended in the community to facilitate thisoutreach.
Even worse, children were visibly present at the event, wearing oversized PPP/C T-shirts Such a displayisnotonlyunethical, it is reprehensible. Using children as political props violatestheirrighttoremain free from partisan influence and should never be condoned.
Parentsmustalsobeheld accountable.Itisourdutyas guardians to protect our children from the toxicity of politics,especiallywhenitis weaponised for public optics. No child should be madetowearapartysymbol or participate in any activity that compromises their neutralityorsubjectsthemto political messaging they cannotfullyunderstand.
The people of Baracara mustnotforgethistory Prior to May 2015, under s u c c e s s i v e P P P / C administrations, Baracara
was consistently neglected. As a largely agriculturebased community, residents struggled for years to access proper markets for their produce No viable transportation solutions were implemented to support their needs, despite repeatedappeals.
Now, with elections around the corner, the very sameactorsreturn,suddenly proclaiming love for the people and making lofty promises. The timing is no coincidence.
As citizens, we must be vigilant and not fall prey to orchestrated propaganda or election-time affection. Our children must never be exploited for political gain. Public servants must never misuse state resources to promote partisan agendas. And our communities must notbetreatedaspawnsinthe electoralgame.
Let us demand integrity, accountability, and genuine service, not flashy T-shirts andshallowgestures.
Yourssincerely, AnnetteFerguson Former Member of Parliament
We have a partner in progress who is willing
DearEditor,
I, Ronaldo Alphonso, a goldminerformorethan20 years and the current President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, am proud to announce my unequivocal endorsement of His Excellency, Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli,forasecondterm as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
I arrived at this decision
having taken into account the benefits he has seen the sector receive over the past five years. I have noted that thisendorsementreflectsmy firm belief that the current administration has not only listened to the needs of the mining sector but has acted decisively to ensure its growthandprosperity
Under President Ali's leadership, the mining industry has witnessed a transformative period of
consistently delivered on its
implemented a suite of policies that have directly and positively impacted every level of our sector, from the small-scale miner to larger operations. These measures have provided tangible benefits, reduced operational burdens, and spurrednewinvestment.
Over the past five years, miners, including my company, have benefited from a series of critical concessions and initiatives, including:
TaxandVATRelief:
Ÿ Complete removal of VATand taxes onAllTe
Ve
(ATVs).
Ÿ EliminationofVATon essential machinery, equipmen
lubricatingoils.
Frompage4 increase for 2022 to the public servants. This was not, however, considered sufficient to stem the outmigration of educated Guyanese,andsotheregime was prevailed upon and returned with increases for health workers of between 13% to 74% of their minimum wages in the new year and the USA ambassador publicly thankedit!
When we come to teachers, a similar trend exists For example, according to the CIA Fact Book, Guyana's GDP is about US$50,000, but since most of the oil profits go to theoilcompanies,itisbestto usetheGNI(GrossNational Income), which is placed at about US$30,000 Saudi Arabia has a GDP of US$31,000 per annum, and in 2023, the average teacher's salary was about US$36,000 per annum
Portugal has a GDP per capita of about US$30,000, and the average teacher's salary is about US$18,000 perannum.
The GDP per capita in Lithuania in 2024 was US$30,000,andtheaverage teacher's salary was about US$12,000 per annum Guyana has a GNI of US$30,000,andtheaverage annual teacher's salary is only about US$6,500 per annum.
Forgetting the victim of
state behaviour happened before in African history when the British colonial authorities compensated the slave owners but failed to adequately recompense the slaves with all manner of negative consequences, and today, there is a demand for reparations. The PPP must not, in this the 21st century, be allowed to get away with its deliberate efforts to pauperise modern African Guyanese, and fair compensation is the most appropriate response to its inhumanbehaviour
Relatedtotheabove,one reason the PPP has gotten away with this politically motivatedinhumanityisthat the public does not have access to sensible disaggregated data based on r a c e / e t h n i c i t y Notwithstanding all the ethnic problems Guyana faces, the political elite is locked into a nonsensical assimilationisttimecapsule. For this reason, the 'Ethnic Disparity Audit and Rectification Initiative' now being championed by IDPAD-Gisveryimportant.
'Guyana's multiethnic society,'itargues,'continues to grapple with entrenched disparities in access to public services, resource
a l l o c a t i o n , a n d s o c i o e c o n o m i c opportunities. The proposed Ethnic Disparity Audit, led byIDPADA-Gandproposed for implementation under
the mandate of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), aims to objectively identify and quantify ethnic d
foundation for targeted policyreformandlong-term national cohesion ' The objective is to collect, analyse, and publish disaggregateddataonethnic disparities across Guyana's public and private sectors, enabling evidence-based policies that promote equity andinclusion.
IDPADA-G noted that 'persistent allegations of ethnicdiscriminationremain a source of mistrust and social division, Guyana lacks publicly available, disaggregated data to assess d
ck corrective progress, the initiative aligns with the mandates of the UN International Decade for People of African Descent and the SDGs' callto “leave no one behind” and will focusonGovernance,public sector employment, health,
education, housing, land allocation, contracting, law enforcement, income distribution, and access to justice.'
Importantly, the permissive nature of the political system Guyana inherited from the British, which depends a great deal ontradition,precedents,etc., when coupled with their domineering intent, has helped the autocrats in the PPPto capture the state and dowhattheyaredoing.
If Guyana is to avoid dictatorial regimes and develop into a progressive liberal democratic state, the firstorderofbusinessofany new government should be constitutional reforms to introducepoliticalstructures that are more inclusive. For years, this has been the argumentofthiscolumnand othersandwhileitneededto berestated,needlesstosayit will be extremely foolhardy to expect any positive responsefromthePPP Regards, Dr.HenryJeffrey
Ÿ Removal of the burdensome Excise Taxonfuel.
Streamlined Operations: Abolishment of the p o l i c e c l e a r a n c e requirement for miners to transporttheirownfuel.
Ÿ Removal of the mandate to register and obtain road licences for mining equipment.
Ÿ EliminationofVATon hinterland travel, reducing costs for our workforce.
DirectFinancialGains:
Ÿ A s i g n i f i c a n t reduction of the Final Tax from a sliding scalewithamaximum of3.5%downtoaflat 2.5%.
Ÿ Thecompleteremoval of the 10% Tributor's Tax, putting more money back into the pocketsofminers.
LandmarkInvestment Agreements:
Ÿ Theestablishmentofa crucial Investment
D e v e l o p m e n t Agreement (IDA)
b e t w e e n t h e
Government of Guyana and Miners. Thisagreementallows minersproducingover 200 ounces of gold
annually to import a duty-free Double Cab Open Back Pickup, provided they are tax compliant. A further IDA has also been secured for other vehicles and essential spares. These actions speak louder than words. They represent a government that understands the vital contribution of the gold and diamond mining sector to Guyana's economy and is committed to its sustainable development.
Therearestillchallenges to address within the sector, buttheopen-doorpolicyand the collaborative spirit demonstrated by President Ali's government give me great confidence.We have a partner in progress who is willing to listen and work withustofindsolutions.
T h e r e f o r e , I wholeheartedly endorse President Irfaan Ali for a second term and look forward to continuing this productive partnership and building a brighter, more prosperous future for the mining sector and all of Guyana.
Sincerely, RonaldoAlphonso Managing DirectorAdamantiumMining
Areligious singer and drummer died tragically on Saturday after he reportedly crashed his car intoaparkedtruckalongthe publicroadatMahaica,East CoastDemerara(ECD).
Dead is 43-year-old KevindraTularam of Lot 20 David Rose Scheme, Unity, ECD.
The truck driver told policethathehadparkedhis truckatthesideoftheGood HopeRailwayEmbankment Road at Mahaica with the hazard lights to check a sound coming from the
vehicle.
His porter was in the process of checking out the noise when a car slammed into the back of the truck around18:50hrs.
Thetruckdriverrecalled that he jumped out of the truck after he heard a loud noisecausedbytheimpact.
Cellphone recorded videos and photographs taken immediately after the accident showed an almost mangled grey car, partially stuck underneath the truck's trailer.
The driver, later identified as Tuleram, was
DearEditor,
O n c e i n e v e r y generation,aleaderemerges who defies all odds to dumbfound the nation with his genius, reshape the narrative, and transform the political landscape. Aubrey Compton Norton is that
Once-in-a-Generation Leader The New York PNCR Group has been monitoring the contretemps and has taken note of the barrage of 'fiery darts' that were thrown at Mr Norton fromallanglesoverthepast two years Instead of succumbing to the sustained attacks from within and without,hehasemergedasa rarebreedofleaderwhohas demonstrated selfless courage and fearless wisdom.Heisnotonlylaserfocusedonwinningbackthe reins of Government, but he is intensely-focused on liberating the people of Guyanafromtheshacklesof hyper-corruption, hyperinflation, social and ethnic inequalities, suppression of political and other forms of
dissent, perceived manipulation of the election'smachinery,refusal toconsultwiththeLeaderof the Opposition as required by the constitution, erosion ofpublictrustininstitutions such as the Guyana Police Force and the Judiciary, undermining of the Constitutionandfloutingthe rule of law; all of which has resulted in the near collapse of democratic norms and values under the People's ProgressiveParty Ineffect,whatGuyanese have experienced over the past five years, and are still
experiencing until September 1st, 2025, is the 'resource curse' of a failed petrostate, being run by a
K a k i s t o c r a c y A
Kakistocracyisdefinedas'a government run by the worst, least qualified, unscrupulous, unethical, incompetent, inefficient and most unprincipled people.'
(Merriam-Webster) A Kakistocracyisworsethana Kleptocracy because it is a politicalsystemthatisrunby 'Kak' men who are surrounded by controversy, scandals, poor decision making that fuels the 'resource curse' and gives rise to the 'Dutch disease.' Guyana, as an oil-rich nation, is already experiencingthedebilitating effectsoftheDutchdisease.' In the midst of plenty, insteadofprosperity,thereis widespread poverty among the populace and there is a decline in other productive sectors such as bauxite mining, agriculture (sugar, rice, cash crops), fisheries, forestry, livestock, meat, poultry, dairy, horticultural crops, and organic product development such as cocoa, coffee and heart of palm production Guyana has become a textbook case of theDutchdisease.
The New York PNC/R group endorses Aubrey Compton Norton as the Presidential candidate for the 2025 General and Regional Elections. We are confidentthathewillemerge as the next President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.His'PeopleCentred Development Strategy (PCDS) is perfectly designed to reverse the resource curse and eradicate the Dutch disease with which Guyana has been afflicted Moreover, the PCDS aligns perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development
pinned.
In one of the photos, a hand could be seen sticking outfromthewreck.
Police said Tuleram was pulled from the wreckage with multiple injuries to his body and rushed to the newly-commissioned Enmore Regional Hospital by“public-spiritedcitizens”.
He was subsequently pronounceddeadonarrival.
NewsofTuleram'stragic demisehasbeenmetwithan outpouringoftributesacross socialmediaplatforms.
Goals 2030 Agenda, which has, at the centre of its agenda, the eradication of 'thetyrannyofpoverty,'inall its forms and dimensions, a n d i n a h e a l t h y environment. The People Centered Development Strategy, “puts people first andwillutilizetheresources of Guyana to achieve the ultimate goal of providing a high quality of life to the people of Guyana through the direct and indirect transfer of resources to our people, to educate them, supporttheirmobilizationof resources to work, and for investment with the aim of alleviating and ultimately eradicating poverty while simultaneously resulting in the sustainable development of all communities and sectors of the Guyanese society, as well as the promotion of good governance and the creation of a just and prosperous society The PCDS will ensure that the needs of the people, such as healthcare, housing, water, electricity, education, transportation, andothersocialservices,are guaranteed ” (Congress 2024)
As the campaign gets underway, we urge all Guyaneseathomeandinthe global diaspora, to get on board the PNC/APNU Coalition express train to prosperity The Aubrey Norton/Juretha Fernandes ticket is our guarantee to a resounding victory at the September 1st General and Regional Elections Guyanese will experience the true meaning of our national motto; One People, One Nation, One Destiny VotePNCR/APNU.
Yourssincerely, NewYorkPNCRGroup
The University of Guyana (UG) and the European Chamber of Commerce (Guyana), last Wednesday (July 2, 2025), signed a landmark M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding paving the way for a transformative Global Exchange Initiative (GEI), which will provide U G s t u d e n t s w i t h unparalleled opportunities for international internships, academic mobility, and cultural exchange across Europe.
The agreement also facilitates reciprocal visits by faculty and students, as well as interna
c a p a c i t y
b u i l d i n g opportunities for European educational institutions, UG said in a press release. The historic signing, which took place in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at UG's Turkeyen Campus, signifies a major step in UG's commitment to equipping students with global competenciesandenhancing their readiness for the internationalworkforce.
UG's Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin who executed the agreement, which was
negotiated by DVC for Institutional Advancement, Dr Melissa Ifill expressed her excitement about the partnership, highlighting its groundbreaking nature. The VC said: “This is the first time the University of Guyana is signing a MoU with an International C h a m b e r o f Commerce—anywhere. It's an extraordinary moment, and one that I believe will opencountlessdoorsforour studentstogaininternational experience, develop workforce-ready skills, and immerse themselves in new cultures.”
“This partnership comes at a critical time in UG's development.Itsupportsour vision of matching our students' academic training with real-world, global exposure, just as students in developednationshave.Isee thisasapowerfulstepinour ongoing efforts to internationalise education andprepareourgraduatesto lead in any arena,” the VC added.
Registrar of the
University of Guyana, Dr Nigel Gravesande who chaired the proceedings a c k n o w l e d g e d t h e
longstanding desire to deepen UG's engagement with Europe. “This MoU represents more than a document, it's a bridge to strengthen academic and professional ties between Guyana and the European Union. It has been years in the making, and today's signing is a culmination of shared vision and collaborative intent I'm proudtowitnessthishistoric stepforUG,”DrGravesande said.
Thefive-yearagreement, which becomes operational in September 2025, focuses on building partnerships betweenUGanduniversities inDenmark,Germany,Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Selected students will benefit from internship placements, study exchanges, and hands-on experience in high-demand sectors such as forestry, health, pharmaceuticals, engineering, business and Oil&Gas.
Chair of the European Chamber of Commerce (Guyana),Dr AlistaBishop, describedtheagreementasa bold and timely leap forward.“Thisismorethan (Continueonpage8)
In Guyana, elections are not for the weak of spirit, but we believe there should be limits to how low the contestants should go, and there are some places that they should not go.
Attaching the tag of being a 'pro-Maduro puppet' to a Guyanese is a smear beyond mention. Unless there are some solid grounds on which such an insult, such a grievous wound, could be inflicted, then it must be avoided, so repulsive it is.
We are searching for a viler degradation, and can't find any currently. And for what does the party in government, the PPPC, proceed on this fateful step, but to retain power, doing whatever it takes.
Whatever the circumstances require, it will be done, seems to be the settled mantra of the major political party competing in the 2025 elections. When the tax money of Guyanese has to be spent for the scurrilous, then spend it, and not lose sleep over it.
A44-year-old contractor
reportedly drowned Saturday evening after falling into canal at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo(EBE).
Police identified him as Raj Birsa The incident reportedlytookplacearound 19:00hrs.
A c c o r d i n g t o investigators, Birsa was drinking at a shop and had gone to urinate at the canal whenhefell.
“At the time, the 'koker' was opened," police said, explaining that the strong currentpulledhimaway When ranks arrived, a search party was formed. Birsa was found some two hours later but he was m o t i o n l e s s a n d unresponsive.
Inacellphonevideosent to Kaieteur News, multiple persons were seen trying to revive Birsa but all attempts werefutile.
One individual was seen administering CPR, and another was seen shaking him. Others did all they could to get a response, but alleffortsfailed. Birsa was
pronounced dead at the LeonoraCottageHospital.
ongoing.
Frompage6 an agreement between institutions, it's a vision in motion The Global Exchange Initiative is about opening doors, expanding minds, and preparing Guyana's youth to lead in a globally competitive world.
Our students are not just capable, they are bold, brilliant,andresilient.We're honoured to connect them with European institutions eager to embrace that potential.”DrBishopsaid.
The collaboration places strong emphasis on aligning student development with
industry needs Through m e n t o r s h i p s a n d international placements, students will gain exposure t o p r o f e s s i o n a l environments that demand excellence, adaptability, and cross-culturalcompetence.
Chair of the Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement Committee at the Chamber, Mrs. Kerri
G r a v e s a n d e - B a r t , underscored the practical valueoftheprogramme.“As someone who works in recruitment, I can tell you that one of the biggest challenges is preparing
graduates to enter global workspaces confidently This initiative does exactly that It's not just about travelling, it's about equipping our students with the mindset, exposure, and work ethic needed to thrive anywhere. I am so happy to see this programme become a reality,” Mrs GravesandeBart proudly expressed. This initiative stands as a tangible testament to UG's expanding global footprint and the University's deepening partnerships with k e y i n t e r n a t i o n a l stakeholders.
The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) officially launched its 2025 elections campaign on Sunday, vowing to reclaimgovernmentatthe upcoming General and RegionalElectionssetfor September1,2025.
A massive crowd turnedouttorallybehind t h e c o a l i t i o n ' s presidential candidate, Aubrey Norton, prime ministerial candidate, Juretha Fernandes and vice-presidential candidate, Ganesh Mahipaul During the campaign launch, the coalition unveiled a slate of new faces that will be on the APNU's list of candidates. Among them are: attorneys-at-law Dr. Dexter Todd and Ronald
Officiallykickingoffthe A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition's elections campaign on Sunday, Ganesh Mahipaul, the party's vice presidential candidate, underscored that the party's plans for Guyana can be financed by the revenuesreceivedfromoil Though Vice President andGeneralSecretaryofthe People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, has argued that the revenues Guyana receives from oil are not enough to finance most of the APNU's promises, Mahipaul begs to differ. Speaking at the campaign launch held at the Square of the Revolution, Mahipaul outlined plans similar to those that were alreadyintroducedbythePPP administration,butexpanded on those He laid out the APNU's vision for national development under an Aubrey Norton-led government He said that APNU will increase the children's grant to $120,000 per school child annually as well as two hot meals per day, support free tertiary education, and direct cash grants for students. He also spoke about expanding the government's10-dayworker programmebyupskillingthe workers and getting them enrolled in technical institutionsortheUniversity of Guyana. This, he said, could see an additional $50,000 monthly in the pockets of the 10-day workers. Mahipauldeclared that Guyana's oil revenues will be more than sufficient
to finance the coalition's plans for the country He accused the incumbent People's Progressive Party government as being deceitful and out of touch with the needs of ordinary Guyanese, and positioned the APNU as the better alternative. “All the PPP is doingislying,andwecannot have them there for another term…. the choice you have tomake,thechoiceyouandI have to make come September 1 is between the palm of the hands and the cup, and I will be voting for the palm of the hands,” Mahipaulsaid.
Notably, with all the plans that theAPNU has for citizens and the country's development, Mahipaul made it clear that the coalition has no plans to increase taxes, pointing instead to the growing oil revenues as the financial foundation for APNU's developmentagenda “Iwant to say that under the APNU andAubreyNorton,therewill be no increases in any tax, nonewhatsoever”Heargued that revenues garnered from ExxonMobilGuyanaLimited (EMGL) oil operation at the offshore Stabroek Block wouldbesufficienttofinance the party's initiatives Mahipaul emphasised that Guyana's offshore oil production currently supported by Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, will bring in even greater revenuesinthecomingyears when more FPSOs come on stream.
“Our country has [three]FPSOsfunctioning… for those who don't know, FPSOisabigship[that]can
give you so much money In the next two years, we will havetwomore,andbeforethe fiveyears,wewillhave10in total,”Mahipaulsaid
“Soif[three]isgivingus so much, imagine what 10 wouldgive…Thatiswhythe planthatAubreyNortonhas, the plan that Juretha [Fernandes]has,theplanthat the APNU has, it can be financed by oil alone,” he added
Furthermore, Mahipaul wrapped up his address by calling on the supporters to reject the PPP, which he accused of neglecting the people. He said, “We have allowed the cantankerous to occupy that office, and they have not been delivering for us. It is time that we chase themout,andSeptemberone we will get rid of them” He continued,“Thereisnothing There is absolutely nothing that the People's Progressive Party can tell us to convince us that they really and truly care for us If the PPP was doingsowell,thensomanyof youwouldnothavebeenout here… You are fed up. We are fed up, and it is time to kickthemout.”
No judgment is m a d e o f Mohamed the Younger For then those whomayhavefacilitatedhis allegedactivitieswillhaveto be named also. I cast no vote, since I am still undecided about exercising thatsacredright. ButIclaim the right of a citizen, and speak out against violence.
Domestic violence. Cyber
violence. Politicalviolence. The last two share the same motherandfatherinGuyana. In proceeding, the first concern is what has happened to all those characters who pose as concerned citizens when there is political violence.
W h e r e h a v e t h e y disappeared when blatant political violence in the city and villages, and hamlets of Guyana?
Part of Guyana's history, which is related to its hypocrisy, is the rush to condemn and stereotype political violence when it rears its ugly head. All violenceisrepugnant. PNC
( T R I N I D A D EXPRESS) Minister of ForeignandCaricomAffairs
Sean Sobers is leading Trinidad and Tobago's delegation at the Caricom summitinJamaica.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will not be attending.
In a media release on Saturday, the Ministry of ForeignandCaricomAffairs saidT&T'scontingenttothe 49thRegularMeetingofthe Conference of Heads of GovernmentofCaricomwill includeMinisterofHomeland Security Roger Alexander; acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs and head of the Foreign Service Randall Karim; T& T Ambassador to Caricom RalphMaraj;anddirectorof Caricom and Caribbean AffairsAyeshaWharton.
The Caricom meeting opened on Sunday and will conclude on Tuesday in Montego Bay, and will be hosted by Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness. The release said PersadBissessar has sent 'written greetings to Prime Minister Holness and briefed her
ministers on the critical role placedbyheradministration on relations between TrinidadandTobagoandthe CaribbeanCommunity'.
It added, 'In advance of the meeting she engaged virtually in discussions with her regional counterparts to advance Trinidad and Tobago's positions on several items on the agenda including the Caricom Single Market and Economy; Advancing the CaricomAgri-FoodSystems
A
R
NutritionalSecurity;andthe Report from the PrimeMinisterial Sub-Committee on External Negotiations.'
During the Caricom meeting, Sobers is expected to 'engage in bilateral discussions with his counterpart,SenatorKamina Johnson- Smith, Minister of ForeignAffairs and Foreign Trade,ofJamaicaonmatters of mutual interest between both countries, including regional energy initiatives, trade and investment
relations, cultural exchanges, immigration issues,andpotentialareasof cooperation in national and
violence,Ikickinthegutter. PPP violence I toss on its head. Itisaskirtthatthosein thePPPwhoareusuallyloud in crying against don't want to lift up now Nobody wantstoseewhatisbeneath. Everybody (in the PPP) is fearful of what could be exposed. Political violence is not limited to the PNC. Did the Commissioner hear me? Political violence is nowastandingfeatureofthe PPPwheneverMohamedthe Younger dares to move freely, associate freely, and speak freely across the avenues and backroads of Guyana,aspermittedbythis country's constitution Those freedoms still are allowed, Mr Attorney General,aren'tthey?
repeatofwhathasplagued this country, it had to be condemned in the harshest terms. Using the identical standards,thosealsoapplyto thehostilitythatfollowedin the aftermath of the autopsy for Adriana Younge. The politicians had their say, the outragedhadtheirsay
Where are they now?
All and sundry, particularlythoseinthePPP, raise a hue and cry when political violence makes an appearance. I endorse that cry; don't look for another endorsement.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar
regionalsecurity
'Minister Alexander is also set to engage with his counterpart, the Honourable Dr Horace Chang, Minister of National Security, on matters of mutual concern. MinisterAlexanderwillalso participate in the Jamaica ConstabularyForceSecurity Technology Expo that will take place in Montego Bay from July 6 to 8, 2025,' it said.
The Persad-Bissessar administrationhostedIndia's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his official two-dayvisittoT&T,which ended on Friday In a social mediapostyesterday,former foreign and Caricom affairs minister Dr Amery Browne said the Prime Minister's decision to 'absent herself' from the Caricom meeting 'sends all the wrong signals to our regional family'. He added, 'Sending Ministers Sean Sobers and Roger Alexander in her stead does not compensate for her absence from these discussions with regional counterparts, particularly as Minister Sobers did not say onewordattherecentlyheld COFCORmeetingwhichhe participated in virtually,' Browne said on social media.
The violence around the Mon Repos Market a few years back, as orchestrated by the PPP, provided ample foddertomashthePNCand massage the stereotypes Who is a thug? Which citizen is a hooligan? Who likefuhteefanraab…? The faithfulfellinlineandwrote theirlinesintheindependent media,socialmedia.
For me, a thug is a thug, whatever their colour, whether they wear a suit or jeans, carry a briefcase or a two-by-four
In other words, whitecollarviolence,orthestreetencited mercenary variety Whether the Mon Repos rampage was arranged or a
Where is that army of pundits and propagandists that springs into action to highlightviolencewhenever it takes shape? Mohamed the Younger is stepping on toes, that much is clear, rubbing raw the nerves of jittery PPPheads, who see a spoilerinhismerepresence. It is not yet time for voting, and the PPP is a swarm of overreaction The newcomer is pushed and shoved,backedintoacorner, in different ways whenever he shows his face. What happened in Belle West was a replay of other places, except the intensity and menacewerepalpable,could be sensed through the video images.
How come this is not a problem, commented about inthemostunsparingterms? Honestones? Surely,thisis not another instance of the opposition's protester being a gangster and terrorist, but mine is a guardian of democracy, a freedom fighter
WhatisgoodforthePPP and its campaigners must also be the exact same good for Mohamed the Younger, sanctions or no sanctions. Violence at any time from any quarter by any means is violence, and should not be lookedawayfrom,suddenly
not everybody's business. So, too, the violence of government-engaged and paidlobbyists. Thelasttime I checked, Mohamed the Younger is not a convicted felon. Though allegations have been made, and sanctions are in effect, he is still entitled to as many rights as any other citizen, including those enjoyed by the PPP agents hounding him.
Iwouldhopethatnoone insults Guyanese by telling them that the people confronting the new kid on the political block are PNC plants. Thatis,dressedupin red clothes, complete with banners and such, to smear thePPP
When Guyanese are not comfortable speaking againstwhatishappeningto acontenderonthecampaign trail, then Guyana is still languishing in that old B u l g a r i a a n d Czechoslovakiamode.
The PPP can prattle as much as it desires about Burnham and rough times, but what sets Guyana apart undertherulingparty? How areGuyanesenowfearfulof speaking and associating, not a reflection of Stalinist andPutinesquetechniquesto neutralise those opposing? This is Guyana's prejudice, poverty,andtragedy
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
GECOM ramps up civic and voter education for September 1 elections
Fo l l o w i n g
President Ali's proclamation dissolving the parliament, GECOM has intensified its voter education campaign to engage communities in raising awareness and p r o m o t i n g v o t e r participation in the regional andgeneralelections.
In a release on Friday evening, GECOM indicated they are rolling out content on television, radio, and social media aimed at providing “accurate information that will contribute to them [citizens] making important decisions regarding their participation inthedemocraticprocess.”
Engagements in key
public spaces have commenced and include markets like Mon Repos, Stabroek and Anna Regina, and high foot-traffic areas such as Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika Stelling Trainee teachers at Cyril Potter College of Education also benefited from information sessionsonJuly3.
GECOM's commitment toreachingdiversesegments of the population is demonstrated through the planned outreaches to Region 2, specifically Supenaam Waterfront, SuddieandCharityMarkets, Mainstay Whyaka and B e t h a n y M i s s i o n communities.
Voter education is a mandatory requirement of GECOM that seeks to empower Guyanese through a series of engagements that notonlyinformthemoftheir democratic rights but also explain the process of electoral systems This p r o c e s s l e n d s t o transparency and aims to build public trust in the electoralprocess.
GECOM is encouraging the public and first-time voters to engage with their w e b s i t e a t www.gecom.org.gy to stay updated on the latest developments and utilise all educationalmaterials.
Veteran journalist Iva Wharton has been elected president of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), followingtheassociation’selection heldonSundayattheTheatreGuild atParadeStreet,Georgetown.
Wharton, who has worked in journalism for over 20 years, will serveatwo-yearterm.Shereplaces Nazima Raghubir, who served as GPApresidentforsevenyears.
The GPA, founded in 1945, is the sole representative body for mediaworkersinGuyanaandisthe second-oldest media membership
and advocacy organisation in the English-speakingCaribbean.
Wharton, a senior journalist with Capitol News, began her media career in 2005 after completing a three-month internship at Prime News through theUniversityofGuyana.Overthe years,shehasreportedextensively on crime, politics, business, and sports. In 2010, she received the Non-Print Sports Journalist of the Year award for her 2009 coverage. Currently, she produces the business magazine Business
InspireGY and hosts the radio programmeBusinessInsight.
A total of 61 media representatives participated in the elections, voting to fill key executive positions including president,vicepresident,treasurer, assistant treasurer, and four voting members. While several returning members were elected to new positions, this year’s elections also saw the emergence of fresh faces taking the spotlight within the executivebody
The previous executive
President of the Guyana Press Association, Iva Wharton
included Nazima Raghubir as president, Rawle Toney as vice president, Svetlana Abrams as treasurer, Ariana Gordon as assistanttreasurer,andIvaWharton as secretary Voting members then included Denis Chabrol, Nyjel Fraser, Alva Solomon, and MarcelleThomas.
Now, Wharton was nominated forthepresidencyalongsidefellow senior journalist Rawle Toney, winning the vote by 49 points. Otherelectedofficialsinclude;vice president: Ariana Gordon, treasurer: Svetlana Abrams, assistant treasurer: Oluatoyin
and voting members:
Wharton received a warm welcome as she took the stage to deliverheracceptancespeech.She expressed gratitude for the confidenceplacedinher,noting,“I am grateful for the opportunity affordedtometoserveaspresident of the Guyana Press Association. BothMs.JohnsonandMr Chabrol contactedmeandtoldmetheywere going to nominate me to serve—youknowhowpersuasive
Continued on page 16
UPEC debates: Shaquille Wilson and Wiken Decamp receiving their prize from House Speaker, Manzoor Nadir
The Upper East Coast Youth Federation (UPEC) has emerged victorious in the Final of the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition 2025, narrowly edging past the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre Youth Ministries Group in a gripping showdown that showcased the finest youth debaters in thenation.
According to a press release from the Parliament, the hybrid event, held in the ChamberofthePublicBuildings,Brickdam, Georgetown at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025, drew an enthusiastic crowd, including the Aubrey C Norton, Leader of the Opposition, Opposition Members of
Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Best Debaters from the 2025 Speaker’s Regional and National Youth Debating Competitions, students, educators, parents, and online viewers across the country
The moot for the final debate, “Nationalismisathreattopeace,”challenged participants to think critically about global andnationaldynamics.TheUpperEastCoast Youth Federation, debating on the opposing side, secured an average judge score of 218 points, narrowly surpassing the Ruimveldt LifeImprovementCentreYouthMinistries
Continued on page 15
PARAMARIBO, July 6 (Reuters)Suriname’s parliament backed Jennifer SimonsastheSouthAmericancountry’sfirst woman president on Sunday, setting the doctor and former parliamentary speaker on course to helm a nation on the cusp of a predictedoilboom.
SurinameselawmakersbackedSimonsas presidentsixweeksaftertherulingpartyand its top opposition nearly tied in the race for legislativeseats,leadingtoacoalitiondealto installSimonsaspresident.
Simons’oppositionNationalDemocratic Party won 18 seats and current President Chan Santokhi’s Progressive Reform Party won 17 seats in the May 25 parliamentary election. Smaller parties won the remaining 16 seats. Suriname’s president is elected indirectly Following the general election, members of the NationalAssembly vote for the president, and a candidate must secure a two-thirdsmajoritytowintheoffice.
“Icomeintothisofficetoserve,andIwill useallmyknowledge,strengthandinsightto make our wealth available to all of our people,” Simons, 71, said in a brief speech after lawmakers approved her appointment witharoundofapplause.
Suriname’s Parliament backed Jennifer Simons as the country’s first woman president
independent since 1975, is expected to see a surge in revenues from the nation’s first big offshore energy development, an oil and gas projectledbyTotalEnergies(TTEF.PA)
The Gran Morgu project is set to begin productionin2028.Discoveredreservesmay allowSurinametocompetewithneighboring Guyana, whose economy grew 43.6% last year, as a prominent producer However, campaigningfeaturedlittledebateaboutwhat thenextgovernment,whichwillholdpower until2030,shoulddowiththeincome.
Members of the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre Youth Ministries Group
Simonsvowedtopayspecialattentionto youngpeopleandthosewhohavenotyethad thebestopportunities.“Iamveryawareofthe responsibilitynowplacedonourshoulders,a responsibilitycompoundedformebythefact thatIamthefirstwomantoholdthisoffice,” she added. “I do not need many words. My thanksandwewillgettowork.”
Incumbent President Chan Santokhi, a 66-year-oldformerpolicecommissionerwho stoodforre-election,hadfacedcriticismover alackofprotectionsforthepoorerandmore vulnerable sectors of society Santokhi congratulatedSimonsonherelectionandtold lawmakers he took responsibility for his shortcomings and hoped he would be rememberedforhiscommitment.Hesaidhe wouldcontinuetoservethecountryafterthe transitionasamemberofparliament.
ACOMINGBOOM
Suriname, a former Dutch colony
Simons’electionwasagreedinasix-party dealtwodaysaftertheparliamentarycontest, butwasnotmadeofficialuntilSunday’svote. Her inauguration is scheduled for July 16. Suriname’sparliamentbackedSimonsforthe post by acclamation, alongside National Party of Suriname (NPS) leader Gregory Ruslandashervicepresident.
Simons served as parliamentary speaker for a decade until 2020. She was second in vote tallies behind Santokhi, winning more than41,700votes.SheistheheadoftheNDP, founded by former President Desi Bouterse, who dominated Surinamese politics for decadesbutdiedafugitivelastyear
NDPfounderBouterseleftofficein2020, the year after he was convicted in the 1982 murders of 15 government critics.When the conviction was upheld in 2023, Bouterse wentintohiding,dyingattheageof79atan unknownlocationonChristmasEve.
The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, the majority of which are classifiedasmiddle-income, facegrowingchallengesthat require a reformulation of the criteria and mechanisms that govern the conditions for accessing financing and international development cooperation.
Given the challenges related to financing for development, the region's countries need to strengthen their capacities to mobilise
resources and forge cooperation mechanisms based on metrics that reflect each country's needs as well a s t h e i r o v e r a l l heterogeneity, ECLAC indicated during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4),whichtookplaceon June 30-July 3 in Seville, Spain.
T h e E c o n o m i c Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) participated prominently in various sessions, side events and meetings held at this important global gathering, whichdrewtheattendanceof more than 50 international leaders, delegates from 150 countries and 15,000 representativesofallareasof society Atthisglobalforum – convened by the United Nations General Assembly to reform the international financial architecture and accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda –ECLAC promoted the region's voice and commitment in the debates, with concrete proposals for fostering sustainable development with gender equality, tax justice and multilateralcooperation.
ECLAC'sdelegationwas composed of high-level officials, led by the Commission's Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs. In their conversations with authorities from national governments, international organisations, experts and representatives of academia and civil society, it was clearly established that this
conference,andtheresulting “Seville Commitment” approved by governments, attest to the global commitment to forge a renewed framework for developmentfinancing.
“Duetotheirimportance in the global economy, middle-income countries (MICs), including those from Latin America and the Caribbean, are central to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.However,theyface significant structural challenges for achieving development, which are related to the three traps identified by ECLAC in which the region is mired: low capacity for growth; high inequality, low social mobility and weak social cohesion; and low institutional capacity and ineffective governance," Salazar-Xirinachs said during the side event, Measuring Development and its Implications for International Development Cooperation: Challenges for Middle-Income Countries, which was organised by ECLAConWednesday,July 2.
The senior United Nations official added that the exclusive use of Gross DomesticProduct(GDP)per capitatoguidetheallocation of resources limits the efficacy of cooperation for development and restricts countries' ability to leverage additional resources. It is critical to move towards international cooperation schemes that use more comprehensive indicators capable of capturing the needs and structural diversity of the region's countries,heasserted.
Thatsameday,ECLAC's Executive Secretary also spokeatasideevententitled “New Approaches for Renewed International Cooperation: 'Insights for the Beyond GDP Global Alliance,'” convened by the Government of Spain, the Organisation for Economic C o - o p e r a t i o n a n d Development (OECD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) and the IberoAmerican General Secretariat (SEGIB). There, he recalled the efforts the institution has made to advance a development measurement that goes beyondGDP,whichincludes the “Development in Transition” framework developed in strategic partnership with the OECD and the European Commission, along with the “Multidimensional Poverty Index of Latin America (MPI-LA), ” built in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP).
“Wemustacttogetherto forge a global consensus on describing development in a broader way That is why ECLAC supports the international community in forging a 'Beyond GDP Global Alliance,'” he indicated. “We conceive of this Alliance as being a crucial mechanism for putting into practice the commitmentsofthePactfor the Future (adopted by the UnitedNationsinSeptember 2024),”headded.
Meanwhile, at the event entitled “The role of Regional Commissions in supportingmemberStatesin the follow-up to the outcomes of FfD4” –organized by the United N a t i o n s R e g i o n a l Commissions on Thursday, July 3 – the Officer-inCharge of ECLAC's Economic Development Division, Noel Pérez, spoke on behalf of José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachstoprovide an overview of ECLAC's perspective regarding financingfordevelopmentin Latin America and the Caribbean and follow-up to the outcomes of the Seville conference.
“As we approach 2030, Latin America and the Caribbean finds itself at a critical crossroads and faces profound challenges for mobilising the resources needed to achieve the SDGs and support inclusive, resilient and sustainable development. The shortage o f f i n a n c i n g f o r
development is enormous in our region, since Latin America and the Caribbean faces a regional financing gap of approximately $650 billion a year,” the ECLAC officialindicated.
Regarding the future of financing for development, he added that the role of the
UN Regional Commissions is more crucial than ever since they are in a unique position to support their m
monitoring the outcomes of the FFD4 conference. “The regionalcommissionsplaya fundamental role in
promoting reforms of the international financial architecture. By articulating regional perspectives and priorities, we can contribute toshapingtheglobaldebates and ensuring that the voices of our member states are heard in international forums,”heemphasised.
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From page 14 Group’s 216 points. Despite beingawayforaChurchConference in the USA, Ms. Marinella Glasgow of the UpperEastCoastYouthFederation joined the debate online, delivering a compelling argument that contributedtoherteam’svictory The champions received a trophy and cash prizes for their stellarperformance.
In a testament to the calibre of the competition, Ms. ShontellDavis-Danielsofthe RuimveldtLifeImprovement Centre Youth Ministries Group was awarded the Best Speaker Award for the final debate and also received the Best Overall Debater trophy forthe2025competition,the release added. Her team was awarded trophies and cash prizes for their remarkable journey throughout the tournament.
The competition concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, where the Best Debatersfromeachmatch-up intheSpeaker’sRegionaland National Debating Competitions 2025 were recognised with trophies for their outstanding contributions to youth debate in Guyana.
Judges who dedicated their time to adjudicating the debates also received tokens of appreciationfortheirservice.
Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly,andNortondelivered remarks during the awards ceremony, encouraging participants to continue using their voices to contribute to nation-building.Thefinaldebatewasbroadcastliveonthe Parliament of Guyana’s website, Facebook, and
YouTubepages,andwasalso streamed on Globespan and Guyana TV, allowing a wide audience to witness the impactful discussions led by the nation’s youth.
As preparations commencefortheupcoming10th Annual Youth Parliament in August 2025, participants from teams that advanced to the second round of the Fifth Speaker’s National Debating Competition will continue to refine their oratory skills and
civicengagement.
Winning teams of the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competitions from 2021topresentinclude:
•CummingsLodgeYouth Movement
•TheGoldenOmDharmic Youth Organisation
• Young Influencers YouthGroup
• Helpful Hands Youth Group
•UpperEastCoastYouth Federation
From page 12 they can be. I told them if nominated, I would not decline.”
Reflectingonherjourney in media, she added, “At the endofthismonth,itwillbe20 years for me working in the media, ten more years than I
planned.
It is the same amount of time that I have been a member of the Guyana Press Association. Once I was confirmed at Prime News, I was encouraged to join the GPA and given a membership form.
Sometimeafter,Iwasencouraged, this time by Nazima, to join the Association of Caribbean Media Workers,whichIdid.”
As the newly elected president, Wharton has set her sights on one of the most demanding periods for journalists,theupcominggeneral and regional elections.
“We have a lot of work to do.IcantellyouthattheGPA intheimmediatefuturewillbe focusedonelectionstraining, with the first session scheduled for Wednesday; we will also be looking at preparing more interactive sessions with media and we will have outreaches to media houses to hear their concerns and to see how better we can work with them,” she said.
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Wharton also outlined plans to collaborate with the University of Guyana to strengthen media training. “I intend to engage the University of Guyana to work on short certificate courses for reporters.
Our engagement with the Universitywillnotjustbelimited to short courses but to see how best we can have persons from other fields to join the media. We need specialists,” she added.
Sheconcludedherspeech with a call for unity and shared responsibility within the association. “I want to makeitclear;wearetheGPA, not just this executive, all of us;allmustbeinvolved,”she emphasised. “Thank you for entrusting me with the leadership of this organisation, which was founded 80 years ago. It is a great responsibility, and I promise that with your support, we will continue our tradition of providing credible public information and public awareness to the people of Guyana.”
A host of young
Guyanesesaidthattheyhave decidedtorallyaroundtheA Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition because of the commitment by leader and presidential candidate,AubreyNorton,to have their best interest at heart.
Overthepastfewweeks, Norton has been speaking extensively on the party's youth population and the rising number of young persons joining. The recent
resignations of two prominent youth leaders within the Alliance for
Change (AFC), Onix
Duncan and Dillon Mohamed, saw a shocking re-emergence of the duo on
APNU'spoliticalstage.
During the official launch of APNU's elections
campaign Sunday, Mohamed told the Kaieteur News that the APNU coalitionistheonlypolitical partyatthemomentthathas theinterestofthepeopleand youthsatheart.Henotedthat in the past, a lot of leaders were observed making promises, but in actuality, they had no care for the needsofcitizens.
“Forthefirsttimeweare actuallyseeinginthisAPNU coalition, we have leaders whoactuallyhaveinterestin the people, so that is why I would say to everyone to choosetheAPNUcoalition,” Mohamedsaid.
Speakingonsomeofthe issues youths may face, the youngmandisclosedthatup untillastyearhewasapartof the public service for nine years and had worked under bothanAPNUandaPeople's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government He saidthetreatmentmetedout wasvastlydifferent.
“I can tell you that my treatment under the
APNU/AFC coalition governmentfrom2015-2020 wasmuchbetter,thanitwas from2020tolastyear Some of the issues that I would havefacedasayoungperson in the public service would be discrimination I was discriminatedonthebasisof my race, of my sexuality, of
…Norton declares as APNU launches election campaign
Frompage3 Scheme (YES), a national literacy programme, and a revamp of the education system with a focus on core skillsanddigitalaccess.
Justiceforall Moreover, referencing alleged injustices under the PPP, Norton promised a system of restitution for those who lost property due to what he called wrongful demolitions and announced that within 100 days of t a k i n g o ff i c e , h i s governmentwouldlaunchan international investigation intothedeathof11-year-old Adriana Young “Guyana needs to be a united society We must work to ensure all thepeopleofGuyanabenefit from the resources of this country,” Norton said. He also promised equitable f u n d i n g f o r a l l municipalities regardless of political affiliation, and announced plans for a cultural policy that includes support for Indigenous and Guyanese music, arts, and creativeindustries.
Hikeinoldagepension
Meanwhile, APNU’s
P r i m e M i n i s t e
Candidate, Juretha Fernandes, also sweetened the pot, promising citizens $100,000 old age pension, tax relief and cash support
foryouth.Fernandestoldthe audience that she loves economics because that is how money is spent and is decided.Thepoliticianwent on to say that Guyanese are livinginacountrywherethe fundsarenotbeingspenton the people, but under the leadership of Norton the coalition has decided that it istimethatthisisreversed.
“ we have crafted people-centred policies, and we have a people-centred development strategy, and thisiswhatyouneedtoknow about it. It is not acceptable today in 2025 in a country with vast resources from oil that our public servants cannot afford to give their families the most basic modern convenience, that is how the PPP has failed the publicservants.
They have failed the public service, but it is time for them to go. The APNU administration will fix this atrocity that the PPP has on us,”shesaid
After this was met with loud encouraging cheers, Fernandes revealed that the coalitionhasplans,ifelected to office, to raise public servants’ salaries by 35% andtheincometaxthreshold will be raised to $400,000 a month.
The PM candidate
explainedthat,“Ineffect,we willbecompletelyremoving the income tax from the workingclassofhiscountry This is what a peoplecentred policy will do. This is what we are guaranteeing youthepeople.”
Fernandes stressed that Guyana has the resources, which the coalition plans to efficiently manage, making sure that they go into the handsoftheworkingclass.
Furthermore, she noted thatitisunacceptabletohave youthsfinishtheirsecondary education and then have to choose between going to university or not and working a job that pays the bare minimum. “That is the resultsofthePPPpolicy
They have failed our young people, but their time is up. The APNU coalition government will make sure thateveryyoungpersonwho wants to pursue a postsecondary education will receive $50,000 every month to cover their basic needs.Thisisyourtime.This isyourtimetothrive.Young people, this is your time to thrive,” Fernandes urged Not forgetting the senior citizens, the APNU is promising to raise old age pension to $100,000, saying that the current monthly pensionisinadequate.
my culture, even my religiousbelief,”headded.
Another youth, Rivaldo Birbal, told this publication that he supports the APNU and Norton because of the policies outlined, especially the ones specifically for youths.
“We have policies like the 'Rent to Own' where youth like myself can own a home without any pressure. Another key policy that we have would be the free education (at all levels) Education is the pillar of a nation and I think that with free education, youths like myself would have the resources to succeed and to elevate themselves under any circumstance,” Birbal said.
Onix Duncan, in his interview with this publication, told the Kaieteur News reporter that he thinks that the APNU is very inclusive and inclusion is one of the things he has alwaysfoughtforasayouth growingup.
“I stepped away from that (the AFC) because I wasn't getting that inclusion at the table, in terms of my voice (being heard), in regards to the decisionmaking process and that is why I am here at theAPNU coalitioncampaign,”hesaid.
Duncan highlighted that another critical issue that needs to be addressed is youth in politics and the APNU coalition is bringing ittotheforefront,byhaving them involved and giving them a voice to speak on policiesthatwillpushyouth forward.
The lone female this
publication managed to interview, Cassandra (only name given), said that she chosetheAPNUbecauseitis apartyofthepeopleandover the years as a young person observing the party's values andpolicies,sherealisedthis iswheresheneedstobe.
“We are always on the ground,wearealwaysdoing things for the people,” she said.
Commenting on issues Guyanese youths face, the young lady highlighted employment and the particular situation where eventhoughonemayhavea degree, a certain number of years of experience is often required in order to be employedinaposition,even thoughyoumaybequalified forit.
Kibwe Copeland, the leaderoftheyoutharmofthe APNU, told the Kaieteur Newsthathehasbeenapart of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), which is the largest party in thecoalitionsince2010. He continues to remain under theAPNU because he believes that, “it speaks to transparency It speaks to development. It speaks to youth, development. I have beenaroundthisparty…and I've also been able to utilise my position, of course, aroundforothermembersto youth and to develop their livesaswell.”
Copelandsaidthatwhile thereisnotmuchinvestment in young people, the APNU h a s p l a n s f o r entrepreneurship, business, and politics, among other things.
OnSunday,thousandsof
persons gathered at the Square of the Revolution, also known as 'Cuffy Square', decked out in their green t—shirts which were plastered with the faces of presidential candidate of the APNU,Aubrey Norton, and his running mate, Juretha Fernandes, to celebrate the launch of the APNU's election campaign under the theme “Putting People First.”
Starting off the event with prayer by religious leaders from Guyana's three main groups, patrons were encouraged to invite the presence of whoever they served to guide the day's proceedings.
Though the afternoon sun still had a presence on thetarmacandinamatterof one hour the crowd at least tripled in size, with patrons waving the national flag, ragsandanyotheritemsthat couldbewaved.
Supporters were entertained by tassa drums from a team nicknamed 'Mahipaul's Tassa Group', the catchy jingles of the APNU and energetic, tantalising soca music from both the local and regional stages.
Throughout, leaders and members from the various parties under the coalition gave speeches on what they expected to come out of the 2025 elections, what they wantedtoseeunderaNorton administration and where they believed Guyana was headed. One thing was very clear; they all had absolute confidence in the coalition andinNortonbeingthenext presidentofGuyana.
(AL-JAZEERA) The Palestinian Health Ministry says at least 80 bodies and 304 wounded people have arrived at hospitals across Gazaoverthepast24hours.
Sources at Gaza's hospitals have told Al Jazeera Arabic that 10 Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire near aid distributioncentresoperated bytheUS-andIsrael-backed
Gaza Humanitarian Foundation(GHF)sincethis morning.
Five of them were killed near the Netzarim Corridor, whichislocatedjustsouthof GazaCityandsplitstheStrip downthemiddleAnother61 peoplewerekilledbyIsraeli attacks across Gaza Sunday
In the occupied West Bank, one Palestinian was killed
and several wounded as
I s r a e l ' s p u b l i c broadcaster Kan reported that negotiators are heading to Qatar for indirect talks with Hamas. Rescuers in Gaza City have used their bare hands to search rubble afterIsraelistrikesdestroyed two residential buildings
sheltering displaced Palestinianfamilies. The midnight attack on the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood killed dozens, with victims still trappedunderdebris.
Witnesses described apocalyptic scenes as neighbours retrieved body parts from trees. “We pulled two survivors out after three
hours,”onerescuersaid.
At least three people havebeenkilledinanIsraeli attack on as-Saftawi neighbourhood, in the northwest of Gaza City, a source at al-Shifa Hospital tells Al Jazeera. Trump said last week that Israel had agreedtotheconditionsfora 60-day ceasefire and negotiatorscouldmeetagain tocarveoutapathtoending Israel's nearly 21-monthlongwaronGaza.
Hamassaiditdelivereda “positive response” to mediatorswithamendments.
Netanyahu called the Palestinian group's changes “unacceptable” but sent negotiatorstoQatarfortalks nonetheless.
NetanyahuonMondayis to visit Washington, DC,
Since Israel broke the ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, at least 6,860
Palestinianshavebeenkilled and more than 24,220 wounded. Since the start of the war on Gaza in October 2023, Israeli forces have
killed at least 57,418 Palestinians and wounded 136,261, with thousands of additional victims buried underthe
( A L - J A Z E E R A )
Leaders of the growing BRICS group are gathering in Brazil for a summit overshadowed by United States President Donald Trump's new tariff policies whilepresentingtheblocasa defenderofmultilateralism.
Theleaders,mainlyfrom thedevelopingworld,willbe discussing ways to increase cooperation amid what they sayareseriousconcernsover Western dominance at their two-day summit that begins inRiodeJaneiroonSunday
But for the first time since taking power in 2012, ChinesePresidentXiJinping will not be attending in person, instead sending PrimeMinisterLiQiang. Russian P
nt VladimirPutinwillalsomiss in-personattendanceasheis wanted by the International CriminalCourt(ICC)forhis role in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would be requiredtoenforcethearrest warrant.
Thenotableabsencesare raising questions over the group's cohesion and global clout.
The BRICS acronym is derived from the initial letters of the founding member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa The bloc, whichhelditsfirstsummitin 2009, later added Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, SaudiArabia and the United Arab Emirates as full members. It also has 10 strategic partner countries, a category created last year, that includes Belarus, Cuba andVietnam.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh exchange gifts during a meeting at Fort Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 5, 2025 [Andre Coelho/EPA]
Now chaired by Brazil, leadersattheBRICS
the Trump administration's “indiscriminate” trade
tariffs,sayingtheyareillegal and risk hurting the global economy Global health
change will also be on the agenda.
TheBRICScountriessay theyrepresentalmosthalfof the world's population, 36 percent of global land area, and a quarter of the global economic output. The bloc sees itself as a forum for cooperation b
ween countriesoftheGlobalSouth and a counterweight to the Group of Seven (G7), comprised of leading Westerneconomicpowers.
However, behind the scenes,divisionsareevident.
Accordingtoasourcequoted by The Associated Press news agency, some member statesarecallingforafirmer stanceonIsrael'swarinGaza anditsrecentstrikesonIran. The source requested anonymity due to the
Pezeshkian and Egypt's Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will be attendingtheRiosummit.
But Al Jazeera's Lucia Newman, reporting from Rio, said the group's aim remainsclear
“The BRICS goal is to ex
rt pressure for a multipolar world with inclusive global governance togiveameaningfulvoiceto the Global South, especially in the trading system,” she said.
“It'snotsuperorganised, nor does it have a radical global impact,” Newman added.“Therealquestionis, can an expanded BRICS whose members have very different political systems and priorities form a sufficiently unified bloc to have any significant impact?”
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has reminded all stakeholders that dual citizens do not qualify to become Members oftheNationalAssembly
InastatementonSunday, GECOM said that to be a member of the National Assembly of Guyana, a person must be a Guyanese citizen,atleast18yearsold, be registered as an elector, andbeabletospeakandread English well enough to participate actively in parliamentaryproceedings.
Article 155(1)(a) of the Constitution stipulates that
“nopersonshallbequalified for election as a member of the National Assembly who is,byvirtueofhisorherown a c t , u n
allegiance, obedience or adherencetoaforeignpower orstate.”
ThisArticlewasinserted intheConstitutiontoaddress
Accordingly, dual citizens are not eligible to be nominated or elected as Members of Parliament. It follows,therefore,thatifthe
name of a dual citizen appears on any List of Candidates,suchalistwould bedefective.
Moreover, Article 155 (1) (d) of the Constitution states that candidates should notholdorbeactinginanyof thefollowingofficessuchas Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Member of Public Service Appellate Tribunal, Member of the Elections Commission, the
Commission, the Public Service Commission, the
Commission or the Police
Service Commission, the
Ombudsman, or theAuditor
therefore advising all contestants to ensure that they exercise caution in the
Candidates, to avoid any possibilityoftheirlistsbeing classified as defective,” the releasestated.
Frompage22
long and Hope fell to a topedged pull when Hazlewood returned in place of Cummins.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Itmayseemlikepeoplearen't taking things as seriously as you'dlikethemto,Aries.Ifso, take it as a hint that perhaps you're the one who needs to lightenup.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Don't turn down any opportunities today, Taurus, even if they seem like deadends at first. One could be yourluckybreak.Realizethat successdoesn'talwayshavea big neon sign pointing you in therightdirection.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
It's time to put your plans in motion, Gemini. There's a very expansive energy urging you to reach out and make valuable connections with others. Remember that many handsmakelightwork.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Goforthegold,Cancer Don't settle for less. There's an expansiveenergyonyourside urgingyouontoprosperityin everyaspectofyourlife.Take controlofthesituationandact onyouremotions.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
The more you vacillate, the more valuable time and energyyouwaste,Leo.Takea decisive stance and be confident about your choice. Giveiteverythingyou'vegot. If it doesn't work out, try a differentapproach.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
Argumentscouldquicklyturn intodeclarationsofwartoday Thingscouldgetblownoutof proportion if they aren't handled with care,Virgo.The key lessons for you are about balanceandcommunication.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Your life is taking off in many different directions, Libra. Everything seems to be expanding at once. It may be difficult to get a solid grip on any one thing. Try not to get overwhelmed.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
This is a great day for you, Scorpio There's a terrific feeling of expansion in the air This is one of those times in which a small germ of an idea can grow into something big rightbeforeyoureyes.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
You may feel like someone caughtinatornado.Thingsare whirling around you and everything seems out of control. Don't get stressed out. There's nothing you can do aboutit.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
It's time to take charge, Capricorn There'sfuelforyour fire, and the scope of your influenceisvirtuallyunlimited Don't hold back in any way Confidentlyattackeveryproject knowing that things will work outinyourfavor
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Don't concern yourself with getting more. Concentrate on what you already have, Aquarius.Workwithwhatever resonates within you You instinctively know what does anddoesn'twork.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Thisisanexcellentdayforyou
The farther you extend your emotions, the more prosperous you will be Don't be afraid of new things. The new things entering your life now will makethemostsenselater
Chase produced a magnificentflickforsixover midwicket against Starc, which left even the bowler impressed,butwasgivenlbw four deliveries later to bailtrimmer from around the wicket.Inhisnextover,Starc trapped Justin Greaves with onethatshotthroughatankle height. Alzarri Joseph had launched his first two deliveries for six against Lyon but was well held by Green running around the midwicket rope when he attemptedanother Ashehad done in Barbados, Shamar Joseph also hit out and collected three sixes before finding long-on after Lyon had changed ends. Lyon was takenforsixsixesinlessthan sixes over, but had the final say
ThefinalTestinJamaica, whichwillbeaday-nighterat Sabina Park, begins on July 12.
Frompage25
New Central High 1-0 West Ruimveldt
Secondary(Goal:JudeaStClaire,20’).The Girls division also witnessed five drawn result.Atotal of 26 matches concluded the thirdroundacrossbothdivisions,settingthe toneforahigh-stakesknockoutstageinthis sixtheditionoftheU14Championship. The tournament is made possible through the generous support of ExxonMobil Guyana, alongside sponsors
suchasSkyTec,MVPSports,StenaDrilling, I-CeeSoftDrink,andDemeraraMutual.The competitionissanctionedbytheMinistryof Education and endorsed by the Ministry of Culture,Youth,andSport.ExxonMobilalso recentlyannouncedthatallteamsadvancing tothequarterfinalstagewillbeoutfittedwith new ExxonMobil branded gear, further elevating the experience for the young athletes.ActionresumesonWednesday,July 9,atthesamevenue.
The United States of America (USA) made a huge statement after handing the Guyanese a thumping 7-wicket loss when action continued yesterday at the St. Paul's SportsComplexGround,St.Kitts.
Batting first, Guyana managed just 150 all out inside 45 overs despite some fighting contributions from all-rounder Romario Ramdehol (48) andAfraz Budhoo (43) with openerRampersaudRamnauth(22),thenext bestscorer
The team of Suresh Bhatia (3-14) and Supransh Kumar (3-23) did majority of the damage with support coming from Shiv
Shani (2-16), as USAchurned out a brilliant bowlingefforttokeepGuyanagrounded.
Thechaseendedinaquickfashionasthe duo of Saharsh Shwethan (42*) and Utkarsh Srvistava(41)maintainedtheircomposureto seetheUSAboysto151-3in32.5overs.
A wicket each for skipper Johnny Van Lange (1-27) and Ramdehol (1-12) just barely scratched the surface of keeping Guyanainthehunt.
Guyanawillbekeenonturningtheirluck around when they play the Jamaicans on Tuesdayfrom10:00hwhenactioninthethird roundcontinues.
(SportsMax) - The West Indies have suffered a significant setback on the international stage, falling out of the automatic qualification zone for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in the latest ODI team rankings released this week.
Following Bangladesh’s spirited six-run win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Colombo—highlighted by a match-winningspellof5-39 from Taijul Islam the Tigershaveclimbedtoninth in the ICC ODI rankings, leapfrogging the West Indies, who now sit in 10th witharatingof77.
This shift has serious implications for the Caribbeanside.Onlythetop eight teams, excluding hosts SouthAfricaandZimbabwe, areguaranteeddirectentryto the 2027 ODI World Cup. With the West Indies now outside that threshold, their path to qualification has become uncertain, raising the grim possibility of returning to the qualifying tournament a route that
With a 14-team format for the next ODI World Cup, four remaining spots will be determined via a 10-team qualifier tournament.
costthemaWorldCupberth in2023. In that 2023 campaign, the Men in Maroon were eliminated in the qualifiers by Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, missing the World Cup for the first time in history A repeat would further underscore the team’s ongoing struggles in the 50-over format and compound pressure on the Cricket West Indies administration to arrest the slide.
The latest rankings reflect an increasingly competitive mid-tier While India remain atop the table with a rating of 124, and Australia and New Zealand are tied at 109 points in second and third, the lower half of the top ten continues to shift dramatically with eachseries.
Sri Lanka, despite their loss to Bangladesh, sit fifth with a 102 rating, while Pakistan (104) moved up to fourth. South Africa (96),
Bangladesh’s rise to ninth came at the perfect time, with their final ODI against Sri Lanka still to come Meanwhile, West Indies whose rating dropped to 77 despite playing the same number of m a t c h e s ( 3 2 ) a s Bangladesh must now regroupwithurgencyifthey hope to climb back into the top eight before the qualification cutoff date of March31,2027.
Afghanistan (91), and England (88) round out the currenttopeight.
While South Africa and Zimbabwe have already secured their spots as cohosts of the 2027 edition, Namibia, the third co-host, must still qualify through regular channels as they are
notanICCFullMember. With a 14-team format forthenextODIWorldCup, four remaining spots will be determined via a 10-team qualifier tournament. If the West Indies fail to improve their ranking in time, they will once again find themselves in the high-risk battle for those final places—a path no former world champion wants to tread.Theroadaheadisnow clearer and tougher for the two-time world champions.Theirfateliesin consistent performances in the next two years, or risk becoming a cautionary tale of cricket’s changing landscape.
(Cricinfo) - Australiamadeswiftworkof securing a 133-run victory on the fourth day in Grenada, and with it retained the Frank Worrell Trophy which they have held since 1995,asWestIndies’battingcrumbledto143
alloutmidwaythroughtheafternoonsession. Australia’slastthreewicketswereableto add only 22 runs to the overnight total, but despite positive talk the previous evening a target of 277 was always going to be a tall
order for West Indies. In the end, it barely appeared as a dot on the horizon as they lost four wickets in less than 13 overs before lunch, including another Hall of Fame deliveryfromPatCumminstotakeBrandon King’soffstump.
Mitchell Starc’s 3 for 24 left him on 395 wickets heading into his 100th Test in Jamaica and Nathan Lyon ended the match withasuperbcatchoverhisshoulderfromhis own bowling to finish within one of Glenn McGrath’stallyof563asthesecond-mostfor Australia.
Thevisitingquicksmadeoutstandinguse of the new ball, which had been the most difficult period to at in this game. Regular deliveriesleapttotakethegloveswhilethere was always the fear in the back of a batters’ mind that one would scuttle low. Roston ChaseandShaiHopebrieflycounterattacked after lunch, but it would have needed something extraordinary to turn the game around.Inall,13wicketsfellin41.3overson thefourthday
ThepatternhadbeensimilartoBarbados: WestIndieshadstayedwithAustraliaacross the first two days but couldn’t sustain the challenge.Inthisinstance,itwastherunsof Cameron Green and Steven Smith in the secondinningswhichwereakeydifference.
Josh Hazlewood, who has been outstanding in this series on pitches ideally suitedtohishammeringofback-of-a-length, setthetonewiththeballasAustraliasetabout defendingthetarget,pinningJohnCampbell lbwwithhisseconddelivery Further wickets never felt far away
Keacy Carty was handed a life on 5 when BeauWebstercouldn’thaulinahighchance atsecondslip-givenhowbrilliantheisinthe cordon,hewouldprobablyhaveexpectedto gather it - and Carty was given a painful working over with numerous blows on the hand and body At one point, Australia had twoshortlegs.
StarcendedCarty’sdifficultstaywithan outside edge from round the wicket and former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, in his 100th Test, fell for his fourth single-figure scoreoftheserieswhenhenibbledatonein Webster’sfirstover.
Briefly, King defied the conditions, gettingoffthemarkfirstballwithablistering coverdriveagainstStarcbeforerepeatingthe dose facing Hazlewood. He added a straight driveoffCumminstosuggestarepeatofthe first innings could be possible but, having seenGreendropaverytoughchanceatthird slip low to his left, could do nothing to keep outCummins.
Thedeliveryaftertheballwaschanged-a frequent event in this match as it was in Barbados - Cummins angled one in towards off stump which straightened, skimmed past the edge and smashed off stump. It brought back memories of Joe Root at Old Trafford duringthe2019Ashes.
With nothing much to lose, Chase and Hopeplayedtheirshotsaftertheintervalwith numerousdeliveriesflyingintheairbutaway from fielders Chase emphatically sent Webster down the ground for six too. But it wasahigh-riskstrategythatwouldn’tlast Continued on page 21
After three rounds of thrilling Under-14 football action, the Petra-organised ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Schools U14 Football Championship is set to enter the round-of-16. The competition, hosted at the Ministry of Education Ground, saw a captivating third round unfold on Sunday, with teams securing their spots in the knockoutstage.
In the boys’division, several teams have established themselves as early favourites withconsistentperformancesacrossallthree rounds Waramuri Secondary, West Demerara Secondary, Chase’s Academic Foundation, St John’s College, and Cotton Field Secondary each maintained perfect records.
DefendingchampionsChase’sAcademic Foundation delivered a commanding 8-1 victory over Brickdam Secondary. Jadan Christian led the charge with a hat-trick (7’, 10’, 22’), supported by Jashan Haynes (two goals),NyronBarrow(2’),TrevionGlasgow (13’),andKenBenn(27’).
St Joseph High continued their impressive run, overpowering Hope Secondary 6-1. Joel Stephen starred with a hat-trick, while Josiah Charles and Domol Porteralsofoundthebackofthenet.
StJohn’sCollege,anothertopcontender, registered a dominant 5-0 win over Charity Secondary Jasiah Nedd scored a hat-trick, with additional goals from Chindu Obi (9’) and Shangi Welch (22’), securing their unbeatenprogressionintotheround-of-16.
Other boys’ results included; Waramuri Secondary 2-0 Leonora Secondary, Dolphin Secondary 3-0 Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary (Goals:Abdoul Dawud, Malachi Ellis,Tyler Abrams), West Demerara Secondary 1-0 BushLotSecondary,CottonFieldSecondary 3-0 New Amsterdam Secondary, Bygeval Secondary 1-0 New Central High, Charlestown Secondary 3-1 Westminster Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary 2-1 Marian Academy, Christ Church Secondary 3-2SouthRuimveldtSecondary,ThreeMile Secondarywonviawalkover Girls’Division:FierceCompetitionand OutstandingPerformances
In the girls’ division, Marian Academy, BarticaSecondary,WaramuriSecondary,and Chase’s Academic Foundation remained unbeatenandlooksetforastrongfinish.
Waramuri’s Zabita Harris once again proved unstoppable, netting four goals (6’, 13’,23’,25’)ina10-0routoverGoodHope Secondary She was ably supported by Shanesa Thomas (2), Breanna Henry (2), TinaWilliams,andElectraMark.
Marian Academy dominated their archrivals St Joseph High with a resounding 7-0 victory Skylar DeNobrega dazzled with a hat-trick, while Haley Haberkorn and KaleighToddbothscoredbraces.
Chase’sAcademic Foundation secured a comfortable3-0winagainstanovermatched opponent, with goals from Thea Rodrigues (brace)andLeandraHenrito,whoopenedthe scoringinthe4thminute.
Christ Church Secondary goals scorers in 3-2 win over South Ruimveldt. In photo is: (L-R) Marcus Bender, Darvis Haynes (center) and Rickel Walton
Bartica Secondary continued their unbeaten run with an 8-0 thrashing. Kelys Williams recorded a hat-trick, Virlerkys Simonaddedabrace,andRonellyWilliams,
Genesha Spencer, and Nerismar Williams eachchippedinwithagoal. Meanwhile,inanothergirls’matchup; Continued on page 22
Waramuri, MarianAcademy, Chase’sAcademic and Bartica move into Round-of-16 unblemished
- Chase’s Academic and Waramuri Sec’remain unbeaten
Kraigg Brathwaite made 0 and 7 in his 100th Test. (AFP/Getty Images)
ByRenaySambach andAnasaWilliams
The A Partnership
for National Unity (APNU) coalition kicked off its
election campaign on Sunday with Presidential Candidate, Aubrey Norton, declaring “time up for the PPP”andpromisingarange ofmeasuresthathesaidwill betterthelivesofGuyanese
Speaking to a gathering
at the Square of the Revolution, Norton criticised the incumbent administration and outlined the coalition’s vision to overhaul governance, raise public servant salaries, and deliver more direct benefits from Guyana’s oil wealth to citizens.
“Guyana, we are on a journey to return to honest government We are in a journey to ensure we do the rightthingforourchildren’s sake.Weareon ajourneyto restore law and order in Guyana,”Nortonsaid. He stressed that the
APNU plans to restore transparency and root out what he described as “kleptocratic” leadership Norton also promised to distribute the country’s oil revenues in a way that puts people first “We will manage oil resources in a way that the people of Guyana benefit ” “The People’s Progressive Party behavesasiftheyownevery Guyanese, as if they own Guyana, that if this oil moneyistheirstosteal…we are saying to you that this is our money It is our patrimony and every Guyanese must share in it,” hedeclared.
Norton announced that under APNU’s government, there will be direct cash transfers to citizens and
$120,000 annually to school children Further, Norton p
improvements in public
sector wages “ by the strokeofapen,therewillbe a 35% increase to the public service.Publicservantsmust get a livable income. They must be able to live a comfortablelife,”heargued.
Norton also mentioned that the APNU would raise the income tax threshold to $400,000 to ease the burden onworking-classcitizens.
Further, Norton said APNU’s manifesto will include a rent subsidy programme, a rent-to-own housing scheme, and a targetedjobcreationdrivein agricultureandothersectors. On healthcare, Norton pledgedtoestablishnational dialysis centres, provide medical insurance for nationalathletes,andbuilda healthcare system that pays doctors and nurses better Norton,whoisalsoleaderof thePNCR,revealedplansfor aYouthEmpowerment
Continued on page 17
